1 The Fifth Marauder
Chapter 3: Fudge's Decision:
1.1
Finding a hypnosis consulting room had been easier than Sam would have thought. Leaving a speechless Jack by the car, she had dashed to her room and searched within the regional phonebook. This sort of parallel 'science' had actually become incredibly popular and many psychiatrists offered their services. She wrote down the address of the nearest one before running back to the base car park.
Persuading the Colonel had been far more difficult…
She had vainly attempted to explain him she was in a period of high interest for all kind of parallel medicines in response to the rationalism her work required.
But he was not taken in by it. She ended by promising to give a 'plausible' motive on their way…and to fish alone with him an entire week during their annual (and often cut short) summer holidays.
He was still moaning as they entered the high way.
"Right Carter. You have ten minutes to tell me why exactly we are spoiling my chance to initiate you to the joys of fishing, to meet a quack waving a pendulum?"
She was tense. Oh, after dealing with aliens for the past four years, she had no doubt he would believe her. She was just afraid he would feel offended not to have been told.
********
She would be relating her story again to the second person in two days after waiting a whole year and was now on her way to see a therapist… She giggled at the thought.
He threw her a deadly glare. "You aren't making fun of me, are you?"
"No, not at all, sir. Could we stop in this rest area, please?" He obeyed and waited for her to speak.
"First, I want you to know that I have a total confidence in you. But I was scared. Awfully scared and thought no one could deal with something so…personal I couldn't understand myself. I am ready now. Or determined at least."
He was visibly lost.
"I believe a memory was erased from my mind and replaced by another one."
"Like in the Zatarc thing?"
"Exactly. But I'm no Zatarc. I can't figure what replaced this memory up to now or who did so, but it's real. I dream from the murder of a woman, Lily, even if I still don't remember her." She described once more her nightmare, adding the changes occurred the previous night.
"Sometimes, people who've witnessed a traumatizing event block the memory because it's too hard to live with it."
"I know, but Jolinar assured me the blockade was artificial."
"Jolinar?! When exactly did you start to remember?"
She had feared the question. "A year."
He stared at her, flabbergasted, as she reported her 'conversation' with the Tok'ra; looking guiltily at her feet. And he had constantly thought her fatigue was due to their laborious missions!
He stood quiet for a couple of minutes.
"When…when my son died; Sara was unconscious for three weeks and we thought she would never wake. Maybe someone erased your memory to protect you, to help you to recover from this event."
He had a point. She realized sadly it was one of the rare times he had opened completely to her. "It is also possible that the murderer didn't want me to remember his face."
"And you still don't."
"No."
"But you want to."
"Yes."
"There is no way to dissuade you then! Let's go. I just hope you won't be too disappointed when you'll understand your Dr. is a great charlatan."
She covered his hand with hers and smiled. "Thank you."
"Oh, I'm just doing this for my promised fishing week." He squeezed her hand and returned the smile.
********
Dr. Victor Simon, hypnopsychiatrist, had only a few patients on morning during the week, and was able to see them straight away. He was a small man with squared glasses and a dense mustache of the same brown as his short hair. His office was identical to any other doctors' one. He started by asking the purpose of their visit.
Sam gave him a censored explanation of the matter.
"I have started to remember for a year an event I had completely forgotten about. I actually witnessed the murder of a woman who could have been one of my friends. I read in a scientific magazine that hypnosis could help people who suffered such traumatisms to outdo them." Jack coughed at the words 'scientific magazine' to hide his laughter.
Sam tried to keep her face still and continued. "I want to remember in order to move forward. It is also possible that me remembering the killer's face could be important for I don't know if he was arrested."
Simon finished to take notes and raised his head.
"Hypnosis could indeed help you. I have myself already treated a similar case. You seem to be rather informed on the technique but I believe you and your husband would like to have some precisions on my methods."
Sam blushed a bright red and Jack grinned, pleased.
"Huh…this is Jonathan O'Neill, a close friend. We would like a few details, thank you."
"As you certainly read it, hypnosis is a state of concentration and relaxation, that allows the emotional and automatic part of the human behavior, more commonly know as the subconscious mind, to be more receptive than in a normal fully awake state. This state is a close relative of the state Yogis or people meditating put themselves into...That's a state where you may become aware, sensitive to suggestions that have a particular meaning to you, that is to say that you can willingly feel abstract, imaginary and complex emotions and even sensations; hidden memories in your case."
"So, she'll only have to relax to remember?" Jack looked perplexed.
