Chapter Six
A week passed, then two, until it was Halloween and things seemed to have settled down. The past conservation seemed to have been erased from everyone's mind.
"Gwen!" Maggie called from the kitchen; she then heard the familiar bang on the ground, as Gwen jumped the last two steps.
"Happy Halloween!" Maggie yelled, when she saw her.
Gwen looked at Maggie; she was wearing a bright orange apron with little black pumpkins all over it. On the front were the words, "Kiss the Witch," she'd obviously been to the local muggle shop.
Scarlett Wood was 15 minutes walk from a small, sleepy muggle village. Gwen often went there, to pick up normal muggle things, like magazines and sweets.
She looked around the kitchen and it'd been decorated with orange streamers and also small pumpkins were dotted around.
Alfred and Nancy had also got the Halloween bug as well; Nancy was wearing a pointed witch's hat and also stripy stockings. Alfred had put on a fake hooked nose and dusted his face white.
"Look at you," Gwen said, laughing at the sight.
"We thought, we'd indulge some of the muggles' Halloween fantasies," Alfred said, trying to look serious, but his nose was coming off and it was hanging over his mouth.
Gwen burst into fits of giggles and so, did everyone else, laughter is contagious after all. This was the first time, they'd all laughed for a while.
***
"Dumbledore, he's planning something."
Arabella Figg said, staring at the old wizard.
"I know, Arabella. But we mustn't jump to any conclusions; we must wait for the rest of the order," Dumbledore replied.
"I know. what about the merlin? Where is she?"
"She's with Alfred, Nancy and Maggie."
Arabella raised her eyebrows in surprise, "but I thought they retired from the order. After the incident with."
Dumbledore saw her sad expression and continued, "yes, I know. But the merlin is Vicky Aldan's child."
Arabella nodded, "such a tragedy. She was a talent, such a shame, when she went.," she paused and decided not to mention it, "well.anyway, it was very sad, when we lost her and all because of the child's father. Does no one know his identity?" She enquired turning to face Dumbledore.
"No, no one knows. I think I may ask them to bring her here.that way, they can help us and also Gwen can.will be safer here."
Arabella nodded in agreement, "that girl has a hard road ahead of her. Let's hope she is strong enough, to survive it."
"Let's hope," Dumbledore repeated in a low voice.
***
It was about six o'clock in the evening and everyone had gathered round the table in the kitchen. The day had been filled with apple bobbing, pin the wart on the witch and sweet scoffing.
"I couldn't eat another one," Gwen said, pushing the plate of sweets towards Maggie.
"More for me then," Maggie said, happily stuffing another into her mouth.
"Hmm.I think it's time for presents," Alfred said, getting up quickly and walking towards the window, opening it.
"Presents?" Gwen said, surprised, "I didn't know, you get presents on Halloween."
"You don't really. But since this is your first Halloween with us, we thought it was fitting, you had something to remember it by," Nancy said, her hands already holding a small wooden box, which had been hidden in her robes.
"Wait, for me," Maggie said, swallowing the last jelly bean.
She rushed out of the room and after a minute or so, came back in, holding something behind her back.
Gwen didn't know what to say, Nancy and Maggie took this opportunity and stepped forward, holding the presents towards her. Alfred however remained at the window, looking on at the scene.
Gwen instantly recognised what Maggie's was and could hardly believe it. She ripped the brown paper off and held the broomstick in her hands. "Nimbus 2002," was engraved on the handle in gold letters.
"I know it's not the best. But.," Maggie started but then Gwen leapt up and threw her hands around the old woman's neck and hugged her tightly, saying loudly, "thank you, Maggie. I love it."
Maggie a little taken aback by this display of emotion said gently, "now you have your own, there's no excuse for borrowing mine or Nancy's."
Gwen beamed brightly and turned to Nancy, who had placed the wooden box on the table.
Gwen walked over and opened the box gently, inside was a small wooden flute, with the initials VA, inscribed onto the side. It was the flute from her dream.
"It was your mother's, she made it herself. She made the most wonderful music on it," Nancy said, her eyes glazing over with tears.
Gwen picked out the flute and blew it gently, a soft, reedy noise came out and Gwen instantly felt more relaxed.
"Thank you Nancy. It's wonderful," Gwen hugged the fragile old woman gently.
"Where's your gift?" Maggie asked, folding her arms and looking at Alfred with an intense stare, "you didn't forget, did you?" She added, with a look that suggesting that she wouldn't be surprised if he had.
"Course not," Alfred replied flatly, he then put his two index fingers to his mouth and let out a high whistle.
For a moment, there was silence, then there was a beating of wings and a large brown owl came and rested on the window still.
"For you, Gwen," Alfred said, triumphantly, smirking at Maggie.
"Wow, my own owl," Gwen said, walking towards the window still and stroking the owl gently, the owl reciprocated by nestling it's head gently into her hand.
Gwen had learnt all about owls from Alfred, how witches and wizards used them to send messages to each other. Shame, I don't have anyone to send a message to, Gwen thought.
"So, what are you going to name him?" Alfred asked, the others looked in inquisitively. Gwen peered at the owl and thought hard before saying, "Jasper."
The owl hooted in agreement and Alfred, Nancy and Maggie nodded, saying that it was nice name for the owl.
Gwen carried her gifts upstairs, though when she tried to bring Jasper inside, he'd backed away and taken flight. Alfred reassured her that he would be back and that he just needed to get used to her.
But then when she entered her room, there he was, perched on her window still, giving her a what took you so long look.
Gwen collapsed on her bed and fell asleep with her broomstick and flute clutched to her chest, Jasper watching over her, cooing gently.
***
The next couple of days passed uneventfully until one morning.
Gwen was looking at herself in the mirror and fiddling with her hair, like a normal teenage girl.
"What's wrong?" Maggie asked, coming and dumping some laundry on Gwen's bed.
"I think I need a hair cut or. I need a change," Gwen said, throwing her hands down in annoyance.
"I think you look lovely, the way you are," Maggie said, folding some clothes into a drawer.
"Thanks. But.," Gwen said, pushing her face into the mirror, examining her skin.
"Hang on," Maggie said, dropping the clothes and walking towards Gwen, with her wand out.
"What you going to do?" Gwen said, looking sceptical. She'd never really seen Maggie use her wand before.
"Don't worry. Instead of a hair cut, how about a colour change?" Maggie said, excitedly, "we used to do this all the time, when I was a young witch."
Before Gwen could say another thing, Maggie had raised her wand and said in loud voice, "Oris."
Gwen's hair then started to gradually get lighter, until it was a light blonde colour.
"What do you think?" Maggie asked proudly.
Gwen could hardly believe what she was seeing; she turned her head to the side and then back again, admiring her new blonde hair in the mirror.
"Can you colour anything else?" Gwen asked, wishing she had her own wand so, she could do this all the time.
"Umm.,"Maggie pondered for a moment, "what colour eyes have you always wanted?"
"Blue," Gwen squealed.
Maggie repeated the spell and her eyes turned a deep blue colour. As she gazed at herself, in the mirror, she looked suspiciously like someone she knew, Annabelle.
Maggie excited by her triumph pointed her wand at Gwen again, "how about this look? Different enough?"
