Disclaimer: You know the drill. I don't own any of these characters (except Gwen and my other creations) or any of these places etc. They all belong to the great J.K.Rowling (except the places that exist outside U.K.) and various publishers. Don't sue me because all you're going to get is nothing.
A/N: Wow! I'm doing another chapter. I donut usually get around to make another chapter. Yey me! Anyway, I hope you enjoy and please R+R it will make me write more. Thanks.
Visions of Paradise
by: Solstice
Take your self and disappear
You are still no longer welcome here
Fear drives you to act this way
The sum of all you've done will be the debt that you pay
- "Seize the Day", Default
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Chapter two: Quand lumière et obscurité rencontre
The Great Hall was silenced. The air, tense and afraid to move. The candles above everyone's head cast eerie shadows at the figures frozen, unmoving. It was like time had just stopped and had no intention of resuming. A figure emerged from the darkness, its hood covering the face of the girl who was about to turn the whole of Hogwarts into a war zone. Within the darkness of her hood a smirk crept up and decorated her face. [Typical], was the only thing she had in her mind. She stepped up to the stool that held the sorting hat. She sat down and wore the ancient hat. Still in the still silence the mood had changed slightly from one of uncertainty to one of anticipation and for some, of fear. The Sorting Hat was placed on her head and the air changed again as if the whole school was holding their breaths, not wanting to exhale. A voice within Gwen's head started to talk. Its voice was smooth and full of wisdom.
"Ah.... long time no see. What brings you back to my presence, young one?"
"Need I answer? You can read my thoughts right?" replied the girl with an impatient tone.
"Yes, yes, sharp as ever...and I see you are now impatient. Dear one, that is not a very attractive trait for a young girl like you."
"Oh, so now I'm taking dating advice from a hat. How very reassuring."
"Hmmm, as arrogant as ever."
"Just get it over with, Mentis. I am in a bit of a hurry."
"Mentis, you're the first one to say my name in over 5 centuries."
"Look, you know my condition right? So you probably understand that I need to get out of here as soon as humanly possible. No insult intended."
"Yes, but don't you just enjoy all the student's faces right now. Their fear so vivid."
"I know. It's fun to watch and....wait, stop changing the subject. Analyze me already."
"My pleasure young one..."
********************
Inside, Harry's mind was reeling. [What the...Where did.... How the...Damn...] Incoherent thoughts made a circus of Harry's brain. Just like everyone else, the trio remained stunned transfixed at the sudden goings-on around them. The silence was deafening that you could slice the pressure with a knife. It was Ron who recovered first.
"Harry, do you think...?"
But Harry just kept staring at the figure that sat there, being sorted. A feeling came upon him. A cold chill down the spine but at the same time a warm bubbling sensation around the stomach area. All literary skills had left him and there wasn't the slightest sound from anyone else either.
"Harry, Harry, snap out of it! Harry!" Ron whispered.
But Ron's attempts at a conversation got lost in the jungle of Harry's mind.
Then Sorting Hat's mouth or what appeared to be its mouth anyway, started to open and then said...
*****************
"What's the hold up Mentis?"
"Hmmm....maybe Gryffindor, eh? You have the bravery here there is no doubt."
"Are you joking? The world wouldn't stand for it. You know it, I know it, even owls know it."
"Ravenclaw? You do have a great mind..."
"No."
"Hufflepuff...."
"Bleach"
"Alright..."
***************
"SLYTHERIN!"
***************
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was dead silent. Not even a cough was heard. The figure, to which all eyes were fixated on, with the grace of a cat unfurling and stretching out its claws, stood up and slowly took off the Sorting Hat. After which she gently placed it back on the stool. Then, she calmly started walking when...
Finally, the Headmaster was the one who spoke first.
"Ah, Miss Riddle, I regret to inform you that you must wear the prescribed uniform of the school. If you'd like you may change in your room then come back down for the annual feast starting the year...."
She just ignored the headmaster and kept walking...
"Miss Riddle?"
