Author's Notes- back again. I'm writing this over a five-day weekend
(YES!). I hope y'all will like this. I actually started writing the story
like, three years ago. I stopped, and am no longer using that copy as the
story because it is. er. not very good. But I hope you all liked the idea
of the story. Anyways, I sound silly. There were A LOT of loose ends, but
you'll get it all, eventually. By the way, Erika is 11 years old. Now, read
and review, PLEASE!!!
Summary- More on Snape, Erika's birthday, and the first part of Halloween (Halloween will be VERY important). By the way, Erika will be turning 11, actually, because, well, it makes no sense to have her turn 12 so early in her first year.
Disclaimer- I own nothing. It all belongs to the Great Harry Potter people, and I am most certainly not getting paid.
Erika
Days went by. Snape was acting the same as before. He was ignoring everyone, barely teaching anything. He was often missing at meals, and once walked into his own class late (surprising just about everyone). All the Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs (everyone but the teachers and Slytherins, basically), were happy with his new behavior.
Halloween was sneaking up on us, which meant a lot of stuff to me, including my 11th birthday.
One day we were sitting in History of Magic, trying not to fall asleep, when one of the prefects appeared in the doorway. We all turned around to watch, since, after all, it was a distraction from being forced to listen to Professor Binns drone on about something or another.
"I'm to escort Megan Dere to the Headmaster's office right away," the prefect announced.
Everyone turned to look at Megan. She put her things in her bag, and, with a nod from Professor Binns, stood to leave.
"I'll see you later," I whispered as she passed me.
She nodded, and sent me a weak smile.
* * * Same time As told by Megan Alhide Dere Riddle
"What does the Headmaster want to see me for?" I asked the prefect.
"He didn't say," the prefect answered, looking straight ahead, "He just said he had to see you, and that it was important."
I shivered. I didn't like the sound of that.
We reached a statue, and the prefect stopped.
"The password's 'taffy'," the prefect said.
The statue rolled away to reveal a circular staircase. The prefect nodded towards the stairs, and I started walking up them. The prefect left, probably to go back to whatever class she'd been called away from.
I appeared at the door to Dumbledore's office, and knocked quietly. It opened, and I saw Mr. Castem standing there.
"Ah, Megan, there you are," he said, "Come in."
I walked in to see Dumbledore sitting behind his desk. Professor McGonagall was standing off to the side, looking very unhappy. Some other man sat in a chair opposite Dumbledore.
"Miss Riddle," Dumbledore said.
Miss Riddle. Everyone in the room but Dumbledore and I shivered. Just the name "Riddle" brought fear to their eyes. I could see it as they watched me.
"Miss Riddle," Dumbledore tried again, "This is our minister of magic, Mr. Fudge."
"I'm very pleased to meet you, Minister," I said, nodding to him.
He nodded back to me, but kept his piercing stare straight on me. I felt like a caged animal, with a sign "Dangerous" over me.
"Please, Miss Riddle, sit down," Dumbledore told me, and motioned to the other chair.
I slid into the seat, trying not to look at anyone. Mr. Castem moved to stand against the wall beside the door.
"Miss. er. Riddle, you have agreed to speak with the ministry about your grandfather, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named," the minister said.
I shut my eyes tight, and said through clenched teeth, "Don't call him that. It only adds fear. He loves it when people are afraid of him."
The minister exchanged glances with Dumbledore.
"All right, well, then, if you insist. Voldemort." the minister said.
Mr. Castem let out a weak noise.
For the first time, I really saw the fear that my grandfather had caused. Even men who worked for the ministry feared him beyond belief.
"Are you still agreeing to those terms?" the minister asked.
I nodded.
"All right, then, I have a few questions for you. You told Mr. Castem that there were other children, other than you. Is that right?" he asked.
I nodded.
"How many?"
I opened my eyes. I couldn't do it. I couldn't do it. I kept hearing Ruth's voice in my head. I hated her for being there. I saw her face looming in front of me.
It was my turn to let out a weak noise. They all looked at me.
"Well?" the minister asked, "We don't have time for this, little girl!"
"Minister, may I speak with my student alone, for just a moment?" Dumbledore asked.
"Dumbledore, we don't have time for this," the minister said, "If she won't talk, then we'll have problems."
"Minister, please," Dumbledore said, calm and collected.
"Fine, but only a moment," the minister answered.
Mr. Castem, Professor McGonagall, and Mr. Fudge all trailed out of the room. Dumbledore stared at me through his glasses.
"I can't do it, Dumbledore!" I cried, "I can't betray them!"
Dumbledore stared at me, "Why not, Miss Riddle?"
"I hate them, I hate them all, but I can't do it! They're. they're still my family!" I cried.
Dumbledore nodded, solemnly, "Miss Riddle, I can not force you to say anything to them. But, think, Miss Riddle. Think of all the people they've killed, all the people they will kill if we don't get to them first. Think, think of your friend, Erika. They want her dead. They want her brother dead. They killed her family, almost all of her family. They want to kill you. They will betray you, if you don't betray them first."
I sighed, and said, "Loyalty was one of the first lessons I was taught, loyalty to my grandfather, loyalty to my sister."
"Yet they will betray you for their own selfishness, while we are asking you to betray them for others," Dumbledore pointed out.
I nodded, and said, "I. I will do it, Dumbledore."
Courage, I thought, is part of being a Gryffindor. If I can do this, I will have courage, the sign of the enemy.
The minister, Mr. Castem, and McGonagall walked in.
"Before you left, Minister, you asked how many children there were," I said, "I have the answer for you now. Besides me, there are twenty, my half-brothers, my half-sisters, and my full sister."
The minister nodded, "Good."
"My father had many mistresses, and one wife, my mother. He married her after my sister was named my grandfather's heir," I said.
