Standard disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter so.there. Any character who
don't recognize is mine. I hope you guys enjoy this story. Please review.
Happy New Year!
Don't party too hard.
~~~~~~~~~ Wind was all around her; she was going to fast to comprehend anything at all; her body struggled against force seeming to travel with her. Elizabeth felt her palms sting as she was pushed onto a cold stone floor with a slap. Vision blurring, she hurried to straighten up, not wanting to look stupid. With a jab of surprise, she realized she was in a dark corridor with a few torches lit. She whirled around, looking anywhere for her violet haired companion. She was no where to be seen. Elizabeth stood stock still, watching the images cast upon the stone walls by the flames. She struggled to get air but every breath she took shoved cold air into her trembling mouth. It was like drowning while breathing. It was so cold. Like that touch. Feeling weak, she leaned against the wall, the cold stinging sharply through her clothing into her back. Instead of the frigid air, this cold grip made her awake and overcome her dizziness.
What have I gotten myself into now? Dark shapes continued to dance around her. I just have to breathe; I'll just lean here. No, Elizabeth! You have to get moving and figure something out. But her body didn't seem to want to obey her. Just as she convinced her hands to let go of the crevices in the stone, she was blown back as a flash of violet and a swirl of a cloak announced the arrival of Tonks who promptly tripped herself.
"Opps!" Tonks caught herself against the wall and smiled at Elizabeth. "Sorry. You know my portkey just had to be at the very bottom of the bag. Are you alright there, Lizzy?" she asked, catching sight of the very pale face of the girl on the floor. Elizabeth quickly nodded and stood up. Tonks smiled awkwardly, clasping her hands together.
"Dumbledore's office should be around here somewhere. I haven't been to Hogwarts in awhile".
Elizabeth just nodded again although it made her very dizzy again. She wasn't quite sure what Hogwarts was but felt she just needed to go along with this whole thing to get some answers. Tonks walked briskly forward, cloak swirling around her; the oversized shadows of the wall mimicked her actions. So did Elizabeth as she began to follow. Her cold bare feet slapped unceremoniously in concord with the clicks of Tonk's heels. This is the adventure I was waiting for. The halls weaved and turned randomly as if they had a mind of their own. The mystery of this place seeped through the walls towards her very marrow. It seems so lonely here. Indeed, the narrowness and darkness of the hallways was suffocating, and Elizabeth had to steel herself against her thudding heart.
Tonks passed through a huge door at the end of the halls and Elizabeth paused as her cloak whipped out of sight. Hurrying forward, she pushed the door open which was a very trying task. The soles of her feet slide back as she, feeling stupid again, put her full weight into the door. She was pulled forward when Tonks grasped the door to let her through. Elizabeth gasped when she saw this room; the memory of Alice and the Looking Glass flashed before her mind. It was filled to the hilt with all sorts of mirrors. Looking up, she spied some on the ceiling as well as the floor.
Tonks said apologetically, "Oh dear. I hope this is a short cut." She tipped toed around the mirrors on the floor and managed to make it to the door on the opposite side of the room while occasionally tripping. Seven years bad luck is something I have had enough of. I am due for some good luck. Elizabeth made it past the mirrors herself although she thought she glimpsed flashes of faces in them; she even thought she saw some fingertips brushing the glass lightly. Tonks held open the door, and the next room was even grander. It gave off a distinct sense of warmth. Tapestries of rich colors graced the stone walls. She could sense something in the air here, something akin to when she flew on that ragged bed and when she helped Alice. It seemed comforting and magical. Elizabeth turned around to gaze at the numerous statues and suites of armor that lined the sides of the room. Sensing something above her, she lifted her head and gasped. Candles were floating above her. She was drawn into flickering lights until she was broken out of her reverie by the sounds of banging metal.
Tonks jumped about a foot in the air. "For cripes sake Peeves cut it out." Elizabeth backed away nervously as a darting wisp of a man leapt out of the suite of armor. Freezing in shock, Elizabeth just stood there as the short little man whirled around her shouting "ickle little leprechaun". Tonks sighed and took out her wand while muttering, "Vox Deciets." From behind the transparent menace, Tonks spoke in a grating, hollow voice with made the hair on Elizabeth's neck stand up.
"Peeves, what is the meaning of this? How dare you behave so in my presence!"
Peeves's mouth literally hit the floor (not a pretty sight as Elizabeth had to look down his throat from where she was standing).
"No sir my bloodiness sir!" he squeaked as he zoomed through the ceiling without looking back. Elizabeth stared after him, dumbstruck. Tonks muttered under her breath and cleared her throat.
"Now, on to Dumbledore shall we." Tonks quickly swept pass the big double doors on her right and up the stairs. Elizabeth blindly followed, still caught up in the moment before. Her thoughts were in a rush and muddled among themselves. Was that a ghost? NO! It isn't possible. Strangely enough, subconsciously, Elizabeth was most unsettled by her encounter than anything else: not the flying bed, broomsticks, men appearing in alleys, or portkeys. A spirit of a dead person spoke to me and it could have attacked if it had wanted to and there would be nothing I could do about it. Shivering, Elizabeth shook off the feeling of helplessness and loss of control. Looking back at the room, she thought she had heard people's voices behind those double doors. Realizing with a thrill of horror that Tonks had turned the corner out of sight, Elizabeth sprinted after her. She almost slipped as the carpeting on the floor seemed to reach up and grab her. Tonks caught her arm, smiling.
She giggled, "I hope you're not as accident prone as I am, Lizzy. It's quite a burden. Stealth always is a virtue." Then Tonks grimaced. "Heh, I am starting to sound like o' Mad Eye. Oh yeah, watch out for the stairs. Tricky little buggers, they always move when you lest expect them to."
"Whah.."
Elizabeth was cut off as half way up the next stairway it decided to move. She wobbled around on the step as the stairway traveled to the opposite side of the room. She grabbed the nearest thing to her and held on. "Egad. You cur! Assault me while I slumber! Let me introduce you to my launce, fiend!" Elizabeth did fall that time as she jerked her hand off an innocent looking picture that she had grabbed hold of before. The fat stubby man in the portrait waved the said pike around menacingly, gritting his teeth in a fierce battle pose. She scooted away as fast as her arms would carry her. "Silencio."
