Disclaimer: J K Rowling owns the rights and likenesses of all the characters in the Harry Potter series. This story is meant to add to the world she created. Any conflicts are accidental and they yield to her reality (canon).
9. Halloween
Samantha awoke to a shadow moving across her face. Her eyes sprung open to see Mira standing there with her mouth wide open. Mira's gaze wasn't on Samantha, but the open locket around her neck. Samantha noticed what had happened and quickly snapped the locket shut and slipped it in her nightshirt.
"Mira," Samantha said quietly and fighting the urge to run. "What did you see?"
"I saw," Mira paused not knowing what to say and stammering her words out. "I saw nothing. Just a picture of a woman and Harry Potter in your locket."
Samantha's face fell. She couldn't believe how stupid she had been, careless with her secret. All possible outcomes played through her head and none of them ended well. She scanned the room and saw no one else.
"Mira, you have to promise me that you will say nothing about this to anyone," Samantha implored her. "Do you promise me?"
Mira seemed confused and didn't know what to say. She finally nodded half-heartily.
"That isn't good enough, Mira," Samantha pressed. "This is my life we are talking about. I have to know I can trust you to tell no one about what you just saw."
Mira could see the fear and worry in her friend's eyes. She wasn't sure what the big deal was, but she did what her friend asked. "I will tell no one, Samantha. You have my word on it." Samantha seemed to relax a little, but not completely. "Who else knows about this?"
"A few people, and some teachers, but you can't say anything, please," Samantha said nearly losing her head.
"I promise you, Samantha," Mira reassured her. "I won't tell anyone, no matter what."
Samantha got dressed quickly and followed her friends down to breakfast. She wasn't going to let Mira out of her sight. She couldn't afford to, not now. She spent most of breakfast pushing her food around the plate and keeping an eye on Mira. She told her friends she was fine when they asked, but she didn't elaborate.
Herbology went slowly and Samantha wasn't really paying attention. She listened to every word Mira said to people waiting for her slip up, but she never did. Once they entered Defense, Samantha's guilt increased tenfold. She had failed her father. After he spent all Saturday night with her in the infirmary, she had failed him. She felt a familiar voice rising in her head. She was too ashamed to listen. Her eyes never left the desk. She knew she couldn't look her father in the eyes today.
Harry's gaze was on his daughter, but he could tell she wasn't happy at all. He shifted his line of sight to Mira and she quickly stared at the floor. Mira had watched Harry stare at Samantha. When she had looked up at Harry, she found he was staring at her. His gaze was too much to stand and she shifted to the floor. It wasn't until class started that Mira dared to look up. Harry had stood and was demonstrating the next set of attack and defense spells they were going to learn for the day.
Again they were using a blocking spell but the attack spell was the Repelling charm. The room was only big enough for half the class to practice repelling their partners at a time. The back of the class had mats and pillows arranged to catch the repelled students before they crashed into wall. The class took turns blocking the charm, casting it, and waiting. By the time the period ended, everyone had four chances with the spell. Samantha didn't fair as well as usual, but she was still in the top five for the class. Sirius had managed to throw her the length of the room once. He was so sorry when he had done it that he ran to help her up. He was afraid that he had hurt her so soon after her last injury.
Mira noticed Sirius hesitate the next time he was up and look at Harry before he proceeded. Mira couldn't help but think that Sirius knew as well by the way he was acting. Samantha managed to return the favor though. Sirius flew deep into the pillows when she hit him with a superb repelling charm.
Mira grabbed her bag and made for the door with the others when Harry called her forward.
"Ms. Andrews, would you have a second please?" Harry asked.
Mira knew she was in for it. She couldn't have 'The Harry Potter' mad at her. She slowly walked to the front of the classroom with her head down. The other students had left including Samantha. Harry took out his wand and pointed it at the door and it shut tightly. Mira jumped at the sound not knowing what her fate was going to be.
"Miranda, would you mind looking at me?" Harry questioned.
