Through The Whomping Willow

For the past few months the amount of fun Hallie was having was next to zero. She'd rarely been able to leave her desk because of the sheer volume of study she was doing for her NEWT's. Achieving four exceeds expectations was going to be a push if she wanted to become an auror after graduating.

The past week or so she'd relaxed from study. 'A well earned break', she often told herself it was. A well earned break indeed. The past weekend alone she had sneaked out of the castle, had a bit to drink in Hogsmede, talking a rugged looking man and engaging in a fiery kiss with Brian Sullivan, or 'Mr. Seeker' as she had called him. Ugh, the thought of her calling him that made her cringe.

She'd planned to stay in the castle, lay low until after her exams but once she'd had a sip of her much missed freedom it was like she was addicted to adventure again. The booming bell had signaled the final class of the first day of the week. Monday was always a killer for Hallie: double potions, defense against the dark arts and double charms. It was the only day she didn't have a free period and eager to let her hair down she had decided she'd travel a bit further than Hogsmede.

Up in the mountains that overlooked the castle and village there was caves, Hallie had heard all sorts of rumors about the kind of magic and creatures that lurked there but didn't believe it until she could see it.

Hallie emerged from the kitchens with a basket of assorted fruits and turkey sandwiches. If she wanted to be back in time for bed it unfortunately mean't that she would have to miss the feast. She didn't care though, what was life without a bit of risk. Besides, the feast was always that busy a professor wouldn't notice if she'd gone, she was always off somewhere around the castle anyway.

Hallie walked across the basement corridor, heading to the door that led up to the entrance hall. If I go through the whomping willow and come out in the shrieking shack then I will have less to travel to reach the caves. The happy go lucky girl thought to herself as she passed still life portraits of assorted foods.

The pass few months had been hard on Maura, from her being tortured by James it been a rough pass months for her. Lucky her friends and Ryo made it easier for her but homework and studying were always getting in her way. For the pass month Maura been stuck in the common room with her nose stuck in tests that prepare her for the N.E.W.T.s which she'll be taking next year. It was hard to believe that Maura would graduate next year, but she couldn't believe that half her friends were going to be leaving her. But she knew she didn't have long left in Hogwarts until she was out as well so it was ok.

Although this pass week Maura had been nothing but joyful, she spent time with her friends and most of all Ryo. Maura couldn't believe how well their relationship was going, it all felt like a dream to Maura. Ryo treated her well, and loved her so much Muara was so happy to be with him.

The final bell rung singling the end of the day which was a great relief for her seeing how she hated Mondays. She didn't mind any other day of the week, but she hated Mondays more then anything! Bad things always happened to her on Mondays and she simply hated it! Quickly walking out of the classroom Maura noticed her strength was weak and not as strong as it should be. Realizing it been a couple of days seen she had blood from the kitchen Maura decided to go to the kitchen before she hurts anyone.


Walking pass a group of first years Maura's eyes turned red as she licked her fangs after hearing there heartbeat. "No Mars bad, wait until you get to the kitchen your almost there!"Maura told herself. Running towards the kitchen in vampire speed she closed the door behind her as her red eyes darted at the blood packs in the fridge. Running towards them Maura ripped one open before downing it in one drink. As her eyes changed back to there normal color Maura sighed in relief.

"Whew that was a close one!"Maura thought to herself as she took a extra blood bag out to make sure she was ok. Wiping her mouth sh turned to the house elves and gave them a soft warm smile. "I'm not going to the feastm can I have some sandwiches and some pumpkin pasties and pumpkin juice to head back to the hufflepuff common room with? I have alot of studying to do!"said Maura softly. As the house elves nodded they gotten a picnic basket and packed it full of sandwiches and pumpkin pasties and juice.

"Thankyou so much!"said Maura softly as she took the basket and placed the blood bag in it before heading back to her common room. As she emerged from the kitchen and was about to head upstairs she seen her friend Hallie in the entrance corridor. "Probably heading for trouble as always!"Maura thought to herself. "Hiya Hal, where are you going?"Maura asked her curiously.

