Wings of Hope


Author's Note: Damn damn damn. Okay, this is what happens when exams and assorted plays get piled on me at once. Not only am I like a month behind in writing this, but I mentally skipped ahead a little bit in the Quidditch match last chapter, and for some reason wrote in my hypothetical Hufflepuff Seeker Kent Long instead of Cho Chang...because I'm a dork sometimes. Le sigh. I fixed it, though! And yes, I'm aware I did the scoring completely wrong, but I never understood that part of the game...because I'm reeeeeeally dense when it comes to sports, imagined or otherwise. Give me karate and figure skating any day ^_^. Now then...my head finally got to crowded, so a new but much less important original character will be introduced in this chapter. I had to dump him somewhere! The voices were keeping me awake and I'm supposed to be getting over the flu...sigh. Anyway, it's also getting close to Christmastime, so everyone who liked S&S or Ma Petite Lionne needs to read closely for the next couple of chapters...a certain little flower is about to show up ^_^.



Chapter Ten: The Winged Adonis


I'm so green it's really amazing
I'm so clean-too bad I can't get all the dirt offa me
I'm so sane it's driving me crazy
It's so strange.
-Falling For the First Time, Barenaked Ladies, Maroon.

Aureilia clawed at the ground. Most of the crowd had dispersed by now, but she remained on her knees, raking her fingers through the grass. Where is it where is it where is it?

George and Fred supported Ron, who's vision was still swirling as blood trickled sluggishly down his neck. He seemed unaware of his injury any more, keeping his eyes moving slowly across the ground, looking for a glint that indicated where the necklace might be. Hermione stood nearby, holding the three brother's broomsticks, and searching herself. Harry had gone off with Alicia and Angelina to search the corners of the fields near the stands.

Hermione winced a little as she looked at Aureilia. Even at the start of the term, when she'd seemed like a walking corpse, she had still been utterly immaculate, her braids never out of place, robes perfectly straight on her tiny body, not a speck of dirt on her. And now here she was, robes torn at the knees and covered in grass and grime, her thin hands clotted with mud, dirt under her nails, dust on her face so that, despite her ability to cry without blotchiness or runny noses, her tears cut filthy tracks down her cheeks. Her hair was beginning to come out of the tight braid, long strands straggling across her face, others trying to get free. Hermione gently set down the brooms, and walked over to her. Rei, why don't you try-

Can I help?

Hermione blinked, wondering why she'd never noticed this young man before. He wasn't exactly what anyone would think of as a wizard, and even in the Muggle world he would've stood out, with his stylish dark red hair and the green lacing across his bangs. He was tall, thin, and so incredibly distinctive that Hermione briefly wondered if he was a spectator and that's why she hadn't noticed him before. But no...he wore Ravenclaw Quidditch robes, and didn't look to be much more older than she was. Who are you?

Alex Whitman. Sixth year. He grinned mischievously. Enemy Chaser. Anything I can do to help? Cho and the rest are searching the mid field.

Aureilia stood up, dusting herself off absently, and chewed nervously on the tips of her hair. It's not here...Hermione, are you sure you didn't see it fly off during the game? I have to find it...

Hermione shook her head. I was busy watching you and Harry and Ron.

Aureilia raised an eyebrow and started to speak, then shook her head, the panic returning to her voice. We've got to find it, that locket's irreplaceable! It was a present from my grandparents, it's got two pictures of the people I loved most inside that I can't replace anymore, the rest all got destroyed when...when my grandparent's house was. I can't replace them, we've got to find it!

Alex put a hand on her shoulder, and she jumped back, looking at him like she hadn't noticed him before.

What's it look like? he asked quietly.

Aureilia opened her mouth and few times, a finally spoke. It's gold, on a tiny little chain with triple links-Hermione replaced it for me when it broke-and on the front, there's an alabaster lily that curves around onto the hinges.

What's inside?

Aureilia narrowed her eyes, and her voice briefly returned to normal, full of warning. Don't look inside. No one had better look inside. What's inside is my business.

Alex put up his hands. Okay, okay! Just asking. All right, do you want me to help look over by-

Ron chose that moment to push away from his brothers to try and help-and collapse on the ground.

Hermione cried out, hands over her eyes. Fred caught Ron's elbow. Hey! Whoa there! snap out of it, Ron!

