Cages and Chains
Miki raised her hand to cover her eyes from the green light and heat of the flames. The minister dragged her past the groups of people filing through the flames around them. Fudge parted the crowd, sending random greetings to people around him. Miki was sent fugitive glances from random people. Fudge pulled her to a desk that held a grumpy old man, the man's eyes lifted up to look at the minister silently.
"Minister of Magic." The man pulled out papers from below the desk and handed them over. Fudge signed them quickly then grabbed more paperwork and wrote down instructions for the court holding tomorrow at noon. He signed for a holding cell for Miki and two Aurors appeared to take her by her arms and they pulled her down the halls. People turned to watch in confusion, ideas of gossip already forming in their minds.
Miki stared out from the bars, her sullen eyes looking across to the wall. She spent the night in a small room much like a backpackers hotel room, without a nurse. Her shoulder was itching slightly and her chest and muscles were still constricting painfully as the venom flowed through her, an Auror came by with some food and informer her she will be escorted soon. Miki thanked the man shyly then turned to the plate. Her eyes hungry, she hadn't been given food yet. She walked over and paused, why wait to bring her food right before the court?
Miki sniffed the soup and winced at the bitter smell. It smelt like KFC alcohol wipes, the soup was dosed with so many sedates or potions and they hadn't even tried to hide it. Miki glared at the food and swore at the minister in her mind. 'Bastard, I'm not a beast!' she grabbed the soup, lifted a spoon and dipped it into the soup to make it look like she used the spoon. Then she lifted the moth eaten mattress and poured more than half of the liquid underneath. She rubbed the rim on the bottom of the blanket to hide the fact she had poured the liquid. She then sniffed the bread, it was stale but wasn't contaminated with anything.
She took a small bite to taste it, it was all fine. Miki filled her mouth with the tough food and swallowed it down, almost unchewed. She sighed in relief as the bread sat in her stomach like a weight, giving her some unfulfilling feeling in her stomach.
A minute later, the Auror came back with a companion. The two pulled Miki from her position from the ground, she let her body flop slightly, making her seem heavily drugged. They wrapped their arms under hers causing her to hunch slightly, they dragged her heavily booted toes through the dark hallways, cells lined the right wall. Miki was pulled into a round room that had a chained chair in the centre. People in long robes sat on raised benches around it, the minister stood behind a high raised platform like the Muggle high courts.
Miki was pushed into the chair, the chains magically wrapped around her ankles and wrists. "We call this court today to assess Artimis Cross Knight, fresh werewolf, Orphan and Young Witch." Fudge's voice droned in a stony voice, the robed people whispered to their neighbours before silencing. "Come forth Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Defender of Artimis Cross Knight. State your contradiction."
Dumbledore stood up and walked forward, his long green robes sparkled with the small beads that flecked over the silk in a random twirling pattern. "Thank you Minister. I come before the council to defend Artimis Cross Knight, I contradict against any mistreatment and insert a request for the council to allow me to take the girl under my care and permit her access to Hogwarts: School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." The council whispered, a woman with a pink bow in her hair raised her hand.
"Minister, permission to speak." Fudge nodded his head and the woman that Miki recognised as Umbridge, stood up and looked down at Dumbledore. "You ask the council to allow this… Beast… into your school? I hope you understand that my law we put forward does not allow werewolves to be employed or educated. I would like to understand that if we DID let her into your school, how would you plan to control her?"
Dumbledore placed his hands behind his back and looked up at the sour faced woman with a calm aura. "I believe the law you had out forward Madam Umbridge was only for employment not schooling, and for control you are well aware of Severus Snape, who is the Potion's master at my school. He can create a Wolfbane potion every Month for her. She will stay in a staff member's office or a set room when it comes to the full moon." Miki let her head drop to her chest as she listened, acting like she was going to sleep.
"But if the potion doesn't work?" The woman disputed, her voice grated on Miki's ears.
"If everything comes to it then I give permission to all my staff members to sedate her in any way they possibly can." Miki winced in her head at the thought of a Professor casting a strong spell in her face. Umbridge looked morose, her eyes insane.
"Yes, but I don't find Snape very trust worthy. After all, he is a Death Eater."
"Was a Death Eater, Madam. He has been proven to be on our side, and that court is far behind us all. We are talking about Miss Artimis Knight, not Severus." Dumbledore tilted his head down to look over his glasses at the woman, his eyes lost its twinkle and instead held a power held just behind the blue orbs, twisting like a ribbon in a storm. Umbridge opened her mouth to retort, but Fudge cut in with a curt warning and agreement with Dumbledore. The cat fanatic sat down, her eyes looked at Miki with disgust.
"All in the court, shall peace be held and order be itemized. Speak now or forever hold your tongue."
No one stood up or raised their hands, everyone had their eyes on Miki and Dumbledore. After hours of talking and explaining Dumbledore let Fudge finish the court, "Then shall the court hold their own council and vote on the actions that must be placed upon the condemned." The council whispered to each other, Dumbledore paced in front of Miki, she was on the verge of panicking. "The council has decided their desire upon the Werewolf."
Parchment flew over to Fudge and a man behind him counted the votes and wrote the answer on another parchment in front of the Minister. "With little difference in the Voting Tally, the council command that Artimis Cross Knight will be added to the registry as a Werewolf, and be allowed access to Hogwarts: School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Miki felt her body relax, a sigh on the tip of her tongue. Dumbledore unfolded his hands from behind his back and bowed to the council. "Thank you." The chains dropped to the ground as the two Aurors returned and heaved Miki from the chair and dragged her through a door under the platform where Fudge stood. Dumbledore followed closely, his presence soothed Miki's nerves.
"We stand witness to Artimis Cross Knight being registered as a Werewolf and student to Hogwarts. Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, you will be the witness and her temporary guardian to sign for her independence." Miki watched silently as Dumbledore signed his full name onto a long parchment then was followed by the Minister's and all the council members who voted for Miki to go forth. It was no surprise that Umbridge and Lucius were two of the few who weren't in the room.
