Revelations
Épiphanie closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. She took the cup from the woman sitting across from her. She opened her eyes and concentrated on the tea leaves scattered over the cup. She rotated the cup a few times, observing it from several angles.
"Is there—" the woman began.
"Shh!" Épiphanie snapped. She stopped turning the cup and stared down at it. Images of an anchor, triangles and a palm tree formed in her vision. She also saw a heart.
"The tea cup reveals good fortune for you. I see a lover and much success. I see the letter "L"- perhaps his name begins with "L" but you have not met him yet because he seems to be in the future – not far distant perhaps but not in the present. I see success is about to crown some venture you have undertaken or are about to undertake." She frowned, discerning the image of an axe among the scattered remains. "But I must warn you that there seem to be difficulties closing in upon you in the near future."
The woman frowned. "Oh." Épiphanie looked at her and gave her a smile.
"No need to worry, in this tea cup, good fortune more than outweighs the bad. I see a marriage. It could very well be your own. It seems certain that this good fortune that is coming will be most unexpected!" Épiphanie gently set the cup on the saucer and the woman sighed gratefully, gripping both her hands.
I knew it! Lamont is going to propose! He wasn't cheating on me after all!
Épiphanie pressed her lips together tightly, to avoid laughing out loud.
Just pay the girl, and don't be so hasty to forgive Lamont. Let him come to you, sugar!
"Oh, thank you. I can't believe how gifted you are! All of my friends told me to come to you. It's almost like you're inside my head!" The woman opened her purse and fished out several large bills, placing them on the table.
"You're very generous, ma'am." Épiphanie held her hands together, steepling her fingers and inclined her head. The silver and wood bangles adorning her wrists jangled and clinked. "Thank you."
She counted the money—1000 dollars, and placed it into the pocket of her dress after the woman exited, leaving her alone the courtyard. She let out a long sigh, vanishing the dishes with a wave of her hand, and pulled a frown.
"Maman, vos visiteurs veulent me voir?" she asked, and turned to the quartet watching quietly from the first floor sitting room. She passed the spiral stair and stepped into the room. Her mother sat with a well-dressed gentleman, an elderly white woman whose spectacles and severe bun reminded Épiphanie of a nun, and a young man close to her age with unruly dark hair and eyeglasses with round frames that drew out his startling green eyes. Her eyes were drawn back to the man seated beside her mother. He sat in a regal way that reminded her a bit of Draco, and his tailored suit seemed in stark contrast to the gleaming gold hoop in his ear. He returned her gaze and she twisted her mouth into a defiant smirk.
"Please, sit down, sha."
Épiphanie flopped into the nearest side chair, crossing her legs at the knee and folding her arms across her chest.
"Fannie, this is Kingsley Shacklebolt. He's—"
"I know who he is."
"But, I haven't—"
"Maman! In the time it took me to cross the courtyard, you worked at least three scenarios of introduction in your head. The very position in the way y'all two are sitting says you aren't strangers. Besides, you never invite clients into the sitting room. So, either this is an intervention—for what I could certainly have no idea—or this man is my father."
"Épiphanie, I appreciate that this is an awkward situation for you. But you will be polite, or so help me, Je vas te passe une calotte!" her mother snapped. Épiphanie sat up properly, sighing audibly.
"Forgive me, sir. I am pleased to meet you, and these are your companions?"
"Épiphanie, the pleasure is all mine. I am delighted to see what an extraordinary beauty you have grown into."
"Thank you, sir. I do get the distinct feeling, however, that there is something you wish to share with me. It appears that I am the only person here who is in the dark as to what that is, so speak freely." She perched on the edge of her seat. Kingsley cleared his throat.
"Your mother tells me that you have a very unique skill set, divination among other things?"
"Yes, sir." Was she about to learn that this man was a wizard?
"Would you care to demonstrate?" asked the woman.
"I'm sorry? Demonstrate what?" Épiphanie knew what she was being asked, but she feigned ignorance, her heart hammering in her chest. The room suddenly felt unbearably hot. They were magical.
"Épiphanie, I realize that meeting me after all this time is quite a shock. It was your mother's wish to raise you on her own. However, it has become apparent to her that you may have inherited some traits that are peculiar to your paternal lineage." Kingsley stood and reached into his jacket withdrawing a wand. Épiphanie gripped the arms of her chair as the room seemed to spin. She squeezed her eyes shut and opened them. The lights in the room flickered.
