Part 6:
The Library:
Remus sat with his friends, slowly drinking the potion. He hoped that the benefits outweighed the dangers. In front of him was a book on charms and potions. He was currently trying to explain to Sirius about the debate scholars had between the benefits of charming one's appearance as opposed to using a polyjuice potion.
"Well, isn't this a pretty sight?" A voice drawled behind the three Gryffindor boys. "The pothead and his gaggle of rabble actually attempting to look intelligent."
Looking up, they saw Lucius standing behind their desk with Crab and Goyle. "Yes. We decided to see what you found so fascinating about it." James said dryly.
Black rolled his eyes. "What happened to the wraiths that followed you around? Did they get tired of your charming manner?"
Remus and James exchanged looks, trying to figure out what their friend was up to. Siri knew that his question had confused his friends, but he would explain his reasons later. In a way, it was his minor attempt to smooth over his comment to Septina from earlier.
"You should know, since it was your friend who helped Septina out. They are in the infirmary. Isn't it odd how that happened?" Lucius was condescending. "I wonder if Septina's accident was not really an accident but caused by that slutty mudblood."
James tensed, glaring at the Slytherin boy. "Just what are you getting at, Malfoy?"
"Nothing. I just find it odd that the moment those two became partners, strange things started happening to the twins." He enunciated his words carefully.
"I don't like what you're suggesting." Sirius growled.
"You don't have to like it, mongrel." Lucius said. Resting his hands on the table, he leaned towards them in a confiding manner. "You would be wise to keep her out of our way. Her kind doesn't belong here."
"Her kind?" Remus asked, feeling the threat in his tone. "You mean people with talent as opposed to mere shadow magic?" It was a not so gentle reminder of Lucius' recent defeat by her.
Lucius flushed angrily, straightening up. "Why do I even bother with you Gryffindors? You don't have the intelligence to comprehend anything I'm saying."
"We might get it better if you didn't pretend to have any intelligence, Malfoy. After all, you are only getting by here because of your parents." Sirius quipped, a bit unwisely. That was when he felt the fist hit his check, knocking him to the ground. He stood up slowly and righted the chair. He stalked over and, ignoring both Remus and James' warnings, he struck back. Mrs. Pierce stormed over and grabbed all six boys, hauling them behind her into the hall.
"Nice going, Sirius." James muttered, his eye sore.
"You didn't have to help." He shot back.
Remus asked, rubbing his wrist. "What kind of friends would we be if we didn't?"
His only response was a rather sad smile. Professor MacGonagal raised an eyebrow when Mrs. Pierce stormed into her classroom. "Is there a problem?"
"A fight. I trust you know best how to handle this." Her answer was short and to the point. She turned abruptly on her heel and left.
"What happened?"
"It was Black." Lucius said, his voice was missing its usual silky drawl. Black noticed with a sense of satisfaction that Malfoy's nose was a lovely shade of purple and broken. "As you can plainly see, he hit me."
"Is this true?" She turned hard eyes to him. Sirius remained quiet. Sighing, Minerva rose and spoke, disgust in her voice. "All of you will follow me to the Headmaster's office."
Teacher's Lounge:
Arabella was sitting in the teacher's lounge reading the Daily Prophet when Poppy came in. She smiled at the medi-witch. "Hello. It's been a while."
"Those twins have been impossible. Did you know, I had to body bind them that first night because actually they tried to leave?" She poured herself a cup and sat down. "I have never had to do that to any patient. I've threatened it but have never done it. It goes against the code I took when becoming a healer."
Arabella nodded in sympathy. "Don't take it to heart, Poppy. I don't think they are used to having anyone take care of them."
"Arabella, I know. Can I trust you?" She felt the need to unburden herself.
"Of course, Poppy." Professor Figg smiled slightly, inviting her confidence.
"It's about what I saw when I examined the Snape twins. I have to do that to ascertain what kind of medicine and how much to use, you know?" She asked.
Arabella nodded. "I know. Too much could poison them, to little would not help. Was there something wrong?"
"Arabella, I have never seen such severe scarring on anyone before. Not even during the war. And this was only after I removed several concealing charms and cover-up creams." She sighed, sipping the tea in her cup.
"Scars?" Arabella asked quietly. Was this what Albus had meant? That the twins needed to be loved and shown that they don't have to be perfect? Of course, she reflected, Albus doesn't know everything. But still, I knew there was something wrong with them. How could such things happen?
She nodded. "They are covered in them, though they are obviously very old."
"So, its not like they are being abused?" She questioned.
