Chapter 4
One month passed quickly, though Harry was a little disappointed that Amber still kept to herself. Her friends in Hufflepuff seemed to know the whole school, and Dawn was even Ginny's study partner when both Houses were in the library. During mid-October, Professor Regan gave a special announcement: "Professor Dumbledore has given me permission to restart the Dueling Club. I believe Mr. Gilderoy Lockhart attempted the same thing during your second year."
"And it was a waste of time," Draco spoke up. "That phony couldn't duel his way out of a bag."
"I'm sorry to hear that, Mr. Malfoy. However, you'll find that my dueling skills are a bit better than your former Professor's."
"What could an American know about dueling? You-Know-Who isn't even in your part of the world."
"We still have his followers to deal with," Lotus shot back.
"That is correct," Professor Regan added. "Our own Ministry has seen increased activity of dark witches and wizards over the past year."
"Petty copiers, all of them," Draco said with a smirk. Amber suddenly slammed her fist down on the desk in front of her.
"You wouldn't say that if you were staring one in the face!"
"Miss Johnson, that is enough. And the same goes for you, Mr. Malfoy. Death Eaters are no trivial matter, regardless of country. Now, as for the Dueling Club, those of you interested should meet here after classes. See you then." As everyone gathered their books, Draco strode over to Amber, his smirk firmly in place.
"A little testy about Death Eaters, eh Gryffindor?"
"Leave her alone, Malfoy," Hermione said as she came over.
"I wasn't talking to you, Granger. Besides, I'm curious."
"Curious with you is never a good thing. So bugger off," Ron told him, standing next to Hermione. Harry hung back a moment, more so because he saw the harsh look in Amber's eyes and did not want to get in the way if she went after Draco.
"I wasn't talking to you, Weasel."
"Well, I have nothing to tell you, Draco," Amber said as she scooped up her books. She went to push past the blonde boy, but he blocked her path.
"Trying to run? Is this an American trait?"
"You know nothing about me. Now let me pass."
"Run into Death Eaters have you? Seen the power of the Dark Arts up close?"
"Enough," Lotus warned, coming over and placing a hand on Amber's arm.
"This doesn't concern you, Tremore."
"Amber is my friend, regardless of our Houses. Now back off."
"I'd like to see you try and make me."
"All right, everyone, you're going to be late for your next class," Professor Regan interrupted as she walked over. Hermione noticed that she seemed worried, her dark eyes flicking back and forth between Draco and the two Americans.
"I'll go, after this bloke learns his lesson."
"Mr. Malfoy, need I remind you that I am still a teacher, temporary or not. Now all of you break it up."
"Let's go, Amber," Hermione said as she extended her hand. The other girl took it, and Lotus and Ron followed them past Malfoy into the hallway where Harry was waiting. Everyone else was milling around the hall for a moment, and Draco exited the classroom with Crabbe and Goyle at his heels. Professor Regan breathed a quick sigh of relief and walked back into the classroom. What happened next took less than a minute: Draco pulled his wand and shouted:
"Conglacio!" A cloud of ice burst from the tip of his wand and made for the small group. Harry managed to shout:
"Ron, get down!" as his friend grabbed Hermione and pulled her to the floor. Amber turned and flicked her own wand, casting:
"Cremo obmolior." A wall of fire sprang up between the group and Draco's ice storm, melting it. Lotus leapt at the Slytherin, shifting into his cat form a moment before he tackled the other boy. At the first sound of commotion, Professor Regan rushed from the room and quickly surveyed the scene, wand in hand. Amber's fire wall was quickly turning into harmless smoke, and Lotus was hissing at Draco from the vantage point of the blonde's chest. Crabbe and Goyle seemed stunned, and therefore hadn't acted yet. Harry was busy making sure Hermione and Ron were okay, and a few other students were either on the floor or flat against the walls.
"All of you, my office. Now!" she said to the group. "Actually, no. Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, and Mr. Weasley, follow me. Miss Johnson, please grab Mr. Tremore on your way as well."
"What about us?" Goyle wondered.
"I suggest you get to your next class. Mr. Malfoy will join you there."
"But-"
"Just go, you idiots. I'll be right behind you." With that, the group followed the Professor into her office, where she shut the door and stared at them for a moment.
"Mr. Malfoy, would you care to explain why cast a rather dangerous ice spell at your schoolmates right outside my classroom?"
"No." Professor Regan looked completely stunned as she stared at the English boy. He obviously had a blatant disregard for her authority, and he certainly didn't seem to care about the well-being of his fellow students. Not since Lotus' first year had she encountered such a vexing student.
"So you offer nothing in your defense?"
"Their attitudes deserved repercussions."