The man in the picture made several rude gestures at Tonks as he darted away into the picture. Tonks glared after him, saying, "I must speak to Dumbledore about the manners of these portraits. They have a bit of an attitude." Many mutinous murmuring and grumbles came from the walls around them, and Elizabeth felt a bit queasy.
She quickly tried to correct the situation, "Erm-it's alright really. It was my fault." It's so odd to be apologizing to a picture. I must've finally cracked.
"No, it wasn't your fault at all. It's the prat who built these stairs fault, " Tonks soothed her while glaring venomously at the narrowed eyes and scowling mouths around them.
A disgruntled voice piped up from above them, "I'll have you know that the fairest Helga Hufflepuff enchanted those stairs, which you are defiling with your ungrateful shoes. Why must you wear such ridiculous shoes? It is simply gaudy! In all my years..."
Tonks grabbed Elizabeth's hand and ushered her along. "Let's move to a more pleasant atmosphere." A choir of hisses followed them as they hurried up the stairs and into the next corridors.
Elizabeth avoided making eye contact with any portraits they encountered along their journey. It's been forever. Are we ever going to make it to see this guy before I pass out from exhaustion? That would be an uneventful end after the flying bed bit? It certainly seemed like weeks had gone by as she continued to follow Tonks. She was quite cold now and shivered despite herself, desperately wishing for a cloak as well. I wonder if I really have gone nutters. There is a possibility. Maybe Queenie threw that last ball at my head a little too hard. I mean talking pictures and little flying men. The real problem that Elizabeth had was accepting that she really might not be alone in her powers. As far back as she could remember (besides that time that is blinded by flashes of red and a locked by a cold Grim Reaper's hands) she had been called a freak.
It grew in her mind to such an extent that to be told that she really wasn't that freakish was a bit of a shock and in some ways a putdown. She had built the foundations of her identity on that idea. How can it change so drastically within a few hours? She realized that this was her chance to break out of her isolation, to find some place I belong. But can I? She still felt suspicion towards the violet haired woman and then struggled with the guilt of having these thoughts. Torn in her mind, she cast her eyes towards the walls around her and tried to admire the tapestries among the wall.
Suddenly, a tingling sensation raced forth along her spine. She felt someone's gaze burning into the back of her head. She turned around defiantly with heat rising unexplainably to her face. She saw a tall boy watching her. It appeared that he had been following them. Stealth is a virtue. He stiffened in shock when she turned around and looked at him; it was like he never knew any one to look at him before. She studied the boy cautiously. He was extremely pale and very sickly looking. She could tell that he was older than her and easily towered over her. Still feeling defiant, she glared into his face and bit back a gasp at what she saw. His eyes blazed back at her, dancing with a flicker of red. Fire. Red. Touch.
She felt her mind completely go blank as the connections assaulted her. She let out that gasp she had been holding. He tilted his head to the side to look at her; there was a look of surprise etched on his face mixed with his own defiance. Was it anger? He mouthed something to her. Perhaps he really was speaking but the sound didn't reach. Her own body betrayed her as she moved forward to hear him. Then he simply disappeared. Not like those men in the alley did. He just faded away like he was never there at all. Elizabeth still felt her blood coursing through her, pounding her ears mercilessly like drums of war. Raising her hand slowly to her face, she gasped again. The mark on her hand shone a dark red. She touched it slowly. It's not bleeding. How strange, this has never happened before. Is it something to do with him? She jumped and let out a strangled shriek when a hand grasped her shoulder.
"Easy there. I-I didn't mean to frighten you. I-um-I turned around and you weren't behind me. Are you sure you're alright? You're very pale, Lizzy." Tonks reached out to touch her forehead but Elizabeth stepped back swiftly and faked a smile.
"I'm fine really. I just-did you see that boy following us?" Elizabeth could have kicked herself. She really didn't need to mention it at all when he clearly just disappeared with mysteriously. I don't need someone thinking I am as crazy as I really am. I don't want her to think that of me. She was surprised that she cared as much as she did, but she wanted Tonks to like her.
"Boy?" Tonks looked quickly behind Elizabeth and peered down the hall. "There aren't supposed to be students here. Just the faculty and a few old friends of your father." Elizabeth looked up quickly at this, feeling queasier than ever. "I'm sure Dumbledore would have told me if there were students still here. I'll have to ask him. I'm sorry to keep asking you, Liz, but are you sure you are feeling okay? I know this is a bit of a shock to you. Maybe we rushed into this too fast. Do you want to go to your room and take a kipper?"
Elizabeth made her smile much more convincing and stoutly said, "I'm great. I'm just nervous and exited really. And besides that, I don't think I could sleep a wink right now." Tonks examined her face swiftly and then began to walk forward. "It's not far now," she called over her shoulder. Elizabeth hurried to keep pace with her this time. She couldn't resist taking one more look behind her into the pitch black gathering behind them. Much to her relief, she didn't see any flashes of burning eyes looking back at her.
"Here we are. That was some walk, wasn't it? Well, I don't know about you but I needed the exercise." Tonks laughed and stood before a large statue of a phoenix against the wall. Elizabeth had loved mythology; it was her escape while she was at the orphanage. It always spoke of heroes and witty heroines. She imagined that a hero would come for her someday, lifting her in his arms and carrying her away on a flying horse. Sometimes she would wait patiently by the window and feel the wind in her hair and the look on old Westley's prune face. But I got myself out in the end. The phoenix looked down benevolently on them. Tonks tapped her head impatiently while closing her eyes.
"What was that password again? I'm having one of those nights." She paced the corridor, clicking all the way and muttering. Elizabeth politely admired the phoenix statue and noticed how each feather was intricately carved. It looked almost alive. If she didn't know better, she could have sworn it winked at her. Must be a trick of the light; but then again.. She stood on her tiptoes, squinting up at the giant bird.
"Ah hah, I have it. Cockroach Clusters," Tonks proclaimed grandly, spreading her arms pleadingly towards the bird.
"Ummm...cockroach clusters..."
Elizabeth stopped as the phoenix began to move. It is alive! Or not.. She realized that the phoenix simply turned to reveal a hidden staircase, which was by it pretty wicked. She looked at Tonks who gestured for her to climb up them. Go In Alone? In the dark?! She gulped down her fear (I can't look like a coward. After that whole disappearing guy thing she probably thinks I am spastic) and squaring her shoulders, forced herself to step onto the stairway. Nervously, she felt the staircase rotating upwards and Tonks was cut off from her sight. Panic seized her. Light was filtering up above and then the bloody rotating stairs stopped. What is with this whole stair fixation? She waited, biting her lip and breathing hard. Her suffocation began to wash over her again, melting her muscles along with her resolve. Then the panel slid open, causing her to tumble forward.