Gwen's hair turned an acid green and her eyes turned blood red.
At first, she recoiled in disgust at what she saw but eventually saw the funny side and laughed, Maggie joined in and the both of them, stood in hysterics.
Jasper, who was perched on her bed post, tilted his head not recognising his new master.
At this point, Nancy came in, slightly out of breath.
"Guess what?" She said excitedly, "we're going to Hogsmeade," she said, not noticing Gwen's new look.
Maggie spun around quickly and started to talk to Nancy.
"Wow, Hogsmeade," Gwen said a loud, she'd read all about it in her books and also it'd be nice to have a change of scenery.
"Your hair!" Nancy shouted, finally noticing the green haired girl.
"Oh don't be such a drama queen," Maggie said, walking over to Gwen, "disoris," she exclaimed.
They waited but nothing, Gwen's hair and eyes remained the same.
"Disoris," Maggie said again, but still not one hair or iris changed. Gwen started to get scared; she didn't want to look like this for the rest of her life.
Nancy's brow furrowed, while Maggie started mumbling to herself.
"I've got it. I'll just colour your hair back to normal," she raised her wand but Nancy stepped in.
"Oh no, if you use anymore magic on her hair, it'll fall out. No."
"But.I'm sure."Maggie started.
"No. Gwen." she turned to face the girl, who was nearly in tears, "I'm afraid you're going to have wait, 'till the spell wears off."
Gwen couldn't believe it, "how long does it take, to wear off?"
"Umm. hours." Maggie said, but she didn't seem sure, "maybe.days.weeks.maybe even." she took a deep breath, "months."
Gwen stood still, the word still echoing in her head and then a thought came to her, "I'm not going to Hogsmeade like this. No way. I'm not going. Understand? No way."
Gwen folded her arms, she wasn't going to give in, she was going to stand her ground.
***
"You look fine," Alfred said, trying to reassure Gwen.
"I do not," Gwen said, still in a mood.
She was wearing her new blue long robes, an over-sized fishing hat to hide her hair and a pair of Maggie's old reading glasses, which Alfred had charmed. So, to on-lookers, her eyes appeared brown.
Gwen looked far from alright, she looked stupid.
They were sitting in the Shrieking Shack, waiting for an old friend of Alfred's, someone called Albus Dumbledore.
He was late.
Then from nowhere, a man of about the same age as Alfred, appeared. He had a long white beard and was wearing a dark purple robe.
He smiled as he saw Alfred, the two men shook hands warmly and he nodded politely at Nancy and Maggie.
Alfred then gestured to Gwen, "this is Gwen Aldan, Albus."
Dumbledore sat down and looked at Gwen, smiling, "hello Gwen. I am Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts."
At the mention of Hogwarts, Gwen sat up a little straighter, ever since Alfred had mentioned it; she had become fascinated with the school.
"Now then," Dumbledore said, "how about some butter beers?"
Gwen nodded, even though she didn't know what they were. Dumbledore gestured to the bartender and continued to talk, "then we can get back to Hogwarts."
"We're going to Hogwarts?" Gwen burst out.
"Yes. Why, don't you want to?" Maggie said.
"Of course I do," Gwen said loudly, causing some of the other customers to look at her.
The others chuckled kindly at the young witch's enthusiasm. Gwen didn't mind, she was just excited about going to Hogwarts, except she wished she wasn't dressed like this.
***
"Here we are," Dumbledore said, walking into his office.
Gwen walked in, completely amazed at Hogwarts.
It was better than she had expected, the grounds, the lake, the castle, everything, it was the most magical place she had ever been.
She then noticed an old woman with dark grey hair, standing next to the window.
"Arabella," Nancy said, walking towards the woman and hugging her gently.
The woman smiled and then she moved over to look at Gwen.
"Hello, I'm Arabella Figg. I'm the teacher for the defence against the dark arts," she extended her hand towards Gwen and she took it.
Gwen wasn't sure what to say, there was something mysterious about this woman and she mumbled quietly, "Gwen Aldan."
Dumbledore settled down in his chair and leaned back; a phoenix came and settled on his shoulder. Gwen recognised it instantly, it was beautiful.
Dumbledore noticed the awe on Gwen's face, "impressive, isn't he? His name is Fawkes. Anyway, what do you think of the school?"
Gwen didn't know where to begin, so, she launched into a high speed babble, including everything she'd thought or would ever think.
When she'd finished, Dumbledore laughed and turned to the others, who just smiled back. "Well I'm glad, the new Merlin likes it so much," he said.
Gwen had never heard anyone else say the word "merlin" before. She wondered how many other people knew her real identity.
"Gwen," Maggie said, "go outside for a minute. We just need to talk to Albus and Arabella about something."
Gwen was puzzled with the sudden secrecy but she obediently went outside.
***
Gwen leaned onto the door but couldn't quite hear what was being said.
Dumbledore probably had a charm on it which prevented eavesdroppers, eavesdropping, she thought to herself.
As she looked down the long corridor, she heard voices, student voices, she edged closer, she'd never seen any witches or wizards her own age.
She glanced round a corner and saw two boys and a girl.
The girl had brown frizzy hair and was carrying a ton of books and she seemed to be lecturing the other two about something.
The first boy was tall and had bright red hair and lots of freckles; he had bored expression on his face which made Gwen laugh silently to herself.
The other boy was also quite tall and had a mop of jet black hair which was quite scruffy.
As they came closer, she could see that he also had round glasses and bright green eyes, she was also able to pick up some of their conversation.
"Really, you two, I can't believe you haven't studied," the girl said.
The red haired boy spoke, "come on, I don't want to miss lunch."
The girl looked at him and let out a grunt that she wasn't impressed.
"Now you two," the green eyed boy said, laughing a little, before they all disappeared round another corridor.
"Gwen," a voice said from behind her. She turned around and saw the smiling face of Albus Dumbledore.
"Did I frighten you? I'm sorry," he said gently.
"It's ok," Gwen replied, looking around but couldn't see Alfred, Maggie or Nancy anywhere. "Where are." Gwen started but Dumbledore seemed to have anticipated the question.
"They went back to Hogsmeade. They had some business to settle. They'll be back tomorrow, so you'll be staying here for the meanwhile. You don't mind, do you?"
"No," Gwen replied.
"Ok, now to lunch," Dumbledore said quickly, walking off, Gwen followed.
"This is the great hall," Dumbledore said, indicating to room, where she could hear a loud mixture of voices.
He continued towards the room and Gwen walked behind him, as they entered there was a hushed silence as the room inspected the new arrival into their school.
Gwen felt a million eyes on her and pulled the hat further down on her face.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the girl and the two boys, she wanted to smile but her face remained still.
Dumbledore strode on, as if nothing was different and they made their way to the top table. He seated himself in the middle chair and indicated a chair next to his, for Gwen to sit.
"Good afternoon, students," Dumbledore bellowed, "now today, we are privileged, as we have a guest. Let me introduce Gwen Aldan."
Gwen smiled weakly; she'd never been so embarrassed in her life.
Dumbledore however didn't seem to notice and kept talking, "anyway enough talk. Let's eat."
