The Ballerina

~* The Ballerina *~

Title: The Ballerina

Author name: Kaori Lily Marie Otome XIV

Author e-mail:[email protected]

Category: Astronomy Tower

Keywords: H/Hr, R/OC, post-Hogwarts, against

Rating: PG-13 for some mature themes and mild language

Spoilers: It’s good to be familiar with all the books but there aren’t really any spoilers

Summary: In their late twenties, the trio is all grown up, but their life is no where near happy. First of all, Harry and Hermione are apart and angry at each other. Ron? Well, he’s okay… he’s an eligible bachelor. Well, Hermione’s gone, or so did Harry and Ron thought. She comes back under another the identity of a single mother with the career of a ballet star… things get more complicated as their lives clash once more.

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Author’s Notes:  This was first seen in HMS Pumpkin Pie! Love you guys! Well, here’s the, hopefully, improved The Ballerina, though there still will be lots of mistakes, sorry! Well… I’m not asking for anyone to read it or even like it… I just hopeful that you’ll enjoy it. If you don’t, that’s fine, you don’t have to bash me! If you do… thank you very much! Constructive criticism is welcome… Don’t go bashing me, now!

PART ONE

Harry

I was dying to get out. Why on earth did I go to this ballet? I didn’t like ballet! So did Ron... but apparently he was quite enjoying himself. Damn him.. it's too ironic. I dragged him here, why does he have to be the one enjoying himself. It's not fair.

Then she came out. Who’s she? I don’t know but she was absolutely beautiful. With fair skin and sleek brown hair in a bun with curls that decorated the frame of her face. Her eyes were big and the color of honey brown.. I hadn't felt this way about anyone since.. Hermione. Damn her! Why did she have to leave me? Why did she have to stay in my heart? Damnit!

I know I have a lot of anger now but that's not my fault. Okay, maybe it is.. and maybe I'm just denial. But.. it's her fault not mine! Oh.. she just makes me so mad.

"Hey Harry," Ron elbowed. "That one ballerina's hot, huh?" I rolled my eyes but agreed. Ron continued teasing, "Says her name is Helena Gyffin." he was reading from the program constantly.

"Great.. what a reminder."

Ron blinked, "Of what?"

"Gyffindor," I shrugged. Ron quickly said, "Oh right.”

"So.. you have an eye on one?" I rolled my eyes again.

I glanced at him; he had his eyes closed, "Yep. Arianli Taerin." One of my eyebrows rose. When he first looked at the program he hadn't even knows how to pronounce that ballerina's name. Yeesh.

