12. Unforgivable curse

(February 5th, 1996)

Almost a month has passed since the eventful DADA lesson, but the dramatic events of that day still were the main subject of the discussions at Hogwart. The students were told that Draco acted under the Imperius Curse, but who and why had made him attack professor Starlight, remained a riddle. Many people, however, guessed the truth and it filled them with fear and terror. The name of You-Know-Who began to go round the school like a mournful, evil shadow that takes away the joy and hope, leaving only a dread.

Harry had no doubt that the Dark Lord was the one who was responsible for the Malfoy's behaviour. Old fear revived in his heart and a cold, cruel laugher filled his dreams again. He felt an icy shudder at the very thought of what would have happened if Malfoy had aimed at him. He knew that this time he would have no chance against the Avada Kedavra.

Ron and Hermione must think the same since they never left Harry alone. Anytime a Slytherin appeared in a corridor, Hermione pulled out her wand and Ron clutched the small balls, filled with the Paralysing Potion. After a week Harry has had enough of it and though he knew that his friends just worried about him, he forbade them firmly to continue such an activity. He argued, and no without reason, that not he but professor Starlight was Malfoy's target.

And as for Draco, when after five days he left the hospital wing, it was difficult to recognise in him that sneering, cocky boy he had been before. He became quiet, cheerless and somehow musing. He didn't even tease Harry. And for a month he hasn't mentioned his father. At the DADA lessons he sat at the last table and avoided looking in Vega's eyes. But she, to the great surprise and discontent of the Gryffindors, still treated him as the rest of the students.

Hagrid came back to Hogwart at the end of January and since that time he wanted to be told the whole story every day, again and again. Anytime the moment approached when Draco was to scream the Killing Curse, Hagrid sprang up and started to pace across the room, muttering: 'Unbelievable...Avada Keadara! Somethin' like that...at Hogwart!'

It was the same this time. Harry, Ron and Hermione were sitting at the cushions near the blazing fireplace, drinking tea and waiting patiently till Hagrid radiates a daily dose of an indignation. Fang was drowsing on a mattress near the door, its paw put on a grey, rough stone, which recently was its favourite toy. Harry wondered whether it wasn't one of the gargoyle eggs but since there were no signs that anything was going to hatch from it, he came to the conclusion that it didn't matter.

Hagrid sat impetuously on a wooden chair which creaked and reeled dangerously.

'Blimey!' he gasped 'Har' to believe!'

'Right,' continued Hermione 'And then professor Starlight sent me for Snape.'

'Yeah, no wonder...' muttered Hagrid, nodding.

Nasty twinkles flashed in Ron's eyes.

'And for me it's very strange!' he drawled 'How could she trust a Death Eater!'

That was the point which still worried Ron. Hagrid looked at him reproachfully and was about to say something but Hermione was faster.

'Honestly! It's already boring !' he flared up, leaping to her feet and staring at Ron with a deep indignation 'Why do you always suspect professor Snape of the everything worst!'

If she ever had been suspicious herself about a reliability of the Potion Master, it has changed completely since the day of Malfoy's attack. She thought that if professor Starlight trusted him, there is no reason to worry about it.

'I don't suspect him!' muttered Ron 'I only said...'

'Really?!' snorted Hermione angrily 'The fact you don't like him doesn't mean he is a villain here.'

'Hermione's right,' Hagrid supported her 'Not look fer enemies where they're not. Snape was't the one who cast spell on Draco...'

He stopped talking and squinted at Harry. The boy sighed and smiled sourly.

'We now who is behind this, Hagrid' he said softly 'And who helped him. It's not a secret that professor Starlight is looking for Lucius Malfoy.'

'Yeah, yer right' nodded Hagrid 'But if yeh already now it, I say yeh it's like to look fo' a needle in bottle o'hay. Vega sent Aurors to every part o' country but they can't fin'him. She is really furious...'

'No wonder,' said Harry bitterly 'Malfoy is one of the most faithful Voldemort's servants.'

Hagrid shuddered by the sound of the cursed name. He looked quickly at the window and leant towards the fireplace.