After a struggle with the inevitable, she fell on her knees with a thud. An old man with an extremely long beard gazed at her, folding his hands on the desk in front of him. He tilted his head and his spectacles slipped down on his slightly crooked nose. He was studying her. Quickly, she popped up from the ground as if propelled by a spring and brushed herself off. She looked at the rumpled carpet, her face burning with a fierce blush. The wizened old man cleared his throat with a smile.
"Don't worry about that. It happens all the time to the best of us. I've had quite a few introductions like that myself."
She glanced up to see if he was making a jest but his blue eyes were quite kind, shining from his aged face. She couldn't help but instantly contrast them to the flashing eyes of the tall boy.
"Take a seat, Ms. Potter, and make yourself comfortable. I know you had an exciting day to say the least."
She sat down in the chair in front of the desk holding her hands tightly in front of her. Her hands had a mind of their own and gave several tell- tell nervous twitches. She cursed them silently. Meanwhile, he rose and fetched a plate of cookies and a bag of lemon drops. He offered her the plate while placing the bag of candy in the middle of the desk for them to share. Elizabeth nervously had a cookie, her treacherous hands making this simple task quite difficult. Dumbledore looked at her with apparent compassion in his eyes.
"I'm sure you have a great deal of questions. I'll try my best to answer them for you. But first let me say, I'm glad to have you among us again." Elizabeth flushed again. She racked her brain, trying to find an intelligent sounding question.
"Thank you, sir. I was wondering-the question that I have-why was it that I was sent away from here? I mean, I know about-my p-parents."
Her tongue betrayed her and forced her to stutter to stop. She found to her horror that her emotions threatened to rise to the surface. And in front of him to! Dumbledore smiled sadly at her.
"Your parents were particularly dear to me." Then he seemed to stop as well. The silence loomed, threatening to take over. Elizabeth forced herself to look at him straight on; she didn't care about her weak expression and her trembling mouth. This is what she had asked herself for years. Why doesn't anyone want me?
Dumbledore began again. "You father was a hero by the age of one. You looked shocked. He was quite the mystery but he fit the title of hero so well. I regret that you.Your father defeated the Dark Lord Voldemort at the age of one when the Killing Curse rebounded of him and back towards its caster. Harry Potter lost his family that night and lived among muggles for his protection. Voldemort's followers were still free and crazed from the loss of their master. Years later, when your father attended school here, the Dark Lord rose again. It was the darkest times I have ever had to bear. You see, Elizabeth, I had let myself go in the peace time and was not prepared for another time of Darkness. A great war engulfed us all and families were split apart by either death or the choosing of sides. I regret to say I lost hope. But in the end your father came through again and defeated Voldemort. You were born in this time of darkness before his defeat. I believe your birth gave your father strength to continue fighting. In a sense, you saved us." Elizabeth didn't know what to do in response to this unexpected statement. She broke the eye contact and looked away, feeling tears well up.
"I did not expect anything to happen to your family after that. Again I let my guard down. I feel that I let your father down," he confided to Elizabeth's dismay. Her chest froze up, and she scrutinized the man behind the desk. He was not looking at her now. He was gazing up toward the bird in the corner. A real phoenix.
"I am sorry that I can not answer the question you will eventually ask me about your father's death. It is of utter most importance that you must come to face this knowledge yourself." He held up his hand to silence her in mid protest. She felt cheated. How can he sit there and not answer? What is he playing at?
"But I can answer your original question. There are several forces in the wizarding world something you must realize. A group came together to decide what shall become of the girl who lived. Many cared about you and wanted to protect you themselves. Many offered to take you into their homes and raise you as their own child. Some on the other hand saw your father's defeat as a sign of weakness in the present ministry. Your uncle as you may know is the Minister of Magic and was when your father and brother disappeared. He desired to hide you away. I don't want to say he didn't think about your well-being. But it is realistic to say he wanted to put you out of sight to gain control of the public. You might say out of sight out of mind. He started a rather brutal campaign to try and apprehend the suspects. Not even with his brutality could the answers we all sought be found. Meanwhile, you were initially placed with your muggle cousin. However, he formed a resentful mind towards magic, and I found myself without the proper means to protect you. You had magical relatives but they would be unable to defend you from a magical threat. You see, Elizabeth, certain types of extreme dark magic becomes suffocated in the muggle world. The type of attack used on you and your family could not be repeated in the muggle world. The orphanage you were placed in was regulated heavily for your protection," he finished quietly, looking regretful that the situation had ever taken place. This time Elizabeth felt she couldn't hold back her thoughts.
"You watched me? You watched me suffer in that-that (she censored herself) dump? That is ridiculous, selfish, and-and cruel!" She stopped at Dumbledore's expression. His whole face looked worn and desperate. She sat slowly down again, feeling like the most disgusting creature that ever existed. She tried to speak through clenched teeth, muttering, "I'm sorry sir, I understand, but it's so hard."
Everything was in a whirl around her and a little buzz was going off in her head. She easily broke the marks in her palm like she did earlier in the alley; she felt her nails break the skin. But she didn't care. Everything that has happened- and they still don't know! She didn't notice that the desk in front of her was shaking by the force of her magic. Dumbledore was taken back by this powerful display of magic without the use of a wand. The air around them was shimmering with the raw magical energy. He let the girl's ragged breaths cease before he began to speak again. He knew he had to guide her through her acceptance as quickly as possible. The consequences of not doing so would be disastrous for her wellbeing as well as for others. He could not fight away the memory of a young orphaned boy who was so lost that he had met in the past.
"Are you ready for me to continue?" Elizabeth gave a faint nod.
"You must not think that those who care for you didn't feel every pain that you did. I know that is hard to hear, to imagine. But it is the truth. Several of your family members are waiting in the Great Hall as we speak. Your time in the muggle world is over if you chose for it to be. You can start anew here and gain family and friends. It is no less than you deserve. Will you deny yourself that?"
Elizabeth lifted her head. Her look was unfathomable. She could only imagine what her face must look like to bring that expression to his face. Her throat was incredible tight and her words seemed not to fight against her. But she was determined to ask this question.