"Artimis Cross Knight, is now an independent Werewolf and student of Hogwarts."
The Golden Trio
Dumbledore held Miki up right after he Apparated them into the leaky Caldron with surprizing strength, the second they were out of the council she stopped faking her drugged state much to the amusement of Dumbledore. Amie was sitting at one of the tables with a group of red heads, a young brunette girl and a black haired boy. The instant she saw Miki she nearly leapt over the table to tackle hug her. "You're alright, I was worried. Have you eaten, you look sick…"
"Really? I thought you would rejoice. YAY, Queen Bitch is going to Bitchy Land!" Miki grinned at her friends face then walked over to Arthur Weasley. "Hello Mr…um… Arthur?" Miki smiled shyly at the older man as he gave her a quick hug.
"I heard about what happened. I am glad you got out alright." He pat her shoulder and apologized as she winced. A short, plump woman came up and gave her random kisses on the cheeks. "I'm Molly Weasley, it is a PLEASURE to meet you my girl! Arthur and Mythal have been worried sick about you… Ah Headmaster!" Molly walked over to Dumbledore and went into a deep conversation about a cooking recipe of some sort.
Miki was introduced to the Weasley family, then joined Amie, Hermione, Ron and Harry on a separate table. "So your Artimis then? Dad has been worried about you all night!" Ron exclaimed loudly, getting a harsh scold from Hermione. Harry shook his head with a light smile on his face, his green eyes looked up into Miki's blue ones. "I'm glad you are alright." Miki smiled nervously, her eyes sparkled slightly. "Thank you for your kindness. I was fine, really." She nervously rubbed her hand over the ring on her left middle finger. The blue gem sat between a shape that made it look like an eye, Ron was staring at it with suspicious looks for some odd reason.
"So I heard it is a week before your school starts. What's Hogwarts like?" Miki knew what Hogwarts was like, but she wanted to hear it from them.
"Well, the boys get into trouble a lot, they drag me into it all as well." Hermione went on about school work and their first two years. Miki listened with great fascination, adding small comments here and there and a joke when she found it necessary. Quickly she felt at ease around the trio and slowly turned into her chatty joking self.
"My, My. That Professor Snape sound scary! I imagine lots of trouble from him in the future for Mythal or myself… No wait, just me." Miki laughed as she flicked her fingers over the back of the chair that she slouched on, a knee drawn over the other in a relaxed position. Amie turned her head as Arthur headed their way. "Time for bed kids. Harry can I speak with you for a second?" Harry followed Arthur into an empty corner while the others walked up the stairs while talking about a trip to Egypt or to LA. Miki followed Amie into room 2, just next door from Harry's room.
She fell onto the spare bed and sighed. "Soft bed, so soft." She made a purring sound and rolled around as Dumbledore entered the room. His eyes twinkled with humour as he looked at the embarrassed girl.
"I wish to speak about the change. Where you will stay during that time, may I speak with you alone?" Miki nodded and followed him into the bathroom where he cast a silencing spell to keep eavesdroppers (Fred and George namely) from overhearing. Miki settled on the edge of the bench and waited for Dumbledore to speak. "I said you will stay in an office when you are on your change moments, there are two you will be placed into. Severus Snape's, and the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Remus Lupin." Miki perked up, Remus Lupin, werewolf and teacher. Also one of her favourite characters from the books. "I choose Severus and Remus because both have experience and understanding on controlling a fresh Werewolf, Remus will help you in any way possible. And you can trust Severus with anything."
"Yes sir…" Dumbledore nodded his head and gave her a gentle smile.
"I'm sure you will do well at Hogwarts. Study and you will catch up on years you are missing, and I'm sure Ms Granger will help as well."
"Thank you sir, for everything. You didn't have to, but you did it all anyway." Miki smiled at him and followed him from the small cubicle, Amie looked over from her position on a broken down chair. "Good night ladies." Both girls echoed good night and turned to each other when the door closed with a click.
"Artimis? Mythal? Knight? Parents died in a fire?"
"First thing that came to mind!" Miki leapt onto Amie's bed and bounced on the spot before landing on her ass with a FOMP noise.
"But why the names?" Amie turned to Miki, her eyes questioning.
"I reckon they are cooler than our real ones, and should be our new names. We are in a new world, a new life. New names should come with it until we work out why we are here and if we can get back home. Oh how profound…" Amie snorted at her friend's childish face as she leaned back off the edge of the bed. "So then Artimis what now?"
"We go to Hogwarts and see how it all goes." Miki, now Artimis, smiled as she pulled off her runners and jeans then got under the brown covers of the bed… after searching for lice. "Good Night Mythal."
"Good Night, Artimis… wait, my old name started with A and now it's an M and the other way around for you…"
"… How did that happen I wonder…"
Banks, Songs and Wands
Morning came with a bounce on the bed and a list of cusses from Mythal. Artimis threw pillows at her friend with a quick frenzy after quickly hiding her nightmare about her family from her face with a grin. "Come on Myth! Hermione says she will take us out to Diagon Alley! Come on, quick quick quick just Step on the Gas cause you don't wanna miss this, I got a feeling…Blarg!"Mythal threw a pillow back into Artimis' face before she could finish singing the line causing the older girl to fall backwards of the bed.
Artimis ran to the door as Hermione knocked with a timid light rap, holding her nose, the girls oval brown eyes looked into Artimis'. Her lips broke into a small smile, showing the tips of her front bucked teeth. "There's four days until school starts. Mrs Weasley is going to take you to Diagon Alley, you have been sent Hogwarts letters and the Headmaster himself saw to your schoolbooks. All there is left is clothes for your time here, I will come with you too."
