(Disclaimer: I own or claim none of J.K. Rowling's work or characters, the only character that I claim is Marie.)
Wishes
Chapter 4
Marie looked around the small village in fascination. She followed Madam Pomfrey with wide eyes watching the different shops and various patrons bustling around the village. They had stopped in a few of the shops getting supplies for Marie and stopped in a clothing shop to pick up a couple uniforms and some clothing. Dumbledore had provided a bank draft from the Hogwarts scholarship fund to get her some of her things to start with.
Madam Pomfrey greeted people that she knew as she led Marie around town. She explained about the different places and the people as she ushered Marie along the way. She shrunk their purchases and mail ordered additional things for Marie until she could get to Diagon Alley with Dorea Potter. Taking the girl, she led her into the Three Broomsticks and sat at one of the tables with her. As it was a weekday, it was not nearly as busy and crowded as it would be on a weekend. Marie was introduced to Butterbeer and Rosmerta, the owner of the establishment.
They finished their drinks and headed back towards Hogwarts. Marie was wearing the robes that had been transfigured for her by Professor McGonagall. She felt odd in the unfamiliar clothing, but kept her thoughts to herself. When they reached the grounds Madam Pomfrey ushered Marie back into the Main Entrance and towards the Hospital Wing. Students in the halls paused and watched their progress, whispered to one another while staring at Marie.
The Marauders had been leaving the Great Hall and boisterously ushered the crowd along with the Prewett twins. Her Slytherin friends discreetly led their own House members away from the Entrance Hall and towards the various other places around the castle for their classes. As Gideon passed by he gave Marie a playful wink and continued on down the hallway.
Marie entered the Hospital Wing and was brought back to where she had stayed the past two nights. At the foot of her bed there was a new trunk with packages of supplies on top that seemed to have been ordered and delivered while they were gone. There were also some packages of clothing and robes from Madam Malkin's. With the clothing package was a catalog to order more clothing in both Muggle and Wizarding styles. The unfamiliar styles and fabrics intrigued her, but she was somewhat uncomfortable with some of the things that were considered fashionable. Going back two decades would certainly take some getting used to, especially with some of the more conservative things that she was expected to wear.
Madam Pomfrey resized their purchases and left Marie to sort through and situate her belongings as she saw fit. Marie unpacked all of the clothing on the bed and sorted her books and supplies in another pile. Opening the trunk she found that it had two magically sized compartments. One side she put all of her school supplies and books. On the other side she neatly stacked and folded her clothing.
Selecting one of the books on Charms and picked up the catalog Marie climbed on the bed. She laid on the bed on her stomach and flipped through the catalog. The light linen pants and shirt that she was wearing, borrowed from the Hospital Wing's supply. She hummed softly to herself as she browsed the selection of clothes that were offered by catalog. Absentmindedly she reached her hand out, and suddenly she had conjured a pencil and marked on the page which articles of clothing interested her. A noise across the room drew her attention and she looked up to see the Marauders staring at her with wide eyes.
"How'd you do that?" Peter stammered out.
"Do what?" Marie asked in confusion.
"You just conjured that!" James said pointing at the pencil in her hand.
She looked down at her hand in confusion and looked a bit startled. She dropped the pencil and stared at her hand a little frightened and not understanding. Marie looked at them with some fear in her eyes. Remus stepped to her side and sat in the bed next to hers. The others sat nearby and began comforting her and explaining that everything was alright. They were able to calm her down enough to explain what she had done and how. They had her explain what it was that she had conjured and what it was for.
They talked with her for a while and asked how she was doing. With the shared knowledge from the five Slytherins and the Prewett twins, she had already been exposed to all of Fifth Year and beginning of Sixth Year course work. She wasn't sure which year she would be placed in for her schooling. Though she was much younger than the upper classmen, but she couldn't in good conscience stay in the younger years because she already knew the course materials.
They spoke for a while, but Marie began to wilt with fatigue, her body hadn't yet recovered from the ritual performed. The Marauders took their leave. Remus stored her book and catalog in the trunk as they left the room and bid her a good afternoon. She settled back into the bed and pulled the covers up and let sleep take over her senses.
Her memories and nightmares plagued her. She could feel the hands of her attacker on her throat and tried to fight him off. Trashing about she screamed as the Cruciatus Curse hit her, a blood curdling scream ripped from her throat. The pain lapsed and she struggled to reach her mother and sister as she watched her father and brothers fall. She was crying and whimpering. The memory replayed over and over again pushing her further and further, past the limits of anything she could handle.
Marie woke up gasping, clutching at the arms that were surrounding her and rocking her in the bed. She buried her face in the broad chest and breathed in deeply, taking in the faint smell of Bergamot and leather. Strong arms wrapped around her and held her gently as a deep baritone voice soothed her.
Antonio held the trembling young woman in his arms and murmured to her in Italian, all but begging her to stop crying. He had his mother, Nona, and aunts in his life, but seeing her crying was enough to unman him and cut him off at the knees. He swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat and blinked back the emotions that were swamping him as he felt her body shudder with the memories and emotions.
When he and Lucius entered the Hospital Wing they heard her screams and set off at a run. They lost their composure and calm facades seeing her thrash around her bed. Lucius swore and set off to find where Madam Pomfrey had gone, while Antonio gathered the petite young woman in his arms.
He turned towards the rapidly approaching footsteps with a panicked look on his face. Madam Pomfrey went to Marie and tried to help calm the girl. She could feel the young woman trembling much like she had the night before. Antonio held her tightly to his chest and sat on her bed. Madam Pomfrey ran her hands soothingly over Marie's back and ran her wand over her, monitoring any changes in her health. Other than an accelerated heart rate, it only showed that her magical core was stabilizing and recovering.
Antonio shared a look with Lucius. Both of them were deeply affected by what happened to the young woman. Lucius knew that he had no choice in the matter, but he decided then and there that he would do whatever he could to help her. He wouldn't stand aside and let this happen if he could help it. The thought of having to harm another person because they were different made him feel ill. He clenched his fists at the thought of what happened to her and family, what would have happened had she not come here. He felt physically sick thinking about forcing himself on a woman in such a way.
Antonio watched his friend and regarded him carefully. He knew that Lucius wouldn't have much of a choice in the next year or so, but he also knew that his friend was a good man. He knew that there were others like his friend who would have little choice but to follow what their fathers and family had planned for them. His grip tightened on Marie and he held the poor girl snugly to his chest. It was unacceptable to him that she had been treated in such a way.
"Hush child, you're safe now," Madam Pomfrey told her.
"It hurts," Marie whispered hoarsely. "The curse, the red one hurts."
Madam Pomfrey ran another series of tests and scans with her wand and found that there were faint traces of exposure to the Cruciatus Curse. She stood and made her way towards the cabinet containing potions. Searching through the cabinet, she found a crystal vial and walked swiftly back to Marie's side. She handed the vial to Marie and urged her to drink it to help with the pain and trembling in her nerves.
Marie downed the foul tasting potion and thanked the medi-witch. She relaxed into Antonio's embrace and closed her eyes. Drawing a deep cleansing breath, she turned to face Lucius, who was standing nearby watching in concern. They had seen the results of Madam Pomfrey's scan and saw that she had been exposed to the torture curse at some point. Reluctantly to she pulled back out of Antonio's embrace and sat on the bed. She smoothed out her hair and clothes.
