Confusion
"Oh... my... word," I whispered under my breath. This boy, this Jeremy character, was a wizard. And these were obviously the people he lived with, parents or not. They must not have wanted me to know what he was. And that would make sense, since they seemed to be the biggest Muggles ever. And the stuff locked in the cupboard was probably his wizarding equipment! Except somehow he'd gotten his wand out. But who was he? His real name wasn't Jeremy, so that was a clue. And he looked so familiar...
I glanced at the clock on the wall. I only had two minutes left. I pointed my wand at the mystery boy and said in a commanding voice, "Obliviate!" Immediately, a dreamy expression took over his features, and his eyes rolled up to the ceiling. In turn, I pointed it at each one of the Dursley's, then raced to place my dishes in the sink. I glanced at the clock again. 45 seconds.
As fast as I could, I sprinted to the hallway closet, tore my coat off the hanger and slipped out the door just as Vernon roared, "Boy, get back in your seat! What do you think you're doing, wondering around the kitchen? And straighten that chair up! What am I going to do with you?"
I ran full out across the yard, jumped lightly onto the porch, ripped open the door, and skidded into the foyer. I bent over, hands on my knee, gasping for breath. That had been so scary! But also very, very exciting.
My aunt calmly entered the entrance hall, took in my flushed face and gasping breath and, with a flick of her wand, made a large chunk of chocolate appear in front of my face with a pop. "Eat that, dear, you look green around the gills. So, how was dinner?"
(*)
In a rush, the words tumbling out of me, I explained everything that had happened. I included the description of the boy and the Dursley's, the favoritism Petunia and Vernon showed Dudley, even all the food. I left out the part about me being so taken to the mystery man. For all I know, he could be a powerful Dark Wizard!
Her face took on a look of understanding when I mentioned that 'Jeremy's' hair had been so thick and messy that his bangs fell into his eyes and over his forehead.
"... and so, in a panic, I froze the room, put Memory Spells on everyone, and got the heck on out of there," I finished triumphantly. "But the question still remains: who was that boy?"
Aunt Kella's face had paled considerably during my recount of the dinner. "Well, dear, I trust that you cleaned up your plate and so forth," she told me, nodding her head up and down. I could tell that wasn't what was on her mind, however.
"Well, yes, but..." I trailed off, staring at her inquiringly. "Do you have any idea who he was?"
"I have my suspicions, but I'm not going to tell you. Now go on upstairs and pack your trunk as much as you can. You won't have any time tomorrow. We're going to visit the Ministry of Magic, Worthwhile Wands, and buy you some new clothes to wear under your robes. You can't wear that baggy clothing like earlier today, now can you? Your robes won't fit over them!" She laughed, slightly hysterically.
I placed a concerned hand on her shoulder. "Aunt Kella, you're blabbering. Calm down!" I knew she wasn't going to tell me anything more about the mystery boy, so I asked, "What are you going to do now?"
She started off down the hallway. "I'm going to compose a letter to the Minister of Magic, asking for an explanation. I'm sure he'll have one. Then I'm going to send it to him by Express Owl. I want an answer back tonight." With that, she slammed the door to her study.
I stared after her. It wasn't like Aunt Kella to storm away from somebody without any answers. I glanced at the grandfather clock in the hallway. It was already 7:25! If I was going to get a good start on my packing, I would have to start right now.
I raced up to my room and pulled my trunk out from beneath my bed. I'd gotten it when Jennifer and I had been shopping for my move, and she'd directed me towards a classy, elegant shop called The Bombay Store.
As soon as I'd stepped into it, I knew I'd fallen in love. Everything was for sale: the mirrors hanging on the walls, the furniture in the living room setup, the bed and the pillows and the dressers and lamps. I'd grabbed everything I wanted, including a huge, beautiful old trunk. It looked like an authentic pirate's treasure chest with its heavy locks, burnt gold trimmings, rich blue velvet lining, and hidden compartments. Among other purchases were a full-length mirror that stood in the corner of my room, two wall photo fold-outs for Hogwarts, an insanely comfortable afghan knitted in brilliant, dark colors depicting a bustling, London scene on a dreary, rainy morning, assorted other picture frames, and a nightstand with long, curving legs and a small drawer for Jennifer. It was her going away present.
