Disclaimer: The setting and characters, except Clairmont, belong to J.K. Rowling.
Author's Note: This portion of the prologue is going to have Clairmont's childhood and her years at Hogwarts as central points. Also, a five year old's speech is known to be a little off. Thanks to all of the people who have read the first chapter, you are all amazingly helpful!
Prologue: Part Deux
((Bellatrix Black, the day after leaving Clairmont at the orphanage…))
"Bellatrix where have you been!?"
Roldolphus's angry scowl was quite visible in the dim candlelight. His eyes were resting on the ragged form of his fiancée. Her chest was heaving and her brow was bloody. Her Death Eater robes were torn and parts of her body were visible, though no one could see the shape it was in. Her black eyes lingered on the door behind him. Voldemort had summoned her, so she was answering to him. It was really quite simple. But she had been missing for over six months; this was not going to be an easy night. That fool Roldolphus wasn't making things any easier either…
"That's between the Dark Lord and I. Now move out of my way."
The large man didn't move, in fact he took a defiant step forward towards Bellatrix. Her hand darted to her wand. She would wake up all of Little Hangleton if she needed to, but Voldemort wouldn't have liked that.
"I said move, the Dark Lord requests me presence. Surely you wouldn't deny him that?"
Her words were cold and nearly void of feeling. But her irritation shone through quite clearly. Roldolphus said nothing, his scowl never leaving his face. He wanted nothing more than to kill that woman; yet at the same time he wanted to kiss her. That was Bellatrix: So infuriating and yet so intoxicating. He nodded and moved aside so that the door to Voldemort's chambers was unguarded. Bellatrix then pushed past him and opened the door. Voldemort sat in his chair by the fire. A coy grin was plastered across his face.
"Ah, Bellatrix, so nice of you to join us."
Nagini the snake slithered up onto the back of his seat, her eyes never left the Black woman who stood in the doorframe.
"Don't linger there, my dear. Come in."
Bellatrix walked slowly to kneel in front of Lord Voldemort. Her hands were trembling; it was the Cruciatus for sure…
"Where have you been?"
The raven haired woman's eyes never left the floor. Her voice was shaky no matter how hard she tried to make it remain firm.
"I've been at Hogwarts, my lord."
Voldemort's grin turned to a sadistic smirk.
"Oh really? I heard that you had fled Hogwarts early this in the school year. Don't lie to me girl!"
He slapped her across the face to accent his last remark. Bellatrix was thrown to the floor but she didn't dare picking herself up just yet.
"It's true, my lord. I remained there as a spy!"
At this the man stopped short of drawing his wand and torturing the truth out of her.
"How did you do it, girl?"
Bellatrix now moved to sit up and wipe the blood from her lip. Nagini slithered down onto the floor and hissed at her.
"I stayed in the Room of Requirement."
Voldemort sat back in his comfy red chair and clapped slowly. The fire from the fireplace danced in his eyes. His amused grin returned to his pale face.
"Well done my faithful servant…What have you gathered for me?"
Bellatrix was now trapped. She honestly had neither spied nor thought she would live this long…Perhaps this was a poor choice of planning.
"I haven't gathered anything of use…Master."
Voldemort sneered at her from his seat. Bellatrix's frightful eyes were still trained on the floor.
"Of course you haven't. You're just a child. It's your boldness that I admire, my dear. First you attempted to slip by Dumbledore and then myself. Now you have returned with nothing to show for either conquest. If you were any other of my followers I'd have already killed you."
Bellatrix fought back the urge to sob, and for a brief moment desired to run. But it was just a moment; instead she looked directly into the eyes of the former Tom Riddle.
"That's a good girl. See? I knew you had the guts to look me in the eyes. That's more than I can say for most of my followers. This does not go unnoticed, nor unrewarded."
He leaned forward and lifted her trembling chin with his long spindly finger.
"You can keep your life."