"Almost. A person in a hypnotic state doesn't sleep, and, if she wants or needs to, is conscious of what is happening around her. A movie or a book you like can help get yourself in a hypnotic state. When time seems shorter, when you feel imaginary emotions while a football match or in front of a horror picture, you are self-hypnotized without even knowing it (ask TV advertisers)!"
"It sounds a bit dangerous to me…"
"Not at all. It is safe and danger less as long as your goals stay levelheaded. The only real danger is to try to improve one's capabilities above reasonable limits. Hypnosis doesn't turn you into Superman. It is as well impossible to stay under hypnosis forever. Nobody can concentrate that long! And finally, hypnosis is no lie detector. You can lie under hypnosis. The conscious mind keeps its own border. Some people pretend to have a hypnotic power; in fact they manipulate the mind of those who believe it. Hypnotic power works on yourself from yourself for your own benefit if you really want this benefit."
Jack looked satisfied. It was enough for Sam to trust Simon.
"How many sessions will be necessary to remember everything?"
"It will depend on you. Your remembrance could be progressive or complete at once thanks to a trigger; a really singular situation."
She was slightly frustrated. Of course! It had taken her 5 months to distinguish her hair; it couldn't promptly become clear. Even if things seemed to accelerate lately…
"Oh, she could surprise you doc!"
She smiled again at Jack and followed him and Simon in another room where stood a typical psychiatrist black-leathered long chair next to a comfortable armchair, a smaller chair and an expensive hi-fi system.
"Could my friend stay during the session? I feel a bit nervous. And he would also be able to report me exactly how it had been."
Jack looked at her gratefully.
"I have no objection as long as he doesn't disturb you."
She laid waiting for his instructions.
********
"At first, we should focus our efforts on determining who Lily is truly to you." He put a soft music; a mix between Pan's pipes and birds' cries; and sat by her side.
"Close your eyes and try to empty your head; just listen to the music."
Five minutes later, Sam felt completely peaceful.
"Describe her as precisely as possible"
Sam complied. After her last vision, the question was easy.
"You said she was defending someone."
"Harry"
"Who is Harry?"
"Her son, I believe. The man wanted to kill the baby. But she would not let him do so and intervened."
"He was not going to kill her in the first place?"
"No."
"You couldn't see the child from where you stood, but imagine yourself walking to his cradle. What does he look like?"
To Jack's disbelief, she answered. "He is beautiful. His eyes, they are identical to Lily's; the same bright green." She smiled, her eyes still closed. "But he's got James hair. Jet black and untidy."
"Is James Lily's husband?"
"Yes."
"Can you describe him?"
She concentrated, her features tensed. "No. But I am totally sure Harry look just like him. Apart from his eyes."
"Well done. Let's try to go deeper. Don't think. Just try to put the first name that comes to you. Harry, James and Lily…"
Sam opened her eyes at once.
"Potter. Her name was Lily Potter."
********
"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Heathrow Airport, England. The external temperature is 14°C and local time 15 P.M. Thank you for choosing American Airlines; we hope you enjoyed your flight and we will have the privilege to see you again on our lines."
Jacob adjusted his watch and stretched his drowsy legs before standing up from his comfortable first class seat. He had no luggage apart from his small attaché case and was soon outside. A tall blond young man with hazel brown eyes was waiting, a small sign with his name on it in his hands.
"Mr. Carter?"
"Himself."
"I am Charley Bates, Minister's Fudge personal assistant. Please follow me, you will be introduce to the Minister in no time."
He led him to the extreme end of the car park, dark and deserted, next to a stunning Rolls Royce…
But it was not their car. Bates leaned under it and picked up a…football.
"I believe you've never traveled by portkey Mr. Carter?"
Jacob eyed the ball perplexed. "Huh…No."
"They are objects that are used to transport wizards from one spot to another at a prearranged time. Please, place both your hands next to mines on the ball."
Wizards. He had not heard this word, within ten years. Since they had…
Bates, one eye still on his watch started the countdown.
"Three…two…one…"
It happened immediately. Jacob felt as though a hook just behind his navel had been suddenly jerked forwards. His feet had left the ground; they were speeding forwards in a howl of wind and swirling color; his hands were stuck to the ball as though it was pulling him magnetically onwards and then-
His feet slammed into the ground. He fought to keep his balance; opening his eyes he had unconsciously closed.
They had landed in the center of a vast office.
"Please, have a seat and wait. I'll go and inform the Minister of your presence." He left with the ball.
Jacob nodded absently, immersed in the contemplation of his surroundings.
