Chapter 57- Secrets and reveals
May 1996
Wednesday May 1st Hogwarts Castle
If Marietta was the surprise fashionista of the year, Sylvia was the surprise genius of the year having jumped up two years in multiple classes since January in classes with professors who were not in lock step with Dumbledore. "Ms. Stingray, a moment please," Professor Meloi called out, holding her back as the others left.
"Yes, professor," Sylvia said.
"Ms. Stingray I am neither blind, nor stupid," Prof Meloi said.
"Of course not Professor," Sylvia replied.
"So I have been more than aware of your surprising mental and physical growth over the last few months," he said.
"Dang it," Sylvia muttered.
"This upsets you," Professor Meloi said.
"Yes, now I owe people money," Sylvia sighed.
"Why?" Meloi said.
"Because we made bets on who would be the first to notice," Sylvia said. "And I picked Dumbledore."
"I see, so the fact that you have been rapidly going through puberty doesn't scare you?" Professor Meloi asked.
"No," Sylvia replied with a beaming smile.
"Hhhhmmm, And I take it that this pleases you," Professor Meloi said.
"Of course," Sylvia said. "It's what I've been training for."
"Interesting," Professor Meloi said. "So this is the same process Johanna put herself through."
"Oh crap," Sylvia blurted out. "Can you just forget that I said that," she pleaded.
"Afraid I will stop you or speak to Dumbledore," Meloi said.
"Um, yes," Sylvia said.
"And why would I do that," Meloi said.
"Um, because…." Sylvia said.
"I didn't stop Johanna, so I will not do it now," Meloi said. "That said, I am curious as to how it works."
"The simple version is it's a self actualization program that allows for self image actualization where instead of being a curse it is the end goal. This is accomplished through reflection and meditation to determine who your real self is, and identify what it is you like and don't like about yourself and take action to rectify that which you do not like in yourself. All of which is used to create a plan of mental, physical, and spiritual exercises to better yourself," Sylvia explained.
"And why does this cause such a dramatic change in you vs others who have tried it in the past," Professor Meloi said.
"That is something I can not answer, but I believe Cho Chang said it best. Johanna didn't like the tapestry of life the fates gifted her so she blew it up and made a better one. I was just one of the lucky ones caught in the blast radius," Sylvia explained.
"Yes, that does sound like Johanna," Professor Meloi said. "And it is preferable to blowing up bathrooms."
"I know right," Sylvia giggled.
"Now it seems to me you are in a unique situation where if you challenge yourself and meet the challenge, the world bends slightly as a result," Professor Meloi said.
"I think so," Syvlia replied.
"Perhaps a test is in order then," Meloi replied.
"What sort of test," Sylvia asked.
"The final for 8th year magic theory," Meloi replied.
"May I ask why?" Sylvia said.
"As I said I am not blind or ignorant of what is going on around me and it is my belief that not only do you want this, but that it will be more helpful in general for you to potentially be on track to graduate next year," Meloi said.
"You want me to be a counter to Vainsley," Sylvia said.
"Among other things," the professor said. "But for now, I think you need to get to your next class."
Section Break
As the days grew longer they weighed heavy on the 8th turned 1st year, as the end of the year rapidly approached. Elizabeth was turning into a nervous wreck at the thought of living with her mother, not that it was any better for her as a 1st year having to relearn so much of the basics she had scoffed at. At this point the only class that wasn't a pain in the ass was history of magic, as even flying had become a chore without her close connection to the air around her. Yet, she was no closer to coming up with a solution for the problem.
"Hello Elizabeth," Luna said, approaching Liz in the library.
"Luna, I'm Liz," she deadpanned.
"Oh, it's just I could have sworn….. Ah yes the hair, Elizabeth's is longer than yours but other than that, the two of you look very similar," Luna said.
"We do," Liz blurted out.
"Maybe not perfectly, but it's pretty close," Luna said.
It was then the lightbulb went off in her head. "Luna you're a genius," Liz exclaimed, jumping up from her seat.
"I am," Luna said.
"Yes, and thanks so much for the help," Liz said quickly gathering her things. "I can't believe I didn't see this before. I am such an idiot," she muttered, racing down the hallway. Thankfully she wouldn't have to search the whole school to find who she was looking for, not at this time of day. Syvlia was almost as predictable as Johanna finding the girl rollerblading around the lake on the path Johanna had created. The sight was both expected and yet surprising as the brown haired girl raced around the path. She had apparently jumped from cute to beautiful skipping the awkward gangly stage with the way her figure had begun to fill out. Much like her good friend Johanna Sylvia had quite the pair of legs with a perky posterior to match. Unlike her friend however Sylvia was going to be quite talented up top as well. "So lucky," Liz sighed watching Sylvia power around the loop, rich brown hair streaming behind her. The brunette visage releasing a natural air of maturity, with wisdom and intelligence beyond her years sparkling behind those sea-green eyes of hers. Unlike Johanna who'd turned herself into another person Sylvia looked like an older more perfect version of herself. The Sylvia she wished to be revealed for the world to see. "How does she do it?" Liz muttered observing the girl, no young woman do things she'd be hard pressed to do even before turning over a new leaf.
"Do what," Sylvia said, rollerblading in a circle around Liz before stopping.
"GAH!" Liz yelped, jumping into the air and landing on her skinny posterior. "Owie," Liz muttered looking up at Sylvia as she bent over to look at her. Liz couldn't help but blush with embarrassment as she looked at Sylvia. "I'm fine," she said slowly, standing up.
"So what brings you out here, aren't you usually studying in the library right now," Sylvia asked.
ing "I am but, I've discovered a solution to Elizabeth's problem," Liz said.
"Really, is there some sort of old law only the pureblood know about or something," Sylvia asked.
"No, and it's as crazy as it is stupid, but it's the only one that I know will work," Liz said.
"And what is this plan of yours?" Sylvia asked.
"I'll be taking Elizabeth's place," Liz said.
"Come again," Sylvia said.
