The Fifth Marauder:
Chapter 8: Reunion:
'The Dark Arts differ from other forms of magic in the intent of the wizard using it. Most magic is relatively neutral--it can be used for bad or good. Some magic, however, is Evil in it's intention through and though. Spells of this kind are often called curses. Curses are spells that are intended to cause harm to another person. This intention to do harm places that spell into the realm of the Dark Arts. However, simply casting a Curse spell doesn't mean that a person is using the Dark Arts. Ultimately, the deep, true intention of the caster is what makes the difference.'
Sam looked up from the book – 'The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-protection' by Quentin Trimble – and stared absently at the open page, giving her mind the time to register what she had just read.
She glanced over at Albus whose eyes were glued to the little flat TV screen in front of him. Sam was quite puzzled. It seemed that the real reason why the old man hadn't wanted to answer her questions straight away was the film.
"Lilo and Stitch".
"Lilo and Stitch" for crying out loud! The Disney movie she had watched with Cassie a few weeks ago!
He had actually 'squealed' with delight at the Stewardess announcement, excited as a small child would be, and had hastily given Sam the book from his briefcase, telling her it was his first years' program and that she should start by going through it, that he would tell her where they were going after the movie. Then he had put his headphones on with record speed and not moved since. Hell, she hadn't even seen him blink!
She flicked through the pages, glancing at the chapters titles. Dark Magic Spells, Dark Magic Items, Dark Creatures.
A particular 'Dark Creature' who had a whole chapter for itself left Sam dazed.
VAMPIRES?!?
She quickly read the introduction and slammed the book shut in frustration.
"Albus."
No answer.
"Albus!"
He finally turned his head towards her.
"Albus, do you realize how absurd this is! Vampires! Right, and why not zombies while we're at it!"
"Oh, you were less enthusiastic about seeing them if my old memory does not trick me."
Sam's eyes widened.
"ZOMBIES?!?"
Several people turned to her and she sunk back a little in her seat with an apologetic smile.
"Why, zombies seem less real to you than aliens?"
"Yes! Of course! At least the existence of aliens can be scientifically proven! But zom-"
Albus snorted.
"Don't make fun of me. It's all new and.. well, surreal!"
"Hmm.. What? Oh, sorry. I was laughing at what little Stitch had said."
She glared at him.
"Samantha. The first thing you ought to do is forget all sense of rationalism or scientific reasoning. This is magic. It wouldn't be called so if we could reasonably explain it, now would it? For the moment, just try to accept every bit of information as a proven fact. Try to focus on remembering it. You already know all of it. It is right there, you just have to remember and it will 'make sense' once more ."
She sighed and reopened the book.
"So, were are we going?"
"I will tell you at the end of the film."
"Ok. Where are we going?"
"Samantha…"
"Sorry." She turned a page. "Where are we going?"
Albus increased the volume and immersed himself in the last part of the cartoon.
********
Jack missed Sam.
He had missed her the moment she had stepped through Gate 51.
Wait.
51?
51!
Oh. Just great! He restrained himself from growling out loud. Come on Jack! You've never been superstitious, so don't start.
But the Colonel couldn't help thinking that 51; or anything reminding him of the not so secret Area 51 and his 'best mate' the ex-Colonel Maybourne; was no good sign.
A glance at his wristwatch as he parked his car once more in the base car park told him that Sam should have gone through the 2/3 of her flight by now and Cassie back to her classes.
He sternly made his way to level –27. His new subordinate should be already waiting and there was a busy day ahead; a new planet to explore in a few hours. No time to sulk!
Hammond indeed asked for him as soon as he got out of the elevator.
Jack took his usual seat beside Teal'c in the debriefing room just in time for the General to come in.
Frasier and Major Davis were also in the room. It reminded him a little of the day Carter had joined the team.
Perhaps the other was also a woman? "But P-l-e-a-s-e!!! Not a scientist. Not a scientist. Not a scientist. Not a scientist"
Jack kept repeating his silent pleading, while presenting an innocent little smile. Science was theory. He needed action. So he had long ago given up trying to understand. And what he didn't understand annoyed him.
Well, he hadn't failed Science when he was in High School! Ok. He had been pretty bad. But still. It had been enough to deal with his job. He had never needed more: Sam was there.
Funny, he hated as much Sam talking about her scientific tribulations as he loved it. The passion in her voice and her delight in revolving the most difficult problems always warmed his heart.
"SG-1. You are here to welcome a new member for the time Major Carter will be away and I will ask you to make him feel part of your team for the time being. I will not offend you by reminding you how important team-work is during your missions, because you have all already proven yourselves to be well aware of it. Colonel, I trust you to make sure SG-1 keeps up to its standards with your new subordinate."
"Of course sir." Oh. So it was a 'him'. He smiled, remembering once again Carter's struggle to be respected as any other officer despite the fact she was a woman.
"Good. Let's not keep the suspense any longer then. Sergeant, you may enter."
They all stood up as the door opened to reveal a tall man with short (wavy?!) blond hair and blue eyes; flashing dazzlingly white teeth at them. He gave them a quick half formal salute.
Jack rose a suspicious eyebrow, very much in a Teal'c manner as he studied the newcomer. The fellow radiated confidence but his permanent smile and open manners were slightly…irritating.
Jack had a strange feeling. Yes. That's it. The man was already getting on his nerves.
Nahhh… It must only be the annoyance at seeing someone in Sam's chair. But…this feeling… Like he was taking an overexcited unqualified school kid with him… Come on, now. Keep your cool. Don't do such stupid thing as to judge the guy on first impressions. Lets him show you what he can do first. Surely Hammond knows who he is hiring. Well.. He did, right? Because the strange twitch in his face as he forced himself to smile was more than peculiar.
"SG-1, please welcome Sergeant Gilderoy Lockhart to the team."
(A.N: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA + Jaina rolls on the floor, very pleased with herself +)
********
Sam woke with a start as she felt Albus' hand on her shoulder. She had fallen asleep with the open book on her lap. A short agitated sleep.
