Chapter 14
The Past Returns
Wood was having a hard time sleeping. He had gone to bed fairly early, not wanting to have to look at the Weasleys. He felt horrible after he learned that their little sister, Ginny, had been taken into the Chamber. He couldn't stand to look at their sad faces. He especially felt guilty. Mainly because he knew that he would get to see Vera in the morning.
He was awoken from his light doze when Percy shook him awake. "Oliver! Ginny's all right! Harry and Ron saved her! They're holding a feast in the Great Hall!"
Before Wood could ask any questions, Percy was out the door to go tell everyone else. A great sense of relief washed over him as he raced out of the room to run into the Weasley twins. They couldn't be happier. The three of them walked to the Great Hall together amid the bustling students.
In all of Wood's six long years at Hogwarts, he had never been at a feast quite like this one. Everyone was in their pajamas, and the celebration lasted all night. There were several great points for Wood, such as winning the House Cup, or hearing the exams had been canceled, or that Lockhart wouldn't be returning. But nothing matched up to when he looked up at the door and saw a figure standing there.
"Vera!" he shouted and ran towards her. She grinned and threw her arms around his neck when he reached her as he swung her around in a circle. He captured her lips in a passionate kiss as most of the students within the Hall made catcalls and whistled at them. "I missed you so much Vera!"
She couldn't help but grin again. "I know. Aunt Minerva told me everything." She stopped and her eyes widened. "I mean-"
"Aunt MINERVA?" asked Wood as he took a step back in shock. "You mean. . . Professor McGonagall. . . is your aunt?"
Vera nodded sheepishly. "We thought it best not to tell anyone, so no one would think I got special treatment or anything."
"Well I guess it makes sense," said Wood thoughtfully as he glanced up at the head table. "You said your aunt taught you a lot about Transfiguration. You were always talking to her. You became a panther, another form of a cat."
"And I named my own cat after her. Athena is the Greek version of Minerva."
Wood laughed. "So I just kissed you in front of your aunt?"
Vera laughed too. A loud yowl stopped her though and she turned around to see Athena sitting on the ground, Vera's wand in front of her. Vera bent down and picked the cat up. "And how are you Athena? Happy I'm back?"
Athena hissed and swiped at Vera's face. Three long, bloody scratches appeared across her cheek as she dropped the cat. Vera stared at the cat dumbfounded. "Athena, what in the world is wrong with you?"
The thing that happened next no one expected and it brought silence to the Great Hall. Athena transfigured into a human woman, a woman that made Vera take a step back, running into Wood. The woman bent down and picked up Vera's wand, smiling cruelly. She straightened her pearl necklace and stood up. Vera could hear the sound of scraping chairs behind her as the teachers stood up in shock.
"Vera," the woman said. "Come and greet your mother properly."
Vera shook her head in denial, pressing back against Wood's chest. "No. No, you're not supposed to be here. Where's Athena, where's my cat?"
Mrs. Shields laughed. "See, after I had sent that Howler I knew that I needed to watch you closely. And when I saw that cat that Minerva had given you, I knew that it was my chance. I had to get rid of it of course. Pity that you thought that the white spots around my neck were there because of something else. I had always thought of you as smarter than that."
Vera had never been so scared in her life. Every spell left her at the moment, she couldn't have changed into a panther if her life depended on it, and it did. The woman before her went on, her ice blue eyes glinting in triumph. "All of you teachers in the back had better stay there," she said warningly, waving Vera's wand around. "This is between mother and daughter. That means don't interfere this time Minerva."
Professor McGonagall was on the side of the room, trying to move closer. "This is madness Diana," she said reasonably, hoping to distract her.
"Dear sister," Vera's mother said with a tight smile. "Do stay out of my business for once. You took my daughter away from me when she was a child, don't do it again."
"You were trying to teach her the Dark Arts. I would not have it."
"You would prevent her from being among the victorious!" she shrieked, Vera's wand waving to and fro. "After you took her away from me I have searched long for her." She whirled back to face Vera. "I couldn't have you turning to a side with my sister on it. So I tried to break your broom, in the hopes it would break at the right moment. It did, but that boy behind you had to stop you from falling." She snarled at him and even Wood was tempted to back up. He tried to discretely move Vera behind him in the attempt to shield her.
"And with the Chamber opened, I could only pray that the Heir would take Vera, pure-blood though she is. But everything is ruined. Now I have to take care of her myself."