"You heard me, I need your help to turn me into Elizabeth so that I can take her place," Liz said, her blue eyes brimming with determination shadows of the old Liz coming through.
"You can't be serious, I mean, that's," Sylvia gasped.
"More serious than I've ever been. Elizabeth is voluntarily trying to get herself booted down to 1st year so that I could have a friend," Liz said. "And as her friend I can not let her go through living with Bellatrix Le'Strange."
"And I can't let you do that," Sylvia said.
"You can and you will," Liz said. "If Bellatrix is half as dark and crazy as my mother says she is, then I can't, no won't let Elizabeth go through that."
"What about you," Sylvia asked.
"I've survived it once, I can do it again no problem," Liz said even as her knees wobbled slightly.
"You're lying," Sylvia said, narrowing her eyes.
"So what if I am," Liz said. "I've lied so much in my life. What is one more? At least this time I will be doing it to help someone," Liz said. "And besides a sane Bellatrix picking up her daughter at the train station and being a good mother will be a powerful photo-op for her. If she's not there, it will be a scandal. A missing child will cause a stir and they will most likely lock the borders."
"But," Sylvia said.
"She did it by saying she would be at a friend's house and over winter break. This is different," Liz said.
"What happens when Belatrix discovers the truth," Sylvia said.
"Bellatrix has only seen her daughter twice a year, and Elizabeth skived off the last three times so it's been almost 2 years since she's seen her," Liz said.
"But what about her Aunts Andromeda, and Narcissa," Sylvia said.
"That's where you come in," Liz said. "I will write a letter to Andromeda Tonks and tell her that regardless of what she sees, I will be in Monaco and not with Bellatrix. Narcissa dotes on Draco, so I need you to give her a reason to do so," Liz explained.
"That can be arranged," Syvlia said.
"Good, that just leaves the last three items," Liz said.
"And that is," Sylvia said.
"1- I need Elizabeth's diary, 2- I'm a hot mess and I need you to make me into a passable third year," Liz said, growing quiet.
"And 3," Sylvia said.
"That is a bit more complicated," Liz said. "What are your feelings for Mathew?"
This time it was Sylvia's turn to fall in surprise, her skates sliding out from under her. "What kind of question is that?'
"I meant what I said," Liz said, locking eyes with hers.
"But you're asking me how I feel about your boyfriend," Sylvia said.
"I know, but I've seen the two of you together, you make him smile, and I see the way you blush when he gets close to you," Liz said.
"Ok, fine you got me, I fancy him," Sylvia sighed. "I'm….."
"Good," Liz said.
"What?" A confused Sylvia yelped, scrambling to her knees.
"He is a good man, the best a girl could ever hope for, but this is something only I can do to help someone I hope to one day call my friend," Liz said. "And something I'm not sure I can come back from." "And Mathew needs to move on and stop chasing a dream. He is destined for greatness and can't be seen ogling a little girl."
"He would never," Syvlia said.
"We know that, but the rest of the world doesn't, and he needs someone that can stand next to him and support him. He might laugh it off, but he's been given more responsibilities as of late, I can see it weighing on his broad shoulders," Liz said.
"His shoulders are nice, and we've all been wondering why he hasn't decked anyone lately," Syvlia said. "Is this what Professor Meloi was referring to?"
"Yes, so take care of him Sylvia, be to him what I couldn't be, but above all else just make him happy," Liz said before Sylvia hugged her.
"I promise," Sylvia whispered.
"Thank you," Liz replied as she returned the hug. Leagues away in the Tuttle family home a name on a tapestry grew fainter as Liz took another step away from her family.
Wednesday May 3rd Saint Hidle's
May in the Alps, meant spring was here, and spring meant getting outside and enjoying the weather after being stuck inside for months. "Finally, some nice weather," Padma said as they ate breakfast outside.
"We've had nice weather for a while now," Victoria said.
"Victoria, we're Indian," Padma deadpanned.
"And grew up outside of Delhi," Parvati added.
"Remind me never to ask you if it's too hot," Victoria said.
"It's been two days, do you have any idea where Johanna is, this isn't like her," Parvati added.
"All I know is that she is doing special training with mom and Perenelle," Victoria said.
"What sort of training," Padma said.
"I'm not at liberty to say," Victoria said.
Parvati rolled her eyes, placing a hand on Victoria's shoulder. "Victoria, we've been friends since first year, so please don't treat us like idiots. We were guarding Johanna and Luna when the mana transfer occurred."
"You know about Luna, Artemis, and celestial mana," Victoria gasped.
"From the beginning," Padma chuckled. "We knew your sister was special the moment we met her."
"She's just more special now, and we are with her to the very end, wherever it might lead," Parvati said.
"And speak of the devil," Padma said, pointing to a young woman crossing through the barrier around the school.
"Johanna's hair is back and all's right with the world," Victoria thought watching her sister stride confidently into the school, her trademark silver hair back to its insane just above the grass length. Even then it was a close call with the blue bow tying off the end sitting at the level of her matching heeled boots.
"Is it just me or does Johanna look different to you," Parvati asked, watching her glide across the grass.
"I dunno," Victoria said, watching her sister smile and wave to some of the other students in a strapless, sleeveless silver, light blue, and white minidress that came to mid-thigh, her wands attached to a holster on her upper back.
"Maybe it's her outfit," Padma said, checking out the white knee-high boots that made her already long legs look even longer. A waist cape fluttering behind her as hips swayed side to side. Dark blue elbow length gloves finished the ensemble giving it a universal sort of appeal that could be worn almost anywhere. "No, it's her eyes," Padma thought after locking eyes with her friend and in that instant, she saw something deeper, something more swirling beneath those crystal-clear blue eyes.
"I take it you were successful," Victoria asked her sister.
Johanna smiled "Ja, but only a little," Johanna replied.
"Sis you got your hair back, I would hardly call that unsuccessful," Victoria said.
"True, but I can only manage one moonlight arrow at a time for a maximum of 8 or reinforcement for two minutes and then I'm done for the day," Johanna replied.
