Lindsay POV
Well class was interesting. I think it might be a little tougher than I had thought it would be but not by much. I wonder if it will get a little too easy later in the year. You know what with my luck it will get harder.
I walk out over to where I was to meet Hermione and find the guys were with her.
"Hey ready to check out Hagrid's class?"
"No need to ask you the same question." Ron said as we began to walk. The conversation was interesting. Talk of the class they just came up from and then something about Ancient Runes that didn't quite make sense. But was quickly brushed off with a joke as we went down the hill to Hagrid's hut. Hagrid stood on the steps just outside his door where students were gathering.
"That's it. Come on, now. Come closer. Less talking, if you don't mind. I got a real treat for you today. A great lesson. So follow me." A great treat! Oh I hope the creature is something awesome! We follow Hagrid about in the sunshine and trees speckled forest. Hagrid then stopped and told us to form a group over on the side and to open our books to page 49. Draco was the first to ask a question.
"Exactly how do we do that?"
"Just stroke the spine of course. Goodness me." Hagrid told him. I figured that out as it was trying to eat me the day before we left for Hogwarts. Unfortunately for Neville he hadn't stroked the spine long enough. He gave a surprised scream and fell to the ground with the book going after him. He said he was alright and then the book came after him again. He got it to stop when I came over to him.
"Need a hand?" He takes the hand I have stretched out to him and gets back on to his feet. He mutters thanks and heads over to where Seamus is as I rejoin the others. Hermione says something about the books being funny and then Malfoy had to open his yap to get his two cents in.
"Oh yeah. Terribly funny. Really witty. God, this place has gone to the dogs. Wait until my father hears that Dumbledore's got this oaf teaching classes." Its return of the Cry baby. Harry is the one that steps up to Malfoy.
"Shut up, Malfoy." Draco makes the sound of a drunken owl as he turns to his crew and back again. He hands Crabbe his bag as he swaggers over to Harry. At first looking like he is going to be the big man and then his movements begin to become spastic and fearful. "Dementor, Dementor!" he shouts.
All of us turn our heads to see the dementors that weren't there. The classic mislead direction prank he pulled. He started laughing heartily and his crew followed the cue. They placed their hoods on their heads and fluttered their fingers about looking like misplaced chorus dancers as they warmed up with the moans of a ghost. Hermione was the one to turn Harry away from the imbeciles and I was the one to say. "Real mature." As we walked away. Neville had trouble with his book again so Ron helped him out with reminding him to stroke it. Poor Neville just nodded and said yeah with large holes in his sweater. His grandmother isn't going to be happy about that.
Hagrid gathered everyone's attention with a dada trumpet call that introduced a...Hippogriff. Oh he looks magnificent! Such silky gray and black speckled wings with a white powerful chest attached to two strong and lean front legs with agile talons. The curved beak of such a proud beast of beauty. I can certainly agree with Hagrid when he asked if he was beautiful and he is. The beautiful Buckbeak.
"You would think stars were in your eyes with the way you are looking at that creature." Ron said this in a way that made me flush with a bit of embarrassment. "Hagrid what exactly is that thing?"
"That, Ron, is a hippogriff. First thing you wanna know about Hippogriffs is they're very proud creatures. Very easily offended. You do not want to insult a hippogriff. It may just be the last thing you do." Judging by Buckbeak's physique I would guess that yes it is more than likely he can and will kill something that insults him. "Now who would like to come and same hello?"
Oh Man I wanted to say hello. But where I was at the moment forced me back a couple spaces because my classmates were all moving back. All but Harry who stood alone. Hagrid congratulated him on having the courage to go up first.