Mira lifted her head and met his eyes, "Yes, Sir."
"I understand that you know something that you weren't meant to know. Am I correct in my assessment, Ms. Andrews?"
"Yes, Sir, it was accident," Mira stammered. "I just went to wake Samantha up so we could go to breakfast and I saw her locket open. I didn't mean for it to happen. Honestly, Professor, I…"
"It is alright, Miranda," Harry said softly. "Samantha trusts you to keep her identity a secret and I trust my daughter's judgment on this issue." Mira face brightened at those words. "But I must ensure that you understand the gravity of this, Miranda. You must never tell anyone who she is or her life may be in danger." Harry lowered his voice, "If Voldemort's followers found out who she is, many more lives would be in danger. Do you understand me?"
Mira shuddered at the mention of Voldemort's name. "Yes, Professor, I understand what you are saying. I will never speak of this, Sir."
"Good, I am glad that you understand and that my daughter has someone who she can trust with such information. Now, I suggest you get on to lunch and please do not treat Samantha differently than you were before. She would be most unhappy with me if you did."
The smile on Harry's face told Mira she was free leave and she hurried to the door, which flung open as she neared it. She looked over her shoulder and found Harry still smiling up at her. She ran out into the corridor and nearly ran over Samantha who was waiting for her.
"Are you OK, Mira?" Samantha asked. "He wasn't too mean was he?"
"Samantha," Mira said startled. "He was perfectly nice." Mira smiled at her friend who seemed the same but different all at once. Mira pulled Samantha to the side of the mostly deserted hallway, "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Safety was the main reason," Samantha said. "You are the first person to find out without being told."
"Is it really that dangerous, Samantha?" Mira asked knowing the answer.
Samantha nodded. "Are still going to talk to me?"
"Of course I am, don't be stupid," Mira replied. "Now let's go get some lunch."
The pair joined their friends at lunch and tried to act as normal as they could. Potions proceeded without incident other than Snape trying to foul up Sirius while he was mixing his ingredients.
"He was just trying to get back at you for what your aunt did to his precious Slytherin thug," Alex said as they left the classroom. The group agreed with her assessment of Snape's actions.
Care of Magical Creatures was not too difficult either. They were learning about nifflers and what benefits they could offer to a person who had them. Hagrid asked how Samantha was doing and told her not to worry about the incident. He assured her that at least one of Grond's detentions was going to be absolutely horrible, but he didn't elaborate on the details.
Back in the common room, the group was finishing up on their Potion essay when Ryan Stevenson, the Gryffindor keeper, came over to Sirius.
"Sirius, have you heard about what happened to Grond in Defense today?" Ryan asked fighting laughter.
"No, I haven't, what happened?"
Samantha's attention was firmly on Ryan while he explained the scene to the interested common room.
"Well, we were working on advanced hexes and how to counter them. Grond is pretty bad at most things he tries unless it involves running over people. Anyway, he cast a hex on his partner and it was blocked, but he failed to block the counter attack at all. Professor Potter wasn't satisfied with his effort so Grond had to pair up against Potter the rest of class. It was the most enjoyable class I have ever had. Most of us just watched Potter beat him down time and time again. He had to be revived from wicked stunners at least three times not to mention how many times he was thrown across the room by any number of different spells. Last I heard, he was still in the infirmary with Quince getting everything straightened out. We almost got in trouble for laughing, but I covered as best I could. If I didn't know any better, I would say Potter enjoyed showing him the meaning of true magical defense."
"I wish I had been there to watch that," Sirius said laughing at the image everyone had in his or her minds.
Samantha smiled, but she knew this might bring added attention to her father and maybe even her. Mira was laughing and winked at Samantha. After dinner the group was in the common room finishing the last of their Astronomy homework before they went to bed. Alex went up first leaving Samantha, Sirius, and Mira in the empty room sitting by the fading fire.
Samantha was the first to speak about what Mira had wanted to discuss. "Mira knows, Sirius," said Samantha.
"She knows, since when?" Sirius asked not sure what she knew.
