"Welcome to the Room of Requirement," said Harry quietly when the highly polished door closed behind us. The four of us stared into the spacious room lit with flickering torches. The walls were lined with wooden bookcases and instead of chairs, large silk cushions were on the floor.
Ron prodded one of the cushions with his foot and nodded enthusiastically. "These will be good when we're practicing Stunning."
Hesitantly, I folded my hands behind my back and stepped further into the room. Goosebumps left my skin tingling as I pressed my lips in a thin line. "There is everything we need here. You truly owe Dobby a gift, Harry."
"And just look at these books," Hermione said excitedly, running a finger along the spines of the large leather-bound tomes. Amused, I shook my head. It was obvious that the presence of hundreds of books had finally convinced her.
Absentminded, I scanned the titles, my thoughts wandering to my mother's memories. A part of me believed that it could be useful to practice spells, whereas the other was constantly arguing that I did not belong here. I was an elb and born to use Ancient magic. I was not like them. There was a gentle knock on the door that ripped me out of my thoughts. I chose to stand back and watch as more people arrived.
When everyone had found a seat, Hermione interrupted the excited tension. "Well, welcome all of you! First, I think we ought to elect a leader to make it more formal."
A thick lump formed in my throat and I felt relieved that I had chosen a seat in the back. An uncomfortable feeling was slowly creeping up my spine. My mark was itching suddenly. I did not raise my hand when Hermione waited for votes but nodded instead. I did not know what to think of Harry being the so-called leader of our group. I loved my friend, but he was too impulsive and narrow-minded at times.
The discussion quickly flared again when Hermione suggested to choose a name for the group. I scratched my mark and shifted on my seat. Unease and doubt spread in my body as unwelcomed memories came to the forefront of my mind. Did I truly want to be here with my name signed on a list? For an unknown reason, it irked me to officially fit in this hierarchy.
"Can we be the Anti-Umbridge League," asked Angelina hopefully.
"Or the Ministry of Magic are Morons Group," suggested Fred and I suppressed to roll my eyes. That were names for rebels and not a defence group.
"I was thinking," Hermione frowned at Fred, "more of a name that didn't tell everyone what we were up to, so we can refer to it safely outside meetings."
"The Defence Association," said Cho Chang, pushing her hair behind her shoulder. "DA for short, so nobody knows what we're talking about."
"Yeah, DA's good," Ginny added excitedly, "only let's make it stand for Dumbledore's Army, because that's the Ministry's worst fear, isn't it?"
I frowned at the people in the room as a good deal murmured appreciatively. Were they truly that thick? Hermione kneeled up on her cushion, speaking too bossily for my liking. "All in favour of the DA? … That's a major-"
"I must object," I interrupted her loudly. All eyes turned to me, but I kept a blank expression. "Or what do you think will happen if Umbridge or the Ministry somehow hear about this?"
"I thought you agreed to be a part of this group," said Cho at once, looking at me as though I was mad.
I sighed, silently questioning my sanity for agreeing in the first place. "What I mean is that neither Umbridge nor the Ministry will take it lightly when they hear about Dumbledore's Army."
"Well, they won't hear anything," Zacharias Smith grumbled annoyed and stared at me, "unless someone rats us out."
"For Merlin's sake, are you that thick," I pressed my lips in a thin line and took a calming breath. "The Ministry is already trying to demote the Headmaster. Now, if the Minister hears that he has an army, Dumbledore will be accused of treason."
Hermione narrowed her eyes at me. A thoughtful expression settled on her features. Annoyed, I rubbed my forearm when more doubtful glances were cast in my direction.
"Again," Smith rolled his eyes and folded his arms, "how are they supposed to know if no one says a word?"
"Umbridge might be repulsive but she is certainly not stupid," I said icily. "The last Educational Decree prohibited every student organisation. I'm not speaking about treason here, but recklessness. To call this group Dumbledore's Army will make it much more than just a study group."
"But that's just the point, isn't it," Ron exclaimed with raised eyebrows, "to learn how to fight You-Know-Who."
"Of course, but is such a powerful name for this group truly necessary to learn spells? Yes, a name promotes the feelings of team spirit and unity, but it will also give the Ministry a target," I looked around and into concentrated expressions. The expected comprehension failed to appear, however. Not even Hermione or Harry seemed to understand my point.
