DISCLAIMER! Everything you recognize belongs to J.K. Rowling!
A/N: I'd just like to point out that thanks to weasleytwinsjunkie, Islinn will be a Replacement Seeker. This is one of my favorite chapters; I had fun writing it, though I did get stumped more than once. I had to tweak stuff and I'm making them have Charms on Friday instead of Herbology for this chapter. Do remember "Petrificus Totalus" was learned later.
I have to apologize for something about the last chapter, whether you noticed it or not. The first practice Islinn and Harry have with Oliver I made them start out not using their brooms but then I put that at the end of practice they went to put away their brooms. I really do apologize for that, as I can't really explain why I put that.
Also, take encounter that Islinn and Hermione's time in the bathroom is not meant to be romantic but friendly, seeing that Hermione considers Islinn her friend.
Please remember what I said about her having outstanding and extraordinary magical abilities please, as it will show in this and other chapters. Thank you and enjoy the chapter!
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Islinn couldn't believe two months had passed since the start of the term. She had fallen into a busy routine. There was of course the classes and homework to attend to, the studying, her Shadowhunting to perform and keep secret, helping Ron, Harry, and Neville with their own homework (though Hermione was a great help because she helped Neville too), among other things. She had advanced greatly on her side project, studying the Animagus Theory. She had wondered much about the trapdoor and the dog, especially because Harry and Ron had told her about the visit to Hagrid's and the attempt to break into Gringotts. There was one thing she was very excited about, though she wouldn't tell anyone about it. Today was Friday; she had to Shadowhunt, and today was also Halloween; however, that was not why she was excited. A while back, she had been able to produce a Patronus – a corporeal Patronus. She was still surprised at the form it took, but she was delighted.
Then, of course, there was Quidditch. Islinn loved Quidditch, and as a matter of fact, Harry seemed to enjoy it just as much. He was a natural flyer and it seemed like Oliver couldn't be happier. He still hadn't told them what the final decision was – if both Harry and Islinn will be playing or one will be a Replacement Seeker. Islinn, though she didn't truly want to, she knew she had to ask Oliver to appoint her Replacement Seeker because she was too busy to be an Alternate Seeker with Harry. It was quite busy since they had Quidditch practice three evenings a week though she couldn't deny it was fun and quite a stress reliever. She also thought Harry deserved it after living badly with the mundanes. Harry hadn't been specific, but from what he'd said, it had been bad for him. Certainly, they have spent a long time in Hogwarts.
"Miss Ignotum, good morning," a voice said interrupting her thoughts. She stopped walking and looked to the side. She raised an eyebrow, but went through the motions.
She gave a graceful curtsy before saying, "Good morning Mister Malfoy, I am surprised to see you here." He couldn't possibly want to take a walk outside in the slight cold so early in the morning. Why would he? She didn't particularly want to hear him complain about the weather she thought was nice (at least because she favored this time of day).
He didn't explain why he was there. "I suppose you would be. Do you mind if I accompany you?"
Well, she did mind, not only because it was Malfoy but because she liked using this time to think. The time she didn't mind company was when she asked someone to go with her – as she had done with Neville. She couldn't quite think of a proper excuse however, so she merely inclined her head and said, "You may walk with me if you would like." No way did that statement indicate she didn't mind it. He inclined his head also and they both began to walk side by side.
Islinn didn't mind the silence as they walked, but she did wonder why he was walking with her. It was strange, he himself looked thoughtful. She found herself curiously wondering what he was thinking about. She felt bad for him if his father was anything like he used to be, not to mention the fact he used to be a Death Eater.
"How do you like Potions, Miss Ignotum?" he asked quite suddenly shattering her thoughts. She was actually grateful for the interruption.
"I enjoy the class very much. Professor Snape is an excellent educator and has a talent for keeping his students silent. Although, he does seem to be biased," she replied truthfully. He didn't like Gryffindors after all.
"I most readily agree. He is an excellent professor. I can't quite say about your latter comment, he is Head of Slytherin," Malfoy reasoned.
"That does not mean much however. Professor McGonagall is Head of Gryffindor, yet she does not show favoritism the way Professor Snape does," she told him. Malfoy was silent a moment as he studied her comment.
"You suggest that Professor McGonagall does show favoritism, though not as much as Professor Snape?" he queried. Hm, so he was smart. A challenge, she liked challenges.
"For someone to become a Head of House the person must have belonged to that House; therefore, they are bound to favor it. What I meant to say was that Professor Snape favors Slytherins more than any Head of House favors the students of their own Houses," she responded.
"Of course, it only makes sense that he should do so," he stated.
A small confused frown crossed Islinn's features. "How so?" she asked.
"Slytherin and Gryffindor are rival Houses, so it is not surprising that the Heads of House should take points from the opposing House; however, the remaining Houses, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, favor Gryffindor over Slytherin, they would more readily award points to Gryffindor," he replied.
Islinn was silent a moment as she processed his statement. She supposed he was right and it did make sense. Teachers, she supposed, grudgingly gave Slytherin points. In fact, she was almost inclined to believe they gain most points during Quidditch season, when they win their matches. "I can see your point of view," was all she said.