"I wouldn't say that." Poppy hedged slightly. "They haven't been recently, I know that for sure. But the nature of the wounds, they aren't malignant. Whoever hit them, didn't do it out of anger or rage, it was done almost absently."
"Absently?" She was indignant. "That is the most absurd thing I have ever heard. You don't absently hit anyone!"
"I know. Arabella, I know wounds. I know what I saw" She said calmly. "These weren't hateful, nor was the intent behind them accidental."
"So, what are you saying? That the person who did it was just disciplining them?" She scoffed, angry with herself for her inability to understand the situation.
"Arabella, I don't know what I'm saying." She answered, rubbing her forehead. "All I know is what I my knowledge tells me. Don't ask more of me than that."
Instantly, the professor felt guilty for jumping down Poppy's throat. "I'm sorry." She said quietly, looking into her cup of tea.
"Its all right. If I was in your shoes, I probably would've acted the same way." Poppy offered, knowing that she would've.
Minerva walked in then, a letter in her hand. She handed it over to Professor Figg with a frown on her face, though she wasn't upset with the professor. Picking through the items on the table, she finally chose a few biscuits and a cup of herbal tea.
"Transfiguration classes so unfulfilling that you need to take up delivering for owls, Minerva?" It was a gentle ribbing.
"No. This is from Headmaster Dumbledore." She said, smiling at Poppy. "I take it that we can expect the Snape twins to be in class once more?"
"Yes." Poppy paused to accept the biscuit. "They are still a bit tired but I couldn't think of any more reasons to keep them confined."
"Wonderful." She sighed despondently. "I just had to take a few of the students to see the headmaster. They were fighting in the library."
"Was one of them Sirius Black?" Poppy asked.
She nodded. "There was also James Potter, Remus Lupin, Lucius Malfoy and his two shadows. I dread what class will be like when they see the twins. I don't envy you, Arabella."
"Oh, they aren't so bad in my class. They fear my cats too much. I don't know why." She finished with a smile before turning her attention to the letter in her hands. As the two women quietly conversed, Arabella opened the letter, curious as to what the Headmaster needed to tell her that he couldn't in person.
Professor Figg,
As you know, we have been discussing a transfer
program between the three schools to work on our
feelings of rivalry. You have been chosen to
take the place of Professor Billets at Beauboxtons.
She will be going to Durmstrang to teach for
Professor Ecklebury, who will be taking your place.
You will be accompanied by students of your choice
on this most exciting journey. You will not be the
only teacher participating in the exchange. Professor
Flitwick will also make the journey with you. It is to
be hoped that this experiment will prove enlightening
to students and teachers alike, making way for a
brighter and more productive future for our students by
teaching tolerance and respect for other cultures. It
is also hoped that this will teach all of our students
to be flexible to changes in life and their environment.
Sincerely,
Cornelius Fudge,
Minister of Magic.
"Bad news?" Minerva asked, watching as Arabella's eyes went wide.
Her answer was slow in coming. "Not really. Here, tell me what you think."
She accepted the letter from her with a slight smile. "Oh, I hate that man." There was an unusual amount of venom in her voice.
"Who? Professor Ecklebury?" When Minerva nodded, the potions teacher asked, taking the letter back and fingering it. "You've had the pleasure of meeting him?"
"I would not go so far as to call it a pleasure. In fact, I would call it hell meeting that man. And I use the word man only because propriety forbids me to use another, more appropriate word." Her voice was tight.
Arabella felt cold. She and Poppy exchanged looks, wondering if he could be responsible for the twins' injuries. The medi-witch held out her hand and accepted the letter, reading it quickly. "If he's so bad, then why is he allowed to teach?"
"Oh, he's not a violent man. He's just of the opinion that he is the greatest at everything and we should all worship him." Minerva answered, seeming to understand why her two companions were nervous. "I wouldn't worry about him harming the students, Albus would never allow that. But I thought that you knew him."
"He must've replaced the professor that I knew was teaching there. But now that I think about it, I do seem to recall him." Arabella slowly said. "Not a very nice man but he does possess a little talent for potions."
"So, who are you going to take with you?" Poppy asked, another silent communication passing between them about it. She seemed to know that this professor wasn't the one they needed to fear.
"I think I'll take the Snapes with me. They have a gift for potions. But Severus especially, he shows a talent that I have rarely been exposed to." Her answer was quiet, but she indicated to Poppy that maybe they should let the transfiguration teacher in on what they had talked about. After all, she was Assistant Headmaster.
"Is that right?" Minerva asked, amazed. It was beyond her understanding how anyone could show a gift for such a boring class. The art behind potions was elusive to her mind, as it was to most of the wizarding community. "I'm glad. We could use a few more people who understand it. What are you going to do now?"