"Sis, that's incredible," Victoria said, jumping up and hugging her.
"And if more people knew you were channeling the power of the divine," Parvati said.
"True, but they already suspect as much, and let me tell you it is not easy," Johanna said. "I just hope drawing on Artemis's authority as the goddess of the hunt is enough."
"And looking none the worse for wear for doing it," Padma said.
"That's only because mom took pity on me and let me take a few days off before coming back," Johanna sighed.
"That bad," Victoria said.
"I was moving at full speed when I slammed into one of mom's barriers, and Perenelle knows more spells in more languages than I've ever heard of and she wasn't pulling any punches," Johanna said. "But the worst part was that I thought my arms were going to fall off," Johanna said, rubbing her shoulder.
"Dare I ask why," Victoria asked.
"Unlike ice arrows, I have to fire moonlight arrows like they are actual arrows, and the draw weight is immense," Johanna said.
"I would say that's not how it works," Padma said. "But…."
"It's not like we have anything to go on, and I can't risk contacting Luna right now," Johanna said.
"So, archery practice," Parvati said.
"Maybe a little," Johanna said with a shrug before wincing slightly.
Victoria shrugged with a slight smirk on her lips. "Well figure skaters aren't exactly known for their upper body strength," Victoria said.
"And neither are idol singers." "That's because it's all in the legs," Johanna replied, posing to show off her well-toned thighs as the hem rose up a little higher. "But a little training wouldn't hurt and I can always work it into magical routines," Johanna said.
"Somehow I knew that was coming," Victoria said.
"But enough about me, how were your breaks?" Johanna asked.
Thursday May 16th Saint Hilde's
"Is this really necessary," Dumbledore said looking at the pair of ladies flanking him.
"Do you really want us to answer that," Nanoha and Vita said as they escorted him to Fate's office.
"I suppose not," Dumbledore said as the door opened revealing Fate's passive visage, yet her eyes were filled with rage.
"I thought I made my intentions clear, Headmaster Dumbledore," Fate said, folding her hands on her desk.
"Yes, but I was hoping you might reconsider, given the circumstances," Dumbledore replied.
"And what circumstances would those be," Fate said.
"The current state of the world," Dumbledore said.
"You are talking about the statute of secrecy hanging by a knife's edge, or the increasingly belligerent stance taken by the new Russian Government," Fate said.
"Yes," Dumbledore replied.
"Then why bring back a tournament that hasn't been held in 204 years," Fate said. "A tournament that this school was never invited to."
"Only because it was founded after the Triwizard tournament was suspended, and Triwizard means three, and Saint Hilde's makes 4," Fate said.
"5 actually," Dumbledore said.
"I know the Irish turned you down, so who else did you ask," Fate said.
"Kitezh," Dumbledore replied, only for Fate to slam her fists on her desk.
"Why in the world would you do that? Russia is a mess right now," Fate said.
"Which is exactly why this is the best time to make peaceful contact with them," Dumbledore said.
"Sure, tell that to the Ukranian's," Fate sighed.
"Ukraine is a part of Russia," Dumbledore replied.
"Just how stupid are you, Nonmagical Ukraine has been fully independent from Russia for the last 5 years. And I don't think they are going to take being invaded lying down," Fate replied. "But you don't care do you."
"I care what benefits the largest number of people, and wars do not benefit….." Dumbledore stated.
"Save it, I know you are only doing this because you want the Grunbergs and Patil's back in Hogwarts and under your sphere of influence," Fate said.
"They are….."
"Quite frankly the best students the school has ever had, bar none," Fate said.
"Then you understand the importance of providing them with proper guidance," Dumbledore said. "Your knowledge of thunder magic is impressive, but can such a small school truly provide what those girls need."
"I do not like what you are insinuating," Fate growled.
"Hogwarts is simply better equipped, and has properly trained, while many of your staff have….." Dumbledore said.
"ENOUGH!" Fate roared slamming her hands on her desk cracking it while lightning arced up and down her arms. "I will not have you insult my staff any longer," she growled looking at him right in his twinkling eyes.
"Let's go, I think it is time for a tour," Vita said, grabbing him by the arm and jerking him around.
"Yes, a tour would be…" Dumbledore said as Vita shoved her war hammer under his chin.
"Not a word, and don't bother trying legumancy on anyone, you wouldn't like the results," Vita hissed before dragging him out.
"That was stupid," Fate sighed after the door closed.
"Did he…" Nanoha asked.
"Yes, but only for an instant," Fate replied, slumping back into her chair.
"Was he able to see anything," Nanoha asked.
"I don't think so," Fate said. "The connection was too brief and my rage focused on him, but sweep the room and the school for any listening charms."
"Sure, but why the tour," Nanoha asked as she began to sweep the room.
"He insulted every teacher and student at this school, and there is no way I am going to take that lying down," Fate said.
Section Break
"Yuuno do you mind if we sit in on some presentations," Vita said, dragging Dumbledore into the room.
"Of course, but I will not have any eye twinkling of any sort in my class," Yuuno said.
"Or I will turn your head into an exploding melon," Vita whispered.
"Crap," Padma hissed as they were the next group to go.
"This won't tell him he doesn't already know, or could easily find out," Parvati said.
"Agreed, but I still don't like it," Johanna said.
"I can activate Ethereal Air Palace, it won't stop a legumancy attack but I will know if he tries anything," Victoria said.
"Do it," Johanna said. "But just enough to let me know that we're on to him."
"Ethereal Air palace, swirling wind bind," Victoria whispered casually, spinning her wand around.
A slight breeze began to blow around Dumbledore's body, restricting but not stopping his movements. "A near silent incantation, with no discernable wand movements at her age. So Liz did indeed give Invisible Air to Victoria," Dumbledore thought. "A proactive approach as expected from a Grunberg, but I have been at this game far longer." "Professor Scyra might I ask why one of your students has chosen to cast a binding spell on me," Dumbledore asked.
"Probably because you deserve it," several students muttered.
