~Draika~
Chapter Nine: Accusations
The next month fairly flew by for Hogwarts, with busy lessons, homework, and the like. It seemed the teachers were really bearing down on their students…but then again, maybe the students were just lazy. Quidditch started, with a new Keeper just in the nick of time for Gryffindor, a twitchy third year named Proell. Slytherin had won both of their games against Gryffindor, and the one against Hufflepuff. For the first time in years, the Gryffindor team was in last place for the Quidditch cup, and Slytherin at the top. Draika grew disconnected with the majority of all beings in the school, skirting around large groups in the Great Hall and the corridors, avoiding questioning glances from the teachers; ignoring all else. So you probably won't be too confused when I tell you that she was the conversational subject that day in the teacher's lounge.
"It's not right. There's got to be something wrong." Minerva McGonagall held a steaming mug of coffee in her hands, completely ignoring it.
"Or maybe she's just dedicated to her studies. Did you ever think of that?" Professor Flitwick squeaked. "That's how I was--people thought I was comatose for years."
"That may all be very well, but I think there is nothing we can do." The icy voice of Severus Snape cut through the pause in conversation like a knife. "No doubt something is bothering her, but there is nothing we can do…nothing we should do."
"She'll try something." Minerva set down her mug. "She's one of the smart ones…not as smart as Granger, but smart."
"Just because she's smart, Minerva, does not mean she is incapable of being foolish. Do you look at her? She mutters nothing to no one. Her eyes dart about as if searching for entities we cannot see. When she tries something, we had better be there to prevent it. " Dramatic Severus's statement may have been, but it was nothing but the truth.
Flitwick clicked his tongue. "This is all very well, but I have a class to teach!" He quickly exited, not eager to be in the same room with Snape under these conditions.
Minerva was agreeable for once on this subject. "But how? When? Without knowing it, she's undone everything we've recently woven into the school's already superb securities!"
"It will most likely be at night. Probably away from the dungeons. But inside the school…" He paused. "Or I could be entirely wrong. That is also a possibility." Beneath his calm expression, his brain was racing madly. Something was up.
"Yes….remind me again why she came here."
"You have just as much idea as I, Minerva."
"They never caught that nundu, did they?"
"Not a hair was to be found."
"Very well." Minerva stood, setting her still-full mug on a table. "I should probably start getting ready." And then she left, leaving Severus all alone, at least for awhile.
Severus sat and thought, and thought, and thought. He thought until his temples throbbed and his nose got stuffy. There was something he was missing, he knew it. Draika was no fool, even when she rushed. She would plan this. She would take every precaution not to be caught. If only he knew what it was she wanted to do! Then the whole thing could simply be stopped--he did not know exactly how, but more information would be a great help. Finally he sighed, and walked out of the lounge. He was definitely not in the mood to teach a class…
"Longbottom! How often do I have to nearly poison your toad to penetrate your thick skull?"
In potions, things were not going exceptionally well. Neville had stirred his potion clockwise instead of counterclockwise, effectively turning it from a potion that would keep you awake for hours on end into a sort of decongestant/bug repellent. Certainly an odd mix, but it could be useful. Too bad for Neville it wasn't useful to quell Snape's temper.
"You will turn a three-scroll essay on how simple mistakes like that can cost lives, Mr. Longbottom. Lives. Better make it four. I will expect it on my desk by no later than sundown tomorrow."
Normally Draika would have laughed. Or at least snickered behind her hand, or turned around to whisper to another Slytherin.
Nothing. She seemed to be scarcely aware of the classroom around her, mixing her potion with a mechanical feel about her, as if she were a mindless automaton. Only her eyes remained in motion, forever flicking in all directions all the time.
It didn't help that it was Halloween, supposedly one of the most magical days of the year. As she cleaned up her table without a sound, Snape watched her. He would have to be careful, now. Because she would not be careful for herself. He almost stopped her as she began to leave, but thought better of it. He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. This was definitely not his day.
As Draika entered the Slytherin common room, all conversation faltered, then slowly but warily picked up again. They did not quite know what to make of Draika now. She was different, that was for sure. She paid them no attention, just walked into the dormitory and then walked right back out, to the Great Hall. Steppenwolf was waiting for her, and even permitted her to lean on him for support as they walked to the Halloween feast.