Then all of a sudden, food started to appear on the plates in front of them.
Gwen was stunned but tried not to show it and started to eat the food, which was delicious, almost as good as Maggie's cooking she thought.
Gwen looked down at the other teachers seated at the table and saw Arabella Figg, at the other end. The woman smiled at her.
Then she noticed the old woman next to her, looking at her.
She turned her head and smiled but the woman's expression didn't change.
She then extended a hand, "I'm Minerva McGonagall," Gwen took it and shook it firmly, the woman then turned away.
Dumbledore then turned to face the other professor and said casually, "this is the new Merlin."
The professor nodded knowingly, like she'd expected to hear this.
Then she carried on with her dinner without another glance at Gwen.
***
"Who do you think she is?" Hermione asked, staring up at the new girl.
"I dunno. She can't be a new teacher; she looks the same age as us," Ron added, tucking into his lunch.
Harry peered at the new girl and saw the embarrassed look, he so often wore, she obviously didn't like the attention that was being paid to her by the students.
"What is with the hat and the glasses?" Fred said, laughing slightly at the odd attire the girl had chosen to wear.
"Maybe she has snakes for hair and she needs to keep them hidden," Neville offered, everyone stared at him and he turned slightly pink.
"I think she's a student from another wizarding school. Maybe she's thinking of moving to Hogwarts," Hermione said.
"I didn't know you could change schools," Harry said quietly.
"I wonder which house she'll be in?" Ron said, looking around the room at the other houses.
"Hopefully not ours, we don't need any weirdoes." Fred said, stealing one of George's potatoes.
"Yeah. Hopefully not Slytherin either, no one deserves that," George said, taking the potato back.
Harry looked at the Slytherin table and hoped that she didn't go to that house; he could imagine the ridicule she would have to suffer at Malfoy's hand and George was right, no one deserved that.
***
Gwen made her way up to the West Tower, where she was supposed to meet Professor Trelawney, the divination teacher.
As she wandered around the corridors, she found herself getting more and more lost, Dumbledore had written her some instructions as to where go but they weren't helping.
Then she saw the girl and the boys again, they were walking just in front of her.
It was now or never, Gwen thought.
"Excuse me," she called, the three stopped and turned around, "hi.do you know where Professor Trelawney's classroom is, please?" Gwen asked nervously.
At first they looked at her curiously but then the girl spoke, "yeah. We'll show you," she walked on and Gwen followed her.
"By the way, I'm Ron Weasley," the red haired boy said, walking alongside Gwen, "this is Hermione Granger and this is Harry Potter."
Gwen stopped for a second and looked at the green eyed boy, "Harry Potter?"
"Yes," he replied, he looked nervously down at the floor.
Gwen peered at the boy, she couldn't believe that she was looking at the boy that lived, she had a million questions to ask but sensing his embarrassment, she stopped herself.
"Nice to meet you," Gwen said, holding out her hand, he took it and looked at her with a puzzled look on his face.
She then carried on walking, trying to keep up with Hermione.
"So," Ron said, "what school do you go to?"
"I don't go to school," Gwen replied, trying to sound casual about it.
The three stopped again and Hermione seemed extremely shocked.
"You don't go to school? So, you're not a witch?" She asked, with her mouth wide open.
"No, I am. It's just I don't go to a wizarding school, I have three guardians instead. They teach me everything," Gwen said, trying to avoid the stares that the other three were giving her.
"I wish I had three guardians. Anything to avoid Snape," Ron said, started to walk again.
"Who's Snape?" Gwen asked.
She saw Harry's face flinch when he heard the name.
"Oh, he's the potions master. He's pale and mean and hates Gryffindors," Ron said, with hatred all over his face.
"Now you don't know he hates Gryffindors," Hermione said, staring at Ron, over her books.
Ron merely rolled his eyes.
"I wish I came to Hogwarts," Gwen said quietly, she looked up and caught Harry's eye, they both blushed.
"So, why do you have guardians then?" Hermione asked, picking up a book, she'd just dropped.
"Oh, because I'm a merlin," Gwen said quickly, not really thinking about what she'd just said.
Hermione dropped all her books and Ron stood with his mouth so wide open, a train could have passed through it.
Harry seemed to be the only one, not stunned at that piece of news.
He started to pick up Hermione's books and Gwen helped him.
"You're really a merlin?" Hermione said, taking back the books that Harry and Gwen had just picked up. "That's what they tell me," Gwen said, gaining some confidence.
She smiled at Harry and he beamed back at her.
"There you are," a shrill voice cried out and a colourfully decorated woman appeared, walking up to Gwen.
"Gwen Aldan," the woman said, "I'm Professor Trelawney." Gwen didn't know what to say. "Come on then."
She ushered Gwen down the corridor, she turned back and said to the other three, "I think you're going to be late."
***
The next 4 hours were spent making predictions for the future and drawing up charts. Professor Trelawney seemed intent on testing Gwen's powers.
Gwen didn't really mind, to her it was another divination lesson except with another teacher.
At the end, Trelawney exclaimed, "you truly have a gift. You are a merlin."
Gwen started to blush.
"Excuse me, Professor."
Gwen turned and was confronted with a giant of a man with a dark tangled beard, which matched his hair.
"Yes, Hagrid?" Trelawney said, tapping her fingers on the table, "well, I've come ter take Gwen 'ere to lunch," Hagrid said, looking down at Gwen.
"Oh, very well," Trelawney said, getting up and looking slightly tired, "I will see you soon, Gwen."
She added looking down at a tea cup. Gwen wasn't sure if this was prediction or just her, being friendly.
"Com' on," Hagrid said, leading Gwen down the stairs.
When they'd both got down from Professor Trelawney's classroom, Hagrid turned to face her, rubbed his hand on his trousers and held it out to her, "Rubeus Hagrid. Keeper of the Keys and teacher of Care of Magical Creatures," Gwen took the large hand and shook it.
"I'm Gwen Aldan. Keeper of Nothing and carer of myself."
Hagrid guffawed loudly, "so, merlins 'ave a sense of humour."
Gwen smiled back at the gentle giant and they proceeded onto the great hall.
***
"Wow, a merlin," Fred said, highly impressed.
"I don't really understand," Harry said.
After the meeting with Gwen, Ron had spread the news about the merlin all around the school and now everyone was talking about it.
"What do you mean?" Ron said.
"I mean, what is a merlin?" Harry said, rather sheepishly, being the only one that didn't know.
Hermione sighed but replied, "a merlin is an extremely rare type of witch or wizard, that can see into the future. They get their powers when they're 16 and they're supposed to be descended from Merlin, himself."
"Do you think she's knows our futures?" George said quickly.
"I don't know. Maybe," Hermione said.
Everyone sat back; they could hardly imagine anyone knowing their futures.
Maybe she knows Voldermort's future, thought Harry but he didn't say it out loud.
Seamus then called out to Ron, "you met her didn't you?"
"Yeah I did," Ron replied proudly.
A million questions were then flung at Ron, all about what the merlin was like. He was a little overwhelmed.
Then there was silence as Gwen and Hagrid walked in and made their way up to the top table and sat down.
As they seated themselves, the whispers and the talking started up again.