"Why did my father have children? If he had to face so much and lose so much? How could he do that to us and place us in this horrible situation? If he couldn't be here! Can you answer that?!" She had never hated herself so much as when she spoke those words. The man before her froze; she could tell he never expected such a question. She was in a state that was a mixture of terror, shame, hurt, and defiance. She heard gasps from the sides of the room and turned to find a whole row of frames of the wall. Embarrassed, she turned to Dumbledore. He simply looked at her for a long time, eyes slightly glazed over. It seemed the question had pierced him deeply. He took a deep breath and answered.
"Your father was a hero because he never stopped hoping-for a better future and for a family. He defeated the Dark Lord for his children. He wanted them to have what he never could. The greatest thing about him was that he wanted to love. What happened in the end was beyond his control. But didn't he deserve to hope?"
Silence did engulf them then, and they welcomed it. Elizabeth couldn't stop gripping the arms of the chair. I can't believe I said that? Why did I say that? I can't look this man in the face ever again. I should just go back and leave this alone. She felt impure; she realized the minute she saw him that Dumbledore was a kind and great man. He just gave her this feeling of safety. It was because of this sense of security her emotions overwhelmed her. Now she was ashamed. If this chair became alive and started to eat me, I would be so relieved. I'm not worthy to be here. Dumbledore cleared his throat, and she jumped slightly. He gave her another one of his kind looks. She could hardly bear it.
"You have every right to these feelings, Elizabeth. Don't think I don't understand. In fact, I deserve your anger."
Please chair, come alive!
"The release of such feelings washes us anew, don't you think. You can truly have a new beginning. I know it will be hard but the good things are worth it."
She just stared at him with her face a new shade of red.
He ventured to confirm the ending of their rather unproductive conversation, "Do you have anything else to ask or say?" Elizabeth was about to shake her head no but stopped herself. She was more ashamed by the squeak of a voice that came out of her mouth.
"Can I come to this school-to Hogwarts?" Dumbledore smiled at her.
"Of course. I wouldn't have it any other way."
He rose up, and she distinctly noticed how tall he was especially in the state she was in.
"It would be best if you got some rest to collect yourself from your journey. I'll tell the guests in the Great Hall they will have to wait until tomorrow. I do hope they don't riot."
He quickly walked to the door, and Elizabeth hurried after him to get away from the whispering portraits. He sure does move fast for someone his age. Together they waited for the rotating stairwell to take them to Tonks. Elizabeth still couldn't look at Dumbledore. Standing besides each other, she was even shorter than usual because of her slumping. Tonks met them outside. She looked from one to the other and grinned nervously. She could sense the tension and could see Elizabeth's tear-streaked face.
"Tonks, take Elizabeth to her room for the night. On second thought, take her to Madame Pomfrey; she no doubt has something to help her sleep from her excitement." With that, Dumbledore's tall figure departed swiftly down the hall.
Tonks wrapped an arm around Elizabeth in a motherly fashion and steered her toward the hospital wing. Elizabeth didn't pay attention to where they were going. Her mind was still trapped in the moment before and the horrible words that escaped her mouth from her soul. They kept playing in her head. Why did my father have children? How Dare He Do That To Us?! Then...That is ridiculous, selfish, and cruel. She wanted to cry again but she had no tears left. Would he tell what was left of my family what I said? He wouldn't, right? I really don't feel that way. Not really. It was just his presence and the shock of this world. It isn't me! It can't be.
It seemed she did have tears left. Her face was freshly wet again. Her side hurt with a vengeance. I deserve it. She just listened to the clicking of Tonk's heels down the hall. Just focus on making it to wherever. She was maneuvered into a room of white complete with several beds along the wall. An agitated older woman appeared in a flutter of movement. It was like a trip to the past. Her outfit shocked Elizabeth out of her stupor. She was almost camouflaged in her surrounds except for her large brown eyes and cupid bow mouth.
"Yes, yes, what has happened?" she quipped rapidly at them, looking agitated. Tonks raised a hand to stem her rapid flow of words.
"This is Elizabeth Potter. She will be staying at HogWartyWarts for awhile. She just needs some Dreamless Sleep Potion so she can rest." The woman's mouth parted slightly at Elizabeth's name and grabbed her elbow firmly.
"You look simply dreadful, dear. Lie down." Seeing as it wasn't a request, Elizabeth hastily laid back on the stark sheets.
"It is simply to cold to have a little girl dressed like that." Madam Pomfrey lectured Tonks while she swept around the room. Watching her movements worsened Elizabeth's headache. Tonks contented herself by muttering about summer time and paranoid nurses but was silenced by Madam Pomfrey's narrowed eyes which made her look like a bird of prey. Madam Pomfrey handed Elizabeth a very suspicious drink. It was suspicious because it was smoking slightly.
"Go on. Drink it down. That's it. Now, Nymphadora (Tonks winced), I know someone will think they're clever and sneak up here but I won't condone it. I expect you to tell them all. This girl has got to get some rest or she'll catch a dragon of a cold simply from exhaustion."
Tonks agreed and came over to say goodnight. Elizabeth was glad that Tonks came closer out of the earshot of the hyperactive healthcare giver. She leaned over self-consciously and whispered, " Tonks, could you do me a favor?"
"Sure, be glad to!"
"Don't tell Dumbledore about that-guy I thought I saw."
Tonks looked troubled by this entry into secrecy especially from Dumbledore. "I don't know..."
"Please, he was probably just a figment of my imagination or something. I don't want him to think badly of me." Elizabeth grimaced, realizing she had said too much.
Tonks patted her on the back. "Dumbledore could never think badly of you, Lizzy. You're a sweet girl. I promise I won't mention it though. We'll keep it between us as friends, right!"
Tonks smiled and waved goodnight. Madam Pomfrey closed the door behind her and recited a couple of Blocking Spells just in case. Soon she dimmed the lamps and disappeared from sight. Elizabeth fought a losing battle against the sleep that was overcoming her. Her mind flashed for the boy to Dumbledore to her father. It was like wandering through an extremely hazardous wilderness. You're a sweet girl. Really, deep down, Elizabeth hoped she was. It was the way her feelings overcame her that scared her so. As she closed her eyes and snuggled into the blankets around her, she couldn't forget the image of that boy's eyes. It was if his soul was on fire. Is that why I can see him? Because I feel my soul is on fire as well. Elizabeth's whole being gave a forceful shove away from the last thought. She just hoped she wouldn't wake up to see garnet eyes burning her with their gaze.
