"What was that about?" Hermione asked back in the fifth year girls'
dormitory, "Why did Snape want to talk to you?"
Desiree was quiet for a moment before answering, "No reason. Shall we go down to the common room with everyone else?"
Without waiting for Hermione, Des moved down the stairs to the common room and sat down next to the fire. Her eyes fixed on the flames as the rest of the room faded away. Hopefully Snape wouldn't make any more scenes. If not, something would have to be done, because there was no way that she was going to allow herself to be exposed. Too much was riding on this deception.
Hermione sat down with Ron and Harry, all three watching Des gaze pensively into the fireplace.
"I don't know what Snape and Desiree talked about, but we need to find out. She hasn't been herself since it happened," Hermione whispered to the boys sitting next to her.
"What do you think Snape could have said to scare Desiree?" Ron asked.
Harry tilted his head towards his friends, "Did either of you see Snape when she sat down in the front of the class? She looked fine, but he was the one who was afraid. I think we might want to consider what Desiree said to Snape."
"She's just a student here, a new one at that. How could she possibly scare Professor Snape?" Hermione questioned, not wanting to follow Harry's line of reasoning.
"That's what we need to find out," Harry's eyes wandered over to Desiree again.
Ron thought for a moment before commenting, "You know, now that I think about it, all of the professors have been acting strange around her. They all seem.frightened."
"Come on, Hermione, you must have noticed it too," Harry kept his eyes on the new girl.
Sighing, Hermione conceded, "All right, I've noticed. What do you want to do about it?"
Snape was pacing back and forth in front of the entrance to Professor Dumbledore's office. He was trying to decide whether or not he should tell Dumbledore about Desiree's memories. The Headmaster needed to know that critical piece of information, if he didn't already know. However, if Dumbledore chose to ask Desiree certain questions, Snape would certainly not benefit from the situation.
He had to make a choice. Snape had rarely been this concerned about anything, but anyone who knew the details wouldn't blame him his indecision.
Snape was suddenly furious that Dumbledore hadn't listened to him when he'd said that she was dangerous. Deep down, the Potions professor wished that she had been killed all those years ago. If not that, at least not allowed to come here. Desiree had been essentially brought out of hiding when she entered Hogwarts.
Those in power had gone to great lengths to ensure that she wouldn't be found by revenge-seeking wizards or witches. And even greater lengths to see that she wasn't taken for more sinister purposes.
Then to have the stupidity to bring her to Hogwarts, the first place everyone would look for her. All of Desiree's more threatening pursuers knew that Dumbledore would want her close by. Add onto all of this, Desiree had permission to go down to Hogsmeade, where anyone could abduct her. Dumbledore might as well hand her over.
Puffing, Snape openly acknowledged the ridiculousness of the whole situation. He decided that Desiree wouldn't be a student at Hogwarts very long under the circumstances, so what would it hurt to tell Dumbledore? The Headmaster wouldn't have enough time to inquire of her more.interesting memories.
Upon saying the password, he climbed up the staircase to Dumbledore's office and informed the elderly man of the intriguing development pertaining to Desiree. As suspected, Dumbledore already had the information; however, he welcomed Snape's admission.
Desiree and Hermione lied down in the grass near the lake by Hogwarts castle. Hermione was reading a book under the shade of a tree while Des had her eyes closed, face turned up to the sun. Neither one of them noticed the visitor that was approaching.
William plopped down beside Desiree so loudly that it shook her from their reverie and Hermione from her book. The latter huffed before burying her nose deeper within the old parchment; Desiree smiled.
"William, right?" Des asked, leaning up.
"Yes, and you're Desiree," as if he could ever forget. He glanced out over the lake to see the calm waters reflect the sun's rays, "It's a lovely day."
"It is. Much too nice to spend in the library, or so I told Hermione. I practically had to drag her from among those old papers to come out here with me. Even then, she had to bring a book with her," Des laughed as she hazarded a look back at Hermione, who was once again engrossed in her tome.