Gwen could see their faces, all watching her, it wasn't like before, they were now interested in her.
She took the seat next to Dumbledore again, he was already there and he seemed happy about the excitement.
Dumbledore turned to Gwen, "I'm afraid you're identity has been revealed. Would you mind, if I made it official, to save any more confusion?"
Gwen didn't know what to say, so she simply nodded.
Dumbledore stood up, brushed something off his robe and started to talk, "I know many of you have heard something about our guest and I want to take this opportunity to tell you, that it is true. Gwen is indeed a merlin."
The room exploded with more voices.
"Now, I don't want anyone to bother Gwen while she is here. Any questions you have, you can save for the teachers."
The other professors all stared at Gwen; one professor in particular gave her a vicious look, Professor Snape, she guessed.
***
Harry felt sorry for Gwen; he knew what it was like to be in the spotlight. Then out of a corner of his eye, something caught his attention.
"Do you think she's actually going to be in our school?" Ginny asked excitedly.
"Maybe," Hermione said, her tone had become lighter.
"Imagine if she was in our house," Fred said, even though a couple of hours before, that would have been the last thing he'd wanted.
"Harry Potter and a merlin in our house," George said, "we'd be the best, no doubt about it. Eh, Harry?" He said, pointing his knife at the boy.
"Yeah," Harry replied, not really hearing the question, his mind was somewhere else, make that his eyes were on someone else, Cho Chang that is.
He still hadn't quite given up his crush on her, and now for the first time, he had a good view of her, from his table. There she was with her perfect dark hair and perfect face.
"Excuse me," it was Gwen.
The Gryffindor table froze, all watching Gwen closely.
"Hermione," she turned her head towards the stunned girl, who was holding her knife and fork in mid air.
Still no reply from anybody, Gwen decided to keep talking, "Umm.Professor McGonagall said you would help me find a spare bed in the girls' dorms in Gryffindor," Gwen glanced around the table, but nobody seemed to be making a move or a sound.
"Umm.hello?" Gwen said, waving a hand in front of them.
Hermione finally snapped out of it and dropped her knife and fork with a clatter, "sorry. We were.um.I haven't quite finished my dinner yet. Do you mind sitting down and waiting for a minute?" She said, moving up, so Gwen could sit down.
"Yeah, no problem," Gwen said, sitting down, feeling everyone's eyes on her.
For a few seconds, everyone had kept silent, but then from nowhere, they all burst out with questions, "how does it feel?"
"What's my future?"
"How old are you?"
Gwen didn't know, who to answer first.
"I think that's quite enough," Professor McGonagall boomed, she was standing behind Ron, who jumped slightly at the sound of her voice, "I think, it's time you went back to the Gryffindor common room."
She started to walk away but then stopped, "and, no more questions. Or do you want to disobey Dumbledore's direct orders?" She looked over the Gryffindor table once more, before walking off.
"I didn't realise it was an order," George said, saluting McGonagall's back.
"Come on everyone, let's go," Fred said, getting up, everyone followed.
The group of them made their way quickly up to the entrance to the dorms. The Fat Lady was standing there, looking them all over when her gaze fell onto Gwen.
"Who are you?" She said, a little snobbishly, looking down at the girl.
"I'm Gwen Aldan. I'll be staying here for the night," Gwen replied nervously.
"You're.the new merlin," The Fat Lady said, with a look similar to the one that McGonagall had, had when she'd found out Gwen was a merlin.
"Yes she is and she's staying in the Gryffindor House," George shouted proudly.
The Fat Lady ignored him, "this, is an honour," The Fat Lady said and curtsied, not very gracefully though.
She then swung open, "in you go," she said to Gwen, the girl walked in and as soon as she had, the Fat Lady swung shut again.
"Hey, open up," Fred shouted.
"Sorry. Password?" The Fat Lady said, not impressed by Fred's outburst.
"Gwen didn't need one," Ron piped up.
"Well, are you a merlin?" The Fat Lady asked.
"No," he replied quietly.
"Then password, please?"
"Oh, Leo Cor." Hermione said, she didn't want to be here all night.
The Fat Lady swung open and everyone walked in.
They found Gwen surrounded by fellow Gryffindors, full of questions. Gwen looked over at Harry and by the strained look on her face; Harry thought she wanted some help.
"Hey," Fred and George shouted, pushing the children out of the way and letting Gwen out.
"Thanks," Gwen said, letting out a breath, "I didn't know where you guys went. Then all these people came up to me."
"Hey," Fred said, pushing another kid away.
George and him then begun ushering children away from Gwen.
"I didn't realise people would get so excited about me," Gwen said, collapsing into an armchair.
Ron, Harry and Hermione took the remaining armchairs and stared at the girl.
"So, how long are you here for?" Hermione asked.
"I'm supposed to be going back tomorrow," Gwen answered.
"Umm. can I ask you a question?" Ron said, his ears were tinged pink; he was obviously a little uncomfortable.
Gwen looked at him and was about to say something when he interrupted, "it's not about being a merlin."
"Ok then," Gwen said, leaning back into the soft chair.
"Why do you have that hat on?"
Now it was Gwen's turn to be uncomfortable, "oh, well.do you promise not to tell anyone?" She finally said, leaning in.
The other three huddled in and Gwen pulled a strand of her hair out of her hat, they gasped at the acid green colour.
"What happened to.," Ron yelled.
"Ssshh." Hermione said quickly.
"I mean, what happened to your hair?" Ron said, quieter this time.
"An accident with a spell," Gwen replied in a hushed voice.
"Oh, so your hair's not always that colour?" Harry said.
"Course not," Gwen said, laughing, "I'm not a freak, just a merlin."
Then all four of all them burst into laughter.
***
"So, what have you got for me?" Voldermort said, fiddling with a bone in his hands.
Wormtail edged closer to his master, "she's at Hogwarts."
He braced himself for an outburst of rage or violence but nothing. He looked at his master who was calmly sitting in his chair.
"I see. an unexpected twist in the plot. But, it isn't altogether a bad one," Voldermort sat back and idly threw the bone aside.
He then leapt forward, causing Wormtail to fall backwards, "always so jumpy. Why so jumpy, Wormtail?" the dark lord said softly, almost sounding human.
"I'm not jumpy," Wormtail replied, wiping the sweat off his forehead.
"Now Wormtail, you know better than to lie to me, don't you?" Voldermort got up and stood in front of him.
"I'm sorry," Wormtail said, his voice sounded strained.
"Well, I'll overlook it, this one time. But, next time.," Voldermort drew his wand and ran the tip down Wormtail's cheek.
The rat breathed in and it took all strength to prevent himself from fainting.
"Now," Voldermort said, sitting back down, "I want you to get Morfal and Lafrom for me." "Morfal and Lafrom?" Wormtail said again.
"Yes."
"But.," Wormtail stuttered.
"Are you saying that you can't do this for me?" Voldermort said loudly, staring so intently at his servant that he could have killed him, just by looking at him this way.
"No, course not, master," Wormtail said, sweating even more.
"Good. Go then," Voldermort said, indicating the door with his wand.
Wormtail scampered to the door, relieved he had survived another encounter with his master.
