The Eye of the Snake
Crumbled walls, toppled bookshelves, and scattered books decorated the uneven floor of the Room of Requirement. Archaic machines rumbled like lawn mowers throughout the room. Where the preferred path around grew narrow, string hung in a loose mock laser maze.
Siria Potter-Black beamed from the center of the obstacle course. Dumbledore's Army, sans the invisible name, looked at her in disbelief. They looked to Cassius, who shrugged.
"Since it's the last lesson before the Holiday, it doesn't make sense to start something new," Siria started. She gritted her teeth at Smith.
"We're not learning anything new? I wouldn't have come if I knew," Smith said (B5, 454).
"We're all really sorry Siria didn't tell you then," Fred announced loudly (B5, 454).
"Thank you," Siria mouthed.
She directed her attention at no one in particular. "Rather than doing pairs, which we've done enough of, you'll be running the course in randomly decided groups," Siria explained. Siria pointed her wand at a small plastic bin, which zoomed to her. "Everyone'll take a ball, which has a number painted on it and you'll pair up in groups of five. Rather than a smaller group, the last few numbers will join one of the first.
"Your time ends when every member of your group makes it back to the start," Siria continued as she handed around the bin and everyone took a ball.
"And why does our time matter?" Smith asked as the groups sorted themselves. Siria pointed to a basket beside the door. It was stuffed with Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans, and various other sweets. There were also several stacks of bound parchment.
"First place gets the basket, which has copies of all Hermione's notes," Siria said.
"Cassius and I will watch from the center, casting hexes and jines" Siria told them as the first group took their place behind a white line. "Good luck!"
WHEE!
At the end of the lesson, after Astoria Greengrass, Bianca Storm, Cedric Diggory, Padma Patil, Susan Bones, and George Weasley received the winner's basket, Siria handed everyone else a small bag. She extended Zacharias Smith's. He glared at it. "What was the point if everyone gets one?" He asked.
"If you don't want it," Siria drew it back toward herself, but he held his hand out for it. She let him have it.
"What's this?" Smith asked as he pulled out a roll of parchment.
"Notes on Hermione's Charm notes," Siria said. "That's your worst subject, isn't it?" Smith said nothing and examined the parchment.
"Everyone has a roll of parchment," George said. He eyed Fred's then Siria. "Did you write sixty rolls?" He asked her.
"That's ridiculous," Siria said. "Neville wrote five for Herbology and I duplicated them."
"This is for Potions," Fred noted and unrolled his parchment. Siria pretended not to notice and continued to hand out the bags. Fred and George walked after her.
"Those are just notes on Cassius's notes," Siria said and handed Lily Moon a bag.
"I'm really fine with just a Happy Christmas," Lily Moon told her.
"You don't want the Transfiguration notes?" Siria asked. Lily Moon's endless pools of honey searched Siria's face. "It's got your name on it," Siria added and flicked the tag around the neck of the bag. Lily Moon accepted it.
"It's one thing," George began as he and Fred continued to follow on her heels.
"To hand out a Chocolate Frog and box of Bertie Bott's," said Fred.
"To everyone," George shot Smith a short glare.
"Which is already excessive," said Fred.
"Very," George agreed. "But to hand write sixty rolls?"
"Minus Neville's," added Fred. Siria sighed and handed the last roll to Miles Hayes of Slytherin before she rounded on Fred and George.
"For the record, I only wrote twenty rolls," Siria told them. "You've seen me use Geminio, it really shouldn't be a surprise that I copied them until I had enough."
"That's not what's surprising," said George.
"Okay," Fred called to the room with his hand cupped to his mouth, "would everyone please look at their parchment—" Siria socked him in the arm.
"And raise your hand if it isn't your worst subject," George finished. Siria tsked and crossed her arms at them.
"That's quite a glare for someone so nice," Fred said. He pinched her cheek and she smacked his hand away.
"Ms. Potter-Black here took the time to learn everyone's worst subject and write a guide," George told the room.
"That's very Hermione of you," Fred added.
"Neville wrote the Herbology ones!" Siria shouted.
With all the eyes on her, thank yous, and hugs, Siria was surprised her face didn't erupt with the blood from her blush. Cho Chang hugged Siria. "Thank you," Cho whispered. "Things must be awkward, with me and Cedric, but…" She tightened her hug.
"No problem," Siria patted Cho's back. Cho sniffled. She let go of Siria then rubbed quickly under her eyes and hurried out with her friend Marietta Edgecombe.
"Have a good holiday," Lily Moon waved to Siria as she left with Susan Bones and Justin Finch-Fletchley. Siria waved too late and caught Justin instead. She sighed at the almost empty room. It was mostly the usual last people: her, Ron, Hermione, Cassius, Alice, Maddy and Patricia, even Cedric left. Daphne and Astoria remained, whispering in the corner.
Astoria approached Siria with her arms around the larger bag the winning group received. For what felt like the first time, Astoria's gaze was at the ground. She stuck her prize out, to Siria. "You earned it," Siria told her. "Or can you not have the sugar?"