The room was decorated luxuriously. The walls were covered with a golden tapestry sprinkling with red griffons where were hung a dozen of paintings of who must have been the previous ministers, all dressed in beautiful old fashioned clothes and cloaks; and all…
…Moving in their frames as they stared curiously at him or whispered to each other.
Jacob smiled, looking hungrily at the figures. After Sam 'forced' amnesia, he had thrown away all the moving pictures he possessed and the same old childish wonder was now gaining him.
He took place in a dark green velvet armchair in front of a huge carved oak desk where sat imposingly a gold plaque.
He read. CORNELIUS FUDGE – MINISTER OF MAGIC.
********
He heard a "pop" behind him and turned around to see a man emerging from the colossal fireplace. He was a short, portly man with rumpled gray hair. He was wearing his usual strange mixture of clothes: a pinstriped suit, a scarlet tie, a long black cloak and pointed purple boots.
Jacob thought hard. How did they call it? Ah, yes. Floo Powder. As quick as the Goa'uld rings, he remembered.
He stood up and moved forwards to greet him.
"Good afternoon, Minister. It is nice to meet you again."
"My pleasure, Mr. Carter. Even if I wish the circumstances were different."
He sat behind his desk, offering Jacob the same chair he had been sitting on.
"Samantha is recovering her memory."
It was no question but he nodded.
"Well, Mr. Jacob, you must understand that no one has ever fought a spell as strong as the one that was cast on your daughter. Being a muggle, you are not aware of the present situation our community goes through and it is my duty to inform you."
Muggle. A person with no magical abilities. Another word Jacob had not heard for long.
"You Know Who has ones more risen."
He went abruptly white. "Voldemort?"
Fudge clenched his teeth, irritated. "Yes, him. Young Harry Potter was almost killed last year. The Death Eaters are assembling and we fear a new wave or terror within the magical world."
Jacob was choked. He had thought… all this was a part of the past! He had dedicated his life to the Tok'ra to fight a new threat: the Goa'uld. But his past, Sam's past was catching up with them; placing her as principal target of that monster.
He had lost his wife. He would not lose his daughter.
"We have to know how exactly it happened. I believe the cause of her remembrance comes from the Stargate Project."
Fudge was in contact with their world's authorities. There was no need to lie. However, Jacob would not tell him more than he already knew.
"An alien entity took over Samantha's body and released her from the spell."
Fudge was thoughtful. "Of course… Don't misunderstand my reaction; but it is a great relief for us."
He avoided Jacob's eyes. "News travel fast round the Ministry and rumors about the Dark Lord being the origin of her recollection were spread."
"You mean…EVERYONE KNOWS?" Jacob was trying to remain calm now.
"No, of course not. But what we are now going to do is not my own decision or yours. It could have been. But in those disturbed times; I had to convoke the assembly. How much does she remember?"
"She only has a blurred vision of Lily Potter's death. But it slowly gets clearer and it's enough to disturb her."
"She doesn't know yet she is a witch?"
"No."
"You want us to obliviate her again, don't you?"
It was another statement and Fudge's gaze was peering through Jacob; making him feel completely naked in front of the older man.
He held his gaze. "I will not risk my daughter's mental health…again." His tone was strong with emotion and will.
Fudge leaned back against his massive black velvet chair.
"But is it really what your daughter wants, Jacob?"
He was taken aback. Sam wanted to remember. But she couldn't make the decision; she didn't know what it implied…
********
Fudge was not a father but could easily comprehend his dilemma. The muggle had gone through so much in his life…
But if there was the slightest possibility of Samantha Carter coming back to their world as the Auror she had once been, they couldn't miss it.
Samantha Carter. One of Hogwarts smartest student, a skillful Auror, and…
And the single witness of Voldemort's defeat.
There might be something in her souvenirs they could use against him; and they dramatically need anything that could help them.
Again, they had not erased her memory innocently. It had been better than sending her insane to St Mungo's hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. But she may go beyond her traumatism after all those years.
Funny, he thought sarcastically, that her present job was as dangerous as the one they took her away from.
It might be fate. Or it more probably means that with her memory or not a person doesn't change that much…
"Samantha is still out of danger and able to make her own decision this time. In agreement with you, the ministry would like to send a trustworthy person to deal with her."
"What if Voldemort hears of it?"
"We would of course take all the precautions to prevent this."
Jacob sighed.
"Considering that I have nothing better to suggest, I can only agree. Who will be sent?"
A third soft but deep voice echoed in the room.