~~~~~~~~~ Wind was all around her; she was going to fast to comprehend anything at all; her body struggled against force seeming to travel with her. Elizabeth felt her palms sting as she was pushed onto a cold stone floor with a slap. Vision blurring, she hurried to straighten up, not wanting to look stupid. With a jab of surprise, she realized she was in a dark corridor with a few torches lit. She whirled around, looking anywhere for her violet haired companion. She was no where to be seen. Elizabeth stood stock still, watching the images cast upon the stone walls by the flames. She struggled to get air but every breath she took shoved cold air into her trembling mouth. It was like drowning while breathing. It was so cold. Like that touch. Feeling weak, she leaned against the wall, the cold stinging sharply through her clothing into her back. Instead of the frigid air, this cold grip made her awake and overcome her dizziness.
What have I gotten myself into now? Dark shapes continued to dance around her. I just have to breathe; I'll just lean here. No, Elizabeth! You have to get moving and figure something out. But her body didn't seem to want to obey her. Just as she convinced her hands to let go of the crevices in the stone, she was blown back as a flash of violet and a swirl of a cloak announced the arrival of Tonks who promptly tripped herself.
"Opps!" Tonks caught herself against the wall and smiled at Elizabeth. "Sorry. You know my portkey just had to be at the very bottom of the bag. Are you alright there, Lizzy?" she asked, catching sight of the very pale face of the girl on the floor. Elizabeth quickly nodded and stood up. Tonks smiled awkwardly, clasping her hands together.
"Dumbledore's office should be around here somewhere. I haven't been to Hogwarts in awhile".
Elizabeth just nodded again although it made her very dizzy again. She wasn't quite sure what Hogwarts was but felt she just needed to go along with this whole thing to get some answers. Tonks walked briskly forward, cloak swirling around her; the oversized shadows of the wall mimicked her actions. So did Elizabeth as she began to follow. Her cold bare feet slapped unceremoniously in concord with the clicks of Tonk's heels. This is the adventure I was waiting for. The halls weaved and turned randomly as if they had a mind of their own. The mystery of this place seeped through the walls towards her very marrow. It seems so lonely here. Indeed, the narrowness and darkness of the hallways was suffocating, and Elizabeth had to steel herself against her thudding heart.
Tonks passed through a huge door at the end of the halls and Elizabeth paused as her cloak whipped out of sight. Hurrying forward, she pushed the door open which was a very trying task. The soles of her feet slide back as she, feeling stupid again, put her full weight into the door. She was pulled forward when Tonks grasped the door to let her through. Elizabeth gasped when she saw this room; the memory of Alice and the Looking Glass flashed before her mind. It was filled to the hilt with all sorts of mirrors. Looking up, she spied some on the ceiling as well as the floor.
Tonks said apologetically, "Oh dear. I hope this is a short cut." She tipped toed around the mirrors on the floor and managed to make it to the door on the opposite side of the room while occasionally tripping. Seven years bad luck is something I have had enough of. I am due for some good luck. Elizabeth made it past the mirrors herself although she thought she glimpsed flashes of faces in them; she even thought she saw some fingertips brushing the glass lightly. Tonks held open the door, and the next room was even grander. It gave off a distinct sense of warmth. Tapestries of rich colors graced the stone walls. She could sense something in the air here, something akin to when she flew on that ragged bed and when she helped Alice. It seemed comforting and magical. Elizabeth turned around to gaze at the numerous statues and suites of armor that lined the sides of the room. Sensing something above her, she lifted her head and gasped. Candles were floating above her. She was drawn into flickering lights until she was broken out of her reverie by the sounds of banging metal.
Tonks jumped about a foot in the air. "For cripes sake Peeves cut it out." Elizabeth backed away nervously as a darting wisp of a man leapt out of the suite of armor. Freezing in shock, Elizabeth just stood there as the short little man whirled around her shouting "ickle little leprechaun". Tonks sighed and took out her wand while muttering, "Vox Deciets." From behind the transparent menace, Tonks spoke in a grating, hollow voice with made the hair on Elizabeth's neck stand up.
"Peeves, what is the meaning of this? How dare you behave so in my presence!"
Peeves's mouth literally hit the floor (not a pretty sight as Elizabeth had to look down his throat from where she was standing).
"No sir my bloodiness sir!" he squeaked as he zoomed through the ceiling without looking back. Elizabeth stared after him, dumbstruck. Tonks muttered under her breath and cleared her throat.
"Now, on to Dumbledore shall we." Tonks quickly swept pass the big double doors on her right and up the stairs. Elizabeth blindly followed, still caught up in the moment before. Her thoughts were in a rush and muddled among themselves. Was that a ghost? NO! It isn't possible. Strangely enough, subconsciously, Elizabeth was most unsettled by her encounter than anything else: not the flying bed, broomsticks, men appearing in alleys, or portkeys. A spirit of a dead person spoke to me and it could have attacked if it had wanted to and there would be nothing I could do about it. Shivering, Elizabeth shook off the feeling of helplessness and loss of control. Looking back at the room, she thought she had heard people's voices behind those double doors. Realizing with a thrill of horror that Tonks had turned the corner out of sight, Elizabeth sprinted after her. She almost slipped as the carpeting on the floor seemed to reach up and grab her. Tonks caught her arm, smiling.
She giggled, "I hope you're not as accident prone as I am, Lizzy. It's quite a burden. Stealth always is a virtue." Then Tonks grimaced. "Heh, I am starting to sound like o' Mad Eye. Oh yeah, watch out for the stairs. Tricky little buggers, they always move when you lest expect them to."
"Whah.."
Elizabeth was cut off as half way up the next stairway it decided to move. She wobbled around on the step as the stairway traveled to the opposite side of the room. She grabbed the nearest thing to her and held on. "Egad. You cur! Assault me while I slumber! Let me introduce you to my launce, fiend!" Elizabeth did fall that time as she jerked her hand off an innocent looking picture that she had grabbed hold of before. The fat stubby man in the portrait waved the said pike around menacingly, gritting his teeth in a fierce battle pose. She scooted away as fast as her arms would carry her. "Silencio."
The man in the picture made several rude gestures at Tonks as he darted away into the picture. Tonks glared after him, saying, "I must speak to Dumbledore about the manners of these portraits. They have a bit of an attitude." Many mutinous murmuring and grumbles came from the walls around them, and Elizabeth felt a bit queasy.
