Chapter Two: Arrival To An Old World Turned New...
After what seemed like a short while, the trolley lady went by and asked if there was anything Blythe and Remus wanted.
"No thank you.", answered Remus politely.
Blythe gave a shy smile and asked, "I don't suppose you'd accept Muggle money?"
The lady laughed to herself and stepped inside. "If you promise not to tell anyone, I'll exchange it for you." She winked, handed Blythe the two items she wanted, and took the Muggle funds. After placing the currency in the pocket of her apron, she pulled out some Wizard coins and slipped them in the tin box.
"Thank you.", Blythe smiled. The woman nodded and went on her way.
"Only you could get away with something like that.", stated Remus jokingly.
"Then it's good to be me.", she teased back.
The two laughed quietly to themselves before settling back down again. Blythe ate her chocolate frog contentedly as Remus helped himself to some of her Bertie Botts Beans. All was well until he started choking. Blythe immediately lifted his arms above his head and started rubbing his back. "Are you okay, dear?"
After the coughing fit ended, he nodded and grinned. "Pepper. I hate those ones. They never fail to gag me."
"Just your luck." She returned his smile and shook her head, then gazed out the window again.
Hours passed and Remus fell asleep in the cabin. His head lolled, his chin rested on his chest until Blythe pulled him over so he could use her shoulder as a pillow. She continued watching the scenery flash by until it was too dark to see much of anything outside. Finally the train began to slow and she realized they must be getting close to Hogwarts station. Her heart started pounding at the thought of seeing it again. She wondered even more about how everything would be and she longed to see those caring, gentle faces of the Professors and students again. Though she definitely missed seeing Albus Dumbledore among others, she also wanted to see someone she couldn't stand before. Severus Snape, the infamously cold and cruel potions master of the school. She pondered whether or not he'd even recognize her now, and if maybe his ill feelings towards her might have changed. She certainly hoped to make a better impression.
The train came to a stop and Blythe watched as everyone stepped down onto the platform. She could hear Hagrid's voice booming over the excited buzz of the students gathered there. "Firs' years over 'ere! Firs' years wit' me!", he called out, but something seemed different about his voice. It lacked the usual enthusiasm. It was as though he was in more of a hurry to get the students away from the train and up to the castle. That's when she noticed it. There was a difference. Everyone was rushing to get into the carriages that would take them to the castle. The last time she'd been here, the students had just sauntered along, now they were practically running.
"Remus. Wake up, dear. We've arrived." She gently ran her fingers along his cheek.
His eyes opened and he nodded sleepily. They waited until everyone was gone before leaving the train themselves, hoping to avoid any unwanted attention. They took the last carriage up to the castle and were amazed at the sight when they got there. The place, though ancient as it was, looked more dismal and battered than before. One of the uppermost towers seemed like it was crumbling.
"What's happened here?", Blythe wondered aloud.
"I don't know, but I think we'd better find out.", answered a concerned Remus.
They made their way up the steps and looked around the Entrance Hall. Even the portraits had changed. The faces of the people in them were dark. Dust was gathered on the frames and it looked as though cleaning had become obsolete. The two looked around, then cast worried glances at each other.
"I'll go on ahead to the Great Hall to let Albus know we've arrived. Wait here, I'll be right back." Blythe walked off alone after Remus nodded in agreement.
Blythe entered the hall to find it lacking much of its warmth and mirth. She glanced around at more than a few solemn faces, then made her way to the head table. Hardly anyone even noticed her presence. Albus looked up when she appeared in front of him. He smiled kindly, but it seemed almost forced. He too was different than she remembered. He looked even older than before, and somehow weaker.
"Greetings, Albus. I just wanted to let you know that Remus and I arrived in one piece."
"That's excellent news, Blythe." He looked around for a moment before returning his blue eyes to her. "Where is he?"
"Waiting in the entrance hall. I wasn't sure whether or not he should come in after what happened."
"Yes, it's alright. Please, bring him here and join us for dinner."
Before turning away to retrieve Remus, she gave Albus a quizzical look. "Is the Sorting Ceremony already done?"
"Yes, we finished that just a few minutes ago. There weren't many students to add this year." He sounded disappointed, but there was something else in his voice that bothered Blythe more. An emptiness, a sadness maybe. She wasn't quite sure, but she knew something was wrong. Something terrible had happened.
