A/N~This could never ever happen! Ever! It's set in the fifth year (or it is the fifth year), and I don't think it's even a possibility of what could happen. But, if you like it, r/r because I love hearing from you! Enjoy!
Harry Potter and the Deatheater's Daughter
Part One: School Starts
Harry stayed with the Dursleys all summer, which he didn't mind. He was stillfeeling guilty of Cedric's death, and wasn't in the mood to talk about it with Ron. He didn't run into his friends when he when to Diagon Ally to get his things, which surprised him. So when he arrived at Kings Cross and boarded the Hogwarts Express he was delighted to see them. "Hello Harry! Over Here!" Hermione shouted as soon as he arrived
at station nine and three-quarters.
"Hey Hermione, Hey Ron, I missed you," he said, rushing over towards them.
"You too Harry," Ron said. "But we'd better get moving or we'll miss the train as well." The three friends boarded their usual compartment, but found it was already occupied by a short girl they had never seen before.
"Excuse me," Ron said to her. "This is a cart for fifth years only."
"I-I know," she said nervously, "I'm transferring into Hogwarts this year. My name is Gretchen."
"I'm Ron," said Harry's red-haired friend, "This is Harry and Hermione."
"Harry Potter?"
"Yep," Harry responded.
"I thought so," she said quietly before going back to reading her book. Harry looked at her. She was quite pretty. She had long light brown hair which she wore in a braid, fair, pale skin, and dark brown-almost black-eyes. Harry smiled at her, though she didn't notice, and the three went to sit down at the other side of the compartment.
"She seems nice," Hermione commented. Ron said something under his breath that Harry couldn't here and Hermione stormed off to sit my Gretchen.
"Women," Ron muttered. It was just then that Draco Malfoy walked in.
"Well, if it isn't Pot-head, Weasel and Mud-blood. Oh, I see you've found a new loser." He looked over at Gretchen, who looked back at him and his eyes widen. Gretchen practically jumped out of her chair. "YOU!" they shouted at the same time, their voices filled with obvious disgust. Malfoy grinned evilly. "Well, well, Gretchen, long time no see. Tell me, what color walls did they give you in that loony-bin. Or did
they even trust you enough to give you a room were the walls weren't made of carpet?"
"White, actually. And tell me, Draco, how is your father? Still as low as dirt?"
"You're one to talk, Gretchen, you're a Deatheater's daughter."
"As if being a death eater's daughter is any different from being a death eater's son, Draco," Gretchen said coldly, showing a confidence Harry hadn't thought possible of her.
"My father was under the Imperious Curse, like so meny other Death Eaters, your mother wasn't and you know it." Gretchen laughed.
"There wasn't a single Death Eater under the Imperious Curse. You know that, and I know that. My mother was a Death Eater, yes I admit it. Now she's in Azkaban were she belongs, we're all better for it."
"Is that what the good doctor told you," Malfoy said in a voice reserved for very little children. Gretchen just rolled her eyes.
"Actually the nice doctor told me I was insane, but I sure proved him wrong now didn't I? They still don't know how I got away...but that doesn't matter. It's been proven that I'm as sane as any of you, and maybe even more so,"-she gestured to Malfoy Crabbe and Goyle-, "in my opinion. Now, if I were you I'd be leaving right now. I can tell that you three have a mutual dislike, and I'm afraid you're out numbered." She smiled slyly and took her wand from her robe. Harry, Ron, and Hermione did the same. Malfoy looked into her eyes with more hatred then Harry had ever seen in a person.....except for Voldemort. Then the three turned around and left.
Ron turned to Gretchen and blinked. His face was such an expression half-way between amazement and fear. "Nice work with Malfoy....a Death Eater's Daughter?!?!"
Gretchen sighed. "I was rather hoping you wouldn't find out that way," she said softly. "My mother was a death eater, though I don't remember much about that time in my life. When I was four she was caught performing Dark Arts and I spilled the beans on her little secret. The whole stories quite interesting, but I'm afraid I'm not fond of telling
it, so you'll just have to take may word on the fact that she's getting what she deserves. Any way, the court decided that I needed to be rehabilitated after so much exposure to the Dark Arts and sent me to the phycatric Ward at Mungon's. I've been living there since I was four, and this is actually the first year they've let me free. Now, if you wouldn't
mind, I would like you to keep that quiet. No doubt Draco will spill the beans eventually, but until then, it would be best if we kept this our little secret. After all, Professor Dumbledore's telling everyone else I'm from Weltsmead, the school in Italy, and just transferred here as my parent's were transferred because of their job."
"How will he explain the fact that you don't have an accent?" Hermione asked after a few moments of silence.
"Oh, well, I lived in England till I was ten, you see, and then my parents were transferred to Italy, were I've been living for the past four years. I'll make sure to switch between languages unexpectedly for a month or so till I'm 'adjusted' to this country again," she said smoothly, confidence in her voice. Harry didn't expect that to last long, as she was already starting to sound as she first did when he met her a few minuets ago.