"Diana," spoke Dumbledore, where he was standing calmly at the head of the room. "Diana, this is not wise."
"Dumbledore, you ancient fool," sneered Mrs. Shields with disgust. "You, the champion of the Mudbloods." Most students gasped, but for the most part they sat transfixed, hoping not to draw attention to themselves. "You could never know true power."
Wood carefully reached his hand into his back pocket, searching for his wand that he had stuffed their as he ran out of the room. While she was distracted, he grasped it firmly in his hand. He wasn't quite sure what to say, but maybe he could distract her for the few moments for the teachers to do something.
He raised his wand, but Mrs. Shields saw him. Before he could so much as think of the spell, she raised Vera's wand and yelled, "Stupefy!" Vera screamed as Wood was blasted to the other side of the room, where he landed with thud on the floor in front of the head table. She wanted to turn and run to him, but knew the last thing she should do was turn her back on the dangerous person known as her mother.
Seeing Dumbledore bend down over the unconscious Wood, Vera returned her full attention to her mother. The woman had two wands in her hands now, Vera's and Wood's. "Don't do this Diana," warned Professor McGonagall as she edged closer. Hope rose within Vera as she saw someone behind her mother; it was Snape, who had slid out of the side door right away.
"Her time is over Minerva!" screamed Mrs. Shields, pointing both wands at Vera. With a great breath, she bellowed, "Crucio!"
Vera screamed in utter agony as she collapsed to the floor. It was pain like she had never imagined. Her whole body was on fire as she screamed louder than she ever had. She thought that her head might burst from the pain. And she wished for death; wished that the pain would end.
Dumbledore bent over Wood and pointed his wand at him. Quietly, he whispered, "Ennervate." Wood's eyes flew open and widened when he heard Vera's screams. Dumbledore looked up and Wood took the opportunity to climb to his feet. Even though he was unsteady, he raced towards the fallen form of Vera.
Mrs. Shields looked up and cursed at the sixth year that was running toward her. Her momentary distraction was enough though, as both Snape and Professor McGonagall ran at the woman, wands outstretched. Together, they yelled spells at the woman.
"Expelliarmus!"
"Stupefy!"
Mrs. Shields dropped the wands as she flew into an opposing wall, unconscious with nothing more than an expression of surprise on her face. Snape went to her and with the help of Professor Flitwick, took her out of the Great Hall and out of view of the students.
Vera stopped screaming as the pain left her. She stayed on the floor though, tears welling in her eyes as she gasped for breath. The first face that she saw come into view though, was Professor McGonagall's.
"It's all right, child," she said comfortingly, as she helped Vera up. "It's all over now." With the stunned looks of the students following them, Professor McGonagall led her niece out of the Great Hall, Wood trailing in their wake.
The Great Hall erupted into noise again as everyone started to talk about what had happened. Dumbledore told them all to remain there as he left the Hall as well, several teachers behind him.
When they were safely out of earshot of anyone that may be lurking in the doorway, they paused and all turned to look at each other. Vera was leaning against a wall, tears sliding down her face. As the teachers decided what to do with Mrs. Shields, Wood moved over to Vera and drew her into his arms. She started to cry more forcefully, soaking his shirt.
Resting his chin on the top of her head, he wished that it had been him under the Cruciatus Curse. He had heard that the pain was unbearable when the curse was inflicted upon someone, which was why all that used it went to Azkaban.
Vera sniffled and rested her head against Wood's chest. The fear she had felt only minutes ago was unlike anything she knew. It consumed her much like the pain had. At least with Wood holding her, she felt that he could keep the remaining fear at bay.
"Vera?" asked Professor McGonagall, stepping closer.
Vera turned in Wood's arms, thankful that he didn't let go of her. "I'll. . . I'll be all right Aunt Minerva."
Professor McGonagall smiled. "You always were a stubborn child. You should know that you are perfectly safe now Vera. Your mother is going to Azkaban for the rest of her life. I never had told you before, but I had heard that your father had been killed years ago in a fight with some Aurors. You're perfectly fine now child."
Vera nodded stiffly. "But Athena's still gone. The cat you gave me."
Professor McGonagall smiled in sympathy. "That was the most loyal cat I had ever seen. Just remember that I'm sure she gave Diana quite a few scratches in her fight."