"I think Dumbledore's Army sounds perfect," the dreamy voice of the blonde Ravenclaw – Luna Lovegood, interrupted the silence. Helplessness settled in my heart, quickly followed by anger when everybody nodded. I had no words to describe the emotions that were running through my body. It was as if I was sitting on my own broom, watching how they flew blindly and at full speed, failing to make them see the hard, massive stone wall in front of their noses.
"As you wish," I stood and cast my friends a hard look. "I cannot risk someone else's life for my amusement."
"But we aren't-" Hermione called after me, but the closing door cut her voice.
I felt like exploding. The blood was boiling in my veins when I rushed through the corridors. How could they be so thick and reckless? They were either too blind or ignorant to see the severity of the defence group. For them, it was nothing more than a little rebellion, but their ignorance prevented them from realising the true meaning. Perhaps it was merely a game for them. They still believed themselves to be safe in the castle which they probably were, but I knew it was only a matter of time until my father would show himself to the world. And with him would come danger and death.
"Merlin, help me," I sighed tiredly and took a seat in an alcove. I let my head fall back against the wall and closed my eyes. As sudden as my anger had grown it subsided now.
"And what's Merlin supposed to do," a snarky voice interrupted my quiet thoughts.
Sighing, I opened my eyes. "Lost your way, Slytherin?"
Blaise grinned and folded his arms. Making sure we were alone he leaned his slender form against the wall. I was almost blinded by his smile when white teeth flashed at me. "Nah, I'm exactly where I want to be. You, however, obviously not so much. What happened?"
Coldness crept into my body and I smiled wearily. "Just a disagreement."
He cocked one perfectly shaped eyebrow. "Oh, did the other cats stole your milk again?" I did not bother with a reply and averted my gaze. I could hear the smirk in his voice. "Dear diary, lion cubs tried to steal my food today. I told them to get lost. That disrespect will haunt me… probably forever."
A chuckle escaped my mouth and my lips twitched into a smile. Then I looked up and cast my friend a doubtful look. "How you couldn't persuade Cho to be your girlfriend by now is a mystery to me."
Blaise snorted and rolled his eyes. "Believe it or not, Arya, but I haven't even tried yet. Usually, girls just can't resist my good looks, my style, my charm, and my unflinching talent on a broom."
"It truly is surprising how you can lift off the ground with this massive ego," I replied, my heart feeling much lighter with his jokes.
"Has anyone ever told you that you are beautiful," Blaise furrowed his eyebrows thoughtfully. Confused, I stared at him. He unfolded one arm and lazily pointed at my body. "I mean, surely you must know that most girls in this school envy you for your looks, and boys… well."
"Yes, I do have somebody who reminds me now and then," I chuckled and raised my eyebrows. "Other than that, I see no reason to call myself more beautiful than others, simply because everybody is beautiful. Pansy Parkinson for example. She might have a nasty behaviour, but she is still very beautiful."
Blaise stared at me with a blank expression. "Pansy Parkinson… beautiful? You do realize I'm trying to teach you the truth about yourself, right? That every girl here envies you, even Parkinson. You can't imagine how many times I've heard boys talking about you." My best friend smirked. "Well, and as much as boys talk about you girls admire me."
"Your charming and humble personality never ceases to amaze me," I groaned, but could not keep myself from smirking at him.
Blaise shrugged. "It's quite funny, you know. You and Draco are so alike. Whenever I look at him, I see myself… only a less dashing, less intelligent version."
An ungraceful snicker escaped my nose before I started laughing. My best friend grinned. "See, I'm irresistible."
"No, you are merely delusional," I chuckled and came to my feet.
Blaise laughed lowly. "And of ravishing beauty."
"There is no point in fishing for compliments, my friend. I know exactly who you are," I smiled mischievously and folded my hands behind my back.
"Well," sneered Blaise, "that's unfortunate. Because it means you have to put up with my charming and humble personality, whether you like it or not."
I chuckled to myself and nudged his shoulder. "If it's any consolation, you are charming and humble… sometimes… during your monthly period."
"I truly want to say I hate you sometimes," Blaise scowled down at me and folded his arms across his chest. Making sure that the corridor was still deserted, he nodded in direction of the staircase and raised his eyebrow. I nodded and followed at his side.
I smirked and glanced at him from the corner of my eyes. "It would be a blunt lie."
"I know you hate lies and avoid lying to others," Blaise retorted coolly. "I respect you for that."
