The Legend of Chime

Chapter ten The confrontation

She couldn't get rid of it. The sick feeling. It stayed with her as she entered the common room. She glanced around frantically for Hermione, her head still pounding. Hermione would know what it meant. She quickly searched the myriad of faces present but Hermione's wasn't among them. Elizabeth growled in frustration and started to turn toward the staircase when the creaking sound of the portrait hole caught her attention. She whipped around with an expectant expression on her face as two people stepped through. It was Harry and Ron.

Elizabeth suppressed another growl and plastered a smile on her face as Harry spotted her in the crowd. Calm down, Elizabeth, or Harry is going to know something is wrong. You need to appear calm. Focus!

She walked up and wrapped her arm around him, casually avoiding his eyes. "Nice chat with the team?" She was relieved to hear her own voice sounding quite normal.

"Yeh. Did you finish your essay?" Harry responded wearily, putting his arm around her shoulder and starting to lead her to the open seats in front of the fire.

"Not quite," Elizabeth said distractedly as she noticed Ron hadn't followed them and instead was about to make his way up the staircase. "Excuse me for just a moment," she muttered as she slipped out of his embrace and hurried after Ron leaving Harry looking quite mystified. "Ron! Wait a minute. I need to ask you something."

Ron swung around halfway up the staircase. "Yeh, what's that?"

"Do you know where Hermione might be? I need to speak with her," she said evasively as she stopped below him on the staircase.

"About what?" Ron asked curiously but immediately regretted it when Elizabeth gave him a frustrated look, very similar to the one Ginny usually gave him when she didn't want him to know something of a personal matter. "Oh . . . girl stuff. I believe she said she was going to study for awhile up in the girls' dormitory before meeting me later for patrol duty."

"Who?" came Harry's voice directly behind her.

"Hermione. Elizabeth needs to speak with her," Ron said turning around again and proceeding up the stairs.

Elizabeth turned around to face Harry. He was eyeing her curiously and she felt a familiar tingle as Harry casually probed her mind for answers. "Anything I can help you with?" he asked casually.

She bit her lip as she averted her eyes, trying to think of something non-committal. "I don't think so. At least, not this time. I have a theory that I want to run by Hermione, is all. And I'm anxious to hear her thoughts," she said, deciding on a half-truth.

Harry looked a little disappointed but recovered quickly. He stepped up to entwine her fingers with his then he kissed her gently. "Well, I guess I'll study a bit as well before I turn in for the night. I'll see you tomorrow, Elizabeth. Sweet dreams," he said as he slowly continued up the stairs.

"Good night, Harry," she said, allowing her fingers to linger in his until he moved far enough away to let them drop. Her eyes followed him until he was out of sight, feeling a bit guilty but choosing to ignore it. It's for his own good, he not know. She turned and hurried up the girls' staircase, hoping Hermione was still there and not out patrolling the corridors already.

She peeked inside as she swung open the door and sighed with relief. The room was empty except for Hermione who was curled up in her bed with a book lying open and her essay draped over another in front of her. She glanced up as Elizabeth entered the room and shut the door behind her.

"Why didn't you go to the library to study? I could have used the company. I was down there all by myself . . . mostly," Elizabeth said as she plopped down on her bed.

Hermione shrugged and shut her book then rolled up her parchment. "I needed some time alone to think."

Elizabeth studied her friend for a moment. She didn't seem to be her usual no-nonsense self. Hermione looked a bit frustrated. "About anything in particular or just life in general?" she asked calmly as all thought of Malfoy's ring was pushed to the back of her mind.

Hermione opened her mouth to say something as she pushed herself up to a sitting position but hesitated, giving Elizabeth a frazzled look then looking down at her hands.

"Hey, it's okay," Elizabeth assured her as pushed herself closer to Hermione. She tilted her head to peek up at her and said, "You can lean on me, you know. I'm sturdier than I look."

Hermione shook her head and smiled. "Don't worry I'm not going to have a nervous break down or anything. It's just . . ."

Elizabeth waited for her to continue but Hermione still seemed to be struggling with her thoughts. "It's just, what?" she asked gently, after a moment.