She had dreamed again. No. Remembered. Remembered about when she had received her Hogwarts letter; safely folded in her handbag; the joy and pride in her mother's eyes.
'Listen carefully, Sammie. Today, your life takes a new path. Today we know for sure that you are a witch. Yes my love, a witch just like mummy, and next year, you will attend my school: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in England.'
England. Mom's mother country. Sam had been so excited yet so afraid. So happy yet so anxious. She had had to leave her home, her family, her friends, her dog (AN: okay, I wanted to delete the 'dog' but.. oh, well, it's my story *snickers*). But her mother had been there to reassure her and explain. Her mother had made plans with her for every holiday she would spend at home. Her mother had given her her old copy of 'Hogwarts: A History'. Sam had devoured and memorized it in less than two days. Her mother had come to London with her and shopped at this Diagon Alley where Albus had bought the book she held but that she could only remember by name. Her mother had helped her get to platform 93/4 and board the impressive and fuming red locomotive that was the Hogwarts Express.
And her mother had died in a car accident. A witch who died in a car accident.
Her father had told her she had died in a car accident. Or was it also something they had made up to fill the void of her memories?
And that was just another memory needing confirmation.
She rubbed the sleep from her eyes.
"First thing, a little visit to our dear Minister Fudge. Ah, I think your father will be there too."
"Albus, what exactly are you talking about?"
"Samantha! I thought you wanted to know where we were going?" He said in an amused tone. "Well, I'm telling you. We are going to find Fudge."
She stared at him in disbelief.
"You want to eat some Fudge?!?" (AN: Sorry ^^! Couldn't resist that one..)
Albus gave a chuckle.
"We are going to the Ministry of Magic in London whose present Minister of Magic is much to our dismay, Cornelius Fudge. We need to retrieve your wand they kept in the Ministry vaults and certify officially your reintegration to the magical community. Then, I'll take you somewhere safe for our little training session."
"There is a Ministry of Magic?"
"We are a structured community. Remember that we are a pendant to the Muggle world. We are also a republic and we also make mistakes in electing our representatives."
"Ouch. Is Fudge that bad?"
Albus sighed.
"Fudge has been Minister for a little more than five years now. He might not be a bad man but he is no more than a pawn in the hands of the wealthy men. He will give his trust to anybody making sufficient donations; and above all, he is a fool who refuse to open his eyes and don't learn from the past. He refused to acknowledge publicly Voldemort's return until it was almost too late! It took Voldemort to attack at the Ministry and almost kill Harry in the process to talk some sense into him. Ah, yes, child. The man irritates me. He irritates me for not being able to take actions to protect his citizens."
Sam nodded.
"I assume he can't be trusted, then?"
"Trust? I am afraid not. Not with any of our plans anyway. Samantha, to Fudge we are going straight back to Hogwarts to teach. No mention of the place we will really head to."
"So the cover was for him? Not only for the enemy but also the authorities?"
"Indeed. Now, I will see that we only meet Fudge and that you are not questioned yet. You haven't remembered anything useful to them anyway-" Sam reddened. "-which is quite good for us as I don't trust them keeping valuable information secret long. You can so speak honestly to Fudge. I will only ask you not to mention any of your Marauders friends. You don't remember Remus or Peter, and especially Sirius Black. Do you understand?"
At this point Sam was confused.
"Yes, but is something wrong with any of them? Sirius? Does he have any problems with the Ministry?"
Albus seemed suddenly uncomfortable, even if it only last a fraction of second, Sam had clearly seen him paled.
"The…situation…is a bit complicated to be resumed in a few words. Anyway, we will then take a portkey to our final destination."
"Portkey?"
"You'll see…"
"Final destination?"
"You'll see…"
Sam narrowed her eyes dangerously at him before throwing her arms in frustration and leaning in her seat.
********
Sam eyed her surroundings skeptically consulting once more the map. A few shabby-looking offices, a pub and an overflowing skip.
It was already the evening when they had landed due to the time difference. They had taken a taxi to London and then walked for a good fifteen minutes, Sam stopping every so often to enjoy the monuments and animated life of the city, until Albus drew her to a small back street in the middle of London.
"May I ask you why you brought us to the creepiest darkest narrow alley of all London; so that it doesn't even appear on the city map?"
Albus smiled and handed her his surprisingly light attaché case so that he could open it comfortably and seemed to be looking for something for a whole 5 minutes frowning; his arms –to Sam's amazement- disappearing completely in the small space; before finally retrieving a set of long heavy-looking flowing robes with a triumphal 'Ah!' and placing his hat inside. Sam's jaw dropped. But when she hastily looked inside, there was absolutely nothing apart for a few papers and several Mars bars.
"How…how do you do that?"
The old wizard put rapidly his robes on and drawing his wand he pointed it successively at her suitcase, handbag and his black business case.
"Watch and learn. Alleviate."
"What did you do?"
"This is a spell that makes an object weigh practically nothing. And this – Reducio -"
Sam watched in amazement as their luggage shrunk until they were small enough for Albus to put them in his pocket.
"-makes porters absolutely useless."
Satisfied, he walked to an old red telephone box, which was missing several panes of glass and stood before a heavily graffitied wall, opening the door for her.
"Remember Samantha, that things are often not what they appear to be."
Confused, she stepped in soon followed by Albus, leaving practically no space left in the box. He reached for the receiver, silently dialing… Sam turned her neck painfully to see. 6…2…4…4…2
She jumped, banging her shoulder on the glass surface behind her as a woman's voice suddenly filled the cabin, as loudly and plainly as though an invisible woman was standing right beside them, with the suave and mechanical tone of a pre-recorded voice mail.
"Welcome to the Ministry of Magic. Please state your name and business."
"Albus Dumbledore and Samantha Carter. We are here to meet Cornelius Fudge."
"Thank you. Visitor, please take the badge and attach it to the front of your robes."