"Now you have to let him make the first move. It's only polite. So step up and give him a bow. Then you will wait and see if he bows back. If he does, you can go and touch him. If not… Well we'll get to that later. Just make your bow." Harry moved and bowed before the regal creature. Buckbeak's head moved quickly and his wings began to flap. Hagrid said to Harry to back off. While he did that a twig broke startling some of us, which included me. Harry stood still while bowing. Buckbeack's wings soon folded and he bowed to Harry. As reward Buckbeak got a dead ferret and harry was allowed to go and pet him. Harry moved a little fast for Buckbeak and in doing so a warning was given by Buckbeak with a quick jaw movement. It was soon over and Harry's hand rested on the creature's soft head. Claps all around for a job well done. Then came something unexpected and so not fair unless we all could do this. Oh I hope all of us get to do this! Harry was hoisted up upon Buckbeak's back by Hagrid and the creature galloped gracefully wings spread and then took flight! I took this time to mosey over on to Hagrid.
"DO you think I could say hello to Buckbeak next?"
"If Harry brings him back before the end of class. Oh and don't let me forget but there is a little surprise for you that your parents sent you." Please tell me it is not another chicken themed item. I know they kind of remind me of home because they are a favorite animal to goblins, but honestly I have enough.
While I hoping the surprise wasn't a chicken themed object Harry and Buckbeak were back giving me the cue to head back with the others. Applauding Harry at his first trip riding on Buckbeak's back. Draco meanwhile was not so happy mood. His sour disposition moved out of his seat as he strutted like a miffed peacock. He shoved two people aside as he advanced in his pace.
"Yes. You're not dangerous at all, are you, you great ugly brute!" He is heading into some dangerous territory. Hagrid tried to warn him and as a surprise even to me I shouted at him to run away. He turned to me with a look I was unfamiliar with from him. We held eyes for some time before Buckbeak emitted a sound of wounded pride and began to rear. In defense Draco lifted his hands to protect himself. Buckbeak had stroked him quickly as he fell to the ground running. Others shirked and hit the ground. Hagrid managed to calm Buckbeak and then focused his attention on Malfoy who was on the ground spitting out the words it tried to kill me. Of course he tried to kill him he had startled and wounded his pride. He of course was taken to the hospital by Hagrid as class was now dismissed. I was one of the last ones to leave because I had something to do before leaving. I moved slowly to Buckbeak at a good distance and bowed to him with eye contact well maintained by the etiquette taught to me for years. The hippogriff seemed surprised at my actions as if he had thought I was silly to bow to him when he had just attacked a fellow classmate. Perhaps I was silly or a tiny bit crazy to do so, but if you were to look at my family tree. You would not be surprised.
Buckbeak was the one to move forward as his neck moved from side to side studying me. When came to a close distance he decided I was worthy he bowed. I rose up again and moved a little forward and he allowed me to touch his forehead. I stayed there a few minutes just patting his head and then left before my friends or any lingering students should come and make a fuss.
It was later in the Great hall that Draco had returned with his arm bandaged up and a new way to enlarge his ego. Of course Pansy his little lap dog of a girlfriend was just fawning over him like he was about to be on his death bed. When in truth it was probably no more than a deep scratch.
"Listen to that idiot."
"Which one Pansy or Draco?" I asked not really caring who he meant since they were both being idiots.
"He is really laying it on thick." Ron's voice was clearly disgusted.
"And Pansy is lapping it up like what a dog is called in a kennel."
"At least Hagrid didn't get fired." Harry pointed out.
"I hear Draco's father is furious. We haven't heard the end of this." Hermione added giving us all a grey cloud on over dark horizon. As if that wasn't enough Seamus came racing down with The Daily Prophet in Hand shouting that he has been sighted! When he mentions the name Sirius Black everyone gathers around him and the now laid out paper. He wasn't that far from here.
"You don't think he will come to Hogwarts, do you?" Neville asks looking at anyone who will answer. "With dementors at every entrance?"
"Dementors?"
"He has already slipped past them once. Who's to say he won't do it again?" Seamus said not really comforting anyone with this new found fear that a criminal was on the way here.
"That's right. Black could be anywhere. It's like trying to catch smoke. Like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands." Someone said eerily.