I looked back at the ballet. I was enjoying myself…

~~~

PART TWO

"I don't know..

Whence you

Came from..

But all I know..

Is that I

Love you..

So.."

I listened intently.. her voice was so beautiful. And I don't even know her and I'm falling in love with her. This is stupid.. I can't be doing this again. I've had my heart broken enough. I can't be falling in love.

But.. I am.. this can't be happening.

I glanced at Ron, ready to complain. But he wasn't paying attention -- just goggling at Arianli Taerin. I don't even know how he could tell it was her. I guess I could understand though. But still. I'm not the one goggling.

I looked back at the stage. She was gone. Damn.

~

Hermione

I sighed relieved as I stepped into the backstage. Oh I don't know how I got involved in this.. I didn't know I could.

"Helena! Good job," my colleague, Nathaniel, complimented. He’s nice, I guess, but he didn't have a clue. How did I ever get mixed up with this? I ran away, that's how... but why? Because.. because... Oh I don't know. I bet he doesn't know either. I bet he blames me. God, he had become so stubborn. Damn him.

It's been Helena, Helena, and Helena for years. Helena Gyffin. But that's not my true name. It's Hermione Granger...

After I left my dressing room, I immediately saw Gwen, my agent, coming toward me with a baby carrier. I smiled kindly. Gwen was always kind.. she helped me out through the years.. though she doesn't know about my past.. what I am...

Gwen smiled too, "Well, here's Lily..."

I took the carriage and thanked her. Lily giggled from her place. I asked her, "So my little Lily.. shall we go?" Lily cooed, agreeing.

Just before I opened the backdoor Nathaniel came up to me. "Er... Helena.. can I.. er.. Ask you to have dinner with me tonight?"

I shook my head, "I can't. Sorry. I have to take care of Lily..." But Nathaniel wasn't about to give up.

"Tomorrow then?" he pleaded. His eyes were begging but..

 "Well.."

"We're only in London for a week.. please? We're going to Paris in a few days.." he tried again. I bit my lip.. I don't if I'm ready.

Lily started to cry.. Oh no... I quickly mumbled, "I'll think about it," before I left abruptly. It wasn't that Nathaniel wasn't friendly.. but he was just.. he wasn't special. He didn't set my heart on fire... unlike..

I fumbled to get Lily's milk bottle and I dropped it. Oh no... Lily's green eyes started to flood... oh wonderful..

I chased after the bottle trying not to drop Lily. It rolled down the alley, almost to the street.. when someone stopped it and picked it up. Oh no..

Harry..

Harry... Oh damn it all.

I felt my hold on Lily's carrier loosen. I renewed my grip on it as Harry walked toward me, handing me the bottle. "Merci," I said.. maybe if he thought I didn't know English.. Oh just go away!

"Er.. you're welcome," His face was flushed.. What now? .. he doesn't recognize me! How.... interesting.

We stood there in awkward silence... then I heard someone running towards us. Ron. "Harry, she's not--oh..." he stopped at the sight of me. What now? They brought a girl? I would’ve glared furiously at them... but I didn't..

"I muz go to my 'Otel 'oom," I said, in a very Fleur-ish manner. I wished they'd just go away...

~

Harry

I stared at her.. She had a daughter. Damn. But.. is she married?

"I muz go to my 'Otel 'oom," she said. She left rather in a hurry... why? I must know if she's married.. if I have a chance...

Ron beside me shifted uncomfortably.. "I didn't ask her if she knew Arianli.." I rolled my eyes.

~

Hermione

Lily was placed in her crib immediately after I arrived. Of all the people to pick up my daughter's bottle it had to be him. If he didn't make me so crazy we'd still be together. Damn him.

But... maybe he deserves to know...

Maybe.. he should...

How will he react when he finds out he has a daughter?

~~~

PART THREE

I could hear my heart pounding as I peeked into the audience from behind the curtain. It was different out there on the stage... I was just a ballerina there... but in life... Life is horrible. There's no other way to describe it.

I wonder if Harry really doesn't know... No. He can't have. He had that same clueless look on his face when we were still at Hogwarts. Stupid prat.

I spotted him... God, why does he have to be here? Why can't I just tell him and truly leave? Why did I have to come back? I'm asking too many questions but... I can't.. seem to breathe when he's there. He makes me so crazy.

~

Harry

I waited... Helena wasn't there... Ron told me I'd gone off the deep end. That I was being thick and a prat. So what though? I used to not believe in love at first sight... now I do.

There she is...

I feel like I'm in a trance when I was her perform. Then, she leaves and my heart aches. Some girls just make me so crazy.

~

Hermione

I sighed as I stepped into the backstage once more. I felt the throbbing in my chest subsiding. I felt very nervous under Harry's stare. I could tell he was looking at me. Damn him. I was never so nervous before.

Nathaniel stepped out too. "So?" he asked.

I looked blankly at them then remembered, "Oh! Well... I--" I paused for a minute and my eye caught a crevice in the curtains and I looked carefully at where Harry had sat. He was gone. Though I knew he wouldn't leave.

"Helena?" Nathaniel snapped me back to reality. Damnit.

"Oh well..." I could hear my heart beating again... and sounds enhanced. Footsteps... Lily's giggles. I answered slowly, "Okay... tonight."

Nathaniel gave a gleeful smile and thanked me over and over. Light shone into the backstage as the backdoor opened. Nathaniel gave me a kiss on the cheek and went to his dressing room.

I turned to the back door knowing what who was there. Harry.

~

Harry

I stood there. Wanting to punch the lights out of the man who kissed Helena but I restrained myself. She came towards me... looking solemn.

"You should've apologized," she told me in perfect English. Apologize to who?

"Huh?"

"You've hurt me so much," she said. But... what was she talking about?

"What are you--?"

"God, if I didn't hate you already..."

I felt my heart dropped to the very bottom. She hated me? ..but what for?

"And you don't even know who I am," she stated flatly. She started to glare at me. A long piercing stare with those honey brown eyes.

"What?" I said utterly confused.