Suddenly, a gust of wind came from nowhere and blew at the tablecloths of all five long tables. It made the tapestries adorning the wall seem to dance. The grand double doors at the entrance of the hall began creaking, trying to break the bonds that held it shut. There was the crackling of magic around the hall. The sound of the spell previously cast by Professor Flitwick being broken was heard. The windows all shattered and a million broken shards of glass began pouring out. The doors were banging now, resisting its locks. The hats of everyone present were flying in every direction. Students were jumping up and down, running, screaming some even tried to cast protection spells but nothing was stopping the wind. Professors were running towards Gwen.
"Miss Riddle!"
***************
The glass all flew towards Gwen encircling her. She stood still and the glass cocooned her. Through the glass one could see what one might only describe as a mini-tornado inside the glass cocoon. The professors all ran toward the spectacle when the double doors slammed open emitting another gust of cold wind, so strong it prevented the professors from coming any closer. The students started running for the exit but the wind was too strong. It knocked the plates and utensils off the tables and ripped the tapestries off the walls. The illusion of the sky outside on the ceiling went out like a candle and revealed a high dome-shaped ceiling. Lights from everywhere flickered on and off. Hysteria was beginning to break out.
"Ms. Riddle!! Can you hear us?!" Minerva McGonagall shouted
The glass then dispersed again and went back to their respectful windows coming together as if it was never shattered. The doors slammed shut and reinstated its bonds while the wind disappeared as quickly as it had come. Everything went back to where they were. The magical sky resumed and the tapestries fixed themselves up. The utensils went back to their positions and it was as if nothing happened. But that wasn't what all the people present was gaping at. That wasn't the cause of the whole student body stopping, encircling Gwen with about 10 feet of distance on either side. No, it was the figure in the center of it all. She was standing there in her Hogwarts uniform barely batting an eyelash, barely lifting her hand. The dreadful silence resumed.
"Happy now?" was the only thing she muttered before walking the expanse of the hall again. Evoking movement for no one wanted to come close to her. This time, she stopped directly a few feet in front of where Harry Potter was with Hermione and Ron on either side of him. She brought down her hood and nodded at the Boy-Who-Lived as a sign of greeting.... or challenge. Harry stood still and their eyes met. Energy could be felt passing between them. Their gaze was intense and it wasn't wavering. The crowd was beginning to move away, in anticipation and anxiety of what was to come.
"Harry! What are you doing?" It was Hermione who spoke.
"Harry! Harry!" Ron said hysterically pulling at Harry's robes.
He nodded as if to say 'I accept', ending the connection.
They all continued to stand still with the air thickening with the pressure.
With that she once again called forth, without any gestures or words, the wind and opened the doors. She then exited and the wind, for the second time that night, slammed the doors upon all the shocked expressions of the students and professors.
***************
As Gwen walked on a figure emerged from the shadows to her right. It was male, with platinum blond hair and eyes of gray. He has an aristocratic air about him and the glare of pure ice. A drawling voice, one that matched hers, was heard saying,
"What a grand entrance...But, then again you always loved grand entrances."
"So there you are, no wonder I didn't hear girly shrieks in there, you were out hear all this time."
"Ha, ha, that was mildly amusing. Are you coming back in then? I would like to introduce you to my so-called friends. Assure them that old Voldie hasn't abandoned us."
"What, and give the whole of Hogwarts a heart attack. Besides, it is about that time and I need to be going. The moon is already up and I am not well equipped yet. Besides I need to let those professors stew in their juices for a while. And Potter is in there, my condition might worsen."
"So, you have met our golden boy. What do you think of him?"
"I think this would be an interesting year for the whole of the wizarding world."
***************
In the Great Hall, panic was ensuing. Questions and complaints burst forward from the mouths of the students. All directed to the Headmaster. He went back to his seat and shouted,
"SILENCE!!"
The students in turn stopped their pleas and remained still, waiting for the Headmaster's words.
"I assure everyone that she is not a danger to anyone."
