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).
10. The Dark Mark
Samantha leapt out of bed pulling her cloak around her shoulders. She slipped on a pair of comfortable shoes and left the dormitory headed for the common room. The fireplace only contained a few failing embers from the fire earlier in the day. The darkness of the room made Samantha uneasy and slightly worried. Maybe she was still startled by her dream or her imagination was getting the best of her. Something just didn't seem right and she couldn't put her finger on it. A faint noise came from the tower stairwell. Samantha spun around, wand out, and found a shape coming down the stairs.
"Who is it?" Samantha asked.
"It's me, put that down before you hurt me," Alex said. "What are you doing up so late? Why are you armed?"
"I had a bad dream and needed to walk around," Samantha answered her friend. "And after what happened today, of course I am going to be armed. Why, aren't you?"
"No, not in my own common room," Alex said slightly confused. She just looked at Samantha trying to figure out what was going on. "Samantha, what is wrong. Why are you crying?"
"Crying?" said Samantha rubbing her eyes finding tears on her cheek. "I don't know what is going on. I think something happened to someone close to me tonight, but I don't know what it could be."
At this moment, the portrait opened and Professor Weasley entered. She found the two girls standing in the middle of the common room one had been crying.
"Samantha, I think you should come with me," Hermione said in a motherly tone. "Ms. Willows, you should go back up to bed now."
"What is it?" Cried Samantha. "It isn't my father, is it? Is it?"
"You had better come with me, my dear," Hermione said clearly worried about something.
Samantha stepped forward joining Hermione and they turned to leave the room. Alex jumped ahead and followed them out into the hallway.
"Alexandra, I do not think you should come with us," Hermione said.
"It is OK, Professor," Samantha said trying to maintain her composure. "She is my friend and I trust her."
"Very well, Samantha. If you insist."
Hermione led Samantha and Alex to the hospital wing. When the door was opened, Samantha saw Professor Dumbledore standing amongst a group of three other wizards she had never seen before. Dumbledore seemed to giving them instructions and everyone nodded multiple times before they broke apart.
"Thank you, Hermione," Dumbledore said. "Ms. Willows, I think you should wait outside for a little bit."
Alex turned to leave, but Samantha grabbed her arm and held her where she stood. Alex shifted to look at Samantha and then Dumbledore.
"As you wish, Ms. Potter," Dumbledore said.
Alex looked around and finally stopped on Samantha's face, which was obviously fighting the urge to cry. Samantha had her hand free hand firmly on her locket. "Potter? Samantha what is he talking about?"
The others in the room were staring at Samantha equally confused by Dumbledore's statement.
"Where is he?" Samantha asked the old man standing in front of her. "I want to see him, now."
Dumbledore moved to the side and in a bed behind him laid Harry. He wasn't moving at all and blood was running down his face. Madam Quince was busying herself at a cabinet along the wall. Samantha moved towards her father dragging Alex behind. The tears began to flow freely down her face wetting her cloak.
Alex was only released when Samantha grabbed Harry's hand and held it tightly in hers. Alex looked at the injured body of her teacher and then to Samantha who was oblivious to everyone around her. Alex looked at Hermione hoping she would explain what was going on.
Dumbledore answered Alex's question. "Ms. Willows, Samantha is Harry's daughter. The fact that you are here proves that you are a trusted friend and I am sure that you would like nothing more than to help them. The best thing you can do to help them is to say nothing you hear tonight to anyone. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Professor," Alex stammered not really understanding what was going on. She moved to Samantha's side and stood watching Dumbledore and everyone else.
"Kingsley, repeat what you just said," Dumbledore ordered.
"Well Professor," Kingsley started. "Harry showed up at my door with information about an attack in a small village near Lympne. I notified Tonks and Marrows of the location and the details I had. We all met at the station to organize ourselves. When we got there a few houses were ablaze and people were running around screaming. We split up into pairs and moved through the town searching for them. They must not have expected us so soon, because they were still running around leveling structures and torturing muggles."
"I was with Harry," the woman named Tonks said. "Once we knocked one of them down, they all attacked. We fought off two of them, but I fell down tripping Harry. When I got to my feet another one knocked me out of the way. That was when they pulled down the wall of a house on top of Harry. He had enough time to protect himself from the worst of it, but he couldn't stop the others who joined. I was able to fight off the new ones, but Harry had to release his shield to attack. That was when he was hit by a curse. He never got back up after that."
"I see, and what of the mark?" Dumbledore asked.
"When we got to Harry and Tonks, that was when they sent up the Dark Mark," Kingsley informed Dumbledore. "I went and checked on the area below the mark. There was a family of muggles still in their beds."
Alex couldn't believe what she was hearing. Samantha, Harry, and now the Dark Mark. There hadn't been a case of the mark being used in years.
Hermione was watching Samantha. Her eyes were closed and she seemed to be sitting very still. "Samantha, are you ok?" Hermione asked but she received no reply.
