When Harry Potter had learned about Voldemort's Horcruxes, he pieced together what had happened between him and the woman, Arrietty, that night in Little Hangleton when Voldemort was resurrected. Harry was never able to find her or the alleged Horcrux, but it hadn't mattered, Harry had defeated Voldemort and discovered that Harry himself was a Horcrux in the process - and because of that, he knew the link was severed, and Voldemort was gone.
Years after the war had ended, as a young Auror, Harry captured many Dark Wizards - his life's purpose was to rid the world of the darkness. But then, he saw her, a young girl, the spitting image of a young Riddle. The moment she entered the room, it was like a greater force had brought their eyes to meet - her young face was full of putrid hatred, and her eyes were a familiar cold that Harry thought he would never see again. But like looking through the smoke of a pensieve, her face returned to its innocent demeanor, and the dark connection he felt for a brief moment, was gone.
If there was even a chance. whether a fragment of Voldemort truly lived or not was enough to make his scar burn, and he knew he had to contain it. He approached the young girl and felt the subtle darkness of her aura - and as she stared up at the man with her golden, innocent eyes, Harry heard the familiar hiss crawl up his spine and into his ear. Harry had overlooked it for years - but there it was, in the corner of his mind - the link, so faint it could have gone unnoticed for the rest of his days.
Harry watched the young girl and her mother leave, just to be sure, and as a the young Kieran left the room, so did the darkness that tugged at his soul. From that day forward, Harry kept his guard up, and his mind alert. He dove deep into the dark places where the snake lived, and listened to it, everyday, as it slept, looking for any sign of it stirring. He received reports on the girl as she grew, her reckless, angry outbursts disturbed him, but the snake had yet to stir, and he just knew, whatever fragment of Voldemort that was still around, was dormant.
Naturally, the Headmistress, Mcgonagall, was made aware of Harry's suspicions, and was told what signs to look out for. Mcgonagall watched the girl closely, her outbursts, her anger- It was all things she had been told about - but as Mcgonagall watched the girl from the shadows, she saw nothing more than a young emotional preteen, struggling to find her place - not the heartless monster that was Voldemort.
Neither Harry, nor Mcgonagall were naive enough to look past the very eerie similarities- both of them were fatherless, both had been sorted into Slytherin- but as far as they could see, the two were worlds apart in differences. Kieran was passionate and reckless, not calculating and cold. She cried over the smallest things, and from their perspective, Kieran would never be someone capable of hurting another for the thrill of it. But the fact still remained that some small part of Voldemort lived on within the child, and though the threat wasn't imminent, it was a threat nonetheless.
The latest of Kieran's outbursts, although fueled by anger, was about the preservation of animals feelings - this was yet another example of how the girl was too compassionate to have any influence from the greatest dark wizard of their time. Kieran entered the room, her face full of remorse, and fear - the normal type of behavior a child would portray in the face of punishment - and from her pale face, it couldn't have been a mere act.
"Yes, Nathair, come in - Sit."
The Headmaster's office was a circular room with a large inviting fire. The walls were stacked from floor to vaulted ceiling with portraits of previous Headmasters and Headmistresses. In a glass cabinet, Kieran could spot the ragged sorting hat, and being directed to sit into a large straight-backed seat, Mcgonagall rose, running her hand along her desk and addressing the young girl with a stern expression. Kieran felt her hands sweating, and her heart racing from the anxiety of the situation, but she refused to be silent - she would not be punished for fighting for what was right.
"Professor Yost sent you to my office for disrupting his class.." Began the Headmistress, her voice as stern as her expression. "-I'm not surprised - I've been meaning to have a word with you, actually." said Mcgonagall, taking her seat once more. Kieran felt her heart drop into the pit of her stomach- of corse the Headmaster was aware of her outbursts, it was just a matter of time before Kieran was to be punished. Kieran just hoped it didn't involve suspension, or worse, leaving the school, forever. "I'm not surprised, because your actions have led me to believe you are the only person bold enough to stand up against him - Yes, i am aware of his methods, as well as Professor Ivanovs.."