There was a click and a rattle, and Sam saw something slide out of the metal chute where returned coins usually appeared. Albus reached the two golden square badges and handed her one. 'Samantha Carter, Meeting with the Minister'. Imitating the headmaster, she pinned it reluctantly to the front of her black leather jacket as the voice was heard again.
"Special visitor to the Ministry, you are not required to submit to a search and do not need to present your wand for registration at the security desk."
The floor of the telephone box shuddered and they were soon sinking slowly into the ground, lower and lower. A last look at Albus told her it was normal before they sunk below the last rays of sunlight.
After a minute or so, Sam felt their speed decreased. A bright golden light submerged them and the cabin stopped abruptly.
"The Ministry of Magic wishes you a pleasant day."
As they stepped out, Sam's eyes watered at the beauty of the place and at the familiarity of the scene.
Dozens of wizards and witches going about in their colorful clothes, emerging and disappearing in the massive fireplaces, their arms full of parchments or strange looking objects. Had she been less mesmerized by the people around her, Sam might have felt ill-at-ease in her jeans, trainers and leather jacket.
And halfway down the hall was a fountain formed by the golden statues of a wizard and witch, a centaur and a small quite ugly, but kind looking creature she did not recognize.
She felt Albus gently touch on her back.
"Follow me."
They moved through a set of golden gates at the far end of the hall into a smaller hall beyond, where at least twenty lifts stood behind wrought golden grilles. They stepped into an empty lift and as soon as the door closed, Sam couldn't contain her excitement any longer.
"I remember this place! I do! This is so beautiful! Who would ever think of looking for those quarters below the surface! And if I'm correct, above us must fly…Yes! I knew it!"
Albus smiled indulgently as four pale violet paper airplanes flapped idly around above his head all stamped with the words Ministry of Magic along the edge of their wings.
"Those are inter-departmental memos."
Just then, the same cool female voice resounded again.
"Level 7, Department of Magical Games and Sports, incorporating the British and Irish Quidditch League Headquarters, the Official Gobstones Club and the Ludicrous Patents Office"
The doors opened and the memos exited.
"What floor are we going to?"
"Level 1."
Levels 6 and 5 passed by but no one entered their lift before level 4; Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, incorporating Beast, Being and Spirit Divisions, the Goblin Liaison Office and the Pest Advisory Bureau; when a tall and thin man in long midnight blue robes immersed in an old thick tome entitled "Muggle Laws Applicable to Wizards" stepped in, oblivious to Sam and Albus' presence. He had thinning bright red hair with a bald patch and wore glasses.
"Good Evening Arthur."
'Arthur' jumped and shook enthusiastically the old wizard's hand.
"Albus. What a relief. You are finally back"
He then turned to Sam.
"It's…her."
Albus nodded and he immediately extended his hand.
"Sam! Err…Sorry, I mean Ms. Carter! I don't know if you remember me. I am Arthur Weasley! The last time we met you were still so young! We are all extremely happy to have you back! So you've lived as a muggle for years? You'll have to tell me all about it! Oh, is it a trench coat you're wearing?"
"Err…no.. a leather bike jacket. Pleased to meet you Mr. Weasley."
"Please, do call me Arthur!"
"Very well, Arthur. As long as you call me Sam."
She glanced nervously at Albus who simply nodded in agreement.
"Arthur, I hope Molly and you will do us the honor to dine with us tonight. With Bill and Charlie of course. Sam would have plenty to tell you then." Albus emphasized the necessity of Arthur's visit with a significant look and Sam knew at once he was taking part in their plans.
"I gladly accept, Albus."
The airy voice announced level two; Department of Magical Law Enforcement, including the improper use of Magic Office, Auror headquarters, Wizengamot Administration Services; that Arthur pointed out as his stop. Sam's heart leaped in her chest at the words 'Auror headquarters', images flashing in front of her eyes.
********
The Auror Headquarters consisted in a cluttered area divided into cubicles, which was buzzing with talk and laugher.
Sam had one of the walls of her cubicle covered with pictures of her father, her brother; plain muggle photographs immortalizing happy faces for life; and more of her friends; wizard photographs giving their models the freedom to move as they pleased, which her mischievous friends used with delight.
Two posters were hung on the opposite wall. One represented a handsome and young Seeker on his racing broom in black and white robes, with one magpie on the chest and another on the back, chasing the snitch. Below were written the words "Montrose Magpies – European Champions twice – The cup is ours again this year!". On the other was a splendid muggle motorbike: a Harley Davidson painted in orange with purple flames, a white leather seat, and silver frame and wheels showing a bare shiny and powerful engine.
The third and last wall was covered with pictures of wanted wizards and presumed Death Eaters.
Sam was rocking back and forth on her chair lost in thought. She was wearing long plum-colored robes and her long blond hair was tied back in a neat ponytail. Her hands were crossed behind her head and her boots up on the desk crowded with papers except for three frames. One was a portrait of her mother taken a little time before her death. The other, a portrait of Lily in her beautiful emerald green dress taken on the night of the Yule Ball in their 7th year. The last one held a picture of Sirius and herself happily playing around in the snow in front of James' house; and alternating between sending snow balls to each other and tiredly siting on the ground in each other's arms laughing.
She suddenly felt an icy cold metal surface on her cheek and yelped. In a few seconds she had grabbed the arm holding the possibly dangerous object to her face, twitched it behind its owner's back and tackled him to the ground.
"Ouch! Careful Boss! You're dislocating my shoulder with your knee! Argh!"
"Prewett?"
" Who else would endanger his life willingly to bring you a fresh can knowing you'll thank him by kicking his butt!"
Sam got up and held her hand for the other Auror.
"Sorry about that. You surprised me, that's all."
The man stretched and smiled widely putting the dropped can on her desk. He was not too tall, about her height, with brown hair, dark eyes and a two day beard.
"Surprised?!? Well that's rich! I bloody scared you out of your wits, I did! Aha! I, the tough and sexy Fabian Prewett have given the Almighty Sam Carter the fright of her life! YES!!"