Hermione sat up straighter and looked her in the eye. "You love Harry, right?"

Elizabeth nodded, slightly confused.

"And you have shown him you love him . . . physically, I mean. But . . . how did you know when the time was right? I mean . . . you knew each other for such a short time . . . Don't get me wrong. I'm not judging you . . .but even with the time constraint . . . still you knew and I've never heard you once say you regretted it. . . mostly the exact opposite in fact. You're both so happy together despite everything . . .and I've never felt this confused about anything before. When I'm with him. . . Ron, I mean. . . part of me wants to rip his clothes off but then another part of me wants to wait . . . for. . . for I don't know what . . . fireworks, angels singing, something!" she finished with a extremely frustrated sound.

Elizabeth smiled and struggled to keep up with her as Hermione stumbled over her words. "You're wondering if you and Ron should . . .mmm . . . become more intimate?" she said delicately as a blush tinged Hermione's cheeks.

Hermione nodded. "I can't seem to concentrate on anything else."

Elizabeth gather her thoughts for a moment then said honestly, "You're thinking about it too much, Hermione. You're putting too much stress on yourself. It will happen when it happens. Just like everything else in life. I didn't plan on . . . giving myself physically to Harry. Things just evolved and I trusted my heart when the decision came. I certainly didn't go searching for it and there definitely weren't any angels singing at the time. So the best advice I can give is to trust yourself, Hermione. You're a smart woman. The smartest I know. If it was meant to be with Ron then it will be. Don't put a time constraint on it and don't let anyone pressure you into it. It's too important. You're too important. I'm sure Ron knows that."

Hermione gave her a weak smile after a moment. "You're right, of course. I'm thinking about it too much, like I do most everything. It's my weakness, I suppose."

"And your strength," Elizabeth said truthfully.

"Thanks. I needed to hear that," Hermione smiled, seeming to be in a better place mentally. She eyed Elizabeth curiously for a moment. "So who did you meet in the library?" she asked then frowned. "Not Malfoy again?"

Elizabeth was unable to keep the surprise from her face. "Er-Yes, I spoke with Malfoy or rather he insisted on speaking with me. What do you know about him?"

Hermione's expression became unreadable. "Enough to tell you to keep your distance. Did he try to kiss you again?"

"No. He was actually quite civil compared to my other experiences with him. . . well. . . sort of. At least he didn't try to maul me," Elizabeth said. "He told me he sent me the lilacs."

"Lilacs?" asked Hermione puzzled.

Elizabeth took a deep breath and shrugged. "While I was in the hospital wing I received a bouquet of lilacs with no card."

"I remember. They were your favorite. Harry wasn't pleased. So what did you say when he told you he sent them?" Hermione asked quietly.

"I asked him why he sent them?"

"And?"

"He said he knew I liked them and he sent them because I intrigued him," Elizabeth said rolling her eyes, purposely leaving out the sniffing part. She hesitated briefly before asking the burning question, "Do you know anything about the ring he wears around his neck?"

"Ring? I've never seen him wear a ring around his neck. Why do you ask?" Hermione asked with a puzzled look.

"It came untucked from his shirt and I noticed it immediately. A silver band engraved with ancient runes," Elizabeth said remembering it vividly. "It was really strange, Hermione. Promise you won't tell Harry, but when I saw it I wanted it more than anything. I felt myself drawn to it . . . almost like it had been mine at one time. I can't explain it better than that. I just know it made me sick to my stomach when he left with it."

Hermione gasped and her eyes grew wide with alarm. "Elizabeth, that sounds like dark magic." She stared into space thoughtfully for a few minutes then frowned. "But maybe it's a family heirloom of some sort. I don't know if you're aware of it or not, but you and Malfoy are distant cousins. Sirius and Malfoy's mother, Narcissa, were cousins, though I don't recall how closely. Of course, that's not saying much. All pure-bloods are interrelated. I bet the ring use to belong to a Chime and that's why you wanted it so fiercely."