"Victoria," Yuuno sighed. "I understand your concerns, but using your Noblesse Oblige on a visiting Professor is perhaps a bit rude, and there are much simpler ways," he said, adjusting several items on his desk directing the glare from the open window in Dumbledore's direction.
"Yes, Professor," Victoria said, canceling the spell.
"Now then, I believe you have a presentation on Fairies for us," he said.
"Ja," Johanna said, stepping forward. "In the non-magical parts of the world the term fairy can be used to refer to any sort of magical creature, which is an overly broad statement given the distinctly different nature of magical species ranging from humanoid species like mermaids to such beasts as the chimera. Then there is the term Fae which can also refer to fairies. However, the Fae traditionally referred to the spirits of nature and places, which is a discussion for another time. As such we will be defining fairies as a subspecies of human that are smaller in stature, have naturally occurring wings, and are capable of sustained flight," Johanna said before creating an ice sculptor of a fairies back and wings with her wand.
"As you can see here, the fairies' wings are an extension of the transverse process of the thoracic vertebrae that articulate in a joint located on the surface of the skin. In fact, this system is very similar to that of an insect's wings. As you might expect, the combination of human and insect biology is a bit odd, and it fits together a little too perfectly. Doubly so when you consider that Harpies, the only other humanoid species with wings, use their arms for wings, which is what you would predict from bats, and birds. And it is this oddity that plays a direct role in uncovering their origins," Johanna said, taking a step back and letting Padma come to the front.
"To that end one must look far into the past, to the Bronze age collapse, and the fall of the great magical empire. The Alteran empire was one of magic and technology where humans of all kinds lived and worked with each other peacefully. One city for each element, Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Light, and Dark, and the final original city. It is also well documented in magical records, and by the Philosopher Plato who used the Alterans as the basis for his Atlantis allegory, that the Empire was destroyed by its own hubris. It is our theory that the Faeries have a homeland and were once a cohesive centralized society rather than the disparate groups operating as a loose connection of clans serving under a queen in a manner similar to the former Polish-Lithuanian commonwealth. Now there is strong evidence for this as all Faeries speak the same language, and share a strong natural affinity for wind, and lightning magic. Additionally, the stories of each fairy clan all speak of the lost city floating in the sky which they call Laputa," Padma said.
"Johanna, am I to take this to mean that you think that the remaining Alternans and Nephilim turned themselves into Fairies as a means to leave the city of air," Yuuno said.
"Yes, the lack of historical evidence, their unique biology, and the timeline of when they appear in history, supports this," Johanna said.
"But if they did control the city of air, why would they leave it," a student asked.
"Perhaps like an island in the ocean it had limited resources, and those resources had run out," Victoria said.
"But if that is true, where are the remains for the city," Dumbledore said, asking the one question they didn't want to answer, or at least answer when he was around.
"Go ahead, it's too late now anyway," Johanna whispered to Parvati.
"We think it is still floating in the sky, because no city matching it's description has been found, nor any seismological events that would be caused by a city falling to the earth. Then there is the mysterious floating city described in Gulliver's Travels by the squib writer and adventurer Johnathan Swift," Parvati explained.
"Yet you offer no concrete evidence," Dumbledore said.
"It is rude to interrupt," Parvati said. "And absence of evidence is not evidence of absence," she quipped. "Invisibility charms exist, as do levitation charms."
"Then how do you propose to find it," Dumbledore said as the class murmured in agreement.
"Yeah, that's a lot of sky," someone called out.
"Considering our present audience, it is something that we would like to keep close to the vest until we find it," Johanna said.
"And you are satisfied with that answer," Dumbledore said looking at Yuuno.
"Yes, actually I am," he replied. "Excellent work ladies, and I wish you luck on your upcoming search," which made all four of them smack their foreheads.
"Ok, let's go," Vita said, pulling Dumbledore along.
"My apologies ladies," Yuuno said.
"It's not your fault professor, and he doesn't know where to look," Johana said.
"Or how to look," Padma added.
"Might I ask a question Ms. Vita," Dumbledore said as they toured the rest of the school.
"Yes," Vita replied.
"Are you not concerned about the potential ramifications of what the girls discussed," Dumbledore said.
Vita narrowed her eyes as she turned her head to glare at him. "I don't even know where to begin to tell you how unbelievably stupid what you just said was."
If Dumbledore was offended, he didn't show it. "She must have taken lessons from Perenelle." "What was wrong with what I said, if the Alteran city of Air does exist and it is intact, do you have any idea the sort of magic it might contain and what it could do."
"Nope, history is not my specialty," Vita said. "But I know enough to know that the Alterans pushed the boundaries of magic. And you're worried that because Avalon was the home of fairies in British Mythology and where Excalabur was forged that it might be able to make another. Which is exactly what makes you an idiot," Vita replied.
"I fail to see your point, if the city were to make more weapons like that," Dumbledore said.
"If it could, the fairies would have never left, try again," Vita said.
"A fair point, but weapons could be reverse engineered, from the knowledge left behind," Dumbledore said.
"And you are conveniently ignoring the new technologies that could be rediscovered or created from such knowledge," Vita replied. "But that takes time, and you are worried about a more immediate repercussion."
"Indeed, I am, the world rests on a knife edge and does not need any more disruptions," Dumbledore said.
"Such as," Vita pressed.
"If the fairies were to be given a homeland, it would destabilize the current political situation and upset the balance of power," Dumbledore said.
"So the fairies are to be denied a homeland, out of convenience," Vita said.
"They are more than willing to live in Magical Britain if they wish," Dumbledore said.
"So a homeland only on your terms," Vita said.
"It is important for the stability of the world, and the greater good of everyone," Dumbledore said.
"So stagnation," Victoria said from behind them.
"I would call it calm," Dumbledore replied. "The world barely survived two world wars, it can not survive another."
"Bull, there is more to it than that," Victoria pressed. "If you wanted calm you wouldn't have let Gellert Grindelwald or Tom Riddle cause the havoc they did. Your greater good wouldn't have allowed it."