A week passed, then two, until it was Halloween and things seemed to have settled down. The past conservation seemed to have been erased from everyone's mind.
"Gwen!" Maggie called from the kitchen; she then heard the familiar bang on the ground, as Gwen jumped the last two steps.
"Happy Halloween!" Maggie yelled, when she saw her.
Gwen looked at Maggie; she was wearing a bright orange apron with little black pumpkins all over it. On the front were the words, "Kiss the Witch," she'd obviously been to the local muggle shop.
Scarlett Wood was 15 minutes walk from a small, sleepy muggle village. Gwen often went there, to pick up normal muggle things, like magazines and sweets.
She looked around the kitchen and it'd been decorated with orange streamers and also small pumpkins were dotted around.
Alfred and Nancy had also got the Halloween bug as well; Nancy was wearing a pointed witch's hat and also stripy stockings. Alfred had put on a fake hooked nose and dusted his face white.
"Look at you," Gwen said, laughing at the sight.
"We thought, we'd indulge some of the muggles' Halloween fantasies," Alfred said, trying to look serious, but his nose was coming off and it was hanging over his mouth.
Gwen burst into fits of giggles and so, did everyone else, laughter is contagious after all. This was the first time, they'd all laughed for a while.
***
"Dumbledore, he's planning something."
Arabella Figg said, staring at the old wizard.
"I know, Arabella. But we mustn't jump to any conclusions; we must wait for the rest of the order," Dumbledore replied.
"I know. what about the merlin? Where is she?"
"She's with Alfred, Nancy and Maggie."
Arabella raised her eyebrows in surprise, "but I thought they retired from the order. After the incident with."
Dumbledore saw her sad expression and continued, "yes, I know. But the merlin is Vicky Aldan's child."
Arabella nodded, "such a tragedy. She was a talent, such a shame, when she went.," she paused and decided not to mention it, "well.anyway, it was very sad, when we lost her and all because of the child's father. Does no one know his identity?" She enquired turning to face Dumbledore.
"No, no one knows. I think I may ask them to bring her here.that way, they can help us and also Gwen can.will be safer here."
Arabella nodded in agreement, "that girl has a hard road ahead of her. Let's hope she is strong enough, to survive it."
"Let's hope," Dumbledore repeated in a low voice.
***
It was about six o'clock in the evening and everyone had gathered round the table in the kitchen. The day had been filled with apple bobbing, pin the wart on the witch and sweet scoffing.
"I couldn't eat another one," Gwen said, pushing the plate of sweets towards Maggie.
"More for me then," Maggie said, happily stuffing another into her mouth.
"Hmm.I think it's time for presents," Alfred said, getting up quickly and walking towards the window, opening it.
"Presents?" Gwen said, surprised, "I didn't know, you get presents on Halloween."
"You don't really. But since this is your first Halloween with us, we thought it was fitting, you had something to remember it by," Nancy said, her hands already holding a small wooden box, which had been hidden in her robes.
"Wait, for me," Maggie said, swallowing the last jelly bean.
She rushed out of the room and after a minute or so, came back in, holding something behind her back.
Gwen didn't know what to say, Nancy and Maggie took this opportunity and stepped forward, holding the presents towards her. Alfred however remained at the window, looking on at the scene.
Gwen instantly recognised what Maggie's was and could hardly believe it. She ripped the brown paper off and held the broomstick in her hands. "Nimbus 2002," was engraved on the handle in gold letters.
"I know it's not the best. But.," Maggie started but then Gwen leapt up and threw her hands around the old woman's neck and hugged her tightly, saying loudly, "thank you, Maggie. I love it."
Maggie a little taken aback by this display of emotion said gently, "now you have your own, there's no excuse for borrowing mine or Nancy's."
Gwen beamed brightly and turned to Nancy, who had placed the wooden box on the table.
Gwen walked over and opened the box gently, inside was a small wooden flute, with the initials VA, inscribed onto the side. It was the flute from her dream.
"It was your mother's, she made it herself. She made the most wonderful music on it," Nancy said, her eyes glazing over with tears.
Gwen picked out the flute and blew it gently, a soft, reedy noise came out and Gwen instantly felt more relaxed.
"Thank you Nancy. It's wonderful," Gwen hugged the fragile old woman gently.
"Where's your gift?" Maggie asked, folding her arms and looking at Alfred with an intense stare, "you didn't forget, did you?" She added, with a look that suggesting that she wouldn't be surprised if he had.
"Course not," Alfred replied flatly, he then put his two index fingers to his mouth and let out a high whistle.
For a moment, there was silence, then there was a beating of wings and a large brown owl came and rested on the window still.
"For you, Gwen," Alfred said, triumphantly, smirking at Maggie.
"Wow, my own owl," Gwen said, walking towards the window still and stroking the owl gently, the owl reciprocated by nestling it's head gently into her hand.
Gwen had learnt all about owls from Alfred, how witches and wizards used them to send messages to each other. Shame, I don't have anyone to send a message to, Gwen thought.
"So, what are you going to name him?" Alfred asked, the others looked in inquisitively. Gwen peered at the owl and thought hard before saying, "Jasper."
The owl hooted in agreement and Alfred, Nancy and Maggie nodded, saying that it was nice name for the owl.
Gwen carried her gifts upstairs, though when she tried to bring Jasper inside, he'd backed away and taken flight. Alfred reassured her that he would be back and that he just needed to get used to her.
But then when she entered her room, there he was, perched on her window still, giving her a what took you so long look.
Gwen collapsed on her bed and fell asleep with her broomstick and flute clutched to her chest, Jasper watching over her, cooing gently.
***
The next couple of days passed uneventfully until one morning.
Gwen was looking at herself in the mirror and fiddling with her hair, like a normal teenage girl.
"What's wrong?" Maggie asked, coming and dumping some laundry on Gwen's bed.
"I think I need a hair cut or. I need a change," Gwen said, throwing her hands down in annoyance.
"I think you look lovely, the way you are," Maggie said, folding some clothes into a drawer.
"Thanks. But.," Gwen said, pushing her face into the mirror, examining her skin.
"Hang on," Maggie said, dropping the clothes and walking towards Gwen, with her wand out.
"What you going to do?" Gwen said, looking sceptical. She'd never really seen Maggie use her wand before.
"Don't worry. Instead of a hair cut, how about a colour change?" Maggie said, excitedly, "we used to do this all the time, when I was a young witch."
Before Gwen could say another thing, Maggie had raised her wand and said in loud voice, "Oris."
Gwen's hair then started to gradually get lighter, until it was a light blonde colour.
"What do you think?" Maggie asked proudly.
Gwen could hardly believe what she was seeing; she turned her head to the side and then back again, admiring her new blonde hair in the mirror.
"Can you colour anything else?" Gwen asked, wishing she had her own wand so, she could do this all the time.
"Umm.,"Maggie pondered for a moment, "what colour eyes have you always wanted?"
"Blue," Gwen squealed.
Maggie repeated the spell and her eyes turned a deep blue colour. As she gazed at herself, in the mirror, she looked suspiciously like someone she knew, Annabelle.
Maggie excited by her triumph pointed her wand at Gwen again, "how about this look? Different enough?"