"What did you mean when you said something about getting away?" Ron asked.
Gretchen smiled again. "Well, there's an old rule at Mungon's saying something like, if the percent is sane enough to escape that you need to reevaluate their case or something and see if there's truly any need to hold them. I managed to escape for almost three months when I was twelve. I've spent the last two years in a program designed to
prepare me for life outside closed doors. Personally I would have liked it if they had let me start coming here third year, and Professor Dumbledore agreed, but my doctor said no, so I had to wait."
"I'm sure your father was mad at him," Ron said absent mindedly. The smile
slipped off of Gretchen's face and was replaced by the sullen look Harry had seen upon meeting her.
"It's a good book," she muttered as she began to read.
"What did I say?" Ron whispered as they went back to their seats. Ron, Harry, and Hermione talked quietly throughout the trip to Hogwarts, but it was obvious that they all felt a bit guilty about upsetting Gretchen. "I still don't get it?" Ron said at last, "Why did she go bizerk when I mentioned her father?"
"Well, think, Ron!" Hermione said, "For all you knew he could have been a death eater, too! Killed or in Azkaban! Or, her mother could have killed, or maybe she has no idea who he is," she said. Her voice got softer all of the sudden. "Or maybe he reacted like you did before she explained, Ron, and all he could think was that his daughter's mother was a death eater, and she was some sort of bad blood. Maybe he just doesn't
care about her." Gretchen looked up at Hermione for a moment, though only Harry could see because of the Poisson he was sitting in. She mouthed the words, You're Wrong, and went back to her book. Harry was very curious about her.
At last they arrived at Hogwarts and boarded the carriages pulled by invisible horses. Hermione wanted to invite Gretchen to sit with them, but she had mysteriously disappeared, so Neville sat with them instead. Harry couldn't find Gretchen when they entered the great hall. It was not until after the sorting when Dumbledore rose to give his speech, that Harry saw her again. "Welcome," Dumbledore said, "To another year. I only
wish we could meat under happier circumstances. Meny of you may have heard, or not heard, that Voldemort,"-everyone jumped-, " has regained his body." Dumbledore sighed. "For all of you who are just joining us and don't know who Voldemort is, I shall tell you. Voldemort is a very powerful dark wizard who had the entire wizard population living in terror for meny years. Fourteen years ago, Voldemort was defeated for some
unknown reason and disappeared. last year, however, he found a way to regain his body. We don't know where he is, but we're sure he's headed this way. He has meny enemies here." Dumbledore eyed Harry and sighed, so softly you could barely notice if you noticed at all, to himself acknollaging that he was an enemy as well. "It is for that reason
that students are not to leave the castle after dark and all Hogesmede visits are canceled. I do apologize, but it's for your own safety. There are four piticular students who are in the most danger. They know who they are, or will shortly be informed, and will not be
allowed to leave without accompaniment of a teacher."
Dumbledore smiled. "On an up note, we have a new student who is not entering her first year, but her fifth. I would like to introduce Gretchen Locus, transferring from Weltsmede at her parent's request. She was sorted earlier and will be joining the Gryffindor table." The table erupted in cheers and Gretchen sat down at the opposite side of the table, far away from Harry. "I would also like to introduce our new Defense
Against Dark Arts Teacher, Professor Herriet Elestor." More applause.
Gretchen became very popular for the day. Everyone in Gryffindor,
Ravenclaw, an Huffelpuff believed her story about living in Italy for four years, but the Slytherins knew the truth. Harry didn't think about it much though. It wasn't his problem. She had been avoiding him any way.
Classes started the next day. Harry's first lesson was Herbology with the Hufflepuffs. Professor Sprout took them to the green house. "Please put on your gloves," she instructed. She went to a small ugly-looking plant that was growing in a flower pot and picked it up. It had small black leaves that looked rather wilted, and midnight-blue stem that was slumping over, and small red dots, the color of dried blood, all over it.
"This is calle Hebetious, also known as the gamble plant. They're usually found in hot areas. They're called the gambling plant because of their previous use in the medical field. During wars when a pacient was isolated from any medical help, they would be given a single leaf from this plant. When taken, there was a fifty percent chance you'd be healed completely, and a fifty percent chance you would die on the spot. Because of
modern developments in medicine, we are now able to make the plant into a pain-killing potion. I'm going to pass this pot around. MAKE SURE THIS PLANT NEVER TOUCHES YOUR SKIN! While you wouldn't die unless you ate anything, there is a chance you would faint or worse, SO BE CAREFUL!"
So the pot was passed from person to person. Neville Longbottem, being clumsy, accidentally brushed the leaves with his elbow, but it didn't hurt him. In fact, a scab that had been there instantly disappeared and was replaced by healthy skin. Five points were taken from Gryffindor just the same, but though that didn't seem to matter in perceptive of what could have happened.