They had walked on in silence; even when they had reached their destination near the Black Lake they were silent. They stood side by side, near the edge of the Forbidden Forest, staring across the lake, both lost in their own thoughts. She still wondered what he was doing and why he was there, he didn't look like the type to take and enjoy morning walks. He, on the other hand, was wondering how she learned to fly so well and was pleasantly surprised she wasn't expelled – and disappointed Potter was still in Hogwarts.
Draco Malfoy was thinking away, which is why he was surprised when he felt her hand enclose his wrist in a very strong grip. He was amazed at her strength, but surprise quickly took over and he looked at her. Before he could utter a word she motioned for him to be quiet. Her blue eyes were unseeing as she tilted her head to the side as if hearing something he could not. She pushed at his wrist and he took a step back. She shifted and ended up standing almost in front of him. He noticed her position was a little different – her body was a little rigid and she had leaned forward slightly while one foot was planted in front of the other, as if she had taken a step.
His attention shifted from her to the soft rustling coming from the edge of the Forbidden Forest. He couldn't see what was making it yet, but the rustling sounded closer each time. She released his wrist and took a step forward, though he couldn't imagine why. A silly Gryffindor indeed… or just a curious one. He found himself taking a step back.
When the creature emerged from its hideout, Draco Malfoy couldn't do… anything. He was even too shocked and surprised to gasp, his eyes merely widened. She, on the other hand, relaxed and took a step forward. He hoped the creature wouldn't accidentally do anything rash. He began inching to the side before he felt a little impatient and took two long strides to the side. The creature turned to look at him and he froze. The creature began to shift uncomfortably before it began retreating, but then he heard her talking gently to the creature, who hesitated. She gave Draco a quick look that clearly indicated that he should not move, and he didn't.
Slowly, the magnificent creature started forward again, toward her. It stopped quite near her and she didn't move. The creature's sparkling, dark eyes focused on hers. Draco noticed that Islinn too, was staring right into the creature's eyes. After what felt like a long moment of unblinking stares he saw Islinn lower her head in a respective manner while still keeping eye contact. He heard her speak softly and gently to it, but he was not close enough to hear what she was saying. The creature continued to stare at her before it moved. It bobbed its head up and down once, as if nodding before it stepped closer to the girl.
Draco saw Islinn smile gently at the creature before slowly raising a hand to touch it. He didn't know whether the creature would let her, but he hoped it did. She rested her hand on its cheek and mumbled softly to it. His eyes widened even more at the incredibly beautiful scene before him (though he'd never admit to believing it was incredibly beautiful). There, in that moment, purity met innocence, not that any of the three were aware of it.
The only thing Draco saw was the unequal beauty of the creature and the very pretty girl now stroking the creature's cheek. He thought the scene belonged to that of a painting than reality. He wished he had a camera, though he wouldn't have been able to take a picture even if he had one because of the flash. It was as though Islinn and the creature had created some type of strange and unintelligible connection.
The young wizard saw the girl run a hand behind the creature's ears before withdrawing her hand and stepping back. She gave the creature and nice curtsy, though he didn't know why. Wasn't a curtsy a way of greeting or bidding farewell to people? Either way, when she straightened the creature made another motion as if nodding its goodbye, and retreated back into the Forbidden Forest.
Islinn walked back to Draco with a sort of satisfied smile, however small it was. "How did you do that, Miss Ignotum?" he asked her, unable to stop himself as they walked back toward the castle.
"It was simple really. Unicorns seek out maidens; it is in their nature; although, among this quality, the maiden must have others. The unicorn will only seek out a female. Young unicorns however, are more trusting," she explained.
Draco wanted to ask how she knew that, but instead he said, "It was an impressive scene, it was as if you and the unicorn formed some form of inexplicable bond."
"Unicorns are not much for audiences, I am surprised she allowed you to see that," she answered.
"She?" he asked surprised.
"Yes, the unicorn was a female. I named her Shushienae," she told him. Draco wondered how she knew that, but something else caught his attention. She named animals?
"You name all the animals you meet?" he asked.
"No, but this was a unicorn, this occurrence was special. I believe special memories deserve special names," she responded. He thought it was strange, but it sort of made sense.
"Why did you name her… Shushienae?" he queried. It was quite an unusual name.
"Shushienae is the name of the Angel of Purity," she replied simply. He only nodded in response. An angel?
"Do you think you will see her again?" he asked curious.
"I really cannot tell you that, but I really hope that is the case," she replied.
"May I escort you tomorrow as well?" he questioned.
Islinn did not respond right away. Malfoy had seen what had happened. It had been more than fantastic, more than beautiful, and definitely more than impressive. He obviously wanted to see if Shushienae would appear again. However, this was Malfoy, a not-so-nice boy. He was rude and a prat, but sometimes his conversation was intelligent. Either way, who was she to deprive someone of such a beautiful thing? Even if it was Malfoy. She was not a selfish creature, and she was curious. She wanted to see if Shushienae would stay again if Malfoy was there. She wished she knew why she had not put much opposition at his being there. "If you wish to do so," Islinn finally replied. He only nodded in response.