"Why, thank you."
"But I hate you sometimes."
When I looked at Blaise, I caught the genuine smile on his lips. Warmth filled my stomach and I smiled at my best and oldest friend. I felt glad that I had told them the truth. It made everything so much easier.
"So," Blaise sneered when we reached the entrance of the great hall. The familiar mask of the condescending Slytherin had settled on his features once more. It took all my willpower not to smile at his demeanour. Mocking, he lowered his face to mine – making sure to attract people's attention by speaking loud enough for them to hear. "See you tomorrow then, Jackie."
"As charming as ever," I replied coolly and followed a few steps after him to find a seat at the Gryffindor table. How badly I wanted to sit with him and Draco. As if he had read my thoughts, the latter flashed me a mischievous smirk.
Before I could sit down, I saw Blaise turning his head in my direction. A devilish smile graced his lips. Then he winked at me. I shook my head and took a seat. Always the charmer…
"Arya," Hermione greeted me at breakfast the next morning and took the seat next to me.
I merely hummed in return. After the sleepless night I had had, I was not in the mood for a discussion, which I knew was inevitable. My friends would require an explanation for my outburst during the first meeting of the so-called Dumbledore's Army.
"Did you see the new Educational Decree," Ron asked darkly and filled his plate with even more food than usual. Gone was my blissful silence. I nodded.
Harry carelessly pushed his plate aside, apparently not very hungry. Instead, he glared up at the staff table where Professor Umbridge mastered eating and smiling sickeningly at the same time. My stomach clenched at the sight of her and I had suddenly lost my appetite.
"This isn't a coincidence," he said, his hands forming fists. "She knows."
"She can't," muttered Hermione and cast Harry a warning look.
"Well, someone must have blabbed to her," Ron said.
"They can't have done," Hermione replied in a low voice.
I scoffed and raised my eyebrows. "You are naïve. Just because you are all honourable and trustworthy –"
"No, they can't have done, because I put a jinx on that piece of parchment we all signed," my best friend said grimly.
A cold shiver ran down my spine with her words, followed by burning annoyance. "You jinxed that parchment," I asked coolly.
Hermione frowned and nodded. "Yes, whoever dares to betray us will make Eloise Midgeon's acne look like a couple of cute freckles. Why are you so agitated about it? And why did you leave anyway? I thought you wanted this."
I did not get to answer her, because at that moment someone bumped my shoulder painfully hard. I frowned at my carelessness at having let my guard down.
"Oh, I'm so sorry."
I gritted my teeth at the outright lie in the person's sweet voice. When I turned around, I found myself looking at Cho Chang's Ravenclaw friend from the day before. She stared at me with a dark scowl on her face which looked as intimidating as a house elf's stare. I could only guess what she was thinking.
From the corner of my eyes, I caught a glimpse of blonde hair and suddenly my annoyance vanished. It was replaced by amusement. I owed Draco so much more than he would ever realize.
"Yes, me too. I honestly don't like to be touched by liars," I replied drily and stared at her. The girl glared at me, but when I did not avert my gaze, she shifted and looked away.
I smirked and made sure she saw it before I turned back to the table. Yes, without Draco I never would have learned to take people's disrespect in this world with humour. I probably would have snapped at her – a reaction that nobody would have understood or taken as exaggerated at best.
The quiet voice in my head warned me, however, since most people were too sensitive to accept the truth. They would rather turn their anger against whoever dared to tell them the ugly truth, instead of dealing with it.
Instinctively, my head turned towards the staff table. I knew what Cho's friend was thinking – that I had betrayed Dumbledore's Army. As if I were a traitor…
Obsidian eyes were observing me when my gaze trailed over the staff table seat. Severus was watching me with an unreadable expression, but there was something else. Something was wrong although I could not deceiver if it was because of the new Decree or something else. Luckily, I had Potions today… after Defence against the Dark Arts.
"Arya, are you alright," Hermione frowned at me when we made our way to Defence against the Dark Arts. She had pulled me back from where Ron and Harry were discussing the new Decree and how it would affect Quidditch.
"Yes, why wouldn't I be?"
She snorted. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe because you ran out without an explanation yesterday?"
"I changed my mind due to obvious reasons," I replied and cast her a hard look.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Look, we get that you don't like the Headmaster, but don't you think you acted a little… well, childish?"
