Chapter 19 - Knowledge leads to questions.
Once Athena was safely dropped off at Hogwarts, she began a route, she knew too well. It was amazing how quickly students picked up the passageways of Hogwarts, Athena felt, it was as if she could make her way to the Library, with her eyes closed. As she walked the halls of Hogwarts, she subconsciously dodged the other students who had just finished their dinner and she took the time to ponder her weekend.
She felt this weekend had marked a transformative moment, and she didn't want to forget this feeling. Before this summer, Athena didn't really know what family meant, all she knew was that she lived with a couple, and their son. She had heard children talk about wanting to go home and about how they missed their parents, but she could never relate. In a matter of months, she had come to learn what home meant, and it didn't mean Auntie Minerva's cottage, although that had a warm fluffily feeling, but no, home meant wherever Auntie Minerva was, it was the safety she felt when she was with Sirius and it was the ease she felt with her friends. Everywhere else, was that longing you felt when your family wasn't around. Home is where they are. She knew she could see Auntie Minerva whenever she liked, but she might not see Sirius again until Christmas.
Christmas, that was another unrelatable feeling. Christmas meant watching Dudley break as many items as he could, before he stuffed his face with chocolate, turkey and more chocolate. One year, Athena managed to save, a stretchy action figure that Dudley couldn't break, she looked after it in her room until Dudley found it and accused her of stealing. Athena didn't eat for a day and a half after that. It was after this that Athena made her hiding place under the floorboard, well it wasn't exactly her hiding place, it was where the spiders would look after her things for her.
Athena thought back to when her only friends were the spiders under her floor, and her toys, where simply sticks, ironic now that she now carried a magical stick with her at all times. She wondered what would sound sillier to a muggle therapist, the fact she is a witch, with magical powers, or the fact she used to talk to spiders and sticks. Athena knew which reality she preferred.
Speaking of reality, Athena was pulled from her thoughts by a sudden thud. Her face was met with a stack of books, that caused her to fall back to the ground.
"Ow!" Athena said, as she landed on her bum, with a thud.
"Athena!" came a voice behind the pouring rain of books. "I am so sorry. Are you ok?"
"Kevin?" Athena realised. She took his offer of his hand and he pulled her back up on her feet. "I'm sorry, are you ok? I really wasn't looking where I was going." She said as she lent down to pick up his books.
"Are you kidding? It's my fault, I shouldn't have stacked my books so high." he assured and helped rescue the books. "Are you ok?"
Athena felt a bit embarrassed that she had landed on the floor but otherwise she was fine. "I'm ok, really." Athena looked around as she expected to see the other Hufflepuff boys. "Where are the rest of the guys?" She asked. Kevin could normally be found with the rest of the Hufflepuff boys.
Kevin chuckled, "I could ask you the same. We never see you without your group of friends and nobody has seen you all weekend. The Hufflepuffs were worried."
"Oh right. I'm sorry, I had a family thing..." Athena said somewhat awkwardly.
"Family?" Kevin muttered quietly to himself. "Oh right, Sirius Black, there was a rumour he had kidnaped you and taken you out of Hogwarts for good. I'm glad you are back."
"You are?" Asked Athena, who was still unused to people caring where she was or what she was doing.
"Well, of course!" he said a bit panicked. "Everyone saw you in flying lessons, you and Susan, are the hope of the Hufflepuff Quidditch Team!"
"I am? I mean, we are?" Athena asked genuinely confused. She had concluded she loved flying, but she didn't really know anything about Quidditch other than what Susan had said.
"Of course, well, we never give up hope, do we?" That was true, Athena thought, collectively Hufflepuff were an optimistic bunch; even if she was a tad more pessimistic than most.
"I'll have to learn how to dodge books first." Athena joked, as she handed the last book to Kevin.
Kevin chuckled at her joke and once he was assured that she was ok, he bid her good evening and went on his way. Athena never did find out why he was in the library on his own.
