Chapter Seven
Gwen woke up the next day and gazed at the stone walls, for a moment she forgot that she was a merlin and that she was different. She looked over at the other girls in the dorm and felt normal.
Then she was rudely pulled back into reality, "Gwen Aldan," Professor McGonagall appeared in the doorway, "Professor Dumbledore would like to see you."
The other girls in the room had woken up and were staring at Gwen and Professor McGonagall.
"Come along," McGonagall said impatiently.
Gwen lazily got out of bed and pulled on her shoes and robe, then placed her glasses, carefully, so that no one saw her eyes.
She then made sure all her hair was securely in her hat before walking out of the door.
McGonagall looked at the other girls, "Stop staring and get up. I don't want any Gryffindors late for class." With that she closed the door and led Gwen to Dumbledore's office.
"Bumblebee," McGonagall said, pushing Gwen into the room, before walking off down the corridor.
"Hello Gwen," Dumbledore said, when Gwen had entered. She looked around the office and instantly saw Nancy, Maggie and Alfred.
"So, are we leaving now?" Gwen said in a voice which was a mixture of disappointment, at having to leave Hogwarts but also happiness, as she'd missed Alfred, Nancy, Maggie and Scarlett Wood.
"Umm.," Alfred said, his voice seemed a little shaky.
Maggie and Nancy also seemed a little on edge, they also looked exhausted.
"There's been a change of plan. We've still got some things to do and we thought it better if you stay." Alfred stopped, thinking about what to say next.
"Why can't I go with you?" Gwen asked, she looked at them but by the look on their faces, she could tell, that wouldn't be a good idea.
"I don't think so, Gwen. It's just."
"Are you in trouble?" Everyone seemed surprised by her question.
"Is this about Voldermort? Has he come back?" Gwen now was even surprised with her new found perception.
"Yes," Dumbledore said, he laced his fingers together, deep in thought.
"I'm a merlin, aren't I?" Gwen said, folding her arms across her chest. Nancy began to say something but stopped and nodded.
"So, shouldn't I be included these plans?"
Gwen couldn't believe she was saying this, she didn't really want to face the dark lord, she didn't even have a wand. But something inside her, was taking over and Gwen didn't really mind.
Dumbledore spoke first, "I think Gwen's right. She should be told but not right now." Gwen wanted to ask why she couldn't be told now, but Dumbledore kept talking.
"In the meantime Nancy, Alfred and Maggie will continue with their business and Gwen you will remain here at Hogwarts."
"Remain at Hogwarts, for how long?" Gwen asked.
"Only for a couple of months, dear. We'll come back," Nancy said quietly, smiling.
"That's right. We'll come get you after your birthday," Maggie added.
"We'd better be going," Alfred said, getting up and walking towards the door, he paused when he reached Gwen. "Be careful," he whispered in her ear, as he hugged her tightly.
Gwen then hugged the others in turn as they left the room. "Dumbledore,"
"Yes, Gwen."
"What am I supposed to do here at Hogwarts? Am I going to be a student?" Gwen said her voice full of hope.
"No, I don't want to interrupt your education with Alfred, Nancy and Maggie. Also, you don't have a wand, do you?"
Gwen nodded sheepishly.
"Precisely. I think for now, you can be a teacher's assistant."
"To which professor?"
"Professor Trelawney. You don't need a wand for that and she tells me, that you have a talent for it."
Gwen blushed and smiled brightly at the headmaster, "So, do I get to be in a house?"
Dumbledore looked up from his desk and picked up an old hat which was lying beside him, "I guess you should be in one, house spirit is very important here at Hogwarts. Put the sorting hat on, then."
He handed the hat to Gwen and she put it on, it slipped over her forehead slightly.
Then she heard a voice, "Well, a merlin. I don't believe it. Hmm.which house, let's see.,"
Gwen sat for a few seconds, waiting; Dumbledore was also waiting for the outcome.
Then she heard the voice again, "hmm.no house."
"What?" Gwen said aloud, Dumbledore sat up and looked at the girl.
"I said you don't belong in a house," the voice repeated.
"But why?" Gwen said, she was puzzled.
"Because you're empty, different."
With that, the hat leapt off her head and fell back at Dumbledore's side.