Potions had been fun, or at least Islinn had thought so. She and Hermione had been partners again and had therefore produced a perfect potion. Neville's potion hadn't been too great (in fact, he had probably failed it) but nothing disastrous happened. As they all walked to Charms class, Harry and Ron (as usual), were ranting about how unfair Snape was to them. Islinn was a bit torn about the matter. On one hand, there was the fact that she did not think ill of Snape. In fact, she understood why he disliked Harry and Ron, though she didn't exactly agree. Then there was the fact that Snape was very unfair to the duo… in front of the whole class. She felt bad for Harry and Ron, but at the same time (thanks to her father's memories) she felt bad for Snape.
When they walked into Charms not many students were there, but Professor Flitwick was already sitting on his pile of books. He smiled when he saw them come in. The group smiled at the professor and took their seats. They chatted separately and Islinn contributed a comment here and there to both conversations. She was distracted really. She was distracted about it being Friday. About Jace, Shadowhunting, the unicorn (whom she'd told no one about), about tomorrow, and that tonight was All Hallows Eve. Sometimes, Islinn really wished she could just stop thinking for a moment.
Then, the lesson began. It was exciting as today they would be practicing the Levitating Charm. Flitwick told them to be careful and not substitute one word or letter for another because it could go wrong. By the time they were suppose to practice it, the students were excited. They were to work in pairs. Harry was paired with Seamus Finnigan, and Islinn was paired with Neville. Unfortunately, Ron was paired with Hermione. Islinn didn't know if that was a good thing or not.
"Would you like to go first, Mister Longbottom?" she asked. He looked very nervous. She looked at Hermione and Ron briefly. Ron was trying the Charm. He flailed his arms like a windmill instead of the swish and flick they were suppose to do. He was also mispronouncing it.
"N-no. You can go f-first," Neville replied quietly.
Islinn smiled faintly at Neville and nodded. She examined her feather a moment as she heard Hermione tell Ron he was doing it wrong and how it should be done. Islinn smirked and pointed her wand at the feather. Swish and flick. "Wingardium Leviosa," she said firmly… which happened to be at the same time Hermione said it. Both of their feather rose simultaneously about four feet. It was so strange to Islinn that she and Hermione did that, and yet she didn't find it unpleasant. The other girl looked at Islinn and smiled. Islinn gave her a small smile in turn. Islinn noticed that Ron didn't look very happy.
"Very good work, Miss Granger and Miss Ignotum. See everyone, that is how it should be done," Flitwick praised. Somehow, that made Ron look angrier.
The rest of the lesson went by without event, except that somehow Neville had ended up burning their feather. After class had ended Ron had all but stormed out of there, and Harry had followed. Islinn didn't know if Ron was also angry at her so she had decided to walk with Neville and Hermione instead. They had calmly waked out of the classroom and had decided to take a walk outside because it was a nice autumn day outside.
Unfortunately, they had not been the only ones with that idea. Ron and Harry had also decided to take a stroll and going by Ron's expressive gestures, he wasn't very calm. The three neared without being noticed. Then, they heard Ron say, "No wonder no one can stand her." Then he proceeded to mock her, repeating the way she had corrected him. After that he added, "She's a nightmare, honestly." That did it. Islinn's head snapped in the direction of Hermione, whose eyes were bright due to unshed tears. Neville seemed shocked, and while Islinn herself did not show any emotion, she was feeling more than a little upset at Ron's irrational behavior.
Hermione reacted quickly, and she hurried away brushing past Harry non-too-gently. "I think she heard you," Harry said as he saw Hermione walk away.
"Of course she did," Islinn responded levelly from behind them. Both Harry and Ron spun around to meet a wide-eyed Neville and an unsmiling Islinn. There was something about her demeanor that unsettled the boys. Ron shifted uncomfortably.
"Well, she must have realized she hasn't got any friends," Ron said and Islinn saw some guilt. When he looked at her she raised an eyebrow in question. Neville was frowning as if debating something.
"It does not matter if she does or does not. Either way, it does not give you a right to say such hurtful things," she declared firmly. Then she straightened to her full height, which to the kids her age (and maybe secretly older ones) was somewhat imposing. "If you will excuse me, I am going to look for Miss Granger," she told them. Islinn gave them a curt nod in farewell and she left them to go look for Hermione.
Thanks to Islinn's fast walking, she soon spotted Hermione some way ahead of her. As Islinn followed Hermione she wondered why in Merlin's name Ron disliked Hermione so much. From what Islinn had seen Ron had disliked Hermione almost from the first time they had met. Islinn shook her head at this as she saw Hermione go into an apparently unused bathroom. Islinn quickened her step and only hesitated slightly before going in. She didn't really know what to do; she wasn't an expert in the comforting department.
The scene that met Islinn was… not a pleasant one, but then again, what else was she expecting? She neared the girl silently. "Miss Granger," Islinn said quietly. Hermione jumped, not having heard her and turned. She relaxed when she saw it was Islinn.
"Oh, you startled me," Hermione admitted with a slightly trembling voice.