Elizabeth was somewhat relieved to hear Hermione's explanation. "That makes sense. But I still don't like the way it made me feel. I swear I would have ripped it off his neck if he had stayed still long enough. And no, I didn't realize we are related. That's really disgusting, now that I think about it. The way he leers at me sometimes. I wonder if he knows we are cousins." She gave a shudder.

Hermione said cautiously, "That wouldn't mean much to Malfoy if he wanted to harm you to get back at Harry. His father is a Death Eater in Azkaban and it wouldn't surprise me if he knows you're a Chime and wore the ring on purpose knowing how you would react. I bet he hoped to provoke you. It's probably cursed, knowing his family."

Cursed? The fleeting memory of the kiss resurfaced and Elizabeth felt a wave of nausea that threatened to overwhelm her. "I'm starting to think he already has," she whispered, closing her eyes. "He knows I'm a Chime, Hermione. He told me. What. . .what if . . ." She couldn't voice what was going through her head.

Hermione gasped. "What if he has something to do with your sleepwalking?" she finished hesitantly.

Elizabeth looked into Hermione's horrified face and nodded.

"Oh, god. Elizabeth. . . I'm afraid to say it's quite possible. Especially if the ring belonged to a Chime," Hermione put her hand over her mouth as if to stop her own words.

"He wouldn't have . . ." Elizabeth whispered, shaking her head, but immediately knew before she could finish her sentence that Malfoy probably had. A sudden rage engulfed her as the possibility hit her full force."THAT BLOODY BASTARD! THAT SICK SON OF A BITCH!" She flew off her bed and stormed past Hermione, throwing open the dormitory door with one furious wave her hand.

"Elizabeth! Wait, you have no proof!" Hermione shouted from behind.

"I'LL HAVE IT SOON ENOUGH!" Elizabeth pushed past Lavender and Parvati as she raced down the staircase and burst into the common room ignoring all the shocked faces.

Elizabeth heard Hermione yell, "Neville! Go get Harry and Ron and tell them I need them immediately!" as she ran out the portrait hole at top speed determined to confront Malfoy before the others could arrive to try to stop her. In her fury, she willed her legs to move as fast as they could through the maze of corridors and ignored her burning muscles as she reached the dungeons. She had no idea where the Slytherin common room was but concentrated on Malfoy and allowed her feet to carry her where she needed to go. She grabbed the first Slytherin she came to by the robes and swung him around.

"WHERE THE HELL IS MALFOY?" she bellowed into his face.

"Why would I tell you?" he sneered revealing badly crooked teeth, his expression full of contempt as ripped his robes out of her hand.

Elizabeth flung up her hand, throwing the stunned boy backwards and whipped out her wand, pointing it at his chest. "Don't make me repeat myself!" she seethed.

His eyes widened and his face blanched. "Have you gone mad?"

Part of the wall receded into itself suddenly to the left of Elizabeth and slid noisily open. She kept her wand pointed at the fallen Slytherin as several others emerged from the wall. She glanced briefly at the newcomers as she step to the side to keep them in front of her, noting Malfoy wasn't among them. "I suggest one of you go and fetch Malfoy for me before this one," she waved her wand slightly indicating the Slytherin on the ground, "accidentally loses a vital appendage." She lowered her wand slightly to get her point across and the Slytherin on the floor became very still.

"For Merlin's sake, someone go get Malfoy!"

There was a rustle of retreating footsteps as the wall receded again then someone suddenly took a step toward her. She instinctively threw her arm at the offending person and he hit the wall behind him with a loud thud, striking one of his fellow Slytherins in the process. "I suggest no one else try that or smiley here becomes a female the hard way," she said calmly, her gaze never wavering from the Slytherin on the floor.

The entrance opened again and Elizabeth chanced a glance up. Malfoy stood in front of her surrounded by his fellow Slytherins, Crabbe and Goyle, with the his all too familiar smirk. His wand was out and pointed at her. She lowered her wand from the boy on the floor and turned to face Malfoy, her eyes flashing with hatred.

"Nice to see you again, Danae," he drawled.