"So, what did it say?" Dumbledore asked, stroking Fawkes, who had just flown in.
"It said, I don't belong in a house because I'm empty and different." Gwen said sadly.
"I'm sorry. But just because you can't be in house, doesn't stop you from supporting one does it?"
Gwen nodded glumly.
"Well, you can't stay in the Gryffindor dorms anymore, can you?" Dumbledore said, writing on a little piece of paper.
"But.," Gwen started but was silenced with a look from Dumbledore.
"Here," Dumbledore said, handing her the piece of paper, "well, up to your room. Dinner is at 7."
Gwen nodded and walked miserably back to her room.
She found that her room was in an isolated part of the castle and that all her belongings were already inside. She found Jasper sitting on her bed post, waiting for her.
"Hey, Jasper." She said, stroking the bird.
The bird cooed and sensing Gwen wasn't in the best of moods, flew over to her broomstick and tapped it with his beak.
Gwen looked up and went over and clutched the broom tightly in her hand.
Then Jasper hooted and flew over to the window, she followed and saw the quidditch pitch just below.
Flying would be a nice diversion, Gwen thought.
She then walked down the corridors to the quidditch pitch.
***
"Morfal and Lafrom, how nice of you to come," Voldermort said, looking down at the two figures.
They were identical in height and shape, with grey withered skin.
They had hardly any features on their faces, just two black ovals for eyes, a bump for a nose and a slit for a mouth. The rest of them were covered in long brown cloaks.
One of them spoke, "We are honoured to have been called to serve the great dark lord."
Voldermort smiled, "I'm glad, you know where your loyalties lie."
"Our loyalties lie with whoever has the right ideas about the future. We are most interested about your plan to bring back the lost craft of the dark arts," the other said, in a low voice.
"Yes. I have many plans in the future but that is one that is close to your hearts, I know. Ever since your accident." Voldermort stopped and watched for their reaction, they remained still.
He continued, "I have brought you here, to ask for your service."
"We are here; ready to do your bidding," they spoke together.
"Good. I ask you, to use your abilities to help me, with a little project of mine. Tell me, do you play quidditch?"
The breeze blew against her face gently and she looked around and saw only the night's sky.
Gwen felt better, after speeding around the pitch a few times, she was nearly able to block out the sorting hat's words, "empty" and "different."
She sped around the pitch again and again, gaining speed. She imagined she was in a quidditch match and that she was the seeker, then she was a chaser.
"Hey!" She looked down and saw the faces of Harry, Ron and Hermione looking up at her. Gwen steered her broom downwards and landed gracefully in front of Harry.
"You're alright on a broomstick," Ron exclaimed, looking at with a new found respect.
"Thanks. You guys, play quidditch?" Gwen said, a little tired.
"Do we play quiddicth?" Ron said jokingly, elbowing Harry in the ribs. Harry pushed Ron's arm away from him, "I'm the seeker and Ron's the keeper for the Gryffindor team."
Ron smiled proudly at Gwen.
After Oliver Wood had left, they'd had to replace him with Ron, who wasn't great, but he was getting better.
"Anyway, why you here?" Gwen said, leaning on her broomstick.
"Oh, we were looking for you. When you didn't turn up for dinner, Professor McGonagall sent us, to look for you." Hermione said, pulling her cloak around her, it was getting colder.
"Dinner, oh I completely forgot." Gwen said, getting off her broom.
"You forgot dinner?" Ron said, his eyes wide open, "if I forgot dinner.actually I'd never forget dinner or lunch or."
"Anything that involved food," Hermione said, finishing his sentence.
Ron threw her a sarcastic smile and began walking back to the castle.
" 'Arry!" Hagrid yelled, he strode over to the group. "What you doin' 'ere at this time? Oh, Gwen you're 'ere too. Professor Dumbledore wants to see you."
Gwen looked at Harry and shrugged, she didn't know what was going on.
"Come on an' you three," he said pointing at Ron, Hermione and Harry "You can go ter bed. Come on then," he said loudly, pushing them off the quidditch pitch.
***
This must be about the conversation earlier on, Gwen thought to herself.
She was deep in thought, when she nearly bumped into Snape, who was coming out of Dumbledore's office, looking particularly foul. He shot her a particularly vicious look, as he walked past her.