"I better go talk to Albus about this now before things get to confusing." She stood up and walked to the door, bidding them a quiet good-day.
She stood in front of the gargoyle, head tilted as she tried to remember the password. Darn that man. Why does he always change the password just when we all get used to it? "Was it lemon frog or chocolate drop?"
"I think it was rainbow licorice bits." A voice said.
She turned and saw Sirius Black sitting in a chair, dejectedly. "What's wrong?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "I have to see Professor Dumbledore."
"What happened?" Sitting down beside him, she studied his averted face.
"I got into a fight with Lucius Malfoy." He spat the name out.
"May I ask why?" She asked gently, though she had a feeling that she should know a little about it because Minerva and Poppy had been talking about it earlier.
"You could but I won't answer it." He said mulishly.
The gargoyle moved to the side and a disheveled Lucius walked out, glaring at Sirius. The Slytherin student stormed off down the hall, ignoring Professors Figg and Dumbledore. Professor Dumbledore turned to them with a smile. "Arabella, I'll be with you in after I deal with this situation. Sirius, would you step inside."
She waited patiently in the hallway, planning what she would say to him. Knowing Albus the way she did, she knew she'd need a good reason for taking both of them with her to Beauboxtons. Then she'd have to come up with a convincing argument for the ministry. The ministry was rather uptight about these kinds of things.
They might not like the fact that she wanted to take them with her. It might be perceived as an unwise decision. After all, they had already been displaced once, to do so again might be damaging to their fragile psyches. But the two had the look of survivors, though the thought of what they'd gone through to look like that chilled her.
The door slid open after a while and she looked up just as Sirius walked out. He allowed a small grin to show on his face. "Thank you for understanding, sir."
"You're welcome. But just because I understand why you did it does not mean that I will tolerate any more of this kind of behavior." He warned, his eyes twinkling. "And you will be serving detention with Mrs. Pierce to clean up the damage that you caused."
"Yes, sir." The student nodded, accepting the slip. He turned and smiled at Professor Figg. "I'll see you in class." He said, then went down the hall, whistling a rather bawdy tune as he went.
Arabella shook her head. "Albus, these house rivalries are getting out of hand. You need to do something about them."
"And what would you suggest I do, Arabella?" He asked as they walked up the stairs and into his office.
"I don't know. But when bright students get into a fight because of those loyalties, I believe that they've gone to far." She was frustrated.
"I'll think about it." He temporized. "Now, what brings you to see me?"
"This. I want to take the Snapes with me." Arabella said bluntly.
Albus popped a butterscotch disk in his mouth, studying her. "Why?"
"They are both bright and intelligent. I think this would be a good experience for them both to broaden their horizons." She stumbled a bit at first, then relaxed. Finding another reason, she opened her mouth but Albus raised his hand. She stopped, looking at him curiously.
"I'm afraid that I cannot allow that."
"Why not?" She asked. "It would be an excellent opportunity for them."
"Certain things about them have come to light, Arabella. Severus and Septina must remain here, where I can keep an eye on them." His voice was firm.
"But Albus..." She felt helpless.
"Do not question my decision. I will not change my mind."
Her head bowed, defeated. "Very well, Headmaster."
"Arabella, I apologize if my decision seems to be harsh." He consoled her. "Trust me when I say that there are reasons."
"Of course." Arabella was quiet. Fawkes chirped in the corner quietly. It was a mournful sound. "I must go to my class now."
"I will see you at dinner." Albus watched her go, wishing he could've let her have what she wanted.
Arabella took a moment to look into the teacher's lounge. Poppy was still there, she was reading the paper. "They won't be going with me." It was said flatly, though there was an undercurrent of anger in her gentle voice.
"Why?"
"The Headmaster says that something has come up about them. He wants them where he can keep his eye on them. I trust he is correct in this situation. He usually is." Though she said the words and heard them spoken in her own voice, the potions professor didn't feel the confidence that she should have. At the moment, she didn't care.
"I will keep an eye on them." Poppy assured her. "You'd better get to class, I'll make sure I have enough antidote ready."
"For what?" Arabella was confused.
Poppy raised an eyebrow at her. "Aren't you going to be teaching them to know, identify, and handle dangerous potions?"
"I can't do that now. My mind is to jumbled. Take the afternoon off, Poppy. None of my students will have use of you." She turned around and left, leaving Poppy to wonder exactly what the headmaster was up to.
I just hope its one of those games he likes to play, the medi-witch thought. But knowing him, it's probably something more.