"Please forgive me," Islinn responded and moved closer to Hermione. Hesitantly, Islinn put a hand on Hermione's shoulder. The girl tensed a short moment before relaxing.
"I don't understand," they bushy-haired girl said quietly.
"What is it you do not understand, Miss Granger?" Islinn asked in an almost gentle tone.
"Ronald Weasley! I don't understand Ronald Weasley! Ever since I saw him in the Hogwarts train… he's never liked me!" Hermione exclaimed.
"Tell me, Miss Granger, why does it bother you so much? Why does it matter if Mister Weasley likes you or not? Is it perhaps because he is Mister Potter's friend?" Islinn asked in that same tone as before.
"I, well… at first maybe. I read so many things about the great Harry Potter that I wanted to meet him… maybe even be friends. Than I saw him on the train and he looked so… ordinary that I thought perhaps we could be friends. Then I saw you and Ronald. I remember him looking at me and turning away, but you… you didn't tell me to sod off when I asked about the toad, instead you were nice and polite. I thought that perhaps I could make friends at Hogwarts besides Neville. I knew you actually liked me when you told me it was a pleasure to see Neville and me because when Ron asked if it really was a pleasure you said yes.
"I began to rid of the fact that I could be friends with Harry Potter because of Ronald, but then I realized we had a friend in common," she said and gave Islinn a watery smile. Islinn gave her a small smile and squeezed her shoulder a little in comfort. "I knew Ronald didn't like me so I decided to mostly ignore him. It mostly worked, as you saw, but today…" she trailed off and shook her head.
"Perhaps you made Mister Weasley feel insufficiently capable today, Miss Granger," Islinn suggested.
"What!? I only told him how to do the Levitating Charm," Hermione argued.
"Miss Granger, do know I am not accusing you, but Mister Weasley is usually overshadowed by his other brothers, at least from what I have been able to gather. You must try to understand how that must feel, now he probably feels as if he is going to be overshadowed by someone outside his family," Islinn explained.
"How is he supposed to learn then?" Hermione asked.
"I suggest you to not snap at him and to tell him in a friendly way how to do a spell or charm correctly… at least until the animosity between you and him dwindles," Islinn said with a smirk. Hermione smiled but then shook her head.
"He'll never like me though, I don't even know why he dislikes me so much," Hermione said succumbing to tears again. Islinn led her to a corner, which felt better than standing in the middle of the bathroom.
They spent a very long time together, where (of course) they began some of their homework, though Hermione had moments when she'd start crying. In these moments Islinn would simply let Hermione cry on her because there was nothing to say. It was in one of these fits tat Parvati Patil came in to the bathroom. She went in and stopped when she saw them.
"Hermione, are you okay?" Parvati asked and shot Islinn a quick glance. Hermione nodded and looked down trying to stop crying.
Islinn went over to Parvati. "Miss Patil, may I have a word with you?" Islinn asked quietly. There was a wary expression on Parvati's fact but she nodded quickly and left the bathroom.
Once outside Parvati spoke first. "What happened?" she asked and there was an undercurrent of curiosity and suspiciousness. Islinn regarded the other girl for a moment.
"It is not my place to say what happened Miss Patil, and I hope you understand my position. You may be wondering if I had something to do with it but I assure you I did not. If you do not believe me, do ask Miss Granger in a more convenient time. I ask that you please do not stress her at the moment," Islinn replied. There was a small blush on Parvati's cheeks, probably because the other girl did not miss the accusation thrown at her.
"Okay, yeah," Parvati managed to say.
"Thank you," Islinn rejoined with a small smile. The other girl nodded and looked at Islinn with a thoughtful expression. The redhead simply raised an eyebrow as she hid her discomfort at being scrutinized closely.
"Sorry, I just…" and Parvati trailed off not knowing how to phrase what she wanted to say.
"I am not how you thought me to be?" Islinn suggested thinking about how Theodore Nott and Ian Hederstern had told her as much. The other girl blushed deeply and looked sheepish. "The Hogwarts population seems to be much quicker to judge than I expected."
"Sorry, it's just that…" again Parvati trailed off.
"Do not trouble yourself, Miss Patil," Islinn said with a tiny smile, "I know I come across as a cold and unemotional person. It is not a surprise people would be quick to judge and I do not blame anybody for doing so. Because this is the way I am, I do not plan to change and people may believe what they like." There was no accusation in her tone.
"I know now… you're different," Parvati said and again Islinn was reminded of Nott and Ian.
"I am glad you think so," Islinn replied and with that each girl went their separate way. As Islinn went back to Hermione she checked her watch and realized it was almost time for dinner. "Miss Granger, it is almost time for supper, perhaps we should go to the Great Hall," Islinn suggested.
"I'm not hungry," Hermione muttered and then added, "but you can go if you want. I've kept you here long enough."
"No, Miss Granger, if you are adamant about not going to supper, than I shall stay with you," Islinn replied firmly. Hermione gave her a weak, grateful smile that was returned.
A long moment later found Islinn and Hermione talking, both trying to forget the horrible events of the day. Suddenly, a very foul stench hit them.