As Athena entered the Library, she saw a welcoming site, all three of her friends, had open books in front of them but it was clear their eyes had been stalking the front doors. Without making a sound, Hermione had dashed to hug her friend first, and then Susan engulfed them both in a three-way hug. Neville rushed to them but instead of hugging them, he awkwardly gave them an air hug. The girls laughed and dragged him into their hug. The girl's giggles caught the attention of Madam Prince the school Librarian.
"Shhhh! Save your public displays for elsewhere." The Librarian demanded harshly.
But the four first years, where unphased, nothing could upset their joy of being back together.
"Sorry, Madam Prince." Hermione said politely as they gathered their things and rushed out of the Library.
Without saying a word, Athena guided them to an empty classroom on the next floor up. Hermione looked like she was jumping on the spot, she was desperate to ask every question that was flying around her head.
As soon as Neville closed the door behind them, Hermione was ready. "Are you ok? We've missed you so much. Did you manage to get your homework done? What is Mr – I mean Lord Black like? Was he nice? Did he seem well? Is he -"
"Hermione!" Susan called. "You're doing it again." Susan said kindly. Had Susan said this when they first became friends, Hermione may have taken offence, but the two girls had become comfortable with each other over the past month, and they were not afraid to be honest with each other.
"Oh right," Hermione chuckled, "Sorry, Athena."
"It's ok Hermione, I missed you too. Let me see: Yes, I am ok. I've been offered a few days leeway with Homework, but to be honest, I was pretty much up to date, I just have Transfiguration left to finish and I will probably get that to Auntie Minerva tomorrow evening. Annnd Lord Black you say? Call him Sirius, he would insist, I'm sure. He is simply brilliant, this weekend I learnt so much about my birth family, about my Mum my Dad, even my Grandparents! I feel like I know them all for real. Like they were real people? You know?"
For once, Hermione looked like she was the only one in the group who didn't know. Susan and Neville were smiled, sadly.
"I think I was about 7 years old, when I asked about my parents, before that, they were kinda like celebrities, that my Aunt knew once." Susan said thoughtfully. "When I heard about their time at Hogwarts, it sounded like something out of a story book. It wasn't until, I heard about the times they got in trouble, like, my Dad got detention for a prank or something, that they then, actually sounded like real people." Susan said, understanding.
"I..." Neville began to say, the girls didn't push him for words, Neville had never talked about his parents before. It was only yesterday when Athena understood why. His situation must be the hardest. "My parents are talked about like celebrities, they are war heroes, it's all Gran ever says. But the way I see them now, I feel guilty for not thinking about them like that. Not that I think badly of them-" Neville assured. "It's just the people Gran talk about, don't feel real, my Parents are alive, they just aren't themselves at the moment but what I see when I visit them, that's what's real and they are mine, not the world's war heroes."
Athena felt a tingling sensation, like goose bumps around her heart, she wanted to cry at Neville's words but she knew it wouldn't be what her friend needed. Athena planned to visit her Godmother and her Husband, as soon as she was able. She wanted to meet them and she would also accept them, just as they are. Susan put a comforting arm around Neville and Athena wasn't sure what to say.
"Erm, Neville..." Hermione said gently, "I am really sorry, but – and you do not have to explain if you don't want to. But..."
"Oh. I am sorry Hermione. I'm just so used to people knowing, that's why I don't bring it up, I just assume everyone knows and I don't want anybody's pity." He tried to explain.
"I don't pity you Neville, I admire your strength. I bet they are really proud. Your Gran should be too." Athena said immediately.
"Oh, thank you." Neville said awkwardly, he still wasn't used to praise, even from his friends. "Do you know...about...?" He asked Athena directly.
"My godfather, told me, and did you know, your Mother is my Godmother?" Athena said proudly.
"Yes," Neville smiled "and your parents, are my God Parents." Athena beamed.
"Wow! I didn't know that! Then, we are practically god... cousins?" she laughed.