'It's not only this,' he whispered 'See...Vega Starlight and Lucius Malfoy are mortal enemies. Hated each other already when were at Hogwart. There were often clashes between'em. No more than vicious hexes, usually. But once...' his black eyes twinkled 'Cause o' Malfoy Vega got'erself into a real mess.'

'Mess?' repeated Harry, Ron and Hermione in unison.

They tried not to sound too nosy though they were dying to know the details. Hagrid, pleased that his words exited such a curiosity, made himself comfortable in his armchair.

'Well, I didn' see it in own eyes,' he said 'But know details. Sirius told me, and Vega herself. Anyway, was like this...'

***(April 17th, 1977)

The sun was setting, painting the sky with different tints of gold and red. It so happened that these were the colours of the Gryfindor, whose team has just beaten the Slytherin in the Quidditch match and took the lead in the general classification.

The hero of the hour was James Potter. He caught the golden Snitch from under the nose of Adrien Nott, the Seeker of Slytherin, just in the moment when the Gryffindor team had lost its third player after a very brutal foul. No wonder that more than a half o the Great Hall chattered and laughed cheerfully, since Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff also supported the Gryffinor.

At the Slytherin table the atmosphere was completely different. Nobody smiled there. The Quidditch team was sitting with gloomy faces, scowling at unhappy Nott and not denying that he was the guiltier of such a disgraceful defeat. The most furious was the captain, Lucius Malfoy. This year he had the last chance for winning the school cup for his house but the chance seemed to be slipping away. No wonder that every peals of laughter at the Gryffindor table made his pale face twisted in rage and his cold eyes were piercing James with an utmost loathing.

Soon the Slytherins began to steal out from the Great Hall. Vega, who has just exchanged significant looks with Snape, spotted Malfoy, making his way towards the door. She couldn't deny herself the pleasure of teasing her worst enemy.

'Malfoy!' she called, smiling venomously 'You're leaving? So early to bed? Or maybe you're training at night. It would explain why your Seeker was playing as if he didn't see anything.'

The Gryffindors burst out laughing. Malfoy turned round, his eyes burning murderously. He made a movement as if he was going to pull out his wand, but he decided not to risk in front of the teachers. Instead, he slowly approached the table and stopped a few steps from Vega. Several Slytherins stood behind him.

'I see you have fun, Starlight' he whispered icily 'Enjoy, till you can. It will not take long...'

The murmur of voices was growing silent, some first-years looked anxiously at Malfoy.

'What are you threatening me with, Malfoy ?' asked Vega slowly, staring defiantly at Lucius 'Did you become a Death Eater?'

A sinister silence fell. Malfoy's eyes were burning with hatred, he reached for his wand. Vega sprang up.

'Any problem?' asked a calm voice.

Professor Randall approached the Gryffindor table. He cast piercing glance at the small gathering.

'I think it's time to go back to your dormitories,' he said with a significant half-smile.

The youngest students rushed to the door with relief. The terror of Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters expanded in every-widening circles and no wonder that Malfoy's threats made them a bit scared.

But neither Lucius nor Vega moved a step. There were still watching each other with a whole-hearted loathing, every moment ready to pull out their wands.

'It refers everybody,' said Randall, this time more firmly.

Sirius pulled Vega's sleeve.

'Let's go, he's not worth to talk with him,' he said, casting scornful glance at Malfoy.

Vega smiled sneeringly to Lucius and moved towards the door. But when she was passing Malfoy, he turned around.

'Watch out, Starlight!' he hissed, his voice trembling with rage 'You will pay for that. After Mudbloods and half-Mudbloods the time will come for such bastards like you are.'

'Mr Malfoy!' called Randall with indignation.

Vega stopped abruptly.

'Yes!' laughed Malfoy, losing his nerve 'You're far from being a pure-blood! I'm sure your mother went to bed with a Muggle!'

'Hold your tongue, Lucius!' said sharply Dumbledore, standing up from his seat at the teachers' table.

Vega stood petrified, feeling overcome by a tearing rage. She clenched her fists, a hissing breath was coming through her ground teeth. Sneering Malfoy's words still sounded in her ears. Completely overcome by hatred and craving of murder, she reached for the wand and turned round, pointing at Lucius. She was pale and a cruel grimace twisted her lips. Her grey eyes darkened.