Hermione was the first to voice it. "What is that smell?" she asked.
"I have not the slightest clue, Miss Granger," Islinn responded with a frown.
Most unfortunately was the fact they soon found out. A twelve foot troll slouched inside the bathroom. It stopped and the girls heard the resounding "boom" as someone closed the door and locked it. Islinn almost cursed. The troll was horrible with its huge body, tiny head and long arms. It had a huge wooden club in its hand. Its cold, mean little eyes focused on them and it began to make its way toward them. Islinn stood quickly in front of Hermione with a drawn wand. Then, as Hermione couldn't stand the horror anymore, she let out a high, petrified scream. As the thing neared fear gripped Islinn, not for her because she had dealt with much worse, but for the girl she felt responsible for.
She began using different spells, even some she wasn't suppose to know. "Stupefy" and "Petrificus Totalus" were among them. The spells were only effective for a few seconds because weak spells like those didn't affect the trolls for very long. As it dragged the club with force, it was destroying the sinks and chunks flew. One was going straight to Hermione (and she was too scared to notice it) and Islinn went with instinct; she hurled herself toward Hermione. Islinn only registered a sharp and momentarily blinding pain, but that had never stopped her before. She got off Hermione and at that time the door burst opened and Ron and Harry ran inside.
Harry threw a tap at the wall. The troll, only a few feet away from the girls, stopped. It blinked a couple of times as if trying to guess where the sound came from. Then it saw Harry and after a moment of hesitation it began towards him, raising its club. Islinn couldn't allow it because she was Harry's guardian after all. Desperate times called for desperate measures – she'd have to kill it. She drew her wand but was interrupted. Later, Islinn was immensely grateful for that interruption.
"Oy, pea-brain!" Ron yelled from the other side of the bathroom and threw a metal pipe at it. Though the troll didn't seem to notice the pipe, it heard Ron's voice and turned to him. Harry took this chance and ran around it to Hermione and Islinn.
"Come on, run, run!" Harry yelled and together he and Islinn tried to pull Hermione toward the door. They didn't get very far because Hermione couldn't move, and even Islinn wasn't strong enough to move someone so unwilling – so petrified.
The echoes of the shouts resonated against the walls which seemed to drive the troll mad. It roared and began toward Ron again, who was the nearest person and was trapped.
Before Islinn could register what was going on, Harry took a great running jump and somehow managed to fasten his arms around the toll's neck from behind. "Mister Potter!" came Islinn's surprised cry. She managed to stun the troll, but again, only for a few seconds. It howled in pain and it was then Islinn realized Harry had accidentally stuck his wand up its nose. The troll twisted and flailed and Islinn was afraid something would happen to Harry.
To Islinn's surprise (and apparently Ron's too) Ron took out his wand and while swishing and flicking shouted, "Wingardium Leviosa!" The club flew out of the troll's hand and into the air, turned slowly over and dropped with a resounding "crack" on the troll's head. It swayed and fell face first with a "thud" so great the whole bathroom trembled.
While Ron was still looking surprised with his wand drawn, Harry stood. He was trembling a little and seemed to have trouble breathing.
Hermione spoke first. "Is it – dead?" she asked.
"I don't think so," Harry said, "I think it's just been knocked out." He stooped and retrieved his wand out of the troll's nose. It was covered in what looked like lumpy gray glue. "Ugh – troll boogers," he said and wiped them it on the troll's trousers.
Suddenly, there was slamming and loud footsteps and Islinn immediately tensed. Neither of the four had realized how loud they'd been, but someone was bound to hear them. Shortly after, Professors McGonagall, Snape, and Quirrell burst into the room. Quirrell looked at the troll and whimpered faintly and quickly sat down on a toilet.
Snape immediately went to the troll and bent over it. Professor McGonagall was looking at the four students with frightening fury clear on her face. Ron, Islinn noticed, still had his wand drawn. "What on earth were you thinking of?" McGonagall asked with cold fury in her voice. Islinn looked at Harry and Ron before returning her gaze to McGonagall. "You're lucky you weren't killed. Why aren't you in your dormitory?"
Snape gave Harry a swift but very piercing look. Harry looked down. Then the professor turned his dark eyes to Islinn. The look she received was also piercing, but it held something else, something she couldn't identify but made her feel extremely guilty. Instead of looking down, she held his gaze for a moment before shifting her gaze to McGonagall. Islinn was avoiding Quirrell in any way she could because she had begun having that exceptionally uncomfortable feeling simply by being in the same room. She did wonder about that.
A small voice now spoke, it was Hermione. "Please, Professor McGonagall – they were looking for me."
"Miss Granger!"
Hermione had managed to stand and she now took a couple of steps forward. "I went looking for the troll because I – I thought I could deal with it on my own – you know, because I've read all about them." Islinn saw Ron drop his wand. In fact, Islinn was just as surprised. Hermione Granger was downright lying to a teacher? "If they hadn't found me, I'd be dead now. Harry and Islinn distracted it and Ron knocked it out with its own club. They didn't have time to fetch anyone. It was about to finish when they arrived," she added.