((Clairmont Narcissa Black, Her fifth birthday…))
The "Happy Birthday" chorus filled the morning light of "The Little Wanderers" orphanage. The owner of the establishment, Miss Wiley, smiled down at the small child in her bed. The little girl stirred awake, her black eyes greeting the morning with intrigue.
"Happy Birthday Clairmont!"
Clairmont N. B. sat up in a flourish of her quilt. She giggled and smiled back at all of the bright faces that woke her. That was the day she turned five.
"Good morning everybuddy!"
Susan Wiley sat down on the little orphan's bed and grinned. Her hands were behind her back. Clairmont tried to take what the older woman had. But the little kid could barely move her.
"Say "please" Clairmont."
Clairmont's mouth twisted into an excited grin.
"Please!"
The sandy blonde then produced a little toy unicorn from behind her back and handed it to the little girl. Clairmont took it and hugged it tightly. Its little blue eyes twinkled in the light.
"Thank you Miss Wiley!"
The other five children stood grinning at the end of the youngest orphan's bed. Henry, Tabitha, Helena, Greg and Timmy made up the rest of the miss matched family. It was Tabitha that spoke first.
"Happy birthday Clair."
The five children watched the birthday girl and her gift in awe as the little unicorn whinnied and hopped out of Clairmont's arms and onto the bed. Its smooth white hair seemed to shimmer. Clairmont gasped and clapped her hands.
"Wow! It's just like a real unicorn!"
Susan sighed happily and slapped her hands on her ragged jeans. She got to her feet and winked softly.
"Come on downstairs little one. Your party won't wait, you know!"
Clairmont giggled wildly and jumped out of bed, her little fingers wrapped around the unicorn.
((Hours later, after the party…))
Clairmont sat in Helena's lap, holding her unicorn in her arms. Her hair was adorned with little flowers and her ebony eyes were trained on Tabitha. Tabitha's melodic voice drifted over the room like a fuzzy blanket.
"Yes, that's right! The wicked old woman was never heard of again!"
Helena mock-gasped for effect and tickled Clairmont spastically. The little girl giggled and screamed for help while the little unicorn hopped onto the floor and reared back.
"Oh, Helena! I don't think our little animal friend likes that!"
The little unicorn bucked and neighed until Helena let up on Clairmont, who was panting with tears streaming down her face.
"Thanks girl." Clairmont managed to choke out between fits of giggles.
The three girls then laughed loudly as the little animal curled up with Clairmont once more. Their laughter was cut short by their Caretaker's entrance to the little bedroom.
"What are you three doing?"
The three of them spoke in unison.
"Nothing."
Susan nodded and crossed her arms. She took a few steps forward and winked.
"Of course. Now you all come downstairs for supper."
The three girls got up and trotted down the stairs to the dining room. Henry and Timmy were setting the table while Greg was working to calm the orphanage's cat.
"Come on now, Riverback! No! Not the chair!"
The little white cat had now placed her claws into Susan's old reading chair. Poor Greg. Meanwhile, Clairmont had climbed into her own chair at the table. They were going to have chicken and macaroni in her honor that night. The Daily Prophet lay on the table next to the little witch. She eyed it with curiosity despite the fact that she couldn't read all of it. It was the picture that had caught her eye. It was of a deranged-looking woman with heavily lidded eyes and dark fizzy hair. She was standing in the Ministry of Magic's hearing room and practically snarling at the camera. Those eyes; they seemed so familiar. Clairmont's little hands drifted to the newspaper trying to read it. Its headline read:
"Bellatrix Lestrange Captured at Last!"
And the article read as follows:
"The famed female Death Eater has been captured at last as well as her husband and brother in law. Their crime? The torturing of the Longbottoms until they lost their minds. Their hearing…"
Tabitha had picked up the newspaper and tossed it onto a little table next to the stairs. Clairmont appeared agitated.
"Who was that mean lady on the front?" Clairmont asked quickly.
Tabitha went and looked at the Prophet before rolling her eyes and returning to sit with the birthday girl.