'Crucio!' she yelled in a horrible voice.

Lucius fell on the floor, howling in pain. Some people screamed. Sirius stood motionless, totally bewildered. Snape was staring at Vega with the widened eyes.

Not only the students were shocked. Professor McGonagall was sitting petrified, white as a sheet, staring horror-struck at the girl. Professor Green looked as if he had just seen his own death. The other teachers were exchanging terrified glances.

'Vega! Stop it!' commanded Dumbledore in a sharp voice.

Without result.

Professor Randall recovered from a shock, pulled out his wand and pointed at Vega.

'Expelliarmus!" he called.

Vega's hand budged but she didn't drop the wand. She seemed completely unaware that somebody had just cast at her a Disarming Spell.

'Expelliarmus!' shouted Randall with a growing anxiety.

This time the wand struggled much strongly but Vega didn't release her hold. Malfoy was writhing in agony, ghastly pale.

'Move aside!' somebody commanded firmly.

Dumbledore passed quickly the students, his blue eyes glowering.

'I can't disarm her...' said Randall nervously.

'Expelliarmus!' cried Dumbledore.

A powerful force wrenched Vega when her wand tried desperately to escape from her hand. The girl staggered but didn't drop the wand, which now started to emit light blue sparks all along its length. Dumbledore looked surprised.

'Unbelievable!' he muttered 'What an incredible power...Well, nothing remains but to... Stupefy!' he cried.

A red jet of light shot towards Vega and she fell unconscious on the floor. Dumbledore bent quickly and picked up her wand. He examined it intently and hid in his pocket. Then he approached Malfoy who didn't scream anymore and was lying motionless, panting.

'Take him to the hospital wing,' Dumbledore turned to the stunned Slytherins 'He will be ok.' he added soothingly.

Malfoy's friends helped him to get up and accompanied him out of the room. Dumbledore followed him with his eyes. He noticed that Severus Snape was leaving reluctantly, looking uneasily at Vega over his shoulder.

'It's incredible...' he heard slightly shaking voice of Randall 'An Unforgivable Curse...at school...'

Dumbledore turned round and looked at the girl with a deep concern. Quick steps sounded in the deadly silence filling the Hall. Minerva McGonagall was running from the stuff table. She stopped near Dumbledore, still very pale.

'Albus,' she said faintly 'What now? They will be here in a moment.'

'First of all, let's keep calm,' said Dumbledore 'I ask everybody to go to the house dormitories.'

The students moved hastily towards the door.

'Professor!' Sirius was very nervous 'Does it mean... They are not going to take her to Azkaban!'

'I'll do everything to prevent this,' said the Headmaster firmly 'But this time your sister has really serious troubles. And now, Sirius, go to your room.'

'But...' he tried to protest.

The sever look of Dumbledore cut the further discussion. Sirius moved unwillingly towards the door.

He had hardly left Hall when Dumbledore pulled out his wand and pointed at Vega, whispering: 'Enervate'. The girl opened her eyes and looked around. Suddenly, as if she had reminded everything, she leapt to her feet, staring at Dumbledore with a horror.

'What have I done...' she stammered 'I didn't want to...but when he said...' grey eyes glinted with hatred at the very memory.

'I understand,' said Dumbledore calmly, not taking his piercing eyes off Vega 'But now I want to know one thing: where did you learn the Unforgivable Curse?'

The girls stood silently, staring at the floor.

'Did you learn this curse from Lord Voldemort?' asked harshly Dumbledore.

Vega rose her head impetuously, her face expressed disbelief and indignation.

'No!' she protested firmly though her voice was shaking 'I have nothing to do with him! You must believe me! It was everything in a book...'

She broke off suddenly, realising she said one word too much. But it was too late.

'What book was it?' asked Dumbledore immediately.

Vega knew that now she had to tell the truth.

'About the advanced Dark Arts,' she whispered, her eyes fixed on the floor.

'How did you get it?'

Vega was thinking intensively. The book had been brought be Snape and for all year they were studying from it the powerful dark curses. But it was something she couldn't tell Dumbledore. She didn't want to get Severus into troubles.

'I bought it during the holidays,' she said trying to sound reliably 'At Knockturn Alley. From a stranger.'