"You have a rather simplistic view of the world if you think I can just march around doing whatever I like, much like your mother does," Dumbledore said.
"Why you," Victoria growled, as the air began swirling around her.
"Cool it kiddo," Vita said, placing a hand on Victoria's shoulder only for the girl to growl at her. "Look I know he insulted your mother, but he isn't worth your anger, and it would be playing into his hands."
"Fine," Victoria huffed.
"A word young Victoria," Dumbledore said. "With great power comes great responsibility."
"Wow, really, you're quoting spider man to me, wow," Victoria replied.
"If the shoe fits," Dumbledore replied.
"Then let me reply with a quote of my own," Victoria said. "A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit. What trees have you planted, Albus Dumbledore?" She said before turning on her heel and walking off her head held high.
Saturday May 26th Hogwarts
"For the love of….. Seriously what is wrong with these people," Liz thought, reading the copy of Elizabeth's diary that Sylvia made for her. "She's worse than my mother that is for sure, no she is my mother now, and now that she's out I am going to have to do something about it because her aunts are useless. How I turned out as well as I did I'll never know, but I guess sometimes the apple does fall far from the tree." She wanted to read more, but whenever she read the diary it made her head hurt like the words were being burned into her mind, her soul. Crazy as it sounded, that was her plan. "If Hermione Granger could turn herself into Johanna Grunberg, then Liz Tuttle can become, no will become Elizabeth Tuttle. As the Great Admiral Nelson said, desperate affairs require desperate remedies and nothing is more desperate than this."
"Get the lead out runt, Tracy want's everyone at the Quidditch Championship," Merula said, launching a pillow at Liz knocking her clean off the bed. "Seriously, just how much of a runt are you?"
"I am not a runt, you charmed that pillow," Liz said.
"That's a lousy excuse and you know it," Merula said.
"Not if it's true," Elizabeth said standing in the doorway.
"Are you calling me a liar," Merula said.
"If the shoe fits you little jerk," Elizabeth said, placing her hands on her hips. "Now if you'll excuse us, Liz needs to get ready for the game. She is still a member of the cheerleading team, a team you didn't make the cut for if I remember correctly."
"Shut it you," Merula growled. "Who wants to be a stupid cheerleader anyway," she huffed before storming off.
"Thanks," Liz said.
"No problem, that's what friends are for," Elizabeth said with a smile.
"So um, could you braid my hair like yours," Liz asked, pressing her index fingers together.
"It's not exactly….." Elizabeth said, fingering her longer hair.
"Please," Liz said, giving Elizabeth the best puppy dog eyes she could manage. "Your hairstyle is so cool, and stuff."
"Hey what if we both did braided buns," Elizabeth said. "You have enough hair for that and it will keep my hair from being blown around in the wind.
"And the wind can be very damaging to a girl's hair," Hermione chimed in. "Trust me I know."
"I suppose you would," Liz said looking at Hermione and her bushy brown hair.
"Yes," Hermione said softly.
"Say what ever happened with you and the cheer team," Elizabeth asked.
"I made her the manager in the fall, but then it turned into the Pansy show," Liz said as Elizabeth put her hair into a small braided bun.
"It was the Pansy show," Sylvia said entering the room in Liz's old cheerleading outfit. The Brunette didn't quite fill out the top the way Liz did but only just so. She more than made up for that with her lush lower body and long vibrant brown hair. "But I can't in good conscience allow that to continue."
"You're….. Going to take Pansy on," Hermione stammered.
Sylvia chuckled. "Oh, sweetie, I have no intention of doing something so infinitely pointless," she said, patting Hermione on the shoulder. "Napoleon once said never interfere with an enemy in the process of destroying himself. I think Pansy is doing a good enough job of that already," she said as the sound of someone falling echoed through the dorms.
"But still she has powerful associates," Hermione shuddered thinking of Tracy and her mean kick.
"True Tracy has become something of a big shot, but I'm no slouch myself, and I have good friends," Sylvia said.
"But Johanna's not here," Hermione said.
"True, but I wasn't referring to Johanna," Sylvia said with a sly grin as Mathew stuck his head into the hallway that led to the dorms.
"You'd better hurry up girls or the game will start without us," he called out.
"M….. Ma… Mathew," Liz squeaked. "What are you doing?"
"Mathew you sly dog, you, if you wanted a peek you could have said so," Sylvia said, swishing her hips letting the skirt ride up to show off more of her muscular thighs that Mathew couldn't help but be drawn to along with her firm perky posterior.
"Gah, Sylvia, that's not what I mean," Mathew yelped, pulling his head back.
"So you're saying you didn't like what you saw," Sylvia said, placing her hands on her hips.
"Yes, I mean, no, I mean I don't think there is a man alive that wouldn't find you a fine female specimen," Mathew stammered.
"That's Mathew speak for he likes it," Liz whispered.
"You're not helping Liz," Mathew exclaimed.
"I'm confused," Hermione and Elizabeth said.
"Don't take too long," Sylvia said going ahead.
"What's there to be confused about," Liz said, pulling the pair aside as Sylvia left.
"I thought Mathew was dating you," Elizabeth said.
"Do I look like a girl Mathew can date without getting into trouble," Liz said.
"No," Hermione said.
"And Sylvia," Liz said.
"She's so mature, cool, and super pretty," Hermione said. "I wish I could be half as good as her."
"Why settle for half," Elizabeth said.
"What does that mean," Hermione asked.
"It means keep doing what you're doing," Liz said. "You've lost a few pounds so keep up the good work. Take it from me, the best ones, the ones that make it look the easiest are working the hardest to get it," Liz explained.
"I second that notion," Elizabeth chimed in. "Now what do you say we get going."
"Right," Liz and Hermione said.
Section Break
"Ok, when the hell did she become triple S class," Lucian said to Marcus during a timeout.
"Who is triple S," Marcus replied.
"He means Stupid Sexy Sylvia," one of the others said pointing to Sylvia who was in the process if being thrown into the air by Mathew doing a cheer before landing in his arms. Her cheerleading outfit was doing very little to hide her mature figure.
