Chapter 5: Little Dove

Little dove, the two words consumed Katherine's mind. It was the nickname her mum called her, the coincidence haunted her mind. Stepping into the shop, she noticed the swords, along the wall, on display. Two women were practicing punching and kicking in the middle of the large circular blue carpet. Katherine watched the training and admired the skill each woman held. Their bodies moved with grace, executing each movement. Katherine could feel the mystery's man gaze upon her, he stayed silent allowing Katherine to look at the shelves with wooden toy size figures on them.

"Is it your first time on this end of town?" He asked. Katherine ran her fingers across the medusa wooden toy, the face was carved perfectly, each detail matching the door.

"Yes," she lied. Turning to look at the man, his beard complimented his jawline as the color red complimented his dark complexion. His brown eyes watched her, she felt like the muggle before her knew something she didn't.

"She's beautiful, isn't she?" He whispered. The older man's voice was unknown but he spoke like they were friends.

Katherine looked back at the Medusa doll. Gorgons normally were hideous creatures, but this one, seemed human like. Katherine allowed her head to slowly nod. Placing the creature back she noticed there were many wooden figures, some had faces missing while others were full of detail. Each mythology creature perfectly made.

"My sister swore she saw her, the back of the woman or creature. The power she explained that radiated from such a thing."

"Do you believe her?" Katherine asked. Thinking a muggle saw a Gorgon, it was almost impossible, rare.

"I didn't, but she swore that Medusa was near our village. Even when she took her last breath, she believed it." The owner ran his fingers over the handle of the sword that was attached to the sling. Reminding Katherine of the muggles who use to fight in sword battles. It wasn't uncommon for muggles to carry a knife but a sword seemed out of date and not normal. He was like a character from a novel, a ghost from the past.

Looking back at the central area of the building. The training area was completely empty now. Katherine realized she was alone with a man, not having her wand to use magic if need be. The mistake of entering, Katherine's mouth started to become dry.

Not wanting to cause alarm she immediately spoke "You have this to protect people from Medusa." She teased. She knew about Mythology; it was stories to the magical world. Their stories that the muggles turned to fit their narrative, she didn't believe in their fairytales. A true Gorgon was nothing like the muggles story of Medusa. Taking a step away closer to the door. She watched as the man stepped forward to her direction.

Those eyes, she knew she saw them before, or eyes very similar.

"From Hades." He whispered.

She wasn't expecting to hear that name. Katherine knew the story about death, assuming that Hades was the equivalent to the muggle's version. The man picked up a wooden figure, unlike the Medusa, it did not have a face. The figure had a black cloak, similar to a long dress.

Katherine's heart started to beat hard against her chest. Another step back, he stepped forward.

"She spoke of him?" Katherine asked, her breath interrupting each word.

"No, but the story of Proserpina and Hades is one of a kind. She is trapped somewhere, he's cruel but knows how to manipulate her, uses her, her family want her back…they would do anything to bring her home."

Katherine felt her body against the door, the man reached for her arm, pulling her frame from the exit. She could have hit him, done anything, instead she stayed still. Feeling like a fool, but something felt safe.

"So, in here I train women like Proserpina to become what is truly inside them. Medusa." He whispered. She watched as he took in every feature on her face, studying her.

"Do you believe in magic, little dove?" He asked. Katherine felt his firm but gentle grasp being released. Hearing the word magic from a muggle caused her back to become stiff. "I believe what my sister saw was not a true Medusa, but someone that was in need of help themselves, not realizing it. Being trapped by Hades."

"Do I know you?" Katherine asked. The man's chuckle filled her ears.

"You tell me, dove, maybe I just remind you of someone."

Katherine couldn't place anyone that came to mind that was similar. He walked backwards, toward the circular carpet.

"Do you duel?"

Katherine didn't answer, she was caught off guard from the switch of topic. Did he believe she needed to be a Medusa? He tossed a wooden sword in her direction, landing near her feet. Bending down she picked up the item, feeling like a fool she made her way toward him. She had nothing to lose, but knowledge of who he was to gain.

