Halloween gift for raktajinos
Gift for: raktajinos
From: magnetic_pole
Title: The Sleep of Reason
Characters: Hermione Granger, Mum, Dad, Aunt Jean, Severus Snape, Minerva McGonagall
Rating: PG / Teen
Warnings: Violence implied; creepiness; non-linear storytelling; AU
Summary: In this universe, the monsters are within.
Notes: Thanks to our mods for throwing this party and to kellychambliss and the lovely S for excellent suggestions on the story. All mistakes remain my own. Happy Halloween, raktajinos!
There's nothing to fear in the Forest.
Hermione clutched her wand. All Hallow’s Eve, shadows thickening, fog rolling in, leaves rustling--
That Weasley boy said Professor Snape sent first-years to the Forest to scare them. He didn’t really need potions ingredients.
Focus.
*
"Oh, God," Mum said to Dad when the letter came from Hogwarts. "This explains everything."
"The doll--"
"The bedroom window--"
"Was Jean right after all?"
*
Twenty-nine, thirty black mushrooms.
At last.
As she passed Dumbledore’s grave, a bird screamed.
There's nothing to fear in the Forest.
*
"There was a green flash," Aunt Jean whispered. "The screams were horrible--"
"You're imagining things," Mum said.
"--and then they disappeared." Aunt Jean said, shaking. "It's like a world we can't see."
Mum glanced at Hermione, lips tight.
*
"Here, Professor," Hermione panted, dumping her mushrooms. "Hello, Professor McGonagall."
"Jittery, eh, Granger?"
"Hush, Severus. Miss Granger's wise to your tricks."
"Can I go?" Upstairs, the last chapter of The Triumph of Lord Voldemort waited.
"I'll come with you," McGonagall said.
"Avoid the Basilisk on the third floor," Snape said.
"Not again."
"Again."
"Honestly, how are we meant to teach like this? Chocolate at hand, Miss Granger?"
"Got it."
"Let’s go."
*
There's nothing to fear in the castle--