A voice was heard,
"Not a danger? She just destroyed then rebuilt the whole hall with what can only be described as wandless magic. Which is forbidden and tied with the Dark Arts."
Shouts of agreement surfaced. The younger years were trembling while the older years were determined to have her expelled.
"Plus, her last name is Riddle. She must be related to You-Know-Who."
"She must be a spy."
More accusations emerged and the whole hall was once again filled with cacophonous ramblings.
Albus Dumbledore raised his voice again, "SILENCE!"
"I have had a meeting with the Minister of Magic and various other officials about this matter. We have put her through tests, inquisitions and even Veriteserum. The kind used to get confessions out of criminals. We have owled all your parents and invited them all to the said meetings and conferences. The Minister of Magic himself stated that there is no threat with her. She is not related to Voldemo-"
The student body and the professors cringed
"- it is just by coincidence that she has the same surname with Tom Riddle. That is all! Now, if you would all take your seats and enjoy the feast. And do remember that the Forbidden Forest is off-limits to those who want to live past their adolescence. "
With that ending note, piles of food magically appeared and the students, though still disturbed, all went back to their seats.
***************
The hall was tense all throughout the meal. Everybody wanted to leave but Dumbledore refused to let Professor Flitwick lift the sealing charms until the feast was finished. So, everybody was forced to eat and enjoy themselves amidst the overwhelming odds. No one expected such an incident the first day back. Whispers were heard and conversations laced with fear were all over the place. The new student seems to be the topic on everybody's lips, especially for Hermione, Ron and Harry.
"Do you believe what the Headmaster said? I mean do you think she isn't dangerous?" Hermione said with a worried tone.
"Of course she's dangerous, 'Mione. She just turned the Great Hall inside out, not to mention breaking Professor Flitwick's spells, without even raising her hand. Come on, even I can see she's trouble." Ron replied.
"What do you think 'Arry?"
Harry Potter was silent. He had a dazed expression on his face whilst picking on his food with a fork.
"Harry, are you even listening?" Hermione asked.
"Huh? Yeah, trouble, yeah"
"Come on, mate. Snap out of it. Your views please?"
"Look guys-" Harry began. "I agree that she is immensely powerful. Even if she isn't related to Tom Riddle doesn't mean she isn't dangerous. But since, despite all these signs pointing to disaster, she was still allowed to attend Hogwarts then I see only one alternative to put our minds at ease..."
"What is it?" Hermione asked.
"We need to have a little chat with our dear Headmaster."
***************
"I hate to question your ways Albus but are you sure she won't harm anyone? All the other professors are at a loss of things to say. We never expected such power. This was never taken into consideration."
"Minerva, I agree that her little demonstration was not the most appropriate but I stand by my decision. She will be studying here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Oh and do send her to me tomorrow after lunch, and send Filch along with you."
"But Albus, if you would just share to us what you are up to, we may be calmed. We all feel tense and confused. There is nothing short of your true intentions that you can say to stop our worrying. She is not safe, Albus-"
"She is but a child, Minerva. And you can tell everyone that all I intend is for her to be able to learn something from this school. And you all may learn something from her as well." Dumbledore's reply was laden with finality.
Professor McGonagall was about to exit when the Headmaster added,
"Ms. Granger, Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter I presume are arriving soon, please let only Mr. Potter come in. We need to have a little chat."
***************
Meanwhile, in the backyard of a small suburban home in San Francisco, a little girl with light brown hair and blue eyes is running around chasing a dog. She must be around 7 years old. The dog is rather large and is about the same color as her hair. A woman, in her mid-twenties with blond hair and violet eyes emerges from the house wearing an apron. She takes the girl by the hand and herds both her and the dog inside.
"Dru, the package from Aunt Gwen arrived today." The woman is heard telling the girl.
"Yeah! I hope it have cookies again!!" Dru said running towards the living room.
"Dru, it's has. I hope it HAS cookies. "Corrected to woman.
"Oh yeah. I hope it has cookies again. I like those. With the little sprinkles."
