Chapter 3: A Different Hogwarts
The first thing everyone noticed on entering the Great hall was the grim expressions on the remaining professors' faces and the gloating expression on the new headmasters face, who is gazing intensely at each individual students' face weighing up who could be possible trouble makers in his school, his gaze coming to rest the longest on the table of the Gryffindor's, immediately noticing the absence of the famous, arrogant Harry Potter (who had he actually been brave enough to walk into Hogwarts would have been arrested immediately) as well as his two closest companions Ronald Weasely and Hermionie Granger, the latter whom of course he knew would not be here due to her being muggle born.
Looking further down the table Snapes eyes come to rest on the long red hair of Ginny Weasely, the last of the Weasely's attending Hogwarts, who along with the rest of the Gryfindor's, he feels he aught to keep a closer eye on.
Looking over to the Slytherin table, he notices his god daughter watching him with interest in an unwavering gaze, giving the impression she knows exactly what he is thinking. Realising this, he suddenly blocks his thoughts and Dru looks away and continues to eat her meal.
As everyone finishes eating, Professor Snape stands up to address his staff and students.
Noticing Snapes actions, the great hall falls silent, his students wondering what news their new head master has to offer them, his staff dreading the implementation of any more changes and regulations.
"As you are now fully aware, I, Professor Severus Snape have replaced our last headmaster Professor Albus Dumbledore." A raise in voices arise from the Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tables who's occupants are obviously disgusted in hearing that Snape is head where as from the Slytherin table erupts cheers and the banging of goblets on tables for their old head of house. Raising his arms for quiet, Snape continues, "I want to welcome everyone in returning."
"Not that we had much choice" mutters one of the 7th year Gryffindor's into Ginny and Neville's ear. Snape ignoring this continues, "Due to new ministry regulations, the following subjects will no longer be compulsory, Divination, Muggle Studies, History of Magic, Ancient Runes, Astronomy and Care of Magical Creatures.'
An eruption of 'Whats!' and 'Huhs!' can be heard from the Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tables and Neville whispering to Ginny, "That's nearly all of our main subjects apart from most of the ones used in combat! what's the ministry playing at?" And a baffled but agreeing look from Ginny while from the Slytherins there are nods in agreement to the new regulations, most of them saying to one an other 'Thank god for that' and 'about time too'.
"SILENCE!" calls Snape and the great hall once again falls quiet, The Slytherins looking eager to know what will be replacing their banned subjects.
''Starting from tomorrow, your time tables will consist of the following lessons, Potions, Transfiguration, Defence against the Dark Arts, Charms and Herbology. Replacing those subjects no longer needed, you will receive lessons in The Dark Arts, Dark Potions making and Duelling sessions! The latter two subjects are strictly prohibited to those students under their 6th year. Those of you who are of 6th year and above will also be receiving extra active duelling sessions." and Noticing some blank confused faces he adds, "while flying and attempting to make your way through obstacles! These Duelling sessions will take place at the quidditch pitch which you will now find is being converted to an obstacle course. Instead of quidditch, each house will do battle and compete against each other. The first of these competitions will take place the night of Halloween and on the evenings before your Christmas and Easter holidays. On the last two competition evenings, the parents of those students selected to compete are invited to attend." Snapes gaze lingers on the Slytherin table, his gaze resting briefly on Dru and then on Draco, who's expression along with the rest of the Slytherins consists of smug grins and sly glances at the other house tables.
Snape looks over the shocked and eager faces of his students before continuing, while behind him at the staff tables, the house heads look at their houses with a look of parential anxiety.parental???
"Now! New Rules! Only students who have a valid hall pass signed by a teacher may be allowed to wander the hallways after 8pm. The halls and corridors will be monitored by Prefects and watch professors. Those of you whom are found disrespecting monitors, teachers, lessons and ministry regulations will be severely punished." Snape pauses, his gaze resting on the Gryfindors for a moment before he continues, "We will have two new members of staff joining us this year, they are Professor Yaxley and Professor Dolohov. They will be arriving tomorrow and will be joining your existing classes over the next few days to assess your abilities. Now I wish you all to return to your dorms! No lingering in the hall ways! Go!"
Now realising their dismissal, the students start excitedly discussing the changes amongst each other on their exiting the great hall and head off in the direction of their common rooms saying their goodbyes and goodnights to each other as they leave, the Slytherins headed by Draco shouting abuse at the other houses and pushing the smaller students out their way.
As the new timetables are being given out the next day at breakfast, Dru, along with the majority of the 6th and 7th year students stare at their time tables, glancing at the other students and back at their own time tables, turning them over to make sure what they are reading is correct. Double potions, single transfiguration, and single herbology before lunch followed by single charms, single defence against the dark arts, double dark potions and double dark arts before dinner for the 7th years, making classes until 6pm, then after dinner duelling sessions. It was the same every day extending their already long day until 8pm.
''They're not asking much of us this year then," comments Dru as she catches up with Ginny as they are leaving the great hall.
"Yeah I know! Lessons until 8pm!" Says Ginny.
"What do you have first?" asks Dru?
"Hmm!" says Ginny, studying her time table. "Transfiguration! How about you?"
"Double potions!" answers Dru and continues, "at least they're with old Slughorn! I don't think I'd be able to sit listening to Snape patronising my potions, he's never happy with them until I've produced them over a hundred times…It's like I can't please him! Come on! I'll go the long way to potions and go past transfiguration with you."
The two girls climb the stairs and head to Transfiguration, Dru, once out of sight of teachers drags Ginny into the second floor bathroom, takes out her wand and shortens her skirt a little and adds a little green shadow to her eyes (matching the green in her robes) and some lip gloss, Ginny watches her.