"Heir?" the minister asked.
I nodded.
"What's her name?"
"Ruth," I whispered.
* * * Later As told by Erika Potter
"What was that all about?" I asked when Megan got back.
"Nothing, Dumbledore just wanted to see me," Megan answered, "Do you want to play chess."
"Sure, why not, I'll lose, anyway," I answered.
We started setting up the chess board (Harry had lent me his set), when Harry walked in, followed shortly by Hermione and Ron.
"How was Quidditch practice?" I asked.
"Awful. We're missing like three players, the keeper, a chaser, and a beater," Harry answered. "We might have to move a few subs up."
"Poor thing," I whispered, and stared at the chessboard.
"Erika, bishop to B6," Ron called.
My bishop moved and took Megan's rook.
"Thanks, Ron!" I yelled.
"You prat!" Megan shouted.
"Hey, Erika, Megan, you two should try out for the team," Harry suggested.
Megan shook her head, "Not me. I hate brooms."
"I don't know how to play," I replied, and watched as Megan took my queen, "Shoot."
"If you want to keep your pieces, strategize," Megan suggested.
I stuck my tongue out at her, and Megan grinned.
Then the grin disappeared. Her eyes when blank, and she didn't blink. It didn't even look like she was breathing.
"Meg?" I asked, "Megan?"
I reached over to shake her, and her face was cold.
"MEGAN?" I cried.
Everyone turned to look.
"Harry, Hermione, Ron, something's wrong with Megan," I called.
Hermione touched her wrist.
"She has a pulse, but it's faint, I can hardly feel it. Let's get her to the Hospital Wing," Hermione said, and scooped her up.
Ron and Harry went to follow us, but Hermione turned around.
"Harry, Ron, you stay here. We'll be back in a second," Hermione ordered.
Hermione and I walked down tot he hospital wing. Madame Pomfrey, the nurse, rushed over.
"What happened?" she asked.
"We were talking, and then she just, sorta, did this. It's like she's in a trance," I answered.
Madame Pomfrey nodded, and said, "Set her down over here."
Hermione sat her down on the indicated bed, and Madame Pomfrey started looking over her.
"Go get the Headmaster," she told Hermione.
Hermione nodded, and left me alone with Madame Pomfrey and Megan.
"Will she be all right?" I asked.
Madame Pomfrey nodded, and said, "She's not dead. She's alive. As soon as I find out what's wrong with her, I can help her."
I nodded, and stared at my friend. Her eyes were shut, but she was pale, very pale.
A few minutes later, Dumbledore rushed in. Behind him was Harry.
"Headmaster," Madame Pomfrey said.
"Poppy, would you excuse us for a moment? I would like to speak privately with Mr. and Miss Potter," Dumbledore said.
"Headmaster, this patient needs my care," Madame Pomfrey protested.
"Please, Poppy," Dumbledore said.
Madame Pomfrey reluctantly left the room.
"Will she be all right?" I demanded to know.
"Miss Dere will be perfectly fine, Miss Potter. There is nothing for you to worry about. For now, I ask you merely to return to your common room. She will wake soon, and by tomorrow, she will be fine again," Dumbledore said.
"Can't I stay with her until she wakes up?" I asked, "I just want to make sure she's okay."
"I'm afraid not. Tomorrow morning, if she is not in breakfast, you are may come here to see her, if you wish. But when she wakes, I must talk with her, privately," Dumbledore answered.
I nodded.
"Mr. Potter, Miss Potter, please, return to your common room and get some sleep," Dumbledore said.
We nodded, and left. I glanced back to see if I could catch a glimpse of the bed where my best friend lay, but I couldn't.
* * * A few minutes later As told by Megan Alhide Dere Riddle
I woke up short of breath, covered in sweat, and shaking. I sat up in the unfamiliar surroundings. I looked around me.
"Ah, Miss Riddle, you're awake," Dumbledore said.
I turned to see Dumbledore sitting beside the bed where I was sitting, watching me.
"Where am I?" I asked.
"The hospital wing. You scared Miss Potter, I'm afraid," Dumbledore answered, "Quite a bit. I sent her back up to the tower with her brother a few minutes ago."
I nodded, remembering that one moment I was playing chess with Erika, the next. I was off again, seeing things.
"You were Seeing, Miss Riddle," Dumbledore said.
I nodded.
"I'm afraid I don't know what to tell you, Professor. I can't really put everything together yet. Perhaps, next time it will be more clear," I said, while hoping desperately there would be no "next time."
But I knew there would be.
"Miss Riddle, do you want to talk about what you Saw?" Dumbledore asked.
I nodded, "It was very strange, Professor, merely bits and pieces of it. Nothing whole."
I shut my eyes, as if trying to remember. But I did remember. The memory burned in my head like a ton of burning coals.
"I saw dead bodies," I said, "They looked young, but I'm not sure. Not all were dead, a few were stunned, a few were just knocked out. But some were dead. I know that. They were wearing robes. Hogwarts robes, I think. Next, I saw dark figures, many of them. All were wearing masks and dark robes. But. even with the masks, I knew one of them. It was my sister, Ruth. They're planning something, Professor."
I then stopped, hesitating to tell him the next.
"Go on," Dumbledore urged.
I sighed, and whispered, "They're coming for me, Professor, I don't know when, but I know they'll try to take me."
Dumbledore shut his eyes, then nodded. He then looked at me.
"Well, there is nothing to worry about, Miss Riddle. Hogwarts is very safe. However, this episode will probably happen again. I think it is time to alert the staff that you are a seer," Dumbledore suggested.
"That's okay, I suppose," I said, "Not the students, though?"
"No, not the students. Unless they are put in danger, I see no need to tell them your own secrets," Dumbledore told me.
