SHARING THE SUNLIGHT WITH THE FREE - THE DAWN
Chapter Four
October came, with chilly weather. All over the school, students who could manage a Flame Charm were at an advantage over the rest - weaker-skilled students everywhere could be found clamouring over the skilled ones, begging them to perform the charm that could keep them warm.
It wasn't just an ordinary chill that settled over the school. Aurelia could feel something more - a deeper cold that seeped into the foundations itself. It was hard to explain, the feeling of foreboding that she had.
'Like.past and present are converging into one.' Aurelia tried to explain to Kière. They were in the library, busy studying. Their graduation this year, they were both keen to do their best.
'That does not make sense,' frowned Kière. Aurelia shook her head slightly.
'Never mind. It does not matter. I must be imagining things.' She turned back to her book. It was not, however, anything they were studying, but a thick volume about Magical Sight.
'Aurelia? What is that?' Kière had noticed her choice of literature.
'I - ' Aurelia hesitated, then handed him the book, still open at the page she had been reading.
'Why are you studying about.' Kière's jaw dropped as he skimmed across the passage.
'The last known Seer,' whispered Aurelia. 'Tessa Blanc. She lived more than a century ago. Before the birth of Christ.'
'Honestly, Aurelia, I am not sure about all this.the future - it is one thing that magic cannot tamper with.'
'You know, Kière, I think it can. And I think that Seeing is also more than just accurate predictions of the future. The way I see it - it is a subconscious awareness.of past and present, as well as future.'
Kière shook his head. 'I just cannot imagine.it is so abstract, impractical.'
Aurelia smiled. 'I have my right to be a dreamer.'
'Do you think perhaps.are you suspecting yourself to be a Seer?' Kière asked shrewdly, not without a touch of awe in his voice.
'No. I have talked with Professor Ravenclaw. She has ruled out all possibility. According to her, it is an impossibility - Seers are a lost breed, extinct. They were extinct a century ago, with the death of Tessa Blanc. Since then there have been many claims, none of them accurate.' This was true - in one of her chats with Professor Ravenclaw, she had brought up the subject of Sight, and they had discussed possibilities and implications. It was Professor Ravenclaw who had suggested Aurelia look up Divine Sight for a project.
'Not many care about that branch, believing it to be mere fairy tale. I myself am not too keen on pursuing the matter, but if it interests you, why not? Who knows, in the future, you may be famous for developing spells regarding Sight.'
Now Aurelia related their conversation to Kière, who listened attentively.
'It would be wonderful,' agreed Kière. 'Just imagine, to discover the ways of magic, to develop new, unheard-of enchantment that will benefit future generations. And in Magic Sight! High ambitions, Aurelia!'
'I should like to,' decided Aurelia. 'I have often wondered what I should do with this learning. Educated wizards are rare enough, let alone witches. I have no model to follow, besides Professors Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff.and I regret but I have no desire to pursue teaching.'
'I think research would suit me fine. Discovery.invention.just think!' said Kière, his eyes shining. 'And.you too.perhaps we could.together.'
It was an innocent statement, the words no different from what Kière had always said to her. Both had always done everything together while at Hogwarts. Yet somehow, this offer was.unlike others. Unable to stop it, Aurelia flushed slightly, her cheeks going a faint rose colour. Kière bit his lip and stared at his boots.
'I mean - of course.'
The moment of awkwardness passed quickly as Aurelia looked away and saw, to her amazement, Professor Slytherin enter the library. Startled, she drew in her breath sharply, causing Kière to look up too.
'What is he doing here?' Professor Slytherin had never been in the library, as far as they knew (and Aurelia knew very much), preferring always the coolness of his dungeons.
'Probably found it too cold down in his slimy dungeon,' he answered himself derisively after a few moments. There was no love lost between Kière and Professor Slytherin.
The cold chill that had descended over the school became much more prominent, like a noose, surrounding and choking her.
Professor Slytherin seemed to feel them staring. He turned and fixed his icy gaze straight on Aurelia.
Was it a flicker of recognition, and triumph that she saw? Whatever it was, it was gone soon, and replaced with a scowl. A flick of his cloak, and Professor Slytherin suddenly turned on his heel, and marched right out of the library again.
'What was that about?' wondered Kière.
'I hope we never find out,' said Aurelia, shivering.