"How did you do that? Are we allowed to wear make up?"
Dru just giggles and says, "Come here"
Ginny moves closer and Dru applies a little gloss and shadow to Ginny's lips and eyes.
"You know! You suit this colour, it's only a natural shade so don't worry, look!" and turns Ginny to look in the mirror. Ginny admiring herself says, "Thanks! Won't you get into trouble, I mean our skirts are supposed to be knee length!"
"Oh come on Ginny! We're teenagers! We have to make an effort, I mean we aren't kids any more are we and my skirt's not that short, it's only a few inches shorter than yours! Any way! I'm only doing it to annoy Snape, he sent me to have a worse summer than I would have had if I had been with him studying all the time. I didn't even get one letter from him all summer. Come on, we better get moving." And they head off to Transfiguration.
As they round the corner into the corridor where Transfiguration takes place, the gargoyle that guards the entrance to the headmasters office moves allowing Snape and two others to pass into the corridor in deep conversation. Noticing they are not alone in the corridor, Snape mutters to his companions, "We'll discuss this later," and changes his attention towards the two girls standing half way down the corridor, his two companions closely following. Looking down at the two girls through black greasy curtains of hair, he addresses them in a low, slow, drawling voice, looking from one girl to the other as he does so. "Don't you two have some where to be?"
His gaze momentarily resting on Ginny, he returns to address his god daughter, "I don't recall that wearing make up and short skirts being part of school uniform Drusilla./!or," takes out his wand and with a quick flick, Dru's skirt lengthens. "That's better," he comments. Dru just continues to stare at him and slyly comments on it only being a few inches higher than her knees while Snape who has been searching her face continues, "That's better! Now! What are you doing up here? I could have sworn that 7th years had potions every morning! Why are you not in the dungeons?"
"I, I was," stammers Dru a little, suddenly becoming aware of exactly who her god fathers companions are and recovers quickly with her new attitude.
"I thought I'd take the long way round! I mean, I probably already know everything old Slughorn has to teach so being a few minutes late won't matter will it?" Just as she finishes saying this, the bell goes signifying the start of first period.
Changing his attention from Dru's intense gaze to Ginny, Snape continues, "Miss Weasely, If you don't want detention on your first day then I suggest you head to your class at once!" And with a quick glance at Dru, Ginny mutters, "Yes Sir!" and heads off towards transfiguration where Professor McGonagall is already waiting, having been watching from her classroom door. With a quick glance at Ginny and back down the corridor to the four remaining figures who are watching, McGonagall whispers,
"You need to be cautious this year Ginny, I expected more of you under the current circumstances," and with a worrying look continues, "be careful who you choose as your friends! I have a feeling things may not always be as they seem," and with an understanding nod of the head Ginny apologises.
"Sorry Professor." and lowering her head from her classmates' gazes she heads for her seat.
After watching Miss Weasely go into her class, Snape returns his attention back to Dru.
"Just because you are the Dark Lords daughter does not mean you can get away with doing what you want! Do you understand me?"
"Yes!" replies Dru and with a quick glance at her Godfathers stare, quickly and sarcastically adds "Sir!"
"Good! Now that has been cleared up, you will escort Professor Yaxely to potions with you. He will be sitting in to assess your levels so he can better plan his lessons to your potential. Now Go!" Dru quickly stares coldly at her Godfather then pushing between him and his companions she looks to Yaxely and says, "This way," leaving Snape and Dolohov watching as they turn the corner out of sight.
On the way down to the dungeons, Yaxely watches Dru closely.
"You know," he says. "You have your fathers way of escaping inquisition! He will be proud to know that!"
"You really think so?" answers Dru. "I would have thought that having been a loyal servant and knowing him as long as you have, you would have realised by now that my father cares for no one and nothing more than he does for himself!"
"You shouldn't disrespect him like that," replies Yaxely who is still watching Dru with curiosity and changes the subject. "Severus tells me you have already mastered the majority of dark potion making. I expect you will find what I will do fairly easy so I expect you to add to existing potions and create your own inventions, but we will see! We won't start anything too serious in ways of the dark arts and duelling sessions until we assess your abilities, then we will know better where to place everyone. I expect you will excel in duelling too! Let's see how much you know in the next few weeks.''
As Dru and Yaxely pass through the drapery hiding the secret passage down to the dungeons, Dru suddenly stops half way down the stairs turning to Yaxely and staring hard into his eyes taking advantage of their seclusion from any other late stragglers.
"Exactly what are my fathers plans for this school?" demands Dru. "Is he building an army?" Still staring into Yaxely's eyes she continues, "Exactly how many people does he think will just bow down to him? All four houses? Because at the moment I expect that only the Slytherins are ready."
"That's not quite the idea of his plans, but your on the right track," replies Yaxely now smiling slyly and looking very curiously at Dru.
"You are also quite adept at legillimens I see! You definitely take after your parents in this. Oh ho! I can't wait to see what else you are hiding behind that veil of yours! Severus told us you can be quite deceptive but I had no idea of just how much so like your father you are! I don't even think you know yourself, do you? Yes, your father planned your up bringing very well!"
At this comment, Dru starts to say something disrespecting of her father then thinks better of it, changing the subject.
"We'd better hurry or all the best ingredients will be gone if we are any later! Slughorn likes to start the year with us concocting our own versions of his potions," and with this she walks a little ahead of Yaxely who is still curiously watching her.
