Chapter 10:
Circles
Last night was very productive, a good thing too as Monday was the last day of school before winter break and, as bad as Pansy and Hermione were last night, I would hate to see how things were after another two weeks of letting things fester. It certainly would not have been pleasant.
I somehow ended up in the middle of the combined beds with both Pansy and Hermione having me in a death grip, even though I started the night on the outer edge of the bed. Which wouldn't have been that bad, if I didn't have to pee.
I may have been able to wiggle out if it was just Hermione but Pansy had gone to bed in her House Robes. So when I tried to dislodge her grip, well, I may as well have been trying to push Hogwarts up a hill for all the good it did me.
After a good ten minutes of trying and failing to get lose I spotted Hermione's advanced charms book. If there was a way to get out of this, without waking them up, it would be in there. After twitching my wand into my hand (yes I sleep with it, no it's not weird) and levitating it to me I started awkwardly flipping through the book.
"Freezing charms no…fire charms no…, hmm switching charms? That might work." I read through the instructions a few times until I felt I had the wand motions and incantation memorized before sending the book back towards Hermione's dresser. "Now, just need something to switch with." Looking around the room I tried to find something to switch with, unfortunately the only things I could see was the dressers and they were both too big for me to switch with and they would squish my bed mates on the off chance that I managed it anyway.
Well if I can't switch with something off the bed why not switch with something, or someone on the bed. The question was who to switch with? Pansy was an option but probably a bad one. She had gone to sleep in her House Robes, she never seemed to take them off, and they may have some sort of protection on them that may interact poorly with the switching spell. So Hermione it was.
Staring at Hermione I incanted, "spatium commutationem." Sadly my first attempt was met with failure as nothing happened. I tried again "spatium commutationem," at first I thought I had failed again when I noticed that I had managed to switch Hermione's and I's pajamas.
I had, anticipation of being sorted into Ravenclaw, bought a set of blue and bronze night cloths. Hermione's on the other hand were a dark red color, which did not flatter me at all.
Feeling the urge to go to the bathroom increase I tried the switching charm again. The feeling of the charm taking affect was odd, it was nearly instantaneous but at the same time the switch seemed to stretch out for a long moment.
I let lose a soft puff of breath as I found myself in Hermione's former position, before sliding out of the bed and heading off at a dead run for the bathroom.
After taking care of business I made my way back to the room, where I found Hermione and Pansy sitting up and stretching. I felt my eye twitch, after everything they just wake up.
"Alex why are you wearing my clothes?" Hermione asked. My eye twitched again.
888
The rest of the weekend passed in a similar fashion, with the three of us goofing off and having fun. At least when we weren't finishing the last of our essays before winter break. For some reason Hermione kept glaring at me while we were working on our Potions essay, ten uses for silver in potion making, and wouldn't tell me why when I asked.
It was the last class of the day, actually it was the only class of the day. For some reason Potions was the only class we had today. It made some sense given that the Hogwarts Express was leaving after lunch, but then why have class at all today? Sigh. I swear I will never understand school logic.
Still if we had to class on our last day before break, I was glad it was Potions. They were always interesting, even if it was incredibly gross at times. I was not looking forward to later years, all the first year's potions ingredients were already dead. Some of the upper years did not have that luxury.
Snape was waiting for us as we made our way to our seats, which was a little odd as he seemed to like swooping in at the last moment slamming the door behind him as he went. My theory was he enjoyed the slight jumps the Hufflepuffs made every time he did it. Even if you'd think they would have gotten used to it by now. I admit I took a certain pleasure in watching Perks jump each class.
"Today we will be discussing the use of circles in potions." Snape's low drawling voice swept over the class. "Can anyone tell me what a circle is, as it relates to potion making?"
Hermione's hand was the first one up, as always. Snape waited a few moments before calling on her, he usually gave the rest of the class a moment to raise their hand before calling on her. Otherwise it would just be Hermione answering his questions.
"Circles are used when a potion requires complete protection from outside magical influence." Hermione recited dutifully.
"Correct." Snape nodded slightly. "For best results it is recommended that you use concentric circles numbering at least three. But for today's lesson you will only need one circle. We will be brewing the Purges Tonic, does anyone know what it is used for?"