"Mr. Malfoy, unless you have somehow become a Hogwarts' teacher, or even your schoolmates' elder, you do not decide punishment. Now would one of you three," she said, pointing to Harry, Ron, and Hermione, "please tell me what happened?"
"We were just trying to leave, Professor Regan, when Draco cast that spell. Ron pulled me away and Amber did something to block it. It was a spell I've never seen before. And then Lotus turned into a cat and jumped at Draco," Hermione explained.
"I see. That particular type of spell is a specialty of Salem Academy, Miss Granger. And thank you for shedding some light on this event. Mr. Malfoy, my congratulations for losing your House fifty points."
"It was worth it." Draco then turned to Lotus, who was still in cat-form. "I hope you enjoy being expelled."
"Expelled? Why would a potential victim of one of your spells be sent home?" Professor Regan wanted to know.
"Because he's an Animagus!"
"A registered Animagus," Lotus said as he transformed and met Draco's stare. "It's a family tradition, and I was registered at the end of last school year."
"But you're only a teenager."
"So are you," Amber shot back. "But that didn't stop you from casting an advanced spell."
"My father taught it to me."
"Miss Johnson, I don't remember asking for your input," Professor Regan said as Amber blushed and hung her head.
"Sorry ma'am."
"Lotus is a registered Animagus, but we felt that telling the students here was unnecessary. So no one is being expelled today. Be that as it may, I've kept you all long enough. However, Mr. Malfoy, let me make something clear: You will not be casting anything more advanced than what a fifth year student should know while at school. Practice at your own home over the summer if that is your father's wish. Now all of you go straight to your next class with no further incidents. Understood?"
"Yes Professor," they all replied. Draco left first, mumbling to himself, and Hermione turned to Amber.
"We'll go to class together, okay?"
"Sure. See you later, Lotus." The four Gryffindors dashed out, and Lotus turned to the Professor.
"He won't let it die so easily."
"I'll talk to your House teacher, Lotus. Revenge doesn't become this school."
"Ma'am, there's something you should know about Snape."
"That he's a gruff, opinionated man?" Lotus paused at the door.
"Dawn and Slade both felt strange around him." Professor Regan raised an eyebrow at her protégé.
"Strange how?"
"Like queasy and faint. We might have a problem." With that he left the room, and Professor Regan sighed and shook her head.
"It appears I need to have a closer look at Severus Snape."
Professor Severus Snape sat in his office, busily writing up a test for the seventh years. A knock at the door didn't even give him reason to pause. "Enter."
"Am I disturbing you?" an unfamiliar voice asked. Snape looked up to see the American teacher, Patricia Regan, standing in the doorway.
"You are, but that's beside the point. Was there something you needed?"
"I'm sure you've heard about the incident outside my classroom today?" He had heard rumors, but hadn't gotten the time to question any of the fifth year Slytherins. "Well, I came to you for advice on how to handle Draco Malfoy."
"Handle him? Do you think he deserves special treatment?"
"Quite the opposite, actually. Mr. Malfoy apparently thinks he can do whatever he wants, with little regard for authority."
"He certainly respects my authority." Professor Regan noted the rigid manner with which Severus held himself, and the tight line that seemed to be his normal mouth. In some ways he reminded her of Amber, which made her frown slightly.
"You're also a bit more imposing of a figure than I am."
"Do what you have to," Snape replied, turning his attention once more to finishing the test. He needed to have it ready within the hour. "If Mr. Malfoy does not listen, then punish him. I won't take it personally if he loses a few points for Slytherin."
"Yes, that system is still new to me. Thank you for your help, Severus." She turned to leave, and was surprised when she heard the quill stop writing. Turning around, she noticed he was looking at the benches where the students would sit.
"Before you go, there is one thing I've been meaning to ask: Does Miss DeFay have a medical condition we were not told of? She seems to become ill whenever she's in my class."
"Medical condition?" He watched as Patricia's eyes widened slightly, but then she smiled. "Dawn reacts strongly to magical energies. Perhaps a few of your more potent ingredients are bothering her. It isn't affecting her marks, is it?"
"Her Housemates help her take notes, but I would suggest she go see Madame Pomfrey."
"I'll take her myself. Thank you again."
"I'll see you at the Dueling Club then."
"Of course. Good day." When she left, Snape placed his hands together and rested his chin against them.
"Reacts to magical energy? Perhaps these children warrant a closer study."
It seemed as if half the school had shown up to the Dueling Club, and all the ages were represented. Ginny waved Dawn over, and the two girls quickly made their way to the front. "This is so exciting!" Ginny exclaimed. "We haven't had anything of this sort since my first year."