'Phew! That was close! I need to be careful. If I keep criticising my parents more than momentarily necessary, they're going to realise something is up,' Dru, thinks to herself as she walks ahead of Yaxely.
Yaxely catches up to Dru just as she is about to open the door to potions.
"I think I'd better go in first and explain why you are so late, then you hopefully won't get detention on your first day back," and walks straight past Dru and without knocking enters the class with Dru following. Everyone turns to watch the late arrivals, Dru quickly locates and heads towards the last remaining seat at the front of the class, hearing Slughorn start to address her,
"You are late Miss Lestrange! I hope you have a reasonable expla," but he is cut short by Yaxely. "Miss Lestrange here has kindly been escorting me to the dungeons Professor Slughorn. I hope you won't be to harsh on her on the first day."
"I, well," stutters Slughorn a little unaware how to carry on under the smug glare from Yaxely. "Well, I should have been previously informed! Miss Lestrange has missed the introduction to the three forms of truth potions and their strengths. All the other students have chosen their ingredients and are underway preparing their own draughts of the first strength. She has a lot of notes to catch up on."
The class is quiet pretending to mix up their ingredients sneaking glances at the two professors staring at each other, Dru is bent over her parchment quickly taking down what notes are left on the board.
"Oh I'm quite sure Miss Lestrange will quickly be able to figure out what she has to do, perhaps she can tell us now the key ingredients in each of the three potions? Miss Lestrange?" says Yaxely now looking at Dru who is prodded in the back to take notice by Blaise Zabini.
Dru looks up from her notes.
"Sorry?" she asks looking from Slughorn to Yaxely.
Yaxely asks again, "I was just wondering if you would be able to give Professor Slughorn and I the key ingredients in each of the three strengths of truth potions?"
Yaxely now looking amused at Dru's flustered expression at being asked to do this.
"Now? But I've only just started to write my notes!" says Dru.
"Yes Miss Lestrange, Now! You are able to tell us at least one ingredient aren't you?" adds Yaxely hoping that Dru, like her mother hates to be made to look like a fool.
Now everyone's attention is no longer directed to their potions but to Dru who is looking momentarily terrified.
Pulling herself together, not wanting Yaxely to see through her veil she quickly recovers.
"Yes!" she answers, her voice loud and clear. "The weakest draughts main ingredient is Limpwurt roots.''
"Very good!" beams Yaxely only to be interrupted by Dru.
"The second draught which causes a little more noticeable effect does so due to the sap from the Snap Dragonus plant."
Now both Yaxely and Slughorn are beaming at Dru while a few of the Slytherins start to scribble notes, obviously undoubting after being brought up by Snape that Dru's answers are correct, while the other students continue to stare at Dru.
Dru, continues, now aware of the eyes' of everyone in the class upon her, "And the third and strongest form, given the name of Veritaserum is given it's strength by the puss of the White snakes root and crushed unicorn horn."
Dru now looks at her two professors who are obviously shocked that she knows all the three potions key ingredients so early in the year.
Slughorn, now coming out of his shock beaming more than ever at his new star pupil says joyously to Dru, "My my my! Miss Lestrange! Why, I don't think that even your mother was able to rattle off ingredients like that. You must take after your father." At this Dru's and Yaxely's eyes meet. "Of course," continues Slughorn unaware like most of his students apart from Draco of the knowing look exchanged between Yaxely and Dru, "living with Severus has done wonders for you too! Why I don't recall any student being able to do what you just did in all my time here at Hogwarts, well maybe just one student but lets not think of that one right now! No! Not under current circumstances, no, terrible the way that one turned out, brilliant mind though," mumbles Slughorn more to himself conjuring up old memories than to anyone in the room. "Now!" he continues. "Lets see if you can produce all three draughts for us."
Yaxely, still beaming to himself, now knowing after witnessing this performance that Dru might actually be hiding more skills than he first thought, returns his attention back to Slughorn.
"Well, it looks like you have your work cut out teaching Miss Lestrange here. I'm going to be assessing the rest of the students in the next few weeks. Miss Lestrange here has already demonstrated her abilities so I won't bothering her any more," and looking around the class (who have silently been watching the scene) finds who he's looking for and heads over to him. "Ah! Mr Malfoy, why don't you show me what you can do? Perhaps you will take after your cousin." The rest of the class, slowly begin to get back to their own potions again.
The news of Du's performance in potions quickly spread around the school and by lunchtime Dru was threatening fellow slytherins if they dared to approach and ask her to make them potions, while the other houses students cover their goblets fearful of anything slipping into them.
Having enough of everyone's attention, Dru leaves the great hall.
"Dru! Hey Dru! Wait!" Dru slows down her pace, waiting for Ginny just outside the doors of the Great hall.
"So! I hear potions went well this morning," says Ginny who noticing the look on Dru's face quickly changes the subject. "How was Herbology and Transfiguration?"
"The same!" answers Dru,or. "I had Yaxely looking over my shoulder every second in Herbology so I burst one of the boils on the Nimbusnimbletonia and it shot puss straight at his face! It was hysterical! Got him out of my way for the rest of the lesson though. Transfiguration was the same, Dolohov was hovering around me like a bad smell! It's like they know my mother and expect me to follow in her shoes! It's awful!"
The two girls head out into the court yard, heading to their next lessons a little earlier than their morning start.
"Will you be writing home soon?" asks Dru.
"Well, I wasn't going to until the end of the week, why?" answers Ginny.
"Well, lets put it this way," replies Dru, looking around to make sure they can't be overheard. "I had a very interesting talk with Yaxely this morning and I thought the Order aught to know."
"Like what?" whispers Ginny throwing a quick glance to also make sure there is no one else around to hear.