"Here it is," The woman says holding up the package. "You call daddy and tell him to go down here then we can all open your present from Auntie Gwen."
Dru then hurries up the staircase.
It is a sunny Sunday around 2:30 PM in the afternoon. The living room is comfortable but there is a disturbance in the peaceful area. The woman sits down and stares at the package. It is a box wrapped in brown paper. The address in the front reads,
Dru Symone
#5 Rose Street
San Francisco, USA
A squawk was heard. It came from a red owl with black eyes perched on the windowsill. The woman stands up, with a note in her hand and some treats from the pocket of her apron. She feeds the owl and attaches the note to the owl's leg.
"Iyke, take this back to Gwen. No more stopovers. And next time, try to come here at night. The neighbors are already suspicious."
The owl hoots and flies away with one graceful flap of its majestic wings.
Footsteps are heard and an African-American man around 5 foot ten inches and who is in his early thirties comes down with Dru in his arms. He is bald with magnificent green eyes and a beautiful smile.
"Daddy said I could open the box all by myself." Dru said, jumping down and running to the package.
"Go ahead dear," The woman said," Daddy and I have something to discuss for awhile."
The man and the woman go into the kitchen leaving the girl alone. The woman gets her wand from her apron pocket and casts a silencing charm for the kitchen. The dog is already there. It suddenly changes into a man who looks younger, though is taller, than both the man and woman. He speaks first,
"One more year and it will be time. Do you think you can both protect this girl when the time comes?" He speaks with an Australian accent.
"Dorian, we have protected her for 5 years now. There has been no problems since then. Why is this matter coming up now?" The man said.
The woman speaks up, "Ace is right. Nothing has gone wrong. She doesn't remember a thing and as far as she is concerned, Gwen is her aunt. Someone who always forgets when Dru's birthday is and who always sends her gifts for what she thinks is for her birthday. She will be fine."
Dorian's voice rises; "You do not understand the gravity of this situation. I should have had this meeting ages ago. How are you sure that Dru remembers nothing from that night? Her memory was not erased and she has nightmares. One more year and the ritual will be started. One more year! He-who-must-not-be-named must never find out about Dru or he could get her and use her as leverage. How many times did we have to move because information almost leaked out? There is far more danger in keeping this girl than neither both of you would admit. I realize you both harbor feeling for this child but you must look past it if you want to truly protect her. You are getting too close."
"What would you want us to do then? Leave her in an orphanage!!" Ace loses his temper and bangs on the counter.
"Calm down, Ace. I am sure Dorian has a good plan. He has never stirred us wrong before," The woman patiently said. Addressing Dorian, "What are you trying to say?"
"All I am saying is that we must not let our feelings get the best of us. As we speak, Gwen is now in Hogwarts. She has contacted me yesterday to infrom me of the situation. Things are beginning to happen. We must focus and not let her nor Dru down." Dorian replies.
"OUR feelings Dorian? Are you developing a paternal thing for our Dru?"
Dorian intentionally ignores the question and instead says, "Next Saturday we are to go to Mexico City and meet the newest member of our little team. Remember that things are starting to shake and our mission may crumble. Be careful."
With that Dorian transforms back to his dog animagus and runs out the door.
"Come on, Ace. We should go back to Dru." With that, Setyn lifts the silencing charm.
As they exit the kitchen they see Dru on the floor emptying the box with a confused expression on her face.
"Mommy? Is this all auntie gave me?" Dru asks.
Setyn and Ace exchange looks.
"Yes, dear. Is there a problem?" Setyn asks kneeling down.
"Well, she gave me the coins again but there are weird things, like a stick and stuff..."
Ace and Setyn both look shocked at the wand in Dru's hand along with vials of different colored liquids and an amulet with a sword and black rose etched in it.
"Daddy, mommy, she also gave me this paper. I can't read it. Here daddy." Dru hands the note to Ace. It reads,
"Erudio suus habitum. To infio."
