JKR owns the people and places, I own Karista and the dream.
A.N.- Veritaserum=the most powerful truth serum in the magical world and this is the best chapter, In my opinion. Enjoy.
Chapter 24: Hidden truths revealed
"He asked me to do this," Karista repeated, staring down at her transfiguration homework. "So, I think it would be wise if I did."
"Why did he ask you?" Harry said, reviewing his plant names and locations carefully.
"Because, apparently I am one of his most 'advanced' students, whatever that means," she said sarcastically, shutting her book and rolling up the parchment in her lap.
The last few days were uneventful, except for Sirius' name being cleared, once and for all. After Dumbledore had announced this to the school, Sirius had been walking around in his new robes, showing the Weasley twins some pranks and bothering Harry and Karista as much as possible.
"Well, Snape sure has his work cut out for him then, doesn't he?" Harry smirked, covering his face with his hands to shield himself from Karista's wrath.
"Well, he said I will be an excellent potion maker, if only he could move me up to the 7th year potions class, but Dumbledore won't permit it. So…if he offered me this 'private lesson', I would be able to take some different classes next year."
"Lengthy explanation," Harry muttered, crossing out something with his quill. He then threw a piece of paper on the floor and started again.
Karista giggled, then went up the stairs to retrieve her necessities for class.
"Are you sure you don't want to come?" Karista asked, hauling her cauldron behind her.
"I really can't come. I have to study for the quiz in herbology tomorrow. I'm sorry," Harry said, jumping up to give her a peck on the cheek. "Have fun!"
Karista shot him a look that clearly said 'just wait until I get back to you, Harry', and flung her cauldron out the portrait hole.
***
Once outside the door to the dungeons, which unfaithfully was locked, she dropped her cauldron and sat.
"Why is it so cold?" Karista muttered angrily, wishing she had brought her cloak, yet wrapping her robes around her tighter. Not soon enough, the swishing of cloaks could be heard and she stood up. Finally, she said to herself, picking up the cauldron again.
"Ah, Miss Flannigan, pleasure to see you so freezing," Snape said icily, pulling keys out of his robe. But there was someone else with him. "Mr. Malfoy will be…er…working with us, also."
Karista stared at Malfoy, the anger starting to surge through her. How thoughtless, she muttered, pulling the cauldron inside the classroom.
"Please take out all of your supplies, and we will get started," He muttered, moving back to the storage closet. Karista set her cauldron down, yet once again, and pulled out her books and supplies. Draco seemed to have a tougher time lifting his cauldron. He barely had it in the door before he turned around and kicked it.
"Damn metal!" He shrieked, grabbing his toe. Karista trudged over and gracefully picked up the cauldron, causing Malfoy to stop and stare bewildered as she placed it across from hers.
"Quit complaining," She muttered, smiling inwardly at lifting more weight than Draco could manage.
"Alright…Malfoy! Are you ready or not?" Snape said, a bemused expression on his face. He had taken out a book that Karista didn't recognize. She immediately knew it was a potions book, but there was no title on it. "Thank you Miss Flannigan for being prepared."
Karista smirked, and started arranging her potions in order that she most commonly used them. She picked up a small jar and turned it over in her hands.
"Dammit…I knew I should have bought some more in Hogsmeade," Karista muttered, placing the jar back in its line and continued rearranging the jars.
"You need more porcupine quills?" Malfoy asked, taking up his jar and looking it over. "I have plenty."
"No, you might need them in the future. I, being the blonde airhead I am, need to buy more," She said thumping her 1000 magical herbs and fungi in front of her. "thanks for offering."
Snape casually looked her over, then opened the book he had set on the table.
"Now, today we will be working with Veritaserum. You will make it, and we will test it on some unlikely candidate," he said softly, flicking to a page in the book. "You will have two hours to make it. I will be watching."
Karista took 7 of the jars in front of her out of line and moved the rest a safe distance away. She then proceeded to light her cauldron and filled it a quarter ways full with distilled water. Malfoy was carefully reading over the ingredients, and muttering words to himself.
"Flannigan, are you not going to read the ingredients?" Snape asked, glancing cautiously at Karista, who was peeling a Shrivelfig.
"Yes…I already did," She said, a tinge of nervousness in her voice. What happens if I already know the ingredients? What happens if I already know how to make it? She said to herself, silently putting the scraps from the Shrivelfig in a waste container. She then gently and neatly began slicing the root into little pieces.
"Fine…What are some of the magical components of Shrivelfig? What can it do?" Snape asked, a sneer forming at the end of his mouth.
Karista looked up in thought, then turned to face him.
"Well, lets see. Shrivelfig creates truth serum when mixed with the blood of a goat and the ingredients in front of me…it also has healing properties when it is cut open and spread on a wound," Karista said in one breath. She then continued. "It also tends to do more harm than good to animals, therefore, animals shouldn't be given anything with Shrivelfig in it."
Snape and Malfoy just stood staring at her, awed looks on their faces.
"Impressive. 10 points to Gryffindor," Snape said, glaring back at Malfoy who stood rooted to the spot. "Get to work Malfoy. Pretty girls don't fall for guys who sit there and do nothing."
Karista blushed furiously and went back to work. It was then, when she had to pick up something on the floor that she noticed what she was wearing.
"Oh my god," She muttered, quickly standing up. "Professor, I need to go to the bathroom."
"Go," Snape said, waving his hand as he stood by Malfoy, barking at him.
What was I thinking! She muttered to herself as she rounded the corner into the girls bathroom.
"How embarrassing," She said, looking at her muggle outfit in the mirror. She had on her favorite, yet unworn since June, pair of hip slung jeans and a tank top without a bra, which revealed her navel. "Why the hell…"
Then she remembered. Her laundry hadn't been finished, so she just threw on some clothing and a cloak. But it had gotten hot in the dungeons after the fires had started, and she quickly shed it.
"No wonder Malfoy was staring at me," Karista shuddered, thinking about what to do. "How gross!"