To William, Hermione was an annoying mudblood, but he couldn't let Desiree know that he disliked her friend, therefore he goodheartedly laughed. After a moment, he commented, "I was about to go for a walk around the lake. Would you like to come with me?"
"I must say, we really don't know each other," Des giggled, "How do I know that I can trust you when we're alone?"
Smirking, "I suppose you'll have to take my word that I'm a good man, however you'll know for sure once we get better acquainted."
"There's no time like the present. Besides, I doubt that Hermione will even notice I'm gone, although I think that I should tell her anyway." After informing her friend, Des walked to the other side of the lake with William, quickly losing sight of Hermione.
The Slytherin told Desiree all about himself during their stroll. He told her about his parents who both worked for the Ministry, and about his younger sister who would be starting Hogwarts the next year. When he asked about her family she had promptly, yet politely changed the subject.
He had tried to get the information out of her again by asking, "Why did you parents decide to transfer you here to Hogwarts?" thinking that it would be a good way to broach the topic of her family.
Des's only response was, "I'm certainly glad that I transferred here. There are so many wonderful people at Hogwarts."
"Why don't you talk of your family? I told you all about mine."
She stopped moving and turned to him, "I have nothing to tell about my family." With that, she was heading back towards the castle, leaving William to catch up with her after a moment of wondering what her secret was.
William spent dinner watching Desiree from across the dining hall. Observing every gesture she made, trying to figure her out. He had never met someone who was so unwilling to talk about themselves and their past. Most people were only too happy to tell everything; from the color of their room to the first time they used magic. Why did she shy away from questions? William just couldn't understand.
Desiree looked out of the corner of her eye at the Slytherin Quidditch captain. He had been staring at her all throughout the meal. It made her nervous. Obviously, William would be suspicious after she had practically refused to say a word about her family, but she had hoped that it wouldn't bother him too terribly. Looking at his confused expression, Des could see that it had.
If he continued to question her, she could always make up something. Just a little boring piece of information that would satisfy him; allay his suspicions. That would be the best for all involved. Although, Des didn't quite like the idea of lying about her family. Deep down, she was proud of her family, at least a little.
Her family history was not something that most people would claim, which is why Dumbledore had told her not to reveal her true name. It was much too dangerous in a place like Hogwarts.
Eventually, though, everyone would find out. They always do. Secrets never last long, and a secret as large as the one Desiree carried usually didn't last a moment. Already, people were beginning to wonder about her. Hermione, Ron, and Harry were all acting a little strange, almost as if they were investigating her.
That is most unsettling. Perhaps she would have to make something up for them as well. Des was most afraid of Harry; if he found out who she was.Des didn't even want to consider finishing that thought. Needless to say, it would not be pretty.
For the third night in a row, Nearly Headless Nick didn't join the Gryfindors at the dinner table. When Desiree had first arrived, Nick had looked like he would die of shock, if he hadn't been dead already. Since then, he had been avoiding her, and anyone within a mile radius. Another development that would draw even more questions.
Desiree finished her meal silently before returning to the Gryfindor tower alone. Once again, she found herself in the common room, gazing into the fire. The other Gryfindors came and went, but she never noticed. Finally, well after midnight, she stood up, stretched, then marched up to her room to go to bed.
At breakfast on Saturday, Desiree received an owl from the Fosters, the family that had raised her.
Desiree,
We hope everything is all right at Hogwarts. No distressing news has come to us, and we will take that as a good sign. Even though you are protected there, John and I can't help but worry about you. With things as they are, I'm sure you can't blame us.
Let us know if there is anything that you need.
Mary and John Foster.
Des didn't have the heart to lie to them. Taking her quill, she wrote back an answer quickly.
Things aren't quite going according to plan. The professors and portraits all acting strange around me, and even the ghosts have taken to avoiding me. The other students have noticed and are growing suspicious. I won't be able to keep up this pretext much longer.