"I didn't earn it," Astoria whispered. "I only got it because everyone else was older and better." Siria resisted the urge to hug Astoria and flat out deny that.
"Why do you feel that way?" Siria asked.
"I didn't do anything," Astoria told her feet.
"Really?"
"Everyone protected me."
"And who protected them?"
"They did?"
"Did they? Siria rubbed at her lip. She closed her eyes and focused on her memories of the run. "But, who used a Shield Charm to protect Padma?"
"Well Smith said that didn't deserve it," Astoria said to the ground. "He said I an unfair advantage."
"Astoria, when you fight for your life, it doesn't matter if you make it out because Merlin himself is on your side or if you make it out by the skin of your teeth— all that matters is making it out," Siria said. "Sure, this was a fun little D.A. meeting, but you, Astoria Greengrass, helped your team get first. You were the quickest through the string maze."
"Only because I'm so tiny," Astoria said. Siria ruffled Astoria's hair and beamed at her.
"Everyone has an advantage at something. Use yours," Siria told her.
"Now, if you feel that, even though you made it through maze first, and protected Padma, and blew up the frisbee that almost got Cedric, then I might accept the prize back," Siria said. "I would, of course have something I'd've no idea what to do with. I already have some leftover sweets and the original parchment rolls, so…" Siria tucked her hands in her pockets and shrugged. Astoria looked to Daphne. Daphne nodded.
"I guess I did help, a little bit," Astoria said. Siria beamed, but quickly suppressed her smile.
"Well, since you agree. I think you earned it."
"Merry Christmas," Astoria said. She put the bag down and hugged Siria.
For a moment Siria was at Grimmauld Place, in living room. Except, it wasn't the living room at all. The television and constellation lights were there, but it was covered in topled bookshelves. Astoria Greengrass was on the screen and kept saying her name was Inigo Montoya. Any time Siria put a pillow under her, it turned into a large Chocolate Frog. "They only have one good jump," Ron told her. His arms were full of large headless, kicking Chocolate Frogs. [first movie]
Her feet flipped out from under and hit the ceiling. In the same moment her body changed and the room did. She had no legs nor arms. Her body was smooth, strong and glided of its own accord down the corridor. Though it was dark, things glittered in vibrant colors. She could almost taste their heat. [B5, 462]
A man, alive, but asleep, blocked the door at the end of the corridor. She wanted to bite the man, but no… now was not the time. There was important work to be done. Her tail shook as she tried to steady the impulse, but the man moved. He stirred. A cloak fell from his legs as he leapt to his feet. She had no choice— He would understand. Her head swept high off the floor and she struck him, deep, with her sharp fangs. His body fell into the wall behind him as she stuck again. Blood splattered around her. Her head split open as she reared for a third strike. [B5, 462-463]
Siria screamed as voices shouted her name. Cool clapped over her head, but she clawed at it. Her scar must have split open. What else could cause this? She reared onto her side and emptied her stomach. [B5, 463]
"Siria!" Lavender shrieked. "Fay, hurry!"
"I'm here!" Hermione called to Siria from her side. "I'm right here! You're okay."
"Mr. Weasley," Siria gasped. She had to tell them. "Bleeding— snake," she gagged as more vomit escaped her.
"Siria," Parvati called. "We're right here. We're at school. It was just another nightmare."
"No," Siria shuddered as Hermione rubbed her back. "No," she shook her head. "Mr. Weasley, he's bleeding. I— he was attacked."
"Do you think it was like the Wormtail dream?" Hermione asked. Siria shuddered a nod. [B5, 463]
Somehow, she was on her feet. Someone pulled at her hair. Her shirt was off and she was cold. "Come on," Lavender grumbled as Siria's arm went through a sleeve.
"Her jacket," Hermione said. Siria's other arm went through a sleeve too. Her back was warm now. Someone smashed something to her face— her glasses.
"Lift your bleeding foot," Parvati snapped.
"No," Siria's head hurt. Dull shocks stabbed at it. "Mr. Weasley's bleeding."
"So put your shoes on," Parvati hissed. [B5, 463-464]
"Hurry, please," Siria heard Fay call from the distance. She entered, breaths later with Professor McGonagall. Siria reached for Professor McGonagall. That's who she needed, a member of the Order of the Phoenix.
"What is it, Potter-Black? Where does it hurt?"
"Mr. Weasley's been attacked— by Nagini, probably," Siria spat out. "Please, you have to believe me," Siria grabbed onto Professor McGonagall.
"I do, Potter-Black," Professor McGonagall eyed Siria's wear. She looked to the other girls. "You lot go back to bed, I'm taking Potter-Black to the headmaster." [B5, 465]
Professor McGonagall led the way to Dumbledore's office, though Siria knew it well enough. They rode the staircase to the door with the griffin knocker. It sounded like Dumbledore was entertaining guests. Siria checked her watch and saw it after one in the morning. [B5, 466-467]
Dumbledore called for them to enter. His usually bright office was framed in half darkness. It was only him and sleeping Fawkes, despite the voices Siria and Professor McGonagall heard moments before. Siria examined the portraits of former headmasters, who appeared sleeping. Phineas Nigellus cracked an eye open to peek at Siria, who caught him. He quickly dropped his head as though deeply asleep. She knew him from the Black Family tree and he had Sirius's nose. [B5, 467]
"Oh, it's you, Professor McGonagall, and..." Dumbledore greeted. His eyes barely flickered to Siria before they fell on one of his still silver instruments. Siria rose her head up and resolved to look directly at him, even if he refused to look at her. She took in the detailed embroidery of his robes, which was either done with magic or took someone weeks.