"I'm Hermione you prat. Hermione Granger."

~~~

PART FOUR

Hermione

He was dumbstruck.

I watched him gape at me like some fish. Honestly! "H-h-h-Hermione?!" That's what I just said you prat!

~

Harry

Helena is Hermione?! God! This cannot get any worse. Hermione? God, the Hermione that left me alone... I suddenly glared at her. "What do you think you're doing back here?!"

"I have rights you know! I can go anywhere I please!" she shouted back at me.

"Helena!" I heard a older woman's voice scold. She was holding a baby... the baby Hel--Hermione had... wait.. Hermione has a baby?...

~

Hermione

I saw Harry's contorted face go back to being befuddled. He was staring at Lily... I glared at him still.

Gwen scolded, "They could've heard you two in the audience! Shush!"

Nathaniel was back and he was tapping my shoulder. "Helena, your encore."

I went blank for a second once more and remembered, "Oh right!" I turned to Gwen, suddenly ignoring Harry, "Watch Lily, okay?" I rushed to get back onstage and leave the confused Harry alone with my baby. I hoped Gwen wouldn't tell.

I felt my heart throbbing once more... it was beginning to be painful.

~

Harry

I stared after Hermione as she went with the man who she kissed on the cheek earlier.

The woman frowned at me, "And who are you?"

I answered slowly, "An old friend."

"Helena doesn't seem to think you're a friend."

"Not anymore," I said solemnly. I remember the old days when were just friends. What I'd give for those days now.

"Ah," Gwen said. "I'm Gwenaive Park-- Helena's agent. People call me Gwen."

"Oh.." I looked back at the baby. It seemed to be sleeping at moment. "whose the baby's father?"

Gwen looked sadly all of the sudden and rocked the baby. "We don't know. Helena was raped."

I gulped. What?! "Wh--?" I stopped myself. Only Hermione could tell me the truth.

~

Hermione

I was unnerved when I stepped backstage. Most of us, in the ballet, are more nervous stepping onstage. I was nervous going backstage. Because... I knew... Harry will ask.

And I'll have to tell him the truth.

~~~

PART FIVE

There he was... Just standing there, looking extremely confused. God, I used to look that clueless look. Now, it just makes me so angry! He probably doesn't even know! How can thick can he be? Argh!!

Gwen was quite more confused than Harry was. She didn't even know who Harry was.... who I was. I advised her to tell the others to stay out of it. Especially Nathaniel. He could be very nosy at times.

The melodies of life can be sometimes irritating.

~

Harry

I waited for her to come. I need explanations. Raped? Now that can't be true... can it? I don't want to think about it... Damn woman. I can't stand her. To think she used to make me weak in the knees. Used to make me worry. Every time I left her side I couldn't breathe. Now... it seems history has repeated itself in our life. Damn it all. I don't want to worry about her anymore.

The baby... God, I want to know who's the father. I want to know so I could beat him a pulp.

Here she comes..

~

Hermione

"C'mon," he said, " We desperately need to talk." He grabbed my arm forcefully and dragged me out. I heard Nathaniel protest and Gwen hushed me quickly. Harry took me outside and he hissed. "Were you raped?"

I blinked. I seem to be blanking out a lot. Then I remembered again. "Er.. no. That's just so I won't have to tell I had a baby because I was desperate and turned to my Hogwarts sweetheart one night and got screwed over and pregnant!" I was furious, remembering everything... Though it wasn't clear. I couldn't help that. I was drunk that night. Damn bubbly.

"What?!" Harry said indignantly. Clearly, he couldn't remember much either.

"Approximately twenty months ago we were drunk, desperately and lonely!" I said. "Don't you remember?!"

It seemed to all come back to him now... the prat.

~

Harry

"So what are you trying to tell me?" I whispered. Fuzzy memories clouded my head and made me dizzy. I didn't feel to good.

"After we broke up... we were worlds away.." she started her eyes now closed. We were both remembering a memory. A not-so-good one.

I closed my eyes to and the pieces came together. "...then once dark, desperate night... I was at a bar..."

"I drank too much champagne at a friend's wedding... I was lonely.."

"...so was I..."

"I apprated to England... somewhere... in front of a house..."

"My house?" It was all beginning to come back. God... oh why did that have to happen?

"Yes," she replied. I had my eyes wide open now... but hers were still closed. She looked entirely different. Yet she exactly the same.

"Then..."