"I need to speak to my Guardians as soon as possible," she told Madam Pomfrey quietly. "I need to start planning and making arrangements. Once I've finalized things with them, then I need to have the Headmaster join us to discuss my schooling options. I'll need to get a wand and go through a crash course in all of the material leading up to the beginning of Sixth year work."
Lucius and Antonio asked to use the floo of the nurse and then went to start making floo calls to Marie's Guardians. They bustled through the floo and sat speaking to Marie in hushed tones for a long while. They discussed her options and listened to her reasoning. The meeting with the Headmaster didn't take place for a while, as he said that he had other duties that were pressing.
Marie remained in the hospital wing for another two weeks. In that time her core stabilized and she began making her plans and preparations. Though she was physically a fourteen year old, she had the mind and memories of a twenty-one year old woman. Her Guardians had each contributed a substantial amount of money into her vault and the goblins immediately set about investing and making that amount grow exponentially. They invested in the companies and areas that she suggested, but also in other markets that were pulling in high returns and gains.
The Potters and Zabinis brought in tutors to give her a crash course on etiquette and Pureblood society. Tutors in Elemental powers were also brought in. They were shocked to discover that she had the ability to use all of the Elements. Her progress and growth would be watched carefully by her mentors. Long grueling hours were spent helping her control and hone her powers. She also went over an overview of the first five years of curriculum.
Two days before she was supposed to begin her classes and join her peers, she was to be escorted to Diagon Alley by her Guardians. She was dressed in a mix of Pureblood fashion and Muggle, but blended the two cultures in a tasteful manner. She wore snug black pants with knee high boots. Her top was a wine colored empire waist tunic with a leather belt cinching her small waistline. Her silver medallion hung down the middle of her chest, a bright contrast to the darker shades of her clothing. The look was complete with a black cloak that had silver Celtic knots embroidered along the edges. Dorea nodded in approval and drew the hood of her cloak up as they left the hospital wing.
Marie was led out of the entrance of Hogwarts and towards Hogsmeade where they would be apparating into Diagon Alley. Once there they brought her to Gringott's to meet with her Account Manager and to have an inheritance test performed. She was bit unsure of what they would find and apprehensive about the results, but followed the assembled group into a private parlor to wait.
"So what exactly is going to happen?" Marie asked apprehensively.
Dorea Potter sat in the chair next to her and took the young girl's hand into her own. "You will need to take a ceremonial dagger and prick your right thumb. You will need to make three drops of blood onto the enchanted parchment. The Goblins will do the rest, and we will go from there. Everything will be fine."
Marie drew a shaky breath and nodded. The group waited for the Goblin to enter with the necessary materials for the test. Her Account Manager Ripfang entered the room with a statelier dressed Goblin. The Director of the bank was there, which surprised the occupants of the room. The two goblins were speaking in Gobbledygook in hushed tones, while looking at Marie with glinting eyes. She met their gaze straight on, and fought the tremors and fear that wanted to show itself visibly.
The Director gave her a toothy, chilling smile before nodding his head to her in recognition. She nodded her head to him in response, never taking her eye off of him. He garbled what must have been a laugh before he motioned for Ripfang to bring forth the dagger and parchment.
Marie looked towards her Guardians and saw that they were slightly stunned at the interaction and presence of the Director. She gulped fearfully, but Alphard caught her eye and nodded to her encouragingly. Holding her hand out, she took the dagger and with shaking hands pierced her right thumb with a hiss of pain. She squeezed three large drops of blood onto the parchment and a flash of magic sealed her wound as the Goblins began to chant and scry over the paper. Alphard discreetly cleaned the dagger and her hand while watching the parchment.
The others in the room watch as Marie's name and ancestors appeared on the page, tracing back centuries. There were quite a few Wizarding family names that cropped up on her family tree such as the Perevells, but there were two particular branches of the family that stunned the group. Her father's family came from an ancient sect of Druids from Scotland, while her mother's family came from an ancient coven of Elementals in Ireland. Though magic appeared to be dormant in her family for centuries, she had come from a long and powerful line of magic.
"Well that answers a few things," Marie said quietly. "I've always known that I was different. Sometimes I could tell when something was going to happen before it did."
"Miss Stone," Ripfang rasped, "While you now have your own account established, you are the Heiress to the Artan estate as well as the vaults and all that there is within. You are also the Heiress to the Mac an t-Sealgair estates."
Marie stared at the parchment. "Can a copy of this please be stored in my personal vault?" she asked quietly.
"Of course miss," Ripfang replied more politely than any had heard a goblin address a human before.
"I also need a summary of my vaults and holdings when you get a chance," she said quietly. Her mind was racing now.
"It will be done right away. The Vaults in question have long lain untouched for centuries. They have amasses a vast amount of gold in the years since your ancestors last accessed them," the Director spoke in a harsh rasping voice.
Marie inclined her head to him, "Thank you Director. I don't want to take up anymore of your time than is necessary. I know that you are very busy."
He waved her off and had the books for her vaults summonsed to the room. Three ledgers were swiftly brought forth. Two much of the books were larger and thicker than the third. He and her account manager scanned through the books and gave her a final tally that was staggering. She looked at her Guardians with wide eyes. How in the world was she supposed to comprehend that she now had Galleons in the eight, almost nine figures at her disposal. She watched in awe as the sums self-adjusted and increased on the page, showing a gain in interest.
"You will need to be declared emancipated to have full access to the vaults and estates." the Director told her. "You can still have your Guardians to act on your behalf, but in order to claim your headship over the families it needs to be done. As for your ancestral seats on the Wizengamot, it would be best if you declared proxies for those seats."
Marie looked to her Guardians in question. "Perhaps if it does not impose on you too greatly, could we please discuss it here for a few moments before any definitive decisions are made?" she asked respectively.
The Director grunted and led the rest of the Goblins out of the room. "Just knock on this panel when you're ready," he said as they shut the doors.
"Well I certainly wasn't expecting that," Marie said shakily. "I can pay you back for your generosity now that I know I'm not completely destitute."
"Nonsense child," Dorea chided. "You keep that vault, we agreed to help and protect you. Use that vault, keep the others hidden and secret until such a time comes that you need to make that knowledge public."
"I agree cousin," Alphard spoke, his gray eyes dancing with amusement. "You need to play your cards close. Keep your secrets for as long as you can, while building your network. We can begin buying into companies and setting up businesses internationally to branch out as well."
"My thought was to set up pubs or dance clubs as a business front," Marie explained. "We could use the upstairs apartments or back rooms as meeting places. We can play it off as I'm going to enjoy the high life or some other nonsense."
"That could work," Alphard mused. "Where though?"
"I'd start with one here in London," she told them. "Trinity will be a trendy, but traditional hot spot. Live music, dance music, space to rent out for events, but also that traditional pub feel to it."
"I'll start looking into," Alphard said with his eyes gleaming.
"How are we going to make it believable though" Charlus asked. "She's not even fifteen yet."
The group discussed it and decided that they would begin the legwork of setting up Trinity, even if they were the ones behind it publicly until Marie was seventeen. As a group they also decided that she would either be entering her Sixth year or she would be pulled from school to be tutored in private. It was decided that she should be emancipated to claim her family vaults and estates, but not tell anyone about it unless it was absolutely necessary. It was also decided that Lady Longbottom and Lord Zabini would handle the proxy seats in her stead.