"Fannie?" her mother started.
"It's fine, Angelique. She's just nervous. Clearly, she has figured it out," Kingsley looked directly at Épiphanie. "Am I right? Take a deep breath, my child." She closed her eyes and complied. "Better?" Épiphanie nodded, unable to speak. "Épiphanie, I am a wizard. You are able to perform magic, yes?" Épiphanie nodded again. "That is because you are a witch. Would you care to show me what you can do?" he asked, gently.
"I—um—okay." Épiphanie's voice was barely a whisper, as her throat was dry. She held out her hand and conjured a flame.
"Mais, jamais d'la vie!" Angelique exclaimed.
"Is there something else you would like to show me?" he asked.
Épiphanie looked over to the sideboard and it transformed into a piano.
You can read minds too. Am I right?
"Yes, I can," she replied, looking at the boy. "Who are you, exactly?"
"Épiphanie, I'd like to introduce you to Professor Minerva McGonagall, Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. And this is Harry Potter."
Épiphanie regarded Harry curiously, but concealed her surprise. This was the boy responsible for saving the world?
"Maman? Did you know all this?" she asked.
"No, ma chère. I only knew that there was something about Kingsley; that perhaps he had some sort of powers, but I was never sure, and our relationship ended before either of us knew that I was pregnant."
"But—"
"Épiphanie, there is a statute that prevented me from sharing this information with your mother, and although I did eventually learn that you had been born, recent events in Britain's wizarding community necessitated that you were safer here with her," Kingsley explained. Épiphanie knew that he was referring to the wizarding war that Draco had told her about.
"But why are you all here, now? What is going on, Maman? I'm trying to behave, but I can get the information I want without waiting for you all to dance around it. You know that." Épiphanie was growing impatient. This was not the way she expected to meet her father.
"There is no need for legilimency, my child." Kingsley took a seat in the chair beside hers. "I understand that you are a direct descendant of Madame Marie Laveau. She too was a witch, one of the most powerful witches of her day. Your mother and I have kept in touch over the years and have recently spoken at length. I am of the opinion based upon her descriptions of your behavior of late, that you have a rather extensive knowledge of magic. Am I correct in this assessment?"
Épiphanie sighed in frustration and defeat. "Yes. I learned it from her."
"I beg your pardon?" he asked.
"But that's not possible; Ma Mère Marie is long dead, for over a century—"
"She is the one who taught me!" Épiphanie insisted. "That's where I've been disappearing to. I met her ghost years ago. She taught me how to do lots of spells, charms, hexes…"
"Fannie no one can actually see the spirits—"
"But I can see them! It's how I'm so successful with the clients. I can read their thoughts. I can talk to the spirits they want to hear from!"
"Madame, witches and wizards are able to actually see and communicate with ghosts, not just feel their essence the way that muggles do," explained Minerva.
"Ohh." Her mother was awestruck.
"Épiphanie, I hope that perhaps you might agree to return to England with me. You can learn more about the wizarding world, and attend Hogwarts School where you can learn more magic among teens like yourself."
"I—but I'm about to start my junior year. I—mean—how would I—"
"Perhaps I can be of assistance now, Kingsley." Minerva opened her purse and withdrew a wand. "My dear, yours is certainly a special case. Most students of your age have completed their Ordinary Wizarding Levels for admission at this level. However, as headmistress, I have the discretion of determining class placement in such a singular circumstance. From our initial observations, I do believe that a practical examination will allow me to ascertain your chances of success at the appropriate age level?"
"I—uh—okay?"
"Excellent. Given your superior demonstration of tasseography, I should think that we may consider that an O in Divination. Now, perhaps you can vanish the piano?" Minerva asked.
Épiphanie waved her hand and the piano disappeared and she replaced the sideboard.
"Outstanding!"
Épiphanie effortlessly performed a Levitation charm, color change, and a growth charm, turning the fountain in the courtyard into a swimming pool.
"Mon dieu!" her mother exclaimed. "I think the third floor tenants might like that, though there would be some question as to how we did it so quickly!" she laughed.
"Quite!" Kingsley waved his wand and the pool became a fountain once more.
Épiphanie easily identified all of Jupiter's moons. Minerva explained that this was the question generally asked in the written portion of the astronomy exam.