Sam rolled her eyes as Fabian started his very personal and loud victory dance in front of her office bringing their fellow Aurors out of their own cubicles to watch.
She smirked and drew her wand.
"You know, you're right Prewett. You did see me at my weakest. I have no other choice now but to kill you. Sorry."
Fabian stopped at once one hand still in the air and the other on his bottom, before falling theatrically on his knees in front of her.
"Noooo! Please, have mercy! I'll do anything! Please! Somebody help me! I am too young to die! H-E-L-P!"
He then proceeded to crawl to the feet of a man standing just a few meters away and dried his fake tears with the hem of his robes.
"Heelllp- Oh...err…Hi Mr. Longbottom…Beautiful day, isn't it?"
The man looked down feigning utter outrage and crossed his arms as Prewett hastily got back to his feet red in the face.
Sam joined them, laughing.
"Ahahaha! You should have seen your face Prewett! It was priceless!"
Longbottom was sniggering along with her. Fabian pouted; but his face twitched and he was soon laughing too.
"Well, too bad it was you Frank, and not Moody! I would have loved to see his reaction!"
Fabian paled at Sam's words and gravely nodded. Regardless to his complete respect for their elders, the young Auror's fear of Moody was Sam's favorite topic to tease him with.
"Sam's right, Fabian. Alright, party's over kids. Get back to work."
They both nodded and walked away. As she got back to her cubicle, Sam heard Frank's voice at the end of the hall.
"Oh! And Prewett?"
"Yes Mr. Longbottom?"
"Remember, 'Constant Vigilance'!"
The last part was voiced in a good imitation of Moody's voice, and Sam shook her head smiling.
Siting back behind her desk, she took the picture of Sirius and her in her hands and stared at it, tracing the outline of their faces as they looked at each other. She sighed and was about to reach for her papers when a deep masculine voice whispered from the door.
"Hello you."
She smiled recognizing the voice at once and leaned back in her seat as she felt the man's arms around her shoulders.
"Hello to you too."
" I missed you."
She turned, taking his handsome and familiar face in her hands before kissing his lips.
"Missed you more…Sirius."
********
"Sam! Sam!"
Sam blinked several times and shook the hand that was gently slapping her face away, meeting the worried gazes of Albus and Arthur.
They were standing outside the open doors of their lift still on level 2, the wizards and witches passing by throwing them curious glances.
"Sam, are you feeling alright?"
"Yes, yes. What happened?"
"Well, we don't know. The lift stopped and you seemed lost in thoughts. We tried to shake you and draw your attention but you wouldn't react. Are you sure you're alright?"
She nodded rubbing her eyes.
"I'm sorry. I remembered something and I just… I had a flashback. A very realistic flashback. I used to work here you see… But I'm fine now. I promise."
"Good. We will be on our way then. We'll see you tonight Arthur."
"Thank you. Good bye Sam. Albus."
Sam shook his hand again as Albus led her back inside the lift. The door closed and they resumed their descent.
"I know you would have liked to see the Auror's quarters today but I would like to meet Fudge as quickly as possible."
She nodded in understanding as they reached their destination.
"Level 1, Annex to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Accounts department, Minister of Magic and assistants' offices, including the Deputies' offices and the High Secretary's office."
This part of the Ministry was surprisingly less richly decorated than the places the public had access to. Sam was confused about her last vision but concentrated on their upcoming meeting with Fudge and kept her questions for later. They stepped at the very end of a very long hall with a scarlet carpet as soon as they left the lift and walked in silence for five minutes before reaching a dead end. Sam looked at Albus quizzically.
"The wall in front of us is an illusion. Follow my lead."
Sam's eyes widened as Albus stepped 'inside' the wall and disappeared. She stared at the spot he had left before taking an uneasy step forward.
"An illusion. Just an illusion. Right. You can do this. Go!"
Closing her eyes, she walked straight forward only reopening them when she bumped into someone's – Albus'- back. She blushed and muttered a sorry as he chuckled softly before stepping aside.
In front of them stood two massive ebony carved doors with two huge gold handles. As she looked down, Sam shifted nervously. Two small creatures in brown suits with swarthy, clever faces, very long fingers and feet were staring at them. One had a pointed beard and was sitting on a high stool behind a wooden desk so that he was at eye-level with the two humans. The other, his hands behind his back, was standing very still guarding the door.
"Good Evening, Master Goblin; we are here to meet the Minister."
"Obviously." Answered the 'goblin' haughtily. "What is the name of this lady?"
Sam approached pulling at her badge. "Sam Carter."
The creature narrowed his eyes, got up from his chair and joined his companion.
"Very well. The Minister is expecting you."
Together they pushed the heavy doors. Sitting behind his carved oak desk in his vast office was the Minister of Magic.
*********
Sam had been rather anxious to meet the Minister, picturing a posed cheerful aging men in his fifties like one of the many American senators she had met.
But the short portly man who stood to meet them as they came inside his office lacked their charisma and confidence.
"Miss Carter! Samantha! What a pleasure to finally meet you! After all I've heard about you! Only good things though, don't you worry!" He shook her hand before greeting Albus with a nervous nod.
"Albus. You both had a safe journey back I presume. Good, good. Well, take a seat! Make yourself at home!"
They both took places in the dark green velvet armchairs in front of his desk. Fudge whispered something to the goblins before sitting pompously in his high black-leathered chair.
Sam's eyes traveled around the room in wonder taking in the luxurious furniture and particularly the dozens of paintings with moving people in them who pointed at her excitedly or pretended to be asleep, cracking a curious eye open when they thought she was not watching.
Fudge's voice addressing her put an end to her daydreaming.
"Miss Carter, first of all, on behalf of the magical community I welcome you back enthusiastically among us and express my most sincere sympathy with regard to the bad times you've gone through. Albus has informed me that you were aware of our current…err…problems but remembered very few things from your past. Your…situation is singular but I assure you that the memory charm we cast on you was our very last resort and that we had absolutely no possibility to know at the time that its effects would be way too strong. And…huh…your father being a muggle, we had the guarantee that you would be in good hands. And as any amelioration of your condition was unhoped-for…"
Sam listened attentively to Fudge, noting the differences in his version from the truth only Albus and a few knew.