She decided to let it go. If Malfoy says anything to me about it, I'll rearrange his face, she said to herself, a playful smile on her face at the thought of Malfoy's nose on his head. She opened the door and stepped inside, Malfoy and Snape watching her precariously. She immediately sat down and pulled on her reading glasses. After adjusting the brass scales in front of her, she dumped in some powder and began to stir.
"You look nice tonight," Malfoy said, staring at Karista as though he was under a love potion.
"Going club hopping," Karista said, and evil grin appearing across her face. She remembered going club hopping with her friends back in New York. "Actually, it's a laundry day."
"Club hopping?" Malfoy asked curiously. He sounded interested. Even Snape turned his attention towards her.
"Well, you see, a popular nightly pastime of myself and my friends back in New York. We would go to Club 66, metro dance floor, etc. We would have an excellent time," Karista said, a smile glittering in her face as she added some more ingredients into the boiling pot and stirred. "You know, dancing?"
Malfoy and Snape looked slightly puzzled, until the words dance came out of her mouth. They nodded their understanding, and continued with their potions. Karista, however, kept thinking about the last time she had gone out clubbing with her best friend, Raquel. Oh, what fun they had. Meeting boys, dancing the night away. Her slipping into her window at 4 AM, unnoticed by her father and nanny, Lena. Then sleeping until noon. That was the life, at least, for 5 years.
"I notice your attention is disaperating, Flannigan," Snape said, staring her straight in the eyes to no response.
"Sorry, kinda slipped away for a second," She muttered, quickly adding the goat's blood and letting it simmer. A soft hooting at the window startled them all, until Karista realized it was Petrey, with a note.
"Petrey! How good of you to join me!" Karista laughed, as the little owl perched itself on her shoulder and nipped her ear affectionately. He then stuck out his foot with a little note attached to it.
Karista,
Hope everything is halfway decent down there (Smirks, then Laughs). Anyways, come to me when you are done. Herbology homework sucks, and I hope Petrey keeps you company.
Love Harry
Karista blushed furiously, folded the note and stuck it in her robes.
"Who's it from?" Malfoy asked, a worried expression on his face, as his potion had just turned a violent shade of pink.
"Harry," Karista murmured dreamily, stroking Petrey's head and letting the owl hoot softly in her ear. She kept stirring her potion haphazardly until she realized something was wrong with Malfoy's. "Oh dear. I don't think you added enough lizard scales."
Snape entered the room, and his eyes narrowed.
"Malfoy, what did I tell you before? Staring at beautiful women gets you nowhere in life!" he said icily, his hands taking the ladle in the potion. "Add more lizard scales."
"I just did, at Karista's advice," Malfoy muttered sheepishly, glancing at Karista.
Snape glared maliciously at Karista, then ladled some of her solution into a goblet.
"Very well. Who is willing to try it?" He asked pointedly, glancing between the two of them.
"I will," Malfoy said, taking the goblet from Snape's hands and downing a small sip.
"Please state your name," Snape asked, obviously wondering if it worked.
"Draco Lucifer Malfoy," he said, a droning voice overcoming him.
"What house are you in?"
"Slytherin."
"Who do you have a crush on?"
Malfoy paused, then spoke.
"Karista Flannigan of Gryffindor."
Karista immediately began giggling. It was so funny to watch as Malfoy's eyes glazed over at the mention of her name. Even Snape was amused.
"What happened in the hallway with her that you were to ashamed to talk about to anyone?" Snape asked, gazing intently at Karista, who's face had become weighed down.
"She slapped me after I tried to kiss her. I didn't mean to hurt her, I just wished I could have told her how I felt."
Karista felt a pang of guilt course through her veins. She knew that hitting him was wrong, yet why couldn't he just say that he liked her? It wasn't hard.
"Very well then. Do you think her potion worked?"
"Yes."
Snape's lips did an odd curve, which looked strangely like a smile. He pulled out a vile from his robes and fed it to Malfoy. Instantly the glazed over look on his face disappeared and he looked at Karista with a startled look on.
"Well, top marks, Karista," Snape said quietly. She knew why Snape had asked him those questions, as though trying to hook them up. "Now, as for Malfoy's potion…"
Karista worriedly looked at it, now the same color as hers. She tried to dismiss the fact of events, yet Petrey, who was still on her shoulders, squeezed gently, trying to reassure her.
"Alright, I'll take it," She said, taking the goblet of Malfoy's Veritaserum. She tipped her head back, and immediately felt a cold rush fall over her. A tiny voice spoke in her head. Tell the truth was all it said. I can't…I'm too ashamed of the truth her voice said back, as a deeper voice began questioning her.
"Say your name, please?" The voice boomed in her head. She felt intimidated by it.
"Karista Marie Flannigan," she squeaked. Good, now just keep answering the truth.
"What sport do you play and position?" The voice boomed again.
"Chaser in Quidditch, catcher in softball, middle hitter in volleyball and center/forward in basketball," She said, a slight quiver in her voice. Keep going the voice answered.
"What are you scared of?" The voice boomed yet again. She was too scared to answer. What was she afraid of?
"Nothing," she replied harshly. I can't do this, she said to herself. A sudden warmth passes over her.
"Do you like Draco Malfoy?" Snape asked, once again becoming amused.
"Why ask a question like that?" She said, her gaze shifting gently back into focus. She didn't like being enticed into drinking truth potion. She looked up at Snape's face, and a look of terror spread across it.
"How did you-," he began, shaking slightly.
"I don't know. The serum worked, I'll grant you that, but I can't tell you why it didn't work, because I don't know," She said numbly. She hadn't told anyone about her playing muggle sports.
Malfoy simply stared at her while Snape grasped his left arm and shrieked with pain.
"What's wrong?" Karista asked, yet Malfoy backed away. He obviously knew what was wrong. "Since you know, Malfoy, help me!"
He didn't do anything but stand there, glancing weakly at where Snape laid, wincing. Karista glided gently down to the floor next to him and rolled up his sleeve, where she froze. Burned his skin was a tattoo, one she had seen before. It was the dark mark.
"N-n-no…n-n-no…t-t-this isn't happening," Karista stuttered, backing away from Snape. He looked up at her, helpless and rather afraid. "How…how can this be happening?"