"Nobody that you need to worry about, Clair."
Clairmont was about to protest and demand the name of the scary woman but was suddenly distracted by the smell of roasted chicken. She only got to eat this once or twice a year. No frightening witch on the cover of some newspaper was going to stop her from enjoying that; even if she was her mother. Then again, the little birthday princess didn't know that.
(( Clairmont N. B., Six years and four days later…))
"Clairmont! Hurry up dear!"
Susan's voice was barely audible over the din of Diagon Alley. It was a busy day in the Wizarding World's shopping street. Wizards and witches of all ages hurried to the store that they required. Clairmont had stopped for a moment to tie her shoe, her thick black locked tumbled into her eyes. At hearing Susan's voice she leapt to her feet and hurried after the older women, Tabitha had come too. Susan shook her head softly as Clairmont hurried into Ollivander's after her.
"Ah, little Clairmont, I presume?"
Clairmont nodded sheepishly as the elderly man addressed her. His kind eyes lingered on her black ones. They seemed eerily familiar…But the old man made no reference to them.
"Let's get you a wand then!"
His booming voice momentarily started the eleven-year old girl. Ollivander then scurried off into the back of the shop to find a suitable wand. Susan shifted nervously from foot to foot. Clairmont was lucky to be the only one turning eleven this year. Last year Susan had to purchase Greg and Timmy wands…Which was quite an expense. Tabitha, who was already a third year at Hogwarts held onto Clairmont's hand.
"Don't be so nervous! You'll find a wand."
Tabitha's mist grey eyes met Clairmont's worried ones.
"But what if no wand wants me?"
Tabitha chuckled softly and stroked the younger girl's frizzy hair. Just as she was about to reassure the first-year again Ollivander appeared once more with a little box. He handed it to young Clairmont, who took it gingerly. She opened the box and examined the little white wand closely.
"It's 10 inches, yew with a dragon heartstring core. Now just wave it. You'll know if it's the right one for you."
Clairmont took it in her left hand and waved it. She yelped as a little bottle on the shelf nearby exploded. Ollivander sighed and took the wand softly.
"Don't worry about it. It happens all of the time. Perhaps a softer core…"
He walked off into the back once more as Susan shot Clairmont a calming look. Tabitha rested her hands on Clairmont's trembling shoulders. Her breath was ragged, she was so nervous…
"Don't worry so much, Clair. He'll find you one."
The ritual of Clairmont taking a wand, waving it, and finding a problem went on for about an hour. Just as the elderly man was walking away with a Birch wand he paused. A look of fascination and wonder crossed his eyes.
"Perhaps I have it…"
A few minutes later the aged wandmaker walked out into the shop. The little box in his hands was beautifully lacquered and wooden, unlike the other boxes. It was a shimmering black color.
"Try this one. Twelve inches, Walnut with a unicorn's tail core…"
Clairmont took the box in her hands as Susan watched on with a worried glance. That one looked very expensive. Tabitha just watched with piqued interest. Clairmont opened the little box tenderly, as if it were going to break if she was too rough with it. Inside was a dark colored wand with a carved handle. The handle was carved like a unicorn's horn, twisted and beautiful. Clairmont then held it firmly in her left hand. Winds whipped around her; this was it. She waved it and the bottle that had exploded reformed itself and set itself back on the table. Ollivander clapped his hands together.
"Well! I think we have a perfect match. That's some strong magic that you just preformed without a proper incantation, my dear. Great things will come of this one."
Susan looked relieved and Tabitha looked thrilled. It was Clairmont who looked confused and almost afraid. That wand…It was kind of foreboding. As if, it were not meant for her. That wand was meant for some great witch or wizard who knew all about spells and charms, not some little orphan. As the little girl mulled over her new companion Susan took it from her and placed it back into the pretty box. She then placed it into her purse and smiled.
"Come on now, we need to get your school books."
Clairmont nodded and smiled for the first time at Ollivander.
"Thank you very much sir. Have nice day."