He showed her how to move her feet, never showing her how to swing the wooden sword but instead to block. The sweat on Katherine's face made her dark hair stick to her warm skin. He kept shaking his head.

"Do not gallop like a horse, glide." He stated while showing her once again how graceful his footwork was. Each stepped was silent, walking on air, never having to look down.

Katherine tried, tripping on her own feet she tossed the sword down.

"I can't do this, its fun and different, but it's not me. Not how I would actually behave in a duel." Katherine became defensive. This was muggle play, not the way a true witch would duel. Yet Katherine realized she didn't have a wand, not wanting to linger on the matter she crossed her arms.

"Any battle starts with your feet, it a dance and art." His tone never rising. His words true.

Katherine wasn't prepared when he hooked his wooden sword behind her leg, pulling her down. Her bottom smacked the carpet, she narrowed her gaze.

"Even if you use wands being graceful on your feet gives you the upper hand, you can dodge without being a coward by hiding. Either you have to much pride or you lack awareness." He stated.

A statement that stung, Katherine slowly stood. "I didn't catch your name." What was he, she questioned herself?

"I never threw it little dove." He taunted. Katherine watched as he walked toward the back, she wanted to run after him to learn his name. He left her alone in deep thought. How did he know about wands?

Katherine walked the long distance to the Cauldron, thinking. Entering the building the smell of alcohol and coffee filled her nostrils. Walking to the bar she spotted Tom talking with a few customers. Cleaning glasses was something she was responsible for, with no wand she had to do it the muggle way. Tom had no shame in helping when he was available.

She started to straighten the daily prophets that the customers could purchase to read, the headline read: Three Death Eaters caught after the torture the Longbottoms' endured. All three guilty!

Looking upon the Lestrange brothers and Bellatrix face she felt the bile in her throat wanting to escape. How could someone be so cruel? Not understanding the reason, the war was over, but it proved that evil still lurked around the shadows. The news was sickening.

"I was wondering when you would come, I'm sure you saw the sad news." Charity said. Katherine didn't notice the young witch was sitting at the bar, drinking a glass of brandy.

Katherine turned to look at Tom, focusing on who he was speaking with. She didn't pay attention earlier, but she noticed they were relatives of the Longbottoms. Their faces wet with tears as Tom rubbed the older witch's back. Charity explained how there was a baby, a boy Harry's age named Neville. He would be raised by his grandmother while his parents would try and recover. Everyone hoped that they would not turn mad, but it was unknown.

"See it's not safe here, it never will be. I have something to confess Charity, but promise me, promise me you will hear me out." Katherine pleaded. Locking eyes with her friend, slowly entangling her hands with Charitys'. Leaning closer she could see the specks of paint on her friend's hairline. She didn't need to question it. Charity was always the artist.

"I want to take Harry. To keep him safe." Katherine whispered.

Charity released her hands, leaning back in the chair. Katherine watched as her friend sat in silence. She had to explain everything. She told her more details about Albus and Snape, the details of all the memories that kept popping up. Explaining how she met with Lily's sister, her fear of Harry's fate with muggles, how Narcissa explained that they believed he would be a powerful dark wizard. Telling her friend, the plan she came up with. Katherine waited as Charity stared at her, the girl's eyes gave it away that she was in deep thought.

"Disagreeing would be the smart thing to do, but you are right. We all have our own demons but it makes me sick when I can see the people who caused me such pain walk free, nothing happening." Charity added, her finger traced the rim of her glass.

Katherine questioned. "So will you help me?"

Charity's dark blond hair bounced from her nod. "You helped me when I needed you most, you may not remember, honestly I wish I could forget it myself. Yes, I'll help. But I don't see Lovegood giving it to us without a high price. One of the reason's Author let him go is his wife is expecting. He will want a bit of gold, something I cannot afford and with you having no wand you can't get in the vault."