Hermione's hand shot up, mine following close behind. Snape called on me right away.
"The Purges Tonic can be used, much like a bezoar, to cure most poisons but it is mostly used to, well, purge foreign substances from your body." I said. I admit, I made sure to read ahead.
"Correct Miss Potter," Snape said. "The Purges Tonic is often used on victims of unwanted love potions and those who have imbued too much firewhiskey." He nodded towards the ingredients cabinet. "You will find all the necessary ingredients in there, as well as some chalk for you to draw your circles. Be sure to have all your ingredients with you before you start brewing, as any outside interference in the process will ruin your potion. As well as getting a failing grade for this class you will not be able to take your potion with you, for those of you who properly brew it of course. Remember that once you draw your circle you must power it with your will and magic."
With that the class got to work, Hermione went to get what we needed from the cabinet and when she got back I started drawing the circle around our table. When I was done, and Hermione had triple checked that we had all the necessary ingredients, I focused my will and pushed slightly, smirking as I felt the circle cut us off from the rest the world. Magically speaking at least.
Going back and forth Hermione and me carefully and methodically cut, chopped and crushed the ingredients into the necessary portions. Once that was done we got to work adding them in at the proper times.
"Is it three stirs clock wise or counter clock wise?" I asked Hermione, she checked the book.
"Clock wise three times then counter clock wise three times, pausing for three seconds between each stir." I nodded my thanks.
"I think it's done." I said, the potion was a hot purple color like the book said it should be.
"I think you're right." Hermione said before she started ladling some of the mixture into a glass vial. After corking it she walked it to the Snape's desk for his inspection. After giving it to him she came back and said. "He said we each get O's for the day and that we can each take a vial of it with us if we want." She sounded quite pleased with herself. I nodded while getting myself some of the potion before leaving the class room.
888
I had finished packing last night, so after eating some lunch I started making my way back to Ravenclaw to get my things, Hermione had elected to simply carry her things with her so she would be meeting me on the train.
"Going home for the holiday's Potter?" Quirrell said, I kept from jumping only with a great deal of restraint. Even so my heart was beating a million miles an minute.
Turning around slowly, my wand already in my hand but carefully pointed at the ground, I saw him. Quirrell was laying in a little nook a book held in casually in his hands. As I turned to face him he stood and tucked the book into his robes.
"Yes Professor." I said respectfully. Just because I suspected that he was Voldemort didn't mean I was going to mouth off to him. Respect had been drummed into me at an early age, just because you thought someone was trying to kill you didn't mean you started disrespecting them, at least not until you had proof they were trying to kill you. Then you killed them before they got the chance to finish you off.
An easy smile spread across his face as he spoke. "I wish you a very merry Charismas." He paused, frowning slightly. "Do you celebrate Charismas Potter?"
I shook my head slightly, keeping my eyes on his forehead. The last thing I needed was for him to read my mind, or worse yet initiate a soul-gaze. "My family does and I enjoy the time with them, but I wouldn't say I personally celebrate it. Though I do enjoy the presents."
Quirrell chuckled, "Yes, presents are always nice." Maybe it the way he said it or his, almost deliberately, relaxed stance but I suddenly felt much more on edge. He toke a step towards me, an easy smile on his face, and I nearly bolted. Only just managing to stop myself. "I especially like unexpected gifts, ones that seem to come out of nowhere. Those are the best."
My voice shook slightly as I responded. "Y-yeah surprise presents are the best." Screw it, he gets any closer and I'm throwing a reducto and jumping out the window.
He tilted his head slightly and opened his mouth before pausing and looking around. "Well I really must be going Miss Potter, do have a good break." With that he started walking away.
I don't know what possessed me to speak up but I did. "I hope you have a good holiday to Professor."
He was about to turn the corner when he responded. "Ohh, I will," before he started laughing, a big happy belly laugh that echoed down the corridor even as he moved out of sight.
Well shit, that's not ominous at all. So much for enjoying my break from school.
I sighed and started hurrying towards Ravenclaw, only to run into Dumbledore as I rounded the corner, and when I say I ran into, I mean ran into. I smacked into him and bounced off and onto the floor.