Potions Class:
It felt odd to be in class after being surrounded by the silence in the infirmary. Everything around her seemed to be amplified-especially the sound of the students talking. Septina could tell that her brother felt it, just not to the same extent that she did. "Are you going to be all right?" Severus asked quietly.
She whispered as she passed him. "I believe I will. You?"
He nodded, watching her through worried eyes. His gaze hardened when he saw Sirius watching her as well. "Problems, Black?"
"Other than having you back, you mean?" He asked, glaring at him.
Severus gave him a cold smile. "Well, if I can ruin your day, Black, it makes mine go a whole lot smoother. Give yourself a little gold star, poster child for Gryffindor's motto of helpful behavior."
"I helped you?" Sirius asked, making a face. "I deserve one of the unforgivables for that. How very depressing."
"If you need a volunteer..." Sev drawled, letting the sentence hang.
"Are you all right?" Lily asked Septina as she sat down. She basically ignored what was going on between the two students behind her.
Septina nodded slowly, elaborating when she saw the disbelieving look. "The classes are louder than we remembered them being."
"I see." Lily would've pressed for more information but Professor Figg came into the room.
"Good afternoon, class." She quietly said. "I want you to review what we learned this week, after which you may leave."
"But Professor Figg, aren't we supposed to be learning about the more deadly potions?" Narcissa asked, a hungry look in her normally expressionless eyes.
"For daring to question my lesson plans, you will serve detention with Mr. Filch tonight." She said, the class was startled. "Does anyone here want to join her? If not, I suggest you get to work."
"What's wrong with her?" Lily asked shocked.
"You're asking me?" Septina asked, looking at her. "I haven't been around, remember?" She ended on a gasp, pain shooting through her.
Sev winced and quickly spoke to her, mind to mind. "Sept? Don't give in to it, now is not the time." He encouraged her. "I know you can do this. Just listen to me, follow my voice back to us." This was the first time he'd ever tried to bring her out of her trances-for want of a better word. He just hoped that it worked without damaging her psyche.
With effort, she pushed the vision aside and followed him back. Blinking her eyes, she focused on the room, wincing. The act drained away some of her magic, leaving her weaker than before. "Sev?" She called, startled. "How did you do that?"
"You all right?" Severus asked, ignoring her question for the moment.
Septina was a little angry, and let it enter her voice. "That question is beginning to get on my nerves."
"Just answer it." His words were terse.
"I'm weak, Sev." She was just as terse.
"I'm not surprised. Talk to you later."
"Of course, Sev." She then turned to Lily, feeling her eyes on her. "Later, Lily." Her voice brooked no argument.
"Then let's get this over with. I want answers." Her normally light hearted nature had been replaced with a grim determination. She fired off questions, who was startled but answered them as rapidly as they were asked. Changing positions, they proceeded to finish the review almost as quickly as Sev and his partner.
Somewhere else:
A man sat on the ground, eyes closed in concentration. Around him, candles glowed, reflecting an eerie light around the room. Shadows played on the walls. In the distance, a pan pipe played mournfully. It suited his mood perfectly. Drawing in upon himself, he reached out and touched the minds of his followers. Then he extended his reach beyond the protective walls of Hogwarts and centered on his possessions.
His grip faltered for a moment, the unicorn's blood trying to block him, but only for a moment. They were there, apparently whole but not solely his anymore. Dancing in the midst of their centers was an alien presence. One he did not appreciate.
He stiffened suddenly, wracked with pain as something hit him from out of nowhere. It thrust him forcefully out of the pair. Dark eyes snapped open, undisguised fury in them. "Idiot girl! What does she think she's doing?"
Rising from his position, he stalked towards the fireplace. Waiting only long enough for them to leave their class, he thrust himself into the flames and traveled to them.
Riddle Manor:
Voldemort looked up from the book he was studying, his arm itched for a moment, and smiled his twisted little smile. "Looks like someone's been naughty." He remarked with a grim satisfaction, then turned the page and continued to read. After all, he had some time.
"Master?" A feminine voice asked from the door thirty minutes later.
"Yes, Mistress Crouch?" His voice was soft.
"It is time to go."
The book closed with a snap and was set aside. He slowly rose and straightened his robes. In a dry voice, he spoke to her. "Very well. I wouldn't want to disappoint anyone."
Outside Class:
Walking out, Lily waited until they were away from the classroom. The twins walked towards their sanctuary, she followed them without question. "What are you?" She demanded when the door closed behind them.
"Something you aren't." Severus answered. "And I don't mean that in the way someone like Lucius would."