"Yes."

"Oh God... but... wait.." the baby!

She finally opened her eyes and stared up at me. They were sad and miserable. I did want to see her like that. "Yes Harry... Lily's your daughter."

~~~

PART SIX

Hermione

"W-w-what?" he stuttered. I knew this was going to happen. I closed my eyes again, quite afraid that he'd be angry.

He wasn't.

"Hermione? Why didn't you tell me?" he asked softly. I opened my eyes one more. He had a sad pleading look on his face. Damn! Not the puppy dog eyes! Damn it all!

"B-because," I said, stuttering too. I didn't know why really. I was just so mad...

"Did you say Lily?" he asked another question.

"Yes."

".. why?"

"Her eyes..."

"Oh..."

"Yeah.."

"Right..."

~

Harry

There was a very awkward silence. I winced as if Hermione would slap me hard... I didn't mean for it to happen.

She didn't hit me though. there was just silence...

"I..." I started but was interrupted by crying.

Gwen walked out handing Lily to Hermione. "Helena, she wants her mommy," Gwen grinned. Hermione nodded and started to walk back.

"Harry," she said, her back turned to me. "We'll talk about it tomorrow."

"Okay," I replied turning away and walking out of the alley. Tears filled my eyes and I tried to hold them back. They stung. The stinging was hurting by the time I got to my apartment.

Ron wasn't home but he scribbled a note and left it in the kitchen table.

Harry, on a date with Arianli Taerin! See you tomorrow? *wink*wink*

Ron

I shook my head disapprovingly. Then.. Oh no... Do I have to beat myself up?

~

Harry sighed miserably as he drank what seemed like the hundredth can of beer. He didn't usually drink but he was... alone. Ron was out and he was alone. Outside it was raining hard and all seemed dark.

He hated being alone.

There was a knock on his door. He slowly got to the door and opened it. Who he found startled him. It was Hermione, soaking wet, and crying in the hallway. She was wearing a white satin dress and holding a bouquet. She launched herself at him, hugging him and crying.

Harry closed the door and patted his old friend... his old lover.

"What's wrong Hermione? What are you doing here? I thought you were gone?"

Hermione cried only harder, "No more questions Harry! I'm tried of it all!"

"But..."

Hermione didn't let go. She cried, "I've just left a friend's wedding... I got the bouquet and everything! But.. I'm not going to get married!"

"I..." Harry started but trailed off. It suddenly seemed like old times again.

Harry brought Hermione's face to level with his. Her face was soaked with tears and raindrops. Her hair was wet and a few ends curled framing her face. Her eyes were wide and watery.

Harry's hair was messier than ever and his eyes were filled with love once more. He brought his lips down to hers. Lips tasted different... traces of alcohol lingered on their soft lips. Hermione dropped the flowers behind Harry and started running her hands through his hair. Harry caressed her back and their kisses grew deep...

Somehow they managed to get to Harry's bedroom and close the door shut.

~~~

PART SEVEN

Hermione

I laid in the dark of my hotel room. It was a lonely night. I remember those lonely nights... and that lonely night. Ugh... I didn't want to think about it.

Lily's asleep. Her crib's by the window. Light always twinkled her way from the busy world out there. She's beautiful. She's the only joy I have left. Oh... aren't just pitiful?

Someone's at the door knocking. Ugh... I just want to sleep. Even if it's just seven o'clock. I need time rest. Today was horrible. Damn Harry.... always making insane.

I got up reluctantly to find Nathaniel grinning at me. "Hi," he greeted, "Still going on our date?"

I sighed. Oh the man reminds me so much of Colin Creevy! He stalks me sometimes, I swear! He's lucky he's nice or he'd be... agh. "Er... oh Nathaniel... I forgot! I can't... Lily and... I... I need rest."

"Oh," he said disappointed. His face fell... Oh God... He can't be just doing this to me. Damn it all.

"I can't Nathaniel," I pleaded as if his eyes were begging me to go with him.

I heard Lily stir and gave a small cry. Oh thank God... My baby, I'm so proud. Nathaniel sighed, relenting, and told me sheepishly, "Okay, maybe next time then..."

"Yeah, next time Nathaniel. Maybe."

"Yeah, yeah... maybe," he sighed again and slumped away. Poor man but I couldn't. Not tonight. I didn't think I could ever date again. Damn Harry, why did he have to do this to me?

