Chapter 20! I'm in the 20's now! (Excuse my excitement.) Er... anyway... Chapter 20: Dumbledore's Office and Vanella's Heritage. [!!!]
'squigly line, star, squigly line, star, squigly line, star, squigly line, star, squigly line, star, squigly line'
"Ah, Headmaster. It's good to see you're present."
The Headmaster of Hogwarts leaned back in his chair, studying the five people that had just entered his office. "To what do I owe the pleasure of seeing all of these little faces?" He twinkled at Severus. "You're looking mighty fine today, Severus."
Vanella began to laugh uncontrollably. She knew the Headmaster was kidding, but it was very funny to hear the old man call Snape 'mighty fine.'
The Headmaster just twinkled, a smile playing on his face.
Professor Snape rolled his eyes and bit his tongue before lashing out at Albus, causing the old man to twinkle more. "You owe it, sir, to the Sorcerer's Stone."
Dumbledore leaned forward. "Do you mean what I think you mean?"
Snape sent him a false smile. "That all depends on what you think it means, Albus."
The Headmaster cleared his throat, and Severus continued. "Alright. They know about it. I don't know how, but they do. And they suspect, er... well, Headmaster, like me, they suspect Quirrell."
Dumbledore leaned back again, and Vanella managed to stop laughing. "And you brought them to me...."
"For either punishment for snooping or figuring out how they managed to put the pieces together, so that we can avoid any other students' forbidden knowledge. And because I figured you'd want to know about it."
Dumbledore studied Severus. "You're right. I would." He then looked over the group of first-years. "Whatever you know is not to be spread. We cannot have everyone in the school knowing about faculty secrets."
The four students nodded. Ron told the elderly Professor, "Hermione knows too, sir. Not the whole story, but enough to figure it out."
"Severus, fetch her for me, please."
Snape nodded and left to find Hermione Granger, while the Headmaster pulled up chairs for his students.
"From the beginning, please," he said, waiting for a story.
No one said anything, and the Headmaster sighed. "Harry, you tell the story."
Harry bit his lip and obliged. He told his Headmaster about how, when he had heard about the Gringotts break in and had described the box to Vanella, she ran off to the library and investigated something. He told about how it hurt his scar to be near Quirrell, leaving out about the pain he used to bear near Vanella. He was speaking of the Unicorn blood and the cloaked person when Severus and Hermione entered. Then he went on to describe the conversation that he, Vanella, Ron, and Draco had had in the foyer, omitting the pain Vanella's presence caused.
Dumbledore stopped him at that. He wanted to hear another point of view. "Ron. Kindly tell me your side of this."
Ron hesitated.
"I know about Hagrid's dragon, so you don't have to worry about that. Just tell me everything involved, please."
Ron began, "Well, during one of the times Hermione and I were at our, er... counseling sessions, there was a big black rock in the fire. Once we knew it was a dragon, we got worried as to where Hagrid had got it. He's our friend. We didn't want him arrested or anything." Ron shivered. "Azkaban. Yeesh. But anyway, he told us he had met a man in a pub, and got to talking. Since Hagrid is a big animal person, they talked a bit about that, and when he was on the subject of dragons, the man said he had one. Well, as you know, sir, Hagrid's always wanted a dragon. So the man in the bar said that he had a Norwegian Ridgeback egg. Now, Hagrid wanted it, so the man asked Hagrid if he could care for it. So, like a fool--"
Malfoy snorted.
"--Hagrid said that, after Fluffy, he'd have no problems with a dragon. Yea, well, Fluffy is the three-headed-dog guarding the trapdoor to the Sorcerer's Stone. We asked Hagrid if the man seemed very interested in Fluffy, and he said 'of course, who isn't interested in a three-headed-dog?'. Something like that. So anyway, we asked if he could recognize or remember who it was he met in the bar, and--"
Hermione's eyes widened. "And Hagrid said that the man kept his hood on all the time! So we asked Hagrid what he said to the man about Fluffy-"
Ron cut back in, "And Hagrid said that he had told the man that Fluffy's easy, all you've got to do is play her some music!"
Severus's eyes widened.
Harry's too. "So, if it was Quirrell, he knows how to get past Fluffy?"
Ron nodded.
"Bloody hell," Vanella whispered.