"Childish," I laughed incredulously and shook my head. "Obviously, you didn't get my point. This has nothing to do with whether I like Dumbledore or not. I never wanted to be a part of a group that uses the same organisation as my – as Riddle's Death Eaters."
"But we're not harming anyone nor are we forcing anyone to do anything," Hermione insisted quietly when a group of students passed us.
"Of course not, but honestly, Hermione… a leader who shouldn't be in a leading position since we both know how impulsive he can be. A communication system that is clearly based on the Dark Mark. Did you know that Riddle can punish Death Eaters through the Mark? That is exactly what you did with that jinx, but I don't want to be a part of this."
"How can you even live like this? To be so mistrusting and doubtful all the time," Hermione grumbled and clutched her books tighter to her chest. I scoffed to myself. If only she knew about the reasons why Severus was so mistrusting and pessimistic.
Surprisingly, it was Umbridge who saved me from answering when we entered her classroom. The sickening sweet smile on her lips was enough to make my insides clench with anxiousness. She seemed even happier than usual with the satisfactory gleam in her eyes. Her smile widened even more as soon as her eyes landed on me.
"Ah, Ms. Jackson, would you please take your seat in the front."
The room dropped a few degrees when I froze on the spot. I clenched my jaw and bit down a remark which would certainly have earned me another detention. My pride forbade me to throw my bag on the stone floor when I sat down in the assigned place. I would not give her the satisfaction.
"Well," Umbridge could not hold back and smiled almost spitefully, "I'm glad you recognize your place. After all, we both know it's better if somebody keeps a close eye on you. Not that you cause any more troubles."
My body turned cold with her words. Despite my best efforts to keep a cool expression, I could not stop the glaring. How much I hated her…
"What the hell did you do to this woman," Draco ripped me out of my thoughts. I turned my head away from the black lake. Lazily, my brother pushed his hands into his pockets as he strolled in my direction. A cocky smirk was plastered on his face.
I rolled my eyes and turned back to look at the seemingly never-ending rain. Although it was only afternoon, the sky had darkened with black clouds. Now and then a flashing lightning light reflected in the dark water, closely followed by a rumbling thunder.
Draco sat on the window ledge, facing me. "Well?"
"Well, nothing," I muttered annoyed. As soon as my gaze landed on Draco's smirk, the cloud of anger vanished. I smiled to myself and pulled my legs closer to my chest.
My brother groaned. "Please, don't tell me you had an encounter with your boyfriend recently. Do you know how strange it is to see him staring at you in Potions?"
I chuckled and shook my head. Excitedly, I pushed myself up and crossed my legs. I could not keep the wide smile off my face. "You won't believe what I found out."
Draco smirked mischievously and folded his arms behind his head. "Gossiping about your boyfriend now?"
"Idiot," I gave his legs a strong push, but Draco kept his balance.
A condescending expression settled on his features. "Do tell."
My hands took a firm hold of his suit jacket, making his lips curl. "I saw my mother's memories. I really resemble her. I mean we have the same hair, the same eyes and I'm almost as tall as her."
Draco's smirk faltered, but since it apparently lied in his genes to look in control at any time, he stared at me instead. "Your mother's memories? How did you get a hand on those?"
"Severus," I said excitedly and grinned. "My mother gave him a chest with everything she wanted me to have when I'm old enough. She left me memories to learn how to fight, how to use my abilities."
Draco lowered his arms and leaned closer with a curious expression. "You're becoming a warrior?"
"No… yes," I laughed and shook my head. "I mean, yes, but I haven't started the training yet."
"Why not," Draco frowned. "Is your study group taking up all your time?"
Slowly, I released my hold on his suit. "How do you know about that?"
My brother sneered and cast me a dismissive look. "Please, do you think I'm stupid? The worst liar in this school is obviously Granger. Whenever she's doing something against the rules, she looks like a scolded house-elf which she does a lot lately."
I gritted my teeth. "Yes, well. I'm not part of this group… not anymore."
"What happened," asked Draco.
"It doesn't matter. Just a disagreement," I muttered.
"Hm," Draco responded lazily and cast me an incredulous look. "Anyway, I heard some Ravenclaws arguing about a study group in the library. Potter was mentioned as well, so I figured you'd know."
"Who was it," I asked, but Draco merely shrugged his shoulders.