Vera smiled weakly. She turned away from her aunt and tried to move closer to Wood, seeking the comfort that he naturally gave her. Professor McGonagall sighed and looked up at Wood. 'Watch over her,' she mouthed and Wood nodded, his arms tightening around her.
The teachers then quietly dispersed, Dumbledore off to go write to Azkaban, Professor McGonagall and Snape to go watch over Mrs. Shields, and the rest to go back to the feast and tell the students that once again, everything was all right.
Wood looked down at Vera and sighed. "What do you want to do?" he asked quietly.
Vera sniffled. "I can't go back in the Great Hall, not after what happened. Can we go back to Gryffindor Tower?"
Wood nodded and started to lead her away. He figured that since no one was in the dormitories, it was all right for him to see Vera to bed. She was reluctant to move away from him. "Oliver, please don't leave me. I. . . I don't think I could handle it right now."
He nodded silently and lay down on the bed next to her, reminding himself that he couldn't sleep here. He sighed and hugged Vera to him, unwilling to let her go. "I love you Vera," he whispered.
It was only a short time later that the rest of the Gryffindors showed up, somewhat subdued since they figured that Vera was around. Katie was chosen as the emissary and she headed up to their room, hoping to see Vera there.
Katie had to put a hand over her mouth to stop herself from making any sounds. Seeing Vera and Wood together, both fast asleep, was a comforting image. With a large smile on her face, she quietly left the room to tell the other Gryffindors that both Vera and Wood were quite all right.
~*~*~*~
I am SO sorry I didn't post this yesterday. Yesterday was the first day of school for me and my teachers are evil and gave me homework. I have more than half my locker stuffed in my bag at this moment. Anyway. Just in case anyone cares, Diana is the Roman name for the Greek goddess Artemis. I figured I'd keep up with JK Rowlings use of Greek mythology for names. Now honestly, was anybody able to guess who her aunt was or that Athena was really her mom? Honestly? I'd like to know either way. Well, only one more chapter/epilogue left. I hope that everyone is enjoying this story. This chapter was one of the funnest (that is so not a word) to write for me at least. Let me know what you think. Last chapter/epilogue: Moving On ~ Alexandra
The Past Returns
Wood was having a hard time sleeping. He had gone to bed fairly early, not wanting to have to look at the Weasleys. He felt horrible after he learned that their little sister, Ginny, had been taken into the Chamber. He couldn't stand to look at their sad faces. He especially felt guilty. Mainly because he knew that he would get to see Vera in the morning.
He was awoken from his light doze when Percy shook him awake. "Oliver! Ginny's all right! Harry and Ron saved her! They're holding a feast in the Great Hall!"
Before Wood could ask any questions, Percy was out the door to go tell everyone else. A great sense of relief washed over him as he raced out of the room to run into the Weasley twins. They couldn't be happier. The three of them walked to the Great Hall together amid the bustling students.
In all of Wood's six long years at Hogwarts, he had never been at a feast quite like this one. Everyone was in their pajamas, and the celebration lasted all night. There were several great points for Wood, such as winning the House Cup, or hearing the exams had been canceled, or that Lockhart wouldn't be returning. But nothing matched up to when he looked up at the door and saw a figure standing there.
"Vera!" he shouted and ran towards her. She grinned and threw her arms around his neck when he reached her as he swung her around in a circle. He captured her lips in a passionate kiss as most of the students within the Hall made catcalls and whistled at them. "I missed you so much Vera!"
She couldn't help but grin again. "I know. Aunt Minerva told me everything." She stopped and her eyes widened. "I mean-"
"Aunt MINERVA?" asked Wood as he took a step back in shock. "You mean. . . Professor McGonagall. . . is your aunt?"
Vera nodded sheepishly. "We thought it best not to tell anyone, so no one would think I got special treatment or anything."
"Well I guess it makes sense," said Wood thoughtfully as he glanced up at the head table. "You said your aunt taught you a lot about Transfiguration. You were always talking to her. You became a panther, another form of a cat."
"And I named my own cat after her. Athena is the Greek version of Minerva."
Wood laughed. "So I just kissed you in front of your aunt?"
Vera laughed too. A loud yowl stopped her though and she turned around to see Athena sitting on the ground, Vera's wand in front of her. Vera bent down and picked the cat up. "And how are you Athena? Happy I'm back?"