"I know about Samantha," Mira said. "I found out this morning."
"But, no one is supposed to know," Sirius was confused.
"She knows, but she is OK with it so don't worry about it," said Samantha in a calm tone. "My dad knows about it and he is fine with it."
"Well, that is good thing," added Sirius. "He wouldn't be someone I would want to make angry, that is for sure."
"I am more pleased about it than you, Sirius," Mira said.
The first Hogsmeade visit was coming up the day of Halloween. The past couple weeks went by quickly and everyone was talking about getting away this Saturday. Plans to visit the Three Broomsticks, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, Honeydukes, and other places were high on the list of most students. Gryffindor had an early practice Saturday morning and they were rushing through it so they could join their friends in Hogsmeade. Sirius, Samantha, and Alex gathered Mira after practice and walked the path to Hogsmeade. They were having a good time when they came across Malfoy, Grond, and Stron on the path tormenting a few fourth years from Hufflepuff.
"It's Weasley and his groupies," chided Malfoy. "How ever do you find the time to sleep, Weasley?"
"Watch your tongue, Malfoy," said Sirius trying to keep his temper, which was rising by the second. "You would hate to get into trouble on your first Hogsmeade visit. They might not let you come back."
"Shows what you know, Weasley," Malfoy said snidely. "Do you really think I will ever get into trouble over a worthless person like you? Your mother would be madder at you if anything were to happen than she would be at me. And how is your father doing? He still dream of becoming a professional quidditch player?"
"Just leave us alone, you worthless git," said Alex chiming in.
"I see you let your women do your fighting for you, Weasley," Malfoy said noticing Sirius getting redder with every comment. "Well, at least you have both your parents unlike Brooks here."
Samantha had a flash of anger fire up inside her, but she forced it back down and leveled herself before responding. "I may only have a father, but at least he isn't a Death Eater reject like yours."
Grond and Stron couldn't believe what they had just heard even though it was a few seconds later than everyone else. They turned to Malfoy who looked as if he was ready to attack any second. Sirius and Mira were surprised by Samantha's comment but they were ready to defend their friend if things started happening.
"What did you say?" Malfoy said choosing his words carefully.
"You heard me," Samantha said staring him down. "If you need it repeated, why not ask your gargoyles. They might be able to help for once."
A teacher was walking up the path headed back to the school. Malfoy noticed this and fought back his urge to attack. He simply left saying, "This isn't over, Brooks." The three Slytherins continued on back to the castle ahead of the teacher.
"Remind me never to get into an argument with you, Samantha," Alex said shaking her head. "I didn't know you had a mean streak in you that deep."
"It is best not to insult my family, that is all," Samantha told her ending all conversation on the topic.
The first stop was Honeydukes. The group loaded up on sweets and other tasty treats fighting through the crowd of student that packed the shop. Then they went on to the Weasley's shop. Fred greeted them while George was running around helping other customers.
"What will it be today, nephew?" Fred asked.
"What is there, Uncle Fred?" Asked Sirius.
"We have a new stink bomb that can be triggered by movement," Fred explained. "You pull the top, then you throw it or set it down, and when someone gets nearby it goes off. Really nasty and great fun if you need something stealthy. We also have a new cream that will turn you into a giant slug for an hour or so. It was inspired by our dear brother back when he was in school. Don't tell him until he tries it first."
"Don't worry, I won't tell him about it," Sirius said remembering the story from when he was a kid. "Those stink bombs sound pretty cool."
They each selected their favorite gags and trick candies and headed back out onto the main road. Even after the family discount, they found themselves considerably lighter in the pocket than they had expected.
"Well, Three Broomsticks for some butterbeer?" Sirius asked.
"Sounds good to me," Alex replied.
The Three Broomsticks was busy. Kids were filling every table but the ones in the rear. Sirius stopped at the bar to purchase drinks for everyone. Samantha, Mira, and Alex found an empty table and sat down. Sirius joined them a minute later carrying mugs for all of them. They rested their feet and watched everyone else talking and moving about.