"I would take over the position as Transfiguration instructor once more, but being the Headmaster has me quite busy. As for Ivanov.. I digress." She paused, leaving Kieran's head racing with questions and comments. "What, might i ask happened exactly, in both those classes?"
Feeling her heart pounding, Kieran held onto her seat as if she were on a wild roller coaster, and was holding on for dear life. "I refused to transfigure my toad - it's cruel, it hurts them … It's barbaric." Kieran explained as calmly as she could.
Mcgonagall nodded, understanding "-and did he not simply offer you another object to perform on instead? - that is after all what first years should be starting with." she asked. Kieran shook her head firmly. "Hm.. i see. What happened then?"
"Well.." Kieran hesitated "I stood up, and i told him i wouldn't do it - i might have yelled - I just got so upset, and he wasn't even listening to me." Kieran felt the emotions rush to the surface and fought away her tears quickly, composing herself once more. "Then he told me to go outside, failed me for the class, and took ten points from Slytherin - No one stood up for me." Kieran sniffled, struggling to suppress her emotions.
Mcgonagall looked at Kieran thoughtfully, and then sighed, remorseful. "I apologize for his actions."
"You.. you aren't mad at me?" Kieran asked quickly
"Your reaction may not have been the most.. productive, but, i cannot blame you for your compassion - But what of the duel?" Mcgonagall asked, watching Kieran closely. The Slytherin looked horrified, and ashamed. Putting her face down, she hid behind the curtain of her dark hair, and began speaking softly.
"Professor Ivanov put myself and Ashley Summers into a duel.. I took it too far - But Ivanov - he-he told us to fight like our life depended on it. He made us fight each other - i was acting on instinct - If i hadn't have ended it, Summers would have." Kieran didn't believe that, but she had to convince the Headmaster that she did. She didn't know what Summers would have done, or if she was even capable of the things Kieran was.
Mcgonagall remained looking stern, and thoughtful, her fingers laced together under her pointed chin. "-and has the conflict between you two ended?" asked Mcgonagall cooly.
Kieran hesitated, her eyes fell away once more. She didn't want to make things worse, but no matter how she saw it, the truth was the only option. "No, i tried to apologize, but she didn't take it so easily - I don't blame her, i would be upset too, but.. i didn't hurt her of purpose. She confronted me after flying lessons - she wasn't able to fly, you see - so she was taking her anger out on me, blaming me; my friends stepped in, and she walked away, crying.." Kieran watched for the Headmaster's expression - it was thoughtful, and sympathetic "-I know, i need to make it up to her, but she can't bully me into doing it - i won't accept that. Hagrid says i need to get rid of her grudge, but i don't know how to do that."
"Do you enjoy talking with Hagrid?" Mcgonagall asked suddenly.
"Well.. yeah, he's really nice - he offered to let me see his creatures, even though i can't take his class till my third year.." Kieran realized then that Mcgonagall probably knew that she had been at Hagrid's "He helped me feel better." she added, avoiding the fact she had been out of the castle late, and attempted to enter the Forbidden Forest.
"-and you like creatures, do you? I hear you have quite the affinity in befriending magical creatures. Your Social Worker, Miss Fairwater, has told me much about you." she explained.
"They're easier to talk to.." said Kieran hesitantly.
"I am sure you are aware of your circumstances with being here - Your family is being protected by the Ministry - but do you know why?" asked Mcgonagall then.
The girl shrugged "My father was a bad man, who worked for bad people - No one has told me much, other than he's after us.. for some reason."
Mcgonagall stood then, and walked to the glass cabinet. Pulling out the sorting hat, she placed it on her desk, and sat beside it, her hands folded in her lap. "Do you know how the Sorting Hat is able to place students?" Kieran shook her head "It has the ability of legilimency - the ability to read one's mind. When you were sorted, what did the hat say to you?"