Mythal and Artimis threw on their clothes from the days before after a house elf came and scourgify all the dirt from the threads. Artimis looked down at Molly in surprise, realising for the first time how short the woman was. She was definitely below her own 5.2 feet, and yes Artimis is a short arse. Artimis followed Mrs Weasley with Hermione, Mythal and Ginny Weasley.
The girls all needed new clothes. Molly Weasley was talking to Artimis, her blue eyes twinkling with a motherly love. "Headmaster Dumbledore has allowed you access to a large amount of coin. He opened up a bank for you and placed money from his own personal bank into yours. Follow Arthur and he will get you to draw some out."
Artimis nodded with slight shock and thanked Molly then followed Arthur to Gringgotts in the centre of Diagon Alley, Mythal went off with Molly to look at the Tailors.
Pockets full of Galleons and Knuts, Artimis left Arthur to find the others in the clothing area. She was instantly dragged over to try on dresses and robes that Molly was picking out. "How about this one my dear? It draws out the blue of your eyes." Artimis looked at the long blue dress and shrugged. "It would be nice to wear whilst lazing around I guess." She brought it with a few Knuts and at the same time got two other dresses for herself that she was drawn to and a pair of Witch made jeans and a couple of white blouses like the one she currently wore. She watched Molly magic away a lavender dress then the two pairs of jeans and blouses. "My dear, anything else?"
"Pyjamas…" Mythal let Molly deal with the clothes she got herself, Molly smiled kindly and pointed to another part of the store. "Over there darling. I will stay here and help the girls." Mythal and Artimis walked calmly over to the aisle and sorted through varies clothes. Artimis decided just to grab a pair of thick black trackies for winter and a very long red and black nighty with a dressing gown to match. Molly raised an eyebrow at the collection but didn't comment when she sent them away, Mythal's choice though got a lecture that a girl can't sleep in just trackies pants and a jumper for every season. So she ended up buying a purple Tank top. The same kind of fashion I had back at home for summer pyjamas, but come on the nighty is black and red!
The two 'Knights' escaped Molly after a while and rushed to the Animal store to browse the Owls and Cats. Artimis perused the front of the store as Mythal questioned the owner on the price of a ginger cat. The price was too much for their current coins on hand so the girls left and crashed into Arthur. "Ah, I have been searching for you, I need to take you for wands." The girls meekly followed him to Olivander's and walked into the store behind him. The old man behind the counter looked up and raised an eyebrow.
"Evening Olivander, these two young ladies need wands. They are a little late in getting one." Olivander nodded and muttered a string of words as he took measurements of the twos 'Wand' hands. Both were right handed, Olivander put away his magical tape measure and walked down the wand aisle. He came back with two wands, Artimis first gave a wave and a vase smashed somewhere in the background.
"Nope." He let Mythal try both wands, both failed so he pulled out a chest from below his desk, he grabbed one of the wands and let Mythal try it but it shattered something else down his wand hall, the second one let off light red and green sparks. Artimis felt in awe at the beautiful vines that twisted around the handle, reminding her of Hermione's wand design, only carved.
"There we are. 9 and a half inches, Flexible Rosewood and Hair of a Unicorn core. Great with healing, Charms and defensive magic, it will be fast to learn with." Mythal paid the requested 7 galleons with a pleased face at her wand, though a little frustrated at the wood type and how to matched her middle name and waited as Olivander searched for a wand that was compatible to Artimis. He gave her the other wand in the box and it didn't work.
"No? Well let's try… hows this?" He pulled out the last of the box, a lovely golden brown one. Artimis was sure it would be that one, but no. "Not those then…" He lifted another box and opened it to show a beautiful pure white wand with a strangely sweet scent and faint wood ripples. Artimis took it carefully from Olivander's hands and gave it a small twitch. Large blue sparks glowed from the tip.
"There we are. 11 inches, Unyielding Cedar. Phoenix feather core, rather temperamental this one but you will find it good with Transfiguration, Defensive and Offensive spells, potion related spells and certain charms." Artimis paid her coins over while contemplating the history and future history of her wand.
"All right, I leave you two. I hope you enjoy your time at Hogwarts."
The two girls got back to their room. The clothes they got were folded neatly in a pair of clean trunks with their school books piled on top. "It was kind of Mrs Weasley to take us out." Artimis muttered behind the bathroom door after taking a shower and examining her wound. The skin was puffy but was closing up rather neatly. She dressed into the pair of track pants and pulled on a light jumper, she got from a store down from the Inn. She came out and let Mythal sneak behind her to shower and get into her own pants and jumper, both girls relaxed and waited on the neat beds. Sure enough Hermione walked in after another light tap.
"I see you got a few more things when you escaped. Mrs Weasley thought you didn't get enough clothes."
"We can always buy more if we need to." Artimis yawned and goggled at the plates of food that Harry and Ron entered with. The five sat around a small table, using the beds as chairs as they shared the food around. The youngsters talked even after the meal was done until late into the night Arthur came in a bid them to bed. Being eighteen, Arthur persuaded Artimis to spend some time with him and Molly and drink some spirits with them. It was well past midnight when they let her return to bed about four or five drinks of Mead and Muggle vodka's later, another day closer to the first of January.
Rivals on a Train
For the rest of the days the five would walk to Diagon Alley to explore the shops. Hermione took an instant liking to Artimis, due to the fact that she didn't contradict the girl's brilliant mind. Instead she encouraged the girl to open up about her ideas for the year. "I want to do all possible classes for my O.W.L's. I haven't figured out a way to work it all, but Professor McGonagall wants to speak to me in the first term about my classes, wonder what she has to offer?" The girl said one afternoon in the bookstore.
"I don't know, but I hope you do well in all the classes if you do get around to getting all of them down on your roster. And don't forget to rest when doing so."