Hallie turned around to see Maura, a bag of blood in her hand. When Hallie had first found out her friend was a vampire it freaked her out a little bit, but once she'd got over the fact her friend took a bite out of a different kind of chicken it didn't bother her so much. Now, years after their friendship begun, Hallie would find it weird to think of Maura not as a vampire.

'Oh, you know, just going for an stroll. It's been ages since I last went the castle.' Hallie half-lied. In fact it was only Saturday when Hallie had sneaked into Hogsmede but before that it had been months because of her NEWT's coming up. They seemed to drag on and on and, albeit Hallie would miss the castle, she was looking forward to entering the wizarding world.

'Want to come with me?' Hallie asked, knowing that Maura wouldn't be eating much at the evening meal. Although Maura would probably be catching up with Ryo, they were such a cute couple and the Gryffindor was counting down the days until they'd make it last forever and Ryo would propose.

Maura thought about her question before shaking her no. "Sorry Hal I cant I have homework and studying to do!"said Maura. "Although after that, I' m going to spend some time with Ryo."said Maura smiling to herself. Anyone could tell that Maura was happy, she was pratically glowing. Maura was finally happy with Ryo, she loved him and he loved her and.there love real, not fake or lust. It.was like her and Ryo were meant for each other after being hurt by so many people.

Looking at Hallie she cocked her head to the side her eyes turning gold with worry, it was clear that she was worried. "Hal, your going to get in trouble again are you?"Maura asked her softly. Hallie always had the worse habit of causing trouble and Maura always had to stop her. Although her vampire side wanted to hunt and play her human side knew that she couldn' t. Although having alittle fun wouldn' t hurt though. Maura started playing with her two hearts merging necklace that Ryo gave her.

Hallie stood her eyes wide in hope as she awaited Maura's response. Dam. Maura wouldn't be going on Hallie's adventure. It looked like she'd be going solo. Hallie did prefer company, it made the journey all the more exciting but having explored enough times on her own due to worrysome students not wanting to break the rules she was used to it. She had her basket of treats and maybe in the caves she could think about what to write in a letter to Brant. She had promised she'd write after all.

There she goes again Hallie thought as Maura mentioned she could get into trouble. In fact it was Maura who had restrained Hallie from the wackiest of travels the past few months - the girl had been in dire need of some boundaries and Hallie had instructed Maura to stop her heading into trouble with her NEWT's coming up, and, with Maura being the great friend she was, had kept her word. 'I was thinking of heading off into the caves near the mountains. Rumour has is it there are giants there!' Hallie gasped with excitement at the prospect of a giant encounter - not that she would be able to take on a full giant by herself.

'But if you don't want to come.' She now said, twirling her hair and staring at the ground. 'Then it's your choice. I'll bring you back a giant tooth as a souvenir.' Hallie added, winking before turning around and heading through the door into the entrance hall, which was buzzing with students walking into the Great Hallfor the evening meal.

Maura sighed in defeat knowing this would lead to nothing but trouble which she tried to keep her and Hallie from. She been doing a good job so far but Hallie was always rebellious but honestly Maura didn' t blame her. Maura was losing her mind just being in the castle.all month long. "Hallie wait for me!"said Maura running after her her basket jingling as she ran after her. Although it didn' t take her long to catch up with her seeing how she was a vampire.

"So how did you find out about this cave?"Maura asked her curiously but softly.at the same time. Ryo would understand if she wasn' t there right? Although he might beworried seeing how
She never missed a chance to spend time with him. Maura sighed before looking around the castle knowing this would lead to a major punishment. Although she wasn' t going to let Hallie go alone, she was a loyal friend, she didn' t get sorted into Hufflepuff for nothing.

Hallie grinned cheerfully to herself when Maura soon caught up to her. She didn't want Maura to get into any trouble but it would be fun to have a friend go on an adventure with. 'No idea!' The Gryffindor replied, laughing excitedly about the exploration they were about to embark upon.