"It rambled - i couldn't understand it.. i think it was confused." said Kieran, feeling anxious for a whole new reason - If the hat had the ability to read her mind, was the Headmaster going to use it to expose Kieran's true emotions?
"Do you feel like it made the right choice though? Do you feel like Slytherin is the right house for you?" asked Mcgonagall.
"I think so - i mean, my ancestor was in Slytherin, and i think maybe some of my other family has been too - but i don't know much about them. my mom isn't in contact with them, and doesn't like to talk about it, much.." Kieran answered slowly. There wasn't much the Headmaster didn't know, but if anything, it made Kieran more reluctant to speak about such personal things - and what did any of this have to do with her outbursts?
"Yes, I believe i taught your Grandfather, and Great Aunt back in my day, both of which were Slytherin, if i recall correctly." Mcgonagall confirmed, going silent for a few moments. Looking decidedly at Kieran, Mcgonagall stood yet again and sat back in her chair "-i want you to solve this conflict between yourself and Miss Summers. I don't want to hear of anymore incidents between you too. As for Transfiguration, i cannot interfere with Professors Yost's grading, but i can at least return those house points to you, and i will have a firm talk with him - of which i would like you to join me."
This proposition made Kieran anxious, but with the support of Mcgonagall, it felt less bleak. "Professor Ivanov has already been dealt with, and i expect his classes will return to a less.. precarious itinerary. I believe your next class should be starting soon, however - So i will send you on your way. Please, i do not want to see you in here again, if something is to be solved, i would like it done calmly. However, if you do need my help, i will not turn you away - If Professor Yost, or any other of your Professors does not supply you with another means to perform your classes, do not hesitate to come speak to me."
Out the door Kieran went, bewildered and grateful - but what was even more stunning for her was the group of kids waiting at the end of the gargoyle corridor - there, waiting for Kieran was Emelia, Trinity, Roary, and even Trent. Emelia gestured a lazy greeting "-Don't worry, i put Gilly (Kieran's toad) away for you." Trinity lit up as Kieran joined them, who, compared to the group was but a small golden speck, especially to Trent, who towered over her like an aloof tree. Kieran felt slightly bitter towards them, not having stood up for her- but with Trinity there, it reminded her that not everyone could be so as daring as herself.
"Yost took ten points, the bloody prat." Roary groaned.
"Roary tried to leave the class to go get you" Emelia explained. Kieran looked at Roary and nearly began crying again.
"You could have stood up for me when i was still in the room!" scolded Kieran, lightly punching the boy's arms.
"Ow! - I tried." he moaned, rubbing his arm.
"How did it go?" squeaked Trinity through the commotion.
"Mcgonagall was really nice - i didn't expect it at all. She got us the house points back-"
"Yeah, apart from what i lost us." Roary sighed.
"You aren't in trouble?" asked Emelia
"Not with Mcgonagall - But i think Yost might roast me, and Ivanov-" Kieran shivered at the thought.
"'Yost The Roaster'" laughed Roary trollishly.
Kieran watched Trent, who was truly seeming more and more like a tree, silently casting a shadow, and setting the stage. Their eyes met, Trent's widened slightly.
"Well, i should be going, I have Herbology." said Trinity, waving the group off meekly before stumbling away and breaking the silence with Roary's chuckles.
Potions class was taught by the Slytherin Head of House, Professor Slughorn, of which Kieran felt the natural need to impress; she answered questions, payed close attention, and even tried her hardest to succeed. But suddenly the realization hit her - How were the ingredients procured? The Potions classroom was chalk full of bizarre, horrible ingredients, animal livers, live worms, birds feet - It was a torture chamber full of oddities, and Kieran felt her animal-warrior urges racing to the surface - but, whether it was the need to impress Slughorn, or keep herself out of trouble, as Mcgonagall had told her, the Slytherin calmed herself and politely excused herself from the lesson.