It was the grandest state Draika had ever seen the hall in. Giant pumpkins were carved into magnificent jack-o'-lanterns, grinning hauntingly at the students as they took their seats. Bats fluttered around the ceiling, echolocating with shrill voices. Even the food seemed a bit better, although Draika took no notice of what she was eating.
Dumbledore had dressed up, much to everyone's amusement. He looked like a duck, or a chicken. She couldn't help but laugh along with the multitudes. The best part was the ghosts. They would pop out from under the tables randomly, throwing little pieces of chocolate in all directions. Forgetting her craving for meats, Draika had a large helping of spaghetti and lots of chocolate. Which wasn't a very smart thing to do. Ten minutes later she was in the girls' bathroom, throwing up most of it.
A ghost glided over to her, smiling.
"Go 'way, Myrtle." Draika groaned. "Please."
Myrtle laughed, clapping her hands. "But why? This is the only entertainment I have now…"
"You're sick, do you know that?" Draika said trenchantly.
"Well, so are you." The girl's ghost replied.
"Go 'way." She repeated.
"No, I don't think so!" Myrtle cackled. Draika swiped at her, but it obviously had no effect. She bent over again, vomiting more of her supper into the toilet. Myrtle giggled.
"Uggh…" Draika stood, and walked wobbily out of the bathroom and down the long corridors to her common room.
Everything was extremely wavy, like the world around her was warping. All the way back to the dormitories she was in a daze. It seemed to her that it took her only a moment to reach the dungeons, but in reality it had been much, much longer. She didn't wonder where Steppenwolf had gone. The dormitories were empty, something Draika was glad for. Falling into bed, she was out like a light.
Draika had odd dreams. All she could really recall was a dragon….Sraelyth, maybe? At the end, the dead centaurs came back to life and dismembered Domar.
"Domar…no…" She mumbled, turning over. "Domar…" she called. "Come back…." Then she woke, shaking and sweating, eyes wide. A soft purr met her ears. Draika stiffened, slowly sitting up. Her robes were drenched in cold sweat. She turned to the side, and met golden eyes…
"Domar?" Draika gasped, running a hand over the nundu's soft pelt. He growled in a friendly manner, nuzzling her arm. "But…how?"
-You called for me.- His eyes told her. -I came. You are not well.-
Draika almost laughed at the odd turn of conversation. Looking across at the other beds, she saw they were empty.
~The feast must still be going on…~ She thought, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
"How did you get in here?"
-I, too, possess magic. Powerful magic.- He jumped up onto her bed, turning a few circles before lying down on his side. -The adults are suspicious.-
"They would be….but Domar, I want to fly. Really fly. It'd be the only good thing about this cursed deformity."
-Take no risks.-
"And what's that supposed to mean?" Draika yawned, lying back down and using Domar as a pillow. He bared his fangs in what seemed like anger. Anyone watching would have thought the beast was getting ready to bite Draika's head off. But she knew it was an amused grin.
-You should sleep.-
"Yeah…" She yawned again, curling up for warmth. She didn't remember how long Domar was there, or how long it took her to fall asleep. But when she woke, she definitely wished she hadn't. Domar was nowhere in sight. McGonagall and Snape stood over her, looking half scared and half upset.
"You are to go immediately to the Headmaster's office." Minerva informed her in a sharp voice. Draika noted how they drew back as she sat up. "Now." She exited, mumbling something about Snape taking care of his own house for a change.
Snape frowned. "Come." He said curtly, gripping her shoulder tightly to steer her out of the common room and down numerous corridors, like he was afraid she would try to escape. Draika hoped it wasn't about Domar. If they knew he'd been in the school, she was definitely getting expelled. Maybe she would be expelled anyhow. Or maybe Dumbledore wanted to know why she'd left the feast early. Maybe it had to do with Steppenwolf. Or Linwe. Maybe-
She was jerked roughly out of her thoughts when she banged into a suit of armor. Snape glanced down at her, but then continued to ignore her, his grip on her shoulder never lessening.