The old shopkeeper nodded and waved as they left. The three ladies then made stops in "Flourish and Blotts", "Madam Malkin's", and Gringotts before finally stopping in Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. Without a penny to her name, that she knew of, Clairmont felt a little guilty as she licked the Strawberry cone. The bags of books and robes sat next to her with Susan on the other side.
"What's wrong Clairmont?"Susan tucked a loose black lock behind the little girl's ear as she spoke.
"You've done so much for me. I…I don't know how to thank you."
Clairmont looked up into her surrogate mother's green eyes as she sniffled, fighting back guilty tears.
"You are my payment, Clairmont; your laughter and your smile. Now you're going off to school! Now eat your treat, we mustn't tell the boys when we get home!"
Waiting for them in the cozy little house were Greg and Timmy. Henry had turned seventeen two years ago and last year two muggles had adopted Helena. Helena was either a muggle herself or a squib… Clairmont put those thoughts out of her mind and continued eating her ice-cream. Tabitha grinned at her own new purchases; a few new robes, in the Hufflepuff colors, and a brand new quill. Her new books were in the same bag as Clairmont's and they were quite uninteresting.
"Tabby, what house do you think I'll be in?"The little first-year asked excitedly.
The older girl thought for a moment and grinned.
"I'm thinking Ravenclaw for sure. Your nose is always in one book or another!"
Susan nodded and smirked.
"Or maybe you'll be in Slytherin, like I was."
Clairmont gasped, Susan had been in Slytherin!? The little girl thought that all of the Slytherins were mean and evil.
"But you're not a Death Eater!"
Susan laughed and hugged Clairmont, who almost dropped her cone.
"Not all Slytherins are bad people."
"Oh alright."
(( Clairmont N. B., The Sorting Hat…))
As Clairmont rode in the little boat up to Hogwarts castle memories of Susan's tearful adieu swirled in her head. She had been told to make her proud. Clairmont knitted her brows together, that was exactly as she planned to do. The little girl sat in the front of the boat, her dark hair whipped around her and her hand slipped into the pocket of her robes. Her fingers grasped her wand. She pulled it out and ran her fingers over the cool wood. It gave her some sort of odd comfort…
"All righ' we're here!"
Hagrid's booming voice snapped the raven haired girl from her idle thoughts. The gigantic man then began helping the shivering children onto the shoreline. They were led into the little room behind the Great Hall. Clairmont, who was relatively close to the front of the line, looked back. There were probably forty or fifty other trembling first-years in the little hall. Oh, why did she have to be in the front? As she began to panic a sweet but stern looking elderly woman with red and grey hair clapped her hands at the beginning of the line. When had she even gotten there?
"My name is Professor McGonagall. Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Just through this door is the Great Hall. I will call your names in alphabetical order and one by one you will enter the Great Hall and be sorted. The Sorting Hat, which has been sorting wizards and witches since this school's founding will be placed upon your head and you will sit at your respective table."
The elderly woman then explained which houses were available, house points, as well as some basic rules. She then finished with another welcome before opening the door and entering the Great Hall herself. Clairmont watched in horror as she spotted a few tables with lots and lots of older students. Why did everyone have to be watching her while she was put at the mercy of some batty old hat? Her fingers slipped into the pocket of her robes where she held onto her wand. A wave of calm and comfort immediately overcame her. Her pinky lingered on the handle as she watched the four other students walk inside one by one. When it was her turn she became very tense suddenly. She didn't realize that her name was going to be read out-loud. It just hadn't registered in her racing mind.
"Clairmont N. B."
She had no real middle or last name…just initials. The world seemed to just stop after the name left Professor McGonagall's mouth. The kids behind her snickered and the entire Great Hall erupted in jeers. Or at least, that was what Clairmont had expected. Instead the kindly Gryffindor Head gestured for her to walk in. She complied with utmost confusion. The Great Hall is exactly that, great. It's immense ceiling with dark clouds and its giant windows. Clairmont's eyes darted about in the room resting on the teachers table and then the hat. The deep crevices in the stonework…and the deep cracks in the foundation. One could get lost in architecture like that, but sadly there was little time for sight-seeing at the moment. She walked shakily to the little stool and sat down. Minerva McGonagall placed the hat on her head and it suddenly jumped to life. The hat chuckled as it sat atop the raven haired witch.