"Alright. I'll go get him." She left the hall and called for Remus to join her. The two walked up and took the empty seats they thought were meant for them. At first Blythe hadn't noticed anyone missing, then she looked down the table. Not only were there fewer students, but some of the faculty was missing too.
"Where are Professors Flitwick and Sprout?", she asked Albus in hushed tones. He glanced at her from the corner of his eyes and had a disbelieving look on his face. "You haven't heard?"
She shook her head and frowned slightly.
"After dinner the two of you should join me in my office then. It seems you haven't been informed about everything that's happened."
Dinner was eaten in silence. Not even the usual chatter from the students filled the room. Blythe couldn't even concentrate on the meal, her mind was filled with possibilities of what had occurred during her absence. At long last supper ended and everyone quickly made their way out of the hall and to their rooms. The prefects seemed even more eager to get first year students to the dormitories.
Blythe and Remus quietly followed Albus to his office. The aged man whispered a command word to the stone gargoyle and the staircase appeared. They walked up in silence and each of them sat down.
Albus took a deep breath, laced his fingers together and leaned forward in his chair. There were deep creases of worry in his brow. "I suppose I should start from the beginning. By the confused looks on both your faces, you have no idea what has transpired over the past year and a half."
The two listeners nodded and waited patiently for Dumbledore to continue.
"It all came about very suddenly...", he began. Then the tale unfolded. "The castle has been attacked in just the past year, which is why it looks so haggard. Voldemort has found a way to rise to power once again. In fact, he's become even more dangerous than he was. The number of his followers continues to increase, the Dementors are with him once more, among other creatures such as the vampires. They've become such a powerful force, that they attacked Hogwarts. We haven't yet been able to repair the buildings they've destroyed. Almost all of the greenhouses are gone, the hospital wing took severe damage, and many lives have been lost. Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout are only two of the souls that are now gone." He paused for a moment to allow his visitors time to absorb what he was telling them.
"My God...", Blythe muttered.
Remus sat there in stunned silence, unable to think of anything to say.
With a nod of the head, Albus continued. "The Ministry was actually considering shutting the school down so the students might find more safety at home with their parents."
That's when Remus found his voice. "That's ridiculous! Everyone knows that no one can protect them better than you can, Professor. The school was attacked, yes. Lives were lost and damage was done, but at least the building is still standing and the rooms are full. That has to be testimony enough that you're capable of keeping the students alive and well."
"It's not that easy anymore, Remus. The fact remains that the school was attacked. That's cause enough for concern among Witches and Wizards. Tell me, if you were a parent or a Ministry official, how would you feel or what would you think if you heard that Voldemort's forces were becoming that strong and brave? Would it not worry you beyond reason?"
All three of them were silent for long moments. Remus hung his head as though defeated.
"No, it wouldn't."
Albus turned his eyes to Blythe the instant the words left her mouth. Her face was calm, even serene, and there was a different kind of bravery in her eyes. It was the bravery of an older woman instead of the thickheaded courage of a girl who doesn't understand a situation. "What do you mean?"
"Just what I said, Albus. I wouldn't be worried in the least. You see, the foundation of this castle isn't so different from the foundation of people. If there was only one brick standing alone, it wouldn't have a chance against the onslaught of weather or human destruction. However, when many bricks are placed together they create a building that can stand up through the ages. People are no different. Alone we'd stand no chance of survival against this Voldemort and his followers, but together, as one people, he could be defeated."
"You bring hope and light to a world that seems to have lost both with those words, Blythe. You may very well be the person that keeps everyone together."
"I'm not saying that Voldemort will lose. I'm just saying we'd have more of a chance if we don't turn our backs on each other and try to stand alone as separate units. The Ministry needs to learn that by the sounds of it."
"I think you're right. Perhaps I should have you owl the Ministry saying that exact same thing." Albus smiled at her more brightly, some of the life returning to his eyes.
"Maybe I will." She lifted her chin and smiled back. Her face grew serious again after a moment though. "So I take it this is why you had no objections to Remus and I coming back here after he was attacked?"
Remus looked over at her with a slight frown. "You asked if we could return?"
"Yes, I did. Do you have an objection to me trying to save your life?"
He fell silent instantly. One thing he'd learned to do through the years was not argue with her when it was obvious she was right.
Albus chuckled at the quickly vanquished disagreement, then nodded his head in answer to Blythe's question. "That's exactly why I had no complaints. After hearing that the Death Eaters had found you, I felt it was the right thing to do. You may have little better chance here than you did at home, but at least it's a chance."
