Unraveling
Chapter 4 of 8
AnijadeChapter 4 Unraveling
Hermione looked up as Ginny came back through the fireplace to watch through the mirror. She ached for her friend, feeling the same pain of being away from the man she had loved for so long; but at the time there had been no choice. She brought her attention back to the task at hand. She had to clear her mind if she was going to get this potion right to save the man she still loved.
The cauldron on the table simmered happily, and she was ready to add the final ingredient: four petals from a black orchid, each stirred in separately, counter clockwise from the first one. With each petal, the potion changed colour from the original blue to a pale yellow, lime green to bright luminescent silver. All it needed, in her opinion, was time - something she hoped Severus would have enough of.
Hermione sighed, resigned to waiting, and went to sit with Ginny. Nudging her closest friend in the world, she gave her a small smile. “How is he doing? Or, more importantly, how are you doing?” Ginny’s emotions ran on her face quickly before she assumed the professional look of a mediwitch.
“The patient presents with the symptoms of someone who has suffered under the Cruciatus Curse for more than an hour at a time. But we knew that. If the new potion works the way we think it will, he should be resolved within hours.” She paused, considering Hermione’s other question. “As for myself… I think my heart is breaking all over again. I didn’t think that seeing Draco again would be so painful after all this time.”
Leaving Feast ~ Ginny’s graduation
The name rang out in the hall: Ginerva Molly Weasley, and it took Ginny all of her willpower for her not to squeal with delight in having graduated near the top of her class. In the audience she could see Harry, Ron and Hermione clapping enthusiastically as she collected her diploma with the congratulations from her professors. As things wound down and the dance started up for the night, she saw a whirl of black robes leaving the great hall and she gave a small grin. The signal had been given, and she was going to sneak out of the dance after a whisper to Hermione regarding her whereabouts. Hermione nodded and gave her friend an encouraging smile before Ginny ran out of the hall and down to Hagrid’s cottage, which had been empty since Hagrid had gone to get allegiance from the Giants in Northern Scotland. As she opened the door, thick black leather gloves and a rich chuckle grabbed her from behind and pulled her in.
“What do you think you are doing, little girl?”
Ginny pulled away without fear and a light laugh as she reached around and pulled off the hood to reveal her love, Draco Malfoy. The man in front of her quickly removed his death eater robes and threw them on a nearby chair before grabbing up his love in a deep kiss.
“I wish you could have made it and watched me graduate, you know that right?”
Draco sighed. This relationship between them caused both of them to miss out on some of the lighter, nicer things in life, like watching his girlfriend graduate from Hogwarts. This was war, and it wasn’t nice, so all they had were each other until it was over. Placing her forehead against his own, Draco held Ginny close, pushing all other thoughts out of his head and concentrated on the time they had together. Later, in the early hours of the morning, Ginny got up and left a note and a pendant for him on the pillow. She cried silently as she prepared to leave the love of her life.
'I hope, my love, that I will see you again.'
The melancholy in the room seemed to press heavily on Hermione as she ladled the completed potion into a vial to cool.
She crossed the room and hugged Ginny tightly. “It will be OK,” she whispered into the other girl’s hair.
“Maybe it’s time the whole truth came out.”
San Diego Airport 1999
Getting off the plane, Hermione and Ginny looked around the international terminal warily. They tried to move along inconspicuously, but in from the corner of her eye Ginny saw a familiar face, and not a welcome one. Nudging Hermione, Ginny got her friends attention. Upon seeing the man, she stiffened.
“That’s Theodore Nott! Has he seen us?”
Ducking her head, Ginny looked at him as they moved away. He was definitely following them; the question was how to get away from him. Both girls rushed through the terminal, finding a ladies room to hide in. Once inside, they immediately cast a few quick glamour charms on themselves in one of the stalls. Thankfully, the bathroom was very busy, and no one noticed that a brunette and a redhead went in and two blondes came out. Hermione had changed her brown hair to an ash blond and her eyes to blue, while Ginny was now a honey blond with green eyes.
“Pick a new name Ginny, and put it on your ticket and anything else that might ID you as Ginny Weasley. We are getting on the first plane that is boarding. We’ll magic ourselves onto the manifest if we have to, but the Death Eaters know we are in America, so we have to be elsewhere no matter what.”