She ran to the table and grabbed her stuff, Petrey fluttering behind her.
"No…wait, Karista," Snape gasped, grabbing the table for support. Malfoy looked scared also. He knew what the Dark Mark was, he just thought that Karista knew about it already.
Karista sprinted out of the dungeons, dropping things along the way. She didn't stop running until she reached the portrait and leapt inside, finally losing everything in her arms and running to the couch, where Harry lay asleep.
"HARRY! HARRY!" She shrieked, her hair flying about her in rage. "Something…something…"
"Wh-what?" Harry looked around confused, then seeing her face, he knew something was seriously wrong.
"We're in danger, Harry. There is a death eater at Hogwarts," She sputtered, sitting in front of Harry on the floor.
"what do you-," Harry began as the portrait hole burst open and in came McGonagall.
"Karista, come with me. Dumbledore would like to speak with you," she spoke wryly, her hands in her pockets. Karista, who was now shaking, stood up and followed McGonagall. Harry followed.
"Potter, stay here. This is old news for you," she spoke, yawning slightly.
***
Karista stared at the door to Dumbledore's office, shaking at the thought of what he would say to her. McGonagall, noticing this, laid her hand on Karista's shoulder.
"It's alright, you did nothing wrong," she said, her thing lips curved in a small smile. Karista smiled weakly back as they entered and saw Snape talking to Dumbledore in a slow whisper. She tried to turn around and leave, but McGonagall held onto her arm. "I think that you should hear what Severus has to say."
She was trembling like mad as she sat in one of the chairs in front of Dumbledore's desk. Dumbledore obviously noticed this, and tried to calm her nerves.
"Please, calm down Miss Flannigan," he said sincerely, looking into her eyes. "I think Snape does owe you an explanation, considering the fact he scared you and Mr. Malfoy half to death."
She turned her head slightly, expecting to see Snape angry, but he wasn't. He looked distraught and nervous, almost as if he was going to cry.
"I am a death eater, however," he spoke in a small voice. "I am a spy for Headmaster Dumbledore."
Karista's heart gave a leap in her throat. She almost screamed, yet knew better. As her heart rate went considerably slower.
"No, I didn't kill your Aunt and Uncle," he said quietly. "And I don't know who did."
He knew she wanted that answered, yet she didn't expect him to reply with such heart.
"Professor Snape here has been telling me how you were able to throw off the Veritaserum," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling merrily. "That is a very rare accomplishment."
"Considering the fact that Death Eaters were taught how to do that, and were the only ones to do so," Snape said, lightly stroking his forearm where the tattoo was. "I was very surprised, and I think Malfoy shares it as his father is also a death eater, to see that after only three questions, you stopped answering completely."
Dumbledore and McGonagall looked at Karista intently, as if expecting her to say something.
"W-w-what do you w-want me to s-say?" she stuttered quietly.
"How you learned that marvelous trick, for starters," Dumbledore said smiling.
"I…I never have been susceptible to Veritaserum," she murmured quietly. She wished she was asleep in Harry's arms right now, one of the only places she felt safe.
"Any ideas as to why?" McGonagall asked quizzically, staring straight into her eyes.
"N-no," she said, her stuttering easing slightly. "I have been able to do it for as long as I can remember."
"Any other…er…traits you would be willing to tell us about?" Snape asked, gazing at her intently.
"Um…I don't think so, I guess," she mumbled. Why were they asking her this?
"Very well then, Miss Flannigan. You are very tired right now, and I assure you that you are not in any danger here at Hogwarts," Dumbledore said reassuringly.
"And, next Thursday we will be having the Potions lesson again, same time," Snape said quietly, staring at her.
"Thank you," she said, standing silently and walking out the office and down the spiraling staircase.
***
Harry sat waiting in the common room for at least thirty minutes since Karista had entered hysterical and was lead of by McGonagall. She must have been talking about Snape if she mentioned Death Eater at Hogwarts. He sat quietly watching the fire, until the portrait hole opened, and Karista stepped in, looking very pale and scared.
"Karista," Harry murmured, jumping off the couch and running to her. She nearly fainted with release as she collapsed into his arms. "I was so worried."
Karista felt so good now that she was with Harry again. She almost couldn't stand up because the weak feeling in her was coming back.
"Snape is a death eater," she said quietly, even if the common room was empty. "I never would have guessed."
"Karista, I knew he was a death eater," Harry said, looking at the floor. Karista froze, and looked up into his eyes, anger surging once again.
"And you never told me?" She spat, forcing herself away from him.
"I was sworn to secrecy at the end of the year. I couldn't tell you, even if I wanted to. And besides that, I don't believe that Snape killed your Aunt and Uncle."
Karista moved towards the couch and sat down. She didn't want to have to think of this, not now. All she wanted was to sleep.
"Karista, you look really tired. Maybe you should go to sleep," Harry murmured, brushing some of her hair out of her face. She couldn't have said it any better herself.
"Maybe I should," she whimpered, hugging Harry again and stomping up to her room.
***
"My lord, why do we want Karista Flannigan?" a voice said maliciously behind a dark hood and mask.
"Because, Lucius," a cold, hard voice pierced the air, making Harry form goosebumps on his arms and legs. "She is the key to my power."
"Tell us, my lord," another voice said, sounding oddly familiar.
"Well, Severus," the voice began, and immediately Harry knew who was speaking; Voldemort. "She is very important to my power. If she dies, I become ten times as powerful as I would be with her. But, I have to kill her."
"My lord, Wormtail has been caught!" a swift voice shrieked, entering the room and piercing the already cold night.
"WHAT? DID HE TELL DUMBLEDORE?" Voldemort spat, becoming obviously angry and turning to Snape.
"No, my lord. He was whimpering the whole time…we couldn't get a thing out of him," Snape said icily.
Harry knew that this was a lie. Whatever Peter had told Dumbledore was very, very important.
"That muggle loving fool," Voldemort seethed under his breath. Harry knew that it would probably be only a matter of time before he came to Hogwarts. "Severus, get back to your post at Hogwarts and see what you can find out."