The Library:
Remus sat with his friends, slowly drinking the potion. He hoped that the benefits outweighed the dangers. In front of him was a book on charms and potions. He was currently trying to explain to Sirius about the debate scholars had between the benefits of charming one's appearance as opposed to using a polyjuice potion.
"Well, isn't this a pretty sight?" A voice drawled behind the three Gryffindor boys. "The pothead and his gaggle of rabble actually attempting to look intelligent."
Looking up, they saw Lucius standing behind their desk with Crab and Goyle. "Yes. We decided to see what you found so fascinating about it." James said dryly.
Black rolled his eyes. "What happened to the wraiths that followed you around? Did they get tired of your charming manner?"
Remus and James exchanged looks, trying to figure out what their friend was up to. Siri knew that his question had confused his friends, but he would explain his reasons later. In a way, it was his minor attempt to smooth over his comment to Septina from earlier.
"You should know, since it was your friend who helped Septina out. They are in the infirmary. Isn't it odd how that happened?" Lucius was condescending. "I wonder if Septina's accident was not really an accident but caused by that slutty mudblood."
James tensed, glaring at the Slytherin boy. "Just what are you getting at, Malfoy?"
"Nothing. I just find it odd that the moment those two became partners, strange things started happening to the twins." He enunciated his words carefully.
"I don't like what you're suggesting." Sirius growled.
"You don't have to like it, mongrel." Lucius said. Resting his hands on the table, he leaned towards them in a confiding manner. "You would be wise to keep her out of our way. Her kind doesn't belong here."
"Her kind?" Remus asked, feeling the threat in his tone. "You mean people with talent as opposed to mere shadow magic?" It was a not so gentle reminder of Lucius' recent defeat by her.
Lucius flushed angrily, straightening up. "Why do I even bother with you Gryffindors? You don't have the intelligence to comprehend anything I'm saying."
"We might get it better if you didn't pretend to have any intelligence, Malfoy. After all, you are only getting by here because of your parents." Sirius quipped, a bit unwisely. That was when he felt the fist hit his check, knocking him to the ground. He stood up slowly and righted the chair. He stalked over and, ignoring both Remus and James' warnings, he struck back. Mrs. Pierce stormed over and grabbed all six boys, hauling them behind her into the hall.
"Nice going, Sirius." James muttered, his eye sore.
"You didn't have to help." He shot back.
Remus asked, rubbing his wrist. "What kind of friends would we be if we didn't?"
His only response was a rather sad smile. Professor MacGonagal raised an eyebrow when Mrs. Pierce stormed into her classroom. "Is there a problem?"
"A fight. I trust you know best how to handle this." Her answer was short and to the point. She turned abruptly on her heel and left.
"What happened?"
"It was Black." Lucius said, his voice was missing its usual silky drawl. Black noticed with a sense of satisfaction that Malfoy's nose was a lovely shade of purple and broken. "As you can plainly see, he hit me."
"Is this true?" She turned hard eyes to him. Sirius remained quiet. Sighing, Minerva rose and spoke, disgust in her voice. "All of you will follow me to the Headmaster's office."
Teacher's Lounge:
Arabella was sitting in the teacher's lounge reading the Daily Prophet when Poppy came in. She smiled at the medi-witch. "Hello. It's been a while."
"Those twins have been impossible. Did you know, I had to body bind them that first night because actually they tried to leave?" She poured herself a cup and sat down. "I have never had to do that to any patient. I've threatened it but have never done it. It goes against the code I took when becoming a healer."
Arabella nodded in sympathy. "Don't take it to heart, Poppy. I don't think they are used to having anyone take care of them."
"Arabella, I know. Can I trust you?" She felt the need to unburden herself.
"Of course, Poppy." Professor Figg smiled slightly, inviting her confidence.
"It's about what I saw when I examined the Snape twins. I have to do that to ascertain what kind of medicine and how much to use, you know?" She asked.
Arabella nodded. "I know. Too much could poison them, to little would not help. Was there something wrong?"
"Arabella, I have never seen such severe scarring on anyone before. Not even during the war. And this was only after I removed several concealing charms and cover-up creams." She sighed, sipping the tea in her cup.
"Scars?" Arabella asked quietly. Was this what Albus had meant? That the twins needed to be loved and shown that they don't have to be perfect? Of course, she reflected, Albus doesn't know everything. But still, I knew there was something wrong with them. How could such things happen?
She nodded. "They are covered in them, though they are obviously very old."
"So, its not like they are being abused?" She questioned.