Gwen's hair turned an acid green and her eyes turned blood red.
At first, she recoiled in disgust at what she saw but eventually saw the funny side and laughed, Maggie joined in and the both of them, stood in hysterics.
Jasper, who was perched on her bed post, tilted his head not recognising his new master.
At this point, Nancy came in, slightly out of breath.
"Guess what?" She said excitedly, "we're going to Hogsmeade," she said, not noticing Gwen's new look.
Maggie spun around quickly and started to talk to Nancy.
"Wow, Hogsmeade," Gwen said a loud, she'd read all about it in her books and also it'd be nice to have a change of scenery.
"Your hair!" Nancy shouted, finally noticing the green haired girl.
"Oh don't be such a drama queen," Maggie said, walking over to Gwen, "disoris," she exclaimed.
They waited but nothing, Gwen's hair and eyes remained the same.
"Disoris," Maggie said again, but still not one hair or iris changed. Gwen started to get scared; she didn't want to look like this for the rest of her life.
Nancy's brow furrowed, while Maggie started mumbling to herself.
"I've got it. I'll just colour your hair back to normal," she raised her wand but Nancy stepped in.
"Oh no, if you use anymore magic on her hair, it'll fall out. No."
"But.I'm sure."Maggie started.
"No. Gwen." she turned to face the girl, who was nearly in tears, "I'm afraid you're going to have wait, 'till the spell wears off."
Gwen couldn't believe it, "how long does it take, to wear off?"
"Umm. hours." Maggie said, but she didn't seem sure, "maybe.days.weeks.maybe even." she took a deep breath, "months."
Gwen stood still, the word still echoing in her head and then a thought came to her, "I'm not going to Hogsmeade like this. No way. I'm not going. Understand? No way."
Gwen folded her arms, she wasn't going to give in, she was going to stand her ground.
***
"You look fine," Alfred said, trying to reassure Gwen.
"I do not," Gwen said, still in a mood.
She was wearing her new blue long robes, an over-sized fishing hat to hide her hair and a pair of Maggie's old reading glasses, which Alfred had charmed. So, to on-lookers, her eyes appeared brown.
Gwen looked far from alright, she looked stupid.
They were sitting in the Shrieking Shack, waiting for an old friend of Alfred's, someone called Albus Dumbledore.
He was late.
Then from nowhere, a man of about the same age as Alfred, appeared. He had a long white beard and was wearing a dark purple robe.
He smiled as he saw Alfred, the two men shook hands warmly and he nodded politely at Nancy and Maggie.
Alfred then gestured to Gwen, "this is Gwen Aldan, Albus."
Dumbledore sat down and looked at Gwen, smiling, "hello Gwen. I am Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts."
At the mention of Hogwarts, Gwen sat up a little straighter, ever since Alfred had mentioned it; she had become fascinated with the school.
"Now then," Dumbledore said, "how about some butter beers?"
Gwen nodded, even though she didn't know what they were. Dumbledore gestured to the bartender and continued to talk, "then we can get back to Hogwarts."
"We're going to Hogwarts?" Gwen burst out.
"Yes. Why, don't you want to?" Maggie said.
"Of course I do," Gwen said loudly, causing some of the other customers to look at her.
The others chuckled kindly at the young witch's enthusiasm. Gwen didn't mind, she was just excited about going to Hogwarts, except she wished she wasn't dressed like this.
***
"Here we are," Dumbledore said, walking into his office.
Gwen walked in, completely amazed at Hogwarts.
It was better than she had expected, the grounds, the lake, the castle, everything, it was the most magical place she had ever been.
She then noticed an old woman with dark grey hair, standing next to the window.
"Arabella," Nancy said, walking towards the woman and hugging her gently.
The woman smiled and then she moved over to look at Gwen.
"Hello, I'm Arabella Figg. I'm the teacher for the defence against the dark arts," she extended her hand towards Gwen and she took it.
Gwen wasn't sure what to say, there was something mysterious about this woman and she mumbled quietly, "Gwen Aldan."
Dumbledore settled down in his chair and leaned back; a phoenix came and settled on his shoulder. Gwen recognised it instantly, it was beautiful.
Dumbledore noticed the awe on Gwen's face, "impressive, isn't he? His name is Fawkes. Anyway, what do you think of the school?"
Gwen didn't know where to begin, so, she launched into a high speed babble, including everything she'd thought or would ever think.
When she'd finished, Dumbledore laughed and turned to the others, who just smiled back. "Well I'm glad, the new Merlin likes it so much," he said.
Gwen had never heard anyone else say the word "merlin" before. She wondered how many other people knew her real identity.
"Gwen," Maggie said, "go outside for a minute. We just need to talk to Albus and Arabella about something."
Gwen was puzzled with the sudden secrecy but she obediently went outside.
***
Gwen leaned onto the door but couldn't quite hear what was being said.
Dumbledore probably had a charm on it which prevented eavesdroppers, eavesdropping, she thought to herself.
As she looked down the long corridor, she heard voices, student voices, she edged closer, she'd never seen any witches or wizards her own age.
She glanced round a corner and saw two boys and a girl.
The girl had brown frizzy hair and was carrying a ton of books and she seemed to be lecturing the other two about something.
The first boy was tall and had bright red hair and lots of freckles; he had bored expression on his face which made Gwen laugh silently to herself.
The other boy was also quite tall and had a mop of jet black hair which was quite scruffy.
As they came closer, she could see that he also had round glasses and bright green eyes, she was also able to pick up some of their conversation.
"Really, you two, I can't believe you haven't studied," the girl said.
The red haired boy spoke, "come on, I don't want to miss lunch."
The girl looked at him and let out a grunt that she wasn't impressed.
"Now you two," the green eyed boy said, laughing a little, before they all disappeared round another corridor.
"Gwen," a voice said from behind her. She turned around and saw the smiling face of Albus Dumbledore.
"Did I frighten you? I'm sorry," he said gently.
"It's ok," Gwen replied, looking around but couldn't see Alfred, Maggie or Nancy anywhere. "Where are." Gwen started but Dumbledore seemed to have anticipated the question.
"They went back to Hogsmeade. They had some business to settle. They'll be back tomorrow, so you'll be staying here for the meanwhile. You don't mind, do you?"
"No," Gwen replied.
"Ok, now to lunch," Dumbledore said quickly, walking off, Gwen followed.
"This is the great hall," Dumbledore said, indicating to room, where she could hear a loud mixture of voices.
He continued towards the room and Gwen walked behind him, as they entered there was a hushed silence as the room inspected the new arrival into their school.
Gwen felt a million eyes on her and pulled the hat further down on her face.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the girl and the two boys, she wanted to smile but her face remained still.
Dumbledore strode on, as if nothing was different and they made their way to the top table. He seated himself in the middle chair and indicated a chair next to his, for Gwen to sit.
"Good afternoon, students," Dumbledore bellowed, "now today, we are privileged, as we have a guest. Let me introduce Gwen Aldan."
Gwen smiled weakly; she'd never been so embarrassed in her life.
Dumbledore however didn't seem to notice and kept talking, "anyway enough talk. Let's eat."