While Athena and Neville shared a moment. Hermione still looked completely lost and this was not, a feeling she was accustom too.
"Oh, Hermione, Sorry. My parents, they were attacked... erm when I was a baby. They survived, but their minds aren't the same... Thet were tortured, by You-know-who's right had Witch, Bellatrix Lestrange." Athena couldn't help thinking, if ever there was an evil witch name, that would be it.
"Oh Neville, I – I am so sorry. I'm sorry, I pried." Hermione began.
"No, please. Don't be sorry. I am grateful, I still have them at all." Neville said more confidently before.
Athena was proud of her friend; she could only hope she looked so strong when talking about her parents.
"So, Professor McGonagall is your new Aunt?" Susan said, Athena had never noticed how similar Susan's humour was to Sirius's. Any awkward situation she would find a joke to dodge it.
"Yeah," Athena awkwardly chuckled, "I am sorry I didn't tell you before, it's just..."
"It's ok, Professor McGonagall explained why it needed to be a secret, even from us. I am glad...Sirius, is free," Hermione assured.
"As he should be!" Susan said, "I still can't believe he never received a trial! Everyone just assumed he was evil!"
"Let us promise to never trust anything we are told again. Let's always do our own research, and if we hear a rumour, we won't accept it without proof. Promise?" Said Hermione as she put her hand out in the middle of them.
Athena had seeing such an action on TV and knew what to do, she put her hand on Hermione's and agreed, "Promise." Susan and Neville copied as they all agreed happily. Even Athena thought this was really cheesy, however, she was fully on bored with the idea.
Suddenly the group were interrupted, "Well, well, well, starting your own quidditch team? Surely my betrothed should ask my permission first? I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself."
"Sod off Malfoy!" Susan demanded, as Malfoy and his lackies came into the classroom snickering.
"Betrothed?" Athena asked.
"It means, he thinks you are legally bound to marry. Which is ridiculous!" Hermione said as she shot a glare at Malfoy. Athena knew what it meant but why would she be in such a contract?
"Yeah!" Susan added, "I am pretty sure the Potter's would never agree to such a thing!"
"Wait, what do you mean pretty sure?" Said Athena, concerned.
Susan shrugged. "Well, you never do know with purebloods..."
"Well we will have to check won't we!?" Said Hermione giving them a pointed look.
Hermione was right, there was no point panicking until it was checked out.
"Oh, you can check." Malfoy said confidently. "Our bloodlines will mix again, my beautiful princess."
Athena honestly felt like puking a little bit. "What do you mean 'again', we aren't related?"
Neville was stood just behind Athena, and he quietly commented, "Remind me to give you a pureblood history lesson."
"Do you not know, Sweet Athena, your Great-Grandmother was a Black, my Mother was born a black." He smirked. "Together, we will have the Black, the Potter and the Malfoy fortunes." Malfoy said proudly.
"For starters, that's not quite how inheritance works. Secondly, - Sorry, I forget you can't read – I am going to inform you of some shocking news, Lord Sirius Black, Athena's named Godfather and legal guardian, was freed Saturday after being wrongly imprisoned." Susan said in a condescending way.
Malfoy sneered. "You better watch your tone with me, you are talking to a Most accident and Noble House of Malfoy!"
"Just because your Father as gotten everybody to believe that, doesn't mean it is true! Your family may be classed as Noble but it was never awarded Ancient, because your family originally immigrated from French. Therefore, you are not classed as Ancient in either country!" Susan called. Athena was impressed that Susan knew so much about pureblood families. She would have to investigate herself.
"You!" Athena thought, if this was a cartoon, Malfoy would have steam coming out of his ears. "When my Father hears about this, he will..."
"He will what?" Susan said calmly.
"Come on Crab, Goyle." The three Slytherins marched out of the classroom, each taking the opportunity to send a glare towards Susan.
"Thanks guys." Said Athena, "Why is it the more I learn about the Magical World, the less I know?" she asked.