"Nothing too serious yet, but it may help them," and looking at Ginny's face adds apologetically. "I'm sorry Ginny!"
But Ginny finishes for her with a bit of a sigh, "but you can't tell me, I know!"
"Sorry! I would love to let you know more but I promised Charlie I wouldn't tell you more than necessary."
"I know, don't worry! I was just hoping, you know between friends, you'd be able to tell me more! So you want me to send a letter to Charlie?" she asks changing the subject slightly, changing the awkwardness between them and continues, "You do realise it's going to be virtually impossible don't you? They are checking all incoming and out going mail from here!"
"I know! And the fact that your family's mail is being checked by ministry officials before it gets to you! They really don't trust your family! You're all being closely monitored by the ministry. I heard my uncle telling my mother before I left for Hogwarts." Dru adds quickly seeing the suspicious look on Ginny's face, "Don't worry, I have a way! It's how I was getting my info to Charlie over the summer, it's a bit like the disillusionment charm and only Charlie and I know how to undo it! It was undetected all summer so I don't see why it shouldn't work now." The bell rings for the end of lunch and students begin to pour out into the court yard from the great hall, heading to their next lessons, the chilly wind blowing their capes around them. Fearing they may now be overheard, Dru says to Ginny over the growing noise of students, "I'll meet you at the main stairs after dinner before duelling starts ok. I want to get a book from the library." Whispering the next part, "from the restricted section, I could use a look out if your interested in helping me?" and not waiting for an answer continues, "It has some interesting curses in. I want to be fully able to defend myself when we start duelling! I don't trust Yaxely and Dolohov one bit! I'll teach you some of the ones I already know, like the one I did on Malfoy on the train. I have a feeling they'll come in useful in the next few weeks."
"Ok! I better go! I've got Herboligy now, greenhouse 5 I think so I better hurry," says Ginny.
"Yeah! I have charms now then Defence against the dark arts, dark potions then Dark arts! What a miserable afternoon! You guys have Dark arts then Dark potions don't you?" asks Dru.
"Yeah! Not looking forward to them."
"Don't worry, just keep your wand out at all times and don't leave your cauldron unattended, especially while you have Slytherins in your lesson as I noticed this morning that Yaxely and Dolohov unsurprisingly favour us to the other houses, so just stay alert," warns Dru.
"Thanks! I will," replies Ginny walking away across the yard. "See you later!" She calls over the increasing crowed.
"Yeah, see you," replies Dru as she turns to the direction of charms.
After dinner the 6th and 7th years head back to their common rooms to drop off their bags and change into their new house duelling robes. On the way back down to the great hall Dru catches Ginny's attention and both girls disappear up the secret staircase hidden behind the statue of the witch and head off towards the library. Checking the coast is clear and no one is around, they head into the library.
"Okay!" says Dru as she pulls some books randomly from the shelf in the defence section and conjures up some parchment and a quill, giving them to Ginny. "Just remember the plan, if anyone comes just start scribbling down notes and tell them you are just getting last minute notes before the duelling practice starts and didn't realise the time and don't worry about me!"
"Okay! But are you sure you wouldn't rather I wait for you if anyone comes?" asks Ginny.
"No! I don't want you in any more trouble today! Snape is already keeping an eye on you," and with a flick of her wand, Dru disillusions herself. "Wish me luck," she whispers and enters the restricted section of the library.
After nearly 10min of searching she finds what she is looking for and with a quick transfiguration, changes the book into a less suspicious defensive charms book and places it into her bag, exiting the restricted section disillusioning herself as she does so smiling at Ginny when they hear the snide, drawling voice of Darco Malfoy behind them, as he emerges from the shadows with a smug, gloating grin on his face, "Well, well, well! What do we have here? Surely it can't be a Weasel and who's this? A Slytherin?" he says looking from one to the other and continues, "You know cousin, there's a word for people like you, a 'traiter'," he finishes, watching the expression on Dru's face, looking at both girls with disgust as from the shadows emerge Crabbe and Goyle who are now blocking the girls exit.
"Now! Tell me," continues Draco in his drawling voice, "why would a Slytherin and a Gryffindor be hanging around together in a dark library when they aught to be in the great hall duelling? What are you up to?" he demands.
"Yeah! Like we're going to tell you," snaps Ginny.
"Tut, tut, tut! I think we're going to have to teach Miss Weasel here a lesson in respecting her superiors don't you, Crabbe, Goyle?" he indicates to the two bulking figures who grin and grunt in acknowledgement moving closer tightening the gap to the exit.
With a sarcastic giggle from Dru, Draco turns on her, "Find something funny cousin?"
"Yes I do actually! You!" she answers with a sly grin on her face seeing how she is annoying her cousin.
"You aught to be careful cousin dear, sneaking off with undesirables, someone will think you're up to something! What were you doing in the restricted section?"
"What are you talking about? I haven't been in there'' answers Dru.
"Don't lie Dru! I saw you go in 10 minutes ago! You're not the only one who is good at Disillusion charms, your mother taught me!" remarks Draco, knowing that his aunt would have much preferred a son to a daughter, therefore spending more time with her nephew than with Dru. Dru, ignoring Draco's attempt to irritate her replies, "Ooh! I'm so scared! So what if she did! At least I taught myself," knowing he was not expecting this kind of comment she continues, "If you must be so nosey, I was looking for a book but obviously it doesn't exist here."
"Oh really?" answers Draco now looking inquisitively at Dru, "I could have sworn I saw you putting something in your bag just then."