As I sifted through my duffel bags and suitcases, picking and choosing what to take to Hogwarts, I stumbled upon a dusty photo album. Gulping, I plopped down on my bed, drawing the huge, overflowing book onto my lap. Flipping to the back pages, I smiled sadly at pictures of Jennifer, Jack, and Kenny. We four had been best friends for years, and I had been going out with Jack until I left. We decided to break up, because we knew the long distance thing wouldn't work. We're still really good friends.
I paused on a black and white picture that had been taken on the beach this past summer. All three of us had been packed together with our arms around each other. Jennifer, with her thick, dark blond mane of tumbling, curly hair and her wide, clear eyes, looked beautiful, just like usual. Kenny, tall and lanky with bright red hair and white sunscreen coating his nose looked cocky and slightly out of place, but cute as heck. Jack, trim and muscular, slightly taller than me, had dark, curly hair and a great smile as well as sparkling green eyes. He had his arm wrapped around my neck and I was holding onto it in front of me. We'd had a great time that day.
I slipped the picture from its sleeve and placed it in the slim packet of pictures I'd extracted from the album to use in the picture frames. Placing the glossy pile carefully in the back pocket of the photo album, I sighed. I missed New York already. My friends, the old neighborhood, my dad... even my mother. Nodding my head, I realized that even after the fight we'd had before I left, I still loved my mom so much and missed her presence. Resolutely, I decided to call her before I left for Hogwarts the day after tomorrow.
I settled the photo album neatly into a corner of the trunk and placed the tissue-wrapped frames on top of it. Then I reached for the books, equipment, and robes I'd brought today. I stacked those neatly in the other corners and wedged everything in so I was using all the room and not leaving any space for anything. As I placed the last book, spine upward, in the organized row I'd made along one side of the trunk, I tapped my chin with one index finger thoughtfully. What was I going to bring to make the dorm more personal?
I reluctantly folded the soft, warm afghan that I'd kept on my bed ever since I bought it into a small, efficient square and placed it into a tight space just big enough for it. Then, as if on second thought, I raced to the bathroom and got my small makeup bag off the counter, slipping it into the trunk, also. Returning to the bathroom, I packed my huge load of toiletries into a large knitted bag and placed that in the luggage. I'd made the pouch in junior high Bewitched Home Ec. A slender, special thread I'd woven into the bag charmed it to never rip or fall apart. I glanced around the room. A small desk calendar, a travel alarm clock/radio, my Discman and headphones, a CD case with my favorite hits, my most comfortable slippers, and an old pair of running shoes I'd had for years all went into the trunk.
Furrowing my brow, I glanced around again. There was something I was missing. I spotted my compact Notebook laptop resting on my bed. Hurriedly I picked it up and slid the soft blue-colored machine into a gap between the trunk and my CD case. Chewing on my lip, I glanced around again. There's something else, I thought to myself with exasperation.
I spotted the three items that had been hidden in my memory: my mother's antique jewelry box that she'd given me when I turned thirteen, my camera equipment, and my huge book of magic advise. It had spells, stories, tips, and connections tucked away in the thick, dusty pages. Passed down from my father's side of the family, it was the most treasured thing I owned. The camera equipment was a hobby I'd picked up a couple years ago. I'd gotten hooked on taking pictures and developing them myself. I slipped the three valuable possessions into the trunk, and stepped back to admire my handiwork. After tossing a couple more worthy articles into extra space, I was satisfied with how I'd packed. I had ample room for the new clothes I'd get tomorrow. I could go to bed.
After changing into comfortable PJ's, brushing my teeth, washing my face, and pulling my hair into a short ponytail, I slid under the warm covers. Reaching out, I clicked off the lamp on my bedside table.
After laying in the dark for several minutes, trying to get to sleep, I had that awful sensation in my stomach again. I sat up, and the sudden movement made my head explode with dizziness. I rotated my neck to get the headache to go away, but it wouldn't. Then my stomach started to crawl and squirm, like I hadn't had anything to eat for dinner.