Elizabeth could barely control her fury as she looked into Malfoy's face. She knew instantly he had done what she had feared most. The smug satisfaction was written all over his face and her skin crawled with the knowledge of his touch. "I suggest anyone who would like to remain whole, go back into your common room now. I won't warn you again," she advised with a deadly glint in her eye.

No one moved. Elizabeth raised her wand and pointed it at Malfoy's chest. "Give me the ring," her voice was deceptively calm.

 He raised his eyebrow and indicated his entourage then said coldly,"You seem to be under the assumption that you are the one in control here . . . Danae."

The name was like a slap in the face and Elizabeth resisted the urge to strike him down. She stared at him for several moments, her expression unreadable. She allowed his confidence to grow as she waited patiently for the slightest opening. He made to move toward her then she flexed her hand subtly. Malfoy's wand flew out of his hand, eliciting a loud curse from him as she deftly caught it.

"I never assume, you bastard. Now give me the ring!" she seethed, delivering a icy glare which caused a few Slytherins to take a step back.

"I'm afraid you've confused fantasy with reality, Danae. I don't wear rings," he taunted.

In a flash, Malfoy was thrown backwards knocking down two others in his wake."The name is Elizabeth, you son of a bitch, and you know damn well what I'm talking about. I won't be your tool for revenge! Dammit!" She continued to hold her hand up, keeping him firmly planted against the wall.

"Stupefyyyyy!" Goyle shouted, aiming his wand at her but the spell missed as Elizabeth flicked her wand and muttered, "Protego!" The stunning spell ricocheted and several Slytherins ducked as it hit the wall next to Malfoy, eliciting another curse from his lips.

Elizabeth was starting to become aware she was painfully out numbered as more Slytherins started to file out of the hole in the wall like an army of vicious spiders but she was determined to get what she came for. She flicked her wand at Malfoy, "Diffindo!"

Malfoy's robes and shirt split open, revealing a pale muscular chest but no sign of a necklace beneath. "What did you do with it, Malfoy?" Elizabeth calmly asked as four more students slid to an abrupt halt directly behind the converging group of Slytherins, a familiar mop of red hair visible.

Malfoy quietly laughed as he glanced down at the remnants of his shirt. "If you wanted my shirt off, all you had to do was ask. I would have happily obliged."

"Go to hell, Malfoy!" Elizabeth ignored the sniggering from the group as they started to press in toward her. She flipped her wand in the direction of the closest person and muttered, "Impedimenta," which succeeded in halting their forward progress as Crabbe fell back into them. "I hope, for your sake, a kiss was as far as it went because if I remember anything more, I'll search you out and hex you within and inch of your life and you'll beg me to end it for you. Do I make myself clear . . . cousin?" she spat, narrowing her eyes. "It would be in your best interest if that ring disappeared for good."

An evil grin spread across Malfoy's face and Elizabeth could resist the urge no longer. She walked up and struck him as hard as she could, determined to wipe the smile off his face. His head whipped to the side with the force of the blow. Then suddenly a shriek of anger filled the air and Elizabeth was tackled to the floor by Pansy Parkinson, the force knocking her and Malfoy's wands out of her hand.

A chorus of "Stupefy!" and flashes of red light rent the air above their heads as Elizabeth struggled momentarily with Pansy who seemed determined to scratch her eyes out. Elizabeth was finally able to free one of her hands and Pansy went flying backwards. Elizabeth scrambled to her feet and swung around to take in the scene before her. Hermione, Ron, Neville and Harry were throwing stunning spells at anyone who moved with almost pin-point accuracy as they made their way forward. Slowly one by one, the Slytherins who had yet to be stunned, fell back against the wall holding their arms up in defeat and dropping their wands.

Elizabeth quickly went to retrieve her wand and an arm came out of nowhere and snaked around her middle then jerked her backwards. Malfoy caught her easily, pinning her arms and pressing her back up against him, sticking his wand to her throat.

"Ah ah uh, Potter. You wouldn't want your Chime to be hurt, now would you? Her blood might ruin her robes again," Malfoy sneered as he pressed his wand into her tender flesh.

Harry stopped abruptly, pinning Malfoy with a deadly glare and keeping his wand aimed at his head. "Let her go, Malfoy! Or I swear you'll regret it!"