Mira broke the silence first, "What was Malfoy's problem with you, Samantha?"
"He is probably still sour about the Quidditch match," Samantha said not sure if that was the reason.
"You beat him fair and square," Alex chimed in. "He just can't get over losing to a girl. They don't even like playing with girls. That is why Slytherin doesn't have any on their team."
"There is little he can do about Samantha," Sirius added. "They are going to have to get used to losing to her. She is one of the best seekers we have had in years."
"Now stop," Samantha said blushing a little. "I hope am good enough to keep my position, that is all."
Sirius laughed, as did the others. Their butterbeers slowly disappeared as the sun crept nearer to the horizon. They finished their drinks and followed the path back up to the castle. They talked about the next Quidditch match between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, classes, and anything else that came to mind. The path turned up hill a little slightly going past a grouping of rocks on one side and a hedgerow on the other.
Samantha stopped short putting her arms out. The others noticed this and stopped, asking her what was wrong. Samantha searched both sides of the path trying to figure out what made her feel unsafe.
"I don't know what it is," Samantha began. "Something just isn't right."
Her friends started looking around too. Trying to find anything that was out of place. After a bit, Alex and Mira shook their heads and told their friends they were just being paranoid. The others continued back to the castle with Samantha lagging behind still acutely aware of her surroundings. The bulk of the group was even with the rocks when Samantha felt a shift in her stomach.
"Get down!" Samantha screamed as spells shot from the hedgerow.
Sirius was hit by a red and purple stream of light knocking him to the ground with some force. Alex and Mira dove to either side avoiding the last bolts of light that soared over their heads. Two figures emerged from the foliage with their wands out.
Samantha dove and rolled to her right drawing her wand as her father had taught her. From a crouch, she sent a stunner at the lead attacker knocking him to the ground a few feet behind where he started. The second attacker returned the stunner, but Samantha blocked it sending the jet high into the air. Samantha's counterattack was a bright, fast moving purple spell that struck the assailant in the chest. He fell to the ground landing on his side. The slope of the hill was steepest in this location causing the unconscious body to roll down the incline. He only stopped rolling when he struck an outcropping of rocks protruding through the grass.
Alex and Mira had joined the fight sending stunners into the bushes. Unfortunately the last two attackers had been amongst the rocks. They leapt out sending hexes at the two girls. Mira and Alex had just enough time to turn and see the hexes deflect off an invisible shield that was protecting them. Samantha lunged forward waving her wand in a difficult pattern. When she spoke two words, a wide streamer of yellowish-white light was produced from her wand extending to the last two attackers. When it struck them, they let out a muffled scream and crumpled onto the worn path. They didn't move at all.
Mira turned to see Samantha breathing heavily and a look of defiance still adorned her face. Alex grabbed Mira's cloak and pulled her to Sirius's motionless body. Alex performed the reviving charm and Sirius began to stir slightly. Mira was still staring at her friend who looked poised for another attack. Footsteps could be heard coming up the path. Samantha swiveled on the balls of her feet lowering into a crouch with her wand out.
Harry Potter's pale face greeted them, but there were no greetings exchanged. He swished his wand and the attackers' wands flew into his awaiting hand. Samantha joined her friends helping Sirius to his unsteady feet. Hermione quickly joined them slightly out of breath. Her wand was also out ready to be used.
Harry looked at the situation before him. He thought for a dozen seconds or so and then spoke. "You three help Mr. Weasley to the hospital wing. I will tend to these students. Go, now!"
Needing no other orders, Samantha, Mira, and Alex assisted Sirius to the castle and to the hospital wing. Madam Quince came over to them quickly and began fussing over Sirius. A few minutes later the door opened and Professor Dumbledore entered the room wearing a smile. He stopped at the foot of the bed Sirius was in and stood quietly as if waiting for an answer. The silence was interrupted only by Harry and Hermione's entrance. Before them, two Slytherins were helping two other unconscious Slytherins into the room. Madam Quince rushed over to help the injured students into empty beds.