But I had, and these symptoms worried me. What if I had picked up a bug from the plane or one of the stores I'd gone to today? Maybe they wouldn't let me into Hogwarts! Startled, I realized I was actually in dispair over not being let into that awful-sounding school. That's a first, I mused, a small smile playing on my lips.
Suddenly, every muscle in my body started to ache. All I could do was lay back down and moan, writhing around on the bed. Every thought of Hogwarts disappeared from my brain as every inch of my body was taken over by a violent pain. It seemed like someone was gripping me and squeezing the life out. I started to cry, tears streaming down my face.
All of a sudden, the pain stopped. It just vanished, as quickly as it had started. Just like earlier this afternoon.
I sat up in bed, wiped the tears from my cheeks, and flipped on the light. My watch, right underneath the lamp where I'd left it, indicated that the pain had only gone on for six minutes. But it had seemed like an eternity. What kind of disease did I have? I thought about it carefully, but nothing I'd learned came back to me.
Shaking my head, I told myself that I had to tell Aunt Kella tomorrow morning, right away. A small, nagging part of my brain said I shouldn't bother her with that, because she was so busy. I shook the feeling away. She deserved to know as soon as possible.
Easing myself back down onto the bed, I bit the inside of my cheek gently and forced my eyes closed. I had to get some sleep. Tomorrow was a big day for me.
It wasn't until much later, however, that my eyes stopped twitching and I fell into a fitful, restless sleep.
(*)
"Darling, get up. Sweetie?"
My aunt's cool voice drew me from a light sleep. Opening my eyes, I blinked wearily. Sighing, I drew the covers back around my aching, tired body.
"Sweet, you better get up. I called Cornelius, and he said that he had an opening for 9:00 this morning." At the sound of the Minister of Magic's name, my eyes flew open.
"Cornelius Fudge? Why'd you call him? What time is it?" I sat up in bed abruptly, glancing at my watch. 6:03. She must have been trying to wake me up for a couple of minutes. "Aunt Kella, when do we leave? What should I wear?"
Aunt Kella smiled her sweet, open grin and patted my hand. "Oh, wear something classy and suitable for visiting one of the most important men in Britain, I suppose. We leave at 7:30. I called him because I have to meet with him to discuss the ordeal last night."
I plopped back on my bed and groaned. "Do I get to be introduced?"
"Of course, but you'll have to go back to the lobby while we talk. I'm afraid it's too hush-hush, sweet. I'm sorry." She smiled sympathetically down at me, then stood up. "Well, I'll go take my shower and get ready. How about we meet out at the car around-" she glanced at my watch. "7:25. I figured you might want to explore the neighborhood a bit." She smiled slyly and slipped out of the room.
Shrugging, I shook my head to clear it. We had a long ride to get to London, so I figured I could tell her about the pain I'd had in the car. Rolling back my shoulders, I got out of bed, slipping my feet into a pair of grungy slippers I'd left out of my packing. Hurrying to my door, I opened it and called out, "Aunt Kella, should I wear a pair of my robes?"
"No dear, when we witches and wizards go out onto the streets, we don't want to attract Muggle attention." A second later, I heard her shower start. Oh, well. No more fashion advice this morning.
I grabbed the bathrobe I'd found hanging on the back of the door and hopped into the shower myself. Soaping up my hair, I worried about my aunt. What had I stumbled upon that was so big that she had to meet with the Minister of Magic? Biting the inside of my cheek, I thought about the Dark Wizard that boy could have been. Though only a child, I had seen an almost inhuman depth in the teenager's intelligent green eyes. It had nothing to do with attraction. The power was there, and he was so oblivious to it.
As I stood dripping in front of the bathroom closet's mirror, a yellow, terrycloth bathrobe tied loosely around my torso, I glanced at the shower curtain behind me in the mirror. Gasping, I spun around quickly. The vision was gone.
I clenched my jaw and clamped my mouth shut. It wasn't a vision. There hadn't been anything there. It was a figment of my imagination, resulting from not enough sleep.