"But the good fortune has brought you back where you belong. As you were unable to take the decision yourself all those years ago on your treatment and because of the…events that led you to this state, you are considered a victim of the war and therefore are entitled to compensation for all the years you have spent in the muggle world.
Ah…here. I need you to sign those papers to assure us that you understand your statute as one of our citizens, due to your education at Hogwarts, and this leaves you an open door to work again under the Ministry's banner as well as access to the said compensation; and as you are of American nationality I also put you down as an American Wizarding Community member."
When it came to money, wizard or not, all politicians surely spoke with the same enthusiasm.
"Are you trying to tell me that I'll have to pay 'wizard' taxes in the future, Minister?"
Fudge's smile fell a little.
"Only if you are considering a wizarding career like going back to the Aurorship. If you still can. We only want you to understand that you are once more sworn to the secrecy of our existence and that all useful information you were to remember should be notified to the Auror office. Like any of us would, of course"
Sam clenched her jaw finding his tone uncalled for. He handed her a few pieces of parchment, placing a quill with a beautiful peacock feather and a bottle of emerald green ink in front of her. She scanned the papers quickly finding nothing wrong and handed them to Albus pointing at the sum of money with a unit that meant absolutely nothing to her.
"How much is this?"
Albus raised a surprised eyebrow.
"60 Galleons per month for fifteen years…10,800 Galleons in all. The Ministry has showed a unique generosity, Cornelius."
"Ah, we felt that Samantha deserved it. After all that happened to her friends and to herself. It was the least we could do. It is a mere proof to her of our dedication to our people."
"I see. It is very clever of you Cornelius. Buying her trust and making an example of your support to my protégée to get back your popularity rating to the top. Killing two birds with one stone, hum? True that you are surely in need of advertising after the fiasco your bad judgement has engendered last year. Ah, Cornelius, will you never learn? You can sign those papers Sam, everything is in order and to answer your question you could certainly make the front page of the Daily Prophet with your 'singular situation' that has been hushed up so far and such a sum. But we wouldn't want the press to disturb your return, would we Cornelius?"
Sam gaped at Albus' serious face. Never cross Albus Dumbledore. That is something she wouldn't forget. Fudge was as pale as death and seemed to have shrunken in his ridiculously high chair.
"Are you threatening me Dumbledore? I would better watch my tone if I were you. I don't know what has gone into you but your implications are nothing but unfounded slander. The Ministry and myself thought you would at least be grateful for our interest in Samantha's case and our efforts to make her life as easy as possible!"
Dumbledore's features softened, but his eyes stayed as hard as ice.
"Samantha and myself are most grateful of your efforts Cornelius, and we just hope you'll always show in the future that you deserve the trust we are placing in you as our Minister."
Taking the quill, Sam ran her fingers slowly along its length before dipping the tip in the ink bottle. She felt a pleasant warmth spreading inside her as the smell of the ink reached her nostrils; her fingers positioning instinctively. She signed the papers, admiring the familiar neat and almost curvilinear handwriting she had lost by using ball pens.
Albus and her both looked behind as the cracking sound of the doors opening resounded in the uneasy silence of the room.
Sam jumped to her feet as her father's figure appeared behind two young men. One had flaming red hair and looked like a younger version of Arthur Weasley. He was tall and thin and wore square-framed glasses. The other was even taller with sandy blond hair and hazel brown eyes. Both wore green robes but of different greens.
"Dad."
"Sammie. I'm glad to see you." Jacob reached a nervous hand to Sam's cheek, unsure of what attitude to adopt. Taking his hand, Sam hugged him melting his fears.
"It's ok Dad. I know. I know why you did it. I understand."
Ending politely their public display of affection, she turned to the newcomers as Fudge made the presentations.
"My personal assistant Bates-"
The blond man extended his hand with a flirtatious grin.
"Pleased to meet you Ms. Carter. Mr. Carter speaks highly of you."
"And our promising Junior Assistant to the Minister, Percy Weasley" Fudge clapped a hand on Percy's shoulder who just slightly bowed in Sam's direction and ignored Dumbledore completely.
"Mr. Weasley. I had the pleasure to meet your father on my way here and I knew for sure you were related. You look just like him." Sam had said her words in a gentle tone meaning them as a compliment. But that was clearly not the thing to say. Percy stiffened immediately and almost snarled his answer.
"I assure you Ms. Carter, that I am nothing like my father."
"Hum hum… Well Jacob, as expected, your daughter has reclaimed her heritage. Bates! Please take our visitors to Gringotts immediately so Samantha can have her wand back. I am afraid I must take my leave of you all. My work awaits me. Sam, Jacob, it has certainly been a pleasure. Albus."
He nodded once more to the headmaster and ushered them all out.
Sam decided the less she saw Cornelius Fudge, the better.
********
They made their way back to the Atrium quickly.
Sam led her father to the fountain where they could speak quietly, the others leaving them tactfully to themselves.
"So. You've quite make up your mind? You're going to take that wand back and stay with them?"
"Yes. For a while. I've got a ten month break of sorts. But the more I think about it, the more I believe you've got something to do with this too…"
He smiled sheepishly confirming her suspicions. She sighed.
"I am coming back after that Dad. I know were my responsibilities lie and the importance of our work. This…thing, this magic inside of me. It has always been there. I just wasn't aware of it at the time. And now I need be get used to it to be whole. Again. It's like waking up. It's like discovering the Stargate all over again. Nothing will ever be quite the same."
He eyed her wrist silently before tracing the gemstones of her 'bracelet' with the tip of his fingers.