I met Harry Potter, and I wasn't at all prepared for it. I'm afraid that I acted foolishly and called even more attention to myself. Forgive me, for I have disappointed you. You told me what you wanted from me, and I have not been able to do it.
Today, I go to Hogsmeade. I feel sure that you know what will happen there. However, it is no more than I deserve.
Forgive me again for disgracing you.
Desiree
She rolled the parchment up and handed it back to the Fosters' owl. In an instant, the white bird was flying out the window.
Desiree couldn't believe how hard it had been to get away from her companions. She had lost William in the candy store, but she couldn't get rid of Hermione, Ron, and Harry that easily. There was no longer a question if they were investigating her. Des didn't honestly think that she would have been rid of the three of them without the help of Colin Creevy, who had, at the perfect moment, distracted her followers by insisting that Harry help him with some ridiculous thing. Hermione and Ron simply got caught behind due to Colin's desire to have their opinions as well.
Not really caring why Colin felt he needed Harry, Ron, and Hermione's help, Desiree kept moving. One look down the road and she saw that William had spotted her, and he would reach her in a few minutes.
Nothing was working out.
Desiree had one chance to get away in time. A quick sidestep into the local tavern delivered her from William's advance, but landed her into her worst nightmare.
Instantly, everyone in the bar noticed the newcomer. All eyes were on her, and in a few of the older ones, she saw recognition and hatred. Amidst all of the older faces, she saw a few students scattered throughout, all drinking their butterbeer. Even those youths could feel the cold animosity that greeted Desiree.
One elderly man stood up, only to walk right past Des while casting her a disdainful glare. A woman standing at the bar shouted for her to get out, that she wasn't welcome there. Another one spit at her feet. Before the saliva hit the ground, Desiree was running out the front door of the tavern, her eyes full of tears.
Barely two steps out of the tavern a hand covered her mouth to silence her screams when another hand slid around her waist to drag her into a deserted alley.
Desiree's attacker slammed her against the stonewall of the building, keeping one hand over her mouth. However, his right hand reached for her right wrist and pulled it up so he could enclose it within his grasp.
Red-hot pain shot through Des' arm as she silently screamed into an unknown palm. With her head spinning from the ache at her wrist, she hardly heard the whispered words, "So you always know who you are."
A second later, Desiree was released, and her attacker disappeared. Her legs gave way, lowering her to the ground, sobbing loudly. Luckily William heard.
"Are you all right? Desiree, what happened?" he asked, wrapping his arms around her.
Des buried her face into his cloak, continuing to weep. After a time, she finally collected herself enough to move away from him. However, her cool expression didn't last long. By chance, she glanced down at her right wrist.
Screaming, she shot up from the ground and dashed out of the alley. William couldn't hope to keep up with her. He realized how upset she must have been upon seeing the path she had carved for herself through the crowd.
Comments were thrown around about how rude she had been to bump into people, even knocking a few down, without apologizing or slowing down in the slightest. All who came into contact with her watched as she plowed through the street towards the castle. It only took her minutes to return to Hogwarts and make her way to Dumbledore's office.
She had been given the password to his office, in case of emergencies. Desiree certainly felt that the attack qualified.
Dumbledore could hear Des hurrying up the stairs. Just as her dark hair could be seen from his desk, he asked, "What happened, Desiree?"
Tears streaming down her eyes and out of breath, she simply shoved her right arm out for Dumbledore to see. His gentle hands grasped her fingers as he examined Des's wrist.
"How did it happen?" he asked, not looking up at her.
Her chest still heaving, ".an.attack.in an.alley."
The Headmaster stood and moved around his desk to tower above Desiree. "I don't think there is anything I can do."
"No, you have to help me," Des pleaded, finally having regained her breath.
"I'm sorry."
She collapsed into a nearby chair, fresh tears in her eyes. "So I'd always know who I was. That's what the attacker had said. As if I could ever forget." Desiree cradled her wrist, holding it close to her body, "And I'll have to live with this on me for the rest of my life?"
"I'm afraid so."