"Pureblood history is part of Home-schooling, once I found out we lost our Noble status because I am a girl, I did a project on all the houses. Even Aunt Amelia was shocked to learn The Malfoys weren't Ancient."
"Well, at least now I have a project to do during History of Magic." Athena said. History of Magic was taught by a ghost, which, at first sounds like a really interesting idea, unfortunately, he has the most boring dreary teaching style.
"You are meant to pay attention in class." Hermione reprimanded.
"Hermione, you know as well as I do, that he is simply reading from a book. An old edition of a book we have already read. A book we than reread, to actually do our homework."
Hermione looked like she wanted to argue but she couldn't think of anything to say. So, she changed the subject. "We better head back, it must be nearly curfew."
As they exited the classroom, the first thing Athena noticed was how quiet it was. Athena hesitantly looked toward the Pendulum Clock at the top of the hall. It was nearly quarter to nine and first years were expected to be in their common rooms by eight.
It appeared Hermione had come to the same realisation, "Oh no! We are out past curfew!"
As if by magic, the three were startled by a crying cat behind them. It was Mrs Norris, the caretaker's cat. Mr Filch wasn't the nicest of caretakers, in fact he hated students, he even tried punishing the group for standing in the corridor once, and that was in the daytime!
"Run!" Susan called.
Four first years, made it to the Grand Staircase, and they could hear Filch talking to his cat behind them. They couldn't wait for the moving stairs to get them, they needed to get hidden and fast. They dashed through one of the side doors and down a corridor. They stopped to see if they could still hear Mr Filch.
To their horror they heard the door open round the corner. "You think they came this way my pet? Don't worry we will find them. Oh, they are in trouble..."
"Quick, hide in there." Hermione whispered.
Neville made it to the door first and he found the door was locked. Without comment, Athena got out her wand and quietly called, "Alohomora!"
All four rushed in and closed the door behind them. They stopped and listened. Within moments, they heard the faint sound of Filch going past time. As the steps became further away, they all visibly relaxed.
"That was close." Athena commented.
"I bet Malfoy tipped him off, he's got such a bias towards Slytherin." Hermione said angrily.
"He must think this room is locked." said Susan.
"It was locked!"
"We better – Neville? What is it?" Athena asked. Neville was white and staring away from the door.
The three girls, look around to see what he was staring at, and Athena had never seen such a sight in all her life! How was this possible? The most amazing weekend and she was going to die here. She wished Auntie Minerva was here.
They were looking straight into the eyes of a dog, a dog that filled the whole space between high ceiling and floor. At first Athena thought it might be three dogs, she wasn't sure if that would be better than reality or not. There was no doubt, three heads, but this dog had one body. One body and three heads - one body! And three heads! Three pairs of eyes were looking at them, three noses were twitching in their direction. For a moment, Athena kidded herself and thought just because it looked scary didn't mean it was? But as three mouths presented slimy, gooey saliva from sharp dirty teeth, Athena was ok with being judgemental, just this once.
The four friends, concluded in under a second that they would rather run into Filch than stay here.
Athena and her friends fell through the door and Athena dashed to shut the door behind them. Before saying anything, they all charged back to the Grand Staircase. And they could only hope the noise didn't attract anybody.
"What-The-Hell?" Susan panted.
"Why would they keep a dog chained up like that, it needs outside space!?" Athena demanded.
"We haven't got time for that now!" Hermione called. "We need to get back to our Common Rooms. First and Second years, are supposed to be in their Common Rooms, by now, someone is going to notice us!"
Athena looked around the Grand Staircase and she noticed nobody was around, that was really lucky, but she was worried what their prefects would say. Should she mention the three-head-dog?
"Hermione is right. Are you guys going to be able to get back to your Common Room ok?" Neville glanced at the stairs and he didn't look so sure; however, Hermione confidently grabbed his arm, and pulled him up with her.
"Yes, we have to move quickly. We will see you guys in the morning."