***************
A/N: Loosely translated from the phrase "Train her well. It begins." I am not an expert in the Latin language so forgive me if my Latin phrase is wrong. I am winging it. So, that is it my second chapter. Please R+R. More will come if you do.
A/N: Wow! I'm doing another chapter. I donut usually get around to make another chapter. Yey me! Anyway, I hope you enjoy and please R+R it will make me write more. Thanks.
Visions of Paradise
by: Solstice
Take your self and disappear
You are still no longer welcome here
Fear drives you to act this way
The sum of all you've done will be the debt that you pay
- "Seize the Day", Default
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Chapter two: Quand lumière et obscurité rencontre
The Great Hall was silenced. The air, tense and afraid to move. The candles above everyone's head cast eerie shadows at the figures frozen, unmoving. It was like time had just stopped and had no intention of resuming. A figure emerged from the darkness, its hood covering the face of the girl who was about to turn the whole of Hogwarts into a war zone. Within the darkness of her hood a smirk crept up and decorated her face. [Typical], was the only thing she had in her mind. She stepped up to the stool that held the sorting hat. She sat down and wore the ancient hat. Still in the still silence the mood had changed slightly from one of uncertainty to one of anticipation and for some, of fear. The Sorting Hat was placed on her head and the air changed again as if the whole school was holding their breaths, not wanting to exhale. A voice within Gwen's head started to talk. Its voice was smooth and full of wisdom.
"Ah.... long time no see. What brings you back to my presence, young one?"
"Need I answer? You can read my thoughts right?" replied the girl with an impatient tone.
"Yes, yes, sharp as ever...and I see you are now impatient. Dear one, that is not a very attractive trait for a young girl like you."
"Oh, so now I'm taking dating advice from a hat. How very reassuring."
"Hmmm, as arrogant as ever."
"Just get it over with, Mentis. I am in a bit of a hurry."
"Mentis, you're the first one to say my name in over 5 centuries."
"Look, you know my condition right? So you probably understand that I need to get out of here as soon as humanly possible. No insult intended."
"Yes, but don't you just enjoy all the student's faces right now. Their fear so vivid."
"I know. It's fun to watch and....wait, stop changing the subject. Analyze me already."
"My pleasure young one..."
********************
Inside, Harry's mind was reeling. [What the...Where did.... How the...Damn...] Incoherent thoughts made a circus of Harry's brain. Just like everyone else, the trio remained stunned transfixed at the sudden goings-on around them. The silence was deafening that you could slice the pressure with a knife. It was Ron who recovered first.
"Harry, do you think...?"
But Harry just kept staring at the figure that sat there, being sorted. A feeling came upon him. A cold chill down the spine but at the same time a warm bubbling sensation around the stomach area. All literary skills had left him and there wasn't the slightest sound from anyone else either.
"Harry, Harry, snap out of it! Harry!" Ron whispered.
But Ron's attempts at a conversation got lost in the jungle of Harry's mind.
Then Sorting Hat's mouth or what appeared to be its mouth anyway, started to open and then said...
*****************
"What's the hold up Mentis?"
"Hmmm....maybe Gryffindor, eh? You have the bravery here there is no doubt."
"Are you joking? The world wouldn't stand for it. You know it, I know it, even owls know it."
"Ravenclaw? You do have a great mind..."
"No."
"Hufflepuff...."
"Bleach"
"Alright..."
***************
"SLYTHERIN!"
***************
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was dead silent. Not even a cough was heard. The figure, to which all eyes were fixated on, with the grace of a cat unfurling and stretching out its claws, stood up and slowly took off the Sorting Hat. After which she gently placed it back on the stool. Then, she calmly started walking when...
Finally, the Headmaster was the one who spoke first.
"Ah, Miss Riddle, I regret to inform you that you must wear the prescribed uniform of the school. If you'd like you may change in your room then come back down for the annual feast starting the year...."
She just ignored the headmaster and kept walking...
"Miss Riddle?"