Dumbledore smiled kindly as he helped me up. "In a rush Miss Potter?"
I smiled. "No, just didn't want to make Hermione wait too long for me"
Dumbledore nodded. "I see, I see, well I'm glad I could run into you," His eyes were twinkling. "I was hoping to catch you before you left, I wanted to give you something." He reached into his robes, but before he could bring it out I spoke up hopefully.
"Lemon drops?" I may be getting addicted to the damn things, but they were really good.
He chuckled, "No, but you may certainly have some if you like." He pulled out a handkerchief, "This is a portkey," He paused a moment before asking. "Do you know what a portkey is Miss Potter?"
I blinked before responding. "Yes, they're magic items that allow people to teleport from one location to another. Without having to travel the intervening distance."
"Not quite, you still travel the entire way but you do it so quickly it's almost like taking a step and traveling a hundred miles in one go. Useful isn't it?" I nodded dutifully, I hadn't done much research on magical transportation but that sounded about right from what I remembered. "I want you to keep this with you while your away, ok?" He handed it to me.
I took a moment to examine it before putting it in my pocket. "Is there a reason I need to carry it around?"
"Hopefully not, but if you should find yourself alone and you think you are in danger, as you did when the Red Court vampire cornered you, I want you to grip it tightly and say 'Mints' and you will find yourself in my office." Dumbledore said gravely.
I nodded. "But, I thought that you said the red court wouldn't be bothering me?" Was there something I needed to know? Was the red court going to try something?
"I expect no further trouble from the Red court, but just in case something happens, you will have a way to safety. Alright?" Dumbledore seemed very serious, well it wouldn't hurt to have escape ready to go, could it?
"I promise, I'll keep it with me Professor."
"Thank you my dear, it will set my old hart at ease to know you have it with you. You wanted some lemon drops, didn't you?" He reached into his robes and pulled out a small bag before tossing it to me. Opining it I found it full of lemon drops. "Don't eat it all in one setting, ok?" At my eager nod he chuckled and walked off.
After tucking away my new treats I, finally, got my things and made my way to the train.
888
The train ride was relaxing, Pansy and I spent it playing exploding snap, followed by chess and when that lost its appeal we read. Hermione of course had read the whole trip. The train ride was over almost before we knew it.
As we got off the train Hermione saw her parents and started dragging us over to them. Hermione's father had black hair and clean shave, Ms. Granger was like an older copy of Hermione. As Hermione pulled us towards her parents traded amused glances before Mr. Granger spoke up.
"You must be Hermione's friends."
I nodded and Pansy spoke up. "Yes sir, I'm Pansy and this is Alex. It's nice to meet you."
"How are you enjoying Hogwarts? Learn anything interesting?" Ms. Granger asked.
Pansy and Hermione traded uneasy glances, obviously remembering the mirror, so I spoke up before the Grangers could comment. "Oh, it's been grand. Lots of fun, and books" I glanced slyly at Hermione's bag that was filled with more books than it was clothes. "Lots of books."
The Grangers laughed at Hermione's blush, Mr. Granger cleared his throat, "Well it nice to meet you two, but we have to be going." Hermione gave Pansy and I hugs before they left.
"So who's picking you up?" I asked Pansy as we watched the Grangers leave.
"No one, I'll be taking the Knight Bus home." Pansy replied. I frowned slightly, eleven years old seemed a little young to be riding around the country by yourself. Pansy must have seen something in my face because she started to reassure me. "I'll be fine, I just go to one of its stops and the bus will drop me off right in front of Parkinson manner."
"Ok, well, have a good break." I said giving her a hug. With that I made my way towards out of Platform 9 ¾. Once I made it to the muggle side I started looking around for Aunt Petunia. She had said to meet her by the entrance, but I didn't see her. I spent enough time looking for her that I was starting to get nervous.
Had she forgotten I was coming home for Christmas? One of the station guards was giving me a look, I sighed and was about to go ask him for help contacting Aunt Petunia.
When something slammed into me and nearly throw me off my feet. I was about to draw my wand when I realized what, or rather who, it was.