When the first of January came the Weasley's, Harry, Hermione and the Knights were transported by Ministry Hired cars to King's Cross Station. Artimis and Mythal stuck like thorns to each other's sides, following the others closely in the crowded station. "Here it is nine and three quarters. In you go…" Molly pushed her sons and daughter into the wall, Harry and Arthur casually leaned against it and slipped through without a glance. Molly then turned to Mythal and herded her through with a, "There you go Dear. It's very simple." Artimis let Molly bring her next, pushing her trunk before her.
Artimis closed her eyes as she sank into the surface, thankfully she didn't fall on her ass when she made it through the wall. Her knuckles turned white as she pushed her trolley behind Molly, following the woman's mass of red hair through the crowd. She made it to the loading bay, the carrier lifted her trunk onto the train. Artimis gave Arthur and Molly a quick, awkward hug, before she jumped onto the train and followed Ginny, Harry, Ron and Hermione down the hallway. Mythal had run off with the twins a while ago to hear what they had to say about Hogwarts. "I need to talk to you in private," Harry muttered to Hermione and Ron. He gave a look at Artimis, wanting the older girl to stay as well to get her perspective.
"Go away, Ginny," Ron snapped at his sister.
"Oh, that's nice," She huffed and stalked off. Artimis followed the golden trio into a somewhat empty compartment as the train began to move, the three sat on the free chair and Artimis sat beside the sleeping man. "Who d'you reckon he is?" Ron hissed. Harry leaned forward to look. Artimis also leaned forward, but with interest of the man she knew to be called, "Professor R. J. Lupin?"
Hermione answered after she instantly read the second hand trunk on the top banister. Ron squeaked as Hermione released Crookshanks and the flat faced cat landed in Artimis' lap. She got slightly startled as the fuzzy beast kneaded at her legs and purred deeply while staring intently at Ron's shivering top pocket where Scabbers hid. "Uh… hello there handsome fella… ow watch the claws!" Artimis gave the cat a long stroke down its spine causing the purrs to deepen slightly. Harry continued to look at Lupin until he decided. "Is he asleep?"
Artimis leaned over and looked into the werewolf's worn out but handsome features. "Yep, out like a light." Ron raised an eyebrow at the Muggle lines, Hermione and Harry didn't seem to catch on as Harry pulled the door closed. He sat after pulling the curtain down and went into detail about Sirius Black.
Hermione and Ron seemed to panic a little, Hermione suggested talking to Dumbledore right away and Ron said that Hogwarts was the safest place in the world.
"Don't think too far into it yet, but don't eliminate this conversation and plan ahead. Panic is never a good course of action, it's what gets most people hurt and so does eliminating your doubts." Artimis leaned out the door and brought herself two Chocolate frogs and as she sat down she prepared to catch it before it escaped her grasp as the trio stared at her in horror to her oddly wise words. As she shoved the wiggling frog into her mouth with slight hesitation she pulled out the wizard card.
She scoffed, not surprised to see Dumbledore staring up at her with twinkling eyes. Ron looked at the card with mild disappointment but went on about his own collection as Artimis opened the second one, it leapt from her fingers and went SPLAT against Lupin's face. The children flinched and stiffened as Artimis tried to coax it back with no hope as it slipped into the professor's ropes. "Crap, gonna have to wait till he wakes up." She pulled the card out and looked at Falco's face. "Ah, isn't he the Animagus? The first Registered one?" Ron looked at the card with a hungry look. "I have him too you know."
She pushed the card into her blouse top pocket along with Dumbledore's and returned to staring out the window over Lupin's shoulder as rain pelted against it in large drops.
Later a pale boy with a pointy chin entered the room with tall cronies. "Well look who it is. Potty and the Weasel." Malfoy gave everyone in the room a once over, pausing on Artimis. "And who's this? Another loser joining your ranks? You should hang out with someone like us."
"Sorry? What's your name?" Artimis smiled kindly catching Draco off guard.
"I am Draco Malfoy. Of the Slytherin house."
"Better hope you don't get added to THEIR ranks. Slytherin is full of evil characters." Ron scoffed, Draco opened his mouth to retort but Artimis quickly cut in.
"It is good to meet you Draco. I don't know what house I would end up but I hope we can be on friendly terms no matter what house I get, after all EVERY one of the houses have good sides and bad ones." She smiled kindly then turned to stare at Crookshanks.
"Yes, well we will see. So Weasley, I heard your father finally got his hands on some gold this summer. Did your mother die of shock?" Ron stood up, Crookshanks basket went flying causing Lupin to snort. "Who's that?" Draco took a step backwards.
"New teacher." Said Harry, who stood beside Ron at the ready to pull him back. "What were you saying, Malfoy?" Draco's eyes narrowed and he turned to Crabbe and Goyle.
"C'mon."
Ron complained as he rubbed his white knuckles, doing violent gestures causing Hermione to remind him that there was a adult with them.
Memories of death
The train slowed down then slammed to a sharp stop. Artimis was flung forward and hit her head on the seat edge between Harry and Ron. Hermione was beside her in an instant making sure she was alright. Artimis answered with a strangled moan of pain as she rolled onto her side and almost curled herself around Lupin's leg in pain, the lights went out throwing the room into pitch black. "Ouch Ron that was my foot!" Hermione slapped Ron on the arm as she tried to feel around.
"Sorry! D'you know what's going on? Ouch! Sorry…" Someone crashed through the door with a blubbering voice
"Hello Neville." Harry felt around and helped Neville to his feet in the darkness, everyone tripping over each other and specially Artimis who tried to make herself as small as she could at Lupins feet.
"Harry is that you? What's happening?"
"No idea! Sit down…"
"Watch out! And be Quiet!" Artimis groaned as Neville stepped on her from her position on the ground at Lupin's feet. There was a yowl as Neville sat on Crookshanks and a squeak from a young girl.
"Who's that?" Hermione must have moved back to her position when Neville had come in, for her voice sounded near the door. "Ginny?"
"Hermione?"
"What are you doing?"
"I was looking for Ron…" Ron hissed as his sister grabbed at him in her terror.
