Purging the Pain
Disclaimer: I don't own FF7 or HP.
Synopsis: Rufus, who was sent to a parallel dimension, is followed by his bodyguard (unknown to the TURKS) is forced to reveal herself and assist him in trying to get back in their world. RufusXOC
Chapter 12: Magic
The next day came too soon for Ophelie. She quickly got dressed and made her way down the girls' dormitory. She was fortunate to meet Hermione on her way down. She gave her a smile and greeted her "Good morning" before following her to out the door and to the dining hall for breakfast.
"I see that Malfoy has been spending more time with you" started the bookworm as she took a seat and gathered two pieces of toast to start her breakfast.
"Actually, that is part of the reason why I need to use the room" Ophelie replied absently while grabbing an apple
"What?!" Hemione ask ghastly "You don't mean what I think you're implying…"
Then reality sunk in as Ophelie took a bite of an apple. Her eyes grew wide at the implication of having coitus in the room that she asked for. Then thought of having the excuse of wanting a more private setting for that reason instead of what they were really planning, it was a better reason to give.
At least it's a more acceptable reason that having to say that we're about to perform a ritual that may have massive repercussions Ophelie thought darkly
"It's not exactly like that" Ophelie pretending to look abashed "We just need a bit of privacy to discuss why we haven't seen each other for a few years"
"Oh" Hermione replied knowingly "I understand"
"Yeah" she replied before asking "Will you show me the room"
"Sure. We should have enough time before the first class starts" Hermione stated as she finished her toast
They then made their way towards the corridor where the Room of Requirement was located. Hermione all the while made small talk, trying to get the other girl to open up to her. Her efforts however, were for naught. Ophelie was keeping her cards close to her chest. After all, it was not only her secret to keep but Rufus' as well. As they came close to the corridor, Hermione indicated for her to stay still while she moved to and fro along the corridor. Without warning, a door materialized. Ophelie's amber eyes widened at seeing the door appear before her eyes.
"How is that possible?" asked Ophelie in a awed voice
"Simple" Hermione responded "Magic"
Ophelie snorted "Obviously"
They entered the room and were greeted with the sight of an office. It consisted of a desk, a couch, a few chairs, and another desk that seemed to be the reception area of the room. Ophelie's lips thinned in apprehension. This was the office were she used to work with Rufus a few years before.
How could Hermione have known about it? Ophelie thought as she stole a glance at the witch
Hermione then stepped closer to Ophelie before saying "I think there's something that you should tell me because this seems to be a muggle office"
"First of all" Ophelie started "How did you know about this?"
The other girl gave her a sheepish look before replying "I just thought of the place that you would feel most comfortable with. I didn't know it would be an office"
"Yeah" the amber-eyed girl replied absentmindedly
"So why an office?" the other girl asked "It's not like you worked in a muggle office"
"Not really" Ophelie replied "My caretaker used to take me here and I used to spend time with a friend here"
At least it's as close to the truth as possible. No need to make unnecessary complications. Rufus did instruct me to only tell her what she needed to know.
"Oh?" Hermione asked in a curious tone
"Yeah. He became my first friend" she replied with a smile "His name is Rufus"
"I see" Hermione replied "Then, shall we get to class?"
"Alright" she replied before asking "What class do we have next?"
"Defense Against the Dark Arts" the bookworm replied darkly
Ophelie took a seat next to Hermione as they entered the classroom. The students were already taking out the books that they were required to read for the class. It used to be a class that focused more on the practical aspects of defense magic. However, due to the change in professor that was appointed by the ministry the curriculum was changed to only support theory based learning.
"Here" Hermione handed Ophelie a book before taking out a quill and a piece of parchment
"I suggest reading chapter 4. It's a bit interesting but not interesting enough for a second reading" she added with a sigh
"I don't care what she says" the red-head named Ron inserted "This class is just plain boring now"
"Why?" Ophelie asked "I mean, I've been to Divination and that sounds more boring to me"
"It wasn't always like this" Harry cut-in "This professor just seems to have it in for us"
Before Ophelie could get a straight answer out of the trio the door opened and the person that was horrendously covered in pink walked in. An amber-eyed twitched at the sight of so much pink. She was so much more used to the subtle colors of white and black that her employer preferred to wear. She mentally shook her head at the thought. Rufus seemed to be occupying her thoughts lately.
I'm just worried about him. That's it, nothing out of the ordinary. She then took a a deep breath before focusing back to the lesson at hand. It wasn't as if she was going to need it. However, it would help her blend in more.
Let's just hope that I don't get singled-out again.
However, her prayers were left unanswered as beady eyes focused on her. The woman who held those eyes gave a smirk. Ophelie stood her ground and remained unaffected. She had faced worse, most of it from her employer.
"It seems that we have a new student. I am Professor Dolores Umbridge" the professor intoned before asking in a sickly sweet voice "What is your name dear?"
Ophelie stood up and gave her a blank stare then replied "Marcia. Ophelie Marcia ma'am"
Upon hearing the word ma'am the toad-like professor's smirk grew "Ah. It seems that we have ourselves a respectful young one, how delightful. What was the name of the last school you studied in?"
Ophelie stuck to her cover story before replying "Shinra ma'am"
"Shinra?" the professor intoned "Never heard of it"
"It's more of an institution for special cases" explained Ophelie "I was a bit late in discovering my abilities"
Right…late Ophelie mentally snorted
"I see" the professor replied "Would you care to give us a demonstration of this ability of your's?"
Ophelie thought for a second before replying "Not at all ma'am. It depends on the parameters of the demonstration. My magic can be a bit destructive. It is why my caretaker suddenly decided to transfer me to this school"
"Very well" replied Umbridge "How about a basic shielding spell?"
"Alright ma'am" the amber-eyed replied before getting ready
However, she suddenly remembered the material she had was with Rufus. Before she could inform the professor, she was assaulted by a red light. It was only her swiftness and awareness that saved her from being stunned.
"I thought that you were going to give us a demonstration of your shielding spell?" Umbridge said in an amused tone "Take out your wand"
"But ma'am I…" Ophelie started but was cut-off by another flash of light heading her direction
"Don't waste my time Ms. Marcia" Umbridge replied irritatingly "I need to asses where you stand so that I could teach you the appropriate theory for compensating of your lack of knowledge in whatever area I deem it necessary"
Let me give it a try. I swear I will control myself
Ophelie shook her head as the thought entered her mind. I shouldn't. I…we…haven't even made the contract. It is too dangerous
Well…you better make up your mind fast before that spell hits us!
Ophelie took a deep breath then concentrated and thought As long as it is with the parameters
Fine the voice replied in a pouting tone As long as you for the contract immediately
Agreed. Now on to business.
As soon as the deal was brokered, Ophelie began to glow softly. The spell was almost close to hitting her however before the spell could inflict any harm to her, dark cloth-like wing appeared and enveloped her, consequently shielding her from the effects of the spell. When it dissipated, both the class and the professor were left in awe. The wings then unraveled and revealed a slightly shaken Ophelie.
"What kind of magic was that?" Hermione asked
"The kind I don't like to talk about" Ophelie said in a whisper before bowing out of respect and making her way out of the classroom.
"Wait a minute Ms. Marcia" Umbridge called before she could reach the door
"Yes professor?" Ophelie asked in a raspy voice
"Detention tonight after dinner" Umbridge said in a sickly sweet tone
"What for ma'am?" Ophelie asked her with a stony gaze
"For not following instructions" the professor replied in the same tone
"Understood" she replied icily before heading out of the classroom