They stopped in front of a stone gryphon. Draika heard the password, and made a note to remember it. The statue rotated upwards, revealing stone steps. She walked wearily up them, getting a very bad feeling. Dumbledore was waiting for them, sitting at his desk. A brilliant red and gold phoenix was sitting on a perch.
~Fawkes.~ She thought. ~Hello.~
Fawkes trilled, flying a circles around her before Dumbledore called him back.
"Draika V'tana." His blue eyes were ablaze with…what…anger? Sadness? Some vivid emotion sparkled there. "Please sit." Draika did. "Last night…"
"I left early. My supper didn't really agree with me." She said, swinging her legs nervously. She tried moving her shoulder to dislodge Snape's death grip. It didn't work. Her heart's pace quickened.
"I see. Did you meet anyone coming back?"
"No. I mean, I don't think so. I was so shaky, it was like a blur."
Dumbledore and Snape exchanged glances.
"Can someone please tell me what this is about?" Draika dared to ask.
Dumbledore sighed. "Last night, a student was…"
Her mind raced. A student was…what? Killed? Mauled?
~Oh, gods! What if I…~ She tried desperately to think back, to remember each and every minute of her walk back. Nothing.
"…was severly injured." The Headmaster finished. "There were deep lacerations to his chest and stomach, and several bite marks on his arms. He broke several bones. Do you know anything?"
~What…he suspects me…?! I would never…could never…~ She left off, realizing her earlier account might have very well sealed her fate.
"No. I'm sorry I can't help you." She said.
~At least it's the truth…~ Her mind commented.
"Very well. Thank you for your time." Dumbledore leaned back, gazing up at the ceiling.
"…sir?" Draika asked. "Who was the student?"
If he thought this question was odd, the Headmaster said nothing of it.
"Harry Potter."
--------------------------
I know, I know…back to Harry, you say? I considered Ron, but what would the point of that be? Besides, without a Seeker, the Gryffindor House team will get slaughtered even worse. Heheheheheheee…..and another besides, this'll make everyone even more afraid of her. What do you think?
Chapter Nine: Accusations
The next month fairly flew by for Hogwarts, with busy lessons, homework, and the like. It seemed the teachers were really bearing down on their students…but then again, maybe the students were just lazy. Quidditch started, with a new Keeper just in the nick of time for Gryffindor, a twitchy third year named Proell. Slytherin had won both of their games against Gryffindor, and the one against Hufflepuff. For the first time in years, the Gryffindor team was in last place for the Quidditch cup, and Slytherin at the top. Draika grew disconnected with the majority of all beings in the school, skirting around large groups in the Great Hall and the corridors, avoiding questioning glances from the teachers; ignoring all else. So you probably won't be too confused when I tell you that she was the conversational subject that day in the teacher's lounge.
"It's not right. There's got to be something wrong." Minerva McGonagall held a steaming mug of coffee in her hands, completely ignoring it.
"Or maybe she's just dedicated to her studies. Did you ever think of that?" Professor Flitwick squeaked. "That's how I was--people thought I was comatose for years."
"That may all be very well, but I think there is nothing we can do." The icy voice of Severus Snape cut through the pause in conversation like a knife. "No doubt something is bothering her, but there is nothing we can do…nothing we should do."
"She'll try something." Minerva set down her mug. "She's one of the smart ones…not as smart as Granger, but smart."
"Just because she's smart, Minerva, does not mean she is incapable of being foolish. Do you look at her? She mutters nothing to no one. Her eyes dart about as if searching for entities we cannot see. When she tries something, we had better be there to prevent it. " Dramatic Severus's statement may have been, but it was nothing but the truth.
Flitwick clicked his tongue. "This is all very well, but I have a class to teach!" He quickly exited, not eager to be in the same room with Snape under these conditions.
Minerva was agreeable for once on this subject. "But how? When? Without knowing it, she's undone everything we've recently woven into the school's already superb securities!"
"It will most likely be at night. Probably away from the dungeons. But inside the school…" He paused. "Or I could be entirely wrong. That is also a possibility." Beneath his calm expression, his brain was racing madly. Something was up.