I relaxed. I didn't want anyone to think me a freak. I'd had enough of that from my sisters and brothers. I didn't need it again.
* * * The next morning As told by Erika Potter
When I walked into the Great Hall the next morning, for breakfast, I looked around to see if Megan was out of the hospital wing. She was sitting at the table, in our usual spot, still pale, but otherwise, normal.
"Megan, you're okay!" I cried, sitting down beside my friend.
"Yeah, just short episode of sickness," Meg said, "Don't worry about it."
I smiled, and changed the subject, "Halloween's coming up. This will be my first Halloween outside the orphanage."
"Really? How old were you when you were brought to the orphanage, anyway?" Meg asked.
"Three days old," I answered.
Meg repeated in shock, "Three days?"
I nodded.
"The day after was Halloween," I said, "The day my parents were killed."
"So you were only four days old when they died?" Meg asked.
I nodded.
"Well, where I come from, Halloween is very important. There were huge gatherings and." Meg stopped, and suddenly became very pale, as if remembering.
"And what?" I asked.
"Nothing, forget it," Meg answered, "Bacon?"
"Sure," I said, and smiled.
I turned back to my spot to see that a whole bunch of people from the Ravenclaw table watching me.
I ignored them, figuring they probably weren't looking at me, and ate my breakfast.
But then the same thing happened at lunch, and again, at dinner. Only at dinner more people were watching me. When we got back to the Common Room, I pulled Ginny aside (she was friendly with a few Ravenclaws).
"Ginny, do you know why all those people were staring at me today?" I asked her.
She nodded, and looked around, then whispered, "They think you're a dark witch."
"WHAT?" I cried.
She nodded again, "They think you've bewitched Harry, Ron, Hermione, Dumbledore, everyone into thinking you're his sister, just so you can do You-Know-Who's dirty work. They told me to keep my eye on you, and watch out, you might try to curse me."
I shut my eyes and sighed.
"You don't believe them, do you, Ginny?" I asked.
Ginny shook her head, "You're too nice to be a dark witch. I told them that, but they don't believe me."
I nodded, "Thanks Ginny. Thanks for everything."
"Sure, anytime," Ginny said, and left to join her friends.
I went up to my room, to find it empty, save Megan, who was reading on her bed. I fell onto my own, and sighed.
"Meg," I said, not looking at my friend, "Do you think I'm dark witch?"
"What?" Meg asked, looking up at me, shocked.
I sat up to look at my friend.
"A bunch of Ravenclaws think I am. They've been telling everyone that I am, and to be careful around me," I said.
Meg shook her head.
"Do you think I am?" I asked.
"No, of course not. Trust me, if you were a dark witch, I'd know. Don't worry about it," Meg answered.
"Thanks," I said, and smiled at my friend.
* * * The Slytherin Common Room As told by Draco Malfoy
Crabbe, Goyle, and a few other older Slytherins sat with me in a corner, discussing the news we were sending to our families, to deliver to our master.
"That Potter girl, a dark witch?" I scoffed at some of the rumors, "She's not the type."
"Of course not," someone else agreed.
"What about that Dere girl?" someone said, "Something's not right with her."
"Dere," I repeated, "The name sounds familiar. I'll write my father about it."
In his last letter, he had told me to stay away from the Potters, as well as the Dere girl. He also told me that Professor Jones was not someone I should like. All of them, I guessed, were against us. Something at Hogwarts was not right, this I knew. But I had yet to find out what.
* * * A few days later As told by Erika Potter
"Happy Birthday, Erika!" Meg cried, pulling open my curtains, "It's October 28th, your birthday!"
"If it's my birthday, let me sleep," I whispered.
"No can do," Meg said, smiling at me.
I looked up at her.
"Do I have to?" I whined.
"Yes, you do," Meg replied, "Now get up. It's a beautiful day!"
I groaned, but got out of bed as told. All my dorm mates said happy birthday, which was very polite of them, and I stole the bathroom to get dressed.
At breakfast, Harry and his friends made the point of wishing me happy birthday by sending Hedwig with a letter.
"You'll get your present after dinner," Harry told me.
Since it was Friday, we had no classes in the afternoon. Meg and I spent most of the evening outside. Harry had Quidditch practice, and I wanted to see just what Quidditch was. Meg was interested too. She told me she'd never really seen a game.
"All the rubbish I've seen was full of cheating, nothing real," she told me as we walked through the stands trying to find the perfect seat (despite the fact that the stands were completely empty, except for Ron, who was actually standing on the field).
"Where did you see it?" I asked.
"Around," Meg answered.
I'd gotten used to my asking questions and her not really answering. I knew she was hiding stuff, but I didn't really care all that much.
We sat down, and looked up to the air. They were hovering, talking, I supposed. There were only a few of them. Like Harry said, three were missing, but there were a few subs.
"Harry told us they're holding tryouts. The subs have to try out again, too," I said, "Then the two highest for each group will get chosen. The highest will play, the second highest will be the sub."
Meg nodded, "Wonder who they'll recruit."
I shrugged.
"So, how's your birthday turned out so far?" Meg asked.
"Best one I've ever had, really," I answered, "At the orphanage it was so impersonal. You were sung to at dinner, and that was about it. Too many kids, too many birthdays, you couldn't really do anything too personal."
We walked back with Harry and Ron.
"Erika, you should at least try out," Harry was telling me.
"I'd rather focus on my classes in my first year. I mean, it won't be good if I'm failing something," I said.
"But you aren't failing anything, are you?" Harry asked.
I answered, "No, but that's beside the point."
We walked into the tower to find Hermione waiting on the couch, doing homework.
"There you four are. What took you?" she asked.
"We asked Erika to try out for the team," Harry answered, throwing himself into the armchair.
"What did you say?" Hermione asked.
