Outsider Chronicles: Black Zodiac
After being splattered by a drunk driver, the last thing I expected was to wake up a Wizard. Last thing? Hardly, the last thing I expected was to be the twin of everyone's favorite ferret Well, this is gonna be fun. OC centric, fem-Harry.
And we are back and nearly done with the First Year. I'm not to sure how many more chapters it will take, but I'll ask this now so I don't forget. Would you guys prefer it if I split this story up into books or keep it as one? For now though, lets begin. Enjoy!
Chapter 10
I groaned as consciousness slowly returned to me, wincing as my throat throbbed. I tried to move, but was quickly discouraged as my muscles protested loudly and my head throbbed. Everything hurt, and I do mean everything. I could literally feel my Magical Core throbbing in my chest. It was an extremely strange feeling and definitely not a comfortable one. I decided that, perhaps, laying still was the best option available to me at the moment.
As I lay there, I thought back over the confrontation in the forest and mentally scolded myself. I was arrogant. I had gone in assuming that Zodiac Lance would give me the advantage in the fight, completely neglecting the fact that I knew that Voldemort was an incredibly powerful Wizard with decades of experience under his belt. I think my expectations had been tainted by the stories I'd read in my previous life where little to no threat to Harry, neglecting to realize that this world was different. To make matters worse, Voldemort wasn't even at full power! That thought terrified me more than anything, the idea that I had been soundly defeated by a Voldemort who didn't even have a fraction of his full power. Maybe I should…
NO! I immediately squashed that thought before it could fully form and hardened my resolve. Sure Voldemort might outclass me at the moment, but I was still only Eleven. I was one of the most powerful students in my year, even without adding on my Dense Magic and Zodiac Lance and I could only get stronger as time went on. Magic naturally increased as one got older until it reached its peak at 17, but, like any muscle in the body, it could be trained. While most don't bother, Aurors, Hitwizards and professional duelers all exercised their magic to increase its potency. It took a long time, but it could be done and I fully intended to do just that.
Resolve now sufficiently hardened, I opened my eyes and looked around as best I could. I was in the Hospital Wing, no big shock there, in a bed surrounded by screens that blocked my view of the rest of the wing. A glance out the window told me it was late evening, which meant I had been unconscious for at least a day. Zodiac Lance was leaning against the table next to my bed, still in its active state and the chair next to my bed was inhabited by a sleeping Holly. The girl had her head resting on her crossed arms and, judging from how close my hand was to hers, she had been holding my hand before she'd fallen asleep.
I smiled fondly at the girl and gently rubbed her head, noting that her hair was out of its usual twintail style which, combined with her peaceful, sleeping face and the light that was streaming in from the window, turned her from a cute girl into a beautiful young woman. And wasn't that an odd thing to think about an eleven year old? Still, that didn't change the fact it was true. I still prefered the twintail look though. Holly shifted at my touch, leaning into my hand slightly.
"She hasn't left your side since Hagrid bought you in."
I looked up to see Madam Pomfrey stood at the end of my bed with a tray of potions.
"How long..?" I asked, keeping my voice down to avoid waking Holly.
"You've been unconscious for about a day," said the nurse, cutting me off, "A combination of magical exhaustion and Cruciatus exposure. Speaking of which, I believe that the Headmaster wants a word with you about that."
She put the tray down on the bedside table and started waving her wand over me, clicking her tongue as she did.
"Hmm, you seem to be recovering nicely. Your core has mostly refilled and it should be safe for you to use magic again shortly and you don't seem to be suffering any aftereffects of the Curse. Drink this."
She thrust a glass of purple potion into my hands and glared at me until I drank it all. It tasted like chlorinated water and I nearly gagged on it, but still managed to choke it down. Almost immediately, my throat started feeling better. After being given a couple more foul tasting potions, Madam Pomfrey left, leaving me with an order not to try any magic until she gave me the OK and to stay put. Apparently, although I was mostly alright, she still wanted to keep me around, just in case.