"Me."
********
It took Sam fifteen minutes to concentrate again after her first flash.
"Lily's last name is Potter?"
"Yes."
"It's James's last name, isn't it?"
"Yes."
"What was Lily's maiden name?"
She thought about it, but again, answered.
"Evans. Lily Evans."
"Amazing Miss Carter, amazing. Miss Evans and yourself shared a long- standing friendship…"
"Yes. As though I had always known her."
"Since your childhood, then?"
"Since my first year."
"You mean since primary school?"
"No…I mean since my first year; after primary school."
"6th Grade?"
"Yes."
"What was the name of your school?"
"It was a boarding school in Vermont."
"What was its name? Can you reminder Lily as your fellow student?"
"I…the school…Lily was not at the school…the name, I can't remember the name"
She was becoming agitated. "Doctor, the school… it sounds wrong. I am persuaded Lily was my classmate, but she was not in Vermont."
"Are you sure you've not met her later?"
"No."
"Was James also your friend?"
"Yes. I think I knew him for as long as Lily."
"Did they already get along well when they were young?"
"They were inseparable."
"Could James be still alive?"
She sat up, clenching the armrests as she held back her tears.
"That's the first thing he told us when he burst into the house. He had already killed James."
"Who Samantha? The same murderer?"
"Yes." She whispered to herself. Who Must Not Be Named.
********
The man had just 'Apparated' in the room. Yes, that was the word. Sam used to do the same to go to her work formerly. That is to say appeared from nowhere. He was tall, thin and very old, judging by the silver of his hair and beard, which were both long enough to tuck into his belt. He was wearing long robes, a purple cloak and high-heeled, buckled boots. His blue eyes were light, bright and sparkling behind half-moon spectacles and his nose was very long and crooked, as though it had been broken at least twice.
"Welcome Albus. Just on time; as usual."
Jacob stood up and stretched out his hand.
"It has been a long time, Professor Dumbledore."
The stranger shook it and Jacob felt immediately at ease
"Far too long, Jacob. But let's go straight to the point. I would like to meet Samantha this very day."
"I trust you Professor; but I don't want you to influence my daughter's choice in any ways, understand?"
"Of course."
Fudge beamed clearly reassured. "As soon as I would have informed the Assembly, you will be able to leave and complete your mission Albus. Mr. Carter, I advise you to stay in London until his return so we could work things out together once her decision taken."
"I agree."
"You may leave then. I'll have Charley taken you to a hotel nearby where you can easily join us. The ministry will of course pay for all your expenses. Follow me."
He led him to the door where Bates was already waiting for him.
"No Portkey?" He teased.
"No, the staircase is sufficient to leave the building. We rent a car with a driver for you. It is already there."
Hum…Jacob had almost forgotten that being important had all sorts of advantages…
********
Jack had insisted to pay for the session and Sam had reluctantly given up, still shaken by her newest memories.
He was less pleased when he saw the bill. 55$… Time had flown and without noticing it, she had spent 2 hours and a half with Simon. Two beneficial hours at least. Simon was very optimistic about Sam recovering her full memory very quickly.
Jack had taken her to a fast-food restaurant he knew in the environs, speaking in praise of junk food as best remedy when you felt down in the dumps…
He really knew how to cheer someone up. He was so attentive and understanding. It felt so right to be with him, to open totally to him. She was with the man she loved and her sadness was soon again replaced by determination.
She was also unfortunately worn out by her long concentration and they decided to drive back to the base.
"Sir?"
"Yes?"
"Do you think they could have erased more than one night? I mean, like my whole school years?"
He didn't answer.
********
They would arrive soon and she was gradually falling asleep.
"Carter?"
"Hum?"
"I'm afraid it might well be possible. You know, about your school. Look, you were in Vermont and you've never fished?!"
She rolled her eyes but smiled in spite of herself.
Author's Notes:
A few details:
Sara is O'Neill ex-wife. Their son Charlie shoot himself with his father's gun; Jack and Sara divorced soon after.
The Harry Potter Characters are slowly appearing!! More of them in Chap 4. I'll also have Daniel and Teal'c be more present in the next chapter. Poor boys, abandoned so far…sniff…
I had to do research on hypnosis to write this part. I had kept the idea of a man staring at you, muttering 'You are within my power!'… ^-^!
But it's quite different…
Thanks to my faithful Lara for reviewing!
REVIEW!!
Jaina.