"Come in and sit down…"
"Not here! I'm here!" Harry yelled in a hurry from his new position next to Lupin and Neville.
"Ouch!" Yelled Neville.
"Quiet!" Yelled both Artimis and Lupin in a hoarse voice. Everyone went silent, incept for Artimis who then yowled into Lupin's leg as he stepped on her hand, her nails biting into his ankle in a blunt form of revenge. "I'm sorry!" Lupin lit a small flame flickered in his hand, illuminating the compartment with a shivering light. "Stay where you are…" He unhooked his leg from her nails with a wince, crescent marks will be left on his ankle from the pressure she pushed down with. He then stepped over her, careful not to step on her again in fear she would claw his legs again and made his way to the door.
But the door opened once again before he reached it, the compartment seemed to drop in temperature. Artimis forced herself out of her defensive curl to sit slightly up as the Dementor floated in, she felt a cold depression fill her instantly. Thoughts of a knife, blood and water flashed behind her eyes and her hand went instantly to her neck. Suddenly there was a light that glowed from the tip of Lupin's wand, the Dementor hissed and backed away. Harry collapsed onto Artimis causing her to give a small grunt of pain and surprise. The three others in the room bent down to help remove him and roll him over into a more comfy position for him to wake up to. "Are you alright?"
Artimis was helped into the chair by a steady and firm hand. She opened a blue eye to acknowledge Lupin and the chocolate he held out. She removed her hand from her neck and wave it away and hesitantly shoved a hand into his top pocket as it wiggles slightly, he froze in shock. "There we are, found ya." She pulled out the chocolate frog and bit it to immobilize it. Lupin sighed with relief and handed chocolate to the others. Hermione nibbled meekly while Ron shoved his into his mouth and tried to shake Harry awake. "Harry, HARRY!"
"Hm?" Harry's green eyes opened and flicked over to Ron then Lupin. "What happened? What was that thing?"
"A Dementor…" Everyone turned their eye to Artimis, she flinched and shoved the head of the frog into her mouth.
"They are the guards of Azkaban. Hunting for Sirius no doubt… here eat this." Lupin gave Harry a large chunk of chocolate, then after knowing they were all fine he stood and went to speak with the driver. Hermione and Ron filled in Harry of what happened, Ginny sat in the corner sobbing. Artimis was comforting her with a hand, one held her own head with a hand with rough skin from holding shovels, hot stones and swings when she was younger.
"Who was screaming?"
"No one was screaming, Harry."
Hogwarts
Settling into the carriage that was drawn by a pair of Thestral's beside the others. Mythal sat with the twins whispering with an evil grin on her face, Artimis raised an eyebrow before turning to Hermione and listened to her recite an entire chapter from 'Hogwarts a History'.
Artimis listened intently until they drew into the school grounds, clambering out of the carriages the students piled over the bridge and ups some stairs, the four were intercepted though and dragged to the sick bay. They were there for ages, trying to persuade Poppy and McGonagall they were fine. Before Artimis left Poppy checked on her bite wound and tutted over the wound. "That minister, he didn't give you a nurse did he. Here we go."
Dumbledore greeted them when they entered then gestured Artimis and Mythal over with a slender hand, eyes turned to look at them with confusion. "Welcome back girls, good to see you both looking well… I wish you both to sit at the teachers table. Artimis please sit between Severus and Remus, that way you both get use to each other before the year starts. Mythal, will you sit with me?"
Dumbledore pulled Mythal away as Artimis plopped down beside Snape and Lupin, she slunk down as she felt Snape looking at Lupin with full loathing. 'Men…' She looked at Dumbledore as he spoke about the Dementors then introduced Professor Lupin. Lupin stood up and gave a meek bow as people clapped unenthusiastically, Artimis clapped loudly and raised an eye brow at Snape, a small twitch of humour on her mouth as she watched him draw his eyes from Lupin to glare at her. Silence echoed as Dumbledore turned to look at the room again. "I will also like to introduce two new students from Australia, Ms Mythal Knight and Miss Artimis Knight." People clapped even less enthusiastically, Harry and his friends whistled and cheered causing the Slytherin's to glare in a similar fashion as their Head Professor.
"And I would like to inform that their sorting will take place now for our newest transfer students." Dumbledore gestured, Mythal moved in first and stood beside Dumbledore as the sorting hat was handed over by McGonagall. "SLYTHERIN!" The green table erupted with cheers and sneers, the Weasley twins groaned and shrugged their shoulders at her, showing they didn't really care as she sat back down at the teachers table. Snape was clapping his hands and turned his head to leer at McGonagall. It was Artimis' turn. The sorting hat touched her head and whispered into her mind. "You should go into Slytherin, but I see in your thoughts that's not your choice?"
'No, as much as I would be happy as a Slytherin. Gryffindor would be more beneficial for my current position.'
"Very well then. GRYFFINDOR!" The applause for her was enormous and SLIGHTLY embarrassing. She sat between Snape and Lupin again, Lupin clapped her on the shoulder causing her to wince and turned to Dumbledore, Snape scoffed and muttered something under his breath. In attempt to ignore them both she took a sip of the peppermint tea before her. "I will also like to welcome Miss Artimis Knight as our new Head Girl." Coughing could be heard as Artimis choked, Lupin rubbed her on the back with concern in his eyes. "Now let the feast begin."
Elves of a Kind
"This way to the Head Prefect rooms." Artimis followed Percy and Professor McGonagall up flights of stairs and down a long corridor. The came to an elaborate door flanked by two banners of Gryffindor. "Light Bulb."
The door opened to admit the three. "Light Bulb?" Percy looked at Artimis in question.
"Well it's a Muggle house item. Don't know why it's the password."