Giggling, I thought about what I'd just seen. Eyes! Glowing black eyes, as black as coal, shifting, moving, staring into mine. Laughing outloud, I moved into my bedroom, wrapping the comfortable bathrobe around me. Opal, I told myself, you are seeing things. Get with the program!
I bent down and ruffled through my clothing. Pulling out an elegant, pinstripe skirt, I slipped into it, then into a silky, off-white blouse. Humming, I pulled on a pair of black tights and worked my feet into low, dark gray heels. After blowdrying my hair and twisting it up in a loose bun, tendrils framing my face, I quickly applied appropriate makeup and grabbed a small clutch. Throwing some stuff into it, I dashed out of the guest bedroom.
"Don't forget your coat, love!" my aunt's voice followed me down the stairs. Grinning, I grabbed my leather coat as I raced out the door.
Slowing my pace to a walk, I strolled down to the mailbox. Grabbing some bills, I pulled open the door to Kella's beetle and tossed them on the front seat. Closing the door, I noticed my aunt's car wasn't locked. I shook my head, glancing around the tidy, trim neighborhood, a content smile glowing under the soft red lipstick I'd smudged on. She was so lucky to live in a suburb like this.
I decided to take a walk. Starting down the pavement, I drew in a whiff of roses. Glancing to my left, I noticed that the Dursley's had a small, well-kept garden by the side of their house. Squinting my eyes, I took in 'Jeremy', sitting on a delicate white bench, covered in lacy green vines. He looked up as I walked past.
I shuddered and picked up my pace. There was that look of power in his eyes again. I could even see it from thirty yard away. Whatever he was, whoever he was, I did not want to get to know him.
I walked on, getting familiar with the street names and houses. I turned left on Golde Lane and noted the huge Victorian mansion on the corner. Soon I knew my way around the area well enough to be able to walk it at night.
By why would I ever need to walk it at night? To get away from something- or someone? The thought was out of my mind as soon as it was in. No one on my street was dangerous. Besides, I'd be at Hogwarts tomorrow, and I wouldn't have to worry about what happened on Privet Drive for an entire school year.
Turning around, I headed back to my aunt's home. Glancing at my watch, I realized it was a little after 7:00. I could grab a little breakfast and beat Aunt Kella to her own car if I hurried. As I rounded the corner near my aunt's home, I noticed Dudley Dursley in his front yard, playing catch with a short, rumpled boy who resembled a rat. Ducking my head, I hurried past them. Since I'd banished last night from Dudley's memory, he would probably hate me from the stories his father had told about my owl.
Just as I was thinking that I was in the clear, a stuffed-up voice called out, "Eh, who are you?"
I slowly turned around to face the two boys, huddled wearily in the center of the yard. Smiling pleasantly, I walked forward. Maybe they weren't that judgmental after all. Maybe Dudley was going to give me a chance to explain myself. "Hello. My name's Opal Harris, and I just moved in with my Aunt Kella next door. Do you like here?" I directed the question at the smaller boy to eliminate all possibilities that Dudley could remember me.
The boy shook his head no, jutting his chin at Dudley. "Not me, him."
Dudley grunted. "Yeah, I live here. My name's Dudley Dursley. My dad told me about you. He said you stared at him rudely and scowled at him, and when he asked you to take your filthy owl inside, you refused to."
I gritted my teeth. "Well, I don't believe that's what happened, and I'll be going." I turned away and started to walk quickly towards Aunt Kella's front door.
"Wait," a voice called out. It was clear and crystal, and very unlike scrawny Rat Boy or greedy Dudley's. Stiffening, I spun around quickly, hoping against hope it wasn't who I thought it was.
Jeremy stood in the yard, leaning against the front door, his eyes burning into mine.
(*)
"Do I know you?" he asked quietly.
I cleared my throat uneasily, glancing at my Aunt Kella's front door. Then I checked my watch. It was already 7:09. I didn't have much time left. Pressing my lips together, I looked up at Jeremy. "Umm," I started nervously. "I don't think so." Maybe he'll leave it alone, I thought desperately. I didn't think I could keep up with the unknowing act for much longer.