"My, what ever is the matter?" asked Slughorn, pulling Kieran aside as the students went about their own brewing.
"I apologize, but i don't feel right using these ingredients - Where do they come from?" asked Kieran calmly, her best polite voice in full use.
Slughorn looked around and stumbled over the question "Well- from all over, my dear." he answered.
"All these things, killed just for the use of potions - Isn't there another way?" asked Kieran, suppressing the mighty urge to throttle the man.
"Well, i'm afraid not. Potions making is quite a precise art - any slight adjustment can change a solution entirely." Slughorn gestured to the jars "All of these ingredients are acquired through sellers and farmers. No differently than the food you eat."
"I don't eat meat." defied Kieran robustly.
"Ah-" Slughorn tilted his head slightly "That does seem to be a problem then." he looked around the room as if looking for a solution "I'm afraid there is not much i can do." he decided "- I'm afraid If you cannot follow the itinerary, you will not be able to complete you O. . You can partake in which ever potions you feel comfortable performing, and you can memorize the ingredients and steps in your textbook - But i'm afraid potions brewing is very hands on, my dear."
Kieran felt disheartened, but the reaction she received was dignified, and Kieran respected that- Her instincts to impress the Professor were not wrong, she only hoped she still had the opportunity. "Thank you Professor, you don't know how much that means to me. I will do my best - Thank you for respecting my beliefs."
Slughorn clucked his tongue "Well of course, dear, i cannot force you to do anything against your will. I am merely your instructor, not a dictator."
For many people, what Kieran believed in was deemed excessive, and even extreme, but for the young girl, it was the most fundamental aspect of her life. With her recent blossoming into womanhood, also came the wake up call of a lifetime - Kieran cut out meat from her diet, as she began noticing backwards ethics of the daily world - you couldn't claim to be an 'animal lover' then disembowel a pig the next moment, it just didn't add up. People took and took, and Kieran refused to be a part of that world. The innocence of the animal world had taught her compassion, those simple-minded creatures that were deemed as next to nothing to most people, were everything that made Kieran happy - an. Id Kieran be damned if someone tried to hurt her happiness. It was only natural that her new lifestyle came to be, and more and more she became more passionate about speaking out against the injustice - One outburst after the next.
When dinner came around, Kieran was tired of having to walk down the table to find herself something decent to eat, and decided to speak to someone about her options. She didn't want to starve herself, simply because she didn't want to step on someone else's morals "I'll be right back.." said Kieran as she mossied out of her seat at the Slytherin table.
Waving Hagrid down, she approached the Giant, unsure. "Everythin' alright?" asked Hagrid, giblets stuck in his beard.
"Fine-." Kieran muttered. "-Do you know who to talk to about meals?" asked Kieran, trying her best not to shy away uncomfortably.
"Oh, you'll want to see the house elves in the kitchens." Hagrid sputtered. "Somethin' not to yer likin'?" he asked
Kieran nodded and peered at the kitchen door "Just not able to find stuff i like." she explained simply. "I'll go sort it out now, thanks."
Not enjoying the feeling of eyes on her from every angle, Kieran quickly went through the door, past a Hufflepuff, then found herself face first on the ground. Trinity rubbed her elbow and apologized frantically. "-Oh, Kieran, it's you - I'm so sorry!" she squeaked, her face pink. A house elf groaned and pulled itself out from under Kieran, who stood up, pulling both Trinity and the elf up with her.
"I'm sorry, i didn't see either of you. You alright? - This is perfect though, can you help me sort out my food?" Kieran asked the elf who dusted their self off, muttering quietly.
"Lopsy is fine - Nathair needs assistance? I humbly live to serve." the elf bowed, its large ears flopping forward.
"Alright, that's good. I'm sorry, and I appreciate it" Kieran began uncertainty "I... was wondering.. if you could maybe put some more meat-free options near me?"
"Yes, fine, fine - is that all?" The elf tilted from side to side, impatiently.