"Your mother told me she was a witch when I proposed to her. She thought I had to know it before accepting her as my wife. She was like that, your mother. A treasure of honesty and kindness. And I loved her. I was frightened but I loved her. I don't really know if I was relieved or upset when Mark showed no magical abilities. A squib they call those children. I think I thought it would have kept him away from me. Your mother was distressed. We raised him like a normal child in our world and he was still too young to understand his difference when we had you. And obviously you had the proper genes. I remember your mother's screams of joy when we first caught you happily waving her wand around in our bedroom, setting things on fire."
Sam laughed, wiping the tears from her eyes.
"You were only two. We've never hidden anything from Mark. Your brother was never the jealous type and even if he did envy you, he was always a great support. That is until the day your mother died. Sam, the day she died we had had an argument and I had told her…I was angry and I had told her once in her life to act like normal people do. She threw her wand at my face and told me that 'normal' women had their husbands available at all times for their families. She slammed the door and was gone. Mark saw it all. I called her later and we arranged a time to meet. I failed to be there on time. She took a cab. There was an accident. The rest you know. Had she had her wand with her she might still be…"
Jacob took his face in his hands unable to look at his daughter in the eye.
"I didn't blame you at the time and I don't blame you now."
He rose his head a little, smiling sadly.
"I know you don't but I did and still do. It was…difficult. Then Mark left the house. And you were away most of the year. I immersed myself in my work and time passed. You were soon a woman, had chosen a carrier far away from me. After your mum's death I've rejected unconsciously anything related to magic. I should have interested myself more in your school, in your work, in your world. But it was still painful Sam. And I always had the hope you'd follow my footsteps. I thought you did too. Until you became an Auror and that I finally understood the danger you were bringing upon yourself and the threat menacing your world. And again I was too late and you ended being hurt. It was just like for your mother. When I saw you…like that…Oh, Sam it was awful. I knew I couldn't see you like that one more day and I jumped on the opportunity that Dumbledore offered. It was like a second chance I had to take for you. I've always only wanted your happiness. Just your happiness. The spell was cast, your memory modified and Mark warned. Which didn't do any good to our miserable relations. I do not want your forgiveness. I just want to be sure you understand the position you're placing yourself into by embracing your old life. I don't want you to get hurt more than you already have been. Physically or mentally. Remember that whatever emotional link you have to their fight, the Goa'ulds threaten our entire planet and should stay your priority."
"I do understand." They hugged once more exchanging words of good luck and promises of being careful for the ten months when they would be separated.
"What about Mark's kids? Are they…?"
"No. But it is highly probable that their own children will."
Sam waved a last time as Percy led her father away.
********
They walked along the very long and splendid hall where she had first arrived and joined the short queue waiting to depart in front of one of the massive fireplace on the right-hand side.
Standing between Bates and Albus, she tapped the blond wizard on the shoulder.
"How do we do this exactly?"
"Oh, sorry. This is called to "Floo" and allows magical travel between fireplaces connected to the Floo Network Basically, you see this bowl with silvery powder inside? That's Floo powder. You throw the Floo powder in the fire and then say very clearly the name of the place you want to go to. Look, just like that."
An old witch with a large purple hat had taken a pinch of glittering powder out of the silver bowl, stepped up to the fire and threw the powder into the flames. With a roar, the fire turned emerald green and rose higher than the witch, who stepped right into it, shouted, 'St. Mungo!' and vanished. Sam gulped.
"So what are we supposed to say again?
"Gringotts – G-R-I-N-G-O-T-T-S – that's the Wizarding bank."
"Right. Gringotts"
A few people went through and it was soon Bates' turn. As he also disappeared in the green flames Sam glanced at Albus nervously.
"Anything more I should know?"
"Keep your elbows tucked in, don't fidget and close your eyes to prevent the soot from irritating them."
"Ok." She took a pinch of Floo powder and walked to the edge of the fire. She took a deep breath, scattered the powder into the flames and stepped forward; the fire felt like a warm breeze; she opened her mouth and shouted in a determined and steady voice.
"Gringotts!"
It felt as though she was being sucked down a giant plug hole. Sam relished in the familiar sensation of spinning very fast upwards; a deafening roaring in her ears. She wanted to grin and shout as people do on roller-coasters. It was over too soon. Her feet hit a stony grate and she moved instinctively out of the fireplace; Albus' body appearing in the space she had left seconds later.
"Well Ms. Carter, this is Gringotts."
They both followed Bates through a vast marble hall. About a hundred goblins were sitting on high stools behind a long counter, weighing coins on brass scales, examining precious stones through eyeglasses. Fudge's assistant led them to a free goblin who was furiously scribbling in a large ledger and placed a brown envelope with the Ministry's wax seal on the back right under his eyes.
"Charley Bates. Minister Fudge's personal Assistant. I need this lady's wand out of our vaults."
The goblin opened the envelope taking a letter and a tiny golden key out. Reading the letter carefully, he nodded.
"Wait here for a moment please."
He climbed off his stool and disappeared from their view.
Sam and Albus remained silent as Bates tapped his fingers absently on the edge of the counter. Several minutes passed before the goblin's return carrying a long wooden box. He sat back on his stool and opened the box. Sam watched the familiar piece of wood with emotion.
"There. Let me read the description. Mahogany. Ten and-"
"Ten and a quarter inches long, dragon heartstring. Nice for transfiguration and excellent for Charm work."
The goblin wrinkled his nose before handing the wand to her.
"Correct. I guess it is your wand then."
Sam took her wand in wonder and felt a sudden warmth in her fingers.
"Yes. Definitely."
"Good, good. Well, I'll take my leave there. If you ever need anything Ms. Carter, please contact me…at any time."
Bates winked at her languorously and kissed her hand before lazily shaking Albus' hand. Sam sneered at his retreating back and had the odd desire to point her want and shout… She would have to ask Albus if 'boles castratus' meant what she thought it did.
The goblin coughed loudly to get her attention back.
"Very well. Does the lady want to take some money out of her safe as well?"
Sam turned to Albus whispering 'I have money here?'
"Of course you do. And it might be a good idea to retrieve some now because I don't know if you'll be able to come back any time soon."