Disclaimer: I do not own Stargate Sg1, Harry Potter and their characters. You would certainly know if I did…
Chapter 3: Fudge's Decision:
1.1
Finding a hypnosis consulting room had been easier than Sam would have thought. Leaving a speechless Jack by the car, she had dashed to her room and searched within the regional phonebook. This sort of parallel 'science' had actually become incredibly popular and many psychiatrists offered their services. She wrote down the address of the nearest one before running back to the base car park.
Persuading the Colonel had been far more difficult…
She had vainly attempted to explain him she was in a period of high interest for all kind of parallel medicines in response to the rationalism her work required.
But he was not taken in by it. She ended by promising to give a 'plausible' motive on their way…and to fish alone with him an entire week during their annual (and often cut short) summer holidays.
He was still moaning as they entered the high way.
"Right Carter. You have ten minutes to tell me why exactly we are spoiling my chance to initiate you to the joys of fishing, to meet a quack waving a pendulum?"
She was tense. Oh, after dealing with aliens for the past four years, she had no doubt he would believe her. She was just afraid he would feel offended not to have been told.
********
She would be relating her story again to the second person in two days after waiting a whole year and was now on her way to see a therapist… She giggled at the thought.
He threw her a deadly glare. "You aren't making fun of me, are you?"
"No, not at all, sir. Could we stop in this rest area, please?" He obeyed and waited for her to speak.
"First, I want you to know that I have a total confidence in you. But I was scared. Awfully scared and thought no one could deal with something so…personal I couldn't understand myself. I am ready now. Or determined at least."
He was visibly lost.
"I believe a memory was erased from my mind and replaced by another one."
"Like in the Zatarc thing?"
"Exactly. But I'm no Zatarc. I can't figure what replaced this memory up to now or who did so, but it's real. I dream from the murder of a woman, Lily, even if I still don't remember her." She described once more her nightmare, adding the changes occurred the previous night.
"Sometimes, people who've witnessed a traumatizing event block the memory because it's too hard to live with it."
"I know, but Jolinar assured me the blockade was artificial."
"Jolinar?! When exactly did you start to remember?"
She had feared the question. "A year."
He stared at her, flabbergasted, as she reported her 'conversation' with the Tok'ra; looking guiltily at her feet. And he had constantly thought her fatigue was due to their laborious missions!
He stood quiet for a couple of minutes.
"When…when my son died; Sara was unconscious for three weeks and we thought she would never wake. Maybe someone erased your memory to protect you, to help you to recover from this event."
He had a point. She realized sadly it was one of the rare times he had opened completely to her. "It is also possible that the murderer didn't want me to remember his face."
"And you still don't."
"No."
"But you want to."
"Yes."
"There is no way to dissuade you then! Let's go. I just hope you won't be too disappointed when you'll understand your Dr. is a great charlatan."
She covered his hand with hers and smiled. "Thank you."
"Oh, I'm just doing this for my promised fishing week." He squeezed her hand and returned the smile.
********
Dr. Victor Simon, hypnopsychiatrist, had only a few patients on morning during the week, and was able to see them straight away. He was a small man with squared glasses and a dense mustache of the same brown as his short hair. His office was identical to any other doctors' one. He started by asking the purpose of their visit.
Sam gave him a censored explanation of the matter.
"I have started to remember for a year an event I had completely forgotten about. I actually witnessed the murder of a woman who could have been one of my friends. I read in a scientific magazine that hypnosis could help people who suffered such traumatisms to outdo them." Jack coughed at the words 'scientific magazine' to hide his laughter.
Sam tried to keep her face still and continued. "I want to remember in order to move forward. It is also possible that me remembering the killer's face could be important for I don't know if he was arrested."
Simon finished to take notes and raised his head.
"Hypnosis could indeed help you. I have myself already treated a similar case. You seem to be rather informed on the technique but I believe you and your husband would like to have some precisions on my methods."
Sam blushed a bright red and Jack grinned, pleased.
"Huh…this is Jonathan O'Neill, a close friend. We would like a few details, thank you."
"As you certainly read it, hypnosis is a state of concentration and relaxation, that allows the emotional and automatic part of the human behavior, more commonly know as the subconscious mind, to be more receptive than in a normal fully awake state. This state is a close relative of the state Yogis or people meditating put themselves into...That's a state where you may become aware, sensitive to suggestions that have a particular meaning to you, that is to say that you can willingly feel abstract, imaginary and complex emotions and even sensations; hidden memories in your case."
"So, she'll only have to relax to remember?" Jack looked perplexed.