"Riddle…And Black…Interesting…My dear child what did you first notice when you walked into this hall?"
Clairmont was completely and utterly confused. Riddle? Black? What did that mean? What was going on?
"I…I noticed the room's vastness…and how I would love to sit and look at it."
The hat chuckled once more and moved from left to right in pondering.
"Perhaps the apple does land far from the tree…RAVENCLAW!"
The sound of applause was overpowering and Clairmont gaped at the table that now cheered for her. They were cheering for her…Wow. She hopped off of the stool and scuttled down to a seat that was made empty for her by a fellow Ravenclaw. She was shaking with joy and pride for her new house. Her hands rested on her wand. Maybe this wasn't going to be too scary after all…
((Clairmont N. B., her third year at Hogwarts just before Transfiguration…))
Clairmont hurried down the halls towards Professor McGonagall's classroom. Perhaps taking an extra five minutes to ask Professor Sprout about those Jingle Bulbs was a mistake. Clairmont was rarely late to class…But that was only due to her strong dislike of being reprimanded. Her black boots clicked wildly against the stone floor and she nearly knocked over a first year in her frenzied dash.
"Hey, watch where you're going!" The first-year snapped.
Clairmont narrowed her eyes and spat right back.
"Respect your elders!"
Though she was upset she hurried past him and made her way to her class. Kids these days…
"Miss Clairmont, how nice of you to join us."
Minerva stood at the front of the room watching the young Ravenclaw with cat-like eyes. Her lips were pursed into a thin line and her wand was in her hand. Clairmont smiled nervously, tucked her wild hair behind her ear and took her seat next to Cedric Diggory. Professor McGonagall then sighed and began what she was saying once more.
"As I was saying; today we will be working to transfigure our quills into cats. I know that this may seem difficult but we need something to work towards do we not? Let's begin…"
Clairmont took her wand from inside her robes and gripped it tightly in her left hand. Her little black quill stared up at her from its place on the desk.
"Aeriartias." She said lazily.
She honestly didn't expect anything to happen but just as she spoken the word a sleek black cat sat before her, looking at her with glassy green eyes. Cedric gasped and yelled quickly before he realized what he was saying.
"Professor!"
Clairmont blushed and tired to silence her classmate before anyone noticed. Of course, everyone noticed…
"Miss Clairmont that is quite a feat of magical prowess; well done my dear!"
She giggled nervously and nodded her head.
"Thank you Professor."
((Cedric Diggory, a year and two months later…))
Clairmont walked into the Great Hall for dinner. Her radiant smile flashed at Cedric from across the room. Wow, she was really beautiful. Her shiny "Prefects" badge glowed in the candlelight as she took a seat next to Cho Chang, a fellow Ravenclaw. The two dark haired girls began chatting as they waited for food to appear on their plates. They were both really amazing women. Cedric was knocked in the head by one of his housemates.
"Cedric, don't be so obvious man!"
Zacharias Smith laughed haughtily as Cedric blushed to a deep shade of pink. It appeared his ogling had been more noticeable than he intended.
"Was I that bad?"
Zach snorted and clapped Cedric on the back.
"We're going to have to get you two together!"
He blushed even pinker and his eyes widened. Him speak to Clairmont? It was a scary thought…She was so well spoken and gorgeous. He was just a lame Hufflepuff…He nodded dismissively and began chewing on the piece of chicken that had just appeared.
"Sure Zach…Whatever."
((The next day…))
Cedric was studying in the library a few hours into midday. Saturdays were the best, weren't they? As he poured over a book called "Charms are not Challenges" a sweet voice penetrated his thoughts.