Suddenly, a gust of wind came from nowhere and blew at the tablecloths of all five long tables. It made the tapestries adorning the wall seem to dance. The grand double doors at the entrance of the hall began creaking, trying to break the bonds that held it shut. There was the crackling of magic around the hall. The sound of the spell previously cast by Professor Flitwick being broken was heard. The windows all shattered and a million broken shards of glass began pouring out. The doors were banging now, resisting its locks. The hats of everyone present were flying in every direction. Students were jumping up and down, running, screaming some even tried to cast protection spells but nothing was stopping the wind. Professors were running towards Gwen.
"Miss Riddle!"
***************
The glass all flew towards Gwen encircling her. She stood still and the glass cocooned her. Through the glass one could see what one might only describe as a mini-tornado inside the glass cocoon. The professors all ran toward the spectacle when the double doors slammed open emitting another gust of cold wind, so strong it prevented the professors from coming any closer. The students started running for the exit but the wind was too strong. It knocked the plates and utensils off the tables and ripped the tapestries off the walls. The illusion of the sky outside on the ceiling went out like a candle and revealed a high dome-shaped ceiling. Lights from everywhere flickered on and off. Hysteria was beginning to break out.
"Ms. Riddle!! Can you hear us?!" Minerva McGonagall shouted
The glass then dispersed again and went back to their respectful windows coming together as if it was never shattered. The doors slammed shut and reinstated its bonds while the wind disappeared as quickly as it had come. Everything went back to where they were. The magical sky resumed and the tapestries fixed themselves up. The utensils went back to their positions and it was as if nothing happened. But that wasn't what all the people present was gaping at. That wasn't the cause of the whole student body stopping, encircling Gwen with about 10 feet of distance on either side. No, it was the figure in the center of it all. She was standing there in her Hogwarts uniform barely batting an eyelash, barely lifting her hand. The dreadful silence resumed.
"Happy now?" was the only thing she muttered before walking the expanse of the hall again. Evoking movement for no one wanted to come close to her. This time, she stopped directly a few feet in front of where Harry Potter was with Hermione and Ron on either side of him. She brought down her hood and nodded at the Boy-Who-Lived as a sign of greeting.... or challenge. Harry stood still and their eyes met. Energy could be felt passing between them. Their gaze was intense and it wasn't wavering. The crowd was beginning to move away, in anticipation and anxiety of what was to come.
"Harry! What are you doing?" It was Hermione who spoke.
"Harry! Harry!" Ron said hysterically pulling at Harry's robes.
He nodded as if to say 'I accept', ending the connection.
They all continued to stand still with the air thickening with the pressure.
With that she once again called forth, without any gestures or words, the wind and opened the doors. She then exited and the wind, for the second time that night, slammed the doors upon all the shocked expressions of the students and professors.
***************
As Gwen walked on a figure emerged from the shadows to her right. It was male, with platinum blond hair and eyes of gray. He has an aristocratic air about him and the glare of pure ice. A drawling voice, one that matched hers, was heard saying,
"What a grand entrance...But, then again you always loved grand entrances."
"So there you are, no wonder I didn't hear girly shrieks in there, you were out hear all this time."
"Ha, ha, that was mildly amusing. Are you coming back in then? I would like to introduce you to my so-called friends. Assure them that old Voldie hasn't abandoned us."
"What, and give the whole of Hogwarts a heart attack. Besides, it is about that time and I need to be going. The moon is already up and I am not well equipped yet. Besides I need to let those professors stew in their juices for a while. And Potter is in there, my condition might worsen."
"So, you have met our golden boy. What do you think of him?"
"I think this would be an interesting year for the whole of the wizarding world."
***************
In the Great Hall, panic was ensuing. Questions and complaints burst forward from the mouths of the students. All directed to the Headmaster. He went back to his seat and shouted,
"SILENCE!!"
The students in turn stopped their pleas and remained still, waiting for the Headmaster's words.
"I assure everyone that she is not a danger to anyone."
A voice was heard,
"Not a danger? She just destroyed then rebuilt the whole hall with what can only be described as wandless magic. Which is forbidden and tied with the Dark Arts."