The next day came and students everywhere still felt on edge as we moved along to Defense against the dark arts class with Professor Lupin. Inside the classroom was a large cabinet decorated with mirrors it shook about every now and again as if some terrified creature were trapped in it trying to get free. All of stood in front of it waiting to see what was inside of it.
"Intriguing isn't it? Would anyone like to venture a guess as to what is inside?" Swerving around the students Lupin did while talking to us. Dean was the one to speak up first.
"That's a boggart, that is."
Very Good, Mr. Thomas. Now can anyone tell me what a boggart looks like?"
"No one knows." Hermione said surprising Ron and me since we didn't remember seeing her come in with us. She continued on. "Boggarts are shape-shifters." A trait common within the fae but not to the degree of a boggarts'.
"They take the shape of whatever a person fears the most. That's what makes them so…" Professor Lupin finished for her.
"So Terrifying. Yes, yes, yes… Luckily, a very simple charm exists to repel a boggart." As if to encourage the sentence the boggart banged heavily on the wood and mirror prison. Lupin turned to the class ignoring the restless being. "Let's practice it now. Without wands, please. After me. Riddikulus!"
"Riddikulus!" The class replies and Lupin flatters us with very good.
"A little louder and very clear. Listen: Riddikulus!" We say it again and in the background I can hear Malfoy say this class is ridiculous. What a wet blanket.
"So much for the easy part. You see, the incantation alone is not enough. What really finishes a boggart is laughter. You need to force it to assume a shape you find truly amusing. Let me explain, Neville, would you please join me?" Neville looks about at us his eyes fall on to me and I give him a little nudge of encouragement. "Come on don't be shy. Come on."
He looks down then up and then moves forth with less reluctance than before.
"Hello Neville, what frightens you most of all?" Lupin asked in way that wasn't mean or intrusive, rather casual actually. Neville said Professor Snape. To which Lupin agreed that he frightened all. "You live with your grandmother."
"I do, but I don't want that boggart to turn into her either." Little snorts of laughter pepper the class.
"No, it won't turn into her Neville. I want you to picture her clothes. Only her clothes, very clearly, in your mind."
"She carries a red handbag."
"We don't need to hear. As long as you see it. We'll see it. Now, when I open that wardrobe here's what I want you to do…" He leans over and whispers into Neville's ear for him to do something. "Can you do that? Of course you can. Yes, Wands at the ready. One. Two. Three." He flicked his wand and the wardrobe door opened. Inside was Alan Rickman? No wait that's professor Snape. The boggart Snape walked towards Neville. Neville shouted out the spell and Boggart Snape was wearing a green granny dress with a fox collar and ugly bird hat. Choruses of laughter sprang up as Neville was congratulated by Professor Lupin. He walked by me looking proud at his accomplishment. I smile at him and nod to congratulate him; I know it took him some effort in order to do that. He blushed and turned away, but he was smiling as he looked at his shoes. We are then asked to form a line and I managed to get a spot behind Harry amidst a bunch of shoving from the other students a particular shove from Malfoy. We were to picture the very thing we feared most and turn it into something funny. Inside my head were perhaps dozens of things I feared. Like tornados, Malik in a bad mood, Mom and Dad finding out I did something to get kicked out of school, Celesta with a bad hair day there were a number of things. Meanwhile I sat back and enjoyed the funny things that other's fears were being turned into. For Ron it was a giant spider that lost its balance on roller blades. Pati it was a giant cobra that turned into a jack in the box. To be honest it was still a little creepy. Then came Harry's turn. The boggart didn't change immediately at first like with the others. It swung back and forth in its Jack of the box form and then shifted into the dark hooded dementor. Lupin shielded Harry from the creature forcing the boggart to change form. It became a clouded sky that moved to reveal a full moon. He changed it into a balloon it sails around the room till it landed in the wardrobe that the professor shut quickly.