"And in return we'll do what we can to help. If that means getting our hands dirty trying to rebuild and repair the castle, so be it. Now that I know what's happened, I want to make sure it doesn't occur again." Blythe paused for a moment and sat back in her chair looking deep in thought.
"Is there something else on your mind?", ventured Remus. He knew when she had that distant look in her eyes, it meant she had an important idea to share. Usually she would sit quietly and think how to word it.
"Yes, there is. Something we could and should do."
"And that is?", inquired Albus.
"Act as though nothing's happened."
There was a long silence that followed her seemingly idiotic response. Thankfully both men knew well enough that Blythe was no fool.
"Why do you suggest that, Blythe?" Remus' attention was completely focussed on her. Even though her suggestion seemed absurd, there was no doubt in his mind she had an excellent reason behind it.
"Well, if everyone continues acting the way they are, then Voldemort will think they're weak, and they'll even begin to believe there's nothing they can do to stand against him. However, if we act as though nothing's happened, act like what's happened doesn't bother us in the least, it will eventually develop into courage and that courage into strength. Show him we're not afraid and it'll at least make him think twice about trying to attack again."
"Like when you stood up to the Death Eaters? You showed them no fear and they didn't seem to know how to handle that. I often think I may not have survived if it hadn't been for you."
"Yes, exactly like that. What must they have thought when a simple Muggle, incapable of using magic or harming them in any way, stood up to them. I wasn't afraid of them, I was afraid for you, but I wasn't about to let them know that."
"I'd like to hear more about the attack on Remus, if you could spare the time to tell me, Blythe. I'd prefer it in a little more detail than what was enclosed in your letter."
Blythe nodded and looked Albus in the eyes. The tenderness that she remembered being there was replaced by a serious determination. She smiled faintly. "To defeat your enemy, you must know your enemy. Perhaps better than you know your friends."
"You read my mind.", Albus chuckled.
She shook her head. "No, I saw it plainly in your eyes." She stopped and looked to Remus who was sitting there quietly. When he nodded for her to go on, she began speaking again. "Alright, Albus, this is what happened. Everything that happened..."
After what seemed like a short while, the trolley lady went by and asked if there was anything Blythe and Remus wanted.
"No thank you.", answered Remus politely.
Blythe gave a shy smile and asked, "I don't suppose you'd accept Muggle money?"
The lady laughed to herself and stepped inside. "If you promise not to tell anyone, I'll exchange it for you." She winked, handed Blythe the two items she wanted, and took the Muggle funds. After placing the currency in the pocket of her apron, she pulled out some Wizard coins and slipped them in the tin box.
"Thank you.", Blythe smiled. The woman nodded and went on her way.
"Only you could get away with something like that.", stated Remus jokingly.
"Then it's good to be me.", she teased back.
The two laughed quietly to themselves before settling back down again. Blythe ate her chocolate frog contentedly as Remus helped himself to some of her Bertie Botts Beans. All was well until he started choking. Blythe immediately lifted his arms above his head and started rubbing his back. "Are you okay, dear?"
After the coughing fit ended, he nodded and grinned. "Pepper. I hate those ones. They never fail to gag me."
"Just your luck." She returned his smile and shook her head, then gazed out the window again.
Hours passed and Remus fell asleep in the cabin. His head lolled, his chin rested on his chest until Blythe pulled him over so he could use her shoulder as a pillow. She continued watching the scenery flash by until it was too dark to see much of anything outside. Finally the train began to slow and she realized they must be getting close to Hogwarts station. Her heart started pounding at the thought of seeing it again. She wondered even more about how everything would be and she longed to see those caring, gentle faces of the Professors and students again. Though she definitely missed seeing Albus Dumbledore among others, she also wanted to see someone she couldn't stand before. Severus Snape, the infamously cold and cruel potions master of the school. She pondered whether or not he'd even recognize her now, and if maybe his ill feelings towards her might have changed. She certainly hoped to make a better impression.
The train came to a stop and Blythe watched as everyone stepped down onto the platform. She could hear Hagrid's voice booming over the excited buzz of the students gathered there. "Firs' years over 'ere! Firs' years wit' me!", he called out, but something seemed different about his voice. It lacked the usual enthusiasm. It was as though he was in more of a hurry to get the students away from the train and up to the castle. That's when she noticed it. There was a difference. Everyone was rushing to get into the carriages that would take them to the castle. The last time she'd been here, the students had just sauntered along, now they were practically running.