Ron blinked, and struggled to stand. Let go, Fred. I'm fine.

He staggered forward a few steps, winced, and put a hand to the back of his head. Hermione hurried to his side, and slipped herself under an arm. Ron, don't be stupid. Look, you've never taken a hit to the head like that before, you need to go see Madam Pomfrey, let her get a look at that...

I'm fine, Hermione! Let go! I'll just sit down for a second...

Ron, please, don't be so thick for once and listen to rea-

Alex coughed quietly from where he stood. His eyes were trained on the ground, and his voice was quiet. I'll take him.

Hermione, Fred, and George all asked at once.

I'll make sure he gets there, the older boy repeated. It shouldn't take long. And I bet I can get him there even if he doesn't want to go. I'm... He looked up again, a wry grin on his face. ...practically a giant. You might have noticed.

Aureilia dropped to her knees again, then stood, eyes downcast. I thought I saw it for a second...how tall are you, anyway?



That's beside the point, Hermione interjected. Mr. Whitman, I think it would be a very good idea if you took Ron to Madam Pomfrey's.

Ron opened his mouth to protest, and Hermione and Fred both steered him over to Alex, who took an arm and pulled him away from them. Ron sighed with exaggerated suffering, and closed his eyes. Fine. I'll go.

Hermione sighed with relief. Fred grinned at Alex.

Alex's eyes were trained on the ground again. Sure thing. I'll be more help this way, at least right now.

He walked off, towing Ron along carefully.

There was a shout of triumph from where Harry, Angelina, and Alicia were, and the three ran back over to where Aureilia had dropped to her knees again, still searching. Alicia held something tightly in her wrist. Rei! I think we found it!

Aureilia blinked, and shot back up. Really? Let me see!

Alicia slowed down, walked the last few steps to Aureilia, and dropped the locket in the tiny girl's outstretched hand. Aureilia examined it, and broke into a huge smile. This is it! Oh, thank you so much for finding it! You have no idea how important this is to me.

Alicia grinned. No problem.

Aureilia latched the locket on around her neck, suddenly seemed to realize that she was an absolute mess, and frowned. Ick. I'm going to go get cleaned up, then. She turned to leave, then glanced back and smiled broadly at everyone. Thanks again, guys. Really. You might thing I was overreacting, but...well, thanks anyway.

She skipped off, rubbing at her face with her robe as she did so.

The first Quidditch match of the season was officially over and done with.

*

And zat is zee best way to deal wis a curse zat you ave not zee ability to block or counter. Fleur looked at Dean Thomas, whose teeth were rapidly approaching the size of a beaver's. Meester Thomas, I suggest you work wis Miss Granger zees evening. She surveyed the class. All of your should find someone to work wis on zees lesson. I intend to test all of you next class, and at zee moment, Miss Granger, Miss Rose, and Meester Weasley are zee only students to successfully apply zee lesson. She clapped her hands together. You are dismissed.

As the class began to file out, Fleur walked over to where Aureilia and Hermione were packing up Aureilia's things into her too-small bag. Miss Rose?

Aureilia grinned up at her. Hey Professor! Your accent's less pronounced now!

Sank you. I would like to speak wis you after class.

Aureilia looked at Hermione, who shrugged, and took her bag off the table. See you later, Rei.

Bye, Hermes.

Fleur raised an eyebrow at Aureilia, who flashed her a secretive smile. Nicknames. I'm trying to get her to lighten up.

Fleur nodded. Ah. I see.

She sat down at the table, and Aureilia followed suit. Fleur seemed unsure how to broach the subject, whatever it was. She finally sighed. Miss Rose, I ave eard zat you were quite close to your family-zat zees is zee case in many Spanish

Aureilia nodded. Yeah. Why?

I find it vairy sad zat you must stay ere for Christmas simply because of a lack of relatives nearby to spend zee olidays wis. Fleur smiled. 'Owever, my little sister is coming to visit. I do not sink she would mind if you spend the break wis us while we are

Aureilia looked at her in surprise, then beamed. You mean it? That would be...wow, that's just...you really mean it?

Fleur shrugged. What arm could it do? Besides, I am supposed to be your mentor ere at Ogwarts. It is my job, of sorts-

Aureilia flung her arms around Fleur, cutting off the teacher. Oh thank you! she cried. This is so nice of you! You have no idea how cool you are right now!