"What were they hit with?" Madam Quince asked Hermione.
"I am not sure," Hermione said looking at Harry and then Samantha.
Dumbledore turned to Samantha with a quizzical look in his eyes. "Ms. Brooks, would you mind telling Madam Quince what you used to subdue Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Chase?"
Samantha sighed and answered, "The Evinco Charm, Professor Dumbledore, sir."
Dumbledore raised his eyebrows and smiled. Hermione looked a bit shocked at first, but she relaxed quickly. Grond and Stron looked confused, but that was nothing unusual for them.
Madam Quince was the first speak following Samantha's announcement. "How did a fourth year student master a charm that Aurors use?"
"My father taught it to me," Samantha said. "He has always been concerned about my safety."
"That spell is used to subdue large groups of people not two students like yourself," Madam Quince was not happy with the situation.
"I am sure that Ms. Brooks did not know the identity of her attackers when she used the spell," Hermione said moving over to her son's bedside. "If these students hadn't attacked their fellow classmates, this never would have happened."
"If you wouldn't mind, Samantha," Professor Dumbledore began. "Would you mind telling me what happen today?"
Samantha explained how they were attacked on the path and how she protected her friends from the second assault. She also explained her reasons for using spells beyond her years. When she finished, the room was silent except for two Slytherins who were stirring in their beds slowly regaining their senses.
Harry was the first to say anything. "Twenty five points from each of the aggressors and three detentions. I assume both of you can inform the others that this type of behavior will not be accepted from anyone."
Grond and Stron nodded understanding the punishment for their actions. They were dismissed by Hermione and left the room without another sound. Sirius was fully awake now looking from person to person. Mira settled him as Alex joined Samantha standing in front of the Professors.
"Professor," Alex started weakly. "Samantha was only defending herself and us. She didn't do anything but save us from being hurt."
Dumbledore raised his hand silencing her. "I know Ms. Willows. You and your friends are not in trouble for the events of today. I only hope this does not become a frequent occurrence this year. Wouldn't you agree?"
"Yes, sir," Alex said happy that they weren't going to be punished.
Dumbledore left leaving Harry and Hermione to handle things. Sirius was feeling better and wanted to leave the hospital wing.
"You will stay until you are cleared," Hermione snapped in a tone between teacher and mother.
Harry pulled Samantha to the side to talk so the others couldn't hear them.
"Good use of the spell, my dear," Harry said not controlling his pride. "You used that spell as good as any I have seen. Your shield charm on your friends was a nice touch too. You remember what I have taught you, I am very proud." Samantha smiled and nodded. "Please watch yourself. They will come after you again especially after this. Keep your friends close and stay alert."
"I will, Sir," Samantha said. "Thank you for understanding."
It was only another few minutes before Sirius was cleared to leave, and the kids went back up to the common room. Everyone in the room fell silent when they entered. Mark Johnson came over and asked them what happened. Mira explained the scenario and the others nodded when they needed to.
"It is a good thing you didn't get into trouble," Mark said relieved. "We can't afford to lose you guys. The team wouldn't stand a chance."
Many people asked how they took down four Slytherins, but the group had agreed to keep the events secret. The rumors would of course run rampant without their side of the story, but they didn't see a need to put any additional attention on Samantha right now.
The dinner that night was as amazing as ever. The roast, chicken, and ham were wonderful. The treats were perfect as well. Cakes of all sorts adorned the tables after the main course was whisked away. Pies lined the center of the table and creams and tarts were intermixed with goblets of pumpkin juice. Floating jack-o-lanterns hovered above the tables lit by candles. Bats flew around the room in formation squeaking now and then.
Samantha found the night to be perfectly enjoyable considering the events of earlier. She and the others drifted off to sleep with full bellies and their minds at ease.
It was one o'clock in the morning when Samantha shot awake feeling a wave of cold race over her. Something bad had happened somewhere to someone she cared about.