"You may change the password when you want to, just inform the door from within and the password will be told to each Professor and the Headmaster." The Gryffindor head led them into the common room and allowed the two to gawp at the splendour. The Gryffindor colours were only slight, mixed with the other house colours. There were Blue and silver couches, the carpet was deep red with yellow swirls. There were no paintings but a mirror above the mahogany fireplace. The roof had a spell like the great hall, but instead of showing the sky and weathers there were all the house colours gleaming about in the form of small birds or sparkles that disappeared when they reached halfway towards the ground.
McGonagall led them separately into each of their rooms. Percy to the right and up some stairs while Artimis went down stairs to a door with her name on a silver plaque. McGonagall joined her and whispered, "Jelly Beans" to the door, there was a click, then a few more. Then the door swung open with a small hiss and the Professor followed the young girl in. "Wow! This is very flashy…" Artimis pat her trunk where it sat on the end of the antique Queen sized bed. The room was beautiful but slightly empty. The room had nothing special to it.
"The Head Prefects get to customise their own rooms, I will call in a House Elf for you to tell them what you wish. Don't worry about being to gentle with your rooms, they use magic for making any colour and change items already been used by the former Head Prefects. And I think they would like you Ms Knight." McGonagall raised a knowing eye brow over her squared glasses. Artimis smiled while blinking her eyes rapidly with confusion.
"Thank you Professor. I admit I am surprised…"
"Of course you are. Dumbledore believed this would be helpful to your… problem." McGonagall pulled out a book and a roster with house prefect names and how to find them on emergency also the current passwords to the four house common rooms. "Memorize the passwords. This paper will wipe clean in about an hour. And also, the reason your close to the ground level is so you can reach the Hufflepuff and Slytherin common rooms easily. You will be the main person the prefects or other students will see from these houses. I trust you to look after the first year, specially the girls."
The professor smiled at Artimis' instantly uneasy expression and continued on, "You answer straight to Snape and Sprout if anything happens to members of their house. Even if you mainly look after those two though, you will also look out for the females in Ravenclaw and Gryffindor, and also inform me or Flitwik of any problems. Any questions?"
"Do I have to give puberty lessons?"
McGonagall instantly started to laugh, slight tears formed in the corners of her eyes. "Not always no, it's usually Poppy who deals with the females. But if someone trusts you more to talk to you must deal with it." McGonagall called a female house elf up into Artimis' room before she took her leave with a wave of her forest green robes, the elf bowed to Artimis and looked at the girl with awe and approval as the little creature pulled at her Hogwarts jacket nervously.
"Hello, what's your name?"
The elf seemed to bloat in shock as she stared at Artimis, "Bubble's name is Bubble. Lady Knight is kind to ask Bubble her name!"
"Thank you, Bubble. Please call me Artimis, since you are the only elf I know in all my life I will be calling on your help a lot during my time trying to understand Hogwarts. I get lost easily." Artimis laughed as she memorized the passwords by rewriting them over and over on the same sheet of parchment. About a minute later she placed the paper down with the quill Dumbledore had given her along with the books. She turned to the patient elf with a smile. "I'm sorry, I don't know what to ask for… maybe some blankets for the bed… um."
"No need for Artimis to be shy. Bubble will be more than happy to do any hard task Artimis asks of her!"
"Oh thank you. Well then, black and white sheets would do for the bed." Artimis paused as Bubble cut in with a high excited voice.
"Can Bubble make pattern? Bubble loves patterns!"
"Of course… how about something challenging?" Both female's eyes sparkled at the idea of a challenge. "Wolves or Lions. Your choice, you can do both if you want."
Bubble squealed in pleasure and bounced up and down. "Yes Artimis, Bubble will do her best. Bubble will send up Sky to do the furniture… OH OH OH! Can Bubble find Artimis something else? Like music instruments… or… or…" Artimis laughed at the excited elf.
"No need to get too much, a nice cupboard and maybe a couch for that empty corner." Artimis pointed to said corner near a large window. Looked disappointed for a second and made Artimis change her lines, "Fine one Piano… if it will fit." Bubble looked slightly purple with her excitement causing Artimis to feel worried.
"Of course! Bubble will get right to it!" She popped away with a lightning crack. While she was gone Artimis looked around the room and wondered momentarily if all those items would fit before she went to check on Percy and a male elf. The two were complaining over something. "What's wrong?" She leaned on the door frame, and stared. The elf's eyes turned on her and widened.
"Lady Knight! I had heard of Lady Knight from Headmaster, I will help the Lady in any way possible, I am Ice."
"Thank you Ice, please drop the Lady part though. I feel pompous, just Artimis." She laughed and looked at Percy. "So what is wrong?"
"I wanted to change the room 'too much' apparently, I wanted the room full of Gryffindor colours, banners and all… what?"
"That would ruin the beauty of the room. Maybe simple things like a chair or bed covers, get a book case or… oh I should ask Bubble for a book case! Oh, anyway we all know you are Gryffindor, you remind us all the time. Try matching to the room, see, I will speak to Ice. If you don't like the design we come up with then you can change bits to your own liking. Go find Penelope and say nighty night." She shooed him out of the room and went about planning with Ice.
After she was done she returned to her room to find Bubble bouncing around with another elf, both squealing in excitement. "Can I join in, or should I hide in the closet and let you party alone?" Both startled at her voice and turned big eyes up to her laughing face. "Bubble came back, Artimis. And she brought Sky with her. Sky got Artimis' furniture, Bubble worked on the blankets! See See?" She pointed a long finger at the bed as Sky quickly fixed the wrinkles.
Artimis made an O face at the bed, the blanket was black satin with vine twists on the top and gold leaves and small blossoms. On the centre, rearing up against each other, was a wolf on the left and a lion on the right. The wolf was sliver threaded with a golden eye and claws, but the lion was gold and had a silver mane, tail and claws. The pillows matched the vine part, and the two other layers of the bed were white. "Wow Bubble, it's so beautiful and you did it so quickly!" Bubble beamed in pleasure while Sky seemed to bask in the moon light streaming through the window. Artimis looked out with sad eyes, soon was her first Full Moon experience, and she was nervous.