Marie knocked on the wood panel of the room. The Director and Ripfang entered the room carrying a wooden cask. She told them of her intent and they pulled out the necessary paperwork effectively making her an adult. Ripfang opened the cask and held it out to her. Inside were two rings. Marie took them both and claimed them and her heritage. There was a white flash as she slipped the rings on her index finger of each hand. The silver rings resized themselves. She studied them and saw intricate Celtic knots on them with her family crests. They were very old. She could feel the residual magic from her ancestors. Family magic transferred through them and gave her even more knowledge than before.
"Marie, you should go down to the vaults and get copies of your family Grimoires," Charlus advised. "Leave the originals in the vaults for safe keeping. We'll enchant the copies so only you and yours can open them."
Ripfang nodded and stepped forward. He ushered Marie from the room and towards the carts to go down to the vaults. She sat in the small cart and gripped the bar tightly as the cart raced off in a downward descent into the deep dark cavern below. Her heart was racing as the cart careened on the rails, she kept her eye forward and her stomach dropped out on the race underground. While she loved rollercoasters, this cart scared her a bit.
They finally stopped miles below the surface. There was a rumbled and a burst of fire down one of the nearby tunnels. She followed Ripfang carefully, staying close as he led her to two side by side vaults. She placed her hand on the door of the first vault and the door swung open in recognition. Ripfang led her to where the Grimoires where found. She looked around in awe at the mountains of gold, silver, and bronze around her. There were trunks, scrolls and bookcases lining the walls. Paintings were stored along the walls and there were suits of armor and various weapons around the large vaults.
Ripfang handed her a blank Grimoire book and she placed her hand on it while holding the original. She whispered the incantation that Charlus and Alphard told her and willed the magic to make a copy. Carefully placing the original where she found it, she turned and nodded to Ripfang. She went with him to the next vault and repeated the action.
Clambering into the rickety cart, she braced herself as they shot off towards the surface. Laughter bubbled up in her as she cart took a sharp turn, very much like the amusement park rides she had been on as a child. Ripfang seemed amused by her reaction, but remained silent in their ascent to the surface.
Marie stepped out of the cart with shaking legs and thanked him. He nodded his head in acknowledgement and led her back to the private room that was set aside for her and her Guardians. She entered the room with her face flushed and her hair looking a bit windswept. Dorea stifled a chuckle as Augusta clucked over the girl, fixing her hair. Alphard coughed to hide his own amusement as well.
She presented them with the copies once everyone had settled in once more. They helped her ward and enchant the Grimoires so that only her eyes and those of her blood could see what was in them. Though it was frowned upon, they showed her a blood ritual to lock the book with a drop of blood on the binding of the books.
They stayed in the parlor for a short while longer before taking their leave. Marie thanked the Director and Ripfang for their assistance and wished them well. Though the goblins looked a bit startled at the kind words of the girl, they gave her toothy smiles and nodded at her, replying in kind.
Her Guardians flanked her and escorted her out of Gringott's. She was led to Ollivander's to find a wand despite the fact that she didn't need one to perform magic. They told her that it would be a distraction from her enemies and give her the element of surprise when she didn't need it to use magic.
The bell above the door chimed as she was ushered into the dusty and dimly lit shop. Magic seemed to thrum in the air around her. She stepped away from her Guardians further into the shop as she felt a pull. She continued walking forward and everything else around her fell away. There was an incessant pull from the right and she stepped towards the shelf. One of the boxes vibrated as she neared. Holding her hand out, the box shot into her hand.
Kneeling on the ground, unaware of the shocked looks on the faces of her Guardians and Ollivander, she carefully opened the box. Removing the tissue paper from the top, a dark mahogany wand was revealed. There were swirling designs within the wood and unfamiliar runes carved into the surface. Reaching out her hand, she gently ran a finger down the polished surface of the wood and sparks shot out of the end in a rainbow burst of colors.
With a happy laugh she picked up the wand and felt a surge in power that took her breath away. In her mind she heard the melodic burst of song that caused her heart to race. In her mind she saw a black phoenix with silver and gold feathers along its wingtips and tail feathers. She smiled and opened her eyes looking around the shop.
Ollivander approached the young woman. He could feel the power swirling around her. The pulse of her magic was strong and startled him. "No one has ever before been drawn to a wand like that, much less that particular wand. You are a powerful little witch aren't you child?"
Dorea helped Marie to stand and could feel the magic dance along the girl's skin. She looked to the others in shock. They each placed a hand on her arm and could feel the strong pulse of the raw magic. Marie looked up sharply towards the door. She disillusioned her rings and stepped to the counter facing the door defensively as ministry officials burst in the shop. The Minister followed behind looking towards Marie suspiciously.
"So we meet again Marie," the Minister said with calculating eyes. "You've yet again caused quite a stir my dear."
"I apologize for any false alarms Minister," she said pointedly, "however as you can see I'm getting my wand sir. The trauma of losing my family in such a gory and tragic manner seems to have left its mark on me and I'm still learning to control my accidental bursts of magic sir."
He regarded the young woman carefully. He knew that he had to be cautious and play his hand selectively if he ever wished to have this girl as his ally. "Fear not my dear. It happens to the best of us."
"That will be ten Galleons and three sickles for the wand Miss Stone," Ollivander rasped as he produced a wand cleaning kit and wand holster for her as well, slipping them in the bag with the box her wand came in.
Charlus stepped forward and paid Ollivander, "Our young charge is still learning her way in our world. We're doing our best to make sure she transitions into our culture as seamlessly as possible. As the ward of prominent Pureblood families, we must make sure that she is prepared."
"Thank you Lord Potter," Marie said, dipping her head respectively. Playing the part of a little lady perfectly, she held her tongue and allowed the adults to continue their discussion while she feigned boredom.
Marie allowed herself to be escorted from the shop and led to the apparition point. Her things were shrunk down by her Guardians and kept safe for the jump. She clung to Dorea as they apparated back to Hogsmeade village. The group was met by a carriage waiting to bring them back to the school. There was a message left for the group stating that Marie was to be Sorted upon her arrival. She shook her head in aggravation at the meddling Headmaster. He had not approved of her leaving without him that day, but her Guardians had pulled rank on him. He had essentially tied their hands and not given Marie any notice of the Sorting. It had been originally planned for the following night.
"Perhaps you ought to change into your uniform before entering the Great Hall Marie," Alphard suggested.
Marie snorted and shook her head. "No, if he wants to manipulate me into this, then I'll go as it," she said snootily. "If what I'm wearing is good enough to speak with the Head of Gringott's and for Purebloods, then it's certainly good enough for me to enter the Great Hall."
"As you wish," he said with a kind smile.
"What House do you think would best suit?" she asked quietly as the carriage swayed along the path.
"I fear that you'll not be safe in the Slytherin House, despite the protection of many of their prominent members," Charlus advised.
"We will need to send word to the Zabinis and Krums of the plans and what we found out today," Marie said. "Regardless of the House that I'm placed in, I will do what I need to in order to reach across the lines and build my network of allies."
"Oh I do like you," Dorea laughed slightly. "A Slytherin after my own heart. Even if you don't wear silver and green, you're more Slytherin than most."
Alphard grinned and nodded in agreement. "That she is."
Their conversations died off as they neared the castle. Marie dug out the wand holster and allowed Charlus to show her how to strap it on and wear it. She slid her wand into the holster and practiced sliding it forward swiftly. Her actions became more fluid and faster. Charlus and the others nodded in approval.