"I told him I'd rather focus on my classes," I answered, sitting down with Meg on the carpet.
"A good answer," Hermione said, and smiled at me.
Ron rolled his eyes, "Oh, come off it, Hermione. She's a good student, why not throw in a bit of Quidditch?"
"Oh, come off it, both of you," Harry said.
I guess he was used to their little arguments. A few minutes later, Harry, Meg, Hermione, and Ron were giving me presents.
"Happy birthday, Erika," Meg said, and handed me her present, "I'm afraid it's not much. I don't have much pocket money."
"Don't worry about it," I told her, and opened it.
It was a Hogwarts: A History. Hermione made a bright face when she saw it, and Harry and Ron groaned.
Ron and Hermione each got me a bunch of candy, and Harry gave me a book on Quidditch.
"Maybe this'll change your mind," he said, "It's really interesting."
"Thanks." I said, "They're really great. Thanks for everything, you guys."
It was, in truth, the best birthday I'd ever had.
The next morning, when Meg and I walked down to breakfast, Hermione got up to greet us.
"Erika, I have something to show you," she said, "I can't believe I was so stupid. I got this days ago, just before all this rubbish about your being a dark witch started. I didn't look at it, I was too busy, but I took it out last night, and it all makes sense now."
She handed me a copy of the Daily Prophet as Meg and I took our usual seats. I looked down. On the front cover was the headline "FRAUD AT HOGWARTS" and two pictures, one of Harry, and one of me.
I started to read aloud, "Yet again, it has come to pass that most everyone's favorite hero, young Harry Potter, may be being deceived, writes Rita Skeeter, of the Daily Prophet. This current school year, a student was enrolled that goes by the name 'Erika Potter'. This 'Erika' claims to be Harry Potter's long-lost sister. The same Harry Potter who lost his parents tragically as a young child, the same Harry Potter who has saved the entire wizarding world from You-Know-Who countless times, the same Harry Potter who everyone agrees is an only child. So just who is this mysterious girl who claims to be another Potter? Sources say that she is truly a dark witch, sent to Hogwarts to do He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's bidding, and sent to kill the same person she claims to be related to. Our young hero, however, as well as the entire Hogwarts staff, seems to be under this young girl's spell. All believe she is who she says she is, Erika Potter. However, records all say that Lily and James Potter - the parents of our own Harry Potter - did, indeed, have a daughter, named Erika, who died shortly after birth, shortly before the death of the entire Potter family, save young Harry. Should we trust this scandalous fraud who has the entire school under her spell? No, and Harry Potter should be forewarned to watch out of the dark witch, whatever her plans may be.' That's a ton of rubbish!"
"Erika, you're not a dark witch," Meg said.
"Who wrote this?" I asked, "Who's this Rita Skeeter, and what does she have against me?"
"Rita Skeeter doesn't have anything against anybody. But I do believe that she'll change her mind, very, very, soon. Don't worry, Erika," Hermione answered.
"You don't think I'm a dark witch, do you?" I asked.
"Of course not, only the gullible do. Don't worry about it, Rita Skeeter will take it back very soon," Hermione said, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have something I must write."
She went back to her normal seat, and I swung back to face Meg.
"Well, that was interesting," I said.
Meg smiled at me, "You're not a dark witch, Erika. Don't worry about it."
Halloween came fast. Harry, Hermione, and Ron went into Hogsmeade during the day, so Meg and I stole Harry's set of exploding snap cards, and were playing with them.
"Hah, I won again," I said after Meg's cards blew up in her hand.
Meg rolled her eyes.
"I can't believe its Halloween. It's supposed to be really cool here," I told Meg, shuffling the cards.
Meg nodded, "I heard. It's great to be here, though. I wouldn't leave here at the end of term if I didn't have to."
"Neither would I. Harry's been looking for an apartment. Him and Ron are going to get one together, and I'm coming to live with them. It's been then living with the Dursley's. Well, I've never actually met them, but I've heard them well enough to know they're not exactly the people who would except housing a niece they just found out existed," I told her.
The portrait opened, and the students coming back from Hogsmeade came in, their faces red and windblown. We waved to Harry, Ron, and Hermione, who went up to their dorms to stow their stuff away, then came back down.
"Ready for the feast?" Harry asked.
We nodded, and stood up.
The five of us walked out of the common room and towards the Great Hall.
"You know, this is probably the calmest year I've had yet," Harry said, "What, with all the stuff that kept happening over the years."
We grinned.
"Harry was not lying when he said this place was awesome," I whispered to Meg as we glanced around at the Great Hall.
It was beautiful. There were floating pumpkins with candles in them. The food was awesome. Every few feet of the table, there was a platter of candies, which everyone was helping themselves to.
Meg nodded, "It is."
She was really, really, pale, and I noticed that her hand shook when she held her silverware.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Something just doesn't feel. oh, I don't know how to describe it. right," Meg answered, "But don't worry."
I nodded.
Soon, the plates were cleared, and Dumbledore had dismissed us. The doors to the Great Hall opened, and we all started filing out. I was talking to Meg when I heard someone scream.
"DUCK!" another voice shouted over the crowd of students.
Everyone turned to look. At the exact same moment, the front doors of the castle shattered into pieces, and fell all over the students.
I dropped to my knees, covering my head. Meg was beside me, doing the exact same.
"What's going on?" I shouted to her over the screams around us.
"I don't know!" she cried.
We looked up. Walking into the school through the gap where the doors should have been were people robed in black, with masks. Death Eaters.
A/N- A bit of foreshadowing, but I think you'll forgive me. Coming up: a surprise for Halloween, and a whole bunch of explanations and stories. I hope you liked this chap. A whole bunch of you are confused, just, wait, hopefully everything will be cleared up soon (*coughs* next chapter *coughs*). Well, review! Buh-bye!