Dumbledore shook his head. "Each faculty member has a defense set in front of that stone. One would have to go through so many challenges to discover the stone, that it wouldn't even be possible for one person to get through. You'd need many different people with different talents. Quirrell alone could not do it."
"But you have to fire him! Or do something!"
"No, Harry. We have no definite proof."
Harry slumped back in his chair. "Bloody hell is right."
"The five of you should be getting back to your dorms. It is late. Harry, you have a meeting with Marcus Flint tomorrow to teach you how to play Quidditch. Your first game is on Saturday. None of the information that was shared earlier is ever to reach anyone else's ears. If it does, I know whom to hold responsible. And Severus, I need private conference with you."
The five students went two separate ways to their dorms, with quite a bit to think about.
"YOU PLAY QUIDDITCH!?"
'squigly line, star, squigly line, star, squigly line, star, squigly line, star, squigly line, star, squigly line'
Harry, Vanella, and Draco retreated to the Slytherin common room. Once inside, Draco headed to the first year boys' dorm, and Vanella to the girls'. But Harry stopped her.
"Vanella. I believe you owe me a conversation. Regarding a specific pain."
A wave of fear passed over her face, then was gone. "Yes, I do." She walked back down the stairs, moving towards their usual spot in the corner. "Where to start?" she asked, once they were both seated and comfortable.
"Well, how about at why I sensed Dark Magic in you?"
She gave a tight smile, and leaned back in her chair, trying to relax. He'll understand. He has to. I know him. He will. He must. She was trying to convince herself more than anything else. Finally, with resolve, she pushed the words out. "I'm... I'm related to Voldemort."
Harry looked around the empty common room, shock evident on his face, just making sure no one else had heard that. Eventually, he turned back to her. "How?"
She muttered the answer, not intelligible enough for him to hear.
He strained for the sound, trying to decipher her word. "Pardon?"
"I'm his daughter," she said quietly.
Harry scrutinized her face for sign of joking, and, as soon as he assured himself she was serious, leaned back. He was appalled. This was impossible. He was sitting in front of, hell, he was friends with, his arch-enemy's daughter. He swallowed and again asked, "How?"
She tilted her head and prepared for her family history. "Voldemort raped my mother, donating the necessities for me. When I was born, my mother knew I was in danger and gave me a name other than the family's. I was given the last name of Incendie, after my mother's fiery temper, and given the first name of Vanella, something my father would never suspect. My mother's husband was murdered after watching her raped, so I grew up without a real father."
Harry stared at her, saying nothing, so she continued.
"I'm also distantly related to Headmaster Dumbledore," she said, knowing this would get a rise.
Harry's jaw dropped. "You're the link between Dumbledore and Lord Voldemort?"
She grinned at him. "My great-uncle, Gerontius Sappho, married Albus Dumbledore's sister, Prisca Sappho."
Harry arched a brow. "'Sappho'?"
She stiffened. "The family name," she said, barely audible.
"'Sappho'?" Harry repeated.
"It means Sapphire, actually. One of the Sappho family's characteristics is blue eyes, the color of Sapphire." She smiled, the telltale eyes lighting up. "From my mother's side, obviously," she said.
Harry nodded.
"Oh!" she said, excited. "And that's not all. My mother, who went to Bauxbatons, was friends with Athena McGonagall. Our Professor's little sister."
"I didn't know McGonagall had a little sister."
"She visited my mother from time to time." Vanella leaned back again, having leaned forward when she was talking. Relaxed, she added, "Nice lady. Much nicer than Minerva McGonagall."
Harry nodded, and they sat in silence for a few minutes. Eventually, Harry asked, "Why do I recognize the name 'Sappho' from somewhere?"
Vanella bit her lip, a bit uneasy. "My grandfathers were famous Aurors. Felix and Faustus Sappho. Probably one of the reasons my mother was one of Voldemort's targets." She looked at her hands. "But there was more than one, I'm willing to bet."
Harry looked at her oddly. "What would be another, do you know?"
She tilted her head. "My mother's husband, whom Voldemort murdered, went by the name of Evander Taranis." She looked at Harry to see if he understood.
"Evander Taranis was once Dumbledore's pupil and most skilled student. One of the few who could probably overpower my father. He was weak when Voldemort attacked him, having taken his children first."
"His children? Your siblings?"
