Petrification's All Around (Page 67)

~~~(POV: Alexander Aevum)~~~

~~~(Location: Hallway, Scotland, Hogwarts)~~~

~~~(Date, Time, Year: December 18th, 7:49 PM, 1992)~~~

~~~(Age: 13 Years)~~~

Yesterday's drama has spilled over into today. I'm just glad the day is finally over. The curfew is coming up soon. Staying out past curfew is something I've done before and at the cost of house points last year. Hence, why I can't do it anymore.

While it does throw bumps and problems into my plans, it's not the end of the world. My mind has been so preoccupied with trying to find out what's going on I've found a great lack of energy as of late.

My sleep issues piled on top of each other don't help, and the demands of attending classes make for exhausting days.

It makes me miss last year when I got away with almost everything I did because I had no repercussions other than costing house points. But not this year.

"Sigh..."

A long breath of air passes from my lungs and out my mouth as I turn the corner. However, as I do, all I see is a boy on the ground. I quickly jog down the hall, and the person I find is Justin. The boy who was attacked by the cobra yesterday.

What's even stranger, nearly headless Nick is also in a floating comatose state. I don't know much about ghosts, but it's hard to say I recall anything that can do this to a spirit. My attention turns back to Justin, and that's when I start my observations.

As I check him, it's apparent he's been petrified, too. His skin is cold, and he's stiff as a board, looking like he was shielding himself. The rushing footsteps behind me grab my attention, and that's when I find Harry looking at me and then Justin.

I fold my arms and start to think, trying to find something that connects this to any of the information I've learned. 

In silence, Harry leans down and starts to inspect Justin.

"Again... And it's Justin... I'm gonna get blamed for this, aren't I..."

Before I can answer him, a rush of footsteps comes around the corner. Who I'm meeting eyes with is Professor McGonagall, and an entourage of staff come barreling around the corner. Looking at what's taken place here.

Everyone's gaze immediately shifts to Harry since he's been the suspect to who this heir is that's behind everything. McGonagall pulls her eyes off Harry and quickly inspects Justin. It's hard to believe people think Harry is doing this stuff.

"Are you seriously considering the ludicrous notion that Harry is the one petrifying and hurting students?"

Before anything can be said, I make my thoughts known, and their eyes turn to me. Each set shows a different emotion.

"I'm afraid that it's not up to me. Harry, you'll need to speak with Dumbledore when you wake up tomorrow. We'll handle Justin. Now, off to bed the both of you."

We're escorted back to our common room in silence, and as we're left, Harry and I stand in the middle of the common room. I see that he's in deep thought. I find it unlikely that he knows anything that's going on, but maybe he can give me a perspective I don't have.

"You saw nearly headly Nick, right?"

My questioning voice takes him out of his thoughts, and his eyes turn to me.

"Yeah, I didn't know ghosts could be petrified."

Neither did I...

I don't know if it's possible or what spell is used, but this seems more than just a student causing trouble.

Everything is going back to the Chamber of Secrets. Whatever was opened and unleashed that night has been terrorizing the school.

"I don't think a student is doing this, Harry. Petrifying a ghost is far more advanced and powerful for anyone in our year."

All I can see is a dejected Potter as he slowly turns and leaves for upstairs. I don't want to deal with anything that's going on tonight. I don't blame him, but I was hoping to hear if he had any ideas that I didn't.

Hermione hasn't found out anything I haven't yet, and with this latest attack, I'm starting to get frustrated. However, I did get what I wanted, which was more information. I walk to the couch and sit down, enjoying the warm fire.

Nearly headless Nick has provided a new piece to the puzzle. Whatever did this to them was capable of petrifying even a ghost. There aren't any students who can do that—not in my year. Which leaves only another option.

A foreign invader to the castle.

When the Chamber of Secrets was opened, something must've been released. Something that could petrify even a ghost.

"Now I have something to go on."

With a trail to follow, I should get some more answers when I begin my search again. However, until then, I think trying to get a few hours of sleep is a good idea.

The warmth of the fire is pretty nice, and sleeping down here is probably going to be slightly better than trying to sleep surrounded by others. I lay down on the couch and took a breath, letting the warmth of the fire lull me into a daze.

Eventually, becoming drowsy enough to enter sleep.

However, my opens of a nightmare-free night are for naught.

~~~(POV: Hermione Granger)~~~

~~~(Location: Girls Gryffindor bedroom, Scotland, Hogwarts)~~~

~~~(Date, Time, Year: December 18th, 2:12 AM, 1992)~~~

~~~(Age: 12 Years)~~~

The incredible warmth from the heater in the center of the room causes me to wake up in a mild sweat. I lean up in my bed and see that I'm the only one in my current condition. A long sigh escapes my lips as I stand up.

Making my way for the door and leaving the bedroom. I descend down the stairs, looking to get a snack of some kind while I cool down. However, before I can take even a step off the stairs, I see Alex sleeping on the couch.

 A small smile creeps on my lips, but it quickly disappears as I watch him begin to shake and sweat. My worry increases as I step down from the last stair step, and make a quiet approach. He begins thrashing on the couch.

His face grimacing, almost like he's in terrible pain or anguish. But it quickly fades as he relaxes. Sweat dripped down his brow. I reach over to the nightstand and pick up a napkin. I run it across his forehead and face.

"AAAHH!!"

I let out a scream as I feel a tight grip around my wrist, and a now fully awake Alex staring at me. His eyes are full of confusion... And fear... Something I've never seen from him before. The cloudiness in his eyes disappears, and he lets me go.

I hold the place where he grabbed my wrist and gently massage it. I didn't know that he was that strong, or maybe I was that physically weak. He looks away from me with a bit of shame on his face.

"Sorry, Hermione... You caught me at a bad time..."

Instead of getting mad or annoyingly concerned, I stay silent and lift my hand with the napkin in it. I slowly clean the sweat lines and newly forming drips from his features. After a few moments of silence, I take the seat next to him.

Turning his head by using his chin. Making him look me in the eyes. His face is flushed red, and I don't know if it's from the heat of the fire or if he's embarrassed that I'm this close to him. A part inside me hopes it's the second of those two.

"Another nightmare, huh..."

We had a conversation about this some time ago. Well, more like I asked him about it, and he told me not to worry about it. Seeing him like this, I'm worried. He's a friend and someone very important to me.

I finish wiping all the sweat away and wait for him to answer me. Moving just a bit closer on the couch.

"Yeah."

Alex is an important person to me and someone I've had strong feelings toward for a long time. It's rare for him to open up like this and actually talk to me about him. There have been many times I just wanted to sit Alex down and force him to talk.

But I learned you can't force Alex to do anything he doesn't want to do. So, as much as I don't like it, I've had to be patient with him.

"If you don't mind me asking... What are they about..."

I know I'm reaching here, but this is the farthest I've come with having Alex talk to me. Seriously talk with me about things that are important to him.

"You don't want to know."

My heart sinks as I hear those words. Not from pain but from fear. For him

It's so much different than hearing I don't need to worry about it...