Islinn's face was impassive as she stood there and she hoped she wouldn't get asked anything. Harry and Ron tried to look as if that had really happened and that the story was not new to them.
"Well – in that case…" Professor McGonagall began, staring at them. "Miss Granger, you foolish girl, how could you think of tackling a mountain troll on your own?" Hermione simply hung her head. It seemed to Islinn that the boys wouldn't have been able to speak very coherently at the moment. Islinn herself was surprised. Not only was Hermione lying, she was lying to get all of them out of trouble!
"Miss Granger, five points will be taken from Gryffindor for this," said McGonagall. "I'm very disappointed in you. If you are not hurt at all, you'd better get off to Gryffindor tower. Students are finishing the feast in their houses." With that, Hermione left.
Next, Professor McGonagall turned to Harry, Ron, and Islinn. "I still say you were lucky, but not many first years could have taken a full-grown mountain troll. You each win Gryffindor five points. Professor Dumbledore will be informed of this. You may go."
The three left the room quickly. Once outside however, they were stopped by a voice. "Miss Ignotum, I'd like a word with you," came the unmistakable voice of Snape. The three stopped.
"Go," she told Harry and Ron under her breath before she turned around. She made her way toward the Potions master. "Yes, Professor Snape?" she asked respectfully. Islinn was glad that the boys had actually listened to her.
"What you did was very stupid, Miss Ignotum," he said.
"I realize this professor, but what else was I suppose to do?" she asked him.
"You should have sought out help. It would have been the most sensible thing to do. You are the most rational and prudent from the group, I would think you would have thought of that," he reprimanded but his tone was calm, not accusing. He brought up a good point, but at the same time she knew it didn't work that way.
"Perhaps you are correct, sir; however, how would you feel if you had been in my position and you had left to call for assistance only to return to a full grown mountain troll and three dead Gryffindor first years?" she reasoned. He regarded her silently a moment and she reacted to her mistake quickly. "Forgive me professor. I take back my words because they were very rude on my part and quite unfair; however, I must admit I do not regret attempting to help another student," she clarified.
"You were rightly Sorted into Gryffindor I see… like your father," was all he said and his lips quirked. Islinn gave a small smile at this comment.
"Is it a compliment Professor?" she asked.
"Yes, your father is one of the two Gryffindors I came to like," he replied and his tone was slightly strange. Islinn knew who the other Gryffindor was and decided not to mention it.
"I am glad that is the case as I know he quite liked you as well," she said. They shared a moment of silence that was not uncomfortable because each was lost in their own thoughts. She looked down, thinking of her parents, the person in front of her an indirect link to her father. She was startled out of her thoughts.
"Professor, you are injured," she said sounding a little surprised. In fact, his right leg was injured and his trousers were wet with blood.
"It's nothing, Miss Ignotum," he said and used his robe to hide his injury.
"Let me heal it for you Professor. I am quite sure I know how since my mother healed me numerous times when I was younger," she told him. She wasn't joking either. Her Shadowhunting training had made her bruise and bleed often when she was smaller – before she became a real Shadowhunter, even if not a full one.
He looked at her a moment looking a little uncertain. Finally, he nodded and said, "I do hope you know what you are doing." She smirked at him and nodded. She took out her wand as he uncovered his injury. A spell later he was healed.
Snape noticed something when she took out her wand and pointed it at him. She had flinched without meaning to, and probably didn't even realize she had done so. He scolded himself for not noticing the slight glimmer on the shoulder of her black robe. He frowned. "Thank you – I see you are hurt also," he told her.
She frowned slightly and then looked at her shoulder with an uncertain expression. "Oh, I suppose I forgot," she told him simply as she took off her robe to see how bad it was. The white shirt and part of the gray woolen vest were stained with fresh blood. She raised her eyebrows surprised while Snape wondered how she could have forgotten an injury like that.
"What happened?" he asked knowing it had to do with the incident that just occurred. She put her robe back on and looked at him.
"The troll destroyed the bathroom sinks. A particular large piece was heading toward Miss Granger, who was too frightened to notice, and I stopped it," she answered and almost shrugged. She was very like her father, he noticed. There was always a strange and almost instinctive impulse to protect. He shook his head.
"Allow me to return the favor and heal you," he said taking out his wand.
She looked at him. "You think I healed you because I wished for you to return the favor?" she asked without moving. Her question surprised him. Students didn't normally question him like this… and get away with it. Then again, when has he ever offered to heal a student?
"Not at all Miss Ignotum. I simply wish to show you how grateful I am. Do allow me to heal you," he said knowing she wasn't unreasonable. She gave him a little smile.
"Thank you," she said and removed her robe. With a flick or his wand he had healed her. Another slight smile came across her features as she once again put her robe on.
"Perhaps you should go to your common room before you miss dinner," Snape said to her.
"Yes, I will. Thank you and goodnight, sir," she rejoined and nodded respectfully at him.
"Goodnight Miss Ignotum," he said as his lips once again quirked. With that, they parted.
"Islinn!" exclaimed a voice when Islinn had gone into the common room. She turned her head in the direction of the voice and when said person waved her over, she went. Before she could sit she was hugged tightly by one Hermione Granger. "Thanks," she said to Islinn who had stiffened in surprise.