She quickly tried to correct the situation, "Erm-it's alright really. It was my fault." It's so odd to be apologizing to a picture. I must've finally cracked.
"No, it wasn't your fault at all. It's the prat who built these stairs fault, " Tonks soothed her while glaring venomously at the narrowed eyes and scowling mouths around them.
A disgruntled voice piped up from above them, "I'll have you know that the fairest Helga Hufflepuff enchanted those stairs, which you are defiling with your ungrateful shoes. Why must you wear such ridiculous shoes? It is simply gaudy! In all my years..."
Tonks grabbed Elizabeth's hand and ushered her along. "Let's move to a more pleasant atmosphere." A choir of hisses followed them as they hurried up the stairs and into the next corridors.
Elizabeth avoided making eye contact with any portraits they encountered along their journey. It's been forever. Are we ever going to make it to see this guy before I pass out from exhaustion? That would be an uneventful end after the flying bed bit? It certainly seemed like weeks had gone by as she continued to follow Tonks. She was quite cold now and shivered despite herself, desperately wishing for a cloak as well. I wonder if I really have gone nutters. There is a possibility. Maybe Queenie threw that last ball at my head a little too hard. I mean talking pictures and little flying men. The real problem that Elizabeth had was accepting that she really might not be alone in her powers. As far back as she could remember (besides that time that is blinded by flashes of red and a locked by a cold Grim Reaper's hands) she had been called a freak.
It grew in her mind to such an extent that to be told that she really wasn't that freakish was a bit of a shock and in some ways a putdown. She had built the foundations of her identity on that idea. How can it change so drastically within a few hours? She realized that this was her chance to break out of her isolation, to find some place I belong. But can I? She still felt suspicion towards the violet haired woman and then struggled with the guilt of having these thoughts. Torn in her mind, she cast her eyes towards the walls around her and tried to admire the tapestries among the wall.
Suddenly, a tingling sensation raced forth along her spine. She felt someone's gaze burning into the back of her head. She turned around defiantly with heat rising unexplainably to her face. She saw a tall boy watching her. It appeared that he had been following them. Stealth is a virtue. He stiffened in shock when she turned around and looked at him; it was like he never knew any one to look at him before. She studied the boy cautiously. He was extremely pale and very sickly looking. She could tell that he was older than her and easily towered over her. Still feeling defiant, she glared into his face and bit back a gasp at what she saw. His eyes blazed back at her, dancing with a flicker of red. Fire. Red. Touch.
She felt her mind completely go blank as the connections assaulted her. She let out that gasp she had been holding. He tilted his head to the side to look at her; there was a look of surprise etched on his face mixed with his own defiance. Was it anger? He mouthed something to her. Perhaps he really was speaking but the sound didn't reach. Her own body betrayed her as she moved forward to hear him. Then he simply disappeared. Not like those men in the alley did. He just faded away like he was never there at all. Elizabeth still felt her blood coursing through her, pounding her ears mercilessly like drums of war. Raising her hand slowly to her face, she gasped again. The mark on her hand shone a dark red. She touched it slowly. It's not bleeding. How strange, this has never happened before. Is it something to do with him? She jumped and let out a strangled shriek when a hand grasped her shoulder.
"Easy there. I-I didn't mean to frighten you. I-um-I turned around and you weren't behind me. Are you sure you're alright? You're very pale, Lizzy." Tonks reached out to touch her forehead but Elizabeth stepped back swiftly and faked a smile.
"I'm fine really. I just-did you see that boy following us?" Elizabeth could have kicked herself. She really didn't need to mention it at all when he clearly just disappeared with mysteriously. I don't need someone thinking I am as crazy as I really am. I don't want her to think that of me. She was surprised that she cared as much as she did, but she wanted Tonks to like her.
"Boy?" Tonks looked quickly behind Elizabeth and peered down the hall. "There aren't supposed to be students here. Just the faculty and a few old friends of your father." Elizabeth looked up quickly at this, feeling queasier than ever. "I'm sure Dumbledore would have told me if there were students still here. I'll have to ask him. I'm sorry to keep asking you, Liz, but are you sure you are feeling okay? I know this is a bit of a shock to you. Maybe we rushed into this too fast. Do you want to go to your room and take a kipper?"
Elizabeth made her smile much more convincing and stoutly said, "I'm great. I'm just nervous and exited really. And besides that, I don't think I could sleep a wink right now." Tonks examined her face swiftly and then began to walk forward. "It's not far now," she called over her shoulder. Elizabeth hurried to keep pace with her this time. She couldn't resist taking one more look behind her into the pitch black gathering behind them. Much to her relief, she didn't see any flashes of burning eyes looking back at her.
"Here we are. That was some walk, wasn't it? Well, I don't know about you but I needed the exercise." Tonks laughed and stood before a large statue of a phoenix against the wall. Elizabeth had loved mythology; it was her escape while she was at the orphanage. It always spoke of heroes and witty heroines. She imagined that a hero would come for her someday, lifting her in his arms and carrying her away on a flying horse. Sometimes she would wait patiently by the window and feel the wind in her hair and the look on old Westley's prune face. But I got myself out in the end. The phoenix looked down benevolently on them. Tonks tapped her head impatiently while closing her eyes.
"What was that password again? I'm having one of those nights." She paced the corridor, clicking all the way and muttering. Elizabeth politely admired the phoenix statue and noticed how each feather was intricately carved. It looked almost alive. If she didn't know better, she could have sworn it winked at her. Must be a trick of the light; but then again.. She stood on her tiptoes, squinting up at the giant bird.
"Ah hah, I have it. Cockroach Clusters," Tonks proclaimed grandly, spreading her arms pleadingly towards the bird.
"Ummm...cockroach clusters..."
Elizabeth stopped as the phoenix began to move. It is alive! Or not.. She realized that the phoenix simply turned to reveal a hidden staircase, which was by it pretty wicked. She looked at Tonks who gestured for her to climb up them. Go In Alone? In the dark?! She gulped down her fear (I can't look like a coward. After that whole disappearing guy thing she probably thinks I am spastic) and squaring her shoulders, forced herself to step onto the stairway. Nervously, she felt the staircase rotating upwards and Tonks was cut off from her sight. Panic seized her. Light was filtering up above and then the bloody rotating stairs stopped. What is with this whole stair fixation? She waited, biting her lip and breathing hard. Her suffocation began to wash over her again, melting her muscles along with her resolve. Then the panel slid open, causing her to tumble forward.