"Superb, young lady! That is four Os! Now for Defense. Is there perhaps a larger, more private room available with less furniture?" she asked.
"The south attic?" Épiphanie suggested. She led them to the third floor and up another spiral staircase in a closet to the attic on the southern wing of the building. The large room was several feet deep and had a reasonably high ceiling with several windows to provide arches of light along one side. Minerva conjured a large mat for the floor.
"Now, then. I think for this, Harry, you may be of some assistance. Épiphanie do you know how to perform a shield charm?" the headmistress asked.
"Yes ma'am."
"And what is the incantation for that?" she asked.
"Protego."
"Excellent. Now, Mr. Potter will cast a spell in your direction. I should like for you to attempt to block it. Do not worry, he is quite skilled and this is a controlled environment." She gestured for them to step on opposite ends of the mat. "When you are ready." Harry looked a bit unsure.
"Headmistress, she doesn't have a wand."
"Oh, trust, I don't need a wand." Épiphanie cocked an eyebrow.
"Alright then. Incarcerous!" Ropes sprang forth, and were easily repelled by Épiphanie's shield.
"Stupefy!" She threw her hands out in front of her, and Harry's shield barely had time to stop the stunner. He gave her a look of surprise and cast a silent Levicorpus. Épiphanie rolled her eyes as the green light bounced off of her shield.
"Serpensortia!" A white light burst forth from Harry's wand and a large cobra appeared in the center of the room. It opened its hood and coiled into striking position.
Épiphanie tilted her head curiously to the right and looked at the snake. Angelique shrank back in horror, watching as the snake followed her head motion.
"Kingsley!" Angelique exclaimed in a whisper. He took her hand.
"Just—wait."
The group stared at the girl and the snake transfixed, and all wands in the room were pointed at the snake. Harry took a step forward, but Minerva held up a hand to stay him. Épiphanie nodded, with a vacant smile on her face and stared at the snake a moment more.
"Vipera Evanesca!" she whispered, and the snake disappeared into a cloud of black smoke.
Angelique sighed audibly and crossed herself.
"Well, now, Minerva! I would certainly think that performance merits an O for Defense. Wouldn't you?" Kingsley's voice was full of wonder and pride as he spoke.
"Indeed! Épiphanie, I have no doubt that you will fare perfectly well at N.E.W.T. levels. We can arrange for private tuition in those courses such as Herbology, and Potions as well as Arithmancy if necessary. I'm sure that the professors will be happy to accommodate the Minister's daughter."
"I'm sorry—Minister?—I don't follow." Épiphanie furrowed her brow.
"Ah, yes. I have failed to mention that I am Britain's Minister of Magic."
"You mean, like Prime Minister?"
"Something like that, yes. I preside over the governing body for England's wizarding world."
"Well, damn!" she exclaimed.
"Épiphanie," Kingsley stepped forward and took her hands in his. "I realize that you may be feeling overwhelmed. There is a great deal that you have yet to learn about our way of life, and you will be doing it under the spotlight of being my daughter. That is a heavy mantle to place on someone. It's why I invited Harry along to meet you. Once you hear his story, you will know that if there is anyone who knows what it is like to discover the wizarding world and be saddled with an immense responsibility, it is he. Know this, my dear. You have had my heart from the day that I learned of your birth. Everyone here wants what is in your best interest and we are all willing to assist you in every way possible as you learn to embrace our world. I would like very much to have the opportunity to get to know you and be a proper father. If you will have me?"
Épiphanie looked up into his soulful eyes. She began to notice scant features in his face that mirrored her own. This was the father that she had wondered about ever since Draco revealed the truth of her identity. His expression was placid, yet there was a faint expression of hopefulness in it which told her that the words he spoke in his clear and measured deep voice were sincere.
"I—yes. I'll go." She nodded and allowed her father to pull her into a strong embrace.
Épiphanie propped her feet on the balcony railing outside of her bedroom and leaned back in her chair, balancing it on the rear legs. She puffed on a cigar and closed her eyes, listening to the music that floated up from the bar across the street. The door of the bedroom next to hers opened, and she heard soft footsteps approaching.
"Have a seat, Harry," she said and conjured another chair. She held out the cigar. "It's Cuban."
"Ah, no thanks. I don't smoke." Harry sat down in the empty chair.