Any additional comments can be given to me at StarlightEve111@aol.com
Oh, yeah, this and the next chapter were uploaded together because ff.net was hating me. Hope you liked it.
Summary- More on Snape, Erika's birthday, and the first part of Halloween (Halloween will be VERY important). By the way, Erika will be turning 11, actually, because, well, it makes no sense to have her turn 12 so early in her first year.
Disclaimer- I own nothing. It all belongs to the Great Harry Potter people, and I am most certainly not getting paid.
Erika
Days went by. Snape was acting the same as before. He was ignoring everyone, barely teaching anything. He was often missing at meals, and once walked into his own class late (surprising just about everyone). All the Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs (everyone but the teachers and Slytherins, basically), were happy with his new behavior.
Halloween was sneaking up on us, which meant a lot of stuff to me, including my 11th birthday.
One day we were sitting in History of Magic, trying not to fall asleep, when one of the prefects appeared in the doorway. We all turned around to watch, since, after all, it was a distraction from being forced to listen to Professor Binns drone on about something or another.
"I'm to escort Megan Dere to the Headmaster's office right away," the prefect announced.
Everyone turned to look at Megan. She put her things in her bag, and, with a nod from Professor Binns, stood to leave.
"I'll see you later," I whispered as she passed me.
She nodded, and sent me a weak smile.
* * * Same time As told by Megan Alhide Dere Riddle
"What does the Headmaster want to see me for?" I asked the prefect.
"He didn't say," the prefect answered, looking straight ahead, "He just said he had to see you, and that it was important."
I shivered. I didn't like the sound of that.
We reached a statue, and the prefect stopped.
"The password's 'taffy'," the prefect said.
The statue rolled away to reveal a circular staircase. The prefect nodded towards the stairs, and I started walking up them. The prefect left, probably to go back to whatever class she'd been called away from.
I appeared at the door to Dumbledore's office, and knocked quietly. It opened, and I saw Mr. Castem standing there.
"Ah, Megan, there you are," he said, "Come in."
I walked in to see Dumbledore sitting behind his desk. Professor McGonagall was standing off to the side, looking very unhappy. Some other man sat in a chair opposite Dumbledore.
"Miss Riddle," Dumbledore said.
Miss Riddle. Everyone in the room but Dumbledore and I shivered. Just the name "Riddle" brought fear to their eyes. I could see it as they watched me.
"Miss Riddle," Dumbledore tried again, "This is our minister of magic, Mr. Fudge."
"I'm very pleased to meet you, Minister," I said, nodding to him.
He nodded back to me, but kept his piercing stare straight on me. I felt like a caged animal, with a sign "Dangerous" over me.
"Please, Miss Riddle, sit down," Dumbledore told me, and motioned to the other chair.
I slid into the seat, trying not to look at anyone. Mr. Castem moved to stand against the wall beside the door.
"Miss. er. Riddle, you have agreed to speak with the ministry about your grandfather, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named," the minister said.
I shut my eyes tight, and said through clenched teeth, "Don't call him that. It only adds fear. He loves it when people are afraid of him."
The minister exchanged glances with Dumbledore.
"All right, well, then, if you insist. Voldemort." the minister said.
Mr. Castem let out a weak noise.
For the first time, I really saw the fear that my grandfather had caused. Even men who worked for the ministry feared him beyond belief.
"Are you still agreeing to those terms?" the minister asked.
I nodded.
"All right, then, I have a few questions for you. You told Mr. Castem that there were other children, other than you. Is that right?" he asked.
I nodded.
"How many?"
I opened my eyes. I couldn't do it. I couldn't do it. I kept hearing Ruth's voice in my head. I hated her for being there. I saw her face looming in front of me.
It was my turn to let out a weak noise. They all looked at me.
"Well?" the minister asked, "We don't have time for this, little girl!"
"Minister, may I speak with my student alone, for just a moment?" Dumbledore asked.
"Dumbledore, we don't have time for this," the minister said, "If she won't talk, then we'll have problems."
"Minister, please," Dumbledore said, calm and collected.
"Fine, but only a moment," the minister answered.
Mr. Castem, Professor McGonagall, and Mr. Fudge all trailed out of the room. Dumbledore stared at me through his glasses.
"I can't do it, Dumbledore!" I cried, "I can't betray them!"
Dumbledore stared at me, "Why not, Miss Riddle?"
"I hate them, I hate them all, but I can't do it! They're. they're still my family!" I cried.
Dumbledore nodded, solemnly, "Miss Riddle, I can not force you to say anything to them. But, think, Miss Riddle. Think of all the people they've killed, all the people they will kill if we don't get to them first. Think, think of your friend, Erika. They want her dead. They want her brother dead. They killed her family, almost all of her family. They want to kill you. They will betray you, if you don't betray them first."
I sighed, and said, "Loyalty was one of the first lessons I was taught, loyalty to my grandfather, loyalty to my sister."
"Yet they will betray you for their own selfishness, while we are asking you to betray them for others," Dumbledore pointed out.
I nodded, and said, "I. I will do it, Dumbledore."
Courage, I thought, is part of being a Gryffindor. If I can do this, I will have courage, the sign of the enemy.
The minister, Mr. Castem, and McGonagall walked in.
"Before you left, Minister, you asked how many children there were," I said, "I have the answer for you now. Besides me, there are twenty, my half-brothers, my half-sisters, and my full sister."
The minister nodded, "Good."
"My father had many mistresses, and one wife, my mother. He married her after my sister was named my grandfather's heir," I said.
"Heir?" the minister asked.
I nodded.
"What's her name?"
"Ruth," I whispered.
* * * Later As told by Erika Potter
"What was that all about?" I asked when Megan got back.