Shouts of agreement surfaced. The younger years were trembling while the older years were determined to have her expelled.
"Plus, her last name is Riddle. She must be related to You-Know-Who."
"She must be a spy."
More accusations emerged and the whole hall was once again filled with cacophonous ramblings.
Albus Dumbledore raised his voice again, "SILENCE!"
"I have had a meeting with the Minister of Magic and various other officials about this matter. We have put her through tests, inquisitions and even Veriteserum. The kind used to get confessions out of criminals. We have owled all your parents and invited them all to the said meetings and conferences. The Minister of Magic himself stated that there is no threat with her. She is not related to Voldemo-"
The student body and the professors cringed
"- it is just by coincidence that she has the same surname with Tom Riddle. That is all! Now, if you would all take your seats and enjoy the feast. And do remember that the Forbidden Forest is off-limits to those who want to live past their adolescence. "
With that ending note, piles of food magically appeared and the students, though still disturbed, all went back to their seats.
***************
The hall was tense all throughout the meal. Everybody wanted to leave but Dumbledore refused to let Professor Flitwick lift the sealing charms until the feast was finished. So, everybody was forced to eat and enjoy themselves amidst the overwhelming odds. No one expected such an incident the first day back. Whispers were heard and conversations laced with fear were all over the place. The new student seems to be the topic on everybody's lips, especially for Hermione, Ron and Harry.
"Do you believe what the Headmaster said? I mean do you think she isn't dangerous?" Hermione said with a worried tone.
"Of course she's dangerous, 'Mione. She just turned the Great Hall inside out, not to mention breaking Professor Flitwick's spells, without even raising her hand. Come on, even I can see she's trouble." Ron replied.
"What do you think 'Arry?"
Harry Potter was silent. He had a dazed expression on his face whilst picking on his food with a fork.
"Harry, are you even listening?" Hermione asked.
"Huh? Yeah, trouble, yeah"
"Come on, mate. Snap out of it. Your views please?"
"Look guys-" Harry began. "I agree that she is immensely powerful. Even if she isn't related to Tom Riddle doesn't mean she isn't dangerous. But since, despite all these signs pointing to disaster, she was still allowed to attend Hogwarts then I see only one alternative to put our minds at ease..."
"What is it?" Hermione asked.
"We need to have a little chat with our dear Headmaster."
***************
"I hate to question your ways Albus but are you sure she won't harm anyone? All the other professors are at a loss of things to say. We never expected such power. This was never taken into consideration."
"Minerva, I agree that her little demonstration was not the most appropriate but I stand by my decision. She will be studying here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Oh and do send her to me tomorrow after lunch, and send Filch along with you."
"But Albus, if you would just share to us what you are up to, we may be calmed. We all feel tense and confused. There is nothing short of your true intentions that you can say to stop our worrying. She is not safe, Albus-"
"She is but a child, Minerva. And you can tell everyone that all I intend is for her to be able to learn something from this school. And you all may learn something from her as well." Dumbledore's reply was laden with finality.
Professor McGonagall was about to exit when the Headmaster added,
"Ms. Granger, Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter I presume are arriving soon, please let only Mr. Potter come in. We need to have a little chat."
***************
Meanwhile, in the backyard of a small suburban home in San Francisco, a little girl with light brown hair and blue eyes is running around chasing a dog. She must be around 7 years old. The dog is rather large and is about the same color as her hair. A woman, in her mid-twenties with blond hair and violet eyes emerges from the house wearing an apron. She takes the girl by the hand and herds both her and the dog inside.
"Dru, the package from Aunt Gwen arrived today." The woman is heard telling the girl.
"Yeah! I hope it have cookies again!!" Dru said running towards the living room.
"Dru, it's has. I hope it HAS cookies. "Corrected to woman.
"Oh yeah. I hope it has cookies again. I like those. With the little sprinkles."
"Here it is," The woman says holding up the package. "You call daddy and tell him to go down here then we can all open your present from Auntie Gwen."
Dru then hurries up the staircase.