Athena and Susan wasted no time, making their way to the Entrance Hall and down towards the Hufflepuff Common Room. As she crawled into the hole behind the barrels, Athena wondered. if her life could really be any crazier?
OOO
Early in the morning, Athena had written to Hagrid and asked him if it would be alright for her and her friends to visit him for lunch. Hagrid's handwriting seemed a little scribbled and Athena could tell he was pleased. He even replied with a promise of Rock Cakes. Athena grimaced at this as, unfortunately, Hagrid seemed to forget not everybody else's teeth were as strong as his. Pleasantly there was a mention of Jam sandwiches so they wouldn't have to worry about grabbing a quick bite before they headed to down to Hagrid's hut.
Once the four friends arrived at Hagrid's door, she could already hear her friend pottering around inside. He was telling Fang not to get over excited when they arrived.
After their knock, the door flung open and they were greeted with a large smile, large for even Hagrid's standard. "'Thena! I'm glad you could come. Tea has jus' brewed, perfec' timing. A'righ' there Hermione, Susan, Neville?" Hagrid said happily.
All four returned Hagrid's greeting as they made their way around the table. Athena lent down to greet fang, who was so excited his tail knocked a tea cup off the table. And his drool had covered Athena's robes.
"Fang! I told you no' to get excited! Silly dog." Hagrid moaned as he threw a stake towards fang's bed to distract him.
"It's alright Hagrid," commented Neville, "I've been practicing this one!" Neville pointed his wand at the broken tea cup. "Repairo!"Magically the cup repaired itself perfectly and returned to the side.
"That is excellent Neville!" Hermione called.
"Wow, that's really good." Susan commented.
And Athena congratulated Neville. Neville's confidence of his spells was growing and all three girls were really proud of him.
Athena cast Scourgify, on her robes to clean away the drool and she joined the others at the table.
Hagrid seemed really impressed. "Wow," he said, "You lo' are really advanced for Firs' years!"
"Thanks, Hagrid." Athena beamed.
"We practice and we've actually worked ahead. I know you aren't meant to but we never get tired." Susan explained.
"We are in the process of organising a club for first years to practice together. The idea started when we wanted somewhere to practice together, as we are from different houses, that was a bit hard to come by. We have been editing a rewriting our proposal to start a study group. It turns out, these sort of groups are really hard to make, it's why most of the groups that run have already been established for years and you don't come by many new ones." Hermione explained. "Planning the sessions hasn't been so hard, because we are basically following the school syllabus. We planned for some flexibility too."
"The hard part has been finding a room, for a such a big castle, finding a large, unused room is surprisingly hard." Neville continued.
"But Athena basically found one by accident last night. I still can't work out how we didn't try it before. It's not fair from the Library!" Susan explained.
"So now we just need to take our proposal back to Professor Flitwick, and hopefully we can start advertising in every house!" Athena finished.
"Wow!" It was hard to tell with the about of hair Hagrid had, but Athena could see that Hagrid's eyebrows raised. "You lot are ambitious, you even want to invite the Slytherins?"
Athena couldn't help it, she rolled her eyes at her friend. "Hagrid...We talked about this, being in Slytherin doesn't make you evil."
"I know, I know. You said, but... You have to understand, I've known some evil people, in my time. They 'appen to be in Slytherin." He argued.
"Like Peter Pettigrew?" Athena challenged, knowing full well, he was in Gryffindor. The room turned cold.
"Well..." Said Hagrid, suddenly look uncomfortable, in fact all her friends looked a bit unsettled.
Athena sighed, maybe she was a bit too passionate. "Think of it like this, Auntie Minerva, said, 'Your house, is like your family', right?" Athena was so glad she could refer to her Auntie like this in front of these friends. She noticed Hagrid gave a side way glance at her younger friends and she saw him conclude that they must now know. "Well, I wouldn't judge anyone on their family, even if they have a family with a bad reputation." Athena tried to explained. She didn't want to make it personal but Hagrid had admitted his mother was a giant, and giants had a pretty poor reputation.