Malfoy laughed coldly. "I don't think so, Potter." He forced her closer to him as Elizabeth attempted to kick him in his assets, molding himself against her and squeezing her so hard she had to gasp for breath. "Feisty, little thing, isn't she? And quite addicting once you get a taste of her," he taunted, enjoying the mixture of torment and hate radiating from Potter as he manhandle his girlfriend in front of him. "Oof!" Malfoy lost his grip as Elizabeth's foot finally found its mark and he collapsed to the floor with a painful wince.

Elizabeth snatched up her wand quickly and turned to curse Malfoy as she delivered a swift kick to his gut.

"Succubus Entardia!"

Elizabeth felt brief satisfaction as she watched a shocked expression temporarily replace Malfoy's look of pain. She turned on her heel as Harry grabbed her by the arm and pulled her out of the corridor and up the stairs passed Hermione, Ron and Neville who were covering them with their wands still pointed at the unmoving Slytherins. But all of the Slytherins were watching Malfoy roll on the floor in agony with horrified expressions, including Pansy who hadn't move from where she had landed.

No one said a word as the group concentrated on getting as far away from the scene as possible. When they were safely into the main corridor, they slowed their pace, pretending to be out for a night stroll, Ron and Hermione leading the way in case they were stopped.

"We're probably going to pay for that one," Ron muttered under his breath as they passed the Ravenclaw prefects going in the opposite direction. "But it was worth it to see Malfoy rolling on the floor. He's definitely going to be feeling that for awhile. The bloody git!"

Harry remained silent as he led the group safely past the portrait of The Fat Lady and into the deserted common room. His anger radiating from him like it had a life of its own. He rounded on Elizabeth as she tried to free her arm from his grasp.

"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL?" he shouted.

Elizabeth glared at Harry defiantly refusing to answer him.

"Harry, calm down! You don't know the whole story!" Hermione spoke with an edge to her voice as she came to stand next to Elizabeth.

Harry shifted his gaze to Hermione briefly then back to Elizabeth. "THEN WHY DON"T YOU ENLIGHTEN ME?"

Neville quietly stepped between Elizabeth and Harry which stunned the whole group. He lifted his chin and stammered, "El-Elizabeth wouldn't have d-done it if she didn't have good reason! S-So stop shouting before you wake everyone!"

Harry was trying his utmost to control his anger and not bellow at Neville. "I'm sure your chivalry isn't lost on Elizabeth, Neville. But I believe I was talking to her and not you. So clear off," he gritted out between his teeth.

Not wanting to cause another scene, Elizabeth placed her hand gently on Neville's shoulder before he could stammer a response and turned him around. "Thank you, Neville. I appreciate all you've done tonight but I can handle this. I'll see you tomorrow."

Neville eyed Harry nervously and mumbled, "No offense, Harry. I-I just don't care much for a man shouting at a woman unless there is good cause." He glanced back at Elizabeth. "I guess it's goodnight then."

Harry waited for the sound of Neville's footsteps to fade before speaking again. "He obviously didn't realize that you just tried to take on the whole of Slytherin by yourself?" he said incredulously, glaring at Elizabeth.

"Or maybe. . . he doesn't underestimate me as much as you do," Elizabeth said calmly, her eyes betraying her anger. She felt her rage start to build again and struggled to control it. Not wanting to say something she might regret later, she brushed past Harry deciding to try cool off before attempting to discuss it with him any further.

Hermione reached out and snatched Harry's robes before he could stop Elizabeth from leaving. "No, Harry. Let her go. She clearly needs sometime alone to think without having to answer a bunch of questions from you."

Harry watched Elizabeth disappear through the doorway to the girls' dormitory. "Bloody hell!" he yelled, throwing his wand against the wall. It emitted a few red and gold sparks before landing safely in a nearby armchair.

"Er," said Ron hesitantly, "Far be it from me to get in the middle of a lover's quarrel . . ."

"Then don't!" snapped Harry.