The men exited the carriage first and assisted the ladies down. Marie was helped from the carriage and ushered into the Entrance Hall. She could hear the din of the students in the Great Hall preparing for the evening meal. Drawing a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and straightened her posture. She adjusted her cloak while Dorea straightened her hair as they took the hood off of her head.
Before she neared the doors of the Hall she turned towards her Guardians. "Would I be allowed to wear a dagger or knife on my person?"
"I'm afraid not child," Dorea said. "Why, do you fear something will happen?"
"I don't know, but I would rather be safe than sorry." Marie answered honestly. "Perhaps I'll wear one hidden in a pocket or strapped to my leg under my clothes," she mused. "No matter, here goes nothing."
Making her facial expression carefully blank, she elevated her chin, just as Dorea had taught her. She looked every inch the haughty Pureblood. Drawing in on her powers she walked forward with purpose, but also an elegance of breeding. The doors to the Hall were thrown open as she walked swiftly forward, keeping her eyes straight. Her Guardians followed behind her.
Dorea was impressed and proud of the young woman. She certainly knew how to make an entrance. With her arm looped through her husbands they followed behind their young charge quietly, observing the open mouths of the girl's peers.
At the Gryffindor table Sirius's eye bulged as he observed Marie glide up the center aisle. "Bloody hell," he whispered as he shoved James and the others and pointed towards her and her Guardians. A similar, but more discreet scene was playing out at the Slytherin table. Antonio and Lucius nodded towards Marie in approval, while Regulus and Rabastan watched her in somewhat awe. Rodolphus reached over and smacked his brother on the back of the head.
"Ah, Marie! How nice of you to join us," Dumbledore called out in that grating grandfatherly tone, implying that they were waiting on her.
"I was attending Family business as you were informed of Headmaster." Marie replied in a calm, but cold voice. Many of the Pureblood straightened and regarded the young woman carefully. "My Guardians escorted me to Gringott's and then to Ollivander's. We did not receive your summons until we returned from Diagon Alley a short time ago."
"I see that you're not dressed in your uniform child," he said. "No matter, we need to get you Sorted so that you may settle in and join your House."
"I fail to see how my attire has anything to do with my Sorting sir," she said, causing some to gasp and most of the Slytherins and Purebloods to fight their amusement. "I'm wearing attire that is both appropriate and acceptable for Family business. Therefore it is good enough for an unplanned and sudden change in scheduling sir."
"Very well," he said in a feigned tired voice. "Shall we get you Sorted so that you can join your Fourth year classmates?"
"Oh no sir, you see I will be joining Sixth year," she stated firmly.
"I fear that is not possible Marie, the rules," but she cut him off before he could finish.
"Rules or not sir, I have the knowledge through the beginning of Sixth year and further if truth be told. It would be unfair to my peers to be placed in the lower level classes. Furthermore, if you think to keep me here beneath your thumb longer under false pretenses then we're wasting each other's time, I'll leave with my Guardians and continue my private tutoring elsewhere," she told him coldly. "As I've said before sir, I'm a person not a chess piece. You would do well to remember that."
As her monologue had progressed the Hall darkened and magic swirled around her. The students and staff could see the sparks of blue-white magic dancing along her skin. Many of the Purebloods nodded in agreement with her, bringing more allies to her side. There were those that were shocked and appalled that she would speak to the Headmaster in such a manner, many muggleborns in particular looked at her in anger. Dumbledore was a great man and they thought that she shouldn't be speaking to him like that.
"Marie, child, we are on the same side," Dumbledore back pedaled.
Marie sniffed disdainfully, "That has yet to be seen sir. While you may supposedly align yourself to be fighting against the Dark, it does not necessarily make you and me friends. We may have a common enemy, but where you would manipulate people into doing what you wanted, I'll ask them. I'll give them a choice, can you say the same?" Her words were met with silence.
"While you have publicly helped me to make yourself look good, you have also been going behind the scenes to undermine me and my Guardians. Oh you didn't think I would know about that?" she asked him with a smirk. "I know that you summoned the Minister two weeks ago, just as I know that you moved the Sorting to suit your own needs. However, you're forgetting that while you may have proclaimed yourself the so-called Leader of the Light. I am now telling you that I am Gray. I'll fight for what I believe to be right. And while I will fight against the so-called Dark Lord, we are not friends. You have already proven that you will turn on me if it will benefit you. We're all just a means to an end to you."
"That is quite enough!" Professor McGonagall called out.
Marie snorted, "Oh I'm just getting started. You all play ostrich behind these walls and turn the other way to what's happening in the Halls. You let it begin and fester here. Then you have the gall and audacity to wonder where Dark and evil comes from. You foster it here and let it reign unchecked. You promote the animosity and divide among students and children. And for what? The color of someone's effing tie? Magic is magic. The sooner you learn and accept that the sooner we will find a middle ground and peace."
"What you speak of is Dark child," Dumbledore chided.
"No what I speak of is common sense sir. Any spell can be used for good or evil, it is the intent behind it that makes the difference," she retorted. "You sit there in your false piety and spew prejudice. You're the Leader of Light and yet you let it happen right here under your overly large nose!"
Dumbledore stood and the twinkle in his eyes went out. "You speak of things that you don't understand. For the Greater Good..."
"Bullshit! Greater Good my ass! The Greater Good for whom? You can't pick and choose who is on which side, who is worth saving! You're not God so don't presume to have the right or power to play Him!" Marie shouted at him.
The castle groaned and trembled as her anger grew. The wards were reinforcing themselves and the fortifications strengthening, feeding off of her power. The castle was responding to her and ignoring the Headmaster as he tried to wrestle control back.
"What have you done?" he whispered in shock.
"I've done nothing sir. The castle is awakening and will defend her charges as you have neglected to do so," she told him. "She is sentient, and knows all that goes on in her walls. You have failed and are in danger of being ejected from the ground permanently."
"You would dare threaten me?" he asked quietly.
"I don't threaten, I'm stating a fact. Protect all of your students equally as you have sworn and been charged to do so, or she will find someone that will," Marie told him quietly as she fought to control her powers. "You sir, have no power over me. You may be Headmaster of this school, but I don't need to be here. As I have reminded you I can get my education elsewhere. I can either be Sorted and placed with my Sixth year peers, or I can walk out those doors and walk away. I promise you though, if that is the case, you are on your own."
"You would condemn them, us to the Dark?" he asked appalled.
"Not them, you. I would walk away and leave you to fix the mess that you created and helped foster in the first place," she told him firmly.
"Very well, you'll be Sorted as a Sixth year." he conceded in defeat.
Professor McGonagall stepped forward with the stool and Sorting Hat. Her lips were firmly pressed together in a grim line. Her disapproval was clear in her visage and posture. Marie raised an eyebrow at the older woman before gracefully seating herself on the stool. The Hat was placed on her head and silence rang out in the Hall.
Marie sat and waited, and then a voice spoke to her in her mind. "Hmm, what do we have here? Why hello young one! You have come back, that I can see. You've got great courage in you, but quite a bit of cunning. I see knowledge and a thirst to know more. And yet there is a compassion and kindness. Very difficult indeed, you would do well in any of the Houses. What's this?"
"Place me where I can help and protect them the most," she whispered in her mind. "I cannot go to Slytherin because of my heritage, but I can go to another House and reach out to them."
"Very well, better be Gryffindor!" the Sorting Hat roared.
Marie saw that her friends in Slytherin looked disappointed. She took the Sorting Hat off of her head and respectfully placed it on the stool. Smoothing out her hair she approached her Guardians.