Athena hissed and swiped at Vera's face. Three long, bloody scratches appeared across her cheek as she dropped the cat. Vera stared at the cat dumbfounded. "Athena, what in the world is wrong with you?"
The thing that happened next no one expected and it brought silence to the Great Hall. Athena transfigured into a human woman, a woman that made Vera take a step back, running into Wood. The woman bent down and picked up Vera's wand, smiling cruelly. She straightened her pearl necklace and stood up. Vera could hear the sound of scraping chairs behind her as the teachers stood up in shock.
"Vera," the woman said. "Come and greet your mother properly."
Vera shook her head in denial, pressing back against Wood's chest. "No. No, you're not supposed to be here. Where's Athena, where's my cat?"
Mrs. Shields laughed. "See, after I had sent that Howler I knew that I needed to watch you closely. And when I saw that cat that Minerva had given you, I knew that it was my chance. I had to get rid of it of course. Pity that you thought that the white spots around my neck were there because of something else. I had always thought of you as smarter than that."
Vera had never been so scared in her life. Every spell left her at the moment, she couldn't have changed into a panther if her life depended on it, and it did. The woman before her went on, her ice blue eyes glinting in triumph. "All of you teachers in the back had better stay there," she said warningly, waving Vera's wand around. "This is between mother and daughter. That means don't interfere this time Minerva."
Professor McGonagall was on the side of the room, trying to move closer. "This is madness Diana," she said reasonably, hoping to distract her.
"Dear sister," Vera's mother said with a tight smile. "Do stay out of my business for once. You took my daughter away from me when she was a child, don't do it again."
"You were trying to teach her the Dark Arts. I would not have it."
"You would prevent her from being among the victorious!" she shrieked, Vera's wand waving to and fro. "After you took her away from me I have searched long for her." She whirled back to face Vera. "I couldn't have you turning to a side with my sister on it. So I tried to break your broom, in the hopes it would break at the right moment. It did, but that boy behind you had to stop you from falling." She snarled at him and even Wood was tempted to back up. He tried to discretely move Vera behind him in the attempt to shield her.
"And with the Chamber opened, I could only pray that the Heir would take Vera, pure-blood though she is. But everything is ruined. Now I have to take care of her myself."
"Diana," spoke Dumbledore, where he was standing calmly at the head of the room. "Diana, this is not wise."
"Dumbledore, you ancient fool," sneered Mrs. Shields with disgust. "You, the champion of the Mudbloods." Most students gasped, but for the most part they sat transfixed, hoping not to draw attention to themselves. "You could never know true power."
Wood carefully reached his hand into his back pocket, searching for his wand that he had stuffed their as he ran out of the room. While she was distracted, he grasped it firmly in his hand. He wasn't quite sure what to say, but maybe he could distract her for the few moments for the teachers to do something.
He raised his wand, but Mrs. Shields saw him. Before he could so much as think of the spell, she raised Vera's wand and yelled, "Stupefy!" Vera screamed as Wood was blasted to the other side of the room, where he landed with thud on the floor in front of the head table. She wanted to turn and run to him, but knew the last thing she should do was turn her back on the dangerous person known as her mother.
Seeing Dumbledore bend down over the unconscious Wood, Vera returned her full attention to her mother. The woman had two wands in her hands now, Vera's and Wood's. "Don't do this Diana," warned Professor McGonagall as she edged closer. Hope rose within Vera as she saw someone behind her mother; it was Snape, who had slid out of the side door right away.
"Her time is over Minerva!" screamed Mrs. Shields, pointing both wands at Vera. With a great breath, she bellowed, "Crucio!"
Vera screamed in utter agony as she collapsed to the floor. It was pain like she had never imagined. Her whole body was on fire as she screamed louder than she ever had. She thought that her head might burst from the pain. And she wished for death; wished that the pain would end.
Dumbledore bent over Wood and pointed his wand at him. Quietly, he whispered, "Ennervate." Wood's eyes flew open and widened when he heard Vera's screams. Dumbledore looked up and Wood took the opportunity to climb to his feet. Even though he was unsteady, he raced towards the fallen form of Vera.
Mrs. Shields looked up and cursed at the sixth year that was running toward her. Her momentary distraction was enough though, as both Snape and Professor McGonagall ran at the woman, wands outstretched. Together, they yelled spells at the woman.