I turned my attention back to Holly, who was still fast asleep, and went back to gently stroking her hair. She shifted, letting out a low groan as she opened her eyes, blinking away the remnants of sleep. Her eyes widened slightly as she saw me sitting up and the next thing I knew I had an armful of crying girl.
"Hey, no need to cry," I said, rubbing her back, "I'm OK, I'm fine."
It took a few minutes, but eventually Holly calmed down enough to stop crying, although she didn't seem to be about to let go of me any time soon. I was tempted to ask what had happened after I lost consciousness, but I could probably guess and didn't really want to ruin the peaceful atmosphere. I was also pretty sure she'd gone back to sleep.
Unfortunately, it was ruined completely a few moments later when the doors of the Hospital Wing burst open to emit a large group of people who were all talking loudly.
"Amelia be reasonable…" said Dumbledore, only to be cut off.
"Albus, one of your students had been exposed to the Cruciatus curse," snapped the woman he was with, likely the monocle wearing and extremely formidable Amelia Bones, "That means that this is a matter for the DMLE. I'd also like to know whose idea it was to send five first years into the Forest at night with something capable of killing Unicorns on the loose."
"I'd like to know that as well," came the smooth voice of my father, although I could clearly hear a tight anger under the dulcet tones "Especially when two of those children were mine."
"Now now Lucius, no harm done," said Dumbledore, "Everyone got out safely so…"
"NO HARM DONE!"
I winced. Sounds like Mother was here and she was not happy.
"My son is in the Hospital with Cruciatus Exposure and you say No Harm Done?!"
"Now now Narcissa…"
"Don't 'now now' me Dumbledore…"
"What is going on out here?" Demanded Madam Pomfrey, cutting across Mother before she started swearing, "This is a hospital! Please keep your voices down."
"Apologies Poppy," said Madam Bones, "Is Mr Malfoy alright to talk to us?"
"He should be, but don't take to long," said Madam Pomfrey, "He's still recovering from Magical Exhaustion and needs his rest."
The sound of hurried footsteps reached my ears, before my mother rounded the edge of the screens. At the sight of Holly laying in my arms, she stopped and shot me a look. I shrugged.
"She won't let go of me," I said, keeping my voice low.
The fact she was still asleep after all the ruckus outside was nothing short of miraculous and I had to wonder just how long she'd been sat at my bedside. Mothers eyebrows shot up, but she didn't say anything, instead taking the seat Holly had vacated.
"How are you feeling?" She asked.
"Better," I replied.
"Do you know who it was?" Asked Mother.
I opened my mouth to reply, but before I could the rest of the group rounded the screen. As expected, the group consisted of Dumbledore, Madam Bones and my Father, as well as to nameless Aurors who were so utterly generic I didn't even acknowledge their presence. As with Mother, the three important people paused when they saw Holly asleep in my arms, each with a different reaction. Madam Bones simply accepted it and moved on, while Father and Dumbledore both had expressions of surprise mixed with a well hidden sense of disgust and interest in my fathers case, likely because he didn't recognize her and probably assumed she was a Muggleborn. Dumbledore on the other hand looked worried, probably because he assumed that I was 'Dark' because of my family. Still, its not like he could actually do anything with both my parents and the head of the DMLE there.
"Good evening Mr Malfoy, I am Amelia Bones, head of the DMLE," said Madam Bones as she stepped up to my bed, "I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions about the...incident in the forest?"
"I can try, but I'm afraid I don't remember much of what happened," I replied.
That was a lie of course, but I wasn't sure how to tell her that Voldemort was out there or, more precisely, in the castle.
"I see, well then, tell me what you remember," she said.
I did as I was told, telling her most of what happened, only omitting the conversation we'd had.
"I see," muttered Madam Bones once I was finished, "Well, it sounds like you're lucky to be alive."
"I'd say so," I said, "In fact, I owe Holly my life."
Dumbledore and Father both stiffened at that, clearly realizing the significance of that. Mother gave Holly and I a scrutinizing look, before giving me a look that told me that she approved. Of what exactly I have no idea.
"Mmmhm," said Bones, "Well if you remember anything else, make sure you call me, OK?"