"Isn't she like 14 or something," Draco said.
"Does she look like a 14 year old," Lucian said.
"I'm with Lucian on this one," Marcus said.
"I'm pretty sure she's not in any 4th year classes," Vincent said.
"Yeah, she was in our magic theory for like a week or two, before moving on," Gregory chimed in. "And have you seen those abs," he added as Sylvia's shirt rode up a bit.
"Perhaps we should focus on the game," Marcus said.
"Agreed," Lucian said.
"She's really something isn't she," Liz muttered watching Sylvia do her thing.
"Agreed," Elizabeth replied. "But you can be pretty amazing too."
"You really think so," Liz beamed..
"Yes," Elizabeth said. "And it looks like whatever was happening has stabilized a bit, so how old are you now anyway."
"14 years, 3 months, and 13 days," Liz said proudly.
"Hey we have the same birthday now," Elizabeth said.
"Score," Liz thought with a beaming smile. "Really that's so cool."
"And our hair and eye color match, your's isn't even as frizzy as it used to be," Elizabeth said.
"Really you think so," a blushing Liz replied.
"Yep, we look like we could be sisters or something," Elizabeth said. "Which means my plan is working," she thought, noticing how much more similar they looked.
"Excellent, if she thinks we could be sisters then I am starting to look more like her," Liz thought, cracking a smile. She was still shorter than Elizabeth but she'd managed to claw back some of the height and weight she'd lost. "And as your sister it's my job to look after you."
"Could you stop distracting them," Pansy snapped at Sylvia.
"What, I'm just cheering," Sylvia said waving at the crowd.
"ARGH!," Pansy growled glaring daggers at Sylvia's curves, especially her chest.
"Pansy, you're up," Mathew said.
"Watch and learn dorks," Pansy said.
"This is going to be good," Elizabeth said to Liz.
"If by good you mean end badly," Liz replied as Pansy readied herself to run towards Mathew.
"More or less," Elizabeth said as Pansy began her approach. Her run up was perhaps a bit slow but otherwise fine. Her initial jump however was a bit low so instead of landing in the middle of Mathew's shield her feet hit the side, slipping on it's slightly rounded shape. As expected her feet slipped as Mathew launched her upward a graceful toss quickly turning into a flailing mess. Screaming and tumbling in the air, Pansy was quite the amusing sight, even attracting the keeper's attention allowing Marcus to score. The landing wasn't much better but her nose was saved as Sylvia caught her foot at last second preventing a painful impact with the ground.
"Perhaps you should leave the jumps to those of us who trained for it," Sylvia said.
"I…." Pansy began to say before Sylvia let go, dropping her on the grass. "Hate you…"
"And with that Pansy is completely neutralized," Tracy thought watching from the stands.
"I thought she was good at that sort of thing," Marietta said.
"Losing her gift threw her off, and she couldn't handle the embarrassment. At which point she stopped training, which only made it worse," Tracy said.
"So training matters," Hannah asked.
"Yes, some might have a leg up, but true power is reserved for those who work for it," Tracy said.
"You are an odd one," Hannah said.
"I would say realistic," Tracy said. "Power to change the world isn;t just handed out like candy to anyone who wants it."
"You intend to change the world," Vainsley said.
"I thought that part was obvious," Tracy replied as the game continued.
Friday May 31st Hogwarts Express
"I guess this is goodbye," Elizabeth said as the train pulled away from Hogwarts.
"It's just for the summer stupid," Anna said.
"Yeah, we'll all be back again next year," Belle added.
"Still worried about spending summer with your mother," Liz said.
"Understatement," Elizabeth sighed.
"Relax, everything will be just fine," Liz said, placing a hand on her shoulder..
"Relax, how can I relax when I am going to be living with a monster. She did everything she is accused of, she bragged about every time I visited her. She is a monster," Elizabeth said as the door opened.
"Altum somnum," Sylvia said, firing a spell into Elizabeth's back, Anna and Belle catching her as she fell.
"I hope you have a really good explanation for this Sylvia," Mathew said.
"Ditto," Anna and Belle chimed in.
"It's my super secret plan to get Elizabeth to Monaco," Liz said, tiny hands on her slim hips. "Now girls could you give Mathew and I a moment."
"Sure," they said, leaving and closing the door behind them.
"Liz what are you doing," Mathew said.
"Something incredibly stupid and crazy to save a friend, personally I blame Johanna," Liz said. "And we need to talk."
"Ok," Mathew said entering the compartment and closing the door.
"Sylvia what is going on," Anna asked.
The brunette double checked the hallway casting a spell before replying. "Liz is going to take Elizabeth's place, while Mathew and I take her to Monaco," she said, explaining the full extent of the plan.
"Well it's a shit plan," Belle said.
"I agree, but Liz is determined on this, and I can't think of a better one," Sylvia said. A few minutes later the door opened revealing a smiling but teary eyed, Liz and Mathew. Unbeknownst to them hundreds of miles away a name finally disappeared off the Tuttle family tapestry as Liz cast away the last remaining vestige of her previous life.
"Thank you for everything," Mathew said, giving her one last hug.
"You to you big lug," Liz said. "And Sylvia you'd better treat him right, or I'll come back and steal him back," she said pointing a defiant finger at her.
"Not with your current level of talent," Sylvia giggled thrusting her chest out.
"Give me ten years then we'll talk," Liz shot back, giving her a cheeky grin as the group laughed.
"Ok, Elizabeth lets go," Anna and Belle said.
"Oh please you'll never measure up to this," Syliva said.
"Oh please those are just useless bags of fat that will just end up sagging," Liz shot back.
"That's just because you are thinking like a girl," Sylvia said.
"I'm 14 thank you very much," Liz shot back.
"Sylvia what are you doing," Mathew whispered as heads popped out of cabins.
"You just keep telling yourself that," Syvlia said before walking off with Mathew as Anna and Belle pulled Liz inside.
"What was that all about," Mathew asked.