"Do you need some help?"
"No, I'm fine…"
He glanced up and gasped audibly before he could stop himself.
"Clairmont!?"
She blinked at him, a little shocked. Her arms were filled with six or seven books and her face was barely visible. She searched for who had spoken her voice before taking a wrong step backwards and tripping onto the table.
"Cedric!"
Her books were now splayed all about the table as was she. In fact, her figure could be located directly beneath Cedric's face. She yelped in surprise and fear. Cedric did the same and soon the two of them were lying in a heap on the floor in a rather compromising position. The Librarian, Mrs. Pince swooped around the corner once more and scolded the two of them. After a few minutes of scolding, excessive apologies and gathering books Clairmont and Cedric left the stuffy library and headed for the grounds. When they reached the outdoors neither person had spoken yet, both were much too embarrassed.
"I-I'm sorry for falling on you."
Clairmont said quietly.Cedric blushed just as dark as she was and gestured for her to sit next to him under the tree they had walked to.
"Don't be…It was an accident."
The raven haired witch nodded and sat, hugging her knees tightly to her ever growing chest. She sighed and looked into the day.
"What's your last name again Cedric?"
The boy blinked a few times, confused, before mustering speech.
"Diggory...Why do you ask?"
Clairmont shrugged and continued rocking on her haunches.
"I was only wondering…"
That was right…Clairmont only had initials, not an actual last name. Cedric had almost forgotten. Clairmont's black eyes had turned a bit misty. Cedric put his hand on her shoulder. "What's the matter Clair?"She sniffled and let go of her legs, using one hand to wipe her eye.
"I was only wondering…Oh look at me; crying like a child. I hope those stupid Griffindors come around now! Look at the little freak with no name now!"
Clairmont's eyes were wide, her mouth had acted of its own accord…Cedric sighed and moved her hair out of her face tenderly. He had known that many of the other students picked on her because she was an orphan, but he hadn't known just how much it hurt her. She fought back tears and with one sweeping movement wrapped her arms around Cedric's strong neck. He was shocked, but he held her tightly.
"Thank you Cedric…"
And that's how it happened…From that point on the two of them were very close. Always studying together or laughing by the lake. It was the picture of love, love and complete adoration. But Cedric found Clairmont so frustrating some of the time. The way she tempted him with those luscious hips but never let him hold them; or the way she sang so beautifully but never let him taste those lips. Women! But Cedric was loyal and loved her all the same. She returned his love, but in a different way. She only saw him as an insightful friend, not a soul mate…
((Clairmont N. B., her fifth year…))
Clairmont was sprawled out onto her bed, gazing into the night sky silently. She sighed and took another look at Tabitha's letter. It was so odd not seeing her around anymore. She had gone back to help Susan with the new arrivals and planned on staying there; after all her parents were dead. They had been killed in a horrible incident involving a werewolf years ago…Clairmont had never really liked werewolves anyway. The dark haired girl took another look at the letter. She was honestly glad that everyone was alright. But Clairmont had made a promise to herself long ago that when she got out of school she would find her parents. She had to…Feeling a moment of weakness the Ravenclaw crawled to the end of her bed and opened her trunk. Inside were more robes, some magazines, plenty of books, an old stuffed unicorn and a small piece of parchment. She took the little animal and the parchment and curled up next to her pillow.
The parchment read: "Please take care of my little darling. Her name is Clairmont N. B. I, her mother, entrust her to you to teach her how to act and how to live. Make sure she does me proud as a powerful witch one day. I love her and I will never forget her…Sincerely,B.B."
Clairmont read the note over and over again.
"B.B."
…What could it possibly stand for? Clearly it was a name but there were many names that started with the letter "B". Why hadn't her mother given her more clues? Why had her mother left her in the first place? Clairmont sighed and hugged the little toy closely. She hardened her eyes and looked out into the night in the window next to her bed.