"Don't know, but your friends should be careful. I'm sure Umbridge came up with the new Decree, because someone blabbered to her. Do you even trust all of them?"
I snorted and raised my eyebrows. "Are you really asking me this?"
My brother chuckled lowly. "No, I only wanted to make sure Potter hasn't gotten into your head with his stupidity… Doesn't matter, I suppose… Tell me more about your mother?"
My heart jumped in my chest and a wide smile came to my lips. "My name isn't Aryanna Jackson."
This time, Draco lost control over his expression and his jaw fell. "You… what?"
I shifted closer to him until he was pressed against the wall. My hands took hold of his suit and I laughed. "I'm Arya Evandar from the elbish family house Thranduin."
My brother mouthed the name quietly, his grey eyes not breaking our gaze. My chest was thrumming with happiness while I watched him process the new information.
"Wow, well… great. That's great," Draco sneered at my excitement, a mocking gleam in his eyes.
I growled and before he could react, a firm push brought him to the floor. It was my turn to smirk down at him. "Sheilven."
Draco scowled and grumbled to himself when he excessively brushed the dust off his suit. "You're such a grinch sometimes, Jac – oh my apologies. Of course I meant Evandar from house Thranduin," he sneered loudly and bowed mockingly.
I chuckled and shook my head. Casting him an apologetic look, I shifted back to my side of the windowsill. Draco sat down and turned to me with a confused expression. "What does shal – shilven mean?"
My lips stretched wider. "It's sheilven."
My brother rolled his eyes. He had never enjoyed being treated with arrogance. "Whatever."
"Hm… in two words," I asked pensively.
"Yes," he sighed and raised his eyebrow.
I smirked. "Draco Malfoy."
My brother muttered something inaudible under his breath, but the glare spoke volumes. Amused, I watched while he pointedly avoided my gaze. Then he grumbled. "What does it mean?"
"It's the Ancient language."
Grey eyes rolled at me. "I figured."
I smiled widely. "Careful."
"Since when are you so easily riled up? What does it mean," childish frustration dominated his voice.
"Careful," I repeated and smirked wider. "As in walking on thin ice, watch it. Idiomatic speech. Ring a bell?"
"Oh please," Draco sneered, "I'm an expert in idioms. I know them like the front of my hand."
I chuckled and pushed myself off the window ledge. Casting my brother a warm smile, I motioned to the door. "Come."
Draco frowned. "Where to? If you haven't noticed, the weather is apocalyptic. And everybody's going to be inside."
"Into the Dungeons," I smiled mischievously. Before he could protest, I turned towards the door. "There is something I wish to show you."
"I'm not interested in your boyfriend," his condescending voice followed me. I chuckled and a warm feeling settled in the pit of my heart.
"Meet me in the corridor behind Severus' office," I smirked over my shoulder. "And don't dawdle, háno.""If you want to effectively insult people, you should use a language people actually understand," Draco said snidely.
I conjured my magic, envisioning the room I wanted to show Draco. "I'm not insulting you."
"Right," Draco sighed tiredly. "So, what does it mean?"
A green spark light up in the palm of my hand and I threw it in front of my feet. The moment it hit the ground a roaring green flame exploded. When I looked up, I noticed Draco's incredulous expression.
"Don't you dare leaving me to walk all the way downstairs," my brother whined warningly.
I chuckled. "You're a Quidditch player. We must keep you in shape."
Draco glared defiantly and raised his chin. "I swear, one day I will force the Sorting Hat on your pretty, little head again and watch with glee when it declares you a Slytherin."
"Háno means brother, you dramatic blondie," I smirked before making a step into the green fire. One last annoyed look from my brother, then the flames engulfed me.
Chuckling and with a warm feeling in my chest, I landed in the training room Severus had set up for me. I would show Draco where it was located if he ever needed a safe place in the Dungeons. The decision had been spontaneous, but it felt right, nonetheless. Perhaps, one day, I would show him my mother's memories and tell him more about elbs.
Draco was my háno after all, my brother, my family. I would show him that family meant to be a part of something wonderful, something greater. I would make up for keeping the truth from him. As painful and cruel as it was, it had been unfair to leave him in the dark. But I would make up for it by showing that my family was my life, and that everything else came second as far as what was important to me for as long as I lived.
My family was the ultimate proof of my freedom and I wanted my brother to feel the same. My father would never take this from us. We were free in this world – as one family.