"Remus. Wake up, dear. We've arrived." She gently ran her fingers along his cheek.
His eyes opened and he nodded sleepily. They waited until everyone was gone before leaving the train themselves, hoping to avoid any unwanted attention. They took the last carriage up to the castle and were amazed at the sight when they got there. The place, though ancient as it was, looked more dismal and battered than before. One of the uppermost towers seemed like it was crumbling.
"What's happened here?", Blythe wondered aloud.
"I don't know, but I think we'd better find out.", answered a concerned Remus.
They made their way up the steps and looked around the Entrance Hall. Even the portraits had changed. The faces of the people in them were dark. Dust was gathered on the frames and it looked as though cleaning had become obsolete. The two looked around, then cast worried glances at each other.
"I'll go on ahead to the Great Hall to let Albus know we've arrived. Wait here, I'll be right back." Blythe walked off alone after Remus nodded in agreement.
Blythe entered the hall to find it lacking much of its warmth and mirth. She glanced around at more than a few solemn faces, then made her way to the head table. Hardly anyone even noticed her presence. Albus looked up when she appeared in front of him. He smiled kindly, but it seemed almost forced. He too was different than she remembered. He looked even older than before, and somehow weaker.
"Greetings, Albus. I just wanted to let you know that Remus and I arrived in one piece."
"That's excellent news, Blythe." He looked around for a moment before returning his blue eyes to her. "Where is he?"
"Waiting in the entrance hall. I wasn't sure whether or not he should come in after what happened."
"Yes, it's alright. Please, bring him here and join us for dinner."
Before turning away to retrieve Remus, she gave Albus a quizzical look. "Is the Sorting Ceremony already done?"
"Yes, we finished that just a few minutes ago. There weren't many students to add this year." He sounded disappointed, but there was something else in his voice that bothered Blythe more. An emptiness, a sadness maybe. She wasn't quite sure, but she knew something was wrong. Something terrible had happened.
"Alright. I'll go get him." She left the hall and called for Remus to join her. The two walked up and took the empty seats they thought were meant for them. At first Blythe hadn't noticed anyone missing, then she looked down the table. Not only were there fewer students, but some of the faculty was missing too.
"Where are Professors Flitwick and Sprout?", she asked Albus in hushed tones. He glanced at her from the corner of his eyes and had a disbelieving look on his face. "You haven't heard?"
She shook her head and frowned slightly.
"After dinner the two of you should join me in my office then. It seems you haven't been informed about everything that's happened."
Dinner was eaten in silence. Not even the usual chatter from the students filled the room. Blythe couldn't even concentrate on the meal, her mind was filled with possibilities of what had occurred during her absence. At long last supper ended and everyone quickly made their way out of the hall and to their rooms. The prefects seemed even more eager to get first year students to the dormitories.
Blythe and Remus quietly followed Albus to his office. The aged man whispered a command word to the stone gargoyle and the staircase appeared. They walked up in silence and each of them sat down.
Albus took a deep breath, laced his fingers together and leaned forward in his chair. There were deep creases of worry in his brow. "I suppose I should start from the beginning. By the confused looks on both your faces, you have no idea what has transpired over the past year and a half."
The two listeners nodded and waited patiently for Dumbledore to continue.
"It all came about very suddenly...", he began. Then the tale unfolded. "The castle has been attacked in just the past year, which is why it looks so haggard. Voldemort has found a way to rise to power once again. In fact, he's become even more dangerous than he was. The number of his followers continues to increase, the Dementors are with him once more, among other creatures such as the vampires. They've become such a powerful force, that they attacked Hogwarts. We haven't yet been able to repair the buildings they've destroyed. Almost all of the greenhouses are gone, the hospital wing took severe damage, and many lives have been lost. Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout are only two of the souls that are now gone." He paused for a moment to allow his visitors time to absorb what he was telling them.
"My God...", Blythe muttered.
Remus sat there in stunned silence, unable to think of anything to say.
With a nod of the head, Albus continued. "The Ministry was actually considering shutting the school down so the students might find more safety at home with their parents."