"You did well Marie," Dorea whispered to her as she hugged the young woman. "Congratulations!"
"Indeed Miss Stone, congratulations," Alphard told her as he bowed over her hand. "I trust that my nephew and his friends will watch over you."
Marie nodded at him and stepped away slightly. She caught Antonio's eye and approached the Slytherin table quietly. The Hall watched in silence as she walked towards the opposite House.
Antonio and her Slytherin friends stood as she neared their seats. Some of the Slytherins hissed in disdain as she passed, but they were silenced with a look from their upperclassmen. This girl gave many of them pause, not only in what they had seen her do, but in her words. She carried herself as any proper Pureblood daughter would. Clearly she came from a high class family. What resonated with them more however was her discussion of having a choice.
"Scions Zabini, Malfoy, Black and Lestrange, I wanted to formally thank you for your assistance in my time of need. Though I now will apparently be wearing red and gold, I wanted you to know that colors mean nothing to me in the grand scheme of things. I will leave these Halls in two years, and in the real world the color of my tie will mean nothing. Should you have need of me, you only have to say the words and if it is within my power I will be there to return the favor. House Stone honors our friends," Marie said in a quiet but strong voice.
The young men bowed in acknowledgement and she returned the gesture with a nod. She smiled at them and gave a playful wink before she turned back heading towards the Gryffindor table. Pausing mid-stride she glanced over her shoulder towards the green and silver, "I meant what I said. The color of our ties shouldn't define us. There is always a choice, the only reason I wasn't sorted in your House was because I'm a bit more proactive about things. The Hat said I would have fit in any of the Houses. How many others heard the same thing and were sorted at the age of eleven? How many let their colors define them?"
Marie continued across the Hall to where her Guardians waited. Alphard nodded to her in amusement. James and his friends had joined the group as did the Prewetts.
"Well you certainly," the twin on the left said.
"know how to," the other twin cut in.
"make an entrance," the first twin stated.
"Welcome to Gryffindor," the conversation bounced back again.
"That's going to take some getting used to. The verbal ping-pong matches will be interesting to say the least," Marie said in amusement. One of the nearby muggleborns snorted to stifle their laughter at her comment.
James threw he arm around her shoulder, "So I guess since my parents are your Guardians you're like family now."
"I suppose," she conceded cautiously.
"Right, so I've never had a sister." James said playfully.
"Lord save me from overprotective brothers," Marie muttered, before she choked back tears thinking of her fallen family.
"Hey now," James said in a concerned voice, "none of that. You're not supposed to cry."
"See James," Sirius cut in, "the thought of you being related brings her to tears."
There were sounds of amusement around them as Marie fought to regain her composure. Deep calming breaths, she reminded herself. Marie's Guardians prepared to take their leave of the castle. They reminded Marie that her private tutors would continue some of her lessons in her free time. Looking right at the Headmaster they told her that they expected to hear from her regularly and would be checking in on her frequently.
Marie gave the appropriate bow, as she was not in a dress or skirt. She grinned at her Guardians as they returned the gesture and left the Hall. Marie turned to the Marauders and Prewetts who watched the exchange in amusement.
"Well look at you behaving like the proper Pureblood little princess," Gideon teased.
Marie sniffed in mock disdain, "Blood has nothing to do with it. It's called having class and manners. My parents raised me better than to behave like some sort of misbehaved child. I'll not dishonor them or my heritage."
"What do you mean class?" one of the girls nearby asked snidely.
Marie observed the top few buttons of the girl's shirt open causally displaying her cleavage. She raised an eyebrow at the girl, "Displaying the goods leaves little to the imagination and makes you look like you've got no morals. As for your question, while my family may have immigrated to America in the past couple of centuries I have long reaching roots back here to the U.K. I have old family histories and heritages to live up to. I was taught to behave like a lady from an early age. While many of the customs in the Pureblood society are similar, Lady Potter, Lady Longbottom, and Dowager Lady Prewett have seen to my education so as not to cause offence in polite society."
"What do you mean cause offense?" a red haired girl with green eyes asked. "Oh sorry, I'm Lily Evans by the way."
Marie nodded and smiled, "Hello Lily, nice to meet you, I'm Marie. What I mean is, the Pureblood circles have rules of what is polite and certain areas of etiquette that are observed. While some are more relaxed, there are still those that follow them strictly. The behavior of some people is seen as offensive and uncouth."
Lily flushed, "Oh! Why hasn't anyone explained it though?"
Marie smiled reassuringly and took Lily's hand in her own, "I'm not really sure, but if you'd like I could explain it to you. If you've got questions or concerns I'll do my best to answer or get you the appropriate answers."
Some of the Purebloods at the table seemed a bit puzzled, but nodded in agreement. "What do you mean it wasn't explained? Is there that big of a difference in the Muggle world and ours?" one of them asked.
Marie nodded, "Yes there is quite a difference. For instance, your culture here is the equivalent to society back in the eighteenth and nineteenth century in comparison to Muggles."
"What?" was the general gasps or reply.
Lily looked to be concentrating and looked to Marie. "So the way that we talk, dress, and behave is radical compared to what they're used to?"
Marie nodded, "Very much so. It's not a bad thing, it just makes us different. There is no right and wrong, but rather a misunderstanding."
"But you seem to fit in," Lily said quietly.
"I come from two very prominent families back home. I've been around this sort of society etiquette my whole life, though my parents were a bit more relaxed about it in private," Marie explained.
Murmurs broke out around the Hall about Marie's conversation. Purebloods and muggleborns alike were discussing her explanation of things. Across the lines people were talking with one another about the differences in their cultures. Not in a disdainful way, but rather to seek to understand one another.
Professor McGonagall watched the scene unfold at her table closely. Her chin raised in pride as she overheard the conversation taking place. Perhaps she had judged the girl too harshly. She watched similar conversations beginning at the other House tables.
"What of your family Marie? What happens now?" Peter asked cautiously, silence rang out around them. Sirius cuffed him on the back of the head.
Marie drew a shaky breath. "My family is dead as I'm sure you saw and know. They're all gone. I was raised that family came first and family was everything. Those bastards took that away from me. It now falls to me to carry my family name and honor. I won't rest until those responsible pay," she told him coldly as she stood. "Lily could you please show me to the dorms, I've lost my appetite."
The neighboring tables heard the exchange and looked at the Fourth year in disdain. Her words about family resonated deeply with them, especially the Purebloods. Lily stood as did some of the other girls who glared at Peter. Gideon and Fabian offered to escort them back to the common room. "Mate, you ought to think before you speak," Gideon cautioned the younger boy as they left.
James rounded on his friend, "Why would ask that Peter?"
"I don't know James! I didn't mean anything by it, honest!" Peter exclaimed.
"Come on, we need to make sure she's alright," Remus suggested.
The students began trickling out of the Hall. Regulus and his group shoved past the Gryffindors on their way to the dungeons. The sly younger brother shoved a note into his brother's pocket as he moved past them and made his way laughing with his Housemates. Sirius glared at his brother, rubbing his shoulder a bit. We shoved his hands in his pockets and paused when he felt the parchment that hadn't been there before.
The group made their way to the Gryffindor tower and found Marie sitting and talking with Lily and some of the other girls. She was essentially giving them a crash course on all the things that the Purebloods found offensive and why. When asked about some of the things she couldn't explain she asked for paper and something to write with. She began taking notes and writing down all of the things that she didn't have the appropriate answers for.