"Well sorry to disappoint you Draco, but I think your disillusionment charm backfired and addled your brain. You're obviously seeing things," and moving closer and lowering her voice a little, directing it more to Draco than to the others in the room continues, "or perhaps you know who's punishments on you and your family made you crazier than you already were." At this, Draco and his companions with draw their wands, as does Ginny and Dru.
"What! You're going to attack us with no motive cousin? I'd like to see you try!" says Dru.
"Oh yeah! I forgot, we're supposed to show you respect since you're a prefect!" laughs Dru and turning to Ginny who is a little shocked at hearing some of the things she's just heard, Dru indicates she should follow her just as Draco, taking advantage of Dru looking the other way, pushes his wand into Dru's chest.
"Hand over the book and we'll not hand you over to Snape or the others," he demands, again forcefully prodding his wand into Dru.
"Yeah, like I'm scared of them," answers Dru.
Ginny moves closer to Dru and grips her arm saying, "Dru, I think we should just do as they say." Dru ignores her while Draco, still looking at his cousin and pointing his wand at her says. "Wow! Finally a sensible word from the Weasel."
"Stop calling her that!" demands Dru.
"And why should I? It's what she and her family are! Measly, stinking, Weasels!" answers Draco smugly, Crabbe and Goyle moving closer again laughing at this comment.
"I said stop calling her that!" Dru says again this time through gritted teeth.
"Or what?" asks Draco now amused he is annoying his cousin.
"You know I can take all three of you with one flick of my wand," replies Dru.
"Oh really! I've already notified Snape! I'm sure he will be just as curious as I am to know what you're doing in here," replies Draco enjoying this moment.
Dru continues to stare coldly at her cousin, unsure whether he is calling her bluff or not. Deciding she'd rather not be around to find out she raises her wand silently muttering the disarming spell at her cousin, knocking him off his feet into the bulking figures of Crabbe and Goyle. Grabbing Ginny, Dru heads for the door only to hear from behind her, "Glisseo!" and finds herself and Ginny sliding helplessly over a sheet of ice and crashing into a bookshelf knocking it over moving out of the way just in time as a jet of red light narrowly misses her, bounces off the wall and hits Goyle who falls unconscious to the floor.
"Obscuro!" shouts Dru, her spell hitting Malfoy who begins to wail around bumping into things shouting, "My eyes! I'm blind! You've blinded me!"
"Oh be quiet Draco!" replies Dru casting the silencing charm at him while from behind her battling with Crabbe, Ginny shouts, "Petrificus totalus!" causing Crabbe to fall like a log to the floor in a full body binding curse.
Both girls stop and look at each other then around at the mess in the library spotting Mr Filch's cat, Mrs Norris, Ginny shouts, "Run!" and both girls quickly leave the library, sneaking into the great hall, hiding at the back unseen by anyone entering late as all eyes are on the two professors demonstrating an arrangement of fancy movements amongst flashes of light.
The next day as Dru and Ginny are leaving the great hall after breakfast their exit is blocked by Snape.
"My office, Now! Both of you!" and with a lingering look at both girls adds, "Well! What are you waiting for? Move!"
Ginny and Dru look at each other and with another glare from Snape they reluctantly head off to his office with him following in their wake.
Once inside his office Snape goes to his desk and sits down touching his fingertips together in thought looking over them to the two girls in front of him, "Sit!" says Snape shortly and both girls take a seat opposite the desk.
"It has came to my attention that you two took it upon yourself last night to skip your Duelling lesson and to destroy our library, attacking fellow students, one of whom is a prefect and was on hall duty, who when he confronted you , you attacked him." Snape stops and continues to stare at the two girls sitting opposite him, looking from one to the other, "Do you deny it?" he asks still looking at each girl. "Well, I'm waiting! What do you have to say for yourself?"
Neither girl answers making Snape even more furious. "So! You prefer to be the first students of the year to undertake our new punishments? Very well then."
"It's, It's my fault!" stutters Dru. "It was all my idea, Ginny had nothing to do with it. If anyone is to be punished, then it should be me not her," she finishes staring into Snapes face then looking at Ginny apologetically. Snape sits quietly contemplating his God daughters wish to take the blame then speaks,
"Very well then, Miss Weasely you are to have detention for the rest of this week helping to restack the shelves in the library which you helped to destroy. I want you to take this report card to every class. You are to have it signed by your professor on entering and exiting each lesson. If you fail to do this or miss getting it signed your punishments will be less desirable. You may take the report card now and go to your class and believe me Miss Weasely, I shall know whether or not this is being signed! Do you understand me?" he finishes looking sternly at Ginny.
"Yes, Yes sir!" she answers as she takes the report card.
"Very well, you may go!" says Snape and watches as Ginny gets up to leave.
Ginny quickly leaves the room feeling very thankful but also very guilty for having allowed Dru to take all the blame and heads out the spiral staircase and off to her class.
Now alone with Snape, Dru returns his stare blocking her mind from him.
"So! You prefer to hide from me what you were doing? I will find out, either from you or from someone else Dru, don't underestimate me! Why and what were you doing in the restricted area of the library last night?"
Dru, still returning her godfathers stare thinks for a moment then answers, "I wasn't doing anything really, I was just looking for a book you have at home! That really old one that you have in your collection. I thought I'd seen it or a similar looking one here but I was wrong!"
"Don't lie to me Dru! I have other ways of finding out. You wouldn't want me to drop veritaserum into you breakfast juice would you! Then all your secrets would come out."
"You wouldn't dare!" replies Dru, a little scared at the idea. "My father would kill you if you let that happen!" she continues a little more confidently although still very concerned! The last thing she needed was the truth of her life to come out.