Gazing down at her wrist, Desiree traced the design that encircled her flesh. She whispered, "So I'd always remember who I was."
Desiree was quiet for a moment before answering, "No reason. Shall we go down to the common room with everyone else?"
Without waiting for Hermione, Des moved down the stairs to the common room and sat down next to the fire. Her eyes fixed on the flames as the rest of the room faded away. Hopefully Snape wouldn't make any more scenes. If not, something would have to be done, because there was no way that she was going to allow herself to be exposed. Too much was riding on this deception.
Hermione sat down with Ron and Harry, all three watching Des gaze pensively into the fireplace.
"I don't know what Snape and Desiree talked about, but we need to find out. She hasn't been herself since it happened," Hermione whispered to the boys sitting next to her.
"What do you think Snape could have said to scare Desiree?" Ron asked.
Harry tilted his head towards his friends, "Did either of you see Snape when she sat down in the front of the class? She looked fine, but he was the one who was afraid. I think we might want to consider what Desiree said to Snape."
"She's just a student here, a new one at that. How could she possibly scare Professor Snape?" Hermione questioned, not wanting to follow Harry's line of reasoning.
"That's what we need to find out," Harry's eyes wandered over to Desiree again.
Ron thought for a moment before commenting, "You know, now that I think about it, all of the professors have been acting strange around her. They all seem.frightened."
"Come on, Hermione, you must have noticed it too," Harry kept his eyes on the new girl.
Sighing, Hermione conceded, "All right, I've noticed. What do you want to do about it?"
Snape was pacing back and forth in front of the entrance to Professor Dumbledore's office. He was trying to decide whether or not he should tell Dumbledore about Desiree's memories. The Headmaster needed to know that critical piece of information, if he didn't already know. However, if Dumbledore chose to ask Desiree certain questions, Snape would certainly not benefit from the situation.
He had to make a choice. Snape had rarely been this concerned about anything, but anyone who knew the details wouldn't blame him his indecision.
Snape was suddenly furious that Dumbledore hadn't listened to him when he'd said that she was dangerous. Deep down, the Potions professor wished that she had been killed all those years ago. If not that, at least not allowed to come here. Desiree had been essentially brought out of hiding when she entered Hogwarts.
Those in power had gone to great lengths to ensure that she wouldn't be found by revenge-seeking wizards or witches. And even greater lengths to see that she wasn't taken for more sinister purposes.
Then to have the stupidity to bring her to Hogwarts, the first place everyone would look for her. All of Desiree's more threatening pursuers knew that Dumbledore would want her close by. Add onto all of this, Desiree had permission to go down to Hogsmeade, where anyone could abduct her. Dumbledore might as well hand her over.
Puffing, Snape openly acknowledged the ridiculousness of the whole situation. He decided that Desiree wouldn't be a student at Hogwarts very long under the circumstances, so what would it hurt to tell Dumbledore? The Headmaster wouldn't have enough time to inquire of her more.interesting memories.
Upon saying the password, he climbed up the staircase to Dumbledore's office and informed the elderly man of the intriguing development pertaining to Desiree. As suspected, Dumbledore already had the information; however, he welcomed Snape's admission.
Desiree and Hermione lied down in the grass near the lake by Hogwarts castle. Hermione was reading a book under the shade of a tree while Des had her eyes closed, face turned up to the sun. Neither one of them noticed the visitor that was approaching.
William plopped down beside Desiree so loudly that it shook her from their reverie and Hermione from her book. The latter huffed before burying her nose deeper within the old parchment; Desiree smiled.
"William, right?" Des asked, leaning up.
"Yes, and you're Desiree," as if he could ever forget. He glanced out over the lake to see the calm waters reflect the sun's rays, "It's a lovely day."
"It is. Much too nice to spend in the library, or so I told Hermione. I practically had to drag her from among those old papers to come out here with me. Even then, she had to bring a book with her," Des laughed as she hazarded a look back at Hermione, who was once again engrossed in her tome.