Katherine knew Charity seeking out Lovegood by using her new position in the muggle department could cause her to lose her job. With no wand she had no access to her money, but someone did.

"Snape can."

"He would never help you."

Katherine smirked, she felt mischievous. Something that she didn't feel for a long time. Accepting it like an old friend. He was a bump she needed to get pass. "Let me rephrase that, someone that looks like Snape can get in. I just need his hair and," her voice low trailing off.

"Wand." Charity finished. Her gaze matching Katherine. Together they could accomplish it, Katherine hoped.

The talk of Polyjuice potion and figuring out how to get the hair and wand from Snape kept them engaged.

"Remus works for a cargo place; Malfoy gave information at dinner. He was my brother's friend. I don't see why he wouldn't help" Katherine tried to assure herself on asking Lupin. He was one willing to help but breaking the law was not something Lupin would easily do. Charity didn't need to speak, her risen brow told Katherine that she didn't believe he would. Second guessing the idea for a moment, she returned the conversation back to collecting the gold to pay Lovegood.

"One more thing, how will you get a place in America before we even leave, you're on probation here." Charity placed her chin on her hand, waiting for Katherine to figure it out.

It was a bigger bump then Snape. Katherine knew Charity was doing a lot already by speaking to Lovegood and seeing if he would break his promise with Author for gold. Risking her own career. Katherine assured Charity; she would figure it out. The girls ended the conversation and said their goodbyes as the pub started to become busy.

Katherine stood in the restroom, the Longbottoms had left the pub, it was the grandmothers sob that stung Katherine's heart. The news broke many people. Katherine on the other hand knew it was last week's news that hurt her to read. The news of Sirius Black being guilty of killing a dozen muggles and Peter Pettigrew. It was the news Albus had shared with her, that Black was the secret keeper, the one that betrayed her family.

How could he do it, how could he betray his friends, kill innocent people? He wasn't the good guy but the worst kind, a traitor. Katherine turned the water on for the sink, letting the sound fill the loo while the warm water hit her hands. Washing away every touch, every memory, the lump in her throat hurt. He was like a brother, family, Harry was his godchild. She covered her mouth while her body trembled from the tears running down her cheek. Making a fist, Katherine smashed it into the mirror. He failed, they both failed in different ways she reminded herself. The glass crumbled from her punch, piercing her flesh.

Knowing she couldn't leave it a mess; Katherine knew calling Tom would be the safest bet. He could fix the mirror with a spell. Her hand throbbed from the pain, blood dripping all over the white marble sink.

"Tom" she called out as she nursed the slice on her knuckles.

The hair on her neck started to rise, a warm breath traced her skin. but nothing was near her. The sound of her own voice filled her memory.

"Tom, I'm scared."

"Don't open your eyes, I promise you will be safe, trust me, Katherine. Do you trust me my darling?" a male whispered. The smell from a creature's breath filled her nostril, she could feel it's breath close to her body.

"I trust you."

"Good girl."

Katherine stood outside of Harry's Aunts home. Watching like a hawk ready to strike and steal the prey. She came here to clear her mind from the moment earlier. Tom had managed to fix the mirror, she refused to let him heal her hand, wrapping it with a bandage, she had to get away. But the place she wanted to get away from was her mind, she didn't understand the conversation she felt and heard. Tom's voice she heard did not match the Tom in the pub. Even though her body was scared, she felt relaxed hearing his praise and words.

The movement in the Dursley's house was minimal. Blinds were closed keeping her from truly seeing everything in great detail. A figure walked toward her. She could see the tall frame of the man from the shop. He didn't have the same character attire on, instead a shirt with the logo 'CargoShipment' on the right side of his chest.

Looking at him Katherine questioned, "How did you find me?"

"Like I said earlier today, you lack awareness, I've watched you today. Who are you watching?" He said as he turned to join her in watching the family before them. Instead of hiding behind a tree, Katherine wanted Petunia to know, she was not going to give up. Refusing to be inferior to them.

"Why does it matter to you?" She snapped, looking the older man up and down.