"Nothing, Dumbledore just wanted to see me," Megan answered, "Do you want to play chess."
"Sure, why not, I'll lose, anyway," I answered.
We started setting up the chess board (Harry had lent me his set), when Harry walked in, followed shortly by Hermione and Ron.
"How was Quidditch practice?" I asked.
"Awful. We're missing like three players, the keeper, a chaser, and a beater," Harry answered. "We might have to move a few subs up."
"Poor thing," I whispered, and stared at the chessboard.
"Erika, bishop to B6," Ron called.
My bishop moved and took Megan's rook.
"Thanks, Ron!" I yelled.
"You prat!" Megan shouted.
"Hey, Erika, Megan, you two should try out for the team," Harry suggested.
Megan shook her head, "Not me. I hate brooms."
"I don't know how to play," I replied, and watched as Megan took my queen, "Shoot."
"If you want to keep your pieces, strategize," Megan suggested.
I stuck my tongue out at her, and Megan grinned.
Then the grin disappeared. Her eyes when blank, and she didn't blink. It didn't even look like she was breathing.
"Meg?" I asked, "Megan?"
I reached over to shake her, and her face was cold.
"MEGAN?" I cried.
Everyone turned to look.
"Harry, Hermione, Ron, something's wrong with Megan," I called.
Hermione touched her wrist.
"She has a pulse, but it's faint, I can hardly feel it. Let's get her to the Hospital Wing," Hermione said, and scooped her up.
Ron and Harry went to follow us, but Hermione turned around.
"Harry, Ron, you stay here. We'll be back in a second," Hermione ordered.
Hermione and I walked down tot he hospital wing. Madame Pomfrey, the nurse, rushed over.
"What happened?" she asked.
"We were talking, and then she just, sorta, did this. It's like she's in a trance," I answered.
Madame Pomfrey nodded, and said, "Set her down over here."
Hermione sat her down on the indicated bed, and Madame Pomfrey started looking over her.
"Go get the Headmaster," she told Hermione.
Hermione nodded, and left me alone with Madame Pomfrey and Megan.
"Will she be all right?" I asked.
Madame Pomfrey nodded, and said, "She's not dead. She's alive. As soon as I find out what's wrong with her, I can help her."
I nodded, and stared at my friend. Her eyes were shut, but she was pale, very pale.
A few minutes later, Dumbledore rushed in. Behind him was Harry.
"Headmaster," Madame Pomfrey said.
"Poppy, would you excuse us for a moment? I would like to speak privately with Mr. and Miss Potter," Dumbledore said.
"Headmaster, this patient needs my care," Madame Pomfrey protested.
"Please, Poppy," Dumbledore said.
Madame Pomfrey reluctantly left the room.
"Will she be all right?" I demanded to know.
"Miss Dere will be perfectly fine, Miss Potter. There is nothing for you to worry about. For now, I ask you merely to return to your common room. She will wake soon, and by tomorrow, she will be fine again," Dumbledore said.
"Can't I stay with her until she wakes up?" I asked, "I just want to make sure she's okay."
"I'm afraid not. Tomorrow morning, if she is not in breakfast, you are may come here to see her, if you wish. But when she wakes, I must talk with her, privately," Dumbledore answered.
I nodded.
"Mr. Potter, Miss Potter, please, return to your common room and get some sleep," Dumbledore said.
We nodded, and left. I glanced back to see if I could catch a glimpse of the bed where my best friend lay, but I couldn't.
* * * A few minutes later As told by Megan Alhide Dere Riddle
I woke up short of breath, covered in sweat, and shaking. I sat up in the unfamiliar surroundings. I looked around me.
"Ah, Miss Riddle, you're awake," Dumbledore said.
I turned to see Dumbledore sitting beside the bed where I was sitting, watching me.
"Where am I?" I asked.
"The hospital wing. You scared Miss Potter, I'm afraid," Dumbledore answered, "Quite a bit. I sent her back up to the tower with her brother a few minutes ago."
I nodded, remembering that one moment I was playing chess with Erika, the next. I was off again, seeing things.
"You were Seeing, Miss Riddle," Dumbledore said.
I nodded.
"I'm afraid I don't know what to tell you, Professor. I can't really put everything together yet. Perhaps, next time it will be more clear," I said, while hoping desperately there would be no "next time."
But I knew there would be.
"Miss Riddle, do you want to talk about what you Saw?" Dumbledore asked.
I nodded, "It was very strange, Professor, merely bits and pieces of it. Nothing whole."
I shut my eyes, as if trying to remember. But I did remember. The memory burned in my head like a ton of burning coals.
"I saw dead bodies," I said, "They looked young, but I'm not sure. Not all were dead, a few were stunned, a few were just knocked out. But some were dead. I know that. They were wearing robes. Hogwarts robes, I think. Next, I saw dark figures, many of them. All were wearing masks and dark robes. But. even with the masks, I knew one of them. It was my sister, Ruth. They're planning something, Professor."
I then stopped, hesitating to tell him the next.
"Go on," Dumbledore urged.
I sighed, and whispered, "They're coming for me, Professor, I don't know when, but I know they'll try to take me."
Dumbledore shut his eyes, then nodded. He then looked at me.
"Well, there is nothing to worry about, Miss Riddle. Hogwarts is very safe. However, this episode will probably happen again. I think it is time to alert the staff that you are a seer," Dumbledore suggested.
"That's okay, I suppose," I said, "Not the students, though?"
"No, not the students. Unless they are put in danger, I see no need to tell them your own secrets," Dumbledore told me.
I relaxed. I didn't want anyone to think me a freak. I'd had enough of that from my sisters and brothers. I didn't need it again.