~
At the end of October came Samhain. A celebration dating back thousands of years to the time when magic existed only in the beings known as druids. Hogwarts rose to the occasion with style - a great feast was prepared each year, and outside, on the grounds around the Hogwarts lake, pumpkin lanterns were lit. Five students would be chosen to perform a flight - no easy task, as broom flight was an unsteady, tricky feat. They would fly across the lake, as the rest of the school followed, on foot, around the sides. The walk took them to the edge of the Dark Forest at the school's borders. By the time the school arrived, the fliers were supposed to have found a very special magical item - the Goblet of Fire. One of the Professors would then light it, and the one who had found it would take it and be the honoured Samhain Champion for the year.
This year, Kière was to be one of those vying for the honour. He had wanted to try the two previous years, but each time, injuries had hampered him. Now that he finally had his chance, Aurelia hoped he could get it.
She herself had never attempted, not feeling comfortable with the idea of broom flight. Perhaps it was the only down-to-earth bit of her.the part that wished to stay on firm ground.
There were no clouds that evening. Aurelia was glad - the stars later in the clear night sky would help the fliers find their way. As the school assembled, chattering excitedly, just outside the castle, at the edge of the lake, she stood with the other Muggle-borns, patiently explaining the tradition.
'Samhain Champion.that's interesting,' acknowledged Lyle Florian. Conroy Fitz nodded, silent as always.
'I am going to enter one day,' vowed Aderyn Arthrop. Her twin seconded that enthusiastically.
Little Aleta Barnes asked about Kière.
'Is he taking part?'
'Yes, he is,' smiled Aurelia. 'And I do hope he wins.'
'Naturally,' laughed Leroy Webber. 'After all.'
Aurelia glanced sharply at him, but he just grinned back.
'Surely you understand my meaning.' he said impishly. Aurelia felt herself flushing as she comprehended his implications.
'Nonsense!' she defended herself, a hint of a scold in her voice, but could not help looking to the castle entrance as the sun set and night set in.
'Oh! Here they come!' cried Aleta, pointing. Sure enough, led by Kière, the five competitors were coming down the steps outside the castle. A fifth- year, two sixth-years, Hoff Darby, and Kière. All were carrying broomsticks.
Professors Gryffindor and Slytherin emerged from the castle doors behind them, one beaming and one scowling. Professor Slytherin spoke first.
'Competitors for the Goblet of Fire, you have undertaken this challenge to fly for the honour of Samhain Champion. You will begin with no magical object other than your wand and a broomstick. Your task: to locate the Goblet of Fire at the end of the lake first, and also within the time limit of the time taken for the whole school to travel to the site on foot. You know the rules. There will be no cheating such as the use of magic upon another competitor to put him or her out of action. Otherwise, severe punishments will be dealt.'
Professor Slytherin turned to Professor Gryffindor and nodded curtly.
'I would also like to add that this year, with the creation of Houses, the winner will bring glory to his House,' Professor Gryffindor said. There was an outbreak of excited chatter at this announcement.
'Now I want Kière to win too, as much as you do!' said Aleta.
'Why, Aurelia should be rooting for Professor Ravenclaw's House now!' Leroy pointed out. Aurelia thought about it - the competitor from Professor Ravenclaw's House was a skinny sixth-year girl whom she barely knew. She decided that she would still support Kière, regardless of House glories.
'We wait, now, for the sun to finish setting.'
Kière was gripping his broomstick tightly. Aurelia could just make out his face in the fast-fading light. It was full of determination. Oh, if only he could win, this year.
They waited, full of anticipation, as the last rays of light disappeared and night swallowed them.
'As soon as the moon rises.ah, yes. There it is. Best of luck, all of you,' said Professor Gryffindor. 'If you please, mount your broomsticks.'
Each competitor swung a leg over his or her broom.
'Three - two - one - GO!' Professor Gryffindor's voice boomed out over the crowd with the last syllable. The competitors rose into the air and begin their precarious flight over the lake. The spectators watched as they flew up and away, in the direction of the Dark Forest, until their figures disappeared into the night.
It was now time to walk. Aurelia hurried at the head of the crowd, anxious to see what became of Kière. Aleta and Leroy followed at her side, also eager to behold the results.
In the midst of her anticipation, Aurelia never expected the cold to strike again. But it did - halfway across the lake, she could feel the same chilling sensation, as though her insides had been turned to ice.
Something was rushing across the lake, a sharp wind that tore suddenly at their cloaks, blowing them fiercely. There was a jerk, and suddenly, the next step she took was no longer in Hogwarts grounds.