To William, Hermione was an annoying mudblood, but he couldn't let Desiree know that he disliked her friend, therefore he goodheartedly laughed. After a moment, he commented, "I was about to go for a walk around the lake. Would you like to come with me?"
"I must say, we really don't know each other," Des giggled, "How do I know that I can trust you when we're alone?"
Smirking, "I suppose you'll have to take my word that I'm a good man, however you'll know for sure once we get better acquainted."
"There's no time like the present. Besides, I doubt that Hermione will even notice I'm gone, although I think that I should tell her anyway." After informing her friend, Des walked to the other side of the lake with William, quickly losing sight of Hermione.
The Slytherin told Desiree all about himself during their stroll. He told her about his parents who both worked for the Ministry, and about his younger sister who would be starting Hogwarts the next year. When he asked about her family she had promptly, yet politely changed the subject.
He had tried to get the information out of her again by asking, "Why did you parents decide to transfer you here to Hogwarts?" thinking that it would be a good way to broach the topic of her family.
Des's only response was, "I'm certainly glad that I transferred here. There are so many wonderful people at Hogwarts."
"Why don't you talk of your family? I told you all about mine."
She stopped moving and turned to him, "I have nothing to tell about my family." With that, she was heading back towards the castle, leaving William to catch up with her after a moment of wondering what her secret was.
William spent dinner watching Desiree from across the dining hall. Observing every gesture she made, trying to figure her out. He had never met someone who was so unwilling to talk about themselves and their past. Most people were only too happy to tell everything; from the color of their room to the first time they used magic. Why did she shy away from questions? William just couldn't understand.
Desiree looked out of the corner of her eye at the Slytherin Quidditch captain. He had been staring at her all throughout the meal. It made her nervous. Obviously, William would be suspicious after she had practically refused to say a word about her family, but she had hoped that it wouldn't bother him too terribly. Looking at his confused expression, Des could see that it had.
If he continued to question her, she could always make up something. Just a little boring piece of information that would satisfy him; allay his suspicions. That would be the best for all involved. Although, Des didn't quite like the idea of lying about her family. Deep down, she was proud of her family, at least a little.
Her family history was not something that most people would claim, which is why Dumbledore had told her not to reveal her true name. It was much too dangerous in a place like Hogwarts.
Eventually, though, everyone would find out. They always do. Secrets never last long, and a secret as large as the one Desiree carried usually didn't last a moment. Already, people were beginning to wonder about her. Hermione, Ron, and Harry were all acting a little strange, almost as if they were investigating her.
That is most unsettling. Perhaps she would have to make something up for them as well. Des was most afraid of Harry; if he found out who she was.Des didn't even want to consider finishing that thought. Needless to say, it would not be pretty.
For the third night in a row, Nearly Headless Nick didn't join the Gryfindors at the dinner table. When Desiree had first arrived, Nick had looked like he would die of shock, if he hadn't been dead already. Since then, he had been avoiding her, and anyone within a mile radius. Another development that would draw even more questions.
Desiree finished her meal silently before returning to the Gryfindor tower alone. Once again, she found herself in the common room, gazing into the fire. The other Gryfindors came and went, but she never noticed. Finally, well after midnight, she stood up, stretched, then marched up to her room to go to bed.
At breakfast on Saturday, Desiree received an owl from the Fosters, the family that had raised her.
Desiree,
We hope everything is all right at Hogwarts. No distressing news has come to us, and we will take that as a good sign. Even though you are protected there, John and I can't help but worry about you. With things as they are, I'm sure you can't blame us.
Let us know if there is anything that you need.
Mary and John Foster.
Des didn't have the heart to lie to them. Taking her quill, she wrote back an answer quickly.
Things aren't quite going according to plan. The professors and portraits all acting strange around me, and even the ghosts have taken to avoiding me. The other students have noticed and are growing suspicious. I won't be able to keep up this pretext much longer.
I met Harry Potter, and I wasn't at all prepared for it. I'm afraid that I acted foolishly and called even more attention to myself. Forgive me, for I have disappointed you. You told me what you wanted from me, and I have not been able to do it.