"Yes my lord," Snape said, and he apparated.
"Now, this Flannigan," Voldemort became amused. "She is beautiful, isn't she, Lucius?"
"Yes, my lord. Her eyes are a violet and…well…she looks exactly like her mother," Lucius said quietly fidgeting on the spot. "Very attractive."
"And yet, there was something else…" Voldemort said, waiving his fingers to get him to continue.
"She is dating Potter," he said quickly.
"Well, that should make everything easier. Back to planning," he spoke lazily, bending over a table. Suddenly Harry's scar shot with pain.
"I must go see Dumbledore," Harry groaned, clapping his hand over his forehead and traveling out of the dormitory in his bathrobe and slippers.
***
He approached the stone gargoyle outside of Dumbledore's office, trying to think of the password when it sprang open instantly. Harry walked inside and stepped on the revolving staircase. He soon reached the doors to his office, where he knocked feverishly.
"Yes, do come in," came Dumbledore's muffled voice. He sounded tired. Harry opened the door and he saw Snape and McGonagall, both looking equally tired. Snape still had on his death eater's robes…he knew this from the dream.
"Potter, what are you doing out of bed at this hour?" McGonagall spoke harshly, rising from her chair.
"No, wait, you have to listen," Harry gasped, his voice being muffled by Mcgonagall's cloak as she ushered him outside. "It's about Voldemort."
McGonagall immediately stopped what she was doing and pulled him back inside. Snape looked coldly down at him while Dumbledore's eyes twinkled mysteriously.
"I had another dream," Harry spoke nervously. "Voldemort was standing in this room, talking to Lucius Malfoy and-," He stopped, glancing quickly at Snape, who to his surprise, nodded him to go on.
"And who, Harry?" Dumbledore asked. He obviously wanted to know whom else he had seen there.
"Professor Snape," he said quickly. Dumbledore's eyes flashed, then Harry continued. "Well, he was talking about Karista, saying that if she died, he would be ten times more powerful than he already is…but only if he killed her. He then went starking mad when someone told him that Wormtail was caught, and, well, then he turned to Professor and asked if it was true and what he had said. He lied…said there wasn't anything important, then he said that it was a good thing that we were…um…together. That it would be easier."
Snape looking down at the floor, and Harry could have sworn he saw Snape almost started crying. McGonagall was crying, while Dumbledore look placid.
"My scar started hurting…and that's all…I think I will leave now," harry began, but Dumbledore held up a hand to stop him.
"Sit Harry, there is something you need to understand," He said quietly. "Voldemort is after Karista for an extremely good reason, and if you be kind enough to sit back down, I will explain everything."
Snape and McGonagall looked up at Dumbledore, both with shocked expressions on their faces.
"Do you remember the story of the Sorceress of Fire, Harry?" Dumbledore asked, gazing intently into Harry's eyes. He nodded his head yes while Dumbledore continued. "Well, Harry, there is not other way of putting this, but Karista is the next Sorceress of Fire."
Harry couldn't believe this. The woman he loved was even more powerful than Voldemort ever was.
"You see, it is very confusing, but one might understand it, giving they open their heart and mind and understand that she doesn't know about any of this. Voldemort's mom, was once married to Tom Riddle, yet he was not her first husband. No, indeed Shaletza, Voldemort's mom, was married to another muggle by the name of Clifford Higgins. They had three children, Anna who is Karista's mom, Emma and Jeremy, her aunt and uncle," Dumbledore said, not removing his gaze from Harry. "When Clifford found out that Shaletza was a witch, and a powerful one at that, he left her, taking Anna, Emma and Jeremy away from her."
Harry couldn't breathe. The room was closing around her. His heart had an iron hand on it. The dreams…that is why I know her, Harry said to himself.
"Continuing on, we all know Shaletza died giving birth to Voldemort. Therefore, the powers of Sorceress of fire, strong in females, was passed down to Anna Higgins, who attended Hogwarts. Now, she moved to New York and Voldemort caught up with her and killed her, not long after Karista was born. Voldemort never knew about Karista, until after he killed her aunt and uncle," Dumbledore shuddered. Harry found it hard to come away from this. "So, now, if he kills Karista, he will be unstoppable. Therefore Harry, we must protect her."
Harry sat silently, a tear rolling down his cheek.
"Does she have the powers of a Sorceress of Fire?" Harry asked, glancing up from his lap.
"Well, she probably doesn't realize it, but I am 99.9 % positive she does. That is probably why her wands don't work, her excellent grade in potions, care of magical creatures and transfiguration. She can probably also speak Parseltongue, too. Tell me Harry, every wondered why her eyes looked so familiar?" Dumbledore asked, a slight tremble in his voice.
Realization slapped Harry hard in the face. The eyes, of course. It was a dead giveaway. They were exactly like Voldemort's. Dumbledore seemed to realize this, and began to speak again.
"Harry, she is the key to defeating Voldemort. He will, if he can get his filthy hands on her, make her fight him, and because her powers are untamed, he will win."
Harry froze, the thought of having Karista laying next to him, her cold purple eyes framed in his mind forever, wasn't very promising.
"She is a better wizard than him, and for that matter, better than me. If she could learn everything she needs to know, she can do away with him before anything-," Dumbledore stopped, and looked at Harry, who wanted to speak. "Tell me what you have thought of, Harry."
"Her necklace…It was her mom's. It says something like 'protect thine heart with thine eyes'. It probably has some sort of protection on her. Even Petrey, her owl has something like that around its neck," Harry murmured.
"In the meantime, we must now watch over both of you fretfully. Now, Harry, I ask that you go up to bed," Dumbledore spoke hazily, looking as tired as Harry had ever seen him. "And Harry, not a word to anyone. What happens in here stays in here."
"professor, what is it that Wormtail told you about?" Harry asked, not being able to control himself.
"That I cannot answer until more information comes forth," he said, rising from his desk. "Good night to you all."
***
Harry crawled into the common room an hour later after being escorted by McGonagall. He was scared of Karista now, even if she didn't have an idea of this. After trudging up the stairs and entering his room, he crossed his bed only to find someone asleep on it.