It seemed that Hagrid had got the message. "You're righ' 'thena, I wouldn' want someone to judge me, cos of my – size."
"Oh! Speaking of size!" Susan shamelessly changed the subject, so they could talk about the thing they actually came to ask him. "You know about creatures, the large scary kind – What do you know about large dogs? Let's say big enough to fill the great hall... with an extra head, or two..."
Wow, Susan was not the subtle type. Athena concluded.
"How do you know 'bout Fluffy?" he said.
"Fluffy?"
"Yeah - he's mine - bought him off a Greek chappie I met in the pub las' year - I lent him to Dumbledore to guard the-" he stopped himself suddenly.
"To guard what Hagrid?" Athena asked.
"Now, don't ask me anymore," said Hagrid gruffly. "That's top secret, tha' is."
"What's secret?" Hermione pushed.
"Look you four, you aren' meant to know! It's between Dumbledore an' Nicolas Flamel -"
"Nicolas Flamel?" Athena asked.
"Isn't he on a chocolate frog card?" Neville said thoughtfully.
"I know that name... isn't he a famous... Alchemist! That's it!" Susan remembered.
"Now wai' one minute!" Hagrid panicked.
"Oh no!" Hermione cried, "I just remembered, I left my – charms paper, in the Library!
"Huh?" Said Neville. But Hermione grabbed Neville's hand and pulled him with her as she ran out of the Hut.
"Thanks for Tea Hagrid!" she politely said as she made an exit.
But Athena and Susan had caught on. She couldn't believe Hermione was willing to tell, even a little lie, but Athena wanted to look this up as well.
"Sorry Hagrid, we better run!" Susan said, as she made her way to the door.
"Thank you, for lunch Hagrid, maybe I could come back Friday after class?" Athena asked, as she felt bad for leaving Hagrid.
"I'd like that, but 'Thena -" before Hagrid could say anything else, she dashed after her friends.
However, she darted back to give her first friend, a big giant hug. "You're the best Hagrid."
OOO
The group didn't find much more information in the Library, Susan was sure he was some old Alchemist, famous for making …. something. Hermione was already digging through books, books that looked bigger than she was and Neville was flicking through his Chocolate Frog Cards, looking for the name.
"Can't we just ask one of the Professors?" Susan moaned.
"We can't. We'll get Hagrid in trouble. We aren't meant to know about Fluffy. And we definitely aren't meant to know about some big secret."
"Remind me not to ask Hagrid to keep a secret." Neville said, as he looked through his chocolate frog cards again.
Athena felt bad for Hagrid, she would trust Hagrid with her life but that was unrelated to him keeping a secret.
"Well, I want to know what Fluffy is guarding. What could possibly justify keeping a thing that size in a school? Surely, it can't be good for the dog, dogs are meant to be given walks but I can't see Hagrid taking fluffy out for a stroll around the lake?"
Athena silently agreed, but something didn't make sense, Hagrid loved seeing the animals at the zoo, but he was uncomfortable with them being behind cages. Athena explained that a lot of the animals were rescued from bad situations in the wild, perhaps fluffy was a rescue animal too?
"Well lunch is over and we better head to class. Wait – why don't you write to Sirius, see if he knows, just say it's a research project."
"I won't need to say that, I can tell Sirius and he wouldn't use it against Hagrid. Perhaps he knows what's going on?"
"Well he might not, "Susan added, "I'm not sure he'll be in the loop with what's going on at Hogwarts. I could ask Aunt Amelia?"
With a plan set, the group made their way to their last class of the day, Transfiguration.
OOO
Athena and her friends seemed quieter than usual. They seemed distracted and Minerva knew something was up. She wasn't surprised when the four waited behind after class.
"And what do I owe the pleasure?" She asked them, as she walked up to her desk. Athena moved around to warmly greet her and Minerva opened her arms to welcome her.