"Almost. A person in a hypnotic state doesn't sleep, and, if she wants or needs to, is conscious of what is happening around her. A movie or a book you like can help get yourself in a hypnotic state. When time seems shorter, when you feel imaginary emotions while a football match or in front of a horror picture, you are self-hypnotized without even knowing it (ask TV advertisers)!"
"It sounds a bit dangerous to me…"
"Not at all. It is safe and danger less as long as your goals stay levelheaded. The only real danger is to try to improve one's capabilities above reasonable limits. Hypnosis doesn't turn you into Superman. It is as well impossible to stay under hypnosis forever. Nobody can concentrate that long! And finally, hypnosis is no lie detector. You can lie under hypnosis. The conscious mind keeps its own border. Some people pretend to have a hypnotic power; in fact they manipulate the mind of those who believe it. Hypnotic power works on yourself from yourself for your own benefit if you really want this benefit."
Jack looked satisfied. It was enough for Sam to trust Simon.
"How many sessions will be necessary to remember everything?"
"It will depend on you. Your remembrance could be progressive or complete at once thanks to a trigger; a really singular situation."
She was slightly frustrated. Of course! It had taken her 5 months to distinguish her hair; it couldn't promptly become clear. Even if things seemed to accelerate lately…
"Oh, she could surprise you doc!"
She smiled again at Jack and followed him and Simon in another room where stood a typical psychiatrist black-leathered long chair next to a comfortable armchair, a smaller chair and an expensive hi-fi system.
"Could my friend stay during the session? I feel a bit nervous. And he would also be able to report me exactly how it had been."
Jack looked at her gratefully.
"I have no objection as long as he doesn't disturb you."
She laid waiting for his instructions.
********
"At first, we should focus our efforts on determining who Lily is truly to you." He put a soft music; a mix between Pan's pipes and birds' cries; and sat by her side.
"Close your eyes and try to empty your head; just listen to the music."
Five minutes later, Sam felt completely peaceful.
"Describe her as precisely as possible"
Sam complied. After her last vision, the question was easy.
"You said she was defending someone."
"Harry"
"Who is Harry?"
"Her son, I believe. The man wanted to kill the baby. But she would not let him do so and intervened."
"He was not going to kill her in the first place?"
"No."
"You couldn't see the child from where you stood, but imagine yourself walking to his cradle. What does he look like?"
To Jack's disbelief, she answered. "He is beautiful. His eyes, they are identical to Lily's; the same bright green." She smiled, her eyes still closed. "But he's got James hair. Jet black and untidy."
"Is James Lily's husband?"
"Yes."
"Can you describe him?"
She concentrated, her features tensed. "No. But I am totally sure Harry look just like him. Apart from his eyes."
"Well done. Let's try to go deeper. Don't think. Just try to put the first name that comes to you. Harry, James and Lily…"
Sam opened her eyes at once.
"Potter. Her name was Lily Potter."
********
"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Heathrow Airport, England. The external temperature is 14°C and local time 15 P.M. Thank you for choosing American Airlines; we hope you enjoyed your flight and we will have the privilege to see you again on our lines."
Jacob adjusted his watch and stretched his drowsy legs before standing up from his comfortable first class seat. He had no luggage apart from his small attaché case and was soon outside. A tall blond young man with hazel brown eyes was waiting, a small sign with his name on it in his hands.
"Mr. Carter?"
"Himself."
"I am Charley Bates, Minister's Fudge personal assistant. Please follow me, you will be introduce to the Minister in no time."
He led him to the extreme end of the car park, dark and deserted, next to a stunning Rolls Royce…
But it was not their car. Bates leaned under it and picked up a…football.
"I believe you've never traveled by portkey Mr. Carter?"
Jacob eyed the ball perplexed. "Huh…No."
"They are objects that are used to transport wizards from one spot to another at a prearranged time. Please, place both your hands next to mines on the ball."
Wizards. He had not heard this word, within ten years. Since they had…
Bates, one eye still on his watch started the countdown.
"Three…two…one…"
It happened immediately. Jacob felt as though a hook just behind his navel had been suddenly jerked forwards. His feet had left the ground; they were speeding forwards in a howl of wind and swirling color; his hands were stuck to the ball as though it was pulling him magnetically onwards and then-
His feet slammed into the ground. He fought to keep his balance; opening his eyes he had unconsciously closed.
They had landed in the center of a vast office.
"Please, have a seat and wait. I'll go and inform the Minister of your presence." He left with the ball.
Jacob nodded absently, immersed in the contemplation of his surroundings.