Going through all his pockets, he handed the goblin another tiny golden key who looked at it closely.
"I'll have someone take you down to the vault."
He snapped his fingers and another goblin rushed to their side and led them through the doors at the end of the hall, in a narrow stone passageway lit with flaming torches with soon little railway tracks on the floor. Coming across a small cart, they all climbed in, rather squeezed, and started their journey at full speed into the tunnels. Sam clenched the edge on the cart, her eyes open and a wide grin on her face as they plunged even deeper, the wind hitting her face with force and messing her hair. It was even better than Floo powder. A real roller-coaster. Cassie would have loved it.
They stopped at last beside a small door in the passage wall labeled "585" and got out. The goblin unlocked the door and a lot of green smoke came billowing out. As it cleared, Sam could see two rather large piles of coins. One was only composed of gold coins with a small card on top. 'Sincerely. The Ministry of Magic'. So…the gold coins were galleons. The other pile was even a tad larger, but with the mounds of gold galleons were columns of silver coins; Sickles, that was it; and heaps of little bronze coins. Knuts. She stared proudly at the pile she had earned by herself, knowing that a small amount also had been inherited from her mother.
"So, how much did the Ministry give me Albus?"
"Well if 1 Galleon equals approximately to £5 or $7.30, 10,800 amounts to-"
"ALMOST $79,000! That's…a pretty big sum of money. A big big sum of money. I agree."
She eyed the golden pile once more before digging in and putting a handful of clinging coins in the small leather bag the goblin was handing her, as well as several more Sickles and Knuts.
The door closed and the key safely tugged in Sam's inner pocket, they headed back to the surface.
********
One wild cart-ride later, they stood outside Gringotts with as only light the first stars in a quickly darkening sky and the light coming from the shop windows of the now almost deserted Diagon Alley.
But Sam had no time to look around. Albus quickly brought them in a dark corner and asked her to give him the map of London. She complied. The old wizard drew his wand and directed it to the paper murmuring a quiet 'Portus!'
The map glowed for a moment illuminating their faces.
"This is our portkey. It will take us where we want to go. Hold the map with me."
Placing her hands next to his, she felt instantly a jerk somewhere behind her navel. Her feet had left the ground. She could not unclench the hands holding the map; it was pulling her onwards, in a howl of wind and swirling colors, Albus at her side. She felt her feet slam into the ground and looked around her.
They were now standing in front of an old lit wooden cottage on the edge of a large forest, and from what Sam could distinguish in the dark, in the middle of nowhere. There was nothing but trees behind the house and fields as far as the eye could see everywhere else, except for a darker patch a few meters on their left that she assumed was a pound. On the whole, Sam didn't think she would go for a walk in the surroundings alone at night any time soon if she could avoid it…
As they neared the house, Sam panicked suddenly. She needed the confirmation to what was constantly on her mind since her flashback at the Ministry. Although she already knew the answer.
"I was in love with Sirius at the time, wasn't I?"
Albus stopped in his tracks..
"Yes. I believe you were."
Her heart started beating furiously in her chest.
"Will he be here, in this house, tonight?"
The headmaster slowly turned away from her and started to walk on.
"No. He won't."
She didn't know if the feeling in the pit of her stomach was profound disappointment or relief. The flood of her memories was confusing her. Everything was coming back so fast. Especially this feeling. Deep in her heart. Towards Sirius. As if she didn't know any more if her sentiments were real and belonged to the present or simply the reflection of what she had felt in the past.
Climbing the stairs to the front door, she took a deep breath and adjusted her bracelet, promising herself to contact the base as soon as possible.
Albus rang the doorbell.
A short, plump kind-faced witch with red hair, wearing a flowered apron with a wand sticking out of the pocket appeared in the doorway.
"Molly! I see Arthur had time to-"
But he never got to finish his sentence. The woman gasped before throwing herself at Sam with a heart-wrenching cry, shoving Albus out of the way and almost on the floor at the same time.
"Oh, Sam! My little Sam! A woman now! So beautiful! I'm so happy! So happy!"
Sam hugged Molly back gently, now sobbing on her shoulder, until the woman withdrew herself and took her face in her hands.
"You look just like your mother. Oh, Sam if you knew how happy I am to have you back!"
There was no better compliment for Sam than to be compared to her mother. She looked at Molly closely. She did look familiar. At least more than Arthur had been.
"It's good to be back."
"Oh but I'm sorry, come in! Come in!
"Is this your house?"
The woman stopped startled, surely only realizing that Sam had not remembered yet who she exactly was. She smiled sadly.
"No dear. But your host will be soon back. I am not telling you who it is if you don't know. It'll be a surprise! Right, let me show you around first."
The house was not too big and the furniture looked old and worn out but still cosy. On the first floor was the living room composed of a simple brown fluffy couch and a matching armchair, a green carpet, a little wooden coffee table and a brown and white American jukebox from the late 50's. A real antique. Next to a closed door with the word 'basement' carved on a small wooden plate, was the kitchen, rustic but functional. Molly must have had already cooked their dinner for the long table in the middle was set for seven people and the delicious smell of roast chicken was coming from the oven.
One bedroom and a guest-room, the bathroom and toilets were all on the second floor. Sam's room was as big and well-kept as the master's bedroom and Molly had placed a vase with fresh sunflowers on her nightstand.
Albus let the two woman alone as Molly helped Sam unpack, despite the Major's protests. The short witch who had been at Hogwarts at the same time that Sam's mother and quite close to her would tell her stories about the 'old time'. How her mother, a studious slightly younger Ravenclaw, had helped her, a Gryffindor, get together with the boy who would become her husband. And how later the mother and her little girl used to visit them at the Burrow and how the same little girl would play and sometimes bully or experiment on her eldest son; several years younger than Sam though; Bill. Sam joined in the conversation delighted; adding details to the stories as they slowly came back to her.
When they were done, Sam left Molly's side, pretending that she wanted a bit of fresh air and, after warning Albus, walked outside and sat on the last step leading to the porch.