"Come in," she heard Dumbledore's voice call.
Gwen walked in, not really knowing what to expect. Dumbledore was sitting in his chair and there were a bundle of letters and papers all around him.
"Sit down," Dumbledore said and a chair appeared.
Gwen sat down cautiously.
"Well, Gwen I'm about to answer your question today."
She smiled nervously.
"Now, as you know, Voldermort's powers are on the rise and that he will eventually return to full strength, maybe even more so. Anyway, we have been thinking."
"We?" Gwen said quietly.
"I mean, the Order of the Phoenix."
"What's that?"
"It is a league of powerful witches and wizards that are dedicated to the protection of our wizarding world and it's way of life. It was formed long ago, when another dark wizard was about to attack the wizarding world, Grindelwald."
"But you defeated him."
"Yes, but only just. Grindelwald was powerful but I fear, that Voldermort is even more so. Anyway, after Grindelwald was defeated, the league was disbanded. Then when Voldermort came, we regrouped; gathering new members and then Harry stepped in." he paused and stroked his beard before carrying on, "after that, we thought the order was no longer necessary. But last year, there was another encounter with Voldermort hich was far more seriously than we planned for. Harry only just survived that attack."
"So, you, Nancy, Alfred, Maggie are all part of this Order of the Phoenix?" Gwen said, feeling nervous about what her role was going to be in all of this.
"Yes. They are now finalising some plans and also gathering the last of the order."
"Who else is part of this order?"
Dumbledore looked around his desk and then handed Gwen, a roll of parchment.
She unravelled the paper and began scanning the names.
She saw Dumbledore's name, Maggie's, Alfred's, Nancy's and also the name Arabella Figgs. She remembered the old woman clearly and continued down the list.
She noticed many of the names had been crossed out, witches and wizards that had probably died in battle, Gwen thought.
She then came to another name, she recognised, Simon Lark. It had been crossed out and she thought back to the article then she saw the name, Victoria Aldan.
"My mother was part of the order?"
"Yes, she was a great witch before." He let the sentence trail off and she knew he meant before she'd lost her sanity.
"Was my father part of the order as well?"
Dumbledore sighed, "I don't know Gwen. I also do not know the identity of your father."
Gwen fell back in her chair, frustrated. She was again denied information about her past.
As she kept going down the list, she saw the names, Lily and James Potter, she guessed these were Harry's parents.
Then she saw the final name, Sirius Black.
"Sirius Black was part of the order?"
"He still is," Dumbledore replied quietly.
"But he's a murderer, he betrayed you," Gwen said loudly, she'd read the articles on him. "He's not what he seems."
"But."
Dumbledore held up a hand, indicating that there was to be no more talk about the subject. Gwen breathed heavily and moved on.
"So, what do I have to do with this?" Gwen asked, her voice sounded a little disappointed, "well, I'm telling you firstly for your protection. As you know, he seems intent on killing Harry."
Gwen shuddered at the thought and felt sorry for Harry, he must be so scared and under so much pressure.
"But it now seems, that he wants you as well, Gwen."
"Why does he want me dead?"
"I don't think, he wants you dead but more that he wants you to join him."
"I would never," Gwen cried out.
Dumbledore smiled but his voice sounded a little pessimistic, "many wizards and witches have said those words but have fallen under the spell of the darker side."
Gwen didn't know whether this was an insult or a statement.
"But I'm sure your heart is good, Gwen," Dumbledore said.
Gwen smiled but couldn't help thinking about what he'd just said.
"Anyway, secondly, I am telling you because you may be called on to help."
"Me?" Gwen said, her surprise apparent.
"Do not underestimate yourself, Gwen. Do not forget you are merlin. Anyway, now you know, so to bed."
Gwen still slightly stunned at the news, got up and started to walk out.
"Gwen, one more thing," Dumbledore called, "here, seeing as you missed dinner."
A plate with a chicken sandwich and a cup appeared.
Gwen took them; she finally noticed how hungry she was.
"Now, be at breakfast at eight thirty. Good night," he then waved her out and carried on with reading a letter.
Gwen bit hungrily into the sandwich and thought that her time at Hogwarts was becoming more and more interesting by the minute.