"Right, right sorry about that. That will be all for today. Collect your books at the back of the class. That's the end of the lesson. Thank you! Sorry!" Then something unexpected happened the wardrobe opened of its own accord. The door opened wide to show nothing. There was nothing in there. Professor Lupin went to examine the wardrobe and found nothing was in there. The whole class looks about unsure of what to do. Heads snapped back forth looking about for a tiny sign of where it might be. Lupin kept assuring that no harm was to come to us. Many felt comforted by that. But there were still some unsure.
Harry POV
The boggart was still in the room according to Professor Lupin and I felt that there was little doubt that it was. There were many people here with fears. Anyone just right to come after and that was including me. Especially me.
Then something appears. Something horrid, something foul, and something no one expected. On the floor lay a blood drenched corpse of a little girl in a disfigured poise but all too soon it slowly rose up on to its feet. Jerking about in inhuman ways similar to what you see in zombie movies. The blood flowed down her legs like grotesque rivers, rivers that would go on forever. None could see her face as the long hair obscured the view. No one moved as it took steps forward toward the group of us stopping at one point. She seemed to be looking about observing every one of us. Till her head turned in an unnatural angle to the side. Moving closer and closer to what I thought was me, but it wasn't. She stopped in front of Lindsay. Lindsay was pale with fright and shaking uncontrollably. Her breath was coming out in short puffs without taking much air in. The Little girl brings up her hands as if to present a gift. It was a gift of a twisted equally bloody metallic object that vaguely resembled a crown. "For you my murderer, my princess." It said in a voice sinister like that of a mocking child.
Lindsay's body shook only once more before falling to the floor in a dead faint. My reflexes were to grab her before she fell, but her head hit hard upon the floor before I could get to her. The motion was enough to drive professor Lupin to action and banished the boggart back into the wardrobe. As it flew back I saw part of the creatures face. It was smiling, a toothy unnatural smile. The professor placed a double lock spell on it to insurance that it will not make a repeat performance. A crowd started to form around Lindsay's fainted body.
"Make room. Make room. Everyone back away to give her air!" Professor Lupin made it to her side and shook her lightly to see if she would stir. She didn't respond. Not even a slight flutter of the eyes.
"Harry I need you to help me get her to the hospital. Hermione you are a close friend of hers yes?"
"Yes, professor."
"Good. Take her stuff to the dormitories and then find professor McGonagall and tell her to come to the hospital as soon as possible. The rest of you leave. Class is officially over." No one budged at the command. Louder Professor Lupin ordered them. "Class dismissed!"
Everyone sprang into action moving out of the way as the professor and I hoisted Lindsay out of the classroom. We gathered some on lookers as we made our journey to the hospital wing. Students especially first years eyed us as we moved. They were curious about what had happened. I wanted to shout at them to mind their own business but keeping Lindsay from falling was taking up most of thoughts. We finally made it to the hospital wing and had to explain everything to Madame Pomfrey and a frazzled Professor McGonagall.
"Didn't you bother to lock the wardrobe Professor Lupin?"
"I did. But it is quite possible that the boggart managed to wedge itself in a way so that it could escape."
"Is the boggart well locked up this time?"
"Yes. I put twice the amount of sealing spells on it before we brought Ms. King here."
"Do you realize what kind of position you have put us in?"
"I understand, but…"
"No more professor Lupin. I want you to go and check up on that thing and then we will talk. As for you Potter I suggest you go onto your classes." She would have shoved me off literarily if Professor Dumbledore hadn't come in taking her attention. Professor Lupin hints that I should go before Professor McGonagall notices I'm still there. Together we leave the hospital and then separate.
When I had reached Gryffindor tower to talk with Hermione there were others there as well. Neville I could have guessed. Since Lindsay had started at Hogwarts he has developed a rather large crush on her that she has of yet not noticed. Then there were the twins with Ron and Ginny.
"How is she?"
"Did she slip into a coma?"
"Is she going to have to be in the hospital long?"
"Was she bleeding?"
"As far as I know she is still unconscious. The professors' had ordered me out of the room before I could find out anything else."
"Harry, I know it may not be the best time to ask this, but the thing the boggart turned into why do you think it took that form? Or even said whatever it was it said to her?"