"I'm sorry to bother you Auntie Minerva. I hope it's nothing but this could be important."
Minerva was concerned by Athena's tone. "What is it Athena? You can ask me anything."
"It's Draco Malfoy, I told you he's been creepy saying we are meant to be together, but now he's saying we are Betrothed, that sounds a bit more serious."
"Yes, it does." Said Minerva, understanding their concern. "Listen to me, it is extremely unlikely your parents would have agreed to such thing, and only your guardian could -"
Minerva stopped dead at the thought, a guardian could arrange a Betrothal but so could a Guardian Proxy...
"Auntie Minerva, what is it?"
Minerva shook herself out of a slight daze, now wasn't the time to lose her temper. Besides, she was jumping to conclusions. Dumbledore is crazy, not stupid. "Sorry Athena, I was just thinking, how it could be possible, but I really don't think it is. Besides, in the unlikely event it is true, we will get you out of it. I promise you; you will be free to choose your own suiter, many – many – many years from now."
"But it could be possible!?" Athena has clearly focused on the wrong part of that statement.
"Athena, I do not wish to lie to you." Immediately, all the children in the room showed signs of panic. Minerva wanted to shield Athena and her friends from any discomfort but, apart from Miss Granger, these children were children of war heroes. Seeing Athena overcome hardship, at such a young age, had proved to Minerva that children could handle a lot more than she normally gave them credit for. "I do not think Mr Malfoy's words hold any truth. But I will not assume, that I know for sure, without investigating it first. Do you understand?"
Athena nodded, "Yeah, that makes sense. Thank you, I knew we could come to you."
"You can come to me for anything." Athena looked uncomfortable, she looked to her friends, as if she was silently asking them a question. "Is there something else bothering you?" She pushed.
After a pause, Athena continued. "Promise you won't get mad? Get mad at me, not Hagrid!"
Oh no. "Hagrid?" she asked concerned.
"Promise?"
"I promise I shell keep an open mind, will that suit you?"
"Well," Athena said, while she nervously played with her hair. Last night, we stayed up talking about my weekend, that's when Malfoy cornered us. Once he was done, we realised we'd over run past curfew. So, we made a run for it, because Mr Filch, was around. We lost sense of which floor we were on and managed the run down the third-floor corridor."
Oh dear, Minerva thought, they must have seen the Cerberus.
"Well, we accidently ran into what we thought was an abandoned classroom? And we met Fluffy, luckily, we got out pretty quick."
"Thank goodness you did. But how do you know he is called Fluffy?" Minerva wanted to scream and rave at how that dog should not be in a school. She had been assured by Hagrid that, Fluffy, would more likely lick you to death than bite you. But she still didn't like it one bit.
"We know Fluffy is guarding something." Miss Granger admitted, as if she couldn't hold in the information much longer.
"Do you now? Well if it were, I am afraid it is Hogwarts business." Minerva said sternly. It appeared her old, stern habits were hard to break.
"We know about Nicolas Flamel as well?" Susan offered uncomfortably.
Minerva was truly shocked. "How could you possibly -?"
"You said you wouldn't get mad!" Athena pleaded.
"Mad? I'm shocked. What have you four been up to?"
"Well, we... Large scary dog, it only made sense to ask Hagrid and - "
"Say no more, I think I understand." Hagrid, lovely man, good heart but he could not keep a secret. Thankfully, Fluffy wasn't the only barrier of the stone. The Stone that should not be here in the first place! She needed Athena as far away from this mystery as possible. Perhaps giving enough answers, would prevent this group for searching for more. She was glad Athena came to her regarding this.
"Alright, I am not mad, curiosity is not a crime, but I must warn you, some paths lead to more traitorous roads. This road, I assure you, this venture, is not worth your time." She continued. "Fluffy is a Cerberus, their natural state is to be asleep but they are easily awoken. This makes them excellent guard dogs. The Headmaster, is taking care of an item, that belongs to Nicolas Flamel. It was saw fit, that this item was guarded by a guard dog, which Hagrid happened to have acquired. Now as you can understand, this is all top-secret information that you have stumbled upon, I need to trust you will not share this information with anybody."