Gwen woke up the next day and gazed at the stone walls, for a moment she forgot that she was a merlin and that she was different. She looked over at the other girls in the dorm and felt normal.
Then she was rudely pulled back into reality, "Gwen Aldan," Professor McGonagall appeared in the doorway, "Professor Dumbledore would like to see you."
The other girls in the room had woken up and were staring at Gwen and Professor McGonagall.
"Come along," McGonagall said impatiently.
Gwen lazily got out of bed and pulled on her shoes and robe, then placed her glasses, carefully, so that no one saw her eyes.
She then made sure all her hair was securely in her hat before walking out of the door.
McGonagall looked at the other girls, "Stop staring and get up. I don't want any Gryffindors late for class." With that she closed the door and led Gwen to Dumbledore's office.
"Bumblebee," McGonagall said, pushing Gwen into the room, before walking off down the corridor.
"Hello Gwen," Dumbledore said, when Gwen had entered. She looked around the office and instantly saw Nancy, Maggie and Alfred.
"So, are we leaving now?" Gwen said in a voice which was a mixture of disappointment, at having to leave Hogwarts but also happiness, as she'd missed Alfred, Nancy, Maggie and Scarlett Wood.
"Umm.," Alfred said, his voice seemed a little shaky.
Maggie and Nancy also seemed a little on edge, they also looked exhausted.
"There's been a change of plan. We've still got some things to do and we thought it better if you stay." Alfred stopped, thinking about what to say next.
"Why can't I go with you?" Gwen asked, she looked at them but by the look on their faces, she could tell, that wouldn't be a good idea.
"I don't think so, Gwen. It's just."
"Are you in trouble?" Everyone seemed surprised by her question.
"Is this about Voldermort? Has he come back?" Gwen now was even surprised with her new found perception.
"Yes," Dumbledore said, he laced his fingers together, deep in thought.
"I'm a merlin, aren't I?" Gwen said, folding her arms across her chest. Nancy began to say something but stopped and nodded.
"So, shouldn't I be included these plans?"
Gwen couldn't believe she was saying this, she didn't really want to face the dark lord, she didn't even have a wand. But something inside her, was taking over and Gwen didn't really mind.
Dumbledore spoke first, "I think Gwen's right. She should be told but not right now." Gwen wanted to ask why she couldn't be told now, but Dumbledore kept talking.
"In the meantime Nancy, Alfred and Maggie will continue with their business and Gwen you will remain here at Hogwarts."
"Remain at Hogwarts, for how long?" Gwen asked.
"Only for a couple of months, dear. We'll come back," Nancy said quietly, smiling.
"That's right. We'll come get you after your birthday," Maggie added.
"We'd better be going," Alfred said, getting up and walking towards the door, he paused when he reached Gwen. "Be careful," he whispered in her ear, as he hugged her tightly.
Gwen then hugged the others in turn as they left the room. "Dumbledore,"
"Yes, Gwen."
"What am I supposed to do here at Hogwarts? Am I going to be a student?" Gwen said her voice full of hope.
"No, I don't want to interrupt your education with Alfred, Nancy and Maggie. Also, you don't have a wand, do you?"
Gwen nodded sheepishly.
"Precisely. I think for now, you can be a teacher's assistant."
"To which professor?"
"Professor Trelawney. You don't need a wand for that and she tells me, that you have a talent for it."
Gwen blushed and smiled brightly at the headmaster, "So, do I get to be in a house?"
Dumbledore looked up from his desk and picked up an old hat which was lying beside him, "I guess you should be in one, house spirit is very important here at Hogwarts. Put the sorting hat on, then."
He handed the hat to Gwen and she put it on, it slipped over her forehead slightly.
Then she heard a voice, "Well, a merlin. I don't believe it. Hmm.which house, let's see.,"
Gwen sat for a few seconds, waiting; Dumbledore was also waiting for the outcome.
Then she heard the voice again, "hmm.no house."
"What?" Gwen said aloud, Dumbledore sat up and looked at the girl.
"I said you don't belong in a house," the voice repeated.
"But why?" Gwen said, she was puzzled.
"Because you're empty, different."
With that, the hat leapt off her head and fell back at Dumbledore's side.