A.N.- Veritaserum=the most powerful truth serum in the magical world and this is the best chapter, In my opinion. Enjoy.
Chapter 24: Hidden truths revealed
"He asked me to do this," Karista repeated, staring down at her transfiguration homework. "So, I think it would be wise if I did."
"Why did he ask you?" Harry said, reviewing his plant names and locations carefully.
"Because, apparently I am one of his most 'advanced' students, whatever that means," she said sarcastically, shutting her book and rolling up the parchment in her lap.
The last few days were uneventful, except for Sirius' name being cleared, once and for all. After Dumbledore had announced this to the school, Sirius had been walking around in his new robes, showing the Weasley twins some pranks and bothering Harry and Karista as much as possible.
"Well, Snape sure has his work cut out for him then, doesn't he?" Harry smirked, covering his face with his hands to shield himself from Karista's wrath.
"Well, he said I will be an excellent potion maker, if only he could move me up to the 7th year potions class, but Dumbledore won't permit it. So…if he offered me this 'private lesson', I would be able to take some different classes next year."
"Lengthy explanation," Harry muttered, crossing out something with his quill. He then threw a piece of paper on the floor and started again.
Karista giggled, then went up the stairs to retrieve her necessities for class.
"Are you sure you don't want to come?" Karista asked, hauling her cauldron behind her.
"I really can't come. I have to study for the quiz in herbology tomorrow. I'm sorry," Harry said, jumping up to give her a peck on the cheek. "Have fun!"
Karista shot him a look that clearly said 'just wait until I get back to you, Harry', and flung her cauldron out the portrait hole.
***
Once outside the door to the dungeons, which unfaithfully was locked, she dropped her cauldron and sat.
"Why is it so cold?" Karista muttered angrily, wishing she had brought her cloak, yet wrapping her robes around her tighter. Not soon enough, the swishing of cloaks could be heard and she stood up. Finally, she said to herself, picking up the cauldron again.
"Ah, Miss Flannigan, pleasure to see you so freezing," Snape said icily, pulling keys out of his robe. But there was someone else with him. "Mr. Malfoy will be…er…working with us, also."
Karista stared at Malfoy, the anger starting to surge through her. How thoughtless, she muttered, pulling the cauldron inside the classroom.
"Please take out all of your supplies, and we will get started," He muttered, moving back to the storage closet. Karista set her cauldron down, yet once again, and pulled out her books and supplies. Draco seemed to have a tougher time lifting his cauldron. He barely had it in the door before he turned around and kicked it.
"Damn metal!" He shrieked, grabbing his toe. Karista trudged over and gracefully picked up the cauldron, causing Malfoy to stop and stare bewildered as she placed it across from hers.
"Quit complaining," She muttered, smiling inwardly at lifting more weight than Draco could manage.
"Alright…Malfoy! Are you ready or not?" Snape said, a bemused expression on his face. He had taken out a book that Karista didn't recognize. She immediately knew it was a potions book, but there was no title on it. "Thank you Miss Flannigan for being prepared."
Karista smirked, and started arranging her potions in order that she most commonly used them. She picked up a small jar and turned it over in her hands.
"Dammit…I knew I should have bought some more in Hogsmeade," Karista muttered, placing the jar back in its line and continued rearranging the jars.
"You need more porcupine quills?" Malfoy asked, taking up his jar and looking it over. "I have plenty."
"No, you might need them in the future. I, being the blonde airhead I am, need to buy more," She said thumping her 1000 magical herbs and fungi in front of her. "thanks for offering."
Snape casually looked her over, then opened the book he had set on the table.
"Now, today we will be working with Veritaserum. You will make it, and we will test it on some unlikely candidate," he said softly, flicking to a page in the book. "You will have two hours to make it. I will be watching."
Karista took 7 of the jars in front of her out of line and moved the rest a safe distance away. She then proceeded to light her cauldron and filled it a quarter ways full with distilled water. Malfoy was carefully reading over the ingredients, and muttering words to himself.
"Flannigan, are you not going to read the ingredients?" Snape asked, glancing cautiously at Karista, who was peeling a Shrivelfig.
"Yes…I already did," She said, a tinge of nervousness in her voice. What happens if I already know the ingredients? What happens if I already know how to make it? She said to herself, silently putting the scraps from the Shrivelfig in a waste container. She then gently and neatly began slicing the root into little pieces.
"Fine…What are some of the magical components of Shrivelfig? What can it do?" Snape asked, a sneer forming at the end of his mouth.
Karista looked up in thought, then turned to face him.
"Well, lets see. Shrivelfig creates truth serum when mixed with the blood of a goat and the ingredients in front of me…it also has healing properties when it is cut open and spread on a wound," Karista said in one breath. She then continued. "It also tends to do more harm than good to animals, therefore, animals shouldn't be given anything with Shrivelfig in it."
Snape and Malfoy just stood staring at her, awed looks on their faces.
"Impressive. 10 points to Gryffindor," Snape said, glaring back at Malfoy who stood rooted to the spot. "Get to work Malfoy. Pretty girls don't fall for guys who sit there and do nothing."
Karista blushed furiously and went back to work. It was then, when she had to pick up something on the floor that she noticed what she was wearing.
"Oh my god," She muttered, quickly standing up. "Professor, I need to go to the bathroom."
"Go," Snape said, waving his hand as he stood by Malfoy, barking at him.
What was I thinking! She muttered to herself as she rounded the corner into the girls bathroom.
"How embarrassing," She said, looking at her muggle outfit in the mirror. She had on her favorite, yet unworn since June, pair of hip slung jeans and a tank top without a bra, which revealed her navel. "Why the hell…"
Then she remembered. Her laundry hadn't been finished, so she just threw on some clothing and a cloak. But it had gotten hot in the dungeons after the fires had started, and she quickly shed it.
"No wonder Malfoy was staring at me," Karista shuddered, thinking about what to do. "How gross!"