* * * The next morning As told by Erika Potter
When I walked into the Great Hall the next morning, for breakfast, I looked around to see if Megan was out of the hospital wing. She was sitting at the table, in our usual spot, still pale, but otherwise, normal.
"Megan, you're okay!" I cried, sitting down beside my friend.
"Yeah, just short episode of sickness," Meg said, "Don't worry about it."
I smiled, and changed the subject, "Halloween's coming up. This will be my first Halloween outside the orphanage."
"Really? How old were you when you were brought to the orphanage, anyway?" Meg asked.
"Three days old," I answered.
Meg repeated in shock, "Three days?"
I nodded.
"The day after was Halloween," I said, "The day my parents were killed."
"So you were only four days old when they died?" Meg asked.
I nodded.
"Well, where I come from, Halloween is very important. There were huge gatherings and." Meg stopped, and suddenly became very pale, as if remembering.
"And what?" I asked.
"Nothing, forget it," Meg answered, "Bacon?"
"Sure," I said, and smiled.
I turned back to my spot to see that a whole bunch of people from the Ravenclaw table watching me.
I ignored them, figuring they probably weren't looking at me, and ate my breakfast.
But then the same thing happened at lunch, and again, at dinner. Only at dinner more people were watching me. When we got back to the Common Room, I pulled Ginny aside (she was friendly with a few Ravenclaws).
"Ginny, do you know why all those people were staring at me today?" I asked her.
She nodded, and looked around, then whispered, "They think you're a dark witch."
"WHAT?" I cried.
She nodded again, "They think you've bewitched Harry, Ron, Hermione, Dumbledore, everyone into thinking you're his sister, just so you can do You-Know-Who's dirty work. They told me to keep my eye on you, and watch out, you might try to curse me."
I shut my eyes and sighed.
"You don't believe them, do you, Ginny?" I asked.
Ginny shook her head, "You're too nice to be a dark witch. I told them that, but they don't believe me."
I nodded, "Thanks Ginny. Thanks for everything."
"Sure, anytime," Ginny said, and left to join her friends.
I went up to my room, to find it empty, save Megan, who was reading on her bed. I fell onto my own, and sighed.
"Meg," I said, not looking at my friend, "Do you think I'm dark witch?"
"What?" Meg asked, looking up at me, shocked.
I sat up to look at my friend.
"A bunch of Ravenclaws think I am. They've been telling everyone that I am, and to be careful around me," I said.
Meg shook her head.
"Do you think I am?" I asked.
"No, of course not. Trust me, if you were a dark witch, I'd know. Don't worry about it," Meg answered.
"Thanks," I said, and smiled at my friend.
* * * The Slytherin Common Room As told by Draco Malfoy
Crabbe, Goyle, and a few other older Slytherins sat with me in a corner, discussing the news we were sending to our families, to deliver to our master.
"That Potter girl, a dark witch?" I scoffed at some of the rumors, "She's not the type."
"Of course not," someone else agreed.
"What about that Dere girl?" someone said, "Something's not right with her."
"Dere," I repeated, "The name sounds familiar. I'll write my father about it."
In his last letter, he had told me to stay away from the Potters, as well as the Dere girl. He also told me that Professor Jones was not someone I should like. All of them, I guessed, were against us. Something at Hogwarts was not right, this I knew. But I had yet to find out what.
* * * A few days later As told by Erika Potter
"Happy Birthday, Erika!" Meg cried, pulling open my curtains, "It's October 28th, your birthday!"
"If it's my birthday, let me sleep," I whispered.
"No can do," Meg said, smiling at me.
I looked up at her.
"Do I have to?" I whined.
"Yes, you do," Meg replied, "Now get up. It's a beautiful day!"
I groaned, but got out of bed as told. All my dorm mates said happy birthday, which was very polite of them, and I stole the bathroom to get dressed.
At breakfast, Harry and his friends made the point of wishing me happy birthday by sending Hedwig with a letter.
"You'll get your present after dinner," Harry told me.
Since it was Friday, we had no classes in the afternoon. Meg and I spent most of the evening outside. Harry had Quidditch practice, and I wanted to see just what Quidditch was. Meg was interested too. She told me she'd never really seen a game.
"All the rubbish I've seen was full of cheating, nothing real," she told me as we walked through the stands trying to find the perfect seat (despite the fact that the stands were completely empty, except for Ron, who was actually standing on the field).
"Where did you see it?" I asked.
"Around," Meg answered.
I'd gotten used to my asking questions and her not really answering. I knew she was hiding stuff, but I didn't really care all that much.
We sat down, and looked up to the air. They were hovering, talking, I supposed. There were only a few of them. Like Harry said, three were missing, but there were a few subs.
"Harry told us they're holding tryouts. The subs have to try out again, too," I said, "Then the two highest for each group will get chosen. The highest will play, the second highest will be the sub."
Meg nodded, "Wonder who they'll recruit."
I shrugged.
"So, how's your birthday turned out so far?" Meg asked.
"Best one I've ever had, really," I answered, "At the orphanage it was so impersonal. You were sung to at dinner, and that was about it. Too many kids, too many birthdays, you couldn't really do anything too personal."
We walked back with Harry and Ron.
"Erika, you should at least try out," Harry was telling me.
"I'd rather focus on my classes in my first year. I mean, it won't be good if I'm failing something," I said.
"But you aren't failing anything, are you?" Harry asked.
I answered, "No, but that's beside the point."
We walked into the tower to find Hermione waiting on the couch, doing homework.
"There you four are. What took you?" she asked.
"We asked Erika to try out for the team," Harry answered, throwing himself into the armchair.
"What did you say?" Hermione asked.
"I told him I'd rather focus on my classes," I answered, sitting down with Meg on the carpet.
"A good answer," Hermione said, and smiled at me.
Ron rolled his eyes, "Oh, come off it, Hermione. She's a good student, why not throw in a bit of Quidditch?"