'I would like to see it,' said Dumbledore.

And it was clear he wanted to do it now.

'I ...don't have it, ' said Vega eagerly 'I mean, I don't have it any more. When I had learned the most interesting curses, I burned it.'

On the inner side of the cover there were a stamp of a black spider. Vega was sure that Dumbledore knew the sign and would identify the owner at once.

However, the wizard didn't look convinced.

'Vega,' he said in a weary voice 'The Aurors will be here in a moment. They will search all your things. If they find anything...'

'I swear! I destroyed it !' groaned Vega, scared by the mention of Aurors.

She preferred not to think what would happen if she hadn't returned the book to Severus a week ago.

Suddenly the great door opened with a rumble and panting Hagrid rushed into the Hall. He ran to Dumbledore.

'Headmaster...' he gasped out 'Three people are comin', from Ministry. On is Alastor Moody.' He looked at pale Vega with mingled surprise and anxiety.

'I've been expecting them, Rubeus,' said Dumbledore calmly 'Invite them to my office,' he put his hand on Vega's arm 'Let's go.'

The girl stiffly followed the wizard. When they were crossing a corridor leading to the dungeons, she felt a very piercing glance at her. She looked around and saw Severus, hidden behind a pillar. She felt her heart in her throat. Dumbledore cannot see him! She signed to Severus to get out.

They reached the Headmaster's office. Dumbledore showed a chair to Vega and sat at the opposite side of the table, his eyes fixed on the door. After five minutes or so, the hurried steps sounded on the stairs and somebody knocked. Vega jumped on the chair.

'Come in, ' said Dumbledore, standing up.

Three people entered the room, a woman and two men. They all looked very gravely.

'Albus, what the hell happened here!' began the witch from the doorstep; she was about forty and was really nervous 'We got a signal that an Unforgivable Curse had been used in Hogwart. I didn't want to believe it.'

'You didn't warn us that you were going to show your students the Cruciatus Curse,' added one of the men.

The third one didn't say a word but he snorted sneeringly. He fixed his piercing, cold eyes on Vega as if he knew very well why she was there. Dumbledore noticed it.

'Your intuition serves you well, Alastor,' he said 'This is Vega Starlight. She was the one who cast the Unforgivable Curse this night.'

Ominous twinkles glinted in the Auror's bright eyes which made Vega crouched on her chair. The others were looking at her with amazement.

'This girl cast the Cruciatus?' asked the witch with disbelief 'I don't believe that the fifteen-year-old can perform such an advanced spell!'

'But it's true, Arabella,' sighed Dumbledore 'though, believe me, I would give everything for you were right. But Miss Starlight is a very talented student and she coped with the Unforgivable Curse.'

Moody's lips twisted in a nasty grimace.

'Are you a Death Eater?' he hissed sinisterly 'Did Voldemort teach you how to torture people?'

'No!' cried Vega, springing up; her eyes were burning, she clenched her fists 'I'm not a Death Eater!'

'Everybody says that when we catch him!' laughed Moody glumly.

'I believe Vega, Alastor,' said calmly Dumbledore 'I know her and I know she is not lying. Tell them everything you told me,' he turned to the girl.

Vega breathed heavily and began to talk. The wizards were listening attentively. When she had finished, Moody snorted angrily.

'You think I'm going to believe it?' he sneered 'That you bought the book, just like that, and then you burned it? Rubbish!'

'Easy, Alastor,' said the wizard from the Ministry 'I think you exaggerate. In my opinion there is no reason not to believe Miss Starlight. Especially, that Albus guarantees for her. '

The Auror looked at him malevolently.

'Even though, Willis, who nowadays study the Dark Arts if not to join Voldemort. If that girl isn't a Death Eater YET, she wants to be the one.'

'It's not true!' Vega protested sharply 'I told you I learned those spells out of curiosity !'

Moody's gaze was icy and sneering.

'So you have rather strange interests,' he said venomously 'And risky...'

'Leave it, Moody,' said Willis irritated 'As usual, you see enemies everywhere. I'm sure that girl has nothing to do with the Death Eaters.'

'I agree with John,' said Arabella.