The lesson seemed short and before Harry knew it, they were out of Herbology and had the next period free, and started heading for the Gryffindor Common room when Professor McGonagall found them. "Ah, just the three I was looking for. Come with me, we need to see Dumbledore. I assume you know why. The forth student is already
waiting." The expression in her voice made it clear that there was no room to argue. The three quickly followed the Professor, who whispered the password to the Dragon statue guarding Dumbledore's office, and walked in. Professor Dumbledore and the forth student were waiting for them.
"Gretchen?" Hermione half-shouted. "Why are you in danger?" Dumbledore gazed at Gretchen, just as Harry did. She was peering down towards the floor as if she was ashamed.
"Please sit down," Dumbledore said. Hermione, Harry, and Ron sat quickly and looked at the headmaster. "Now, you three are each in considerable danger for Voldemort's attacks, and you each know why. Harry, we're pretty sure he'll come after you all things considered. Ron, Hermione, I don't think that Voldemort realizes you exist, but being Harry's two best friends, you are in danger as well." He turned to Gretchen.
"I have a feeling you don't wish to discuss your situation, but you are in danger just the same," he said.
"I wouldn't worry," she said in a voice barely above a whisper. "If he attacks me it probably won't be the same way as anyone else." Dumbledore nodded.
"I am well aware of that, but becareful just the same and come directly to me if...," he voice trailed of. "Well, you four are not allowed to leave the castle without the a professor. Harry, don't worry about Quiddich. The house leaders are seeing to those for every house, because we are rather worried about Voldemort. I know you three are very good friends of Hagrid, and there for you will be allowed to visit him twice a week
during this free period and the one on Thursday. Do you understand?" Everyone nodded.
"Good. Now, Gretchen, could you wait outside the door with Professor McGonagall? I'd like a word with you privately, but first I need to talk to these three." She nodded and walked out of the room. Dumbledore turned to the three of them. There was a few moments of silence.
"What is it professor?" Ron asked at last.
"I know that you are probably very curios as to why Gretchen's here....."
"No we're not," Ron interrupted. Harry and Hermione both shot him angry glances, but he didn't seem to notice. "She's the daughter of a death eater. Malfoy told us and then Gretchen explain on the train." Dumbledore smiled.
"Well, it seems you understand." But Harry could see he was lying, but his eyes lacked something, and Harry could almost here his say, you have no idea what you're talking about. Dumbledore seemed to notice that Harry knew. "Ron, Hermione, if you would please wait outside with Gretchen, I'd like to speak with Harry privately." They got up and let. Dumbledore looked at Harry.
"How have you been?" he asked. "Last year was truly traumatic, and I do hope you're doing all right."
"I suppose so," Harry said casually. "I've been having some weird dreams, but I expect that's normal considering.....any way, I'm fine."
Dumbledore smiled. "I'm happy to hear that. Hopefully, another incidentally like that will never happen again, but as you can see, that's not very likely." Dumbledore frowned. "Harry, I want you to be extra careful this year. I've asked our new Defense Against Dark Arts Teacher to give you and Gretchen extra lessons, considering you two are in the most danger."
"Why is she in danger any way? I can tell that there's more to it then she told us."
Dumbledore smiled again. "You are very observant, Harry, but I can not make dessions for her. To betray her trust would cause her to lose her confidence in this school as she has in most other things. Much like you, Harry, she's had a rough life for a girl so young, but she hasn't had friends to make it easier for her. Now, when she trusts you and she is ready, I'm sure she'll tell you exactly why Voldemort would attack her, but until then, I suggest that you simply let it be. Now, if you could step outside, I need to have a word with her." Harry nodded and left the room as Gretchen walked back in.
"Come now," Professor McGonagall said, "You three should head back to your common room."
"But shouldn't we wait for......,"
"No, Mr. Weasly, we shouldn't. Now, get going." The door that led to the hall way opened. Harry and his friends walked out as did Professor McGonagall.
"What did Dumbledore want to say to you?" Ron asked as soon as the Transfiguration teacher was out of sight.
"Nothing much. He just asked how my summer went and if I was feeling all right after what happened last year," Harry said. He decided to leave the part about Gretchen out, seeing as he really did want to have to tell them he was under orders to leave her alone. "He also said I was going to be having extra Defense Against Dark Arts lesson because I'm in the most danger."
"I wonder what he wanted with Gretchen," said Hermione. "I tried to ask her about it while we were waiting for you, but she kept insisting it was nothing important."
"Oh, he just probably wanted to tell her about the extra lessons. She's having them, too," Harry explained. "Dumbledore told me she's really worried about those kinds of things, though, so it would be best not to talk to her about it."
"All right," said Ron, but his ears were pink and Harry had a feeling that he was lying. Harry shot Ron a dirty look, but Ron didn't see.
"Well, come on know," said Hermione. "I don't want to be late for Charms!" And the three walked off towards Professor Flintwick's class. A question was nagging at the back of Harry's mind. Why is Gretchen in danger any way?