"I wouldn't say that." Poppy hedged slightly. "They haven't been recently, I know that for sure. But the nature of the wounds, they aren't malignant. Whoever hit them, didn't do it out of anger or rage, it was done almost absently."
"Absently?" She was indignant. "That is the most absurd thing I have ever heard. You don't absently hit anyone!"
"I know. Arabella, I know wounds. I know what I saw" She said calmly. "These weren't hateful, nor was the intent behind them accidental."
"So, what are you saying? That the person who did it was just disciplining them?" She scoffed, angry with herself for her inability to understand the situation.
"Arabella, I don't know what I'm saying." She answered, rubbing her forehead. "All I know is what I my knowledge tells me. Don't ask more of me than that."
Instantly, the professor felt guilty for jumping down Poppy's throat. "I'm sorry." She said quietly, looking into her cup of tea.
"Its all right. If I was in your shoes, I probably would've acted the same way." Poppy offered, knowing that she would've.
Minerva walked in then, a letter in her hand. She handed it over to Professor Figg with a frown on her face, though she wasn't upset with the professor. Picking through the items on the table, she finally chose a few biscuits and a cup of herbal tea.
"Transfiguration classes so unfulfilling that you need to take up delivering for owls, Minerva?" It was a gentle ribbing.
"No. This is from Headmaster Dumbledore." She said, smiling at Poppy. "I take it that we can expect the Snape twins to be in class once more?"
"Yes." Poppy paused to accept the biscuit. "They are still a bit tired but I couldn't think of any more reasons to keep them confined."
"Wonderful." She sighed despondently. "I just had to take a few of the students to see the headmaster. They were fighting in the library."
"Was one of them Sirius Black?" Poppy asked.
She nodded. "There was also James Potter, Remus Lupin, Lucius Malfoy and his two shadows. I dread what class will be like when they see the twins. I don't envy you, Arabella."
"Oh, they aren't so bad in my class. They fear my cats too much. I don't know why." She finished with a smile before turning her attention to the letter in her hands. As the two women quietly conversed, Arabella opened the letter, curious as to what the Headmaster needed to tell her that he couldn't in person.
Professor Figg,
As you know, we have been discussing a transfer
program between the three schools to work on our
feelings of rivalry. You have been chosen to
take the place of Professor Billets at Beauboxtons.
She will be going to Durmstrang to teach for
Professor Ecklebury, who will be taking your place.
You will be accompanied by students of your choice
on this most exciting journey. You will not be the
only teacher participating in the exchange. Professor
Flitwick will also make the journey with you. It is to
be hoped that this experiment will prove enlightening
to students and teachers alike, making way for a
brighter and more productive future for our students by
teaching tolerance and respect for other cultures. It
is also hoped that this will teach all of our students
to be flexible to changes in life and their environment.
Sincerely,
Cornelius Fudge,
Minister of Magic.
"Bad news?" Minerva asked, watching as Arabella's eyes went wide.
Her answer was slow in coming. "Not really. Here, tell me what you think."
She accepted the letter from her with a slight smile. "Oh, I hate that man." There was an unusual amount of venom in her voice.
"Who? Professor Ecklebury?" When Minerva nodded, the potions teacher asked, taking the letter back and fingering it. "You've had the pleasure of meeting him?"
"I would not go so far as to call it a pleasure. In fact, I would call it hell meeting that man. And I use the word man only because propriety forbids me to use another, more appropriate word." Her voice was tight.
Arabella felt cold. She and Poppy exchanged looks, wondering if he could be responsible for the twins' injuries. The medi-witch held out her hand and accepted the letter, reading it quickly. "If he's so bad, then why is he allowed to teach?"
"Oh, he's not a violent man. He's just of the opinion that he is the greatest at everything and we should all worship him." Minerva answered, seeming to understand why her two companions were nervous. "I wouldn't worry about him harming the students, Albus would never allow that. But I thought that you knew him."
"He must've replaced the professor that I knew was teaching there. But now that I think about it, I do seem to recall him." Arabella slowly said. "Not a very nice man but he does possess a little talent for potions."
"So, who are you going to take with you?" Poppy asked, another silent communication passing between them about it. She seemed to know that this professor wasn't the one they needed to fear.
"I think I'll take the Snapes with me. They have a gift for potions. But Severus especially, he shows a talent that I have rarely been exposed to." Her answer was quiet, but she indicated to Poppy that maybe they should let the transfiguration teacher in on what they had talked about. After all, she was Assistant Headmaster.
"Is that right?" Minerva asked, amazed. It was beyond her understanding how anyone could show a gift for such a boring class. The art behind potions was elusive to her mind, as it was to most of the wizarding community. "I'm glad. We could use a few more people who understand it. What are you going to do now?"