Marie greeted the Marauders and her other Housemates that she didn't know as the entered the Common Room. She stood and started taking her cloak off. Gideon stepped forward to assist her, which she thanked him for as she explained that she wasn't quiet used to certain aspects of her new attire yet. He drew her cloak and carefully folded it over the back of the couch before taking a seat in a nearby chair. He and his brother added their input. It turned into a long discussion on Pureblood society and etiquette as House. In turn the muggleborns explained their world and the differences.
Similar meetings and discussions were taking place in each of the Houses, even the Slytherin House. Down in the Dungeons the Slytherins were all gathered round their fireplace discussing the new girl and the valid points that she had made. They questioned the young men that she had approached and their peers accepted their explanation. Bellatrix stood nearby her betrothed Rodolphus and listened with a sneer on her face. Rodolphus kept his face carefully blank. He now understood some of the differences, though he still felt muggleborns were a threat and insult. The new girl however, she was different. He could respect her for her consideration and respect for their ways.
Each of the Houses talked long into the night. As it was a Friday night there would be no classes in the morning. Each of the Houses agreed to continue these discussions to better educate one another. The Purebloods saw this as an opportunity to better their Houses and peers. The muggleborns saw this as an opportunity to learn more about their new world and to teach the Purebloods about theirs.
Marie stood as the groups started trailing off to bed for the night. She carefully folded her cloak over her arm and stood. The Pureblood young men stood when she did. Turning towards them she grinned and bid them goodnight. They replied in kind and they too headed towards the stairs for bed. A Sixth year girl introduced herself as Dorcas Meadowes and told her that she'd show her their room. The Prewetts nodded to their fellow Sixth year in thanks as they parted ways on the stairs.
Marie followed the older girl up the stairs to the third landing and opened the door on the left. Dorcas explained that there were four landings with two doors on each, except for the last landing. Each landing grouped the years together. The first landing had first years on the right, second years on the left. The second landing had third years to the right, fourth years to the left. The third landing had fifth years on the right and sixth on the left. The final landing at the top of the tower was reserved for seventh years.
They entered the room and were greeted by the others girls in the dorm. Marie smiled at them and went to the bed where her trunk had been placed. It was next to Dorcas with another girl named Melody Smith on the opposite side. The other three girls in the dorm were Prudence Entwhistle, Marjory Felix, and Sophia de Luca. Sophia promised to introduce her to her twin sister Serena in Ravenclaw in the morning. The girls stayed up late talking and bonding. Having already survived three years in college Marie eased into dorm life well.
She hung up her cloak, unpacked her clothes from her trunk and stored them into the wardrobe that had been provided for her. After feeling out for any sort of spells or enchantments on the things around her, she stored her things and discreetly muttered locking and protection spells on the furniture and her belongings. Better to be safe than sorry. She sealed that side of her trunk and dug into the other side. Her family Grimoires were carefully stored in the bottom of the trunk and she took out her school supplies and placed them on the desk nearby.
Once she was done she changed for bed and crawled under the covers. Sighing she closed her eyes and let herself drift to sleep.
Marie woke up cry and thrashing in her sleep. Dorcas was holding her trying to wake her up. The girls heard her scream and launched out of bed towards their new young friend. They saw her body twitching and convulsing like they had seen in the Great Hall the day that she arrived. The door to their room was thrown open revealing Gideon and Fabian Prewett clutching their brooms in one hand and their wands in the other.
"Someone needs to send for Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey," Gideon said as he made his way to her side, while Melody donned a robe and rushed out of the room with her wand.
Fabian fell into step with his brother as they both tried to wake her up. Dorcas watched the twins suspiciously. They were both in their night clothes, with their hair sticking out all over the place. They looked genuinely concerned and frightened for Marie.
"What is going on in here?" Professor McGonagall shouted seeing the two males in the girls' dormitory, but she paused seeing them so pale and Marie thrashing about. "Oh dear!"
Madam Pomfrey came bustling in the room clucking in concern, "I told that old coot she would probably need her own room. She doesn't sleep through the night without nightmares. Minerva, I can't keep giving her Dreamless Sleep Potion lest she forms an addiction to it."
Gideon and Fabian looked grim at the news. Dorcas clutched the younger girl to her and rocked her, trying to soothe as best she could. Tears were pouring down her face as she hummed softly trying to help her new friend. Marie's body slowly relaxed and so woke up gasping, gripping Dorcas tightly.
"I'm so sorry!" Marie said emotionally. "We tried to tell him that I shouldn't be in the regular dorms!"
"Hush now Marie," Dorcas scolded. "We're not about to leave you alone to deal with this. I know that it happened such a short time ago, but maybe we can help you through it so you can sleep."
Marie sighed and eased out of her friend's arms. She looked at Gideon and Fabian with a raised eyebrow, "I was under the impression that boys weren't allowed here."
Gideon snort, "Strictly speaking boys aren't allowed, however we heard you scream and took off running."
Marie took their hands in her own. "Thank you! It seems as though I've got more brothers looking out for me than ever before," she said in amusement.
"Well we did always want to be older brothers," Fabian mused.
"Aye, don't get us wrong. We do love Molly, but being the older, wiser sibling would be nice for once," Gideon added.
Marie laughed, "Older yes, wiser I'm not so sure about."
"Oi!" Gideon and Fabian exclaimed in stereo.
Marie laughed tiredly, "Perhaps I'll curl up by the fire with a book."
"Nonsense child, you need to sleep," Madam Pomfrey chided.
"You know that I can't sleep. I see them and then I feel the pain of the curse." Marie said quietly.
"Noddy," McGonagall called out.
"Yes Professor kitty!" the house elf squeaked out, causing the women to flush and her students to stifle giggles.
"Could you please have the fire in the Common Room lit and going throughout the night? And perhaps some hot chocolate to help students relax so they can find rest?" she asked.
"Yes Professor kitty!" the house elf agreed and set off to follow the professor's instructions.
Professor McGonagall drew herself up and looked at them sternly. "Not a word," she warned, before sweeping out of the room. "Oh and Miss Stone, welcome to Gryffindor. You may stay up as needed, but I urge you to get some rest."
Madam Pomfrey handed her a case of vials. "The potions on the right are Calming Draughts. The four all the way to the left are Dreamless Sleep potions. I advise you to only take a teaspoon of that if you need it, but try not to take it as it can be addictive."
Marie nodded and thanked the nurse. Subconsciously she clutched the medallion around her neck. Gideon pried her hands off of it, "Lass, we felt the pull to get here strong enough without you clutching at this. The others will be in a right state now. I wouldn't be surprised if the snakes come storming the Ivory tower to rescue you!"
"I'll got check the hallway by the portrait," Fabian left the room, taking his broom with him.
"Come on, let's grab a book and get you settled by the fire," Gideon urged.
Dorcas helped her up, while Gideon grabbed her pillow and blanket. Melody returned to the room and crawled back into her bed, while the others filled her in. The rest of the girls grabbed their blankets and followed Marie and Gideon down stairs. The rest of the girls in the other dorms were all going back to sleep. Marie realized in embarrassment that she must have woken the whole tower screaming.
Gideon laid her blankets and pillow on the floor next to the couch and went to put his broom away. He grabbed Fabians as he went up the stairs. On the landing the Marauders met him, he nodded for them to follow him up the stairs.
"Is she alright?" James asked in concern. "We heard her scream and then felt the tug of her call."