That's when Remus found his voice. "That's ridiculous! Everyone knows that no one can protect them better than you can, Professor. The school was attacked, yes. Lives were lost and damage was done, but at least the building is still standing and the rooms are full. That has to be testimony enough that you're capable of keeping the students alive and well."
"It's not that easy anymore, Remus. The fact remains that the school was attacked. That's cause enough for concern among Witches and Wizards. Tell me, if you were a parent or a Ministry official, how would you feel or what would you think if you heard that Voldemort's forces were becoming that strong and brave? Would it not worry you beyond reason?"
All three of them were silent for long moments. Remus hung his head as though defeated.
"No, it wouldn't."
Albus turned his eyes to Blythe the instant the words left her mouth. Her face was calm, even serene, and there was a different kind of bravery in her eyes. It was the bravery of an older woman instead of the thickheaded courage of a girl who doesn't understand a situation. "What do you mean?"
"Just what I said, Albus. I wouldn't be worried in the least. You see, the foundation of this castle isn't so different from the foundation of people. If there was only one brick standing alone, it wouldn't have a chance against the onslaught of weather or human destruction. However, when many bricks are placed together they create a building that can stand up through the ages. People are no different. Alone we'd stand no chance of survival against this Voldemort and his followers, but together, as one people, he could be defeated."
"You bring hope and light to a world that seems to have lost both with those words, Blythe. You may very well be the person that keeps everyone together."
"I'm not saying that Voldemort will lose. I'm just saying we'd have more of a chance if we don't turn our backs on each other and try to stand alone as separate units. The Ministry needs to learn that by the sounds of it."
"I think you're right. Perhaps I should have you owl the Ministry saying that exact same thing." Albus smiled at her more brightly, some of the life returning to his eyes.
"Maybe I will." She lifted her chin and smiled back. Her face grew serious again after a moment though. "So I take it this is why you had no objections to Remus and I coming back here after he was attacked?"
Remus looked over at her with a slight frown. "You asked if we could return?"
"Yes, I did. Do you have an objection to me trying to save your life?"
He fell silent instantly. One thing he'd learned to do through the years was not argue with her when it was obvious she was right.
Albus chuckled at the quickly vanquished disagreement, then nodded his head in answer to Blythe's question. "That's exactly why I had no complaints. After hearing that the Death Eaters had found you, I felt it was the right thing to do. You may have little better chance here than you did at home, but at least it's a chance."
"And in return we'll do what we can to help. If that means getting our hands dirty trying to rebuild and repair the castle, so be it. Now that I know what's happened, I want to make sure it doesn't occur again." Blythe paused for a moment and sat back in her chair looking deep in thought.
"Is there something else on your mind?", ventured Remus. He knew when she had that distant look in her eyes, it meant she had an important idea to share. Usually she would sit quietly and think how to word it.
"Yes, there is. Something we could and should do."
"And that is?", inquired Albus.
"Act as though nothing's happened."
There was a long silence that followed her seemingly idiotic response. Thankfully both men knew well enough that Blythe was no fool.
"Why do you suggest that, Blythe?" Remus' attention was completely focussed on her. Even though her suggestion seemed absurd, there was no doubt in his mind she had an excellent reason behind it.
"Well, if everyone continues acting the way they are, then Voldemort will think they're weak, and they'll even begin to believe there's nothing they can do to stand against him. However, if we act as though nothing's happened, act like what's happened doesn't bother us in the least, it will eventually develop into courage and that courage into strength. Show him we're not afraid and it'll at least make him think twice about trying to attack again."
"Like when you stood up to the Death Eaters? You showed them no fear and they didn't seem to know how to handle that. I often think I may not have survived if it hadn't been for you."
"Yes, exactly like that. What must they have thought when a simple Muggle, incapable of using magic or harming them in any way, stood up to them. I wasn't afraid of them, I was afraid for you, but I wasn't about to let them know that."
"I'd like to hear more about the attack on Remus, if you could spare the time to tell me, Blythe. I'd prefer it in a little more detail than what was enclosed in your letter."
Blythe nodded and looked Albus in the eyes. The tenderness that she remembered being there was replaced by a serious determination. She smiled faintly. "To defeat your enemy, you must know your enemy. Perhaps better than you know your friends."
"You read my mind.", Albus chuckled.
She shook her head. "No, I saw it plainly in your eyes." She stopped and looked to Remus who was sitting there quietly. When he nodded for her to go on, she began speaking again. "Alright, Albus, this is what happened. Everything that happened..."