"I better go talk to Albus about this now before things get to confusing." She stood up and walked to the door, bidding them a quiet good-day.
She stood in front of the gargoyle, head tilted as she tried to remember the password. Darn that man. Why does he always change the password just when we all get used to it? "Was it lemon frog or chocolate drop?"
"I think it was rainbow licorice bits." A voice said.
She turned and saw Sirius Black sitting in a chair, dejectedly. "What's wrong?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "I have to see Professor Dumbledore."
"What happened?" Sitting down beside him, she studied his averted face.
"I got into a fight with Lucius Malfoy." He spat the name out.
"May I ask why?" She asked gently, though she had a feeling that she should know a little about it because Minerva and Poppy had been talking about it earlier.
"You could but I won't answer it." He said mulishly.
The gargoyle moved to the side and a disheveled Lucius walked out, glaring at Sirius. The Slytherin student stormed off down the hall, ignoring Professors Figg and Dumbledore. Professor Dumbledore turned to them with a smile. "Arabella, I'll be with you in after I deal with this situation. Sirius, would you step inside."
She waited patiently in the hallway, planning what she would say to him. Knowing Albus the way she did, she knew she'd need a good reason for taking both of them with her to Beauboxtons. Then she'd have to come up with a convincing argument for the ministry. The ministry was rather uptight about these kinds of things.
They might not like the fact that she wanted to take them with her. It might be perceived as an unwise decision. After all, they had already been displaced once, to do so again might be damaging to their fragile psyches. But the two had the look of survivors, though the thought of what they'd gone through to look like that chilled her.
The door slid open after a while and she looked up just as Sirius walked out. He allowed a small grin to show on his face. "Thank you for understanding, sir."
"You're welcome. But just because I understand why you did it does not mean that I will tolerate any more of this kind of behavior." He warned, his eyes twinkling. "And you will be serving detention with Mrs. Pierce to clean up the damage that you caused."
"Yes, sir." The student nodded, accepting the slip. He turned and smiled at Professor Figg. "I'll see you in class." He said, then went down the hall, whistling a rather bawdy tune as he went.
Arabella shook her head. "Albus, these house rivalries are getting out of hand. You need to do something about them."
"And what would you suggest I do, Arabella?" He asked as they walked up the stairs and into his office.
"I don't know. But when bright students get into a fight because of those loyalties, I believe that they've gone to far." She was frustrated.
"I'll think about it." He temporized. "Now, what brings you to see me?"
"This. I want to take the Snapes with me." Arabella said bluntly.
Albus popped a butterscotch disk in his mouth, studying her. "Why?"
"They are both bright and intelligent. I think this would be a good experience for them both to broaden their horizons." She stumbled a bit at first, then relaxed. Finding another reason, she opened her mouth but Albus raised his hand. She stopped, looking at him curiously.
"I'm afraid that I cannot allow that."
"Why not?" She asked. "It would be an excellent opportunity for them."
"Certain things about them have come to light, Arabella. Severus and Septina must remain here, where I can keep an eye on them." His voice was firm.
"But Albus..." She felt helpless.
"Do not question my decision. I will not change my mind."
Her head bowed, defeated. "Very well, Headmaster."
"Arabella, I apologize if my decision seems to be harsh." He consoled her. "Trust me when I say that there are reasons."
"Of course." Arabella was quiet. Fawkes chirped in the corner quietly. It was a mournful sound. "I must go to my class now."
"I will see you at dinner." Albus watched her go, wishing he could've let her have what she wanted.
Arabella took a moment to look into the teacher's lounge. Poppy was still there, she was reading the paper. "They won't be going with me." It was said flatly, though there was an undercurrent of anger in her gentle voice.
"Why?"
"The Headmaster says that something has come up about them. He wants them where he can keep his eye on them. I trust he is correct in this situation. He usually is." Though she said the words and heard them spoken in her own voice, the potions professor didn't feel the confidence that she should have. At the moment, she didn't care.
"I will keep an eye on them." Poppy assured her. "You'd better get to class, I'll make sure I have enough antidote ready."
"For what?" Arabella was confused.
Poppy raised an eyebrow at her. "Aren't you going to be teaching them to know, identify, and handle dangerous potions?"
"I can't do that now. My mind is to jumbled. Take the afternoon off, Poppy. None of my students will have use of you." She turned around and left, leaving Poppy to wonder exactly what the headmaster was up to.
I just hope its one of those games he likes to play, the medi-witch thought. But knowing him, it's probably something more.