Snape contemplating this last remark considers his options before continuing, "Very well! I will let this incident slip by this time. I'm sure you have your reasons . While we are talking about your father, He is still waiting for information! Have you managed to find anything out?"
Coming to her senses Dru replies, "Not really! Nothing we didn't already know, I don't think, just that when the ministry fell, just before Potter went on the run, he let slip that he had been left a mission to complete by Dumbledore and that Ronald Weasely and Hermionie Granger would be going with him. It is early days and with our new time tables I haven't exactly had time to discuss things yet! Well, apart from trying to persuade everyone in the other houses I'm not like my mother I've had no time."
"Hmm!" grunts Snape, still watching his goddaughters appearance , searching her face for more information she may be hiding catching odd thoughts before Dru composes herself.
"What was that thought?" asks Snape suddenly becoming interested and alert.
"What thought?" asks Dru realising she may have let her thoughts wonder a little.
"I thought I caught an image of a Weasely! And a feeling connected to him! What was it?" demands Snape looking curiously at Dru, then softening his appearance slightly, showing a little concern continues, "Dru! You need to be careful! I feel you are hiding something of importance from me and after your performance at the Malfoys," he continues noting the shocked expression on his goddaughters face, "Yes! Your Father confided in me that he felt your mind was a little pre-occupied and of the task he gave you and wanted me to keep an eye on you. Dru!" continues Snape looking concerned in a parental way. "I have brought you up since you were a baby and care for you probably a little more than the Dark lord expects so I am warning you now! Begging you, Be extra cautious! Yaxely and Dolohov are not just here to teach you the Dark arts, Please, just be wary of your actions, Especially around them. Do you understand me?" Dru, now shocked at her godfather's honesty, looks at him with a little more appreciation. Dru nods.
After a few moments of silent appreciation and understanding Snape continues and gets back to the matter at hand.
"Well, Now back to what to do about the havoc you caused last night. You will also receive a report card and Detention for a month. You will report to me every evening after your duelling session where you will receive our new ministry punishments and you are from now on, banned from the library until I see fit! Do you understand?"
"What!" proclaims Dru, "and how am I supposed to study if I can't use the library?" she asks
"The old fashioned way. Take notes! Now, I want you to go straight to your lesson. You can go now!"
Getting up, Dru takes her report card and walks to the door stopping as she opens it looks back to see Snape silently watching her and with a glaring look at him, she leaves slamming the door behind her and heads off to class.
Now three weeks later and with a very inflamed, and scared, sore hand from detention, Drucatches up with Ginny after Duelling session, both girls like the rest of the 6th and 7th years heading back into school, covered in bruises and mud from the duelling obstacle course which was made even more difficult tonight due to the lashing wind and rain. Both girls slowly make their way back to the castle despite the bad weather, taking advantage of finally having time to talk.
"How is your detention going?" asks Ginny.
"Painful," answers Dru, rubbing her aching hand as she does so, "and impossible to study! How am I supposed to pass my NEWTS if I'm banned from the library?" asks Dru in desperation.
"Easy! Just give me a list of the books you need and I'll get them for you! Or at least I'll try! I'm under constant supervision whilst I use the library now," says Ginny.
"Are you sure?" asks Dru.
"Yeah, of course I'm sure!" answers Ginny.
"That would be great! But I really don't want you getting in any more trouble because of me," says Dru.
"Dru!" says Ginny. "Of course I'm sure! I mean, what are friends for? You took all the blame for the incident in the library, so it's the least I can do to repay you!"
"Thanks! You don't know how much it means to me! It's driving me crazy not having use of books, I mean in potions and defence against dark arts and stuff is fine but in charms, herboligy and transfiguration, it's obvious the professor's have as much trust in me as the other house students with the amount of work they keep giving me and they know I'm banned from the library! Honestly, after duelling and detention I'm up until early hours in the morning and get up early to get their assignments complete. I'm exhausted!" finishes Dru. Ginny looking concerned for her friend asks, "Can't you ask anyone in Slytherins to lend you their books?"
"I have! But after our run in with Draco he's made sure to spread rumors, I'm now seriously being outcast from them more and more. I've even finally been called a traitor by some of them. Not to mention what they do to my belongings but I've jinxed my things now so I will know exactly who is responsible for destroying my things," continues Dru with a little smile, "just look for missing Slytherins in class over the next few days," Dru adds with a look of satisfaction thinking of her jinxes, Ginny watching her friend curiously wondering what will happen to those brave enough to try anything with Dru after witnessing her performance during duelling practice this evening.
"Well," says Dru now looking a little more optimistic. "At least my detentions with Snape are nearly over! I could barely keep my grip on my wand tonight because of my hand and no remedies I try are having any result," Dru finishes subconsciously rubbing the back of her hand as she does so and continues, "How are you feeling about next week?" now knowing that they both got through the qualifying round tonight to represent their houses in the duelling contest. The first of which is taking place next week on Halloween night.
"Urgh! I feel ill just thinking about it!" replies Ginny.
"Me too! There's no way in Merlin's name I'm going to Duel you! I'll just refuse right there on the spot!" says Dru.
"I know! I feel the same but if it happens we'll have to! We're in opposite houses! I can just imagine Yaxely and Dolohov's faces if their star pupil refuses point blanc to duel!" says Ginny and both girls fall into a fit of giggles at the thought.
"Well, if it happens, we'll just fire reasonable curses at each other ok? None of the serious things we've been learning! Deal?" says Dru now looking seriously at her friend.