"Yes….remind me again why she came here."
"You have just as much idea as I, Minerva."
"They never caught that nundu, did they?"
"Not a hair was to be found."
"Very well." Minerva stood, setting her still-full mug on a table. "I should probably start getting ready." And then she left, leaving Severus all alone, at least for awhile.
Severus sat and thought, and thought, and thought. He thought until his temples throbbed and his nose got stuffy. There was something he was missing, he knew it. Draika was no fool, even when she rushed. She would plan this. She would take every precaution not to be caught. If only he knew what it was she wanted to do! Then the whole thing could simply be stopped--he did not know exactly how, but more information would be a great help. Finally he sighed, and walked out of the lounge. He was definitely not in the mood to teach a class…
"Longbottom! How often do I have to nearly poison your toad to penetrate your thick skull?"
In potions, things were not going exceptionally well. Neville had stirred his potion clockwise instead of counterclockwise, effectively turning it from a potion that would keep you awake for hours on end into a sort of decongestant/bug repellent. Certainly an odd mix, but it could be useful. Too bad for Neville it wasn't useful to quell Snape's temper.
"You will turn a three-scroll essay on how simple mistakes like that can cost lives, Mr. Longbottom. Lives. Better make it four. I will expect it on my desk by no later than sundown tomorrow."
Normally Draika would have laughed. Or at least snickered behind her hand, or turned around to whisper to another Slytherin.
Nothing. She seemed to be scarcely aware of the classroom around her, mixing her potion with a mechanical feel about her, as if she were a mindless automaton. Only her eyes remained in motion, forever flicking in all directions all the time.
It didn't help that it was Halloween, supposedly one of the most magical days of the year. As she cleaned up her table without a sound, Snape watched her. He would have to be careful, now. Because she would not be careful for herself. He almost stopped her as she began to leave, but thought better of it. He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. This was definitely not his day.
As Draika entered the Slytherin common room, all conversation faltered, then slowly but warily picked up again. They did not quite know what to make of Draika now. She was different, that was for sure. She paid them no attention, just walked into the dormitory and then walked right back out, to the Great Hall. Steppenwolf was waiting for her, and even permitted her to lean on him for support as they walked to the Halloween feast.
It was the grandest state Draika had ever seen the hall in. Giant pumpkins were carved into magnificent jack-o'-lanterns, grinning hauntingly at the students as they took their seats. Bats fluttered around the ceiling, echolocating with shrill voices. Even the food seemed a bit better, although Draika took no notice of what she was eating.
Dumbledore had dressed up, much to everyone's amusement. He looked like a duck, or a chicken. She couldn't help but laugh along with the multitudes. The best part was the ghosts. They would pop out from under the tables randomly, throwing little pieces of chocolate in all directions. Forgetting her craving for meats, Draika had a large helping of spaghetti and lots of chocolate. Which wasn't a very smart thing to do. Ten minutes later she was in the girls' bathroom, throwing up most of it.
A ghost glided over to her, smiling.
"Go 'way, Myrtle." Draika groaned. "Please."
Myrtle laughed, clapping her hands. "But why? This is the only entertainment I have now…"
"You're sick, do you know that?" Draika said trenchantly.
"Well, so are you." The girl's ghost replied.
"Go 'way." She repeated.
"No, I don't think so!" Myrtle cackled. Draika swiped at her, but it obviously had no effect. She bent over again, vomiting more of her supper into the toilet. Myrtle giggled.
"Uggh…" Draika stood, and walked wobbily out of the bathroom and down the long corridors to her common room.
Everything was extremely wavy, like the world around her was warping. All the way back to the dormitories she was in a daze. It seemed to her that it took her only a moment to reach the dungeons, but in reality it had been much, much longer. She didn't wonder where Steppenwolf had gone. The dormitories were empty, something Draika was glad for. Falling into bed, she was out like a light.
Draika had odd dreams. All she could really recall was a dragon….Sraelyth, maybe? At the end, the dead centaurs came back to life and dismembered Domar.