Potions Class:
It felt odd to be in class after being surrounded by the silence in the infirmary. Everything around her seemed to be amplified-especially the sound of the students talking. Septina could tell that her brother felt it, just not to the same extent that she did. "Are you going to be all right?" Severus asked quietly.
She whispered as she passed him. "I believe I will. You?"
He nodded, watching her through worried eyes. His gaze hardened when he saw Sirius watching her as well. "Problems, Black?"
"Other than having you back, you mean?" He asked, glaring at him.
Severus gave him a cold smile. "Well, if I can ruin your day, Black, it makes mine go a whole lot smoother. Give yourself a little gold star, poster child for Gryffindor's motto of helpful behavior."
"I helped you?" Sirius asked, making a face. "I deserve one of the unforgivables for that. How very depressing."
"If you need a volunteer..." Sev drawled, letting the sentence hang.
"Are you all right?" Lily asked Septina as she sat down. She basically ignored what was going on between the two students behind her.
Septina nodded slowly, elaborating when she saw the disbelieving look. "The classes are louder than we remembered them being."
"I see." Lily would've pressed for more information but Professor Figg came into the room.
"Good afternoon, class." She quietly said. "I want you to review what we learned this week, after which you may leave."
"But Professor Figg, aren't we supposed to be learning about the more deadly potions?" Narcissa asked, a hungry look in her normally expressionless eyes.
"For daring to question my lesson plans, you will serve detention with Mr. Filch tonight." She said, the class was startled. "Does anyone here want to join her? If not, I suggest you get to work."
"What's wrong with her?" Lily asked shocked.
"You're asking me?" Septina asked, looking at her. "I haven't been around, remember?" She ended on a gasp, pain shooting through her.
Sev winced and quickly spoke to her, mind to mind. "Sept? Don't give in to it, now is not the time." He encouraged her. "I know you can do this. Just listen to me, follow my voice back to us." This was the first time he'd ever tried to bring her out of her trances-for want of a better word. He just hoped that it worked without damaging her psyche.
With effort, she pushed the vision aside and followed him back. Blinking her eyes, she focused on the room, wincing. The act drained away some of her magic, leaving her weaker than before. "Sev?" She called, startled. "How did you do that?"
"You all right?" Severus asked, ignoring her question for the moment.
Septina was a little angry, and let it enter her voice. "That question is beginning to get on my nerves."
"Just answer it." His words were terse.
"I'm weak, Sev." She was just as terse.
"I'm not surprised. Talk to you later."
"Of course, Sev." She then turned to Lily, feeling her eyes on her. "Later, Lily." Her voice brooked no argument.
"Then let's get this over with. I want answers." Her normally light hearted nature had been replaced with a grim determination. She fired off questions, who was startled but answered them as rapidly as they were asked. Changing positions, they proceeded to finish the review almost as quickly as Sev and his partner.
Somewhere else:
A man sat on the ground, eyes closed in concentration. Around him, candles glowed, reflecting an eerie light around the room. Shadows played on the walls. In the distance, a pan pipe played mournfully. It suited his mood perfectly. Drawing in upon himself, he reached out and touched the minds of his followers. Then he extended his reach beyond the protective walls of Hogwarts and centered on his possessions.
His grip faltered for a moment, the unicorn's blood trying to block him, but only for a moment. They were there, apparently whole but not solely his anymore. Dancing in the midst of their centers was an alien presence. One he did not appreciate.
He stiffened suddenly, wracked with pain as something hit him from out of nowhere. It thrust him forcefully out of the pair. Dark eyes snapped open, undisguised fury in them. "Idiot girl! What does she think she's doing?"
Rising from his position, he stalked towards the fireplace. Waiting only long enough for them to leave their class, he thrust himself into the flames and traveled to them.
Riddle Manor:
Voldemort looked up from the book he was studying, his arm itched for a moment, and smiled his twisted little smile. "Looks like someone's been naughty." He remarked with a grim satisfaction, then turned the page and continued to read. After all, he had some time.
"Master?" A feminine voice asked from the door thirty minutes later.
"Yes, Mistress Crouch?" His voice was soft.
"It is time to go."
The book closed with a snap and was set aside. He slowly rose and straightened his robes. In a dry voice, he spoke to her. "Very well. I wouldn't want to disappoint anyone."
Outside Class:
Walking out, Lily waited until they were away from the classroom. The twins walked towards their sanctuary, she followed them without question. "What are you?" She demanded when the door closed behind them.
"Something you aren't." Severus answered. "And I don't mean that in the way someone like Lucius would."