"Because I promised your father if I found you, I'd look after you." His expression softened.

To hear him mention what he promised was a shock.

"My father, you knew him, what are you?" Taking a step toward the man.

"He called me a muggle, but he called you his little dove, tell me, what are you doing here?"

Realizing that the man before her was simply a muggle. Not understanding why her father would risk telling a nonmagical person information. To get information she needed to give.

"My brother and his wife were murdered, by this evil wizard. Their child is in that house, where they won't accept him for him. I want to keep him safe, away from here. I told you the truth, why would my father reach out to you about me?"

"Because when he came to our village, he became ill. I knew something wasn't right but also, I knew what it was like to lose someone you love. We connected and he spoke of you, little dove, I knew I saw you already. He showed me a picture of you. I told him what I saw, he asked for my word to keep you safe when you would return. He never gave me your name, but said you would come if I called you what your mother called you, dove. I do not understand why your memory isn't correct, but I will not revel it. Sometimes the demons we knew are better left in the darkness."

Even with the information Katherine struggled to understand, not having her full memory it didn't make sense. Shaking her head trying to figure it out, one thing for sure, hearing the man calling her by the nickname her mum did make her relax near him.

The silence didn't last long. "Have I met you, in our past." She asked. It had to be when she went back in time, the year 1943, remembering the year that came up during Malfoy's Sunday Dinner.

"I've seen you in our past, I've seen you in the future and present."

The riddle made Katherine lip rise; she didn't understand what he was speaking of. How could he meet her in past, present and future? Maybe he is insane, she thought. Convincing herself if a muggle believed in magic, mythology and thought he saw the same person in three different time periods, then he had to be mad.

Questions flooded her judgement, though the man did do something, he kept his word to her father, a promise. Sometimes to get a want; things are sent to be used for a reason.

"Do you think you could give me your word, your word to help me get my godchild. I need a place to go once I have him." Katherine asked. Not being use to making a plan to kidnap a child and to move out the country, it wasn't something she exactly knew how to do.

The man scratched his head, she watched as his gaze went from her to the house, back upon her once more.

"If you take lessons with me, like you said. Its not safe here, and you need to learn little dove." Flashing Katherine, a warm smile after he spoke.

Katherine thought the request was silly. "We fight with wands, magic. Your muggle way won't work for me. But fine." Crossing her arms. If all she had to do was attend a few lessons to allow the man to feel like he was training her, then so be it. She would accept the silly request.

"Confidence is the same between our kind." The man leered. Before he could continue with saying little dove, Katherine rose her hand.

Gliding it back down to shake his hand, "Katherine, Katherine Potter." Giving a proper introduction, not giving him the name from Severus. His firm grip reached for her hand; she could feel the callus as he shook.

"Samuel, Samuel Rivere." He added.

Lily twirled her hair while she kept her green eyes on the parchment before her. Snape was cutting up ingredients, taking notes in his book and making sure the cauldron was heating up. Katherine watched her two friends work; she was trying to study the potion notes Snape made for her second term exam. Knowing Charity would be looking for her soon, unlike Charity school work did not come easy to Katherine. Unless it was what Snape taunted her about, useless history knowledge.

Lily's meek voice broke the silence. "The witch burning took place in the fourteenth century, honestly, I'm surprised it didn't cause a rebellion. Similar to the Goblin rebellion."

Katherine looked at the muggle-born witch, "No the witch rebellion happened before the burnings." Katherine stated. "You didn't know? Witches didn't have wands in the beginning, only wizards. So, most obscurus were women holding in their magic. We all know magic is our soul, mind and in our hearts, with it being in our hearts a young witch by the name of Hecate realized it runs thru our blood…and that's when antient blood magic began." Katherine noticed Snape had stopped cutting the worms, listening. Katherine enjoyed history stories, her posture straightened as her voice became lower, grasping the peers. "Women relished in it, using their blood to do things, but with blood magic comes a price. The bigger the spell the more blood that is needed. Some wizards also realized blood magic could be used to help with darkness." Grabbing a red berry she squeezed it into her palm, making the red juice mimic blood. "Women refused to give it up and be left with nothing, so wands were allowed as the use of blood became a crime. They may have lost the battle they created but, in the end, they won the war, war of equality."