"-er, yes, that's all." With that the elf disappeared down the hallway, muttering irritably to itself. "Great, i hope it doesn't spit in my food." Kieran thought aloud. "-Are you okay?" Kieran asked, fixing Trinity's robe back onto her shoulders. Trinity nodded meekly. "Are you just now heading to dinner?" asked Kieran.
Trinity tugged at her hair anxiously "Mhm, i was just checking on my bunny.." she explained softly. Quickly changing the topic she smiled and bounced "-Are you excited about Astronomy tonight? I love looking at the stars, we'll get to learn all the constellations-"
Trinity always looked anxious and flustered, and Kieran couldn't help but find it a charming quality. Every nervous tick, every stumble. Trinity reminded Kieran of a tiny bird she found when she was little, knocked from its nest. Kieran nursed it back to health, but the little bird was malformed and unable to spread its wings, and therefore unable to be set free - but the bird was never gloomy, and the song it sang was the sweetest sound Kieran had ever heard. Kieran listened to the song for years and years, until the bird grew old, and passed away.
The bird was just one of many of Kieran's loved and lost pets she had found over the years. They had taught her to appreciate every small moment. For Kieran, Trinity was just that - the embodiment of the little sweet moments in life. "Why are you looking at me like that?" asked Trinity, her large eyes even wider.
"We're sisters now." stated Kieran decidedly. "From now on, you come to me for anything, and i'll be here - If some nasty Gryffindor, or even Slytherin picks on you, tell me, and i'll handle it." Kieran grinned, punching her fit against her palm.
Trinity's eyes sparkled, amazed and nodded firmly. Kieran, wrapping her arm around the smaller girl, walked back to the Great Hall "-I'll see you at Astronomy then." the two parted ways and Kieran found her seat near Roary.
"Looks like you got your wish."said Roary. In Kierans place was a fresh plate of cooked vegetables, seasoned and steaming. Kieran ate through the food cautiously, and made sure to remember to thank the elf, Lopsy, later. "That girl, Trinity, she's a real silent type." Roary commented "You two would probably get along, loads." he said to to Trent, who was silently captivated by a book on Fungi. Trent gave a slight shrug, not even looking up.
"She's just really shy." Kieran commented. "She's actually really adorable -not saying you aren't, i mean, not that you are - i mean.. just nevermind." Kieran felt her cheeks flush and hid behind her goblet.
Roary laughed "Hear that, Trent? Kieran doesn't think you're adorable." he teased. The two boys exchanged a heated glance, but Roary played it off and laughed "Or maybe she does?" Roary shrugged. Kieran wished she was anywhere else but there.
"Roary, stop picking on Trent, you're just upset because he thought to stand against Summers first." said Emelia, her own eyes focused on a very large textbook.
"Am not!" scoffed Roary "-Just think Trent is too quiet, is all."
"And what is wrong with that?" asked Emelia, glaring at him from the side of her eye.
"N-nothin'." he grumbled "Forget it."
After a long discussion with Roary over the magical function of brooms, Emelia left the Great Hall in a particularly antsy mood. Kieran furrowed her thick brows together and turned to Roary "What was that?" she asked. Roary rolled his eyes and shrugged.
"She's always like that. Em' gets mad at everything, just like you, she just doesn't show it like you do." he teased, grinning at Kieran. Kieran returned the grin and shoved him lightly. Trent, slamming his book, stood quickly, and left. "What's got his nads in a twist?" scoffed Roary "Maybe i was wrong, maybe he and Em' are more suited." he joked. "Bugger! I forgot to ask Aubrey about tryouts - we'll talk more about this later, yeah?"
"Sure."