"But Elizabeth had a point when she said you underestimate her," Ron continued ignoring

Harry's frustrated glare, "or did you not notice all of the Slytherins that were on the floor already before we got there. She knows how to take care of herself, mate. I don't know what curse she threw at Malfoy at the end but I have a feeling it wasn't pleasant by the looks of Malfoy's face."

"It was one of the Succubus curses and it was very advanced magic," volunteered Hermione, grimly.

"Succabu curse? What's that?" Ron asked quickly.

Harry's anger was far from running its course but his curiosity was slightly piqued. He turned toward Hermione as she started to explain.

"Succubus," Hermione corrected. "And the one Elizabeth used no man wants to be hit with, I assure you."

"Just spit it out, Hermione! What did she do to Malfoy?" Harry snarled.

"She performed . . . an impotency curse and a rather strong one at that. He'll not feel anything from that part of his anatomy for at least a month, if not longer," Hermione finished sporting a bright red blush. "It was quite clever considering the circumstances."

Both Harry and Ron blanched at Hermione's words but Harry still wanted more answers. "What were the circumstances?"

Hermione bit her lip and gave him an anxious look. "I don't think I should tell you in your current state of mind. Maybe you should wait until Elizabeth is able to tell you herself. If she ever forgives you for shouting at her, that is. No . . .wait . . .Harry! You can't go up there, remember! You'll wake the whole house if you do," she said jumping to catch Harry as he started toward the girls' staircase.

"Then you better go and fetch her because I don't really give a damn at the moment if I do wake the whole house," Harry growled.

Hermione crossed her arms and pinned him with a warning glare. "I'll go and SEE if she wants to speak with you but I'm warning you, Harry. Don't push it. You maybe one of my best friends but so is Elizabeth and I'll not stand idly by while you jump down her throat," she said tartly.

Harry stared at her for a moment. Hermione continued to glare at him, her chin held high. She was obviously not going to move unless he agreed to remain calm. He heaved a deep sigh, trying to get rid of some of the tension that had built up inside him ever since he had first glimpsed Elizabeth standing defiantly alone amid all those Slytherins in the dungeons. He reluctantly admitted to himself, she had been brilliant and she had handled the situation. Albeit she had done it recklessly. "I promise I won't shout anymore. Just go and get her for me and . . . tell her I'm sorry and that I want to speak with her," he said bitterly.

Hermione hesitated momentarily then nodded and made her way toward the staircase.

"Hermione!" he called after her and she glanced over her shoulder, "Tell her I love her," he said quietly, starting to feel a bit guilty for shouting.

She gave him an understanding smile. "She already knows, Harry. But I'll remind her for you," she assured him then continued up the stairs.

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 Elizabeth quietly paced back and forth in front of the window. She tried not to allow her mind to roam the possibilities of what Malfoy could have done to her but was failing miserably. Surely, she would remember if he had done more than kiss her. She would know if she had been raped. But how would I know? I would never allow a kiss while I was awake so why did I allow it when I was asleep? It wasn't a figment of my imagination like I was hoping. The look on Malfoy's face along with his words took care of that question. That ring has a strong influence over my actions and my mind. I can feel it even now and it scares the hell out of me . . . And so does Malfoy. She fought the thoughts that whispered in her head that refused to be quiet but in her soul she knew the ugly truth. She had been violated in the most base way possible. She would eventually deal with it but not now.

 She stopped and closed her eyes, focusing her mind on Harry. She knew his reaction had been mostly out of fear, but it still hurt nonetheless. She opened her eyes and stared out the window, not seeing the beauty of the snow-covered landscape below. What would Harry do if she told him? He would kill Malfoy. If he tried to throttle him before, he would try to kill him now. And that's what Malfoy wants, isn't it? For me to tell Harry, to torture him with the unknown possibility. Malfoy can't win. He won't win. Harry must never know. What's done is done and telling him won't make it go away or any less true.

She turned as the door to the room slowly swung open. Hermione silently crossed the distance of the room to stand in front of her.

"Are you all right, Elizabeth?" she whispered.

"As close as I can be at the moment," Elizabeth whispered truthfully.