The room was decorated luxuriously. The walls were covered with a golden tapestry sprinkling with red griffons where were hung a dozen of paintings of who must have been the previous ministers, all dressed in beautiful old fashioned clothes and cloaks; and all…
…Moving in their frames as they stared curiously at him or whispered to each other.
Jacob smiled, looking hungrily at the figures. After Sam 'forced' amnesia, he had thrown away all the moving pictures he possessed and the same old childish wonder was now gaining him.
He took place in a dark green velvet armchair in front of a huge carved oak desk where sat imposingly a gold plaque.
He read. CORNELIUS FUDGE – MINISTER OF MAGIC.
********
He heard a "pop" behind him and turned around to see a man emerging from the colossal fireplace. He was a short, portly man with rumpled gray hair. He was wearing his usual strange mixture of clothes: a pinstriped suit, a scarlet tie, a long black cloak and pointed purple boots.
Jacob thought hard. How did they call it? Ah, yes. Floo Powder. As quick as the Goa'uld rings, he remembered.
He stood up and moved forwards to greet him.
"Good afternoon, Minister. It is nice to meet you again."
"My pleasure, Mr. Carter. Even if I wish the circumstances were different."
He sat behind his desk, offering Jacob the same chair he had been sitting on.
"Samantha is recovering her memory."
It was no question but he nodded.
"Well, Mr. Jacob, you must understand that no one has ever fought a spell as strong as the one that was cast on your daughter. Being a muggle, you are not aware of the present situation our community goes through and it is my duty to inform you."
Muggle. A person with no magical abilities. Another word Jacob had not heard for long.
"You Know Who has ones more risen."
He went abruptly white. "Voldemort?"
Fudge clenched his teeth, irritated. "Yes, him. Young Harry Potter was almost killed last year. The Death Eaters are assembling and we fear a new wave or terror within the magical world."
Jacob was choked. He had thought… all this was a part of the past! He had dedicated his life to the Tok'ra to fight a new threat: the Goa'uld. But his past, Sam's past was catching up with them; placing her as principal target of that monster.
He had lost his wife. He would not lose his daughter.
"We have to know how exactly it happened. I believe the cause of her remembrance comes from the Stargate Project."
Fudge was in contact with their world's authorities. There was no need to lie. However, Jacob would not tell him more than he already knew.
"An alien entity took over Samantha's body and released her from the spell."
Fudge was thoughtful. "Of course… Don't misunderstand my reaction; but it is a great relief for us."
He avoided Jacob's eyes. "News travel fast round the Ministry and rumors about the Dark Lord being the origin of her recollection were spread."
"You mean…EVERYONE KNOWS?" Jacob was trying to remain calm now.
"No, of course not. But what we are now going to do is not my own decision or yours. It could have been. But in those disturbed times; I had to convoke the assembly. How much does she remember?"
"She only has a blurred vision of Lily Potter's death. But it slowly gets clearer and it's enough to disturb her."
"She doesn't know yet she is a witch?"
"No."
"You want us to obliviate her again, don't you?"
It was another statement and Fudge's gaze was peering through Jacob; making him feel completely naked in front of the older man.
He held his gaze. "I will not risk my daughter's mental health…again." His tone was strong with emotion and will.
Fudge leaned back against his massive black velvet chair.
"But is it really what your daughter wants, Jacob?"
He was taken aback. Sam wanted to remember. But she couldn't make the decision; she didn't know what it implied…
********
Fudge was not a father but could easily comprehend his dilemma. The muggle had gone through so much in his life…
But if there was the slightest possibility of Samantha Carter coming back to their world as the Auror she had once been, they couldn't miss it.
Samantha Carter. One of Hogwarts smartest student, a skillful Auror, and…
And the single witness of Voldemort's defeat.
There might be something in her souvenirs they could use against him; and they dramatically need anything that could help them.
Again, they had not erased her memory innocently. It had been better than sending her insane to St Mungo's hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. But she may go beyond her traumatism after all those years.
Funny, he thought sarcastically, that her present job was as dangerous as the one they took her away from.
It might be fate. Or it more probably means that with her memory or not a person doesn't change that much…
"Samantha is still out of danger and able to make her own decision this time. In agreement with you, the ministry would like to send a trustworthy person to deal with her."
"What if Voldemort hears of it?"
"We would of course take all the precautions to prevent this."
Jacob sighed.
"Considering that I have nothing better to suggest, I can only agree. Who will be sent?"
A third soft but deep voice echoed in the room.