She decided to let it go. If Malfoy says anything to me about it, I'll rearrange his face, she said to herself, a playful smile on her face at the thought of Malfoy's nose on his head. She opened the door and stepped inside, Malfoy and Snape watching her precariously. She immediately sat down and pulled on her reading glasses. After adjusting the brass scales in front of her, she dumped in some powder and began to stir.
"You look nice tonight," Malfoy said, staring at Karista as though he was under a love potion.
"Going club hopping," Karista said, and evil grin appearing across her face. She remembered going club hopping with her friends back in New York. "Actually, it's a laundry day."
"Club hopping?" Malfoy asked curiously. He sounded interested. Even Snape turned his attention towards her.
"Well, you see, a popular nightly pastime of myself and my friends back in New York. We would go to Club 66, metro dance floor, etc. We would have an excellent time," Karista said, a smile glittering in her face as she added some more ingredients into the boiling pot and stirred. "You know, dancing?"
Malfoy and Snape looked slightly puzzled, until the words dance came out of her mouth. They nodded their understanding, and continued with their potions. Karista, however, kept thinking about the last time she had gone out clubbing with her best friend, Raquel. Oh, what fun they had. Meeting boys, dancing the night away. Her slipping into her window at 4 AM, unnoticed by her father and nanny, Lena. Then sleeping until noon. That was the life, at least, for 5 years.
"I notice your attention is disaperating, Flannigan," Snape said, staring her straight in the eyes to no response.
"Sorry, kinda slipped away for a second," She muttered, quickly adding the goat's blood and letting it simmer. A soft hooting at the window startled them all, until Karista realized it was Petrey, with a note.
"Petrey! How good of you to join me!" Karista laughed, as the little owl perched itself on her shoulder and nipped her ear affectionately. He then stuck out his foot with a little note attached to it.
Karista,
Hope everything is halfway decent down there (Smirks, then Laughs). Anyways, come to me when you are done. Herbology homework sucks, and I hope Petrey keeps you company.
Love Harry
Karista blushed furiously, folded the note and stuck it in her robes.
"Who's it from?" Malfoy asked, a worried expression on his face, as his potion had just turned a violent shade of pink.
"Harry," Karista murmured dreamily, stroking Petrey's head and letting the owl hoot softly in her ear. She kept stirring her potion haphazardly until she realized something was wrong with Malfoy's. "Oh dear. I don't think you added enough lizard scales."
Snape entered the room, and his eyes narrowed.
"Malfoy, what did I tell you before? Staring at beautiful women gets you nowhere in life!" he said icily, his hands taking the ladle in the potion. "Add more lizard scales."
"I just did, at Karista's advice," Malfoy muttered sheepishly, glancing at Karista.
Snape glared maliciously at Karista, then ladled some of her solution into a goblet.
"Very well. Who is willing to try it?" He asked pointedly, glancing between the two of them.
"I will," Malfoy said, taking the goblet from Snape's hands and downing a small sip.
"Please state your name," Snape asked, obviously wondering if it worked.
"Draco Lucifer Malfoy," he said, a droning voice overcoming him.
"What house are you in?"
"Slytherin."
"Who do you have a crush on?"
Malfoy paused, then spoke.
"Karista Flannigan of Gryffindor."
Karista immediately began giggling. It was so funny to watch as Malfoy's eyes glazed over at the mention of her name. Even Snape was amused.
"What happened in the hallway with her that you were to ashamed to talk about to anyone?" Snape asked, gazing intently at Karista, who's face had become weighed down.
"She slapped me after I tried to kiss her. I didn't mean to hurt her, I just wished I could have told her how I felt."
Karista felt a pang of guilt course through her veins. She knew that hitting him was wrong, yet why couldn't he just say that he liked her? It wasn't hard.
"Very well then. Do you think her potion worked?"
"Yes."
Snape's lips did an odd curve, which looked strangely like a smile. He pulled out a vile from his robes and fed it to Malfoy. Instantly the glazed over look on his face disappeared and he looked at Karista with a startled look on.
"Well, top marks, Karista," Snape said quietly. She knew why Snape had asked him those questions, as though trying to hook them up. "Now, as for Malfoy's potion…"
Karista worriedly looked at it, now the same color as hers. She tried to dismiss the fact of events, yet Petrey, who was still on her shoulders, squeezed gently, trying to reassure her.
"Alright, I'll take it," She said, taking the goblet of Malfoy's Veritaserum. She tipped her head back, and immediately felt a cold rush fall over her. A tiny voice spoke in her head. Tell the truth was all it said. I can't…I'm too ashamed of the truth her voice said back, as a deeper voice began questioning her.
"Say your name, please?" The voice boomed in her head. She felt intimidated by it.
"Karista Marie Flannigan," she squeaked. Good, now just keep answering the truth.
"What sport do you play and position?" The voice boomed again.
"Chaser in Quidditch, catcher in softball, middle hitter in volleyball and center/forward in basketball," She said, a slight quiver in her voice. Keep going the voice answered.
"What are you scared of?" The voice boomed yet again. She was too scared to answer. What was she afraid of?
"Nothing," she replied harshly. I can't do this, she said to herself. A sudden warmth passes over her.
"Do you like Draco Malfoy?" Snape asked, once again becoming amused.
"Why ask a question like that?" She said, her gaze shifting gently back into focus. She didn't like being enticed into drinking truth potion. She looked up at Snape's face, and a look of terror spread across it.
"How did you-," he began, shaking slightly.
"I don't know. The serum worked, I'll grant you that, but I can't tell you why it didn't work, because I don't know," She said numbly. She hadn't told anyone about her playing muggle sports.
Malfoy simply stared at her while Snape grasped his left arm and shrieked with pain.
"What's wrong?" Karista asked, yet Malfoy backed away. He obviously knew what was wrong. "Since you know, Malfoy, help me!"
He didn't do anything but stand there, glancing weakly at where Snape laid, wincing. Karista glided gently down to the floor next to him and rolled up his sleeve, where she froze. Burned his skin was a tattoo, one she had seen before. It was the dark mark.
"N-n-no…n-n-no…t-t-this isn't happening," Karista stuttered, backing away from Snape. He looked up at her, helpless and rather afraid. "How…how can this be happening?"