I went back into the room and checked up on Lily. I brushed her face with the tips of my fingers. She was asleep again. I adored her. She had always gotten me out of trouble somehow. My little good luck charm. Figures, doesn't it? She's her grandmother's granddaughter for sure. Too bad that her grandmother's dead. She would've loved her and visa versa.

I couldn't breath...

I couldn't see...

I couldn't live...

Those words rang in my head. They were part of the new ballet for our encore. Last ballet for our stay here in London. Then we would be gone.. again. It wasn't really fair though. I admit that. But I had no--

All right! I had a choice! But... oh... I had to leave him. He is driving me mad. Damn him!

Now I feel like crap. Not fair. Harry always makes me feel weird. He just had to... God! Oy!

~

"You cannot be serious," Hermione said breathlessly. They sat in a cafe in London silently for a time. Everyone ignore them... but not for long.

"I am," Harry told her breaking the silence. His eyes were solemn and calm.

"You're insane," Hermione glared.

"I am not. Why can't you accept that I love you?"

"I-I.. You do not! Liar!" People were starting to stare.. why on earth was she acting this way? It didn't make any sense.

Harry's face flushed with sudden anger. He couldn't understand why she was acting like this.

Hermione gave in a cold look.

"I've told you I've loved you before, why is this time different?"

"Because you don't!" she replied hysterically.

"You're being unreasonable."

"If I am, why do think I am?!" she rose fists clenched.

Harry stood up as well. "I don't know! You're just being moody!"

"Oh, is that it?! Is it?! Well then!" she glared hard and long. People still stared. They both glared at each other then, after a while, Hermione started to just... walk away.

Harry grabbed her fist to stop her.

"Let go of me," She hissed.

"Where are you going?" he demanded.

"It's not any of you're business anymore, is it?" she said and jerk her hand away.

"You're being stubborn."

"Not anymore than you are," she told him and went away. They would not see each other for quite awhile.

~

Harry

I was in a grumpy mood and was drinking again. I didn't want to but I'm getting a headache. I'm a father?! Oh God! And that--that--that woman didn't bother tell me! Damn it all!

Someone was opening in the door. It was Ron and her had a goofy grin on his face. He sat pulled up a chair and sighed blissfully. His smile faded when he noticed the cans of beer and my glum face.

"Okay, what is up?" he raised an eyebrow.

"I'm a father!" I glared.

Ron started to cough, "You're a what?!"

"I know! And Hermione's the mother! And she's Helena and--"

"WHAT?!"

"I KNOW!"

"Oh God.."

"I know...."

I heard someone knocking on the door again. Greeat...

"Ron? Ron!" it didn't sound like anyone we knew. At least not that I knew of.

"Arianli?" Ron asked, "Arian?"

"Yeah, it's me! We've got an emergency!" she sounded panicky indeed.

Ron left her in. Arianli was a very pretty girl but at the moment she was very shrill and nervous.

"What's wrong?" I asked, confused.