"Me."
********
It took Sam fifteen minutes to concentrate again after her first flash.
"Lily's last name is Potter?"
"Yes."
"It's James's last name, isn't it?"
"Yes."
"What was Lily's maiden name?"
She thought about it, but again, answered.
"Evans. Lily Evans."
"Amazing Miss Carter, amazing. Miss Evans and yourself shared a long- standing friendship…"
"Yes. As though I had always known her."
"Since your childhood, then?"
"Since my first year."
"You mean since primary school?"
"No…I mean since my first year; after primary school."
"6th Grade?"
"Yes."
"What was the name of your school?"
"It was a boarding school in Vermont."
"What was its name? Can you reminder Lily as your fellow student?"
"I…the school…Lily was not at the school…the name, I can't remember the name"
She was becoming agitated. "Doctor, the school… it sounds wrong. I am persuaded Lily was my classmate, but she was not in Vermont."
"Are you sure you've not met her later?"
"No."
"Was James also your friend?"
"Yes. I think I knew him for as long as Lily."
"Did they already get along well when they were young?"
"They were inseparable."
"Could James be still alive?"
She sat up, clenching the armrests as she held back her tears.
"That's the first thing he told us when he burst into the house. He had already killed James."
"Who Samantha? The same murderer?"
"Yes." She whispered to herself. Who Must Not Be Named.
********
The man had just 'Apparated' in the room. Yes, that was the word. Sam used to do the same to go to her work formerly. That is to say appeared from nowhere. He was tall, thin and very old, judging by the silver of his hair and beard, which were both long enough to tuck into his belt. He was wearing long robes, a purple cloak and high-heeled, buckled boots. His blue eyes were light, bright and sparkling behind half-moon spectacles and his nose was very long and crooked, as though it had been broken at least twice.
"Welcome Albus. Just on time; as usual."
Jacob stood up and stretched out his hand.
"It has been a long time, Professor Dumbledore."
The stranger shook it and Jacob felt immediately at ease
"Far too long, Jacob. But let's go straight to the point. I would like to meet Samantha this very day."
"I trust you Professor; but I don't want you to influence my daughter's choice in any ways, understand?"
"Of course."
Fudge beamed clearly reassured. "As soon as I would have informed the Assembly, you will be able to leave and complete your mission Albus. Mr. Carter, I advise you to stay in London until his return so we could work things out together once her decision taken."
"I agree."
"You may leave then. I'll have Charley taken you to a hotel nearby where you can easily join us. The ministry will of course pay for all your expenses. Follow me."
He led him to the door where Bates was already waiting for him.
"No Portkey?" He teased.
"No, the staircase is sufficient to leave the building. We rent a car with a driver for you. It is already there."
Hum…Jacob had almost forgotten that being important had all sorts of advantages…
********
Jack had insisted to pay for the session and Sam had reluctantly given up, still shaken by her newest memories.
He was less pleased when he saw the bill. 55$… Time had flown and without noticing it, she had spent 2 hours and a half with Simon. Two beneficial hours at least. Simon was very optimistic about Sam recovering her full memory very quickly.
Jack had taken her to a fast-food restaurant he knew in the environs, speaking in praise of junk food as best remedy when you felt down in the dumps…
He really knew how to cheer someone up. He was so attentive and understanding. It felt so right to be with him, to open totally to him. She was with the man she loved and her sadness was soon again replaced by determination.
She was also unfortunately worn out by her long concentration and they decided to drive back to the base.
"Sir?"
"Yes?"
"Do you think they could have erased more than one night? I mean, like my whole school years?"
He didn't answer.
********
They would arrive soon and she was gradually falling asleep.
"Carter?"
"Hum?"
"I'm afraid it might well be possible. You know, about your school. Look, you were in Vermont and you've never fished?!"
She rolled her eyes but smiled in spite of herself.
Author's Notes:
A few details:
Sara is O'Neill ex-wife. Their son Charlie shoot himself with his father's gun; Jack and Sara divorced soon after.
The Harry Potter Characters are slowly appearing!! More of them in Chap 4. I'll also have Daniel and Teal'c be more present in the next chapter. Poor boys, abandoned so far…sniff…
I had to do research on hypnosis to write this part. I had kept the idea of a man staring at you, muttering 'You are within my power!'… ^-^!
But it's quite different…
Thanks to my faithful Lara for reviewing!
REVIEW!!
Jaina.
Disclaimer: I do not own Stargate Sg1, Harry Potter and their characters. You would certainly know if I did…