Then all of a sudden, food started to appear on the plates in front of them.
Gwen was stunned but tried not to show it and started to eat the food, which was delicious, almost as good as Maggie's cooking she thought.
Gwen looked down at the other teachers seated at the table and saw Arabella Figg, at the other end. The woman smiled at her.
Then she noticed the old woman next to her, looking at her.
She turned her head and smiled but the woman's expression didn't change.
She then extended a hand, "I'm Minerva McGonagall," Gwen took it and shook it firmly, the woman then turned away.
Dumbledore then turned to face the other professor and said casually, "this is the new Merlin."
The professor nodded knowingly, like she'd expected to hear this.
Then she carried on with her dinner without another glance at Gwen.
***
"Who do you think she is?" Hermione asked, staring up at the new girl.
"I dunno. She can't be a new teacher; she looks the same age as us," Ron added, tucking into his lunch.
Harry peered at the new girl and saw the embarrassed look, he so often wore, she obviously didn't like the attention that was being paid to her by the students.
"What is with the hat and the glasses?" Fred said, laughing slightly at the odd attire the girl had chosen to wear.
"Maybe she has snakes for hair and she needs to keep them hidden," Neville offered, everyone stared at him and he turned slightly pink.
"I think she's a student from another wizarding school. Maybe she's thinking of moving to Hogwarts," Hermione said.
"I didn't know you could change schools," Harry said quietly.
"I wonder which house she'll be in?" Ron said, looking around the room at the other houses.
"Hopefully not ours, we don't need any weirdoes." Fred said, stealing one of George's potatoes.
"Yeah. Hopefully not Slytherin either, no one deserves that," George said, taking the potato back.
Harry looked at the Slytherin table and hoped that she didn't go to that house; he could imagine the ridicule she would have to suffer at Malfoy's hand and George was right, no one deserved that.
***
Gwen made her way up to the West Tower, where she was supposed to meet Professor Trelawney, the divination teacher.
As she wandered around the corridors, she found herself getting more and more lost, Dumbledore had written her some instructions as to where go but they weren't helping.
Then she saw the girl and the boys again, they were walking just in front of her.
It was now or never, Gwen thought.
"Excuse me," she called, the three stopped and turned around, "hi.do you know where Professor Trelawney's classroom is, please?" Gwen asked nervously.
At first they looked at her curiously but then the girl spoke, "yeah. We'll show you," she walked on and Gwen followed her.
"By the way, I'm Ron Weasley," the red haired boy said, walking alongside Gwen, "this is Hermione Granger and this is Harry Potter."
Gwen stopped for a second and looked at the green eyed boy, "Harry Potter?"
"Yes," he replied, he looked nervously down at the floor.
Gwen peered at the boy, she couldn't believe that she was looking at the boy that lived, she had a million questions to ask but sensing his embarrassment, she stopped herself.
"Nice to meet you," Gwen said, holding out her hand, he took it and looked at her with a puzzled look on his face.
She then carried on walking, trying to keep up with Hermione.
"So," Ron said, "what school do you go to?"
"I don't go to school," Gwen replied, trying to sound casual about it.
The three stopped again and Hermione seemed extremely shocked.
"You don't go to school? So, you're not a witch?" She asked, with her mouth wide open.
"No, I am. It's just I don't go to a wizarding school, I have three guardians instead. They teach me everything," Gwen said, trying to avoid the stares that the other three were giving her.
"I wish I had three guardians. Anything to avoid Snape," Ron said, started to walk again.
"Who's Snape?" Gwen asked.
She saw Harry's face flinch when he heard the name.
"Oh, he's the potions master. He's pale and mean and hates Gryffindors," Ron said, with hatred all over his face.
"Now you don't know he hates Gryffindors," Hermione said, staring at Ron, over her books.
Ron merely rolled his eyes.
"I wish I came to Hogwarts," Gwen said quietly, she looked up and caught Harry's eye, they both blushed.
"So, why do you have guardians then?" Hermione asked, picking up a book, she'd just dropped.
"Oh, because I'm a merlin," Gwen said quickly, not really thinking about what she'd just said.
Hermione dropped all her books and Ron stood with his mouth so wide open, a train could have passed through it.
Harry seemed to be the only one, not stunned at that piece of news.
He started to pick up Hermione's books and Gwen helped him.
"You're really a merlin?" Hermione said, taking back the books that Harry and Gwen had just picked up. "That's what they tell me," Gwen said, gaining some confidence.
She smiled at Harry and he beamed back at her.
"There you are," a shrill voice cried out and a colourfully decorated woman appeared, walking up to Gwen.
"Gwen Aldan," the woman said, "I'm Professor Trelawney." Gwen didn't know what to say. "Come on then."
She ushered Gwen down the corridor, she turned back and said to the other three, "I think you're going to be late."
***
The next 4 hours were spent making predictions for the future and drawing up charts. Professor Trelawney seemed intent on testing Gwen's powers.
Gwen didn't really mind, to her it was another divination lesson except with another teacher.
At the end, Trelawney exclaimed, "you truly have a gift. You are a merlin."
Gwen started to blush.
"Excuse me, Professor."
Gwen turned and was confronted with a giant of a man with a dark tangled beard, which matched his hair.
"Yes, Hagrid?" Trelawney said, tapping her fingers on the table, "well, I've come ter take Gwen 'ere to lunch," Hagrid said, looking down at Gwen.
"Oh, very well," Trelawney said, getting up and looking slightly tired, "I will see you soon, Gwen."
She added looking down at a tea cup. Gwen wasn't sure if this was prediction or just her, being friendly.
"Com' on," Hagrid said, leading Gwen down the stairs.
When they'd both got down from Professor Trelawney's classroom, Hagrid turned to face her, rubbed his hand on his trousers and held it out to her, "Rubeus Hagrid. Keeper of the Keys and teacher of Care of Magical Creatures," Gwen took the large hand and shook it.
"I'm Gwen Aldan. Keeper of Nothing and carer of myself."
Hagrid guffawed loudly, "so, merlins 'ave a sense of humour."
Gwen smiled back at the gentle giant and they proceeded onto the great hall.
***
"Wow, a merlin," Fred said, highly impressed.
"I don't really understand," Harry said.
After the meeting with Gwen, Ron had spread the news about the merlin all around the school and now everyone was talking about it.
"What do you mean?" Ron said.
"I mean, what is a merlin?" Harry said, rather sheepishly, being the only one that didn't know.
Hermione sighed but replied, "a merlin is an extremely rare type of witch or wizard, that can see into the future. They get their powers when they're 16 and they're supposed to be descended from Merlin, himself."
"Do you think she's knows our futures?" George said quickly.
"I don't know. Maybe," Hermione said.
Everyone sat back; they could hardly imagine anyone knowing their futures.
Maybe she knows Voldermort's future, thought Harry but he didn't say it out loud.
Seamus then called out to Ron, "you met her didn't you?"
"Yeah I did," Ron replied proudly.
A million questions were then flung at Ron, all about what the merlin was like. He was a little overwhelmed.
Then there was silence as Gwen and Hagrid walked in and made their way up to the top table and sat down.
As they seated themselves, the whispers and the talking started up again.