"They were dead before I was born," she admitted sadly. "Regina and Rufus Taranis. 'Queen Thunder' and 'Red-Haired Thunder'. Obviously, Rufus had bright red hair. Much like a Weasley, actually."
Harry gave her a confused look.
She sighed. "All of my family names mean something. They are Ancient Greek or Roman, usually. Mine went against the grain. It is neither."
Harry raised his eyebrows, so she went on. "Evander Taranis, 'Good Man Thunder'. Felix and Faustus Sappho both mean 'Lucky Sapphire'. They were twins. Gerontius Sappho means 'Old Man Sapphire.' Prisca Sappho, actually was Prisca Dumbledore, which, ironically means 'Ancient Bumblebee,' means 'Ancient Sapphire.' My mother's first name is Maia, so her name meant 'Great Sapphire' before her marriage, and 'Great Thunder' afterwards." She smiled. "But mine, Vanella Grace Incendie, means nothing but Vanella 'Fire'. At least they kept up the meanings, I guess. I hope to eventually get my real name back. Vanella Sappho. I can only do that when the threat of my discovery is gone. Either when Voldemort knows who I am, or is dead."
Harry nodded, over his original thought and actually fascinated by her family tradition.
"I'm a linguist. Brought up by my mother, learning the ancient Greek and Roman names of my forefathers. All pureblood, too." She smiled, thinking back to her days of memorizing ancient God and Goddess's names.
She yawned suddenly. "I need sleep."
Harry agreed and they retired to sleep.
Harry wanted to talk to Severus. Double Potions with the Gryffindors tomorrow morning. I'll talk to him after that. He yawned, and, setting Vitesse into her nighttime shelter under the bed, went to sleep.
'squigly line, star, squigly line, star, squigly line, star, squigly line, star, squigly line, star, squigly line'
"Professor," Harry said, approaching Snape after Potions class.
Severus looked up. "Yes, Harry?" he asked, after making sure no other person heard him speak so informally to a student. "What is it?"
"Did you know that Voldemort had a daughter?"
The tall Professor tilted his head. "No. He did?"
Harry wanted to talk to Severus Snape, his mentor, about Vanella, but, because she had trusted Harry enough to suspect he wouldn't say anything about her heritage, decided against it. "It's a rumor. Going around the school," he said.
Severus eyed him strangely, but Harry left quickly enough to avoid questioning. Snape decided he would have to ask Albus if he knew anything about the boy's strange actions. And this supposed daughter of Voldemort.
'squigly line, star, squigly line, star, squigly line, star, squigly line, star, squigly line, star, squigly line'
Harry exited the dorm quietly, Vitesse wrapped around his waist in a peaceful slumber. The boy didn't know how she could possible sleep like that, but she did. So, together, they went walking through the corridors of Hogwarts.
Harry walked aimlessly for quite a while, occasionally dodging the path of Filch and/or Mrs. Norris.
He wasn't extremely surprised when he found himself in front of the locked door in the third corridor. Taking out his wand, he whispered the spell, "Alohomora."
Quietly, he entered. The room looked like an empty classroom, with the exception of the large, dark mass sitting in the room. Enormous. With a muttered "Lumos," he observed the creature in the wee light.
It was, indeed, a three-headed dog. Large and sleek, it was ten times bigger than any dog Harry had ever seen. With three big noses and three large maws, it was easily something that could frighten a grown man.
Knowing the dog could awaken at any second, Harry charmed a flute that he had found earlier under Draco's bed to play. The dog did not awaken, but lowered into a deeper sleep, allowing Harry to look around the room.
Even under close inspection, the room was just like any other classroom. Then he noticed it.
The four corners and hinges of a trapdoor were just barely visible underneath a gigantic paw.
Carefully, the boy moved the paw with great effort and strain. Once assuring himself the dog was completely asleep, he opened the trapdoor. Even with his glowing wand waving over the entrance, the passageway down was completely black.
Harry couldn't think of what to do. He sat back, staring in to the passage. He could tell it went directly down, but it looked like something was blocking the floor. What it was wasn't decipherable.
After a few minutes of biting his lip in thought, Harry decided to test for danger, using the 'Foresee Danger' spell. Pointing his wand downwards, into the passage, he muttered, "Provideo periculum." The wand briefly turned black and vibrated, signing that there was a tremendous amount of danger lurking below.
With a raised eyebrow, Harry nodded. That's what he had expected. Quickly and carefully, he stopped the magically playing flute and exited the room, heading back to the Slytherin Common Room.