"Bubble knows of Artimis' condition. Bubble will do whatever Artimis wishes on the moon mornings!"
"Thank you so much Bubble. Each morning a nice my style coffee would be fantastic!" Bubble looked confused, tilting her head slightly. "Um… two spoons of crushed Coffee beans, usually I like the milk poured first and the coffee mixed before adding the water. About three spoons of sugar to go into it…" Bubble said AH and nodded her head swiftly.
"Of course! Bubble will bring one every morning of the full moon."
"Just in case bring two, Professors Snape or Lupin might need one after dealing with me." Artimis laughed, but the seriousness whispered through her eyes.
"Of course Artimis. Bubble will be loyal to you!"
"Wait, you're not my slave! I'm hoping… could I be friends with the elves?" The two looked at her in shock then smiled and leapt up. "Yes!" They both screamed in unison, clapping their hands together in double high-fives. Artimis smiled and bid them good nights, Bubble promised a coffee in the morning as a test in the coffee skills. She dressed into her thin pants and a black blouse and settled heavily into the bed, her timetable already set up after a quick chat with Dumbledore before she left the great hall. She had Potions tomorrow mid day… now this will be fun.
Rat-Humper
Artimis followed Hermione into the dungeons quickly. She had Divinations where Harry had the Grim foretold and transfiguration where McGonagall spoke about Animagi, then after lunch she was heading to Potions then they were going to have Care of Magical Creatures right afterwards. They got into the class on time and settled with Harry and Ron. Artimis waved to Mythal and Draco who both sat together as she sat in front of the Golden Trio on a bench by herself. Just as she went through her bag Snape billowed in while slamming his door, causing almost everyone in the room to jump and turn to the front to avoid ridicule.
Artimis listened to what he wanted them to do, they were to write on Polyjuice Potion then start on a Shrinking potion. Hermione flinched as she began to scratch her quill over the paper instantly with Snape giving Harry a glare, Artimis held a hand to her chin and thought it over silently. Her eyes burned with a passion of writing, Snape watched from his seat with an angry sneer. She began to write, a frown on her brow as she seemed to loosen her jaw and clench unaware she was doing so as she concentrated on bull shitting on the small essay, writing like she knew what she was saying.
'Polyjuice Potion, a potion that is created with care and patient hands. It ensnares its victims with its fascinating property, the ability to change a person's appearance to another's with a non-magical ingredient… hair and when the potion is done the user drinks the potion and takes form of the victim almost instantly. The potion is told to be vile to the mouth…' for the rest of the lesson she kept at it like so, writing until Snape gave the order to stop.
As he gathered the papers there was a yowl and Scabbers was instantly climbing up the professor's leg to escape the orange fuzz ball that soon followed. "HERMIONE! HOLD YOUR BLASTED CAT AWAY FROM SCABBERS!" Ron grabbed his rat from Snape's shoulder and shoved the little beast into his top pocket as Crookshanks jumped onto Artimis' lap and kneaded her legs again. "Dammit! Can't you get that beast away from my rat! Scabbers is sick, he doesn't need your beast attacking him as well!"
"His a cat, Ron! What do you expect!?"
"I don't care, keep that thing away or I swear you will be wishing you did! His like this only because you're a bad trainer, no cat has been THIS bad with Scabbers!" Hermione grabbed Crookshanks with tears in her eyes, she ran from the classroom. Artimis stood up instantly with hands slamming on the desk causing people to stare at her and Crook to fall to the ground with a hiss, Mythal saw her eyes and said, "Uh Oh, Artimis has killer eyes! KILLER EYES!" She sunk bellow the table as Artimis pulled a sinister smile.
"I don't know what you are talking about Myth, I am fine… the rat-humper's words have done nothing to my temper, not at all… May I have permission to go after Hermione, Professor?" Ron felt a deep unease settle in his chest as Artimis turned her smile from him to Snape, the Potions master hummed as his brow knitted into a deep frown.
"Permission granted, tell Ms Granger she has detention for storming out before I dismissed the class. 6 pm after classes..."
"Yes sir." Artimis walked out of the class with purpose, the class watched with wide eyed expressions as she still held her smile and a dangerous glint in her eyes.
"And Mr Weasley, you will be joining Ms Granger tonight for your disturbance to the class and I take off twenty house points from Gryffindor." The dungeon bat said to the wide mouthed and shocked red head, causing the boy to pale and go red at the ears. "Y… Yes sir!"
"Now. Start with an easy potion, Longbottom already you're doing it wrong!"
Fear on Wings
Artimis brought Hermione to the next class after letting the girl cry into her shoulder, the girl had a slightly red face as they ran down to the field or Care of Magical Creatures. Harry waved them over, Ron looked everywhere but Hermione and Artimis. The tips of his ears were still red, Draco congratulated Artimis on her insult to Ron in potions with a grin and pair of thumbs up as Hagrid led them to the woods.
"Ok class, I 'ave a special treat for yer all." The half giant pulled out a group of Hippogriffs, saying easy over and over. He went on explaining how to be careful towards them then asked for a volunteer, Harry instantly went forward with urging from Ron. Everyone held their breath as Harry bowed, then sighed when Buckbeak bowed back. Artimis watched in pure humour as Harry got onto the beast and flew into the sky.
Everyone gathered around for their own go at a Hippogriff when Buckbeak returned, Draco got him while Artimis bowed lowly to a coca brown one. It bowed back after hesitation, sniffing her in recognition of her blood and she gave it a gentle pat and thanking him for not making a scene over her. "There we are, you are handsome. I can't choose though which one is most handsome…" Artimis laughed when the beast puffed up his feathers. "Oh? Are you saying you're the most handsome? I don't know, can you prove that to me?" The hippogriff huffed and tilted its head down in almost another bow, Artimis looked in confusion. "Ah, seems Coco wants ye to ride 'im. Up ye go!" Hagrid pulled her up from behind even with her squeaky protest.