I nodded and the Head of the DMLE left, followed by the Headmaster, leaving me alone with my parents and the (surprisingly) still sleeping Holly. As soon as they left, Father rounded on me.
"I hope you have a very good reason for that," he hissed.
"What?" I asked.
"Saying you owe someone your life! You do know what that means, don't you?"
"I do," I said, not backing down and meeting my father's eyes, "And I have no problems admitting it. If it hadn't have been for Holly, I would have died in those woods. Their is no shame in admitting that Father."
"A Malfoy does not admit weakness in public!"
"How is admitting that you were completely outclassed weakness?" I asked, "Yes, I wasn't strong enough to win, but I'm alive and I can get stronger. Next time, I will be ready and I'll take my pound of flesh."
Lucius looked like he was going to argue, but before he could, Mothers voice cut across him.
"Enough you two," she said in a tone that brooked no argument.
Father glowered for a moment, before turning on his heel and marching from the room. Mother waited until she heard the door to the Wing close, before her stiff posture and Pureblood worthy icy mask slipped away and she smiled.
"Are you sure you're alright?" She asked, concern now clear in her tone.
"I'm fine mum," I said, slipping out of the formal tones used around Father.
Mum gave me a shrewd look.
"So, who's this?" She asked, indicating to Holly, "And why haven't I been told?"
"Told what?" I asked.
"That you had a girlfriend."
I immediately went bright red.
"W-what? N-no, its not like that!" I protested, "Holly and I are just friends!"
I caught Mums disbelieving expression.
"What? Its the truth!"
"I'm sure," said Mum doubtfully, "So, when can I expect grandchildren?"
I gave a high pitched whine that I still have no idea quite how I produced and tried to sink deeper into my bed, but the grip Holly had on me prevented me from doing so. A startled squeak drew my eyes to the girl to find that her eyes were open and her face was a brilliant red.
"H-Holly!" I squeaked, hoping that she hadn't heard Mums comment, "H-how long have you been awake?"
Mum gave an evil grin.
"She's been awake since Lucius left."
I let out a moan of embarrassment and buried my face in my hands. Mum ignored me and turned to Holly.
"Hello dear, I'm Leo's mother, Narcissa Malfoy," said Mum.
"Hello," said Holly in a quiet voice, "I'm Holly Potter."
Mums eyes widened ever so slightly and her eyes flicked to her forehead, despite the fact her scar was hidden under her fringe.
"I see, well Miss Potter, it seems that I owe you for saving my son," said Mum.
Holly blushed.
"I-it was nothing, I was just helping my friend," said Holly, "Besides, he's saved my life to."
Mum smiled and patted Holly on the shoulder.
"Even so, thank you Miss Potter. I hope I have a chance to get to know you properly in the future."
She stood and gave me a kiss on the forehead.
"Goodbye son, I'll see you when you get home."
I returned the goodbye as mum vanished around the screen.
"Your Mum seems nice," said Holly as she climbed off me and retook her original seat.
"Yeah, too bad my dads a dick," I said, trying not to feel too disappointed from the lack of warmth, "So, what exactly happened after I passed out?"
Holly shivered slightly before answering the question.
"Well, a Centaur named Firenze arrived and chased that thing away," she said, "Hagrid arrived shortly after with Fang and Lucy and we brought you straight here. Thats it really."
"And I suppose that you've been here since then?" I asked.
Holly blushed and nodded. The blush increased as her stomach let out a loud rumble.
"When was the last time you ate?" I asked.
Holly ducked her head.
"Not since breakfast," she mumbled.
"Yes, when I kicked her out," said Pomfrey as she rounded the screens with two trays of food floating behind her, "You might as well eat in here miss Potter. Dinners almost over and theres no way you'd make it."
"Thank you Madam Pomfrey," said Holly, smiling happily at the Matron.
Pomfrey returned the smile, gave us a shrewd look and then left, muttering something about a pool under her breath. I wasn't sure I wanted to know what she meant by that.
And thats the end of this chapter! We got to see a bit of interaction between Leo and his parents and Dumbledore showed some manipulative tendencies. However, does that mean he's evil or just misguided? Only time will tell. Until next time, please leave me a review!