"Alex!" Dudley shouted happily, hugging me tightly and swinging me back and forth.
"Dudley!" I shouted squeezing him tightly. Some pressure I hadn't realized was there eased. "Dudley," I whispered softly before pulling back to get a look at him. He had chocolate smudges all around his mouth. Guess I know why they were late. "You got something right here." I indicated towards his mouth.
Dudley blinked before grinning. "I had mom get us some ice cream!"
I raised an eyebrow. "And how much is left for me?"
He flushed indignantly, "All of it."
I looked over his shoulder to see Aunt Petunia walking up carrying an ice cream cone. I smiled and ran over to give her a hug. "Aunt Petunia!" her hands were full but she still managed to pat my back.
"It's good to see you Alex." She said. "But, lets get the car shall we?" I nodded and got my things before hurrying after her.
888
Christmas in the Drusley household was always a treat. The house was done up in the best decorations, enough lights to blind unwary passersby and at least four snow men, all in holiday colors. The tree was always perfectly decorated, with ornaments and garlands and topped with a golden star that Dudley had made in his first year of school.
But the best part was undoubtedly the food. Aunt Petunia and I spent all day getting Christmas dinner ready. Cookies, muffins, rolls, turkey, ham, sausages. We made it all, and made it to exacting standards.
Dudley and Vernon would often come into the kitchen to try and take some before it was time for and it was something of a game for us to kick them out before they could get any. I often slip Dudley some, if only to hear Vernon grumble when he noticed Dudley eating.
Most Christmas dinners we would be hosting one of Vernon's work friends, usually Mister Jenson, or Marge, but this year it was just us. Marge was in Barbados with her new boyfriend, the poor fool, and Mister Jenson was apparently to busy getting things ready for his costume ball.
"Why is Mister Jenson having a ball?" I asked Aunt Petunia, as I passed her the potatoes, he had never had one before. At least not that I was aware.
"Mister Jenson is celebrating his promotion to CEO of Grunnings." She answered. "He even sent an invitation, all done up in gold embroidery. Very fancy."
"Did you already pick out my costume?" I asked.
Aunt Petunia nodded. "I thought you might like to go as that Revan knight from Star Wars you like. I picked up your costume last month."
Dudley looked up from his plate. "I helped mom pick it out, it looks awesome."
"Cool," I was actually excited. Going to a big event like this, dressed as a badass like Revan, sounded like a lot of fun.
"And you will both be on your best behavior, is that understood?" Vernon said, holding his fork threateningly in our direction. "The last thing we need is the two of you embarrassing us in front Mr. Jenson or his guests."
Dudley and I exchanged exasperated looks but answered as he expected. "Yes sir." "Of course dad."
Grumbling Vernon returned to his plate. "Good, good." Whatever else you can say about him he never let good food go to waste, and my food was always good.
It wasn't long before we finished dinner, thou it was a while after that that we felt able to actually move away from the table.
888
Aunt Petunia and I were cleaning up after dinner, Vernon and Dudley had already gone to bed. Aunt Petunia was washing the table when she looked up at me and asked.
"So how are you liking Hogwarts?" Her voice was deliberately casual.
I finished cleaning the plate I was working on before answering. "It's, been interesting. Fun and I've made friends."
"Pansy and Hermione, right?" She asked, obviously remembering my letters. I nodded. "You're being safe right?"
I picked up another plate and started cleaning it thinking on my time at Hogwarts. The troll, the death balls…the mirror. "Yeah I've stayed safe." I barely managed to keep the guilt out of my voice, but better she not know just how bad things had gotten. She would only worry and it wasn't like she could keep me safe, so lying was my best option under the circumstances.
Unfortunately I'm a horrible liar, I can mislead and I can pretend ignorance, but out right lying was nearly impossible because whenever I felt I was getting away with something I started smiling and Aunt Petunia could always tell when I tried to suppress my reaction.
Aunt Petunia sighed and sat down heavily at the table. "Please don't lie to me."
I kept washing the plate. "I'm not." Damn guilt smile.