Fleur smiled, and patted Aureilia's dark hair.

I should do sings like zees more often.

*

Hermione asked one day on their way to class. What's wrong? You've been so quiet lately.

Ron said with a shrug. Just school stuff, I guess. Can I take a look at the last page of your Transfigurations essay?

You've had a week to write your own.

I just ned a couple more pieces of support, come on...

Aureilia grabbed Harry's arm suddenly. she said brightly, come with me. I want to show you something before class.

We've got plenty of time, Harry began.

It's a surprise for those two. They can't see it yet. Come on! She tugged his arm harder, and dragged him off down the hall. Ron looked after her. What does go on in her head?

That's what I'm wondering about you, Hermione replied. Ron, you've been acting weird the last two days. Ever since the match, you haven't been yourself. What's wrong? I know something is.

Ron shrugged again. I told you. It must be school.

You're a terrible liar, Hermione sniffed.

They walked in silence for a moment, then Ron groaned and dropped his bag to the ground. Come off it, Hermione! I don't want to talk about it!

I'm your friend, Ron! Have you told Harry about it?

He wouldn't understand. Now drop it.

Hermione's eyes grew hurt. Ron, really. You're completely out of sorts. You're upset. Please...what is it?

Ron looked at her for a long moment, then sighed. I don't know if you'd get it, either. You're the perfect student type, you're an only child, you don't do sports...

I can try.

He looked down. All right, fine. But I don't think it'll make a difference. You remember the game, right?

Hermione nodded. Of course. I watched all three of you. You were great.

Ron objected, I wasn't. Think about it, Hermione. In Harry's first game, Quirrell jinxed his broom and all, but he was still fine, and he won the game. You weren't here for any of my brother's games, but Fred and George never seem to get hurt, and Charlie didn't even get a scratch until his second year on the team. And look at Rei! She did everything perfectly, and I heard her talking with that Alex kid about how she never really played Quidditch before, except during practice and loose games in Central Park at night. He turned bright red. Now look at me. First game, I'm older than Harry or my brothers were when they started, I've got more experience than Rei, and I get beaned right off! I missed an incredibly easy shot, I couldn't even keep standing after the game!

He took a deep breath. Do you have any idea how humiliating that is? And everyone was watching.

Hermione didn't say a word. She just looked at Ron. He didn't meet her eyes. Finally, he went on.

I thought, at first, I did just as well as everyone. But after I had some time to think, and my head wasn't splitting open anymore, it hit me that is wasn't. Everyone else did better than I did, and anyone who's seen more games than that one knows it. And everyone saw. In the long run, I'm still just average Ron. I'm not good at school, I'm the last Weasley boy,' I'm Harry Potter's friend, and I'm not even an astounding Quidditch player.

He closed his mouth on his last words, forcing them back. Hermione still didn't speak.

I'm sorry, she whispered finally. You're right. I don't think I do understand. But why didn't you ever say anything about this before? We knew you were feeling overlooked, but...

She stopped, and twirled her hair nervously. I'm sorry.

Ron sighed, and picked up his bag. It's fine. Really. I'll get over it.

They continued on their way to class. Hermione paused a little before they reached the classroom.



She smiled at him. If it helps...I wasn't really watching Harry or Rei that game. I thought you did better than anyone out there.

You're a rotten liar, Ron responded with a smile.

No, really! I wanted to see how you did! She looked down a little, hair hiding her face for a moment. And, if it makes any difference to you, I don't think of you as just another Weasley or Harry's friend. She peered up at him shyly. You're Ron.

Ron stared at her, unsure of what to say. After a moment, he put a hand on her shoulder, and grinned broadly.

Thanks, Hermione.

Hermione looked back up, uncertain.

Ron looked away, embarrassed. I mean, I know you're just saying that and all, and it was really sappy and everything. But it did make me feel better.

Hermione beamed, and stifled a laugh. I'm glad, she said simply, and they headed back into class.

Harry looked at Aureilia. All right, they're here! You never even showed me that surprise for them! What's going on?

Aureilia smiled sweetly. Oh, they got it. You just didn't get to see it.

Harry blinked. Aureilia tugged on his hair playfully. It's their surprise. You don't need to know anything about it.

*

Strangeness began to abound in Divinations a few days later.