"I'll find you…I'll find you one day mum. I promise…"
((Remus Lupin, The next day…))
Lupin glanced around the room at all of his new fifth year students. He smiled broadly and nodded eagerly as they sat down.
"Welcome everyone to your Defense Against the Dark Arts class! I am Professor Lupin."
He gestured to his name on the chalk board with his wand. He then grinned as he looked into the seats. This was going to be a good year…But then one little face caught his eye. No…it couldn't be. Those eyes were the same and her hair was nearly identical. But her smile, that was where this girl was different. Her lips were not twisted into that famous sadistic grin and this child's face held no "fanatical glow". But as Lupin continued shooting the girl glances over the next few minutes he could've sworn that he was looking into the eyes of Bellatrix Lestrange. But surely there was no relation…
((A few classes later…))
Lupin paced back and forth in his classroom. It was, for the most part, clears of its desks all that remained was a large armoire in the front of the room. As students filed in they gasped in astonishment over the lack of furniture. Clairmont and Cedric walked in together, giggling about something from breakfast.
"Alright class settle down. Today's lesson is going to be about a boggart. Can anyone tell me what a boggart is?"
Clairmont raised her hand proudly when no one else could. Lupin nodded to the young witch briskly.
"A boggart is a creature known for its love of dark places. Though its true form is unknown it often takes the form of the beholder's worst fear."
Lupin clapped his hands together and nodded.
"Very good, Miss Clairmont. Today we will be not only learning about boggarts, but also facing one!"
He gave a grand gesture to the armoire, a few students whispered to each other.
"Behind me in this armoire is a boggart. As Clairmont has already said these creatures prefer dark and enclosed spaces. This armoire that used to be sitting in the teacher's lounge was a perfect spot. Now, who wants to go first?"
No one moved forward to accept the challenge…
"How about…Clairmont. Yes, you, my dear. Since you know all about boggarts this should be easy, no? Do you know the spell to be rid of the foul things?"
Clairmont watched wide-eyed as she walked a few steps forward. She nodded, fear gripping her roughly.
"R-Riddikulus…"
Lupin grinned and approached the boggart's hiding place. He nodded at Clairmont reassuringly as he threw open the doors and out came the creature. At spotting Lupin first the boggart took the form of a white and round orb. Lupin chuckled and flicked his wand.
"Riddikulus. Now you try Clairmont!"
The boggart, in its rounded form hovered over to Clairmont and transformed into a woman. This woman looked just like Clairmont only older, with a care-worn face. Clairmont's eyes watched carefully as the woman reached out to touch her face.
"Mother?"
As she spoke the woman dropped to the floor, dead. Clairmont couldn't help it; it was all too much for her. She screamed and dropped to her knees, sobbing.
"No!"
Tears blinded her from doing much else and Cedric hurried over to her. The loyal Hufflepuff whipped out his wand and shouted, "Riddikulus!"The boggart transformed into a little white orb again as Lupin rounded on it. The teacher then forced the creature back into the wardrobe.
"Are you alright Clair?"
Cedric asked with concern laced within his breath.She nodded, shaking. The image of her mother being dead was too much for her to bear. All of these years it had given her hope. This "mother" that saw her to bed every night was surely alive somewhere…
"Are you alright Clairmont?"
Lupin's concerned face interrupted her thoughts. She nodded to him as well and stood silently. Then, with her head down she retreated into the hallway. Lupin made no move to stop her or Cedric, when he followed after her.
"Surely there was no relation…"
((Cedric Diggory, The Yule Ball…))
Now that Cedric had become a house champion the time he spent with Clairmont became less and less. When the time had come to choose a date for the Yule Ball he had wanted to ask Clairmont first. But, before he could Zacharius had told him that everything was already taken care of. Cedric had responded with narrowed eyes and a suspicious nod but allowed Zach to have his way all the same. The night of the Yule Ball was upon them. Cedric paced in front of the stone steps that led to the Great Hall. Where was she? Clairmont was never late…
"Cedric?"
The light haired boy's head jerked upwards.