Gwen could see their faces, all watching her, it wasn't like before, they were now interested in her.
She took the seat next to Dumbledore again, he was already there and he seemed happy about the excitement.
Dumbledore turned to Gwen, "I'm afraid you're identity has been revealed. Would you mind, if I made it official, to save any more confusion?"
Gwen didn't know what to say, so she simply nodded.
Dumbledore stood up, brushed something off his robe and started to talk, "I know many of you have heard something about our guest and I want to take this opportunity to tell you, that it is true. Gwen is indeed a merlin."
The room exploded with more voices.
"Now, I don't want anyone to bother Gwen while she is here. Any questions you have, you can save for the teachers."
The other professors all stared at Gwen; one professor in particular gave her a vicious look, Professor Snape, she guessed.
***
Harry felt sorry for Gwen; he knew what it was like to be in the spotlight. Then out of a corner of his eye, something caught his attention.
"Do you think she's actually going to be in our school?" Ginny asked excitedly.
"Maybe," Hermione said, her tone had become lighter.
"Imagine if she was in our house," Fred said, even though a couple of hours before, that would have been the last thing he'd wanted.
"Harry Potter and a merlin in our house," George said, "we'd be the best, no doubt about it. Eh, Harry?" He said, pointing his knife at the boy.
"Yeah," Harry replied, not really hearing the question, his mind was somewhere else, make that his eyes were on someone else, Cho Chang that is.
He still hadn't quite given up his crush on her, and now for the first time, he had a good view of her, from his table. There she was with her perfect dark hair and perfect face.
"Excuse me," it was Gwen.
The Gryffindor table froze, all watching Gwen closely.
"Hermione," she turned her head towards the stunned girl, who was holding her knife and fork in mid air.
Still no reply from anybody, Gwen decided to keep talking, "Umm.Professor McGonagall said you would help me find a spare bed in the girls' dorms in Gryffindor," Gwen glanced around the table, but nobody seemed to be making a move or a sound.
"Umm.hello?" Gwen said, waving a hand in front of them.
Hermione finally snapped out of it and dropped her knife and fork with a clatter, "sorry. We were.um.I haven't quite finished my dinner yet. Do you mind sitting down and waiting for a minute?" She said, moving up, so Gwen could sit down.
"Yeah, no problem," Gwen said, sitting down, feeling everyone's eyes on her.
For a few seconds, everyone had kept silent, but then from nowhere, they all burst out with questions, "how does it feel?"
"What's my future?"
"How old are you?"
Gwen didn't know, who to answer first.
"I think that's quite enough," Professor McGonagall boomed, she was standing behind Ron, who jumped slightly at the sound of her voice, "I think, it's time you went back to the Gryffindor common room."
She started to walk away but then stopped, "and, no more questions. Or do you want to disobey Dumbledore's direct orders?" She looked over the Gryffindor table once more, before walking off.
"I didn't realise it was an order," George said, saluting McGonagall's back.
"Come on everyone, let's go," Fred said, getting up, everyone followed.
The group of them made their way quickly up to the entrance to the dorms. The Fat Lady was standing there, looking them all over when her gaze fell onto Gwen.
"Who are you?" She said, a little snobbishly, looking down at the girl.
"I'm Gwen Aldan. I'll be staying here for the night," Gwen replied nervously.
"You're.the new merlin," The Fat Lady said, with a look similar to the one that McGonagall had, had when she'd found out Gwen was a merlin.
"Yes she is and she's staying in the Gryffindor House," George shouted proudly.
The Fat Lady ignored him, "this, is an honour," The Fat Lady said and curtsied, not very gracefully though.
She then swung open, "in you go," she said to Gwen, the girl walked in and as soon as she had, the Fat Lady swung shut again.
"Hey, open up," Fred shouted.
"Sorry. Password?" The Fat Lady said, not impressed by Fred's outburst.
"Gwen didn't need one," Ron piped up.
"Well, are you a merlin?" The Fat Lady asked.
"No," he replied quietly.
"Then password, please?"
"Oh, Leo Cor." Hermione said, she didn't want to be here all night.
The Fat Lady swung open and everyone walked in.
They found Gwen surrounded by fellow Gryffindors, full of questions. Gwen looked over at Harry and by the strained look on her face; Harry thought she wanted some help.
"Hey," Fred and George shouted, pushing the children out of the way and letting Gwen out.
"Thanks," Gwen said, letting out a breath, "I didn't know where you guys went. Then all these people came up to me."
"Hey," Fred said, pushing another kid away.
George and him then begun ushering children away from Gwen.
"I didn't realise people would get so excited about me," Gwen said, collapsing into an armchair.
Ron, Harry and Hermione took the remaining armchairs and stared at the girl.
"So, how long are you here for?" Hermione asked.
"I'm supposed to be going back tomorrow," Gwen answered.
"Umm. can I ask you a question?" Ron said, his ears were tinged pink; he was obviously a little uncomfortable.
Gwen looked at him and was about to say something when he interrupted, "it's not about being a merlin."
"Ok then," Gwen said, leaning back into the soft chair.
"Why do you have that hat on?"
Now it was Gwen's turn to be uncomfortable, "oh, well.do you promise not to tell anyone?" She finally said, leaning in.
The other three huddled in and Gwen pulled a strand of her hair out of her hat, they gasped at the acid green colour.
"What happened to.," Ron yelled.
"Ssshh." Hermione said quickly.
"I mean, what happened to your hair?" Ron said, quieter this time.
"An accident with a spell," Gwen replied in a hushed voice.
"Oh, so your hair's not always that colour?" Harry said.
"Course not," Gwen said, laughing, "I'm not a freak, just a merlin."
Then all four of all them burst into laughter.
***
"So, what have you got for me?" Voldermort said, fiddling with a bone in his hands.
Wormtail edged closer to his master, "she's at Hogwarts."
He braced himself for an outburst of rage or violence but nothing. He looked at his master who was calmly sitting in his chair.
"I see. an unexpected twist in the plot. But, it isn't altogether a bad one," Voldermort sat back and idly threw the bone aside.
He then leapt forward, causing Wormtail to fall backwards, "always so jumpy. Why so jumpy, Wormtail?" the dark lord said softly, almost sounding human.
"I'm not jumpy," Wormtail replied, wiping the sweat off his forehead.
"Now Wormtail, you know better than to lie to me, don't you?" Voldermort got up and stood in front of him.
"I'm sorry," Wormtail said, his voice sounded strained.
"Well, I'll overlook it, this one time. But, next time.," Voldermort drew his wand and ran the tip down Wormtail's cheek.
The rat breathed in and it took all strength to prevent himself from fainting.
"Now," Voldermort said, sitting back down, "I want you to get Morfal and Lafrom for me." "Morfal and Lafrom?" Wormtail said again.
"Yes."
"But.," Wormtail stuttered.
"Are you saying that you can't do this for me?" Voldermort said loudly, staring so intently at his servant that he could have killed him, just by looking at him this way.
"No, course not, master," Wormtail said, sweating even more.
"Good. Go then," Voldermort said, indicating the door with his wand.
Wormtail scampered to the door, relieved he had survived another encounter with his master.