"Definitely!" replies Ginny. "I don't want to get in the way of anything like I saw you perform tonight! You were pretty scary! Where did you learn them?" asks Ginny.
"From that book we stole from the library!'' she lies ''I copied it so I will give you it tomorrow," continues Dru grinning at her friend.
"Thanks!" says Ginny. "I could use all the help I can get! Oh I can't wait until tomorrow! Hogsmeade will be so refreshing compare to life here at the moment!"
"I know what you mean! Oh! Can you give this to Charlie for me?" asks Dru as she hands over a sealed envelope.
"Anything I should know?" asks Ginny inquiringly.
"Nah! This is just a normal letter. No news in it. Could you send it tonight? It would be great to see Charlie again. I hope he will be able to make it to Hogsmede tomorrow!" says Dru enthusiastically.
"He will be! My whole family is going to be there, well, not Ron of course but everyone else will," says Ginny now looking at her friends face and adds, "I'll see if I can side track mum and dad so he can sneak off! Where should I tell him to meet you?"
"Hmm! Mrs Cosies tea shop! That's the least place any Death eater or 'you know who's spies' will be. Not their scene is it? All us young ones… in love!" Dru quickly adds more to herself than to Ginny.
"Ha! I knew it!" laughs Ginny looking at her friends embarrassed face and continues grinning widely at her friend.
"Shh! The castle has ears," whispers Dru now giggling shyly and blushing as they enter the castle then say's, "Oh, I hope they're ok! Harry and the others! The Prophet says they are arresting anyone these days. If they got caught, well, I'd rather not think of what they would do to them, especially to Harry and Hermionie."
"Tell me about it!" replies Ginny. "I've stopped getting the Daily prophet! It makes me sick just reading the stories in it! I mean, what does the Minister think he's doing? He's just letting these things happen right in front of his nose!"
"I don't think Scrimgeour has much say in what happens at he Ministry any more, if you get what I mean," say Dru.
"What? You mean he's being controlled?" asks Ginny.
"Exactly! Now you can't say a word to anyone do you understand me? I shouldn't have even told you. This information is too dangerous for you to let anyone know! Charlie knows and has informed the order. I promised him I wouldn't tell you. He'll probably kill me for telling you, and I'll probably get killed for telling you! Promise me you won't breathe a word Ginny!" says Dru seriously.
"I promise!" answers Ginny now looking a little frightened.
"Sorry! I didn't mean to frighten you but you have to understand now, why I can't tell you what is in those letters! It's just too dangerous! For both of us," continues Dru now hoping to calm her friend.
"I know now, sorry Dru! It's just, I feel left out that's all! I know it's childish of me but now Fred and George are doing work for the order and Ron's off on some mission somewhere, I was just feeling, well, left out, you know!" says Ginny now looking a little embarrassed of what she just said, staring at the floor.
"I can understand! But think of it this way," says Dru smiling at her friend in a consoling manner "You do have a purpose in all this. I mean, without you I wouldn't be able to get info to Charlie and you have a lot of secrets to hide! Just think of all the info you know about Ron and everyone! Not many people our age would be able to keep something like that secret for long would they? So don't put yourself down anymore ok!"
"Ok! When you put it like that I guess you're right," replies Ginny and both girls head up the main stairs in silence. After a few minutes, Ginny breaks the silence. "Mum received a letter from him you know, Ron that is."
"Really?" asks Dru, her interest increasing. "How are they? Everything ok?"
"Yes! He told her not to bother replying as they would be moving on again but according to Fred and George, by the amount of sand that came out of the envelope, they guess they have to be near the coast somewhere,'' continues Ginny now feeling a little more confident in her friends trust. Once again realising she may have said too much, she looks at Dru and is just about to ask her not to say anything when Dru says it for her,
"Don't worry! I won't say anything. No one writes to me anyway, well, just my mother asking how my studies are going but I never reply to her. She probably gets all her info on me from 'the eyes at Hogwarts'. So unless we've been overheard . Seriously, you don't need to worry! I don't want anything to happen to your family."
The Clock begins to chime 9 O'clock.
"Oh No!" says Dru looking a little anxious. "I better get going! I'm going to be late for Detention. I'll see you tomorrow!" and quickly heads towards the secret stair way behind the picture of a group of wizards in deep debate as Ginny, being swept along in the crowed shouts,
"Yeah! See you! And good look!" indicating Dru's hand before allowing herself to be swept away in the ever increasing surge of 6th and 7th years heading off to their dorms looking just as worn out as Dru and Ginny, some who are cradling their injured arms while others are trying to stem the flow of nosebleeds.
Dru knocks on the door of the headmasters office and walks in, finding not only Snape there but both of her Parents, Dolohov and Yaxely , the sight of them all gathered there making her stop in her tracks as they all turn to stare at her.
"You're late Drusilla!" says Snape and indicates to take the seat at his desk, the quill and parchment readily waiting. With everyone still watching her, he continues, "You know what to do. Get on with it!"
Dru looking at the company in the room does so, and with one last lingering look at her parents begins to write 'I must not disrespect school and ministry rules' still feeling her fathers gaze on her as she does so.
After writing her 5th line she winces causing the others' in the room to stop in mid conversation. "Something wrong dear?" asks the cold voice of Voldemort.
Dru, flexing her hand and not looking up answers, "No!" and continues to carry on writing, the scars on her hand beginning to open and bleed, smearing a little blood on the parchment.