Ginny nodded and transfigured her papers. Grinning, she looked at Hermione and said, “Hi there, I’m Emily Mills. Can I be your new travel companion?”
Hermione gave a nervous smile back.
“I’m Sarah Kendall, nice to meet you. I believe we have a plane to catch.”
Hurrying out of the bathroom, they passed Nott, who was still looking for what they used to look like, and quickly boarded the nearest plane, which happened to be going to Sydney, Australia.
From there they had made their way to Wizarding Brisbane and started over. It had been the plan that once they were settled, they would find a way to let those in England know that they were all right. But, as most plans go, a complication popped up, and they had remained hidden and silent.
Present
Hermione placed her finger on the side of the vial to make sure it was cool enough before standing up and giving Ginny a wry smile.
“Well, it’s time. I say we gas the room to knock Draco out, and then give Severus the potion. The gas won't affect the potion and Severus is already out so that won't be a problem. Also, we should leave a copy of the notes too, so they can reproduce it. Should we let them know the pendants we left them are Portkeys that will bring them to us?”
She looked at Ginny uncertainly. Ginny slowly nodded.
“We better. For everyone involved, it’s time to come clean.”
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Latest 25 Reviews for Black Orchid
31 Reviews | 2.77/10 Average
I'm not usually one to read a work in progress, but I"m glad I picked up on yours. I like the plot line you've got going - keep it up! I can't wait to read more!
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
Thanks I have more coming :)
how is chapter nine coming along
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
slowly but I haven't gven up on it
if you don't have high speed internet only dial up then your not going to like this aff is acting up again that place they use as host moved them and parts of the site like the harry potter. i and a lot of others where not able to get into. the head mod said it might take a week for your own isp to get it cleared up. how is your next chapter coming long
hope severus and draco are not too hard on hermione and ginny. if they wanted they could have gotten them a long time ago before or a little after the kids where born. can't wait to read the next chapter.
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
I don't think they will be too hard on them, at this point they are more concerned than anything else
Response from harrypotterfan2005 (Reviewer)
you have one of the few stories where harry and ron are a couple in it.
Response from harrypotterfan2005 (Reviewer)
you have one of the few stories where harry and ron are a couple in it.
woo-hoo!!! an update!!
WOW! the kids knew about their fathers but the men knew nothing...how is that going to go over once the ladies regain their health? I think there are gonna be some ticked off men, once they get over their initial, "I'm gonna kill you" attitude. Can't wait to see what happens next. Update again soon, please!!
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
I am trying but yes I suspect things are going to be a little loud once the girls are better. in their defense they were sent away. at least they didn't say their fathers were dead
Response from queenp (Reviewer)
I know that the girls were sent away w/o the men knowing of their "situations." I'm just waiting to see the explosion...it'll be like a car wreck..nice and gory but you can't help but watch...it'll be an emotional time for all involved, which is what I love reading about. I can't wait...now, quit watching the reviews and write..
how many more chapters are there to this story. how is chapter 8 coming along.
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
I think that there might be around 12 and chapter 8 is well on it's way hope to have it at the beta's soon/ Thans for reviewing
Response from harrypotterfan2005 (Reviewer)
thats good. 12 chapters looking forward to them.
Response from harrypotterfan2005 (Reviewer)
we can only hope aff is fully and completty fix sometime this summer. knock on wood
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
Yeah I am getting wary of that site really. But chapter 8 is coming along nicely I think :) Coming soon
Response from harrypotterfan2005 (Reviewer)
if you ever need an extra personm to look over your story. i can do just let me know.
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
Thanks I will keep that in mind :)
Very pleased to see an update :) Hope you add more soon. Thank you for writing
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
Doing my best to have more for you soon
oooo...this is getting interesting...Please don't make us wait as long for the next chapter...I want to know which men and why...update again soon!!
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
I will do my best you really motivated me to get the chapter out :)
Response from queenp (Reviewer)
I noticed that you mentioned being temporarily abandoned by your muse...what does your muse prefer--chocolate, alcohol, etc.? I've been told I make a mean 'rita on the rocks...and I've got lots of chocolate around here...Incentives for the muse to stay around maybe? :D
What an incredible story! Great opening gambit and I like the multi-time frame ideas. All it needs now is to be updated and for the story to be complete! LOL
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
working on it really I am more to come I promise
omg evil cliffie....hope next upodate is soon...great chapter...keep up the good work...