"Helena's baby! Lily! She's gone!"

~~~

PART EIGHT

Ron

"What?!" Harry and I screamed. A baby? Gone? ... and Whose baby?!

"Hermione's baby?!" Well, that answered my question. Wait... OH MY GOD!

"Well, this can't be happening!" I said, completely dumbfounded.

"Oh God.... not Lily," Harry said. Arian nodded slowly. Poor girl. Her hair's messed up too. Oh... I wish I could comfort her..

"How do you know?" I asked.

She looked up and bit her lip, "Helena called me... she said.. Lily was missing! Lily was so... nice and everything! I can't she's missing! How even? I can't believe this!" She looked outraged now.

I looked at Harry. He was taking deep slow breaths.

~

Harry

I couldn't breathe..

I was panicking myself.

I can't believe how irresponsible Hermione's gotten! She's lost our daughter! OUR DAUGHTER! I can't stand... that.. woman... AGH! Why does she have to do this? It's not fair!

"Arian! Arian!" Someone was running through the halls and came bursting into our apartment. Her.

Damn.

She was breathing hard too, her cheek stained with tears. She glanced at me and gave a cold look. Hermione ignored us then and turned to Arian.

"No one at the theater's seen her! She was just there at home! How could she have disappeared?" What? That doesn't make any sense...

~

Hermione

My heart was pounding heavily. Oh it hurt... The only thing that hurt more what the fact my darling child was gone. My baby... I could feel my legs failing me and I just started to cry again...

This was not happening... My baby! What did she ever do?

I could feel Harry glaring at me. It wasn't my fault Lily's gone... someone took her! I just know it! My baby... how I long for her to me in my arms.. I just let myself cry. Oh... My baby! My Lily!

~

Harry

"Maybe," I managed to say between deep breaths, "We could search for her?" It was a silly idea but... It's my daughter! I had the right to save her... don't I?

"Fine," Hermione sniffled. "We'll split up."

"I'll go with Hermione," Ron whispered to me and he helped her up. I didn't want him to go with her! Augh... I am seriously.. oh no... I'm not falling in love with that woman again! Argh!

"I'll go with you then!" Arian said. She smiled brightly. I raised my eyebrow. "I have a happy disposition," she explained with a shrug.

I started to walk out into the hall with her. This was one weird girl.

"Have you beaten yourself to a pulp yet?" she asked rather casually. The hell? Who is this girl? She noticed the look on my face, which was contorted. "Well, obviously you're Lily's father. I mean Helena and you keep giving each other death glares. But you’re still her old lover so.. Well, you have heard Helena's story about Lily's dad, right? Well.. you must've said you'd hurt the father but.. you're the father so... Well, you get it right?"

I just gave her a blank look. Weird woman really.

"I'm still an American teen... sorrry!" she shrugged, "I'm twenty-five years old though!"

"Riight.. Can we just look for Lily?" I asked.

"Okay!" I felt like cringing. Who is this girl?! I swear she's driving me insane-- and not the way Hermione makes me crazy. How can Ron like this woman?

"I'm not insane person you know... I'm just... different," she said with finality.

~~~

PART NINE

Hermione

I felt it was safe for Harry to be searching with Arian. She wasn't going to do anything... of course. I trust Arian. Arian is mostly insane so I trust her. I don't know what's wrong with me... Half the time I'm worry if I'll find Lily and half the time I'm worried about Harry and Arian... ugh!

"Soo... she's not there," Ron said as we exited a shop. I nodded slowly... God. Why does the world have to be so mean?! "Um... couldn't you..? Couldn't set me up with Arian instead?"

I looked at him. What? "Huh?"

"Well... I am dating Arian." What a relief! Oh thank God!

"Oh...yeah but... Harry--" there was an uncomfortable silence. Ron broke the silence though. He always did.

"Right," he sighed, "Why can't you two just we it together?" he muttered. I frowned.

"What are you on about?" I asked.

"Get it together!" He said furiously, "God! You two have problems! Geez! And now you two's kid is missing and worrying about each other! God! Just cut it out and get together again! Damn it! Stop it!" he went on his own, leaving me standing alone thinking about what he said.

I didn't want to get back together with Harry! No! ... didn't I? I'm so confused....

Then there's Lily... she deserves a father... her father.

Oh it was so hard! But... I want my Lily now! Augh! Whoever took will pay... Damn them.

~

Harry

I wanted to run from this girl. She was freaking me out! I never met someone so happy! Augh! Where's my child? Why did she have to do this to me? Why couldn't I get stuck with Herm--I mean-- Ron?! OH NO! I'm so not doing this again! Argh!

"Hey, what's wrong?" Arian asked in a child's voice. Okay, that voice does not fit her! She sounds like she's seven years old or something!

"No," I said, "Nothing's wrong."

Arian blinked but dismissed whatever her concerns were. "Well you had that face... but eh... Who do you think kidnapped her?"

I frowned. I hadn't considered it. I didn't know. That was the absolute truth. "I don't know.."

"I think was Nathaniel..." Arian mumbled with a smile. I raised an eyebrow and lingered behind. ...wasn't that Hermione's co-worker?

"What?!" I shouted. WHAT?!

~

Arianli

I truly believe it was Nathaniel. Who else could it be? And he acts so nice around Helena... Harry shouted something... I wonder what. I wasn't paying attention. I don't know... Mysteries are cool, don't you think? Well, I think so... hm...

Augh! Helena's life's confusing...

Hermione's much prettier name. Why did Helena have to change her name? I like Hermione... it sounds so cool.

Ugh, I'm doing it again! I shouldn't really be ranting about stuff... but I can't help it!