She ran to the table and grabbed her stuff, Petrey fluttering behind her.
"No…wait, Karista," Snape gasped, grabbing the table for support. Malfoy looked scared also. He knew what the Dark Mark was, he just thought that Karista knew about it already.
Karista sprinted out of the dungeons, dropping things along the way. She didn't stop running until she reached the portrait and leapt inside, finally losing everything in her arms and running to the couch, where Harry lay asleep.
"HARRY! HARRY!" She shrieked, her hair flying about her in rage. "Something…something…"
"Wh-what?" Harry looked around confused, then seeing her face, he knew something was seriously wrong.
"We're in danger, Harry. There is a death eater at Hogwarts," She sputtered, sitting in front of Harry on the floor.
"what do you-," Harry began as the portrait hole burst open and in came McGonagall.
"Karista, come with me. Dumbledore would like to speak with you," she spoke wryly, her hands in her pockets. Karista, who was now shaking, stood up and followed McGonagall. Harry followed.
"Potter, stay here. This is old news for you," she spoke, yawning slightly.
***
Karista stared at the door to Dumbledore's office, shaking at the thought of what he would say to her. McGonagall, noticing this, laid her hand on Karista's shoulder.
"It's alright, you did nothing wrong," she said, her thing lips curved in a small smile. Karista smiled weakly back as they entered and saw Snape talking to Dumbledore in a slow whisper. She tried to turn around and leave, but McGonagall held onto her arm. "I think that you should hear what Severus has to say."
She was trembling like mad as she sat in one of the chairs in front of Dumbledore's desk. Dumbledore obviously noticed this, and tried to calm her nerves.
"Please, calm down Miss Flannigan," he said sincerely, looking into her eyes. "I think Snape does owe you an explanation, considering the fact he scared you and Mr. Malfoy half to death."
She turned her head slightly, expecting to see Snape angry, but he wasn't. He looked distraught and nervous, almost as if he was going to cry.
"I am a death eater, however," he spoke in a small voice. "I am a spy for Headmaster Dumbledore."
Karista's heart gave a leap in her throat. She almost screamed, yet knew better. As her heart rate went considerably slower.
"No, I didn't kill your Aunt and Uncle," he said quietly. "And I don't know who did."
He knew she wanted that answered, yet she didn't expect him to reply with such heart.
"Professor Snape here has been telling me how you were able to throw off the Veritaserum," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling merrily. "That is a very rare accomplishment."
"Considering the fact that Death Eaters were taught how to do that, and were the only ones to do so," Snape said, lightly stroking his forearm where the tattoo was. "I was very surprised, and I think Malfoy shares it as his father is also a death eater, to see that after only three questions, you stopped answering completely."
Dumbledore and McGonagall looked at Karista intently, as if expecting her to say something.
"W-w-what do you w-want me to s-say?" she stuttered quietly.
"How you learned that marvelous trick, for starters," Dumbledore said smiling.
"I…I never have been susceptible to Veritaserum," she murmured quietly. She wished she was asleep in Harry's arms right now, one of the only places she felt safe.
"Any ideas as to why?" McGonagall asked quizzically, staring straight into her eyes.
"N-no," she said, her stuttering easing slightly. "I have been able to do it for as long as I can remember."
"Any other…er…traits you would be willing to tell us about?" Snape asked, gazing at her intently.
"Um…I don't think so, I guess," she mumbled. Why were they asking her this?
"Very well then, Miss Flannigan. You are very tired right now, and I assure you that you are not in any danger here at Hogwarts," Dumbledore said reassuringly.
"And, next Thursday we will be having the Potions lesson again, same time," Snape said quietly, staring at her.
"Thank you," she said, standing silently and walking out the office and down the spiraling staircase.
***
Harry sat waiting in the common room for at least thirty minutes since Karista had entered hysterical and was lead of by McGonagall. She must have been talking about Snape if she mentioned Death Eater at Hogwarts. He sat quietly watching the fire, until the portrait hole opened, and Karista stepped in, looking very pale and scared.
"Karista," Harry murmured, jumping off the couch and running to her. She nearly fainted with release as she collapsed into his arms. "I was so worried."
Karista felt so good now that she was with Harry again. She almost couldn't stand up because the weak feeling in her was coming back.
"Snape is a death eater," she said quietly, even if the common room was empty. "I never would have guessed."
"Karista, I knew he was a death eater," Harry said, looking at the floor. Karista froze, and looked up into his eyes, anger surging once again.
"And you never told me?" She spat, forcing herself away from him.
"I was sworn to secrecy at the end of the year. I couldn't tell you, even if I wanted to. And besides that, I don't believe that Snape killed your Aunt and Uncle."
Karista moved towards the couch and sat down. She didn't want to have to think of this, not now. All she wanted was to sleep.
"Karista, you look really tired. Maybe you should go to sleep," Harry murmured, brushing some of her hair out of her face. She couldn't have said it any better herself.
"Maybe I should," she whimpered, hugging Harry again and stomping up to her room.
***
"My lord, why do we want Karista Flannigan?" a voice said maliciously behind a dark hood and mask.
"Because, Lucius," a cold, hard voice pierced the air, making Harry form goosebumps on his arms and legs. "She is the key to my power."
"Tell us, my lord," another voice said, sounding oddly familiar.
"Well, Severus," the voice began, and immediately Harry knew who was speaking; Voldemort. "She is very important to my power. If she dies, I become ten times as powerful as I would be with her. But, I have to kill her."
"My lord, Wormtail has been caught!" a swift voice shrieked, entering the room and piercing the already cold night.
"WHAT? DID HE TELL DUMBLEDORE?" Voldemort spat, becoming obviously angry and turning to Snape.
"No, my lord. He was whimpering the whole time…we couldn't get a thing out of him," Snape said icily.
Harry knew that this was a lie. Whatever Peter had told Dumbledore was very, very important.
"That muggle loving fool," Voldemort seethed under his breath. Harry knew that it would probably be only a matter of time before he came to Hogwarts. "Severus, get back to your post at Hogwarts and see what you can find out."