"So, what did it say?" Dumbledore asked, stroking Fawkes, who had just flown in.
"It said, I don't belong in a house because I'm empty and different." Gwen said sadly.
"I'm sorry. But just because you can't be in house, doesn't stop you from supporting one does it?"
Gwen nodded glumly.
"Well, you can't stay in the Gryffindor dorms anymore, can you?" Dumbledore said, writing on a little piece of paper.
"But.," Gwen started but was silenced with a look from Dumbledore.
"Here," Dumbledore said, handing her the piece of paper, "well, up to your room. Dinner is at 7."
Gwen nodded and walked miserably back to her room.
She found that her room was in an isolated part of the castle and that all her belongings were already inside. She found Jasper sitting on her bed post, waiting for her.
"Hey, Jasper." She said, stroking the bird.
The bird cooed and sensing Gwen wasn't in the best of moods, flew over to her broomstick and tapped it with his beak.
Gwen looked up and went over and clutched the broom tightly in her hand.
Then Jasper hooted and flew over to the window, she followed and saw the quidditch pitch just below.
Flying would be a nice diversion, Gwen thought.
She then walked down the corridors to the quidditch pitch.
***
"Morfal and Lafrom, how nice of you to come," Voldermort said, looking down at the two figures.
They were identical in height and shape, with grey withered skin.
They had hardly any features on their faces, just two black ovals for eyes, a bump for a nose and a slit for a mouth. The rest of them were covered in long brown cloaks.
One of them spoke, "We are honoured to have been called to serve the great dark lord."
Voldermort smiled, "I'm glad, you know where your loyalties lie."
"Our loyalties lie with whoever has the right ideas about the future. We are most interested about your plan to bring back the lost craft of the dark arts," the other said, in a low voice.
"Yes. I have many plans in the future but that is one that is close to your hearts, I know. Ever since your accident." Voldermort stopped and watched for their reaction, they remained still.
He continued, "I have brought you here, to ask for your service."
"We are here; ready to do your bidding," they spoke together.
"Good. I ask you, to use your abilities to help me, with a little project of mine. Tell me, do you play quidditch?"
The breeze blew against her face gently and she looked around and saw only the night's sky.
Gwen felt better, after speeding around the pitch a few times, she was nearly able to block out the sorting hat's words, "empty" and "different."
She sped around the pitch again and again, gaining speed. She imagined she was in a quidditch match and that she was the seeker, then she was a chaser.
"Hey!" She looked down and saw the faces of Harry, Ron and Hermione looking up at her. Gwen steered her broom downwards and landed gracefully in front of Harry.
"You're alright on a broomstick," Ron exclaimed, looking at with a new found respect.
"Thanks. You guys, play quidditch?" Gwen said, a little tired.
"Do we play quiddicth?" Ron said jokingly, elbowing Harry in the ribs. Harry pushed Ron's arm away from him, "I'm the seeker and Ron's the keeper for the Gryffindor team."
Ron smiled proudly at Gwen.
After Oliver Wood had left, they'd had to replace him with Ron, who wasn't great, but he was getting better.
"Anyway, why you here?" Gwen said, leaning on her broomstick.
"Oh, we were looking for you. When you didn't turn up for dinner, Professor McGonagall sent us, to look for you." Hermione said, pulling her cloak around her, it was getting colder.
"Dinner, oh I completely forgot." Gwen said, getting off her broom.
"You forgot dinner?" Ron said, his eyes wide open, "if I forgot dinner.actually I'd never forget dinner or lunch or."
"Anything that involved food," Hermione said, finishing his sentence.
Ron threw her a sarcastic smile and began walking back to the castle.
" 'Arry!" Hagrid yelled, he strode over to the group. "What you doin' 'ere at this time? Oh, Gwen you're 'ere too. Professor Dumbledore wants to see you."
Gwen looked at Harry and shrugged, she didn't know what was going on.
"Come on an' you three," he said pointing at Ron, Hermione and Harry "You can go ter bed. Come on then," he said loudly, pushing them off the quidditch pitch.
***
This must be about the conversation earlier on, Gwen thought to herself.
She was deep in thought, when she nearly bumped into Snape, who was coming out of Dumbledore's office, looking particularly foul. He shot her a particularly vicious look, as he walked past her.