"Of course Miss Granger," Islinn answered with a little smile when Hermione let go. She took her seat just as Islinn sat between Harry and Ron. She noticed Neville looking a little pale and wide-eyed. She supposed Hermione had told Neville.
Hermione pushed a plate filled with food toward Islinn. "Here, we thought you might be hungry," she said and blushed a little.
"Thank you for your thoughtfulness and kindness," Islinn replied with another little smile and began to eat. She was so hungry it was a wonder she was still able to mind her manners properly.
"It's always a wonder to me how you're able to act so prim and proper after such eventful experiences," Hermione said looking slightly awed. Islinn could have laughed at the irony… and the fact she had just been thinking along those lines, but she didn't.
"You have always wondered?" she asked with a raised eyebrow and a smirk.
"Well, ever since I've known you anyway. There was the Sorting, that time with Parkinson and the first flying lesson… not to mention Fluffy," Hermione said slightly sheepish.
"Do simply be glad you have not seen me lose my temper," Islinn commented.
"I'll say," Harry stated and Islinn smirked.
"No Mister Potter, I mean me really losing my temper," she corrected and Harry only stared.
"We're missing something, aren't we?" Ron asked and Harry proceeded to tell them while Islinn tried to pretend she was deaf and could not hear them. She busied herself with her food. They seemed to be surprised and somewhat amazed. Islinn almost sighed. Of course everyone would praise her stupidity.
"Islinn, you're bleeding!" Neville suddenly exclaimed. He leaned over and touched her should. His fingers were a little soiled with blood when he drew back his hand.
"What happened?" Harry said alarmed.
"It was nothing, really," Islinn replied with an almost-shrug. She'd had a lot worse injuries.
"You can't be serious," Ron said and Islinn looked at him. He seemed to remember suddenly that she had told him and Harry she couldn't lie. He wasn't totally convinced though.
"It was my fault, wasn't it?" Hermione asked suddenly.
"Of course not, Miss Granger," Islinn was quick to reply. Islinn had been the one to make the choice after all.
"Then what happened?" Hermione queried.
With a defeated sigh Islinn told them and finished with, "It was nothing serious. Besides, Professor Snape healed me," she added.
"What!?" the other four exclaimed drawing the unwanted attention of some other people. Islinn motioned them to lower their voices.
"Did I hear you correctly?" Harry asked with wide eyes.
"If I didn't know better I'd say you were lying," Hermione said and Islinn smirked.
"Blimey, I never would have guessed," Ron said and Islinn noticed Neville didn't say anything. "What did he want anyway?" Ron asked. And so, Islinn told them about that too.
"Hm, I wonder what was wrong with his leg," Harry mused. She shook her head because she didn't know.
After a moment of all of them speaking (Ron and Hermione being friendly Islinn happily noticed) Islinn excused herself briefly. She went to the dormitory to change into her Shadowhunting attire and prepared before she went back to the common room to look for Oliver Wood.
She found him talking to some Gryffindors she didn't know, most likely in his year.
Islinn approached them. "I am so terribly sorry to interrupt, but I wish to speak briefly to Mister Wood it I may," she said looking at the group and then at Oliver. They all looked surprised, including Oliver. He recovered quickly though and smiled.
"Of course Miss Nimbus. I wouldn't dare say no to someone with the temperament of a Bludger," he said with a grin making his company's eyes widen. Did they think she'd have an angry fit at the "insult"? Apparently the answer was yes. Hm, so they thought she couldn't take a joke?
Instead of the angry outburst they were expecting, she smiled (a small smile of course) and said, "I would not be so temperamental with someone who knows how to compliment someone by comparing them to Quidditch equipment." Oliver laughed while his company looked confused. Oliver led her away to an empty corner of the room.
"So, what's up?" he asked sounding curious.
"I wish o speak to you about my position as Seeker," she began and Oliver raised his eyebrows but didn't say anything. "I think it would be better if I was a Reserve Seeker rather than an Alternate Seeker," she said. He was silent a long moment.
"Why?" he finally asked looking at her straight in the eye. She felt like looking away or squirming, but she did neither.
"Aside from homework and classes, I have other matters to attend to. I have someone to care for," she said knowing it applied to Jace and Harry, but he couldn't know. She knew he wouldn't believe her so she produced the letter she had shown Percy and Ian and handed it to Oliver. He read it and returned it to her with an odd expression on his face. "I wish to remain on the team as a reserve simply because I am a selfish creature and do not wish to quit the team," she added. Islinn was nervous but as usual, didn't show it.
"I do expect you to play to the best of your abilities the day you play," he told her sternly, but his eyes said something else, something that didn't register quickly in Islinn's mind.
"I will always try my best, I wish for you to know that," she said sincerely. Her usually unreadable eyes were now pleading.
"I know you will, Miss Nimbus," he said with a nice smile and that same look in his eyes as before. Was it sympathy or pity? She couldn't exactly tell. It was made clear that it was sympathy when he put his hand on her should and gave it a reassuring squeeze. She gave a small smile before they parted ways.