"Well, just don't tell my mother. I know it's odd for a girl to smoke cigars. People leave them as tribute to Ma Mère. When word of the accuracy of my readings and predictions got out, some people thought that I was her reincarnation. They started giving me offerings and cigars too. I started smoking when I was twelve. Sometimes I lace them with weed. Don't tell my mom that either."
"It'll be our secret. I can't guarantee that Kingsley will be too happy about this little habit though." he shrugged.
"Do you know him well?" she asked.
"I met him about three years ago, but he knew my parents. He's a good man. Quiet, and generally a private person though. He's risked his own life to save mine on more than one occasion."
"Wow."
"Yeah." Harry raked his hand through his hair, and then attempted to flatten it.
"Why do you try to hide it?" she asked.
"I'm sorry?"
"The scar. Why do you try to hide it?" she asked.
"It's not easy being famous. You'll learn."
"Yeah, I already know." She indicated the cigar in her hand. "Ma Mère is one of the main reasons that many people visit New Orleans—next to Mardi Gras. She has her own section in the public library. So many people have visited her tomb in the city of the dead, that the Archdiocese is considering closing the cemetery to the public. People come here just to lay eyes on me and have their fortune read because they believe that I'm possessed by her. Trust me Mr. Potter. I know what it is to be famous, at least on some level. I'm not possessed, by the way."
"I know." He smiled. She looked at him curiously. "You don't want to know," he said. "This is quite a vibrant city!"
"Yeah. I never thought I would want to live anywhere else. The Vieux Carre has been my playground my entire life. It raised me as much as Maman and Tantes Celeste and Arthémie have done."
"I am curious, though. How did you come to meet Madame Laveau's ghost? If you don't mind me asking."
"Ma Mère often walks the streets of the old Quarter. Her home, La Maison Blanche is just a few blocks that way. She saw me staring at the house one day and invited me in."
"Amazing. I wish we had more time, I would certainly like to visit her."
"Oh, the house is unplottable. Most people only see an empty lot with a plaque that lists it as a historic site."
"It's under a Fidelius charm?" he asked. Épiphanie nodded. "You're a secret-keeper?"
"Uh-huh."
"Amazing! You are quite the witch, do you know that?"
"Yeah, well. Whatever." She shrugged.
They sat in companionable silence for a few moments. A mounted police officer rode by and waved up at Épiphanie. "Ca vien, bebelle?" he called out.
"I'm good!" she hollered back.
"Alright now! You stay outta trouble, ma zirondelle, heah?"
"Go on now!" she waved.
"I never realized that Americans spoke such colorful dialects. I think I have no idea exactly what you said!" Harry exclaimed.
"Oh, he just asked after my well-being. Bebelle is a Cajun term of endearment. It means doll. And zirondelle means dragonfly. Down here, we're a gumbo pot of cultures. We got Cajuns and Creoles, speaking a mixture of French, Spanish and English, and some African dialects. I do speak proper French, though."
"Fleur would love you," he said. "She'll be so pleased that someone else among us speaks French."
"Ah." She nodded. "What's it really like? Do you think I'll fit in?"
"At Hogwarts? Well, I'm a bit biased, I think. Hogwarts is really the only true home I've ever known. My aunt and uncle weren't terribly kind to me as a little child, so I never considered their home to be my own. It's the grandest castle you've ever seen! It's nestled in the Scottish highlands above Hogsmeade village—that's a wizarding community. The landscape is spectacular. Riding a broom over the Black Lake is an exhilarating experience. Have you ridden a broom?" he asked.
"No. I'm pretty sure someone would have noticed that." She gestured around them.
"Oh, yes. That's true. Well, our Care of Magical Creatures professor, Rubeus Hagrid is a half giant! You'll probably meet him when you get off the train. He takes the first years to the castle by boat across the lake. I'm sure you'll make plenty of friends in your house. With any luck, you'll be in Gryffindor."
"Are all of your friends in your house?" she asked.
"Not all of them, but certainly my closest friends. Ron, Hermione, and Neville. My girlfriend Ginny too. She's Ron's sister. But Luna, she's a friend as well, is in Ravenclaw. Neville's girlfriend Hannah is in Hufflepuff. There's also Slytherin house. Don't worry; if you're as affable as the local constable thinks you are, I'm sure you'll have no trouble fitting in." He patted her knee. "It's late, and we have a long flight." He stood and stretched.
"Thanks, Harry."
"Good night, Épiphanie."
"Fais do-do."