Oh! I wonder if Harry and Hermione will get together. Oooh that's nice.... Harry and Hermione. It's like a fanatic shipper name...

I think Harry thinks I'm nuts...

"You're not paying attention," he says. I know that! I mean, I have too many thoughts, I can't concentrate! It's hard! I'm still like a confused eighteen year old! Ugh! I don't want to be confused.

Oh I forgot! I need to... ugh! Too much!

~

Harry

I watch as Arian's face changed several times. She stopped listening to me a long time ago. I could tell. I sighed.

"Arian!?"

"Yes?" she asked with a polite stare. God, it's freaky how her expression changes in a blink of an eye.

"Where does Nathaniel live?"

"Oh! Yeah that... well..."

~~~

PART TEN

Hermione

I had finally caught up to Ron but he wasn't talking to me. That was good, I didn't want to talk to him either. How dare he say that?! I was thinking of Lily... most of the time.

Oh, what on earth's happening to me?! I can't be still in love with Harry! ... No... I never... AUGH!

I caught Ron muttering something that sounded like, "They are so in denial..."

"Oh shut up Ron Weasley! This is not about my personal life! We're to look for my child, aren't we?!" I was too frustrated. Of all the times Lily  to disappear! I'll kill whoever kidnapped her.

Ron hung his head ruefully, "All right, all right... so who was the last person you had  her with?"

"Well, just Na--" My hands jumped up and clamped over my mouth with a gasp.

"What? What?" Ron repeated, concerned.

"Nathaniel!" I breathed. Oh that--! "..but why would he?! He's...OH THAT LITTLE BASTARD!"

Ron backed away slowly... I was outraged. HOW COULD HE?!

~

Harry

We reached a hotel room door. Arian said it was right under Hermione's hotel room too. Huh... what bastard had the heart to kidnap a baby?! Damn bastard.

Arian looked still happy. Ugh! I wanted to shake her and make her cry... Why--no, how could someone be so damn happy?!

I hadn't had heart to talk to her though. It was like having a teenager around twenty-four seven! Geez! ... and Ron's going out with her? Oy! Is Ron just thick?

Arian knocked on the door. She's an okay person... just that... SHE'S WAY TOO DAMN HAPPY! I can't stand happy people anymore. I am too envious.

A man with thick dark brown hair and a young face opened the door. I raised an eyebrow. For some reason this man reminded me of Colin Creevy...

"Uh.. Arian? ... and aren't you that man that harassed Helena?" He glared at me and I glared back.

"What?! I did no such thing!" I yelled furiously.

Arian finally looked anything but happy now. She was looking very, very annoyed.

"Oh shut it Nate," she said with accusation. She sounded more grown up now. This is weirder than when she was childish. "Where's Lily?"

Nathaniel blinked innocently. Ugh... okay, I like this man way less than Arian! "I have got no idea what you're trying to imply, Arian."

Arian glared with fury. She continued on, "You know what I'm talking about? What have you done with Lily?"

Nathaniel frowned at us. "Stop accusing me of things I haven't done!" he then slammed the door in our faces. I hate this man.

~

Hermione

We reached my hotel and we were almost to the elevator when the door opened before we got there. It was Gwen.

And she was clutching my Lily.

~~~

PART ELEVEN

Ron

Hermione was speechless. I looked at her in confusion. What was going on now? I looked at the elevator.... there was a woman there and she was holding a baby...

Wait... No way... is that Hermione's baby?!

I thought it was that guy that Hermione said... but.. huh???

I feel dizzy now..

I blame Harry for this mess. And he calls himself my best friend.. tst...

~

Harry

I was irritated. Who did this guy think he was?

I could tell that Arian was thinking I was in a foul mood. And I was. It was pointless to just have someone slam a door at my face. Honestly! How rude!

We were silent as we got into the elevator and waited. I couldn’t take this... Why couldn't things be just simple?

It's never simple.

The doors open and Arian gasped. I blinked and looked in the direction of her mortified expression.

There was Ron and Hermione... with Hermione's agent and... Lily!

~

Hermione

"I found her on one of the corridors!" Gwen stomped her foot in fury. Yeah right! Ha!

"Why do you have her then?!" I demanded. Ron stayed away avoiding our fighting.

"I was taking her to the hospital -- she has a concussion!" Gwen reasoned.