Today, I go to Hogsmeade. I feel sure that you know what will happen there. However, it is no more than I deserve.
Forgive me again for disgracing you.
Desiree
She rolled the parchment up and handed it back to the Fosters' owl. In an instant, the white bird was flying out the window.
Desiree couldn't believe how hard it had been to get away from her companions. She had lost William in the candy store, but she couldn't get rid of Hermione, Ron, and Harry that easily. There was no longer a question if they were investigating her. Des didn't honestly think that she would have been rid of the three of them without the help of Colin Creevy, who had, at the perfect moment, distracted her followers by insisting that Harry help him with some ridiculous thing. Hermione and Ron simply got caught behind due to Colin's desire to have their opinions as well.
Not really caring why Colin felt he needed Harry, Ron, and Hermione's help, Desiree kept moving. One look down the road and she saw that William had spotted her, and he would reach her in a few minutes.
Nothing was working out.
Desiree had one chance to get away in time. A quick sidestep into the local tavern delivered her from William's advance, but landed her into her worst nightmare.
Instantly, everyone in the bar noticed the newcomer. All eyes were on her, and in a few of the older ones, she saw recognition and hatred. Amidst all of the older faces, she saw a few students scattered throughout, all drinking their butterbeer. Even those youths could feel the cold animosity that greeted Desiree.
One elderly man stood up, only to walk right past Des while casting her a disdainful glare. A woman standing at the bar shouted for her to get out, that she wasn't welcome there. Another one spit at her feet. Before the saliva hit the ground, Desiree was running out the front door of the tavern, her eyes full of tears.
Barely two steps out of the tavern a hand covered her mouth to silence her screams when another hand slid around her waist to drag her into a deserted alley.
Desiree's attacker slammed her against the stonewall of the building, keeping one hand over her mouth. However, his right hand reached for her right wrist and pulled it up so he could enclose it within his grasp.
Red-hot pain shot through Des' arm as she silently screamed into an unknown palm. With her head spinning from the ache at her wrist, she hardly heard the whispered words, "So you always know who you are."
A second later, Desiree was released, and her attacker disappeared. Her legs gave way, lowering her to the ground, sobbing loudly. Luckily William heard.
"Are you all right? Desiree, what happened?" he asked, wrapping his arms around her.
Des buried her face into his cloak, continuing to weep. After a time, she finally collected herself enough to move away from him. However, her cool expression didn't last long. By chance, she glanced down at her right wrist.
Screaming, she shot up from the ground and dashed out of the alley. William couldn't hope to keep up with her. He realized how upset she must have been upon seeing the path she had carved for herself through the crowd.
Comments were thrown around about how rude she had been to bump into people, even knocking a few down, without apologizing or slowing down in the slightest. All who came into contact with her watched as she plowed through the street towards the castle. It only took her minutes to return to Hogwarts and make her way to Dumbledore's office.
She had been given the password to his office, in case of emergencies. Desiree certainly felt that the attack qualified.
Dumbledore could hear Des hurrying up the stairs. Just as her dark hair could be seen from his desk, he asked, "What happened, Desiree?"
Tears streaming down her eyes and out of breath, she simply shoved her right arm out for Dumbledore to see. His gentle hands grasped her fingers as he examined Des's wrist.
"How did it happen?" he asked, not looking up at her.
Her chest still heaving, ".an.attack.in an.alley."
The Headmaster stood and moved around his desk to tower above Desiree. "I don't think there is anything I can do."
"No, you have to help me," Des pleaded, finally having regained her breath.
"I'm sorry."
She collapsed into a nearby chair, fresh tears in her eyes. "So I'd always know who I was. That's what the attacker had said. As if I could ever forget." Desiree cradled her wrist, holding it close to her body, "And I'll have to live with this on me for the rest of my life?"
"I'm afraid so."
Gazing down at her wrist, Desiree traced the design that encircled her flesh. She whispered, "So I'd always remember who I was."