She stared at year first year pointedly. Each responded, "Yes, Professor."
Lastly, she looked to Athena, who still looked thoughtful. "Are you alright Athena?" Athena's mind, seemed to spring back to the room.
"Huh? Oh yes. I was just thinking: if seems silly, to hide anything important in a school full of kids! It is weirdly hidden, in plain sight. There are students who would see, 'Do not enter' as a challenge, and we managed it by accident. What if someone else isn't as lucky as us?"
A certain pair of red headed twins sprung to mind. "You make an excellent point. I shall most definitely bring your concerns up with the Headmaster. Although Hagrid has assured us, Fluffy wouldn't directly attack..."
"Auntie Minerva, you know I care for Hagrid but he also believes a pet Dragon would be a good idea..."
Minerva pursed her lips. "Another good point. Leave it to me, Athena."
"Hagrid won't get in trouble, will he?" Mr Longbottom asked.
"Oh, I may have a stern word with Hagrid about keeping secrets but I assure you I will not upset him."
"That brings us to your punishment." Minerva continued. She noticed both Miss Granger and Mr Longbottom looked down-right frightened. "I appreciate last night was a series of unfortunate accidents, therefore, I will not give you detention." The children visibly relaxed. "However, this is your first and only warning, any more tardiness for time keeping, and I shell have no choice but to punish you."
Athena, Minerva noticed, looked very ashamed. Minerva actually thought she was being very lenient perhaps she did have an unfair bias when Athena was concerned. "Athena, we talked about this, sometimes my concern may come across as anger. But it is because I care for your wellbeing." Minerva tried to make it less personal. "All of you, let this be a warning, a lesson, if you will. No matter the circumstances, always be aware of your surroundings. Your panic led you to a more severe situation. Please learn from that."
As the first years again agreed, Minerva put her arm around Athena, keeping a professional distance was proving difficult.
She warmly bid the group good evening and Minerva hoped that was the end of that. Minerva knew there were some more conversations she needed to have with the so-called- Headmaster. And she needed to contact Sirius and Ted regarding this supposed Betrothal.
Minerva wished she could talk to Athena regarding their adoption plans, but that discussion could wait until their Saturday morning discussions.
OOO
"We'll I guess that's that then?" Neville said.
"Is it though?" Susan commented.
"What do you mean?" Athena asked.
"Well, we didn't actually learn anything new, we knew there was a secret, between Dumbledore and Nicolas Flamel and we know it was being guarded by Fluffy...We haven't actually been told anything more."
Now Susan said it like that, Athena realised she was right.
"But Professor McGonagall, did say to stay away from it! That it was being handled by the Headmaster." Pointed out Hermione.
"Well, what can we do? I think we should leave it to Auntie Minerva, hopefully, whatever it is, it won't be here much longer..."
"I still want to know what it is. Don't tell me you're not a tiniest bit curious?"
"It's annoying," said Neville, "I feel like I know it, I just can't remember!" Neville claimed.
"Between, wandless magic, preparing for our club, flying practice and normal classes, good luck trying to work it out." Hermione said. "I'm going to dinner, before any of you come up with another great mystery for us to solve."
Hermione headed to the Great Hall, followed by her friends. Neville and Athena exchanged a concerned look. Hermione acted a bit like this last night too, maybe Hermione didn't like getting in trouble. Athena made a mental note to have a chat with Hermione, just to make sure she was alright.
However, at lunch time, the experience of the three-head-dog was almost forgotten, just like with breakfast, Athena's food was accompanied with a side of ridiculous questions about her Godfather, from people she considered complete strangers. If only there was a way, to write a letter to them all, explaining the facts, so they would leave her alone with her dinner and friends.