The common room was nearly empty and Islinn was feeling incompetent. It had taken a while for the event with the troll to really sink in. When it did, she finally managed to realize how unfit she was to be Harry's guardian. She couldn't even help or protect Hermione and when Islinn had tried to save Harry, she failed and Ron ended up saving them all. She felt stupid for not thinking of what Ron did. Maybe she was just meant to be a failure. Maybe the prophecy had somehow made a mistake and she wasn't supposed to be the guardian. She could never save anyone. She hadn't been there when her parents were killed, she had failed Jace and Hermione, and now she would fail Harry too.
"Islinn," she heard Neville say softly before she felt a hand on her should. She stiffened before turning around. "What's wrong?" he asked and she wondered what kind of expression she had. She composed and even managed a little smile.
"Nothing you should worry about, Mister Longbottom," Islinn said. He clearly didn't believe her but he didn't call her on it, instead he looked at her strangely. Then he did something unexpected to the both of them – he hugged her.
"You're okay," he kept saying, affirming her belief that indeed he did know what had happened. Once Islinn's shock subsided she relaxed. She felt so comforted and it felt so strangely nice. She was confused about the inexplicable emotions involving the hug feeling "nice" and about why she didn't feel like this when Hermione hugged her. Slowly and awkwardly (to her anyway) she hugged him back. "I'm glad you're okay," he said once they had let go. He was blushing very deeply and he wasn't looking at her. In his young mind he wondered about the strange reaction he had. Yes, she was a friend, which was why he was really glad she wasn't hurt, or worse, dead; however, did he really have to hug her? He couldn't deny (and felt even more confused about it) that he had felt something strange inside of him when she hugged him back.
"Thank you," was all she could manage as her eyes darted around the common room, at anywhere except him. Though it was awkward, the moment had not been, and Islinn even felt a little better about her being a failure. Somehow, she thought he had held her the way she needed to be held, tightly but without hurting her. After a very awkward moment she cleared her throat. "I must be going. Goodnight Mister Longbottom," she said the eleven-year-old Islinn tried to push the nice feelings that she didn't recognize away because they made her confused.
"Goodnight," he said and just as she was about to exit she thought she heard him say, "Be careful." Both eleven-year-olds felt rather confused.
As she walked down the hallway she mused over her eventful day. "Miss Arctic, you seem quite distracted this evening," came a voice she immediately recognized and she felt a strange tingling sensation as she saw the figure approach her.
"It was quite an eventful evening," she said as she watched Ian Hederstern walk toward her. He really had no idea how eventful. He smiled at her and it was genuine.
"Indeed it was," was all he said and they began walking in comfortable silence. They had seen a lot of each other all the time ever since that first weekend because he always walked her to the door on the weekends.
"I have something for you," he said suddenly breaking the silence.
"Something for me?" she echoed confused. She frowned.
"Yes, a present, today is All Hallows Eve after all," he said and she thought her heart skipped a beat. He was going to give her something!? He handed her a small box which she took a little puzzled.
A small smile formed on her features as she recognized what it was. "Chocolate?" she asked and looked up at him. She was surprised to find him looking at her with a strange expression. Her chest felt like it tightened.
He shrugged. "I thought you might like it," he said and a new wave of strange and unidentifiable emotions hit her. After a pause he said, "I made you smile." The comment confused her a little because he had made her smile before.
"Indeed you did," she replied all the same. They reached the door, which he promptly opened. She curtsied. "Thank you so much Mister Hederstern. I really appreciate it," she said offering another smile he returned. They bid each other goodnight and each went their way.
She finally teleported near the boundaries of Hogwarts after a tiring session of Shadowhunting… and after an unjoyful time with Jace. Mind her, it was not at all unjoyful because she had been with Jace, but rather because of the condition he was in. She began walking and stopped. She took out her wand and pointed it in front of her. Concentrating, she took a deep breath and said in a firm but not loud voice, "Expecto Patronum." A burst of silvery light erupted from her wand and took the most magnificent form. Her Patronus turned and walked toward her. It tucked in its wings neatly and stood regally in front of her. She smiled at it, at the extension of her, the one representing what she truly was: rash, creative, innocent, dangerous, wild and powerful. Yet, she did not know or accept this. "I would have never guessed my Patronus to take the form of a Pegasus," she said to nobody in particular. The horse tilted its head to the side as if in question. Again, she smiled at it, and a moment later, it vanished.
Feeling a little more like herself she teleported into the common room, whose only occupant besides herself was a sleeping Neville. Islinn gave a little smile and went upstairs. She changed into comfortable sleeping clothes and took a blanket with her to the common room. She sat next to him and covered both of them with the blanket. Neville was still mostly asleep when he put an arm around her. It still felt strange, but he had been unconsciously doing it long enough that she was now accustomed to it. So, she snuggled closer to him and with a quiet sigh Islinn Ignotum fell into a fitful sleep.
*Remember reviews make this author happy! Do let me know what your thoughts were. I'm also sorry it took so long to update but this second semester of college (what with different classes and such) it's been getting really hard. *