Gideon stored the brooms in their closets and sighed tiredly. "No, she has nightmares about what happened. I can't imagine what she's feeling and going through. The girls are rallying around her though. I don't think she fully understands the necklace and the Oaths made, she doesn't know that she essentially called us to her."
"Where's Fabian?" Sirius asked.
"Keeping an eye out for our Snaky friends," he said in amusement.
"What? But why would they come here?" Peter asked in fear.
"If you felt the pull, then is it so far off that they would as well?" Gideon asked in exasperation. He stood, gabbing his and Fabian's bedding and headed for the door.
"You're not going to join them are you?" Remus asked a bit unsure.
"Yeah, Minnie will have kittens!" Sirius exclaimed.
"She ordered the fire to be re-lit and hot chocolate to be brought up, so she knows," Gideon told them. "But this isn't about staying up and having fun, this is about Marie relaxing and getting some sleep. She needs to know that it's okay and that we're here for her."
"Right, operation little sister!" James crowed with a salute.
The Marauders raced up to their room to get their bedding as well. Lily met them on the stairs to see what was happening. It was one of the first conversations in which James acted somewhat normal around her. His concern for his pseudo sister was clearly evident. Lily went up to her rooms and returned with Marlene McKinnon and their bedding as well.
Marie watched from her spot on the floor as Fabian led in four very concerned and irate Slytherins into the Gryffindor Common Room. Silence fell in the room, Marie stood and walked over to them. As she neared Antonio pulled her into a tight hug and asked her if she was alright. She nodded as she was passed off to the other three Slytherins. Each repeating Antonio's actions. She spoke with them quietly reassuring them that she was fine and that it was just nightmares and memories.
The Marauders stopped on the steps of the dormitory stairs and watched the Slytherins carefully. They nodded to them in recognition as they entered the room. The atmosphere was a bit tense as Marie led the pajama clad Slytherins towards the fire. Trays of hot chocolate appeared and the fire was crackling merrily in the fireplace. The mixed group settled in talking quietly and then Dorcas began reading The Tales of Beedle the Bard out loud.
The furniture and floors were covered in bedding and sleeping bodies when the rest of the House awoke and went downstairs in the morning. Marie slowly stirred to consciousness listening to the hushed whispers around her. A bright flash went off and she pressed her face into the strong chest next to her. Behind her Dorcas slumbered quietly, having played mother hen to the group that night.
Professor McGonagall stalked the halls towards the Gryffindor Tower swiftly. Not sure what she would find when she entered the room, as the urgent floo call from one of the prefects was jumbled. Something about Slytherins in the Tower and a mass group of students sleeping together in the Common Room. In all of her years she had never heard of such a thing.
Professor McGonagall entered the Common Room and stopped short at the sight before her. Strewn about the Common Room floor and furniture were her cubs, surrounding one of their own sleeping. What startled her most were the four Slytherins that were also slumbering in their midst. She noticed that there was a protecting semicircle around Marie. Dorcas was sleeping on one side, while Antonio Zabini was on her other side.
She looked towards the other students and held her finger to her mouth, signaling for them to be quiet. Seeing that one of the upper years had a camera she gestured to him, he grinned and nodded. She smiled softly, seeing the poor girl had slept through the night. Though it wasn't entirely appropriate, they were all clothed. Spying an opened copy of bedtime stories, she dabbed her eyes a bit.
Signaling for the other students to wait out in the Hall, she quietly shut the portrait behind her. "Follow me, and not a word until we reach the classroom."
When the Gryffindor House reached the Professor's classroom she shut and warded the door. They all sat and stood around the room waiting in confusion. She went to the front of the room and explained to them what had happened and what it meant. Many of them looked startled and concerned, others looked a bit ashamed that they hadn't thought to check on the young woman.
The professor swore them to secrecy, urging them not to say a word about what they had seen for the protection and safety of one of their own. She explained to them that the boys now saw Marie as family. The Purebloods understood what she was hinting at and promised to explain it to their muggleborn counterparts later. Standing she unwarded the room once they promised to keep it secret and safe. She bid them go down to breakfast.
Minerva McGonagall sat down at her desk with a sigh. She felt terrible sadness to know that one of her cubs was suffering so. Standing she straightened herself and made her way back to the Gryffindor tower, hoping that they were awake.
Marie mumbled a bit in her sleep as she burrowed in closer to Antonio. He had awoken a while ago but feigned sleep when the professor had entered the room. Beside him, he could tell that his fellow Slytherins had feigned sleep as well. He chuckled a bit when he heard Marie grumbling a bit.
Marie blinked awake, and stared up into the eyes of Antonio. She was a bit disoriented at first, but remembered that they were all asleep in the Common Room. Carefully extracting herself from the tangle of limbs, she sat up, and covered Dorcas with her blankets.
Looking around the room she grinned seeing her friends sleeping in some of the most awkward and uncomfortable looking positions that she had ever seen. Sirius was sleeping half upside down on one of the chairs, while Peter was sleeping curled up in the other one. James was crammed in between the chair and couch, while Remus was on the other side of the chair. The Prewetts were at Marie's feet, half covered and tangled in their bedding. Lily and Marlene were on the couch curled up at opposite ends, hugging each other's feet. Her roommates were by her head, all burrowed in together in a hodge-podge of limbs and blankets.
The Slytherins were all near one another, close to the fireplace and exit. They grinned at Marie and stifled their own laughter as they observed the Common Room. They smoothed out their hair and rumpled bedclothes. Some of the Gryffindors had lent them extra bedding and blankets for the night, an olive branch of acceptance.
The portrait opened revealing an amused looking Minerva McGonagall. She stood at the portrait hole and held her finger to her mouth, as she let the portrait swing shut loudly, startling everyone awake. Marie and the Slytherins snorted in laughter as the rest of the group started awake in a battle against blankets. Marie laughed out loud as Sirius fell off of the chair and onto Remus and James. The group stopped short seeing their Head of House standing at the door with her hands on her hips.
"Well?" she asked shortly.
"Well you see Professor," Sirius began quickly.
"Sirius," James exclaimed in shock, "We've been had!"
"What?" the Fourth year balked.
"We've been prank?" Sirius asked slowly.
"Yes," James replied.
"By Professor McGonagall?" Sirius asked quietly in disbelief.
"Yes," James said.
Professor McGonagall, Marie, and the Slytherins laughed at their conversation. It took a few moments for the normally strict and severe professor to compose herself. She straightened herself and schooled her features to a more serious look.
"Now, I am aware of the situation and what happened last night. I have also explained to your fellow Gryffindors the need for secrecy in this to protect one of their own. There will not be gossip about Marie or anything that they saw this morning, with that said I will need to activate the floo." she told them.
"Come along gentlemen, I don't think you want to cause gossip leaving the Gryffindor Tower in your bed clothes. You can floo the Slytherin Common Room directly from here. I will leave it to your discretion as to what you will say to your fellow Slytherins," she told them.
Marie stood and hugged each of them. "Thank you for being there for me."
They bowed and nodded to her. Each of them took a pinch of floo powder and went back to their Common Room. Marie watched them leave with a soft smile on her face. She turned back to her fellow Gryffindors and thanked them as well. The group began picking up their bedding and the extra blankets and made their way back up to their rooms to head down to breakfast.