"Yes my lord," Snape said, and he apparated.
"Now, this Flannigan," Voldemort became amused. "She is beautiful, isn't she, Lucius?"
"Yes, my lord. Her eyes are a violet and…well…she looks exactly like her mother," Lucius said quietly fidgeting on the spot. "Very attractive."
"And yet, there was something else…" Voldemort said, waiving his fingers to get him to continue.
"She is dating Potter," he said quickly.
"Well, that should make everything easier. Back to planning," he spoke lazily, bending over a table. Suddenly Harry's scar shot with pain.
"I must go see Dumbledore," Harry groaned, clapping his hand over his forehead and traveling out of the dormitory in his bathrobe and slippers.
***
He approached the stone gargoyle outside of Dumbledore's office, trying to think of the password when it sprang open instantly. Harry walked inside and stepped on the revolving staircase. He soon reached the doors to his office, where he knocked feverishly.
"Yes, do come in," came Dumbledore's muffled voice. He sounded tired. Harry opened the door and he saw Snape and McGonagall, both looking equally tired. Snape still had on his death eater's robes…he knew this from the dream.
"Potter, what are you doing out of bed at this hour?" McGonagall spoke harshly, rising from her chair.
"No, wait, you have to listen," Harry gasped, his voice being muffled by Mcgonagall's cloak as she ushered him outside. "It's about Voldemort."
McGonagall immediately stopped what she was doing and pulled him back inside. Snape looked coldly down at him while Dumbledore's eyes twinkled mysteriously.
"I had another dream," Harry spoke nervously. "Voldemort was standing in this room, talking to Lucius Malfoy and-," He stopped, glancing quickly at Snape, who to his surprise, nodded him to go on.
"And who, Harry?" Dumbledore asked. He obviously wanted to know whom else he had seen there.
"Professor Snape," he said quickly. Dumbledore's eyes flashed, then Harry continued. "Well, he was talking about Karista, saying that if she died, he would be ten times more powerful than he already is…but only if he killed her. He then went starking mad when someone told him that Wormtail was caught, and, well, then he turned to Professor and asked if it was true and what he had said. He lied…said there wasn't anything important, then he said that it was a good thing that we were…um…together. That it would be easier."
Snape looking down at the floor, and Harry could have sworn he saw Snape almost started crying. McGonagall was crying, while Dumbledore look placid.
"My scar started hurting…and that's all…I think I will leave now," harry began, but Dumbledore held up a hand to stop him.
"Sit Harry, there is something you need to understand," He said quietly. "Voldemort is after Karista for an extremely good reason, and if you be kind enough to sit back down, I will explain everything."
Snape and McGonagall looked up at Dumbledore, both with shocked expressions on their faces.
"Do you remember the story of the Sorceress of Fire, Harry?" Dumbledore asked, gazing intently into Harry's eyes. He nodded his head yes while Dumbledore continued. "Well, Harry, there is not other way of putting this, but Karista is the next Sorceress of Fire."
Harry couldn't believe this. The woman he loved was even more powerful than Voldemort ever was.
"You see, it is very confusing, but one might understand it, giving they open their heart and mind and understand that she doesn't know about any of this. Voldemort's mom, was once married to Tom Riddle, yet he was not her first husband. No, indeed Shaletza, Voldemort's mom, was married to another muggle by the name of Clifford Higgins. They had three children, Anna who is Karista's mom, Emma and Jeremy, her aunt and uncle," Dumbledore said, not removing his gaze from Harry. "When Clifford found out that Shaletza was a witch, and a powerful one at that, he left her, taking Anna, Emma and Jeremy away from her."
Harry couldn't breathe. The room was closing around her. His heart had an iron hand on it. The dreams…that is why I know her, Harry said to himself.
"Continuing on, we all know Shaletza died giving birth to Voldemort. Therefore, the powers of Sorceress of fire, strong in females, was passed down to Anna Higgins, who attended Hogwarts. Now, she moved to New York and Voldemort caught up with her and killed her, not long after Karista was born. Voldemort never knew about Karista, until after he killed her aunt and uncle," Dumbledore shuddered. Harry found it hard to come away from this. "So, now, if he kills Karista, he will be unstoppable. Therefore Harry, we must protect her."
Harry sat silently, a tear rolling down his cheek.
"Does she have the powers of a Sorceress of Fire?" Harry asked, glancing up from his lap.
"Well, she probably doesn't realize it, but I am 99.9 % positive she does. That is probably why her wands don't work, her excellent grade in potions, care of magical creatures and transfiguration. She can probably also speak Parseltongue, too. Tell me Harry, every wondered why her eyes looked so familiar?" Dumbledore asked, a slight tremble in his voice.
Realization slapped Harry hard in the face. The eyes, of course. It was a dead giveaway. They were exactly like Voldemort's. Dumbledore seemed to realize this, and began to speak again.
"Harry, she is the key to defeating Voldemort. He will, if he can get his filthy hands on her, make her fight him, and because her powers are untamed, he will win."
Harry froze, the thought of having Karista laying next to him, her cold purple eyes framed in his mind forever, wasn't very promising.
"She is a better wizard than him, and for that matter, better than me. If she could learn everything she needs to know, she can do away with him before anything-," Dumbledore stopped, and looked at Harry, who wanted to speak. "Tell me what you have thought of, Harry."
"Her necklace…It was her mom's. It says something like 'protect thine heart with thine eyes'. It probably has some sort of protection on her. Even Petrey, her owl has something like that around its neck," Harry murmured.
"In the meantime, we must now watch over both of you fretfully. Now, Harry, I ask that you go up to bed," Dumbledore spoke hazily, looking as tired as Harry had ever seen him. "And Harry, not a word to anyone. What happens in here stays in here."
"professor, what is it that Wormtail told you about?" Harry asked, not being able to control himself.
"That I cannot answer until more information comes forth," he said, rising from his desk. "Good night to you all."
***
Harry crawled into the common room an hour later after being escorted by McGonagall. He was scared of Karista now, even if she didn't have an idea of this. After trudging up the stairs and entering his room, he crossed his bed only to find someone asleep on it.