Around her was a collection of stones, large and arranged magically. It was magic, she was certain, she could feel the aura of the place surrounding her. In front of her - a sacrificial altar. She was walking towards it, that cold, unwelcoming stone slab. She could make out the dried blood stains on it. It sent goose bumps up her skin.people had been killed here!
Around her was a ring of people. They had been singing, but slowly, they fell silent, staring as her legs continued to bring her forward.
And then, she stopped, just before the altar. She was face to face with a brown-haired old man with dark blue eyes. He stared at her, taking in her long golden hair, her light blue eyes, sizing her up. He spoke in a rough voice. It was a different language, yet she understood.
'Our offering to the goddess. The Mother sends.' He sounded pleased.
Offering?
'No - there is something wrong -'
His brow furrowed.
'We do not understand your words,' he said, frowning. 'You are gift. Mother's gift.'
How could she ask? And why, if she could understand him, could he not understand her? She tried again.
'Where am I? What gift?' She attempted gesturing. It did not work - for what gestures could translate her questions?
Out of the ring stepped another person, a young man, with dark hair and deep eyes.
'You are not from our time,' he said. His voice was low, but melodious.
'I.am in the past?'
'You have come across the threshold.'
'I have moved through time?'
'Yes. Space. Time. The threshold is open, tonight, on Samhain. The magic is at its deepest.' He gazed at her piercingly. 'But you are not the gift. You are to live. Return. You will not be the sacrifice. You have a place. Go home.'
And she was back, walking along with the rest of the school once again. Back, as though nothing had happened.
'What do you mean?' she had wanted to ask. But he was gone, and so was everything else - the people, the stone.
'What was that?' Leroy looked at her, puzzled. Aurelia hadn't realized that she had spoken aloud.
'N-nothing.' she stammered, trying to find her bearings. What had just happened? Crossing a time threshold.how long ago had she gone? Those people - they had called her a gift, a gift from the Mother, to their goddess. Were they planning to sacrifice her? Had she nearly been a human sacrifice for a people of the past?
Another thing - were they Muggle or magic? The young man, he had seemed magic enough. But the old one - surely he was no wizard. Could it be, that she had seen a glimpse of the past, during which Muggles lived in harmony with magic?
The following whirlwind of events left her no time to ponder. They had reached the end of the lake, by the Forest, and Kière was running towards them, in his hands the Goblet of Fire.
Chapter Four
October came, with chilly weather. All over the school, students who could manage a Flame Charm were at an advantage over the rest - weaker-skilled students everywhere could be found clamouring over the skilled ones, begging them to perform the charm that could keep them warm.
It wasn't just an ordinary chill that settled over the school. Aurelia could feel something more - a deeper cold that seeped into the foundations itself. It was hard to explain, the feeling of foreboding that she had.
'Like.past and present are converging into one.' Aurelia tried to explain to Kière. They were in the library, busy studying. Their graduation this year, they were both keen to do their best.
'That does not make sense,' frowned Kière. Aurelia shook her head slightly.
'Never mind. It does not matter. I must be imagining things.' She turned back to her book. It was not, however, anything they were studying, but a thick volume about Magical Sight.
'Aurelia? What is that?' Kière had noticed her choice of literature.
'I - ' Aurelia hesitated, then handed him the book, still open at the page she had been reading.
'Why are you studying about.' Kière's jaw dropped as he skimmed across the passage.
'The last known Seer,' whispered Aurelia. 'Tessa Blanc. She lived more than a century ago. Before the birth of Christ.'
'Honestly, Aurelia, I am not sure about all this.the future - it is one thing that magic cannot tamper with.'
'You know, Kière, I think it can. And I think that Seeing is also more than just accurate predictions of the future. The way I see it - it is a subconscious awareness.of past and present, as well as future.'
Kière shook his head. 'I just cannot imagine.it is so abstract, impractical.'
Aurelia smiled. 'I have my right to be a dreamer.'
'Do you think perhaps.are you suspecting yourself to be a Seer?' Kière asked shrewdly, not without a touch of awe in his voice.
'No. I have talked with Professor Ravenclaw. She has ruled out all possibility. According to her, it is an impossibility - Seers are a lost breed, extinct. They were extinct a century ago, with the death of Tessa Blanc. Since then there have been many claims, none of them accurate.' This was true - in one of her chats with Professor Ravenclaw, she had brought up the subject of Sight, and they had discussed possibilities and implications. It was Professor Ravenclaw who had suggested Aurelia look up Divine Sight for a project.