"Cho?"
Cho Chang continued up the stairs and onto the same landing as Cedric. She grinned and linked her arm in his. She then leaned into him and kissed him on the lips with perfect boldness. When she pulled away a few seconds later she spoke in a chipper manner.
"Let's go then."
Cedric was confused. He looked at Cho and then looked at the steps that she had come from. This wasn't right…Then he saw her. Clairmont stood on the opposite staircase in her gorgeous black gown. She looked so beautiful with her hair up in a messy side-part and her eyes coated in eyeliner; but now that eyeliner was a little smeared from the sudden tears.
"Clairmont I can explain…I-"
She just shook her head and turned, stamping off in the direction of Ravenclaw tower. Cedric moved to run after her but Cho held him back. A satisfied grin played at her lips.
"Come on Cedric. The ball awaits."
He didn't run after Clairmont after that. She had never really returned his affections anyway. He was "just a friend"…Even if she had dressed up…He was still just a friend…maybe this was for the best…thanks Zach.
(( Clairmont N. B., only seconds later…))
Clairmont wept openly as she ran down the hall to Ravenclaw tower. A few students spotted her but most of them only chuckled or made a snide remark. Clairmont ran and ran and ran until her feet led her to the door of her common room. The eagle's head greeted her with its usual question.
"What is love?"
Rather than answer with her usual answer which was either "complete and utter devotion" or "The desire to give yourself as a whole" she spat at the little bronze eagle,
"A lie! A trick of the mind that makes you think that you want to give everything you are to someone!"
The eagle's voice held a little shred of contempt.
"Bitterness is most unbecoming."
The door swung open and Clairmont stomped inside. She was expecting to be alone in the room due to the Yule Ball's popularity and was rather shocked when she saw Luna Lovegood sitting in front of the statue of their house's founder. The little blonde third-year looked up at Clairmont with inquisitive eyes.
"Hello Clairmont. Would you like to sit down?"
Despite herself she sat. Luna turned to her and removed a blue and bronze handkerchief from her robe pocket. She handed it to her elder tenderly and remained silent, waiting for the dark haired witch to speak. Clairmont took the peace offering and wiped her eyeliner streaks off of her cheeks.
"I'm sorry about the handkerchief…Now it's all dirty."
Luna chuckled and tilted her head to the side.
"Would I have given it to you if you didn't clearly need it?"
Clairmont was silent for a moment before sighing and wiping her eyes again.
"I was wrong about Cedric…I thought he was going to ask me. When he didn't I thought he was going to surprise me!"
"Did he?"
Luna asked with her soft and melodic voice.
"Oh yes…He surprised me alright. He took Cho Chang instead! They were kissing! I'm such a foolish woman! I thought he loved me! I thought he-"
"What makes you think he doesn't?"
Clairmont just stared at the younger girl. There was so much wisdom in her eyes…
"I-I…Maybe he does…"
Luna nodded and stood from where she had just been sitting. Then in a swirl of robes she was gone, up to her bed to read. Clairmont just sat there for at least an hour. She had never really returned his affections…Maybe this was for the best. He looked happy with Cho anyway. It was selfish of her to think that a guy like that would stick around forever. Of course he wouldn't, he was popular and nice and amazing…She was just a silly little orphan. She didn't matter, didn't matter at all… That was the last time that they had really seen each other before Cedric's death. Clairmont had convinced herself that he was happy and that she was just a selfish little orphan dragging others down with her. In the days after his death she was greatly shocked, crying in her sleep and taking prolonged walks alone. Perhaps this was the beginning of insanity…But this time there were no strong and loyal arms to bring her back down to earth…
Author's note: Well there you have it! Like mother like daughter I always say! Lol. She's still sane though Cedric's death was a deep blow…Poor thing. She needs a hug! Give poor Clairmont a hug! Also, I have NO idea why this is on bold...It's so weird...Ugh. Annoying, but I wanted to keep the little addition I made at the end.