"I can't think of a reason why. I'm at a loss."
"What did the boggart turn into?" Ginny asked a bit on the unsure of side.
"It turned into a horror show. A dead girl was the form it took. She was bleeding all over, but we couldn't see what she looked like." Hermione informed Ginny.
"Did anyone catch what it said?" Ron asked.
"I was right next to her when it said it, but I have forgotten it. I'm not sure I can recall the words." I said as I tried racking my brain for the memory of what it was the boggart said. But all I could remember was that smile. That evil, bone chilling smile of the boggart there was something off about it. More than just the smile, it was what lay beneath the smile.
It was on the weekend everyone was to start going to Hogsmeade Village, (I tried to get Professor McGonagall to sign my permission note, but I was unsuccessful.) that I went to visit Lindsay since she was still in the hospital wing for tests.
"Hey Harry!" She was starting to look better her coloring was coming back and she didn't seem as nervous as the first day we had all come to visit her.
"How are you feeling?"
"Better that's for sure. I just feel so silly now."
"You saw your worst fear and fainted. What is there to feel silly about?"
"It's just silly that something from a horror movie I saw is my biggest fear."
"That thing was from a horror movie?"
"Yeah. On a dare my brother had me watch this scary movie when I was young to see if I was brave enough to watch it all the way through. I watched every minute of it. And then spent the next two weeks waking up from nightmares so bad my parents grounded my brother for two months. But enough about me and my morbid moments why aren't you at Hogsmeade with everybody? Were you worried about me being alone?"
"A tiny bit."
"Thank you for the happy pill. Now why aren't you really in Hogsmeade?"
"I didn't have my permission note signed and that means I can't go."
"Oh sorry. Hopefully my tests will be done soon and we can find something to do here."
"What are you thinking about?"
"Are you any good at pranking? Or are you too straight laced for that?" She said crossing her arms and raising her chin in the air a bit to challenge me.
"Depends. What sort of prank is it?"
"Nothing too bad to warrant us to be asked to leave school or anything like that, but it will still be delicious."
"Are you and the twins still having a prank war then?"
"Well yes, but this prank isn't for them." She said stretching out her arms creating a small popping sound every now and again.
"Then who is it for? Please tell me it isn't one of the professors." If it was Snape I would be tempted, but I know he would know it was the two of us and who wouldn't have guessed so in the first place?
"It's for Draco Malfoy."
"I'm in." Sadly Professor Pomfrey came in to shoo me out and say that Lindsay needed one more day of rest before she could leave the hospital wing. Deprived of the things I was to do today I walked around the castle and ran into Professor Lupin. We chatted a bit about why he stopped the boggart from attacking me and then we went on to talk about my father. But when I tried to steer the conversation back to the boggart and its attack on Lindsay he went mute. When he did he seemed to age a bit. He still felt bad about what happened to Lindsay. Even though multiple times she has said she does not blame Professor Lupin one bit and believed it to have been a random accident that was not something to put any real blame on anybody.
However that incident soon faded when the news of what happened to the Fat Lady came to light. The news of Sirius Black coming into the castle was enough to send everyone into a whirlwind. Even Lindsay was taken from the hospital wing and put into the Great Hall with everyone else.
"So Sirius attacked the Fat Lady why? She's a bad singer but is that reason enough to try to kill her?" She whispered so that the teachers would not hear us as they went about.
"I don't think he was trying to kill her as much as try to come after me."
"Which is odd." Lindsay said looking away and pondering on something.
"Sirius is after Harry, the Fat Lady guards the entrance to Gryffindor tower. Harry is a Gryffindor. Reason stands that he may have thought that Harry was in there."
"Yes, but at the same time. Why didn't he try other areas first? There are many rooms, doorways and corridors and staircases one has to go through before entering the one that comes to Gryffindor tower. Why didn't he think to look in those areas first and why didn't he try finding Harry in Hogsmeade. Only a few know that he did not go."
"What's your point?" I asked.