"Then why did you not call me?!" I felt so exhausted. Why in the world would she do this? I wanted my baby...

"I was going to!" Gwen yelled back. Lily was starting to cry.. My baby! What did she do to you?

Someone coughed loudly behind Gwen. Gwen moved and frowned. "Oh, it's only you again."

"Yeah, it's me," responded Harry. Harry and Arian! There they were! ... wait... what were they doing here? Harry frowned at the strange scene. "What's going on?"

"I," Gwen stated. "Found Lily in her carriage upstairs on the third floor. She has a concussion, somehow, I don't know why..."

Arian looked like she was thinking. Her head was down and her eyes going back and forth as if they were pacing in thought. It's how she thinks. I don't know how she can--

"Wait, wait, wait!" She exclaimed. "Did you say the third floor? Isn't that where we were?" She asked Harry, who nodded in confusion.

"Well, then it has to be Nathaniel!" She shrieked.

"But," Harry interrupted. "Then.. well.."

I had just about had it. I don't care who stole my baby I just wanted her! "Gwen!" I whined.

She looked and blinked at me. Then Lily cried and she nodded. "Oh, oh right.." she handed me Lily carefully. My baby! I had her back at last. I smiled down on her as her cries subdued. My baby... she was back to me...

"We've got to get him," Harry said.

I suppose...

~~~

PART TWELVE

Ron

I looked nervously at everyone. I was so confused. Harry looked like he wanted to just beat this Nathaniel to a pulp. Hermione was happy to hold Lily but in the same time fretting about Lily's concussion. Gwen looked annoyed as she was calling the hospital with her cell phone. I was hugging an upset Arian.

This was complicated. What were we suppose to do? Go after this guy?

I think Harry wanted to do just that.

~

Hermione

"Harry, calm down," I said, hugging my Lily.... my baby...

"I--I--" he could hardly talk, anger blocking his thoughts. Oh Harry... when did we become so screwed up?

I looked at Ron and Arian. They looked happy together (but concerned about our situation). It would be ashamed when Arian leaves. Oh poor Ron.... he'll be heart-broken.

"I called the police too," Gwen announced. "And guess what?"

"What?"

"They say that they've got Nathaniel in custody."

Harry looked quite taken aback. "What?! How?? We just saw him awhi--"

"They said he must've gone down the fire escape and then tried to get away," Gwen explained. "They said that he was speeding and then he threw a fit then they arrested him for assaulting an officer. Odd, huh Helena?"

I nodded. "Yeah.. he used to be so nice."

Harry answered smugly, "Well, people, you can't really know who they are."

I rolled my eyes. Honestly!

~

Harry

It was less than a week later when they had to leave. Hermione wasn't going. Arian was.

It was no surprise that Ron was sad, but Arian promised to keep in touch with him. She also invited us all to come to New York when they would go back there, six months later.

"I'm working on this ballet choreography... I call it 'the Ballerina'," she smiled.

We all smiled back and Hermione asked, "What's it about?"

"Oh just... a young girl who has run away from her past; and her true love. She becomes a beauty and becomes like this big ballet star. She's different; she's taken on a false identity. The only thing is that she has to go back to where she lived before for a performance. Her true love falls madly in love with her while watching the ballet. The thing is that he doesn't know it's her until she reveals so and they go into this big emotional fight. Now this ballerina's daughter, who's actually the true love's child too, is kidnapped by a colleague and they this adventure to look for her. In the end... the bad guy's caught and it's a happily ever after!"

I chuckled, "Really now Arian? Isn't that a bit... copying?"

"Hey! I'm dedicating to you guys! Besides, you guys weren't dancing... well, Helen-- I mean, Hermione  not included." she giggled. Ron hugged her tightly.

"I'll miss you," we barely heard him whisper into her ear. Arian kissed him on the lips.

When they broke off, she whispered back. "You'll see me again... I promise.. goodbye Arianli…"

“Goodbye Ron…”

I turned to Hermione, "So... we'll be going to New York someday?"

She grinned. She handed me Lily.... I simply blinked.

"Yep. A vacation..."

"Oh boy.."

"Tell me about it..."

Finite

~~~

FIC ENDS HERE

If you want to see a picture of Arianli Taerin, there’s one at ArtistAlley>>Original Characters>>Arian Taerin… or just simply go to http://www.mediaminer.org/fanart/view.php?id=28884.