Watching Roary run off, Kieran was left on her own and decided to take the opportunity to thank Lopsy, then head to her dorm and actually do some assignment - which she had been dreading. In the dungeons Kieran came across the poltergeist, Peeves, usually he stayed away from the Dungeons, due to his fear of the Bloody Baron, but there he was, giggling as he peered through the keyhole of a door. Kieran sucked in a breath and hoped to pass by without being heard, but as she slid behind his amble phantom bottom, he turned, Kieran jumped, and he screamed, laughing.
Attempting to get away quickly, Kieran was cut off. she paused, not wanting to have to walk through the ghost. "Sly Slytherin slithering slightly, silently...ss..ssss" the goat stumbled over other words that rhymed. Kieran stepped past him, only to be cut off again. Fingers twitching, Kieran scowled.
"If you do not move out of my way, Peeves, i will make the Bloody Baron make your living death hell." she warned.
Peeves squeaked "OoOOooOooh." he mocked. "Scary Slytherin. Scary Riddle- talks to herself in tongues and blows up toilets." he giggled impishly, clapping his ghostly hands together like a seal performing a trick "-Moany Moaning Myrtle wanted to fib, but I told her not too. No one would second guess me blowing it up, nooo."
"Why take the blame?" asked Kieran, stunned as she stared at the pearly white little man. Snickering, he shrugged "Oh i do love 'Riddles'-" his face then froze, horrified as he peered through the darkness behind Kieran. "Baron!" he bowed, floating away in a hurry, through the walls, his hat jingling all the way. Kieran felt cold as the Baron floated past her, bowing curtly. The chains around his feet chimed ominously as he floated down the corridor. leaving Kieran puzzled, and now utterly aware that she was being observed more so than she realized.
In the corner of the Common Room Trent sat in one of the many green, button-tufted leather armchairs that littered the room. He stared down his crooked nose at his textbook, reading over the same passage about dragon dung for the third time, unable to focus. He couldn't stop thinking about Roary's smug expression as he peered at him during dinner, boasting over Kieran like a dog with a bone - Trent couldn't place why it bothered him so much, and just worrying about it made him even more frustrated. Closing his book, he slouched in the chair and pinched the bridge of his nose, a soft groan escaped him.
As Kieran entered the room, she looked pale and disturbed, but relieved to be back in the Common Room. Trent couldn't explain why he couldn't keep her off his mind. She was unlike any girl he had ever met. Her temper was epic. Her freckles, her wild hair - everything was so captivating, but why? He cleared his throat softly, moving in his chair uncomfortably. Then, their eyes met. Kierans golden eyes shone even through the dark green gloom of the dungeon, her lips parted softly, with that same puzzled expression she always gave him. He cleared his throat again, coughing - his throat felt scratchy, and his cheeks hot - maybe he was getting a fever?
"Are you okay? You left dinner in such a crabby mood, i thought-"
The next moment he looked up, Kieran was there, standing beside him in front of the massive arched window. Kieran was taller than other first year girls, she wore trousers instead of skirts, and always had her tangled hair tucked behind one ear, while the rest dangled down her body like a second cloak over her robes. Her brows were bushy, and her nose was swallowed in freckles - all little characteristics he had never noticed on a person before. Kieran reminded Trent of of a Cobra Lily, beautiful and speckled, but deadly, in a slow seducing way as she hypnotized her prey, striking to swallow them whole.
"Fine." answered quickly, sitting up straight. "-Hart not with you?" he asked.
"Nah, he went off to go bug the Quidditch Captain - poor Aubrey." Kieran sighed, sighting in the chair opposite him. "-I've read that." said Kieran, gesturing the the textbook.
"All of it?" asked Trent, surprised.
"I really like plants, nature - that sort of thing." she shrugged "When i heard there were plants that are actually more like animals, of corse i jumped on that book - speaking of books, i should go check on Em', she seemed peeved too.." Kieran, seemingly bothered, stood up again "Catch you at Astronomy." then she made her way to the girls dorm, her hair bouncing behind her. Trent felt disappointed, but relieved - he wasn't sure what was wrong with him, but he knew, at the very least, things were better when Kieran wasn't around.