"Honestly am I speaking Greek or something? I mean it is the weekend, you are a third year. Logic says that you could have gone to Hogsmeade where it was said that he was hanging out. Now assuming he went to Hogwarts he would have known that. But Sirius came to attack Harry at Hogwarts. I think someone may be in league with him and they are involved with Hogwarts somehow." That was the last thing she said before Professor Dumbledore and Snape came by and we had to pretend sleep in time it became real sleep.
Lindsay POV
When I was able to rejoin the world of the active and unhospital ridden I was so happy that the prank I was to play on Malfoy was going far smoother than believed to be. Harry was good at distracting others while I placed the item on his desk and then rejoined the others heading to class like nothing had gone on. It was going to be a great day until the professor came into class. It wasn't Lupin, it was Snape. He came in moving quickly to close the windows shutters and set up the projection slide with mere flicks of the wand as he told us to turn to the pages on werewolves. A chapter we were not ready for yet. Since it was a few chapters ahead of where we were. Then he had to assign us an essay that was due the next day. Which sucked because qudditch is tomorrow and I wanted to go to the match. We were starting to file out when Draco noticed the little "gift" on his desk. It was a neat little box done up in purple ribbon. With a note sticking out in fancy neat handwriting (I was smart enough to not use my own hand to write, mine is a dead giveaway) that said 'To Draco the Slytherin with all the right gifts.' He of course was easily flattered by the words and began to get cocky again. He slowly undid the ribbon of the box letting it fall on top of the hand that held the box. He was able to hold it well despite that his hand was still in pain from the encounter with Buckbeak. Lying one hand on top of the cover of the box he opened it and when it came to a certain degree. The gust of bubblegum pink powder came all across his face and upper part of his uniform. Bursts of giggles and chortles and chuckles erupted from those around. His face would have been red with anger, but that wasn't possible. In a fit he told everyone to shut up and went straight towards the door with his two lackeys trailing behind.
Laughing us four left the classroom. But we didn't stop laughing especially when I informed them that the pink would last for a couple days. It ended with the mention of Snape's essay. It took all night but I finished it in time to turn in and still be able to see the quiddtich match.
It was a cold, wet and windy day for the match with a hint of possible thunder and lightning to add to its charm. Together we cheered for Harry as he raced across the field and sky to catch the Golden Snitch. It was getting climatic when McGonagall had me pulled down from the audience because of a visitor who had come to visit. This was curious to me since no one told me of a visitor coming. I wonder if it is code for something.
It wasn't code I found out as I opened the door to the room that my visitor was in. I saw Professor Dumbledore first he smiled at me and motioned for me to enter. I stepped into the room finding it a shade darker than it is normally. When I see who it is that is in the room I realize that the darkened room makes sense.
"Celesta?"
"Ah, Bonjour Irida. Surprised to zee me?" Celesta Durand is a half vampire and fashion designer. Personally trained by Coco Chanel her beloved mentor and friend she has become a well-known icon of fashion that is always seen by the way she puts herself together. Today's ensemble consisted of a tan jacket, deep brown pants, and smartly tailored purple shirt. The outfit went well with her sunglasses and red hair. Not Ginny's light red sunshine like hair. Celesta's hair is the shade of rubies glittering in the sun. At least that is how her poetic boyfriend from years past use to say and she loved to quote that line most.
"Irida how are you?"
"I'm well. I can tell you have just come back from visiting your homeland."
"Really?"
"Your accent always thickens after a visit to France."
"I am French, with a touch of Russian. Should I not be proud of my heritage?"
"As long as you do not lose your head by pride. Don't think me rude, but what are you doing here at Hogwarts. Last I heard you had shows lined up for weeks."
"I did, but things happened and I am in need of a break to think of new designs." There was more to it than that. "And both of your parents have heard about Sirius's recent activity and sent me to help keep ze peace sort to speak."
"I guessed that had something to do with your visit."
"By the way I am not ze only surprise you have."
"Really? What's the other?"