"Oh, come off it, both of you," Harry said.
I guess he was used to their little arguments. A few minutes later, Harry, Meg, Hermione, and Ron were giving me presents.
"Happy birthday, Erika," Meg said, and handed me her present, "I'm afraid it's not much. I don't have much pocket money."
"Don't worry about it," I told her, and opened it.
It was a Hogwarts: A History. Hermione made a bright face when she saw it, and Harry and Ron groaned.
Ron and Hermione each got me a bunch of candy, and Harry gave me a book on Quidditch.
"Maybe this'll change your mind," he said, "It's really interesting."
"Thanks." I said, "They're really great. Thanks for everything, you guys."
It was, in truth, the best birthday I'd ever had.
The next morning, when Meg and I walked down to breakfast, Hermione got up to greet us.
"Erika, I have something to show you," she said, "I can't believe I was so stupid. I got this days ago, just before all this rubbish about your being a dark witch started. I didn't look at it, I was too busy, but I took it out last night, and it all makes sense now."
She handed me a copy of the Daily Prophet as Meg and I took our usual seats. I looked down. On the front cover was the headline "FRAUD AT HOGWARTS" and two pictures, one of Harry, and one of me.
I started to read aloud, "Yet again, it has come to pass that most everyone's favorite hero, young Harry Potter, may be being deceived, writes Rita Skeeter, of the Daily Prophet. This current school year, a student was enrolled that goes by the name 'Erika Potter'. This 'Erika' claims to be Harry Potter's long-lost sister. The same Harry Potter who lost his parents tragically as a young child, the same Harry Potter who has saved the entire wizarding world from You-Know-Who countless times, the same Harry Potter who everyone agrees is an only child. So just who is this mysterious girl who claims to be another Potter? Sources say that she is truly a dark witch, sent to Hogwarts to do He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's bidding, and sent to kill the same person she claims to be related to. Our young hero, however, as well as the entire Hogwarts staff, seems to be under this young girl's spell. All believe she is who she says she is, Erika Potter. However, records all say that Lily and James Potter - the parents of our own Harry Potter - did, indeed, have a daughter, named Erika, who died shortly after birth, shortly before the death of the entire Potter family, save young Harry. Should we trust this scandalous fraud who has the entire school under her spell? No, and Harry Potter should be forewarned to watch out of the dark witch, whatever her plans may be.' That's a ton of rubbish!"
"Erika, you're not a dark witch," Meg said.
"Who wrote this?" I asked, "Who's this Rita Skeeter, and what does she have against me?"
"Rita Skeeter doesn't have anything against anybody. But I do believe that she'll change her mind, very, very, soon. Don't worry, Erika," Hermione answered.
"You don't think I'm a dark witch, do you?" I asked.
"Of course not, only the gullible do. Don't worry about it, Rita Skeeter will take it back very soon," Hermione said, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have something I must write."
She went back to her normal seat, and I swung back to face Meg.
"Well, that was interesting," I said.
Meg smiled at me, "You're not a dark witch, Erika. Don't worry about it."
Halloween came fast. Harry, Hermione, and Ron went into Hogsmeade during the day, so Meg and I stole Harry's set of exploding snap cards, and were playing with them.
"Hah, I won again," I said after Meg's cards blew up in her hand.
Meg rolled her eyes.
"I can't believe its Halloween. It's supposed to be really cool here," I told Meg, shuffling the cards.
Meg nodded, "I heard. It's great to be here, though. I wouldn't leave here at the end of term if I didn't have to."
"Neither would I. Harry's been looking for an apartment. Him and Ron are going to get one together, and I'm coming to live with them. It's been then living with the Dursley's. Well, I've never actually met them, but I've heard them well enough to know they're not exactly the people who would except housing a niece they just found out existed," I told her.
The portrait opened, and the students coming back from Hogsmeade came in, their faces red and windblown. We waved to Harry, Ron, and Hermione, who went up to their dorms to stow their stuff away, then came back down.
"Ready for the feast?" Harry asked.
We nodded, and stood up.
The five of us walked out of the common room and towards the Great Hall.
"You know, this is probably the calmest year I've had yet," Harry said, "What, with all the stuff that kept happening over the years."
We grinned.
"Harry was not lying when he said this place was awesome," I whispered to Meg as we glanced around at the Great Hall.
It was beautiful. There were floating pumpkins with candles in them. The food was awesome. Every few feet of the table, there was a platter of candies, which everyone was helping themselves to.
Meg nodded, "It is."
She was really, really, pale, and I noticed that her hand shook when she held her silverware.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Something just doesn't feel. oh, I don't know how to describe it. right," Meg answered, "But don't worry."
I nodded.
Soon, the plates were cleared, and Dumbledore had dismissed us. The doors to the Great Hall opened, and we all started filing out. I was talking to Meg when I heard someone scream.
"DUCK!" another voice shouted over the crowd of students.
Everyone turned to look. At the exact same moment, the front doors of the castle shattered into pieces, and fell all over the students.
I dropped to my knees, covering my head. Meg was beside me, doing the exact same.
"What's going on?" I shouted to her over the screams around us.
"I don't know!" she cried.
We looked up. Walking into the school through the gap where the doors should have been were people robed in black, with masks. Death Eaters.
A/N- A bit of foreshadowing, but I think you'll forgive me. Coming up: a surprise for Halloween, and a whole bunch of explanations and stories. I hope you liked this chap. A whole bunch of you are confused, just, wait, hopefully everything will be cleared up soon (*coughs* next chapter *coughs*). Well, review! Buh-bye!
Any additional comments can be given to me at StarlightEve111@aol.com
Oh, yeah, this and the next chapter were uploaded together because ff.net was hating me. Hope you liked it.