Wiping the fruit on her school robe, she heard Snape's soft chuckle. He went back to focus on his potion.

"Can any witch do blood magic?" Lily probed.

"No, pure blood families can do it, if your half born it's not as strong, a muggle would have no ability. Giving witches wands allowed the Obscurus issue to slowly fade away." Katherine answered. Her attention was no longer on the red hair witch, but now watching Snape. He was deep into the project. Slughorn had allowed them to use the lab as long as they picked up their belongings after. "What are you doing?" She asked

"Trying to fix this potion." Snape deadpan.

Katherine looked at the ingredients and then the book. "But the book states, you need black widow legs, not jellyfish venom."

Lily's pale hand touched Snape's shoulder making the boy stop for a moment. She watched the third years gaze at one another. Lily broke their gaze to look in her direction. "Trust him Katherine, he knows how to perfect things. Books are great but sometimes they don't always tell the truth, it's the writer's opinion and their knowledge. Sometimes you need to challenge it."

Snape's lips turned upward in a smile, nodding in agreement. Katherine didn't question it but looked down at the notes that he had written for her to study and follow. The door for the lab swung open. All three turned their heads to look.

Charity stood with her Hufflepuff sweater, holding cards in her hands.

"Katherine! You said we could play a game before the Halloween feast." She whined. Katherine nearly forgot, palming her head she couldn't do it all, trying to be in two places at once. Snape grabbed her hand. Katherine felt her stomach fill with butterflies from his touch, hoping her cheeks did not turn red as the heat rushed toward them.

"I'll help you study tonight, in the common room. You will do amazing, instead of filling your mind with history stories, I will fill that brain of yours with the correct ingredients to make the laughing potion. I promise. Go enjoy yourself. Lily and I will finish up here."

She didn't want to think he was trying to remove her from the study group, but he promised to help her later. Nodding her head, she left the pair to play with Charity and take a break from learning.

Albus sat back in his office chair, looking at Katherine. Katherine was no longer sitting but she remembered how giddy she felt from Snape's touch. How she wanted to impress the older two with her knowledge of history. How Lily said what she said about writers. The phrase stuck with Katherine. You know the true story from the person's mouth not always a book.

"1943" Katherine looked at the old man. She didn't plan to say it but she remembered more information after she relived the memory. "We had a paper to do, I didn't want a year that Professor Binns taught. I wanted something hard, different." The year came from Charity, their fourth year, Katherine had gone to the library and everything after that was blank. She couldn't remember what else happened. Dumbledore watched her waiting for her to give more information. She had nothing. Was Tom from that year? What did Tom have to do with Voldemort, she questioned herself. Not wanting to question Albus on the name, she never admitted that she was having flashbacks away from them.

Waiting for him to add anything, he didn't instead the man stayed quiet. Did he know? Impossible she confirmed with herself. Being dismissed from his office, instead of taking the Flo powder back to Snape's house she told him she needed a moment. Taking a stroll thru the corridors she once walked, pupils clung together in groups, they smiled as she passed them, her face was emotionless. Hiding behind a corner she called upon Georgia, the elf appeared.

Greetings were cut short, Katherine held a folded paper, extending her hand allowing the elf to grab it.

"I need you to collect these ingredients, once you have them. Bring them to me at Snape's home." She watched Georgia's eyes widen with fear and hesitation hearing to enter Snape's house. "What he doesn't know will not hurt him." But the list of the ingredients that she planned to brew definitely could. "I need everything on that list." Katherine reminded her. Once Georgia was gone, she knew this was making the first move, hoping it was the correct choice. Katherine made her way back to Albus, doing things under his nose would not be easy. Her white cloaked whipped behind her.

Chapter Six: CargoShipment (April 19th)

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