'squigly line, star, squigly line, star, squigly line, star, squigly line, star, squigly line, star, squigly line'
Author's note: I apologize for my update-less weekend, also. I couldn't have done anything about it. Also, I suspect I've spelled 'Alohomora' and/or 'Bauxbatons' wrong. Feel free to correct me.
But anyway, I hope this was longer for those who wanted it to be. I tried, honestly. This chapter is about two pages more on Word, not a lot, I know, but I'm not sure I could have lenghened it without going against my thinking process.
And, I want to ask anyone if they know the names of the members of the Slytherin Quidditch team (besides Draco Malfoy, of course; he doesn't count, this year). I don't know if it says them in the books, but if it does, I can't find them. I think it probably says them in the announcements for the Slytherin-Gryffindor Quidditch games, but whenever I need to find things like that, I can't. Go figure, huh?
One Translation:
"Provideo periculum": 'Foresee danger'. Literally.
And reviews. As of this chapter I have over a hundred reviews... woohoo! Ah, anyways... I believe starangel2106 marked one hundred. Yay! Answers:
ReflectionsOfReality: Oh. No, I don't think I'm doing that. I was thinking about it in the beginning, but decided against it because it's not what I believe I want. I have read plenty of fanfics, thank you very much. Well... I've read a lot, not enough to know exactly what's going on in the world of fan-fiction. I didn't know what all of the Challenges were or where do get information on them, even if I have seen the names around. Some of my favorite Severitus Challenges are 'Not Myself' and 'Intoxication', though I'm sure there are good ones out there I've never seen. Voldemort could possibly have had a consort or wife, alright. But not in this story, at least. For now he's just scum in the wizarding world who only got a daughter by raping the mother. As for 'discovering Wormtail', oh, alright. Don't worry, only Sirius can do that. And only after realizing the missing toe. And D, I can't think of a way that would happen, although I bet if I dwelled on it I could. But never fear... I'm not going to say everything that happens because that ruins the excitement of the moment, but Crouch is not discovered before Halloween. As for the monkey thing.... it's a good thing you were joking, because that was mean! And yes, I do leave myself open sometimes, as a habit. Ah, anyways. If only I were a monkey, and had a chance to produce a masterpiece!
Achin 2 Lick Clays Neck: First Review: All of the things Mr. Ollivander said were straight from the book. I just can't say it better than J.K.R. did! I like Mr. Ollivander, though, no matter how odd he is. Thank you! Second Review: I thought so, too. Thanks, though!
crazy-lil-nae-nae: Thanks, and I'll try!
starangel2106: That's... 100 or 105 now, I believe... ah, anyways... I bet I'm just as lazy. I love it. Makes life much easier, just being lazy. Usually half-asleep while you're typing? I do that sometimes. Though I can still see, most often. That's alright though, you don't always have to see to type, as long as you know where all the keys are and are used to the specific keyboard. .... Ah, yes, the goldfish-look! I figured a good time to sneak in a Snape-goldfish-look would be when he's being accused of trying to steal the stone. .... Yep, I've read stories like that. Drives me insane, I swear. And, yes, I've read in study hall and had to move on to another class before being able to read parts. I hate that. But at least, with that, you know you can just read it later, whereas, with a cliffhanger, you never know when it'll be updated. I tried to hurry, a little. There wasn't anything I could do at my dad's though. Oh, well. I'm back! Ah, and thanks! I'd say the same, but the weekend's over... so have a fun week!
shirriez: Thanks! I picture books in my head, too. Usually it's very odd when the movie comes out, though, because everything is different, but I'm straying, here. Anyhow, yea, that's pretty much what El is. Ah, I was hoping that Quirrell's discovery was a bit unexpected. And I thought it fit in rather nicely, too... oh, well. I'm going to have to go write Chapter 21 now, just for the fun of seeing what I will make happen... hmm..... Thanks again!
Hakkai - Goyjo - Goku - Sanzo: Nah, they're not in trouble. Snape even forgot, in the heat of the moment, to administer punishment for being out past curfew. Thanks for the review!
Yuikey: Thanks!
Ah, and once again my rambling are halted for another chapter. It could be tomorrow or later tonight, depending on whether I feel like reading or writing. Although I do have to go grocery shopping, so no promises!...