"Mr. Weasley's been attacked," Siria said as matter of factly as if she were noting the miniscule embroidered moons on his purple and gold dressing gown. "It was like the dream I had of Wormtail, last year and the pain in my scar made me hurl."
"How did you see this?" Dumbledore asked quietly with his eyes on his linked fingers. Siria closed her eyes and took a breath.
"Hermione, Ron, George, Fred," she ran the names off in her head as she clenched her fists to handle her temper.
"I dreamt I was Voldemort's snake," Siria focused on her fist. An urge inside her trembled. If she just threw something at him, he'd look then. Her gaze fluttered to the floor before it returned to his face. [B5, 467-468]
The room was as silent as when she entered. Fawkes's quiet breaths of sleep and the faint hint of chamomile carried through the room. Siria continued to list the people and things she loved. Any moment now, he would see the gravity of the situation.
"Is Arthur seriously injured?"
"Yes!" Siria rolled her eyes. "Blood splattered all over."
"Everard?" Dumbledore turned to the portraits on the wall, "And you too, Dilys!" He requested they visit their other portraits. A shallow-faced wizard and a witch with silver ringlets left their frames. They had no shame in confessing to hearing every word. [B5, 469]
Professor McGonagall summoned two chairs, one for her and one for Siria. Siria clicked her tongue, but, at the glare Professor McGonagall gave her, dropped into the chair so quickly it tilted. Dumbledore told Fawkes they would need a warning and the bird disappeared in a flash of fire. [B5, 469]
Though it was at Dumbledore's order Professor McGonagall summoned chairs, Dumbledore walked over to one of his silver instruments. With a tap of his wand it ticked to life like a music box. Green smoke puffed out. It formed a serpent's head, which opened wide. Siria glared into Dumbledore's eyes, but he did not look to her. She sighed and eyed Phineas Nigellus. [B5, 470]
"You have Sirius's nose," Siria said, loudly to draw the attention. Phineas Nigellus continued to pretend he was fast asleep. "Well, I suppose Sirius's nose looks more regal." The corner of Phineas Nigellus's mouth twitched. Siria smirked. She crossed an arm over herself to rest her chin on the hand of her other. "Professor McGonagall, is that Phineas Nigellus the one related to the Black Family?"
"Yes," Professor McGonagall said.
"Strange. He must be the only Black that could sleep like the dead," Siria said.
Phineas Nigellus glared at Siria. She grinned in reply. "So, would you be my Great-Great-Great-Great Grandpappy?" Siria asked. "Or should there be more 'Greats'?"
"You're adopted, so you're hardly a Black," Phineas Nigellus told her.
"Tell that to whoever takes my last name," Siria said. He scoffed.
"Dumbledore!" the sallow-faced wizard gasped as he fell into his armchair. "I yelled and someone came running," the wizard explained how people were reluctant to go down, as there are not portraits there. When whoever he sent did, they found Mr. Weasley. The witch dove into her portrait.
"They've taken him to Saint Mungo's, Dumbledore," the silver ringleted witch informed them. She added that Mr. Weasley looked bad. [B5, 471].
Professor McGonagall was sent to fetch the other Weasley children. Siria waited alone, with Dumbledore and the portraits. Dumbledore sent Phineas Nigellus to his other portrait, however reluctant Phineas was to leave. [B5, 472-473]
Fred, George, Ginny, and Ron entered with Professor McGonagall right behind them. Ginny barely started to ask what happened when Dumbledore spoke. "Your father has been injured in the course of his work for the Order of the Phoenix. He has been taken to St. Mungo's. You are going to Sirius's house, which is much more convenient for the hospital than the Burrow. Molly will meet you there." [B5, 473-474]
Dumbledore withdrew a bland looking kettle, which he placed on his desk and tapped with his wand. A flash of flame and single golden feather signaled Fawkes's warning. Dumbledore sent Professor McGonagall to stop Umbridge. Phineas Nigellus stepped into his portrait. The Weasleys and Siria gathered around the kettle. Dumbledore confirmed they knew how to use a Portkey. Siria hesitated, but placed her hand on it with the others. [B5, 474]
"One… two…" Dumbledore counted down. For the smallest moment, so small it slipped through her hands like sand. Dumbledore met Siria's eye. An urge, as great as the one that poured from her when she attacked Mr. Weasley, burst from Siria. She wanted to strike at Dumbledore with her fangs. "Three." [B5, 474-475]
The office, its portraits, Dumbledore's clear blue eyes and their strangely almost solid color, spun out of sight. [B5, 475]