"Making a scene to prove who Elizabeth is sitting with," Sylvia whispered as they found an empty compartment.
"Oh ok, but how are we getting Liz out of the country," Mathew asked.
"Anna and Belle will put her in my trunk, which you will be carrying on our very muggle trip to Monaco," Sylvia said.
"Why me," Mathew asked.
"Because my hand is going to be injured," Sylvia said.
"Why," Mathew asked.
"Because I am going to punch Draco in the face," Syvlia said.
"And what is going to be your excuse this time," Mathew said.
"It's Draco, he'll say something stupid eventually," Sylvia snickered.
Section Break
"Ok time for Elizabeth lessons," Anna said.
"And we only have 4 hours," Belle said.
"Then we'd better get started," Liz said, pushing back the fuzzy sensation tickling the back of her mind.
"Excellent, now Elizabeth, while we might have called you Liz at school because your name is too long, your mother is going to call you Elizabeth," Anna said.
"Right from here on out Lizbeth Tuttle is dead, my name is Elizabeth L'eStrange from now on." "There is absolutely nothing wrong with the name Elizabeth even if a raging psychopath gave it to me," Liz said as her voice shifted slightly.
"Well you sound like her," Belle said.
"That's because I am her," Liz protested. "Honestly you two can be such a pain sometimes."
"Takes one to know one," Anna replied.
"Hey I am not a pain, it's not my fault until Hogwarts Aunt Narcissa watched over me like a hawk only letting me meet with the right sort of people, while Aunt Andromeda thought Tonks would help me out, but would ditch me as soon as she could," Liz huffed as memories floated to the forefront of her brain.
"She never told us about that," Anna gasped.
"Check her diary," Belle said.
"What's the big deal….." Liz said.
"It only goes back to first year," Belle said, flipping through the book.
"Then how do I know….. Oh my god," Liz gasped, grabbing her head as the memory of a young girl walking through Azkaban to visit Bellatrix Le'Strange entered her mind.
"What's happening," Anna exclaimed.
"I don't know," Belle said.
"I think I do….." Liz muttered as her memories of Tuttle manner, and receiving Invisible Air faded. They didn't disappear, but they were more like a movie or book she'd read once rather than actually living them.
"What is it," Anna said.
"Sylvia showed me a few of your self realization exercises and I have been using them to try and better imitate… wel me," Liz said looking up at the girls,her blue eyes shifting slightly becoming a shade darker becoming a perfect match for Elizabeth.
"She did what," Anna gasped.
"And you remember what happened to Daphne or new Hermione," Liz said as her hair burst from it's braided bun growing down to her waist in a blond waterfall with two long strands perfectly framing her face.
"Yes," Anna said.
"And we figured you'd gone through that already," Belle said.
"Not all of it, I still had Mathew and his defensive spells are impressive, and he was knighted on top of that," Liz said as her eyebrows changed shape.
"How," Anna said.
"He is still a super hunky big lug and he asked me for advice on meeting the queen," a blushing Liz explained, her nose shrinking slightly as the last vestiges of Liz Tuttle vanished from her face.
"Ok, but how was he blocking it," Belle asked.
"How the bloody hell should I know," Liz shot back. "Look he's a worthless hack at most magic but when it comes to defensive spells he's almost at Johannas level of broken."
"Yeah that makes sense," Anna said.
"And by giving up on him, broke any lingering attachment and hence defense he was subconsciously trying to give you," Belle said.
"Yes, and it's like my whole…" Liz said as her skin tone shifted slightly, areas of redness and acne cleared up.
"Body is changing," Anna said as the flesh of Liz's frail body rippled.
"Holy crap," Belle said as Liz's arms, legs, and torso grew longer, reaching a respectable height for a 14 year old girl.
"Are you still or are you….." Anna asked as the girl's muscles grew fit and toned.
"I don't know…." Liz said, looking at the girls with a look of confusion and fear in her eyes. "I mean I know I'm Liz, but Elizabeth's memories are filtering into my mind," Liz said, whispering years of time spent with the pair filling her brain. Even an apology to Neville of all people.
"Go get Sylvia and Mathew," Anna said.
"Right," Belle said, leaping up.
Liz's rippling hand grabbing Belle's arm with a surprisingly strong grip. "No!" Liz snapped her voice now a perfect match for Elizabeth.
"No, are you crazy," Belle shot back.
"Whatever this is making it more likely I will succeed," Liz said. "While I don't feel entirely like me anymore I still have those memories. So do your worst Bellatrix, her nightmares were my reality." "And besides, now we have an inside girl," Liz boasted.
"Liz Tuttle, you are insane," Anna said.
Liz giggled, wagging a finger at them. "Why do you insist on calling me Liz Tuttle? My name is Elizabeth L'eStrange, daughter to a rabid bitch of a mother who should have been put down instead of being released" she said.
"That's exactly what Elizabeth would say," Belle said.
"I know that's why I said it," Liz replied.
"And you're just as crazy as the rest of us now, why don't you put on something more comfortable," Anna said as they pulled a nice outfit out of Elizabeth's trunk.
"What's going to happen to you know," Belle said pointing to old Elizabeth.
"I don't know," new Elizabeth said as she began writing her a note.
"What are you writing," Belle asked.
"A letter to a friend, and to a girl whose heart is as wide as the ocean," new Elizabeth said, placing two letters with old Elizabeth in Sylvia's trunk.
Section Break
"Moment of truth," Anna said as the train pulled into the station.
"Agreed," Belle said.
"Just promise me one thing," new Elizabeth said.
"Anything," the girls said.
"I have no doubt that the ruse will work, but should I take even a small step back towards what I once was," the blond said.
"We'll smack the stupid right out of you, and your mother will come face to face with an angry….." Anna said.
"List of people starting with us," they said, hugging her.
'Thanks," she said as a teary eyed Draco stumbled out of the train holding his nose.
"Time to go," Anna said.
"Alright let's put, send old Elizabeth to her new life into action," new Elizabeth said, taking her new/old trunk.