Hallie pushed open the great oak doors, feeling the rays of sinking sunlight dazzle her eyes. The clouds above were a shimmering Amber as the orange sunlight seeped through. 

'Anything new with you?' Hallie asked, swinging the basket by her side with contempt. Although Hallie did want to know what Maura had been up to she also needed to talk to Maura about a certain kiss she had shared with Brian Sullivan, and asking Maura about anything she had done would then give her the opportunity to do so. 

Maura shook her head and rolled her eyes at her. "Oh come on Hal, be honest with me here how did you find out about it?"Maura asked her curiously. "Oh god, I hope we don't get caught!"Maura thought to herself. Although her vampire side was cheering on the inside happy for the adventure they were about to go on. Maybe Maura should let her vampire out some, it wouldn't hurt right? it wasn't like she didn't have control of her.

Maura was glad the sun was almost set or else she wouldn't be able to stay outside that long without getting burned. "Ah... such a perfect time to go on a adventure!"said Maura happily. "You know, we need alittle adventure we haven't had a good adventure together in awhile!'said Maura honestly. Maura was pratically skipping down the sloping lawns now, it was clear her vampire side was taking over some.

Maura turned and stopped before smiling happily at her. "Me and Ryo went on our first date and he gave me this!"said Maura happily holding out her two hearts merging into one necklace. "I know it was a bit lame of me, but I cried no one ever gave me something like this!"said Maura honestly.

Maura's necklace

'Okay, so I don't actually know where it is. I just hear rumors in Hogsmede but it'll be fun to find it.' Hallie admitted guiltily. 'Ooo. Maybe they'll have a pet dragon.' Hallie gasped excitedly, although she knew there wouldn't be any dragons yet the suspense made her pulse throb harder.

Hallie smiled as Maura mentioned about them not having an adventure for a while. This was true and she was bursting at the seams to progress further in their journey, yet the sight of the gold and silver heart necklace which coiled around the tips conjoining the love Ryo and Maura shared was enough to make a hungarian horntail stop protecting it's eggs.

Hallie's eyes shone with astonishment, the sunset enhancing the happiness they reflect. 'It's beautiful!' She gasped in awe. The Gryffindor stood and admired the necklace for a minute or two before moving her left arm across her abdomen and clutching hold of her right arm that was held tight by her side. She gazed back to the castle. Somewhere in there Brian walked, probably getting up to mischief. She wished she could have received a gift from him although they really hadn't even bonded much apart from the kiss they shared, yet Hallie felt drawn to him and she disliked herself for it. Especially the way she'd tried to seduce him. Ugh.

Hallie looked into Maura's eyes. 'It's lovely.' She said before quickly removed her gaze and focusing her attention on the whomping willow ahead, picking up a faster pace. She wanted to leave Hogwarts soon, leave behind Brian, her dark rain cloud that filtered the sunrays through.

Maura rolled her eyes playfully and shook her head. "Well... this ought to be quite a adventure!"said Maura smirking. Maura laughed. "Yeah I can really see us with one, I think if mine was red or blue it'll be named Ruby or Sapphire!"said Maura chuckling.

Maura smiled. "I know it isn't it?" it's mine and his birthstones in them!"said Maura happily as she let go of it as it rested back on her neck. As Hallie clutched her right side Maura's eyes turned gold with worry in them. "Hal are you ok? you don't look so good."said Maura softly looking into her eyes. She looked like she was going to throw up or something Maura started getting concern.

"Hal what's going on, is there something you want to tell me?"Maura asked her softly as she ran after her. Once again, it didn't take her long to catch up with her seeing how she was a vampire. There were alot of people jealous of her and Ryo and some of them just didn't approve but she knew Hallie wasn't one of them, she was happy for her. "Come on you can tell me, you know I won't tell anyone!"said Maura honestly and truthfully at the same time. That was the way Maura was, she was very loyal to her friends especially Hallie.