Jeremy tilted his head to the side, causing his bangs to slide messily across his forehead. "No, I think I've seen you somewhere," he continued. "But I don't know where." He smiled slightly and walked towards me, his hands stuck in his front pockets. Dudley and Rat Boy had apparently lost interest, as they had returned to tossing the baseball back and forth.
The mystery boy jutted his chin at Aunt Kella's house. "So, you live with MeKelleine le Fay, I'm guessing?" Jeremy inquired curiously.
I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, reluctant to give away too much information. After an awkward pause, I nodded hesitantly. "Yes." I glanced at my watch again, hoping he'd get a clue. This boy seemed friendly enough, but then again, he did live with the Dursley's.
He seemed to notice my discreet hint. Clearing his throat, he scratched the back of his neck. "Well, I guess you've gotta go." Eyeing my outfit, he continued, "You look kind of dressed up."
I nodded, relieved he wasn't going to question me more. "Yeah, I do have to go. I'm meeting Mr. Fu-" I cut myself off, realizing my mistake. Jeremy was a wizard, and more than likely knew who Cornelius Fudge was. Grimacing, I corrected, "I mean Mr., uh, Fredrick, my aunt's- er- boss."
"Yeah," Jeremy nodded, furrowing his brow. He looked confused. "Well, then I'll see you around. By the way, my name's-"
"Opal!" my aunt shouted from the front door. "We have to go!" She locked the door and briskly walked to the car, sliding in. I pasted a fake smile on my face, and gave Jeremy a quick wave.
I practically ran to the car, and when I slid onto the seat, I closed my eyes and sighed. "Thank you, Aunt Kella," I muttered appreciatively. Opening one eye, I gauged her reaction.
"Talking to the mystery boy, I see," she said evenly, not looking at me. Glancing in the review mirror, she slowly backed up and drove smoothly away from the house.
"Yeah," I said, groaning. "I still have no idea who he is. He was about to tell me his name, but you called."
"Uh-huh."
I turned to look at Aunt Kella full-on. She had a blank look in her eyes, and her gaze was focused on the road. She obviously wasn't listening. I sighed. This was not the time to tell her about all the pains I'd been having. I turned to the window and vacantly watched the boring, green landscape slide by.
Holding in a yawn, I thought of all that had happened since I showed up. Oh well, I told myself. You'll be at Hogwarts soon enough. And all the trouble will be left behind.
(*)
"Hullo!" the jovial voice made me sit up straighter. I looked around the large, comfortably furnished lobby and spotted an odd man standing in a doorway, a giant smile on his face and purple boots peaking out from beneath his midnight blue robes. He wasn't talking to me, however. His eyes were locked on Aunt Kella's.
I glanced at my aunt, but she wasn't looking at me either. "Neil!" she cried, jumping up from the plush armchair she had been slumped in for the past half an hour. Now she seemed filled with energy as she rushed towards the Minister of Magic and enveloped him in a huge hug.
"It's bloody good to see you, old girl!" the man cried again, kissing her cheek. "Why, it's been months!"
I sat quietly, puzzled by their friendly greeting. How in the world did they know each other? The secretary sitting in the huge desk next to his office door didn't seem as shocked as I. She fluffed her dyed blond hair and pushed her plastic, red eyeglasses farther up her nose. They slipped down almost immediately, but she didn't seem to notice.
"Kella," she purred. "It's so good to see you!"
Kella smiled warmly. "Bev. I've missed you." She hugged the supposed Bev briefly before turning back to Cornelius. She glanced at me. Crooking her finger, she smiled, beckoning me to go to her. I giggled and stood up, making my way over to the trio standing by the door.
"Neil, I'd like you to meet someone special. Cornelius, this is my niece, Opal Harris. Opal, this is the Minister of Magic, Cornelius "Neil" Fudge," Aunt Kella made the introductions smoothly, a hand resting on my shoulder.