"It has been here for some time, but understandably you haven't had time to zee it. Come along we have to zee that gamekeeper, Hagreed." I follow her out the door but not before dismissing myself from Dumbledore's graces. We travel out the castle to the humble hut of Hagrid. She knocks politely and Hagrid opens the door surprised to see Celesta at the door. I was still a tiny distance off.
"Can I help you?"
"Are you ze one called Hagreed?"
"I believe so." He says unsure if he answered correctly.
"Ah Good. Zen you are ze one we are looking for."
"We?" I came into view at this time. "Oh. Hello Lindsay. I was wondering if you were doing better."
"I am now. Oh and this is a friend of mine Celesta Durand. She's visiting for a while."
"Pleasure to meet you, Celesta. Please come in out of this daft rain before you catch your death of cold." I couldn't help but notice Celesta's short snort at the mention of death. She is technically half dead already. We enter the warm hut removing our wet coats and I found a particular surprise within. On the floor with Fang sleeping was someone I really missed.
"Bijou? Bijou!" I shout dropping to my knees as the large cat stood up to like my face with her large tongue while I scratched the sides of her head just the way she liked it.
"Beautiful specimen you have there. Sweetest thing, a bit odd thou. Any reason she pants like that?"
"That would be ze fault of my Mother. Bijou spent a great deal with ze dogs my Mother trains."
"It's true. Because of the interactions Bijou believes she is part dog. She pants like one, prefers to hang out with them and if you throw a ball she will go after it."
"I see. Celesta what kinds of dogs does your mother train?"
"She trains and breeds several dogs. Rottweiler, Bavarian Mountain Hound, Moscow Watch dog and Borzoi. Ze borzoi is a favorite of mine. I have one named Elizabeta; she is living with my father for the time being."
"Sounds like your mother has a niche for the large breeds."
"Oh yes. She would love your dog."
"He is a good dog. But what does your mother train and breed these dogs for?"
"For defense, attack, hunting, guarding that sort of thing."
"Sounds like a military woman." Hagrid turned away slightly before quickly turning back to look at Celesta.
"She is."
"Hagrid, about Buckbeak is there any word?"
"So far it is just a matter of how the trial will go."
"Buckbeak didn't do anything wrong. If the court has any sense then Buckbeak will not be held accountable."
Celesta POV
"Buckbeak? Who is Buckbeak?" An animal no doubt but what kind prayed in my mind.
"A hippogriff. A fine creature who don't mean no harm to anybody with sense. But that miscreant Malfoy is mucking up his good name."
"Malfoy. I know that family. Narcissa Malfoy is a very good costumer of mine. A very well bred woman, a bit too set into the old ways, but always a loyal and patient costumer with me. Although her husband much colder. I do detest being around him when he and his wife came to pick up the outfit I had tailored. He always believes I up the price far too much when we agreed on it from the beginning." I spit in his wine when he is not looking. Unlady like I know, but it is better than scratching at him.
"What business are you in?"
"I am a fashion designer."
"From Paris no doubt." Typical thought.
"That is where the center of my operation is. But I was not born in Paris. I have lived there a long time, but I was born in Cholet but raised in the city of Orleans. True it is not far from Paris, but it is still different from Paris."
"Sounds lovely."
"The Loire Valley is one of those places were beauty is always found." Lindsay popped up and said she should be leaving. I tell her to go ahead and I would be right with her in a minute. Once she closed the door. Hagrid and I dropped the façade.
"Didn't think I would see you here again anytime soon."
"I wouldn't have if certain individuals in power hadn't asked me. The darkness of this place has me in a dark place. Far darker than that of death."
"I don't blame you in anyway about the events."
"That is a comfort Hagreed. But I still hold blame. No one needs to know what for."
"Nothing shall pass my lips. But Lindsay she has to know."
"No one outside certain people know about that time. Dumbledore included."
"For now in public we pretend that we are new to each other and act without memory."
"Tis better to forget the past for as long as it holds out." I left bidding a small farewell as I gain ground to catch up with Lindsay.