"Come in," she heard Dumbledore's voice call.
Gwen walked in, not really knowing what to expect. Dumbledore was sitting in his chair and there were a bundle of letters and papers all around him.
"Sit down," Dumbledore said and a chair appeared.
Gwen sat down cautiously.
"Well, Gwen I'm about to answer your question today."
She smiled nervously.
"Now, as you know, Voldermort's powers are on the rise and that he will eventually return to full strength, maybe even more so. Anyway, we have been thinking."
"We?" Gwen said quietly.
"I mean, the Order of the Phoenix."
"What's that?"
"It is a league of powerful witches and wizards that are dedicated to the protection of our wizarding world and it's way of life. It was formed long ago, when another dark wizard was about to attack the wizarding world, Grindelwald."
"But you defeated him."
"Yes, but only just. Grindelwald was powerful but I fear, that Voldermort is even more so. Anyway, after Grindelwald was defeated, the league was disbanded. Then when Voldermort came, we regrouped; gathering new members and then Harry stepped in." he paused and stroked his beard before carrying on, "after that, we thought the order was no longer necessary. But last year, there was another encounter with Voldermort hich was far more seriously than we planned for. Harry only just survived that attack."
"So, you, Nancy, Alfred, Maggie are all part of this Order of the Phoenix?" Gwen said, feeling nervous about what her role was going to be in all of this.
"Yes. They are now finalising some plans and also gathering the last of the order."
"Who else is part of this order?"
Dumbledore looked around his desk and then handed Gwen, a roll of parchment.
She unravelled the paper and began scanning the names.
She saw Dumbledore's name, Maggie's, Alfred's, Nancy's and also the name Arabella Figgs. She remembered the old woman clearly and continued down the list.
She noticed many of the names had been crossed out, witches and wizards that had probably died in battle, Gwen thought.
She then came to another name, she recognised, Simon Lark. It had been crossed out and she thought back to the article then she saw the name, Victoria Aldan.
"My mother was part of the order?"
"Yes, she was a great witch before." He let the sentence trail off and she knew he meant before she'd lost her sanity.
"Was my father part of the order as well?"
Dumbledore sighed, "I don't know Gwen. I also do not know the identity of your father."
Gwen fell back in her chair, frustrated. She was again denied information about her past.
As she kept going down the list, she saw the names, Lily and James Potter, she guessed these were Harry's parents.
Then she saw the final name, Sirius Black.
"Sirius Black was part of the order?"
"He still is," Dumbledore replied quietly.
"But he's a murderer, he betrayed you," Gwen said loudly, she'd read the articles on him. "He's not what he seems."
"But."
Dumbledore held up a hand, indicating that there was to be no more talk about the subject. Gwen breathed heavily and moved on.
"So, what do I have to do with this?" Gwen asked, her voice sounded a little disappointed, "well, I'm telling you firstly for your protection. As you know, he seems intent on killing Harry."
Gwen shuddered at the thought and felt sorry for Harry, he must be so scared and under so much pressure.
"But it now seems, that he wants you as well, Gwen."
"Why does he want me dead?"
"I don't think, he wants you dead but more that he wants you to join him."
"I would never," Gwen cried out.
Dumbledore smiled but his voice sounded a little pessimistic, "many wizards and witches have said those words but have fallen under the spell of the darker side."
Gwen didn't know whether this was an insult or a statement.
"But I'm sure your heart is good, Gwen," Dumbledore said.
Gwen smiled but couldn't help thinking about what he'd just said.
"Anyway, secondly, I am telling you because you may be called on to help."
"Me?" Gwen said, her surprise apparent.
"Do not underestimate yourself, Gwen. Do not forget you are merlin. Anyway, now you know, so to bed."
Gwen still slightly stunned at the news, got up and started to walk out.
"Gwen, one more thing," Dumbledore called, "here, seeing as you missed dinner."
A plate with a chicken sandwich and a cup appeared.
Gwen took them; she finally noticed how hungry she was.
"Now, be at breakfast at eight thirty. Good night," he then waved her out and carried on with reading a letter.
Gwen bit hungrily into the sandwich and thought that her time at Hogwarts was becoming more and more interesting by the minute.