After a struggle with the inevitable, she fell on her knees with a thud. An old man with an extremely long beard gazed at her, folding his hands on the desk in front of him. He tilted his head and his spectacles slipped down on his slightly crooked nose. He was studying her. Quickly, she popped up from the ground as if propelled by a spring and brushed herself off. She looked at the rumpled carpet, her face burning with a fierce blush. The wizened old man cleared his throat with a smile.
"Don't worry about that. It happens all the time to the best of us. I've had quite a few introductions like that myself."
She glanced up to see if he was making a jest but his blue eyes were quite kind, shining from his aged face. She couldn't help but instantly contrast them to the flashing eyes of the tall boy.
"Take a seat, Ms. Potter, and make yourself comfortable. I know you had an exciting day to say the least."
She sat down in the chair in front of the desk holding her hands tightly in front of her. Her hands had a mind of their own and gave several tell- tell nervous twitches. She cursed them silently. Meanwhile, he rose and fetched a plate of cookies and a bag of lemon drops. He offered her the plate while placing the bag of candy in the middle of the desk for them to share. Elizabeth nervously had a cookie, her treacherous hands making this simple task quite difficult. Dumbledore looked at her with apparent compassion in his eyes.
"I'm sure you have a great deal of questions. I'll try my best to answer them for you. But first let me say, I'm glad to have you among us again." Elizabeth flushed again. She racked her brain, trying to find an intelligent sounding question.
"Thank you, sir. I was wondering-the question that I have-why was it that I was sent away from here? I mean, I know about-my p-parents."
Her tongue betrayed her and forced her to stutter to stop. She found to her horror that her emotions threatened to rise to the surface. And in front of him to! Dumbledore smiled sadly at her.
"Your parents were particularly dear to me." Then he seemed to stop as well. The silence loomed, threatening to take over. Elizabeth forced herself to look at him straight on; she didn't care about her weak expression and her trembling mouth. This is what she had asked herself for years. Why doesn't anyone want me?
Dumbledore began again. "You father was a hero by the age of one. You looked shocked. He was quite the mystery but he fit the title of hero so well. I regret that you.Your father defeated the Dark Lord Voldemort at the age of one when the Killing Curse rebounded of him and back towards its caster. Harry Potter lost his family that night and lived among muggles for his protection. Voldemort's followers were still free and crazed from the loss of their master. Years later, when your father attended school here, the Dark Lord rose again. It was the darkest times I have ever had to bear. You see, Elizabeth, I had let myself go in the peace time and was not prepared for another time of Darkness. A great war engulfed us all and families were split apart by either death or the choosing of sides. I regret to say I lost hope. But in the end your father came through again and defeated Voldemort. You were born in this time of darkness before his defeat. I believe your birth gave your father strength to continue fighting. In a sense, you saved us." Elizabeth didn't know what to do in response to this unexpected statement. She broke the eye contact and looked away, feeling tears well up.
"I did not expect anything to happen to your family after that. Again I let my guard down. I feel that I let your father down," he confided to Elizabeth's dismay. Her chest froze up, and she scrutinized the man behind the desk. He was not looking at her now. He was gazing up toward the bird in the corner. A real phoenix.
"I am sorry that I can not answer the question you will eventually ask me about your father's death. It is of utter most importance that you must come to face this knowledge yourself." He held up his hand to silence her in mid protest. She felt cheated. How can he sit there and not answer? What is he playing at?
"But I can answer your original question. There are several forces in the wizarding world something you must realize. A group came together to decide what shall become of the girl who lived. Many cared about you and wanted to protect you themselves. Many offered to take you into their homes and raise you as their own child. Some on the other hand saw your father's defeat as a sign of weakness in the present ministry. Your uncle as you may know is the Minister of Magic and was when your father and brother disappeared. He desired to hide you away. I don't want to say he didn't think about your well-being. But it is realistic to say he wanted to put you out of sight to gain control of the public. You might say out of sight out of mind. He started a rather brutal campaign to try and apprehend the suspects. Not even with his brutality could the answers we all sought be found. Meanwhile, you were initially placed with your muggle cousin. However, he formed a resentful mind towards magic, and I found myself without the proper means to protect you. You had magical relatives but they would be unable to defend you from a magical threat. You see, Elizabeth, certain types of extreme dark magic becomes suffocated in the muggle world. The type of attack used on you and your family could not be repeated in the muggle world. The orphanage you were placed in was regulated heavily for your protection," he finished quietly, looking regretful that the situation had ever taken place. This time Elizabeth felt she couldn't hold back her thoughts.
"You watched me? You watched me suffer in that-that (she censored herself) dump? That is ridiculous, selfish, and-and cruel!" She stopped at Dumbledore's expression. His whole face looked worn and desperate. She sat slowly down again, feeling like the most disgusting creature that ever existed. She tried to speak through clenched teeth, muttering, "I'm sorry sir, I understand, but it's so hard."
Everything was in a whirl around her and a little buzz was going off in her head. She easily broke the marks in her palm like she did earlier in the alley; she felt her nails break the skin. But she didn't care. Everything that has happened- and they still don't know! She didn't notice that the desk in front of her was shaking by the force of her magic. Dumbledore was taken back by this powerful display of magic without the use of a wand. The air around them was shimmering with the raw magical energy. He let the girl's ragged breaths cease before he began to speak again. He knew he had to guide her through her acceptance as quickly as possible. The consequences of not doing so would be disastrous for her wellbeing as well as for others. He could not fight away the memory of a young orphaned boy who was so lost that he had met in the past.
"Are you ready for me to continue?" Elizabeth gave a faint nod.
"You must not think that those who care for you didn't feel every pain that you did. I know that is hard to hear, to imagine. But it is the truth. Several of your family members are waiting in the Great Hall as we speak. Your time in the muggle world is over if you chose for it to be. You can start anew here and gain family and friends. It is no less than you deserve. Will you deny yourself that?"
Elizabeth lifted her head. Her look was unfathomable. She could only imagine what her face must look like to bring that expression to his face. Her throat was incredible tight and her words seemed not to fight against her. But she was determined to ask this question.