'Not many care about that branch, believing it to be mere fairy tale. I myself am not too keen on pursuing the matter, but if it interests you, why not? Who knows, in the future, you may be famous for developing spells regarding Sight.'
Now Aurelia related their conversation to Kière, who listened attentively.
'It would be wonderful,' agreed Kière. 'Just imagine, to discover the ways of magic, to develop new, unheard-of enchantment that will benefit future generations. And in Magic Sight! High ambitions, Aurelia!'
'I should like to,' decided Aurelia. 'I have often wondered what I should do with this learning. Educated wizards are rare enough, let alone witches. I have no model to follow, besides Professors Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff.and I regret but I have no desire to pursue teaching.'
'I think research would suit me fine. Discovery.invention.just think!' said Kière, his eyes shining. 'And.you too.perhaps we could.together.'
It was an innocent statement, the words no different from what Kière had always said to her. Both had always done everything together while at Hogwarts. Yet somehow, this offer was.unlike others. Unable to stop it, Aurelia flushed slightly, her cheeks going a faint rose colour. Kière bit his lip and stared at his boots.
'I mean - of course.'
The moment of awkwardness passed quickly as Aurelia looked away and saw, to her amazement, Professor Slytherin enter the library. Startled, she drew in her breath sharply, causing Kière to look up too.
'What is he doing here?' Professor Slytherin had never been in the library, as far as they knew (and Aurelia knew very much), preferring always the coolness of his dungeons.
'Probably found it too cold down in his slimy dungeon,' he answered himself derisively after a few moments. There was no love lost between Kière and Professor Slytherin.
The cold chill that had descended over the school became much more prominent, like a noose, surrounding and choking her.
Professor Slytherin seemed to feel them staring. He turned and fixed his icy gaze straight on Aurelia.
Was it a flicker of recognition, and triumph that she saw? Whatever it was, it was gone soon, and replaced with a scowl. A flick of his cloak, and Professor Slytherin suddenly turned on his heel, and marched right out of the library again.
'What was that about?' wondered Kière.
'I hope we never find out,' said Aurelia, shivering.
~
At the end of October came Samhain. A celebration dating back thousands of years to the time when magic existed only in the beings known as druids. Hogwarts rose to the occasion with style - a great feast was prepared each year, and outside, on the grounds around the Hogwarts lake, pumpkin lanterns were lit. Five students would be chosen to perform a flight - no easy task, as broom flight was an unsteady, tricky feat. They would fly across the lake, as the rest of the school followed, on foot, around the sides. The walk took them to the edge of the Dark Forest at the school's borders. By the time the school arrived, the fliers were supposed to have found a very special magical item - the Goblet of Fire. One of the Professors would then light it, and the one who had found it would take it and be the honoured Samhain Champion for the year.
This year, Kière was to be one of those vying for the honour. He had wanted to try the two previous years, but each time, injuries had hampered him. Now that he finally had his chance, Aurelia hoped he could get it.
She herself had never attempted, not feeling comfortable with the idea of broom flight. Perhaps it was the only down-to-earth bit of her.the part that wished to stay on firm ground.
There were no clouds that evening. Aurelia was glad - the stars later in the clear night sky would help the fliers find their way. As the school assembled, chattering excitedly, just outside the castle, at the edge of the lake, she stood with the other Muggle-borns, patiently explaining the tradition.
'Samhain Champion.that's interesting,' acknowledged Lyle Florian. Conroy Fitz nodded, silent as always.
'I am going to enter one day,' vowed Aderyn Arthrop. Her twin seconded that enthusiastically.
Little Aleta Barnes asked about Kière.
'Is he taking part?'
'Yes, he is,' smiled Aurelia. 'And I do hope he wins.'
'Naturally,' laughed Leroy Webber. 'After all.'
Aurelia glanced sharply at him, but he just grinned back.
'Surely you understand my meaning.' he said impishly. Aurelia felt herself flushing as she comprehended his implications.
'Nonsense!' she defended herself, a hint of a scold in her voice, but could not help looking to the castle entrance as the sun set and night set in.
'Oh! Here they come!' cried Aleta, pointing. Sure enough, led by Kière, the five competitors were coming down the steps outside the castle. A fifth- year, two sixth-years, Hoff Darby, and Kière. All were carrying broomsticks.
Professors Gryffindor and Slytherin emerged from the castle doors behind them, one beaming and one scowling. Professor Slytherin spoke first.