"Put that plate down and come sit with me." She said. I sighed and dried it off, it was the last one anyway. "Now be honest, are you being safe?" Aunt Petunia was looking me right in the eyes as I sat down.
"Hogwarts is very safe," I said. Aunt Petunia frowned, so I continued. "Most of the time."
"And what's that supposed to mean?"
"I mean, that for the most part it's very safe," If one ignored the stairs. "As long as you don't go out of your way to get into trouble."
"And you don't go out of your way to get into trouble, right?" She was glaring as she said it.
"No!" I hastily denied, the mirror didn't count. I'd thought it was safe.
"So why do I get the feeling your lying to me?" Aunt Petunia did not sound happy.
I cringed slightly. "I'm not, I just don't want you to worry."
"And why would I worry if you're not lying to me?" She didn't sound angry just sad, which was worse.
I sighed running my hands through my hair. "I'm, look Hogwarts can be dangerous but I am doing my best to stay out of trouble. I promise." Aunt Petunia gave me an assessing look before sighing and coming over to giving me a hug.
"At least promise me you'll keep your knife with you." I stiffened, she knew? "Did you really think I didn't know Vernon had gotten you one? Or that he had shown you how to use it? Who do you think told him to show you?"
"You?" Vernon was weird, for the most part he ignored me except when he showed me how to use a knife. I didn't know how he knew or why he showed me but it was the one thing that we did together that I actually enjoyed. But I honestly didn't think Aunt Petunia knew. Though looking back it was obvious she knew something because she never asked why I kept coming home with all those cuts.
She nodded, "Yes, me."
"Why?" Because teaching a kid how to use knifes was not normal.
"I thought it would help the two of you bond. That didn't work as well as I would have wanted, but also because I knew you would be going back to the magical world and I wanted to know that you could defend yourself."
"Oh." I said softly. I started returning her hug. "Thank you."
She nodded before pulling away. "Now since you tried to lie to me you can finish cleaning up." With that she left.
I sighed and got to work, thankfully most of the cleaning had already been done. After I finished cleaning up I dragged myself up the stairs to my room, only to see a small flock of owls waiting for me.
"Ughh." I groaned, I was tired dammit. "One moment please." I swear to god the owls started glaring at me. How long had they been waiting for me?
I beat a hasty retreat and went down stairs to get some of the left overs. Grabbing a tuber-wear container full of ham I made my way back upstairs, passing Dudley on his way to the bathroom.
"I'm not even hungry yet, how are you?" Dudley asked, actually looking mildly nauseous at the thought of eating anything more.
"It's for the owls." I said, as if that explained anything.
"Oh," Dudley nodded and finished making his way to the bathroom, closing the door behind him. Through the door I heard. "Wait, what owls?" but I was already closing my door behind me, the open container of ham held in front of me to ward off angry avains.
After removing their packages and feeding them the owls left. Leaving me with a small pile of gifts, mostly candy from my acquaintances at Hogwarts. Most of whom I had sent candy, or other small things to. Hermione had sent me a new fountain pen, which was nice. Mine had been getting a little worn.
I suppressed a gasp as I opened Pansy's gift. Three silver throwing knifes, with what looked like runes on the hilt. There was a note inside the box.
I noticed you had a knife and I thought you might like these.
Your friend, Pansy
P.S- If you put a drop of blood on the hilt it will return to you after you throw it. Cool huh?
I shook my head, of course Pansy would get me knifes for Christmas. Looking at them I decided to test them. Grabbing one of them I pricked my finger and bled on each of the hilts, the ruins flashed red after absorbing the blood before dimming.
Looking at my dart board I flicked the knife at it, hitting just a bit off center. "Rusty." I held out my hand and said, "Come." And it did return to my hand in one smooth motion. "Cool!" I did that a few times before trying to summon it without calling it. It took me nearly ten tries but I was able to do it. "So cool." Smiling I put them away.
I changed for bed and pulled the covers back only to notice another package at the foot of my bed. There was a note on top, written in elegant script.
I return to you that which is rightfully yours.
I frowned, why did that sound familiar? I sighed and opened it to find nothing? Turning the box over out came a shimmering cloak. I froze as I watched it hit the bed was that the invisibility cloak?