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
Thanks so much and I hope to have more up soon :)
i love this story update soon please
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
More to come I promise
Very nice... um, cliffhanger! You know what this means, don't you? This means that you need to update sooner than later. ;) I was wondering what had happened to this story. Hope you're feeling okay.
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
Well mostly my muse ran away when it came to this story and I have been fighting exhaustion but I think I have things up and running again so more to come
Response from notsosaintly (Reviewer)
Well, if anyone can understand, I can. Hang in there, and I am glad your muse is back.
Great job! Glad to see you writing it again!
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
Thank you sooooo much for all your help with this *huggles*
First of all -- YEAH -- I am so glad this story is back and that I found it! I originally read it on AFF and anytime I spent time at that site I made sure to check on the status of Black Orchid. I just fell in love with it right away. And now with all the difficulties at AFF to find it here well that is just a major treat! As for this chapter it was very nice getting reaquainted with everything that is going on and my only complaint is that it is too short. But I will take what I can get and be very happy about it. I can't wait for what's coming. Hope to see it soon. Thanks, JoAnne
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
Oh wow a fan I am so honoured. I am working on the next chapter. I am trying to make them longer we'll see about next chapter
Going to Hogwarts first!!! The girls will feel rejected! LOL
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
They are men not rocket scientist :-p
Well...not much longer now. But I wonder why they have to knock Draco out? Why not just talk to him now? (LOL I am Miss Impatient!)
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
I think mostly they aren't ready to have that conversation and I don't think Draco would just let them go about their business without a couple of good answers
It's so sad! I want them to all be together! LOL But, a lot of time HAS passed I know and they need to see what is what.
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
After 8years you have to wonder how much has changed and if things can be healed. I am sure there are a lot of assuptions that has to be aired out
Good chapter! Though sad that she just got the courage to tell him right before she left...
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
Timing is everything and often timing doesn't work out I fear
OH! Great and interesting start so far!
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
Oh thanks you so much:) I appriciate it I hope you like the rest
Well, you have to update! I have to see what happens when Draco and Severus confront Hermione and GInny!
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
I am working on it really,really.
Are Sage and Dante Ginny's children? That would add even more drams to the mix. I love this story so far, and please update with the next chapter soon.
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
New chapter is in the que so it won't be long now
more...please...now....I can't wait to see what you do with this story...
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
will do my best lots of fireworks coming thanks for reviewing glad you are liking it
Update soon! I love the ending in that chapter. Runs in the family maybe? Who are the kids? Whose kids are they? hum... does the plot thicken? Update!
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
Chapter 7 is almost done glad you like it
Anijade,
I realize it has been a while since you have updated this story. I would love to see you update it again. I will admit that I had forgotten about it in the chaos that has been real life for the last couple of years, however, upon searching for something new to read, I came across it again. your characters are interesting and make me wish I could fix things for them. The descriptions are well written. The plot feels comfortable, not strained as some stories feel.
I do hope you have not abandoned this lovely story and that RL has created a level of insanity that prevents writing or has infected you with a bout of writer's block that is nearing an end.
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
QueenP,Thank you for your kind words. I have some ideas for the next chaper but things have gotten crazy and I lost my beta. As much as I hate it until I find someone else it will be slow going but not abandoned as this is really my first multichaptered fanfic. I can tell you the next chapter is the chaos of the hospital and probably some confessionsAnijade
Response from queenp (Reviewer)
That is good to know. I do enjoy this story. I'll look forward to reading the next chapter when it is finished. *off to mark as favorite story to get update*
If I were not at a point where I'm only on the computer for pleasure/personal stuff about once a week, I'd volunteer to help you out, but RL has kicked me in the butt since I joined the "real world" again. What I wouldn't give to go back to the carefree days of being a college student! *snerk*
Response from Anijade (Author of Black Orchid)
Oh I understand totally. I am in school and working full time. I am lucky I have time to sleep much less write but I had the bright idea of signing up for the exchange as well so the muse is still up and running lol.