It is a sunny Sunday around 2:30 PM in the afternoon. The living room is comfortable but there is a disturbance in the peaceful area. The woman sits down and stares at the package. It is a box wrapped in brown paper. The address in the front reads,
Dru Symone
#5 Rose Street
San Francisco, USA
A squawk was heard. It came from a red owl with black eyes perched on the windowsill. The woman stands up, with a note in her hand and some treats from the pocket of her apron. She feeds the owl and attaches the note to the owl's leg.
"Iyke, take this back to Gwen. No more stopovers. And next time, try to come here at night. The neighbors are already suspicious."
The owl hoots and flies away with one graceful flap of its majestic wings.
Footsteps are heard and an African-American man around 5 foot ten inches and who is in his early thirties comes down with Dru in his arms. He is bald with magnificent green eyes and a beautiful smile.
"Daddy said I could open the box all by myself." Dru said, jumping down and running to the package.
"Go ahead dear," The woman said," Daddy and I have something to discuss for awhile."
The man and the woman go into the kitchen leaving the girl alone. The woman gets her wand from her apron pocket and casts a silencing charm for the kitchen. The dog is already there. It suddenly changes into a man who looks younger, though is taller, than both the man and woman. He speaks first,
"One more year and it will be time. Do you think you can both protect this girl when the time comes?" He speaks with an Australian accent.
"Dorian, we have protected her for 5 years now. There has been no problems since then. Why is this matter coming up now?" The man said.
The woman speaks up, "Ace is right. Nothing has gone wrong. She doesn't remember a thing and as far as she is concerned, Gwen is her aunt. Someone who always forgets when Dru's birthday is and who always sends her gifts for what she thinks is for her birthday. She will be fine."
Dorian's voice rises; "You do not understand the gravity of this situation. I should have had this meeting ages ago. How are you sure that Dru remembers nothing from that night? Her memory was not erased and she has nightmares. One more year and the ritual will be started. One more year! He-who-must-not-be-named must never find out about Dru or he could get her and use her as leverage. How many times did we have to move because information almost leaked out? There is far more danger in keeping this girl than neither both of you would admit. I realize you both harbor feeling for this child but you must look past it if you want to truly protect her. You are getting too close."
"What would you want us to do then? Leave her in an orphanage!!" Ace loses his temper and bangs on the counter.
"Calm down, Ace. I am sure Dorian has a good plan. He has never stirred us wrong before," The woman patiently said. Addressing Dorian, "What are you trying to say?"
"All I am saying is that we must not let our feelings get the best of us. As we speak, Gwen is now in Hogwarts. She has contacted me yesterday to infrom me of the situation. Things are beginning to happen. We must focus and not let her nor Dru down." Dorian replies.
"OUR feelings Dorian? Are you developing a paternal thing for our Dru?"
Dorian intentionally ignores the question and instead says, "Next Saturday we are to go to Mexico City and meet the newest member of our little team. Remember that things are starting to shake and our mission may crumble. Be careful."
With that Dorian transforms back to his dog animagus and runs out the door.
"Come on, Ace. We should go back to Dru." With that, Setyn lifts the silencing charm.
As they exit the kitchen they see Dru on the floor emptying the box with a confused expression on her face.
"Mommy? Is this all auntie gave me?" Dru asks.
Setyn and Ace exchange looks.
"Yes, dear. Is there a problem?" Setyn asks kneeling down.
"Well, she gave me the coins again but there are weird things, like a stick and stuff..."
Ace and Setyn both look shocked at the wand in Dru's hand along with vials of different colored liquids and an amulet with a sword and black rose etched in it.
"Daddy, mommy, she also gave me this paper. I can't read it. Here daddy." Dru hands the note to Ace. It reads,
"Erudio suus habitum. To infio."
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A/N: Loosely translated from the phrase "Train her well. It begins." I am not an expert in the Latin language so forgive me if my Latin phrase is wrong. I am winging it. So, that is it my second chapter. Please R+R. More will come if you do.