"That's a shame. Salem's always had some sort of Dueling Club. The school was actually founded by soldiers and healers right after the Revolutionary War."
"Really? Wizards fought for American liberty?"
"Some did, and some didn't. The wizarding world was just as divided as the muggles during that time," Amelia explained as she and Jason inched their way over.
"Is that why you're taught other spells?" Ginny asked.
"Other spells? We learn the standards, just like everyone," Jason replied. He was sure he knew what the English girl was referring to, but he wanted to avoid the subject.
"My brother said Amber used some sort of fire spell today, after that stupid Draco Malfoy threw an advanced spell at them. And then your friend Lotus turned into a cat and attacked his own Housemate! It's all over the school."
"No shit," said Slade as he joined them.
"Language," Amelia reminded him, frowning slightly.
"Yes, mom. But we need to talk to Lotus about today."
"Ron said he wasn't in trouble because he's registered as an Animagus. Your Professor Regan took care of everything already."
"Speaking of the Professor, she's on the platform now," Jason noted.
"Good. Time to start the show," Slade whispered. He suddenly felt a tingle shoot up his spine, and Dawn swayed on her feet.
"Uh-oh," she squeaked as the boys steadied her.
"Snape's here too," Amelia said soft enough for only the Americans to hear. The Potions teacher was standing in the shadows near the Slytherins, his gaze traveling over the entire room. Amelia noticed a few students shiver when they met his eyes.
"Reminds me of Professor Callahan," Jason said.
"Except Snape is ten times creepier. I'd rather be stuck in Charms with Callahan, than go within fifty feet of Snape," Dawn added.
"Same shit, new school," Slade noted, smiling innocently when Amelia glared at him. Until someone cast an anti-swearing charm on him, he'd talk however he liked.
"Students, your attention please!" Professor Regan shouted over everyone. The room quieted down to a few whispers a moment later. "Thank you. For those of you in fourth year and up, you might remember a Dueling club run by former Professor Gilderoy Lockhart. I can assure you all that Professor Snape and I will expand on what you learned then, and improve everyone's dueling abilities."
"If I may, Professor," Snape said as he ascended the platform, "Perhaps a demonstration for the younger students is in order. After all, most of them have never heard of dueling, much less know how to do it. Most of the first years aren't even sure what to do with their wands yet." Snickers sprang up from some of the Slytherins, but the rest of the students stayed silent. "I mean, Salem's Dueling Club is quite famous in the States, and aren't we all privileged to have three of its members here at Hogwarts? How about calling up two of them to give a small demonstration?" Professor Regan seemed a bit uneasy, and Snape's smirk widened.
"Is he trying to prove something?" Jason demanded.
"I think he's trying to show that your school is beneath Hogwarts. Snape likes to be right," Ginny explained.
"Why that sorry excuse for a-" Slade began.
"Teacher," Amelia interrupted. "He is a teacher who graduated from Hogwarts, which is the school of witchcraft and wizardry. He's allowed to have pride."
"But where does pride end and ego begin?" Dawn wondered. Meanwhile, Professor Regan had decided to take Snape up on his idea, against her better judgment.
"Yes, that sounds fair. Lotus, come here please." The American walked up the stairs in much the same way Snape had: With slow, determined steps. His eyes met his mentor's, and she nodded. "Slade, you will be his opponent."
"About time I got some action," the dirty-blonde haired boy said as he raced up the stairs to stand beside his friend.
"A Slytherin and Ravenclaw? That's an odd pairing," Snape mumbled.
"These boys are in the same House at Salem, but their dueling styles are completely opposite. We'll run through a quick duel." Both boys bowed to one another, then took their places at the opposite ends of the platform.
"Want to bet on who wins?" Slade asked.
"No," Lotus replied, stretching his arms. "I don't feel like showing you up twice." Again the Slytherins began laughing, and Slade's dark-blue eyes narrowed. Lotus was never that cocky before a duel. Or was this all a show for Snape? The black-clad man seemed to bring out the worst in people.
'I'd like to wipe that smirk off his face. But first, I need to show Lotus some humility.'
"Wands at the ready," Professor Regan said, watching them take their customary stances. Lotus was turned slightly, back foot braced for a jarring effect. Slade held his wand in front of him, his other arms loose at his side. "Begin!"
"Dormio!" Slade incanted.
"Repercutio!" Lotus defended. Slade's spell was reflected back at him, but the American dove to the floor at the last moment.
"Attonare!" Lotus dodged the electric bolt as it struck a few inches in front of him, though he still felt it slide along his skin. A few people screamed, and Snape had his wand out now.
"Slade, you're not trying to kill each other," Professor Regan warned.
"We're putting on a show, right?"