********
She took delicately the blue gem off and put it in her ear like a simple earphone. The green gemstone started to glow and she pushed on it like a button and started to speak clearly as if talking to an imaginary person in front of her.
"Major Sam Carter from SG-1 to SG-C. I repeat Major Sam Carter from SG-1 to SG-C. Can you hear me SG-C?"
The answer was almost instantaneous and the quality of the sound perfect.
"We receive you loud and clear Major Carter. This is Sergeant Walter Harriman and I have General Hammond at my side. He wishes to speak with you. Hold on Major."
"Thank you Sergeant."
"Major Carter, did you have a safe journey?"
"Yes, thank you General. Everything is fine. Is there anything you need from me? How is SG-1 doing?"
"Hum…well no, there's no work for you yet. Surprisingly. As for SG-1, I'll tell you as soon as I know. They should have contacted us two hours ago but didn't. It wouldn't be the first time though and from what we know from the inhabitants of the planet they were sent to, they are extremely friendly and much less advanced than us. So they're not supposed to be in any kind of life threatening danger. If there is still no news from them by the end of the day, I'll send another team to look for them. But don't worry. Besides there is really nothing you could do."
Sam frowned 'trying' not to worry about her teammates. But that was easier to say than do.
"We'll inform you of SG-1's situation as soon as possible. Remember that your next report is due on October 1st and every first day of the month afterwards."
"Yes, sir. And, sir? Could I know the name of the officer who stands in for me?"
He grumbled 'Lockhart' even if Sam swore it sounded more like 'this cack-handed idiot of Lockhart' and ended the communication.
Sam had just replaced the sea blue gemstone in its silver case when a loud "crack" noise right behind her made her jump to her feet.
A man wearing extremely shabby black wizard's robes was standing on the porch, his back to her, having literally just 'appeared' on the spot. He had light brown hair flecked with gray. He started reaching for the door. Sam was about to make her presence known when he stopped, hand on the doorknob and took a deep breath as if sniffing the air. He turned around abruptly and Sam found herself staring in familiar warm, soft, surprised but tired hazel brown eyes with golden flecks reflecting beautifully the light from the crescent moon above.
The man stared at her before taking a small step forward.
"Sam? Is that you?"
Sam smiled before leaving any inhibitions behind and hugging him as if there was no tomorrow.
"The one and only…Moony."
********
Meanwhile, in the damp prisons of Reid, unique city of Carthen, also known as the peaceful P3X874 by the SG-C personnel, a really pissed off airforce Colonel was siting on the dirty ground of a large cell, his head in his hands; while the linguist beside him was throwing little rocks at the passed out body of a blond officer, looking bored. A few meters away, a tall Jaffa was merely looking out through the loophole that was their only source of light, his hands crossed behind his back.
Jack O'Neill sighed for the hundred time in the last three hours and rubbed his tired temples.
"I still can't believe he took the princess for a prostitute. Damn. 'Sorry girl, I know very well my superior charming looks can't leave you indifferent, but I'm too busy at the moment to use your services.' WHO IS THE GODDAMN IDIOT WHO WOULD EVER SPEAK LIKE THIS TO A STRANGER ON THEIR FIRST MISSION!"
Daniel shrugged, still throwing rocks at the inert body.
"Bah, I've spoken to the father and he said he will exceptionally let us a chance to explain ourselves before they burn us at the stake tomorrow morning. See? We've faced worse."
Jack growled.
"I hate him."
Jack and Daniel both gave a start as a rough cavernous laugh filled the room. They stared at Teal'c in disbelief who was doing the Jaffa equivalent of laughing his head off.
"O'Neill, you shouldn't be so harsh with Gilderoy Lockhart. I think he is a particularly amusing companion."
Jack shook his head with a mumbled 'loony Jaffa' and took several rocks from Daniel…
"2 points if you touch the back or the legs, 5 for his butt and 10 for his big head. Five turns each."
"Be ready to loose to the Rock Master, Danny boy!"
"Jack. Shut up and throw your rocks. Go!"
**===================================**
Author's Notes:
THE FIFTH MARAUDER IS BACK!!!!
After all those long months, I've managed to continue this story and finally come up with Chapter 8 (the longest chapter yet: 19 pages!!) and a much better well-structured plot thanks to Elwen Half-elven who has been a huge help to find the idea.
This is what I call a transition chapter where Sam re-integrates into the Magical world so it doesn't give significant revelations on the plot.
After thinking about it for a long time, I've decided to follow Rowling's lead and incorporate the events of book 5.
Harry is starting his 6th year at Hogwarts and to him and the others, Sirius is dead.
Sirius' fans (that includes me lol): don't attack me. Please! Your beloved Padfoot WILL be back. Just wait and see.
Oh, and I changed my mind (again) on Sam's animagus form. It is definitely NOT a lion. It was really too cliché. This should be revealed in the next chapter too.
When writing this, I looked on the net for a cool motorbike poster that could be the one on Sam's wall and found what I was looking for.
Here is the direct link to the picture:
Thank you to my reviewers who didn't let me down even if I took my sweet time…
Guardian Dimension, Salem, Fairy, Jen, Laura, Cait, Sarah B, Ednyadove, Anne-Janet, Mathasin, Tasha, VampireOfSociety, Lady Cinnibar, Rockson, Moon-Bunny=JAG-freek, S.M., MoonFairy, Jill, A Watcher, Brian, Lynsey, Jessica (you are close enough with your idea ;-), Taha ann, juniper, X-Lander1, A.M., Msam, Mara cath, Chibi Mo aka Elwen (love you ^^), Coffee Bean, LMiC2001, Sabrina, Margo:
you guys are the best.
XxxxxX
- This fic is dedicated to my best friend Lara -
Disclaimer:
I still do not own any of Rowling's characters nor the Stargate concept and characters. So please let me keep my house.
However, who would mind a cool & sexy Jack O'Neill? Do you know if I they sell them on e-bay?
……..::::~)(*)(~::::…….