I smiled, but inside I shook. I was standing in front of the most powerful man in Britain, someone my aunt seemed to be friends with from way back. I stuck out my hand and steadied my trembling fingers before anyone could take notice of them. "Hello, Mr. Fudge. I'm very honored to meet you." My voice quavered slightly with nervousness, but I pushed it down.
Cornelius was on the short side, and he beamed up at me. "Good to meet you, young lady! A pleasure, a pleasure. I've known your aunt since we were kids. We were penpals across the Atlantic, you know. Our schools paired us together. I went to Hogwarts, she went to Yolanda's." He smiled brightly again.
I grinned, too. So that's how they knew each other! "Well, I'll be attending Hogwarts tomorrow, so maybe I'll get a penpal from back in New York!" I replied, loosening up.
"Oh, no, dear, they stopped the penpals back when I was a- what? You say you're going to Hogwarts?" He looked surprised. "How long are you staying? What year will you be in? A transfer student?" He seemed confused.
I swallowed. "Well, sir, I'm fourteen, so I'll be in my fourth year," I explained nervously. "I'm staying with my aunt for the next couple of months, traveling home to the State's during winter break, and summer break, of course. I'm transferring because the administration said there was an opening. I don't really understand. My mother set it up."
He nodded knowingly. "Ah, yes. An opening, of course. I'm sure Dumbledore knows what he's doing over there." Then he drew in a breath and glanced at my aunt. Suddenly all business, he changed the subject to the matter at hand. "Well, MeKelleine, you said you had something to discuss with me?"
My aunt glanced at him. "Yes, yes, true. Your office?" she asked with raised eyebrows.
He nodded and led my aunt to his office. Suddenly, I had a brilliant idea. Before he could close the door, I gave my wand a casual flip and muttered,
"If you're going to eavesdrop, do it right,
thread a thread that's very light."
Almost before the words were out of my mouth, a thin gold thread shot out of the tip of my wand and wrapped around my aunt's right ankle. As she walked through the doorway, closing it behind her, the thread kept unraveling from the tip of my wand. When the pulling stopped, I gently tugged a foot more out and put my wand away. With some difficulty, I wrapped the thread around my right ear. Glancing at the secretary, I sighed with relief. She was deeply absorbed in a book, perched on the edge of her seat. No way would she notice what I was doing.
Turning to the wall, I closed my eyes and concentrated on what was being transmitted through the magical string.
"Cornelius, this is serious. You can't just ignore it. I want to be positively certain who that boy was."
A sigh, obviously from Mr. Fudge. "I know it seems absurd, Kella, but let me assure you: there's no need for alarm."
"But who was he?"
"Oh, I'm sure you know."
"I have my suspicions, but I need to be absolutely sure." My aunt let out a muffled groan. "Just tell me."
A sudden burst a static muffled Cornelius' reply, but Aunt Kella's gasp came in loud and clear. "That's what I assumed... but why me? Right next door!"
"Yes, I know MeKelleine. But allow me to repeat myself: there is absolutely no cause for alarm."
There was a long pause, and I was worried that the pair had gotten up to leave. Just as I was about to reel in the wire, Aunt Kella's voice came back, weary and drained. "Oh, Neil. You know my family history; you know his. This can't just be a coincidence. What about the prophecy?"
Cornelius clucked. "Kella, dear. You know Divination is all half-guesses and trickery-"
Kella cut him off. "Cornelius Fudge. You know better than to dump that load on me. The prophecy about Morgan le Fay and Merlin's heirs is true! It's in the books; the centaurs have predicted it in the stars; the planets are aligning; the time is near. I can't let this happen to Opal. But it will. Es destino. It's destiny."
"Oh, Kella, don't use your-"
"Cornelius! Listen to me! It's fate that Opal's come to me now! It's fate that brought her here, next door to that- him-" Her words cut off abruptly, and I could hear a sob ring out over the wire.
"There, there, dear. Please, don't worry about this. She'll be at Hogwarts, Dumbledore will protect her, nothing can get her there-"
"Oh, don't you see? Dumbledore, Hogwarts, Minerva, no one can protect her from what's bound to happen. You can't change what's meant to be." Suddenly, her voice seemed to harden. "Come now, Neil. I must be going. I still have to stop by Worthwhile Wands to check up on the basket drive, and Opal still needs a few new clothing items. Good-bye."