Marie shuffled up the stairs to the room she shared with her roommates. They each set about making their beds and made a beeline to the bathroom that they all shared. It was a mad rush to get ready. Marie jumped in the shower and went back to the room in a towel and dug for an outfit. She tossed a crisp white linen peasant shirt onto the bed with a white camisole to wear under it. A dark blue pair of pants similar to the ones she wore the day before were added to the pile. She dug out the necessary under garments and dressed quickly and quietly as the others were doing the same. Quickly running a brush through her hair, she adjusted the necklace medallion.
Marjory offered to braid her hair for her, pulling the long dark locks into a neat and tight French braid down her back. Marie thanked her and reached for her knee high boots. She glanced at the outfits the other girls were wearing and noticed that like herself it was a mix of Wizarding and Muggle attire. Marie strapped on the wand holster to the wrist of her right hand and followed the others out of the room.
They were met at the bottom of the stairs by the Marauders and Prewetts who had waited to escort them to the Great Hall for brunch. They made their way down the various corridors and stairs towards the Entrance Hall. They could hear their peers boisterously eating and talking in the Great Hall. Ahead of them they could see the Slytherins sneaking into the Hall quietly. Marie suggested that they pause for a few moments to give them a chance to settle in and not draw too much attention to themselves before they entered.
The Prewetts gallantly opened the doors to the Great Hall and bowed with a cheeky grin at Marie. She laughed merrily and entered the Great Hall surrounded by her fellow Gryffindors. Dorcas was on one side, while James stood on the other. He had his hand on the small of her back as he led her towards the open space near the middle of the table. Once she and the other girls were seated, the boys took their own seats and began piling food on their plates.
Marie poured herself orange juice and took a few pieces of toast. When she received a nudge from Dorcas and a pointed look, she grabbed some eggs and bacon as well. She munched happily and quietly on the food and let the noise of the hall drown everything else out. She was drawn back to the conversation when she was tapped on the hand with a spoon by James. He looked at her in concern.
"Everything alright sis?" he asked.
Marie grinned at him, "Yes I'm fine, just lost in my own little world. Sorry if I drifted off a bit. What'd I miss?"
"Priscilla was asking you about your clothes I think," James said a bit uncomfortable, indicating the Fifth year girl that was a bit snooty to her the night before.
"I apologize, what did you want to know?" Marie asked politely.
"I asked you where you got your necklace and that, charming outfit," Priscilla snarked.
"The necklace was a gift from my friend and family. As for my outfit, Lady Potter assisted me in ordering from Madam Malkin's as well as downtown London near Oxford Street." Marie answered softly. "I am choosing to blend my wardrobe with a little of both cultures."
Priscilla snorted nastily, "Oh I can tell."
Marie raised an eyebrow at the girl and looked at her attire disdainfully. "I'm sure you can. And while you sit there with your lofty and self-important attitude, flaunting yourself like a piece of meat, the rest of us have too much self-respect and manners to behave like you. So why don't you do us all a favor and put on some clothes and shut the Hell up?"
"You think that you're something special don't you?" Priscilla all but hissed at her.
Marie looked her up and down and smirked viciously. "You see there's a clear difference between us. While you and your cohorts feel the need to dress like little skanky whores trying to win the attention and affection of the males around you, the rest of us are fully clothed and respectable. You may get their attention briefly, but I can assure you that in the end you and yours will be left high and dry, with nothing to show but bitter memories of everything that you gave up."
"Listen just because you dress fancy and act like you belong with the Pureblood snobs," Priscilla began, but was silenced when one of her friends clamped a hand over her mouth. The table around them had gone silent, as had most of the Hall.
"While you may be true that I'm wearing designer clothes, you fail to understand that designer labels don't make you who you are. And you're right, I comport myself in a way that is often above reproach by the standards of the Purebloods, again there is nothing wrong with that," Marie told her coldly. "You're not getting it still though are you, you poor silly, petulant child. In order to fit in with the world in which you now belong to, you need to acclimate to their world. You cannot force your views and ways on them. You are the outsider, not the other way around. You look down your over powdered nose at them on the one hand and then on the other you hold your hand out expecting them to give the world to you. Newsflash, you can't have it both ways."
"And what would you know about it? You're just a fourteen year old kid!" Priscilla shouted at her.
Marie stood and faced the girl that was now crowding her personal space. "I know more about it than you will ever begin to understand." She told the other girl coldly. "While you're busy being an easy lay for those brave enough to go there, the rest of the world is focused on the important things in life. Think with your brain not your libido."
Priscilla laughed viciously, "Oh you sweet innocent little prude!"
Marie looked at her, "You seriously think that I'm ashamed of the fact that I'm a virgin? Wow you really are clueless! You have no idea the power and potential that you threw away. There's a power and a magic all its own if done with a few rituals. What a waste!" Marie said disdainfully.
"So you think that you're so much better because you haven't?" Priscilla all but shrieked. By now the whole Hall was listening. Purebloods and Muggleborns alike were following the conversation carefully.
"No, but I know the consequences and sacrifice that is involved. You might think I'm a prude and a bad person because I'm choosing to wait, and that's fine you're entitled to your opinion. However, don't think for one minute that I judge others for choosing not to wait. You however are a different story, if you want to dress and act like a slag, then you'll get treated like one."
"How dare you?" Priscilla gasped and went to slap Marie, only to have her grab her wrist.
Marie grabbed her wrist and twisted, "I wouldn't do that if I were you. I dare because it's the truth. You live your life the way that you want to, but don't get upset when others call you out on it. You want to be treated with respect, then start actually respecting yourself."
Marie shoved the taller girl away from her and sat back down. Dorcas leaned in and asked her if she was alright. Priscilla stood in the center aisle of the Hall with her cheeks flaming in embarrassment. She huffed and fled the room with her friends trailing behind her.
"I think that you just made an enemy," Sirius muttered quietly.
"Really? Because I couldn't have figured that one out on my own," Marie said sarcastically.
Lily snorted in her pumpkin juice and the others laughed. Conversations around the Hall picked up again. The very loud and public argument gave the students even more to think about as they prepared to enjoy their weekend. Marie finished her breakfast silently, while listening to her friends talking. When she was finished she looked up at the group to find them waiting for her.
"So what's the plan for the day?" she asked.
James stood and pulled her up, "Come on, we're going to head to Hogsmeade for the day!"
Marie followed and allowed her friends to lead her out of the hall and out the front entrance of the castle. She breathed in deeply the crisp autumn air of Scotland. Looking around she realized that she was much shorter than everyone else in the group, including Lily and Marlene. She stopped and looked at them somewhat put out by the idea of yet again being the shortest of the bunch.
"What's wrong Marie?" Gideon asked in confusion.
"Nothing, let's go," she muttered quietly.
"Oh come on, it's definitely something," Fabian urged.
Marie muttered something under her breath in reply. The group didn't quite here it and asked her to repeat it.
"I said, I'm the shortest here!" she said in a huff.
The group laughed and continued along their way. Gideon and Fabian each put an arm around the smaller, younger girl and led her toward the carriages heading to the village. They chatted happily along the way and broke off into three groups to fit into the carriages going to town.
It would be a day full of fun and laughter. Marie got to know her new friends better and told them more about herself. She met many other people from school that day and the next. She was approached by Purebloods and Muggleborns alike, all seeking to talk to the new girl and ask her of her views on various topics. There was a shift in the state of the school and its students that weekend. A delicate understanding was beginning among the different groups. The effects would be long lasting and far reaching, but that wouldn't be realized for quite some time. All in all Marie concluded as she prepared for bed Sunday evening, it was a fun, full, and productive weekend.