"Harry would like to speak with you. He has calmed down now, I believe. He won't start shouting again, he promised," Hermione said softly, "I'll tell him to wait if you want me to, but he told me to remind you, he loves you." She paused briefly before adding, "I think you should talk with him, Elizabeth. It's driving him crazy not knowing the whole story. He only started yelling because he was so frightened when he saw you surrounded by all those Slytherins. He means well, but sometimes he gets a bit carried away."

"I know he does," Elizabeth admitted, turning to stare out the window again. "Hermione, I need you to promise me something."

 

Hermione stared at her for a few moments. "You want me to lie to Harry," she stated softly.

"Not really. I just don't want you to tell him the truth."

"Same thing."

"Maybe it is. But I know nothing good can come from the truth. Not this time," Elizabeth said, her face void of emotion as she continued to stare out the window.

Tears filled Hermione's eyes as the realization of what Elizabeth wasn't saying suddenly hit her. "You know he did more than kiss you, don't you?" she whispered.

Elizabeth shifted her gaze briefly to Hermione but remained silent as she turned back to the window.

"Elizabeth, you've got to tell someone . . ."

"And they would do what, Hermione?" Elizabeth said softly, emitting a sad chuckle. "You said so yourself. I have no proof. I don't even know how many times it's happened or when it truly started or where it occurred, so how can I prove it. I barely accept it myself. No, the knowledge will stay with me and I will deal with it in my own way." She turned to Hermione and looked her in the eye. "I regret having to ask but I see no other way. Promise me you will not tell anyone?"

Hermione's silently cursed Malfoy a thousand times over as she looked into Elizabeth determined face. After several minutes, she reluctantly nodded, unable to say the words and Elizabeth gave her a sad smile.

"Thank you, Hermione. It's for the best, you'll see."

Hermione watched as Elizabeth silently made her way out of the room and shut the door. She waited until she reached the comfort of her bed before finally allowing the tears to fall.

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Ron slowly stood as he noticed Elizabeth suddenly standing in the doorway. "I'll just . . . leave you two alone to talk. Good night, Harry. Elizabeth," he said as he strode from the room.

Elizabeth walked silently over to Harry who was watching her with apologetic look on his face. She almost wished he was still angry with her. Anger was easy to deal with.

"I'm sorry I shouted. I was just . . ."

"I know," Elizabeth quietly interrupted. She turned to stare into the fire, not wanting to look at him.

Harry watched as the light from the fire danced across her face lending to the fragile beauty of it. There was a drastic difference between the woman that stood before him now and the woman who had defiantly challenged a dozen Slytherins an hour earlier. He instinctively knew she had put a wall around herself again, trying protecting herself. Her anger was gone now and a cold acceptance had taken its place. Harry's guilt rose several notches, thinking his words had caused the change. He reached out and caressed her face. She closed her eyes and turned toward his touch. He let out a sigh. She wasn't angry with him at least.

"Will you talk to me now?" Harry asked softly.

"What do you want me to say?" she said looking him in the eye briefly before turning back to the fire.

"How about telling me what set you off for starters?" Harry said quietly, his frustration evident.

Elizabeth shrugged. "Malfoy did something and I retaliated."

"I kind of understood that part already. What happened?"

Elizabeth searched her mind for something plausible, trying to remember what he might have overheard then deciding on a half-truth. "It seems Malfoy enchanted a ring to befuddle my brain so that he could kiss me and I not remember it until later. I remembered. He regretted. End of story." She looked into his eyes and a familiar prickling sensation tickled her mind. Harry was looking into her thoughts again. She focusing her mind on her memories, knowing they would show him nothing and allowing him a glimpse before she casually turned away with a shrug.

Harry seemed to be trying to control his anger as it resurfaced then he suddenly smiled. "See, anger controlled. I understand your need to handle the situation yourself. Just promise me something," he paused as Elizabeth glanced his way then he smiled even wider, "Don't ever use that curse on me."

Elizabeth snorted and pushed him away. Harry laughed, pulling her into his embrace, missing the flash of uncertainty that crossed her face. She let the warmth of his embrace push any doubts far from her mind.

It is better this way. I can put it behind me and Harry isn't hurt. It's better this way.