"Wait but I have fear of…" Before she ended that line Coco was in the air, Artimis was silent in shock. Her hands around Coco's neck as tears stung her eyes in fear. Legs started to tremble as she looked down. 'Take deep breaths, in out in out… this is alright.' Artimis leaned up and fought against her fear of heights. She treated the animal like a motorbike, placing her hands on her knees and feeling the breeze on her close eye lids. "This is nice, I see why people want to be a bird." She leaned forward and hugged her arms around Coco and looked down at the castle of Hogwarts.
She could see Hagrid taking Draco up to the sick bay, the students sulked around the game keepers hut. Harry, Hermione and Ron her persuading the Hippogriffs back to their stables. "I think it's best to get down there and deal with them. Come on handsome." Coco glided down and landed in front of the class. "What happened?" She coaxed Coco to walk around to Pansy who looked at her nervously. "That beast attacked Draco!"
"Oh, I see. Wait a second I will get Coco back." She moved Coco like a horse over to the stable and coaxed him inside then helped the Trio lock the doors, then asked for the three's explanation. Artimis went back and questioned everyone, even though she knew what happened.
Out of the Shadows
Artimis finished the Potion's homework and instantly stood up and wrapped her dressing gown around her as Percy walked in through her partly open door with his chin proudly high. "We need to walk the grounds, we heads must patrol the grounds with the teachers." Artimis nodded her head and when he left pulled off her black dressing gown then on her black school pants, after she pulled her white blouse over her red tank top she exited the door, waiting to make sure the door clicked with the spells it was inlayed with. She raised her wand and whispered Lumos, the light was dim so it didn't disturb the paintings on the walls.
She thought about tomorrow, for it was her first DaDa lesson with Lupin. It was also a full moon on the 8th, this Friday. Artimis walked down the dim light hall, her light casting ghostly shadows across the corners. A small growl came from the hall on the right making her leap about a foot in the air, Crookshanks walked up to the young witch and jumped into her open arms. "Hullo fuzz ball, you're getting orange all over meh clothes."
Artimis laughed as she helped the fat, flat-faced cat wrap around her neck and shoulder. She lowered her hands and continued walking as the cat kneaded at her collarbone, Artimis flinched at every sound and every pinch of his claws. She was never one for being alone in a creepy place, in the dark. She wasn't very good in the haunted Ghost Asylum of Beechworth, or Tasmania's Port Arthur. She jumped at every movement a painting did when she walked past them, the sound of some snoring unnerved her, "Miss Knight."
"HOLLY COW!" Artimis nearly leapt through the window in her surprise as Snape materialised out of the darkness, Crookshanks hissed in shock and leaps off the back of her neck making the her head jerk forward painfully and crash into a wall, leaving a red mark on her forehead. He raised a black eye brow up to his hairline, his black eyes reflecting none of the light of her wand that she pointed to his face, thus strengthening the sallow lines around his eyes and mouth. "Oh, I'm sorry sir. You shocked me, you're very good at… well sneaking…" Snape looked somewhat pleased of him self before he raised his wand and pointed towards a room. She followed him in and watched as he glared at Lupin with pure loathing. "Evening Miss Knight, I was hoping to get a talk to you before Friday next week. I know I have you tomorrow morning but I need to talk to you before then. Thank you Professor, I can fill her in from here." Snape scoffed and left the room with a flick of his cloak.
"Dumbledore informed me of you after the Great feast, I thought there was an odd scent about you. I am surprised that you were allowed onto the grounds, I am glad though that the Ministry let you in." Artimis thanked him as she nodded her head, wondering if she really stank badly and that she needed a bath, "I will be expecting you in my office after class on Friday." He nodded his head and left before she could confirm she understood. Artimis left the room as well and tilted her head in the direction of Snape where he stood to wait for them to come out. "Miss Knight, I suggest returning to you room now. Mr Weasley would be waiting for your arrival."
"Thank you sir, see you at Potions." She skipped away, not seeing Snape's shocked expression at her cheerful tone.
"Ah, there you are. McGonagall found me and told me that we have free moments to ourselves if teachers are rostered on patrol."
"Yes, Professor Snape sent me back." Artimis literally rolled down the stairs in her sleepy state, she walked through her door then locked it. Bubble snorted from her position on the end of Artimis' bed. Artimis gave Bubble a quick look before she grabbed her PJ's and hit the bathroom. It was attached to the room through a carved oak door, the water was steaming when she entered. She looked at the many taps then turned as someone coughed.
Sky looked shyly up at her, "Sky has come to help Artimis. Bubble was meant to do it but Bubble was sleeping. Sky is here to tell Artimis that the tap with Lion on it is Bath Bubbles, the one with the snake is body Soap, the Badger is Shampoo and then the Raven is Conditioner. You tap each one separately and say the scent you wish for and turn the tap."
"Thank you Sky. And if Bubble is asleep let her be."
"Yes Madame." The elf bowed with a happy face, Sky's large brown eyes were the last things to be seen through the mist as the elf disappeared. Artimis tapped the first tap and said, "Rose." Then turned the tap with reluctance. The smell was strong as the caramel coloured liquid poured from the tap. The smell easily filled the Ancient Greek style bath, the steam evaporated to the smell. Artimis breathed in with pleasure as she leaned back to relax as the water soothed over her sore legs and feet.
Her Chronic Fatigue ripped into her knee joints, a headache spread from the back of her head and forward to behind her eyes. Her face crumpled by the exhaustion she felt and always hid behind a laugh and a glass of coffee. She reached a pink hand to her shoulder and winced at how raw the skin still felt.
The bite was going to leave a nice shiny scar just above her collarbone where the werewolf's main fangs had caught her, most of the scar went to her shoulder blade. Leaning her head back on the edge of the bath and closing her eyes, Artimis sighed deeply. This week was going to be a pain.
End of Chapter 2