'Competitors for the Goblet of Fire, you have undertaken this challenge to fly for the honour of Samhain Champion. You will begin with no magical object other than your wand and a broomstick. Your task: to locate the Goblet of Fire at the end of the lake first, and also within the time limit of the time taken for the whole school to travel to the site on foot. You know the rules. There will be no cheating such as the use of magic upon another competitor to put him or her out of action. Otherwise, severe punishments will be dealt.'
Professor Slytherin turned to Professor Gryffindor and nodded curtly.
'I would also like to add that this year, with the creation of Houses, the winner will bring glory to his House,' Professor Gryffindor said. There was an outbreak of excited chatter at this announcement.
'Now I want Kière to win too, as much as you do!' said Aleta.
'Why, Aurelia should be rooting for Professor Ravenclaw's House now!' Leroy pointed out. Aurelia thought about it - the competitor from Professor Ravenclaw's House was a skinny sixth-year girl whom she barely knew. She decided that she would still support Kière, regardless of House glories.
'We wait, now, for the sun to finish setting.'
Kière was gripping his broomstick tightly. Aurelia could just make out his face in the fast-fading light. It was full of determination. Oh, if only he could win, this year.
They waited, full of anticipation, as the last rays of light disappeared and night swallowed them.
'As soon as the moon rises.ah, yes. There it is. Best of luck, all of you,' said Professor Gryffindor. 'If you please, mount your broomsticks.'
Each competitor swung a leg over his or her broom.
'Three - two - one - GO!' Professor Gryffindor's voice boomed out over the crowd with the last syllable. The competitors rose into the air and begin their precarious flight over the lake. The spectators watched as they flew up and away, in the direction of the Dark Forest, until their figures disappeared into the night.
It was now time to walk. Aurelia hurried at the head of the crowd, anxious to see what became of Kière. Aleta and Leroy followed at her side, also eager to behold the results.
In the midst of her anticipation, Aurelia never expected the cold to strike again. But it did - halfway across the lake, she could feel the same chilling sensation, as though her insides had been turned to ice.
Something was rushing across the lake, a sharp wind that tore suddenly at their cloaks, blowing them fiercely. There was a jerk, and suddenly, the next step she took was no longer in Hogwarts grounds.
Around her was a collection of stones, large and arranged magically. It was magic, she was certain, she could feel the aura of the place surrounding her. In front of her - a sacrificial altar. She was walking towards it, that cold, unwelcoming stone slab. She could make out the dried blood stains on it. It sent goose bumps up her skin.people had been killed here!
Around her was a ring of people. They had been singing, but slowly, they fell silent, staring as her legs continued to bring her forward.
And then, she stopped, just before the altar. She was face to face with a brown-haired old man with dark blue eyes. He stared at her, taking in her long golden hair, her light blue eyes, sizing her up. He spoke in a rough voice. It was a different language, yet she understood.
'Our offering to the goddess. The Mother sends.' He sounded pleased.
Offering?
'No - there is something wrong -'
His brow furrowed.
'We do not understand your words,' he said, frowning. 'You are gift. Mother's gift.'
How could she ask? And why, if she could understand him, could he not understand her? She tried again.
'Where am I? What gift?' She attempted gesturing. It did not work - for what gestures could translate her questions?
Out of the ring stepped another person, a young man, with dark hair and deep eyes.
'You are not from our time,' he said. His voice was low, but melodious.
'I.am in the past?'
'You have come across the threshold.'
'I have moved through time?'
'Yes. Space. Time. The threshold is open, tonight, on Samhain. The magic is at its deepest.' He gazed at her piercingly. 'But you are not the gift. You are to live. Return. You will not be the sacrifice. You have a place. Go home.'
And she was back, walking along with the rest of the school once again. Back, as though nothing had happened.
'What do you mean?' she had wanted to ask. But he was gone, and so was everything else - the people, the stone.
'What was that?' Leroy looked at her, puzzled. Aurelia hadn't realized that she had spoken aloud.
'N-nothing.' she stammered, trying to find her bearings. What had just happened? Crossing a time threshold.how long ago had she gone? Those people - they had called her a gift, a gift from the Mother, to their goddess. Were they planning to sacrifice her? Had she nearly been a human sacrifice for a people of the past?
Another thing - were they Muggle or magic? The young man, he had seemed magic enough. But the old one - surely he was no wizard. Could it be, that she had seen a glimpse of the past, during which Muggles lived in harmony with magic?
The following whirlwind of events left her no time to ponder. They had reached the end of the lake, by the Forest, and Kière was running towards them, in his hands the Goblet of Fire.