After an hour of torturous writing and the other's in the room still in deep conversation, Dru suddenly drops her quill and clutches at her bleeding hand in pain, gasping at the amount of blood smeared across the parchment and her hand, her actions causing the others' attention in the room to be drawn to her once again, but instead of her godfather coming across the room it is her father, who with a few quick strides towers over her taking her arm to inspect her hand, pressing his fingers over the engraved words making her wince and to try to remove her hand from his grasp.
"So! Have my rules finally sunk in?" he asks staring hard into Dru's eyes still holding his thumb pressing hard on the wound on Dru's hand, hoping by causing her pain he will find something in her mind. Dru realising what her father is trying to do, thinks about the latest information she has just acquired on Harry's whereabouts that she just received from Ginny, Blocking all other thoughts from her mind.
"Hmm! And what was that last thought about my dearest? You weren't trying to hide it from me were you" he asks in Parcel tongue still staring at her, his eyes appearing to burn into hers and not releasing the pressure on her hand but increasing it making Dru wince more and trying once again to remove her hand from his grasp.
"No! But it's a little hard to show or tell you anything when you're hurting me father!" answers Dru using normal speech so the others' will understand, tears now prickling at the corners of her eyes under the pain shooting through her hand.
Voldemort releases her hand and continues. "Better?" he asks.
"Yes!" answers Dru, clutching her hand again and wraps her robes around it .
"Now! Tell me what that was! That conversation with Miss Weasely. When did you get it?" he demands.
Dru, now a little frightened replies "Just now! On my way here after duelling practice."
"Ah! I was wondering why you were looking so dishevelled " says Bellatrix.
"Not now Bella! This is important!" Snaps Voldemort.
"Sorry my lord" answers Bellatrix and falls silent again.
"What did Miss Weasely tell you Drusilla?" Demands Voldemort once again, his impatience beginning to show.
Dru feeling her fathers impatience, not wanting to nor having much strength left this evening to under go any more punishments tells him.
"She told me that her mother recently received a letter from her brother Ronald Weasely, Potters friend a few days ago and judging by the amount of sand they found in the envelope that they must be somewhere at or near the sea."
"Well done Drusilla! You are proving to be very liable to me! Don't let me think otherwise of you. I want you to continue becoming close to this girl. She is proving to be very vital to us." says Voldemort.
"Yess father!" replies Dru using parcel tongue
Now having heard this information, Voldemort begins to pace up and down the room muttering to himself in thought 'So it is as I thought! Although I don't see how he knows. It must have been down to Dumbledore'.
"Sorry my lord?" asks Bellatrix. "What is it?"
"Bella my dear! It looks like I may have once again underestimated our dear young Mr Potter!"
"How do you mean my Lord?" she inquires further.
Voldemort, now coming out of his thoughts glances back at Dru, then to Bellatrix and the others before saying, "Now is not the time to tell you! When I am ready you will know!"
"Now! Drusilla! I have to leave! I am sure your Mother here will want to stay with you a while longer. She may! Severus, a word! In private," he adds seeing Dolohov and Yaxely about to follow. And with Snape, he leaves the room.
Bellatrix, now looking at Dru's appearance turns to Yaxely and Dolohov.
"Looks like you're really pushing them to their limits! How did she do?"
"Very well Bellatrix! As expected!" answers Dolohov.
"She hardly had to try to get through anything!" continues Yaxely.
"Good! Very Good! The Dark Lord will be happy to hear it," says Bellatrix as she goes over to her daughter "Give me your hand!" she demands of Dru.
Dru reluctantly gives her hand to her mother who, like Voldemort did before her, inspects it closely "Tut, tut, tut! That must be painful! It is your wand hand is it not?" she asks, Dru just nods in reply, now too exhausted after her control at blocking out her thoughts to her father.
"How well did she do exactly Dolohov? Where in the group is she ranked?" Demands Bellatrix still inspecting Dru's hand. Dru now finding it difficult to concentrate on the surrounding conversation.
"Where you would expect Bellatrix, considering her parentage, at the top! Outsmarted everyone just as she does so in everything!" answers Dolohov now smirking at Bellatrix who is now looking very pleased.
Without warning, Bellatrix takes out her wand and places it over the wound on Dru's hand, Dru jumping a little at her mothers actions, tries to pull her hand away.
"Don't be stupid girl! Don't you want this to cool down?" asks Bellatrix.
"Yes, sorry! You just startled me that's all!" answers Dru as she feels an icy sensation spread over her hand. Now taking her hand and looking at it seeing the redness subside she looks at her mother seeing for the first time a slight mothering look in her face as she watches her daughters expression then quickly hides it as Dru says, "Thank you Mother! What did you do? I've been trying everything I know to calm my hand down but nothing works like that!"
Bellatrix just watches Dru and says, "Now that would be telling wouldn't it! And I think tonight you deserved it." Then continues, "I hear it is your visit to Hogsmeade tomorrow. Perhaps I will be there. I have things to attend to so don't be too disappointed if I don't turn up," finishes Bellatrix obviously under the impression that Dru would love to meet up with her.
"Wow! It's late and I have things to do," exclaims Bellatrix and looking at the clock on the wall, Dru realises that it is past eleven o'clock and notices how tired she is as Bellatrix heads for the door saying, "I better be off! Until tomorrow perhaps," and walks out of the room as Snape re-enters about to address Dolohov and Yaxely but notices Dru still sitting there.
"You're still here?" he asks, Dru just nods. "Well, you may go now. I don't want to have to do this to you again so don't give me cause to do so! Do you understand?"
"Yess Ssir!" answers Dru, emphasising her s's just as her father does and leaves the room leaving her three professors and fellow Death Eaters staring at her. As the door closes behind her, Yaxely comments on just how much she is resembling both of her parents personalities.