"Why did my father have children? If he had to face so much and lose so much? How could he do that to us and place us in this horrible situation? If he couldn't be here! Can you answer that?!" She had never hated herself so much as when she spoke those words. The man before her froze; she could tell he never expected such a question. She was in a state that was a mixture of terror, shame, hurt, and defiance. She heard gasps from the sides of the room and turned to find a whole row of frames of the wall. Embarrassed, she turned to Dumbledore. He simply looked at her for a long time, eyes slightly glazed over. It seemed the question had pierced him deeply. He took a deep breath and answered.
"Your father was a hero because he never stopped hoping-for a better future and for a family. He defeated the Dark Lord for his children. He wanted them to have what he never could. The greatest thing about him was that he wanted to love. What happened in the end was beyond his control. But didn't he deserve to hope?"
Silence did engulf them then, and they welcomed it. Elizabeth couldn't stop gripping the arms of the chair. I can't believe I said that? Why did I say that? I can't look this man in the face ever again. I should just go back and leave this alone. She felt impure; she realized the minute she saw him that Dumbledore was a kind and great man. He just gave her this feeling of safety. It was because of this sense of security her emotions overwhelmed her. Now she was ashamed. If this chair became alive and started to eat me, I would be so relieved. I'm not worthy to be here. Dumbledore cleared his throat, and she jumped slightly. He gave her another one of his kind looks. She could hardly bear it.
"You have every right to these feelings, Elizabeth. Don't think I don't understand. In fact, I deserve your anger."
Please chair, come alive!
"The release of such feelings washes us anew, don't you think. You can truly have a new beginning. I know it will be hard but the good things are worth it."
She just stared at him with her face a new shade of red.
He ventured to confirm the ending of their rather unproductive conversation, "Do you have anything else to ask or say?" Elizabeth was about to shake her head no but stopped herself. She was more ashamed by the squeak of a voice that came out of her mouth.
"Can I come to this school-to Hogwarts?" Dumbledore smiled at her.
"Of course. I wouldn't have it any other way."
He rose up, and she distinctly noticed how tall he was especially in the state she was in.
"It would be best if you got some rest to collect yourself from your journey. I'll tell the guests in the Great Hall they will have to wait until tomorrow. I do hope they don't riot."
He quickly walked to the door, and Elizabeth hurried after him to get away from the whispering portraits. He sure does move fast for someone his age. Together they waited for the rotating stairwell to take them to Tonks. Elizabeth still couldn't look at Dumbledore. Standing besides each other, she was even shorter than usual because of her slumping. Tonks met them outside. She looked from one to the other and grinned nervously. She could sense the tension and could see Elizabeth's tear-streaked face.
"Tonks, take Elizabeth to her room for the night. On second thought, take her to Madame Pomfrey; she no doubt has something to help her sleep from her excitement." With that, Dumbledore's tall figure departed swiftly down the hall.
Tonks wrapped an arm around Elizabeth in a motherly fashion and steered her toward the hospital wing. Elizabeth didn't pay attention to where they were going. Her mind was still trapped in the moment before and the horrible words that escaped her mouth from her soul. They kept playing in her head. Why did my father have children? How Dare He Do That To Us?! Then...That is ridiculous, selfish, and cruel. She wanted to cry again but she had no tears left. Would he tell what was left of my family what I said? He wouldn't, right? I really don't feel that way. Not really. It was just his presence and the shock of this world. It isn't me! It can't be.
It seemed she did have tears left. Her face was freshly wet again. Her side hurt with a vengeance. I deserve it. She just listened to the clicking of Tonk's heels down the hall. Just focus on making it to wherever. She was maneuvered into a room of white complete with several beds along the wall. An agitated older woman appeared in a flutter of movement. It was like a trip to the past. Her outfit shocked Elizabeth out of her stupor. She was almost camouflaged in her surrounds except for her large brown eyes and cupid bow mouth.
"Yes, yes, what has happened?" she quipped rapidly at them, looking agitated. Tonks raised a hand to stem her rapid flow of words.
"This is Elizabeth Potter. She will be staying at HogWartyWarts for awhile. She just needs some Dreamless Sleep Potion so she can rest." The woman's mouth parted slightly at Elizabeth's name and grabbed her elbow firmly.
"You look simply dreadful, dear. Lie down." Seeing as it wasn't a request, Elizabeth hastily laid back on the stark sheets.
"It is simply to cold to have a little girl dressed like that." Madam Pomfrey lectured Tonks while she swept around the room. Watching her movements worsened Elizabeth's headache. Tonks contented herself by muttering about summer time and paranoid nurses but was silenced by Madam Pomfrey's narrowed eyes which made her look like a bird of prey. Madam Pomfrey handed Elizabeth a very suspicious drink. It was suspicious because it was smoking slightly.
"Go on. Drink it down. That's it. Now, Nymphadora (Tonks winced), I know someone will think they're clever and sneak up here but I won't condone it. I expect you to tell them all. This girl has got to get some rest or she'll catch a dragon of a cold simply from exhaustion."
Tonks agreed and came over to say goodnight. Elizabeth was glad that Tonks came closer out of the earshot of the hyperactive healthcare giver. She leaned over self-consciously and whispered, " Tonks, could you do me a favor?"
"Sure, be glad to!"
"Don't tell Dumbledore about that-guy I thought I saw."
Tonks looked troubled by this entry into secrecy especially from Dumbledore. "I don't know..."
"Please, he was probably just a figment of my imagination or something. I don't want him to think badly of me." Elizabeth grimaced, realizing she had said too much.
Tonks patted her on the back. "Dumbledore could never think badly of you, Lizzy. You're a sweet girl. I promise I won't mention it though. We'll keep it between us as friends, right!"
Tonks smiled and waved goodnight. Madam Pomfrey closed the door behind her and recited a couple of Blocking Spells just in case. Soon she dimmed the lamps and disappeared from sight. Elizabeth fought a losing battle against the sleep that was overcoming her. Her mind flashed for the boy to Dumbledore to her father. It was like wandering through an extremely hazardous wilderness. You're a sweet girl. Really, deep down, Elizabeth hoped she was. It was the way her feelings overcame her that scared her so. As she closed her eyes and snuggled into the blankets around her, she couldn't forget the image of that boy's eyes. It was if his soul was on fire. Is that why I can see him? Because I feel my soul is on fire as well. Elizabeth's whole being gave a forceful shove away from the last thought. She just hoped she wouldn't wake up to see garnet eyes burning her with their gaze.