Moody snorted angrily.

'But it doesn't change the fact,' proceeded the witch 'that the curse has been cast. Albus, you know what is the penalty it that case.'

Dumbledore nodded.

'I know,' he said 'but this time you should take into account some extenuating circumstances. Vega didn't use the spell to attack somebody deliberately. She has been provoked, in a hideous way, and lost control of herself. She is a Prefect of Gryffindor, a perfect student and I trust her.'

'Cruciatus is Cruciatus,' growled Moody 'Everybody knows that an Unforgivable Curse means a sentence in Azkaban. We have to protect our community against the people who can use such dangerous magic. Who can and DO that,' he added markedly.

'Law should be strict but not stiff,' said Dumbledore firmly 'Vega acted badly but we cannot treat her as those criminals in Azkaban.'

Arabella started to pace across the room, every now and then casting the weary glances at Vega. 'There is only one solution,' she said finally, stopping near the fireplace 'Let's recognise it was an accidental curse. Because it took place on the school grounds, it's in Dumbledore's jurisdiction. Punish her as you think fit.'

John Willis accepted that proposition with relief.

'I agree,' he said sighing heavily.

'Alastor?' asked the witch.

Moody looked livid and showed it immediately.

'Your tolerance is piteous,' he growled 'But you are in charge, Arabella. And you,' he turned to Vega with a dangerous twinkle in his eyes 'Be careful... I will keep a sharp eye on you. And if you ever give me a reason to suspect you, even Dumbledore will not save you.'

Vega shuddered but she resolutely endured the basilisk glance of the Auror. Moody smiled devilishly, bowed shortly to Dumbledore and left the office.

'We will also go,' said Willis 'Good-bye, Albus.'

And, casting a last look at Vega, they followed Moody.

The door had hardly closed behind them when Dumbledore reached for a small carafe, filled it with water and drunk it at one gulp. He put away the goblet and looked at Vega with a deep concern.

'Do you realise,' he said in a weary voice 'what could have happened? They had the right to put you into Azkaban.'

Vega stood with a lowered head. Only now, after the conversation with the ministry wizards, she fully realised the danger.

'I didn't want, really...' she whispered.

Dumbledore approached her and put a hand on her.

'I know,' he said gently.

Vega rose her head. Her grey eyes were full of despair and a heart-felt sorrow.

'Professor...' she said in a shaking voice 'now...you expel me from Hogwart...?'

'What are you talking about!' Dumbledore bridled up 'Of course I won't do that.'

'But...' Vega couldn't believe her ears 'After what I did...'

Dumbledore smiled sadly.

'If it was really your fault, I wouldn't hesitate for a moment. But firstly, I know why it happened. And secondly, I'm also guilty.'

Vega looked at him astounded.

'Yes,' sighed Dumbledore ' I blame myself for I didn't know what you were doing after lessons. And I should. I suspected that you were studying the Dark Arts with Severus but I had no idea you had carried it so far. I underestimated you...'

Vega turned pale and looked confused at Dumbledore. The wizard smiled slightly.

'Yes, I know about Severus,' he said 'I've been observing you for years. It's a bit unusual, a friendship between Gryffindor and Slytherin. I interpreted it as the common interests...and I was right. That book belongs to him, doesn't it? And you didn't burn it at all.'

Vega was silent. She didn't dare to lie to Dumbledore but if she confirmed his conjectures, she would feel like a traitor. But the wizard must have understood her well since he didn't even wait for the answer.

'I know you didn't want Severus had troubles,' he said gravely 'but it was risky game lie to the Auror. Moody could force you to drink Veritaserum. And if he found out you didn't tell the truth...' he paused significantly.

Vega was staring at the floor.

'It can't happen again,' said Dumbledore firmly 'Vega, as long as you are at Hogwart, I strictly forbid you to study Dark Arts. No more dark curses. Understand?!'

Vega nodded dismally.

'I'm glad to hear that,' said Dumbledore in a more gently voice 'And now it's time you go back to your dormitory. It's the middle of the night. Let's go, I will escort you.'

They left the office and moved towards the Gryffindor tower. When they were passing the main stairs, it seemed to Vega that below a dark figure hid quickly behind the corner.***