"Expelliarmus!"
"Stupefy!"
Mrs. Shields dropped the wands as she flew into an opposing wall, unconscious with nothing more than an expression of surprise on her face. Snape went to her and with the help of Professor Flitwick, took her out of the Great Hall and out of view of the students.
Vera stopped screaming as the pain left her. She stayed on the floor though, tears welling in her eyes as she gasped for breath. The first face that she saw come into view though, was Professor McGonagall's.
"It's all right, child," she said comfortingly, as she helped Vera up. "It's all over now." With the stunned looks of the students following them, Professor McGonagall led her niece out of the Great Hall, Wood trailing in their wake.
The Great Hall erupted into noise again as everyone started to talk about what had happened. Dumbledore told them all to remain there as he left the Hall as well, several teachers behind him.
When they were safely out of earshot of anyone that may be lurking in the doorway, they paused and all turned to look at each other. Vera was leaning against a wall, tears sliding down her face. As the teachers decided what to do with Mrs. Shields, Wood moved over to Vera and drew her into his arms. She started to cry more forcefully, soaking his shirt.
Resting his chin on the top of her head, he wished that it had been him under the Cruciatus Curse. He had heard that the pain was unbearable when the curse was inflicted upon someone, which was why all that used it went to Azkaban.
Vera sniffled and rested her head against Wood's chest. The fear she had felt only minutes ago was unlike anything she knew. It consumed her much like the pain had. At least with Wood holding her, she felt that he could keep the remaining fear at bay.
"Vera?" asked Professor McGonagall, stepping closer.
Vera turned in Wood's arms, thankful that he didn't let go of her. "I'll. . . I'll be all right Aunt Minerva."
Professor McGonagall smiled. "You always were a stubborn child. You should know that you are perfectly safe now Vera. Your mother is going to Azkaban for the rest of her life. I never had told you before, but I had heard that your father had been killed years ago in a fight with some Aurors. You're perfectly fine now child."
Vera nodded stiffly. "But Athena's still gone. The cat you gave me."
Professor McGonagall smiled in sympathy. "That was the most loyal cat I had ever seen. Just remember that I'm sure she gave Diana quite a few scratches in her fight."
Vera smiled weakly. She turned away from her aunt and tried to move closer to Wood, seeking the comfort that he naturally gave her. Professor McGonagall sighed and looked up at Wood. 'Watch over her,' she mouthed and Wood nodded, his arms tightening around her.
The teachers then quietly dispersed, Dumbledore off to go write to Azkaban, Professor McGonagall and Snape to go watch over Mrs. Shields, and the rest to go back to the feast and tell the students that once again, everything was all right.
Wood looked down at Vera and sighed. "What do you want to do?" he asked quietly.
Vera sniffled. "I can't go back in the Great Hall, not after what happened. Can we go back to Gryffindor Tower?"
Wood nodded and started to lead her away. He figured that since no one was in the dormitories, it was all right for him to see Vera to bed. She was reluctant to move away from him. "Oliver, please don't leave me. I. . . I don't think I could handle it right now."
He nodded silently and lay down on the bed next to her, reminding himself that he couldn't sleep here. He sighed and hugged Vera to him, unwilling to let her go. "I love you Vera," he whispered.
It was only a short time later that the rest of the Gryffindors showed up, somewhat subdued since they figured that Vera was around. Katie was chosen as the emissary and she headed up to their room, hoping to see Vera there.
Katie had to put a hand over her mouth to stop herself from making any sounds. Seeing Vera and Wood together, both fast asleep, was a comforting image. With a large smile on her face, she quietly left the room to tell the other Gryffindors that both Vera and Wood were quite all right.
~*~*~*~
I am SO sorry I didn't post this yesterday. Yesterday was the first day of school for me and my teachers are evil and gave me homework. I have more than half my locker stuffed in my bag at this moment. Anyway. Just in case anyone cares, Diana is the Roman name for the Greek goddess Artemis. I figured I'd keep up with JK Rowlings use of Greek mythology for names. Now honestly, was anybody able to guess who her aunt was or that Athena was really her mom? Honestly? I'd like to know either way. Well, only one more chapter/epilogue left. I hope that everyone is enjoying this story. This chapter was one of the funnest (that is so not a word) to write for me at least. Let me know what you think. Last chapter/epilogue: Moving On ~ Alexandra