Professor Trelawny began, we will begin more intensive work on crystal gazing. It is most assuredly the most difficult part of divination, but many of you will have success with it. Miss Patil, you may want to keep a close eye on your crystal when not using it. The common rooms are not safe.

Parvati jumped, and nodded. Harry looked at Ron, who rolled his eyes at him, and suppressed a laugh.

Professor Trelawny gestured for them all to crowd around her large crystal ball. We will begin by demonstrating how multiple people can see different things in one crystal-

What a load of crap.

Everyone turned to look at Aureilia. Her voice was rough, and she glared at Professor Trelawny. I've put up with this long enough, lady. This is ridiculous. All these death predictions and doomsday sayings...we might believe you if you didn't do it so often. Didn't you ever heard of the boy who cried wolf?

She crossed her arms. Sybil Trelawny, you are a fraud. You have some divinatory abilities, but that doesn't make you some thing amazing and worthy of all the hype you put on yourself! For the love of God, please give the rest of us a break!

Aureilia sat down heavily, glaring at the floor. Professor Trelawny stared at her with her mouth open shocked into silence. Suddenly, the small girl blinked, and looked around. What's going on? Is class over yet? Did I fall asleep again?

She shook her head, froze, then giggled. Oh! I know what happened. So, who was it this time? Anyone know?

Everyone looked at her in confusion. Aureilia frowned, and looked at Professor Trelawny. Do you know who it was?

The wispy woman seemed to find her voice, and pointed at the door. Miss Rose, I suggest you leave for a bit. Until you've calmed down a bit.

Aureilia shrugged, and nodded. All right. I'll get the assignment from Harry, I guess.

She headed out of the room, and suppressed a smile until she was well down the hall. All right, who was it? Come on, tell me.

There was a tickle along her spine, and an invisible whisper in her ear. Aureilia shook her head. I'm sorry you're jealous that she's still alive and you aren't, and I understand you're mad at her for predicting things incorrectly so often that when she warned you of your death you didn't take her seriously, but don't you think twenty years is too long to hold a grudge against an old classmate?

She brushed away the tickling voices, and decided to head over to visit Fleur. She had some questions to ask her about last week's lesson on bewitched cosmetics.

A few doors down from Fleur's office, a tiny figure shot down the hall and straight into Aureilia. They hit the ground together with a crash, and the little girl picked herself up off of Aureilia, brushing herself off and flipping her white blonde hair out of her eyes. Her mouth dropped open and her eyes widened in surprise. Oh! I'm so sorry! I did not mean to run into you. I did not know anyone was in zee hall.

Aureilia giggled, and stood. No harm done. I'm not supposed to be here right now. I got out of class early. I was just on my way to see one of my teachers. What are you doing here? Aren't you a bit young for school?

Zees school, yes, but I'm almost ten! I'm not zat young! The girl tossed her hair. I'm ere to visit my sister for zee holidays. I got ere early, and I wanted to surprise

Aureilia beamed, ignoring the old tug at the memory of what it was like to have a little sibling, and began walking towards Fleur's office. I understand. Do you need any help findi-

Fleur stepped out of her office right then, muttering something under her breath in French. The little girl burst into a wide smile and ran towards her. Fleur! Fleur!

Fleur looked up, and her face split into the most overjoyed smile Aureilia had ever seen on her face.

The two girls collided in a tight embrace with laughter and rapid French greetings that Aureilia ignored completely. After a bit, Fleur looked up at Aureilia, and waved. Aureilia! Allo! Come in, please! I was just going to look somesing up in zee library, but it can wait.

Aureilia nodded, and followed Fleur and the girl into the office. Fleur sat down and began rummaging in her desk for something. The little girl stood nest to her, hand still hanging off the teacher's robes. Finally, Fleur straightened up, holding three small packages. One for you, one for you, and one for m, she said, handing a package to Aureilia and the child. Zee best French chocolate I ave wis me. I need to get some more soon.

She gestured at the girl, still beaming. Aureilia, I would like you to meet my younger sister, Gabrielle.

Aureilia smiled, looking between the two lovely blondes as she did so. I figured.

Without warning, fear clutched at her heart, and everything began to swim before her eyes. Aureilia had only a moment to whisper, before everything went black and little Gabrielle burst into tears.