"We're giving a demonstration," Lotus reminded him. He dropped into his ready stance again. "I'm your only target."
"Pulvis nubes!" A choking dust storm sprang from the tip of Slade's wand, and people began coughing as it enveloped the whole room. Professors Snape and Regan were coughing so badly that they couldn't end the spell. "Runae!" Lotus heard the attack spell and flattened himself to the ground, feeling the small darts fly over his head.
"Damnit, Slade's going to hurt someone. Recreo ventulus!" A moment later a breeze blew the dust from the room, and Lotus quickly took stock. Aside from people still getting the dust out of their lungs, no one seemed hurt.
"Of all the stupid things-" Professor Snape began before one last cough seized him. "Twenty points from Ravenclaw!" Slade however, stood there grinning and merely shrugged at the irate man.
"You're bleeding, Professor," he said. Lotus looked behind him to see his Head of House standing there with numerous holes and tears in his sleeves. And on one arm, just above one slash, was something that made Lotus' eyes widen. Dawn collapsed into Jason's arms, whimpering. There were no defenses that could suppress the inherent evil that a Dark Mark contained, and she was most vulnerable to its magical energy.
"Severus, please get yourself to the infirmary. I will deal with Mr. Shields," Professor Regan said sternly. Looking at his mentor, Lotus saw the anger is her light-blue eyes, and the tight set of her jaw. Professor Snape left the classroom in a whirl of robes, hand firmly over the Mark. "Sorry everyone, but we're going to cut today short. Please report back to your Houses." Everyone began leaving, and Ginny waved to her Hufflepuff friends as she joined her brothers. Amber made a quick apology to Hermione, then gathered with the other Americans. When all other students had left, Professor Regan nodded at Jason and Lotus. "Lock the doors."
"Professor-" Amelia began, but Slade interrupted.
"You got what you came for, Professor. Proof that Death Eaters are at Hogwarts. Can we go home now?"
"You idiot!" Amber screamed at him. "Do you realize what you've done? Our job here was to try and get close to any Death Eaters, especially the children of those suspected. How are we supposed to do that now that Snape's been exposed?"
"I don't think many students saw it. Most people were too busy choking on dust," Jason said with a glare in Slade's direction.
"Regardless of that, now we have to start from scratch. And we were supposed to stay here for a year, Slade. You knew that coming in, so why did you think that we could go home once we found one Dark Mark?"
"Amber, if you don't mind, I'll do all the admonishing," Professor Regan said. The blonde nodded and blushed, taking a deep breath to calm herself.
"Sorry Professor."
"It's all right. Slade, you really have caused quite a mess, though. From now on, I want you on your best behavior. No one is to mention anything about today to anyone here, teacher or student. I need to send a message back home tonight, and ask our Ministry how to proceed. I want all of you to meet me in the Forest tonight at nine. Get out however you can, and we'll have a quick meeting. If it's decided that we're to be pulled out, we'll need to get off Hogwarts' grounds and use the port-key."
"Do you really think we'll be sent back?" Amelia asked.
"I doubt it, but you never know. Even if the original mission is terminated, we might stay just so you kids won't be confused between curriculums. Now back to your Houses, all of you."
"Yes ma'am," they all said, separating quickly once they got outside the door. Amber remained for a moment, staring at Professor Regan as she massaged her temples and frowned.
"What's wrong?"
"If Snape really is a Death Eater, we've got more problems than we thought. He's the Potions master here, and he has access to many rare ingredients. If we're not careful, he could very easily poison one of you to cover up his secret."
"But wouldn't Headmaster Dumbledore have known about this? Why would he let someone like that teach here?"
"I suppose for the same reason that he allowed us here, knowing full well who I am. Everyone has their own agendas. Our objective is to find any that threaten America."
"I don't think this place is safe." Amber wrapped her arms around herself and leaned against the nearest wall, feeling the coolness of stone against her back.
"You just don't like trusting people," Professor Regan said as she stood beside the blonde. "Your father was like that. It's a wonder that he ever married your mother."
"He had a reason not to trust people, same as me."
"You can't hate the world for what one person did, Amber."
"I don't hate the world. I just hate the Death Eaters. That's why I wanted to come, so I could have some sort of revenge."
"I don't want you getting in over your head. You're not an official auror yet, my dear. Be patient for another two years. And do me a favor: Talk to Harry Potter. He might be able to help you understand your own feelings."
"He never knew his parents."
"And his reason for grieving runs a lot deeper than yours. Talk to him, and get back to your House."
"Yes, Aunt Patricia." The Professor watched the blonde head down the corridors, smiling in spite of herself.
"I know you won't listen, Amber. You're just like your father."