Hastily, I ripped the thread off my ear, gathering it into a tight bundle as it got looser and looser. As Aunt Kella strode back into the room, her face an unnatural, pasty white and her bottom lip quivering, I stood up quickly and walked towards my aunt. I gathered up the string as I went along, wrapping it around my index finger behind my back.
"Aunt Kella, what's wrong?" I asked, concerned.
"Nothing, dear. Come now. We must be going," she gracefully picked up her purse from where she'd left it and walked out the door. The string slipped off Aunt Kella's foot as she glided out of the room, but I made no move to grab it up. Instead, I turned to Cornelius Fudge.
"Thank you- for everything-" I stumbled over my words, walking backward to the door, pulling the thread into my hands as I went along.
Fudge nodded and stared over my shoulder in the direction my aunt had gone. Sighing, he stepped forward, locking his gaze on mine. "No. Wait," he started flatly, his eyes dim and full of dispair.
I gulped and stepped forward, glancing over my shoulder. Any second, Aunt Kella was going to notice my absence...
The Minister of Magic grabbed my upper arms. "You've got to listen to me," he said in a gruff whisper, his eyes frantically jumping all over my face. My own eyes widened in surprise as I stared back at the short, balding man. He licked his lips nervously before pressing on. "MeKelleine is one of my closest friends. I would never do anything to betray her- but the prophecy said..." he trailed off, then pushed on, more confident now. "Listen. You've got to understand; if Kella does anything out of the ordinary, anything major, you must get word to me at once. Don't hesitate. At once, do you understand me?" I started to nod, but he didn't wait for a reply. "Don't blame her. Great Wizards, don't blame her. It wouldn't be her fault if she changed. She knows she's going to... she doesn't want to... she thinks she can't stop it..."
He pushed me away, turned around, and stormed back into his office. I glanced at Bev, and she was staring at me in fright. She pursed her lips. "Move along, young lady. Get going. I'm sure your aunt is waiting for you by the elevators."
I moved down the hall towards the elevators, numb with shock. What had just happened? Not just the Minister's warning, but the overheard conversation. What did any of this have to do with me? Or Morgan le Fay, a very old, long-dead, distant relative of Aunt Kella's? Merlin, too. Why was he mentioned? And Aunt Kella had always been so violently against Divination. Why was she believing so strongly in it now? And why did this all have so much to do with that 'Jeremy' character? Was Aunt Kella the le Fay heir? What prophecy?!?
I shook my head, trying to clear it of all the jumble that had so quickly accumulated. It was all just a huge mass of confusion. So many complex problems, and no answers. Wherever I turned, there was just more and more questions, and not a single answer to any of them.
As I neared my aunt, I closed my eyes. I had to clear my head, pretend like nothing had happened. I took in a deep breath, counted slowly to ten, and raised my lids. Aunt Kella was staring at me curiously.
"Dear, are you sick?" she pressed a cool hand against my forehead.
A punch in the stomach. I remembered the pains I'd been having recently, and how I'd promised myself I'd tell her in the car. Well, now was the time to tell her. But she had so much on her mind, and I really, really didn't feel like talking.
"Nothing," I gently pushed her hand away. Phrasing my next words carefully, I calmly asked what had been on my mind since last night. "So, any idea about who that boy was?" I asked casually.
My aunt turned to me. The look in her eyes made me feel guilty. The windows to her soul revealed a painful, bone-weary burden, heavy-laden with secrets, lies, and legends. Why did I have to ask that? I scolded myself. After what she'd just been through! Still, I was awfully curious, and leaned in closer to catch the answer despite myself. When I realized what I was doing, I winced inwardly and took a step back.
Aunt Kella sighed and dropped her head. I placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You don't have to tell me-" I started, but she held up a hand to stop me.
"No. You should know. I mean, you're the one who went through all the trouble, right?" she sighed. "The boy, the wizard you saw... it was... Harry Potter."