Bellatrix was surprisingly composed for being insane and spending years in Azkaban. That could have been to potions she was taking, more than a few charms, and more importantly Voldemort standing at her side in his Agravain disguise. "I see my daughter has grown up well," Bellatrix said as Elizabeth stepped out of the train.
"Yes," Voldemort said as the blond girl said her goodbyes to her friends while Narcissa fretted over Draco. All while a brown haired girl, and a pink haired boy carrying trunks slipped by them and out of the platform.
"Hello mother, you are looking decidedly sane today," Elizabeth said.
"Is that anyway to greet your mother," Bellatrix said.
"You might have fooled the world, but you can't fool me," Elizabeth said, looking her right in the eye.
Voldemort grabbed Bellatrix's arm. "Your mother has been working hard to overcome her demons," he said.
"Can a leopard change its spots," Elizabeth said.
"No, but I am going to try," Bellatrix said, pulling her in for a hug, camera flash bulbs going off around them.
"I'll believe that when I see, now let's go," Elizabeth said.
"So cold even after all this time," Bellatrix said.
"You haven't earned it," Elizabeth said. "And you never will." "And Agravaine I thought you were just a waiter," she said looking at Voldemort.
"I like to dabble in many things," he replied.
"Yes, he is quite the renaissance man," Bellatrix said.
"You don't say," Elizabeth said. "I will be keeping my eye on you."
June 1st Monaco
"Mathew, Sylvia, what brings you all the way to Monaco," Millie said looking at the pair on her doorstep. "And Sylvia you have grown considerably."
"Indeed, but we have more important matters to discuss," Sylvia said.
"What happened," Millie said, letting them in.
"Despite strenuous objections Belatrix Lestrange was released," Mathew said.
"Oh no Elizabeth," Millie gasped.
"And Liz made the ultimate sacrifice," Sylvia said, handing Millie a letter.
Dear Millie,
By the time you are reading this I will not be the girl you knew at Christmas. You are a kind and caring girl whose heart is as wide as the ocean, a girl I would have loved to call big sis. So I am asking you to take in another in my stead. Elizabeth was never lying about how crazy her mother is, not to mention the pureblood family training she will undoubtedly be subjected to now that her mother has been released. She never said anything any may not have known but I do know what the Le'Strange family noblesse oblige is madness enhancement. A skill which does exactly what it says it does. I could not in good conscience allow that to happen. So please look after her the way you once did for me.
Elizabeth Lestrange formerly Lizbeth Tuttle
"You stupid moronic idealistic idiot, you were breaking free and dove right back into the hornet's nest," Millie muttered crumpling the letter in her hand.
"What are you going to do," Mathew asked.
"Nothing," a man's voice said.
"Sirius Black," Sylvia and Mathew said.
"In the flesh," he said.
"Given everything that has happened, and what you need to do, this is the perfect mission for me," Sirius said.
"I still don't like it, what if….." Millie said.
"The worst he can do is try and have me given an actual trial, at which point I can get their wills unsealed, which when combined with verasitum will clear me. And I can pull rank on Bellatrix to get her to let me check on my niece," he added.
"Um, isn't your niece actually sitting in," Mathew said as the sound of someone kicking a trunk of the inside filled the room.
"Minor details, and that's not what everyone thinks right now," Sirius said, opening the trunk.
"Ok, who the hell stunned me in the back, because you are going to pay!" Elizabeth screamed, leaping out of the trunk. "Millie what the hell!" she gasped looking around the room.
"Liz's super secret plan to get you out of the country worked," Sylvia said.
"Wait what!" a confused Elizabeth said as a letter was thrust into her hand. "What's this?"
"Just read it," Millie said.
Dear Elizabeth,
After everything you did to help me when I didn't deserve it, I could not in good conscience allow you to return to your mother. As a pureblood witch raised by a once noble house I know full well the hell you were walking into. I also know that you would have received your Noblesse Oblige this summer and the L'eStrange gift is one of madness enhancement which is not something I would wish on anyone. To do that end I have fully embraced becoming Elizabeth LeStrange in an effort to fool everyone. The fact that you are reading this in the presence of Millie means that I was successful. So as of now you are free to be the person you want to be and not the one your family would force upon you.
Thank you for everything,
Elizabeth L'eStrange formerly Lizbeth Tuttle
"You stupid idiot," Elizabeth whispered as the tears began to flow.
"It will be alright," Millie said, hugging her.
"No it won't, she's going to have madness enhancement implanted into her," Elizabeth said. "It will drive her crazy."
"She isn't as weak as you think," Mathew added. "She can be the most stubborn pain in the ass I've ever met," Mathew said.
"And even if she does go mad, you'll just have to fix it," Sylvia said.
"How," Elizabeth asked.
"Simple, we use the patented Grunberg method of smacking the stupid out of you," Millie and Sylvia said in unison.
"Got it, get stronger and then get her back from that vile woman," Elizabeth said.
"That's the spirit," Maggie said. "But now for more immediate concerns."
"What do you mean," Elizabeth asked.
"Well we can't have two Elizabeth L'estranges running around," Alex said.
"Yes, that would be a problem," Mathew said.
"As a Black I can…" Sirius chimed in.
"No," Maggie said, stepping forward.
"Um, Mrs. Bellerose…." Elizabeth said.
"Elizabeth, how would you like to join the Bellerose family as Melissa's sister," Maggie said, shocking Elizabeth.
"You mean you'd be my step….." Elizabeth gasped.
"Not stepmom, but mom, mom," she said, hugging the girl.
"Melissa, I don't know how Emma did it, but we are making this work, Cecelia is your sister from now on. So I expect you to treat her as such," Maggie said as Elizabeth broke down in tears.
"This was not who I expected to take that name, but still I couldn't agree more. This just means I will have to add one more after this, because I am not leaving you behind. Not after what you just did," Melissa thought. "Of course mother, it is just up to Elizabeth to decide if she wants a twin sister or a big sister," Melissa said, joining the hug.