"Domar…no…" She mumbled, turning over. "Domar…" she called. "Come back…." Then she woke, shaking and sweating, eyes wide. A soft purr met her ears. Draika stiffened, slowly sitting up. Her robes were drenched in cold sweat. She turned to the side, and met golden eyes…
"Domar?" Draika gasped, running a hand over the nundu's soft pelt. He growled in a friendly manner, nuzzling her arm. "But…how?"
-You called for me.- His eyes told her. -I came. You are not well.-
Draika almost laughed at the odd turn of conversation. Looking across at the other beds, she saw they were empty.
~The feast must still be going on…~ She thought, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
"How did you get in here?"
-I, too, possess magic. Powerful magic.- He jumped up onto her bed, turning a few circles before lying down on his side. -The adults are suspicious.-
"They would be….but Domar, I want to fly. Really fly. It'd be the only good thing about this cursed deformity."
-Take no risks.-
"And what's that supposed to mean?" Draika yawned, lying back down and using Domar as a pillow. He bared his fangs in what seemed like anger. Anyone watching would have thought the beast was getting ready to bite Draika's head off. But she knew it was an amused grin.
-You should sleep.-
"Yeah…" She yawned again, curling up for warmth. She didn't remember how long Domar was there, or how long it took her to fall asleep. But when she woke, she definitely wished she hadn't. Domar was nowhere in sight. McGonagall and Snape stood over her, looking half scared and half upset.
"You are to go immediately to the Headmaster's office." Minerva informed her in a sharp voice. Draika noted how they drew back as she sat up. "Now." She exited, mumbling something about Snape taking care of his own house for a change.
Snape frowned. "Come." He said curtly, gripping her shoulder tightly to steer her out of the common room and down numerous corridors, like he was afraid she would try to escape. Draika hoped it wasn't about Domar. If they knew he'd been in the school, she was definitely getting expelled. Maybe she would be expelled anyhow. Or maybe Dumbledore wanted to know why she'd left the feast early. Maybe it had to do with Steppenwolf. Or Linwe. Maybe-
She was jerked roughly out of her thoughts when she banged into a suit of armor. Snape glanced down at her, but then continued to ignore her, his grip on her shoulder never lessening.
They stopped in front of a stone gryphon. Draika heard the password, and made a note to remember it. The statue rotated upwards, revealing stone steps. She walked wearily up them, getting a very bad feeling. Dumbledore was waiting for them, sitting at his desk. A brilliant red and gold phoenix was sitting on a perch.
~Fawkes.~ She thought. ~Hello.~
Fawkes trilled, flying a circles around her before Dumbledore called him back.
"Draika V'tana." His blue eyes were ablaze with…what…anger? Sadness? Some vivid emotion sparkled there. "Please sit." Draika did. "Last night…"
"I left early. My supper didn't really agree with me." She said, swinging her legs nervously. She tried moving her shoulder to dislodge Snape's death grip. It didn't work. Her heart's pace quickened.
"I see. Did you meet anyone coming back?"
"No. I mean, I don't think so. I was so shaky, it was like a blur."
Dumbledore and Snape exchanged glances.
"Can someone please tell me what this is about?" Draika dared to ask.
Dumbledore sighed. "Last night, a student was…"
Her mind raced. A student was…what? Killed? Mauled?
~Oh, gods! What if I…~ She tried desperately to think back, to remember each and every minute of her walk back. Nothing.
"…was severly injured." The Headmaster finished. "There were deep lacerations to his chest and stomach, and several bite marks on his arms. He broke several bones. Do you know anything?"
~What…he suspects me…?! I would never…could never…~ She left off, realizing her earlier account might have very well sealed her fate.
"No. I'm sorry I can't help you." She said.
~At least it's the truth…~ Her mind commented.
"Very well. Thank you for your time." Dumbledore leaned back, gazing up at the ceiling.
"…sir?" Draika asked. "Who was the student?"
If he thought this question was odd, the Headmaster said nothing of it.
"Harry Potter."
--------------------------
I know, I know…back to Harry, you say? I considered Ron, but what would the point of that be? Besides, without a Seeker, the Gryffindor House team will get slaughtered even worse. Heheheheheheee…..and another besides, this'll make everyone even more afraid of her. What do you think?