Dumbledore turned and watched the child as well. She didn't move at all. She was just sitting there with her eyes closed. "Samantha, I am sure he will be ok."
A few minutes went by and everyone was watching Samantha intently. She slowly relaxed and opened her eyes. She turned to find the whole room was staring at her. "He is OK," she said. "He is fighting his way back to us."
"Good," Dumbledore said. "I would like very much to speak to him when he has returned to us. Hermione, you will stay here with Harry and the children until he regains consciousness. I am sure you weren't going to leave his side anyway remembering how you stayed with him all those years ago."
"You are quite correct, Albus," Hermione said. "I will watch after the children until their friends come for them in the morning."
"Samantha," Alex said quietly. "What is going on?"
"He knew something was going on and he tried to help," Samantha said. "He was always doing that when he was in school, but I didn't think this would happen now."
"Harry Potter is your father?" Alex said not believing her own words.
"Yes, and you can't say anything to anyone about it or else this could be me lying here."
"I know that now," Alex answered. "Who else knows about you and him?"
"The Weasleys. Mira found out earlier this year accidentally."
The adults were discussing something out of range of the bed. Tonks was getting excited about something and Kingsley had to settle her down. Her hair had changed colors from the light purple to a fiery red. Their voices had risen in volume and a few words could be heard now and then. "Death Eater" "McNair" "Killed" "Worm" "Named" "Coming". Dumbledore raised his hands calming the people down before they continued. His eyes went from one person to another as they spoke. His mind was obviously figuring out what all these events meant for the future.
Finally a few sentences escaped the conversation, "We should not speculate on things that have yet to occur, my friend," Dumbledore told Kingsley. "One of us would know far in advance of the others if what you believe were true."
Samantha stirred when she heard this. Hermione and Alex took notice of her shudder. Dumbledore must have sensed the change in their mood for he came over to the bed.
"Samantha, do you know something that you haven't told us?"
"There is another thing, Professor," Samantha stumbled on the words. "His scar hurt before he left for Lympne."
Dumbledore seemed to expect this news and didn't move upon hearing it.
"How do you know that?" Hermione asked with worry in her voice.
"I just know, Professor," replied Samantha.
"It appears you are correct, Kingsley," said Dumbledore slightly defeated. "You know what to do now. Go!"
"Yes, sir."
Kingsley and Marrows left the room immediately. Tonks joined the women next to Harry. "Tell him, I am sorry I fell and caused all this to happen." Tonks took a deep breath and left the room as well.
"Samantha, how long have you had a link with your father?" Dumbledore asked.
"As long as I can remember, sir," Samantha answered. "We have worked over the years to refine and control it. That is how I can perform such advanced magic."
"I see," commented Dumbledore in way Samantha knew he expected more information. "How far can you enter his mind?"
"I can only go as far as he lets me," Samantha said. "He wanted me to know about his scar. Other than that, there isn't anything else I can give you."
"You have done well, Samantha," Dumbledore said softly resting his hand on her shoulder. "Your father would be proud of you."
Hermione and Alex didn't say anything, but they were concerned by what they had just heard. Dumbledore noticed their looks and explained the situation.
"Sometimes," Dumbledore spoke quietly. "A child of a powerful wizard will have a mental link with their parent. It is rare, but not unheard of. Samantha has just such a link with Harry."
"I have never read about it, Professor," said Hermione obviously skeptical of anything she hadn't read about. "Is it like Legilimency or ESP?"
"It would be similar, I suppose," Dumbledore said. "But I doubt it would be as clear as either of those. Samantha would be a much better person to ask about the details, but she might wish to keep that information secret."
Alex just stared at Samantha. She didn't know what to say or do. Hermione was equally puzzled by the night's events. Before her laid her best friend, unconscious. His scar had been hurting him and that meant only one thing.
"Samantha, do you know how long his scar had been hurting him?" Hermione asked fearing the answer.
"Not really, he didn't tell me," Samantha offered. "I only know it hurt him before they left for the village."
"Does this mean what I think it does, Professor?" Hermione asked Dumbledore.
"It may, Hermione," Dumbledore sighed. "We will learn that when Harry joins us again, but I am preparing for what we fear." Dumbledore turned to Madam Quince who had joined the group at Harry's bed. "Notify me of any change in his condition. These three will be staying the night. Please extend them every courtesy." The elderly man strolled to the doors in deep thought and slipped out of the wing.
"Into bed, both of you," Hermione said ushering Alex to an adjacent bed. Samantha didn't move from her perch. "Samantha, you need to get some rest. He is in good hands." Samantha turned and Hermione saw the same determination in her eyes that Harry often had when he was that age. She knew she would never win this battle and gave in. "Alright, but please get some rest before morning. Your father wouldn't be very happy with me if I let you stay awake all night." Hermione lay down on the bed next to Harry's. She kept watch over Harry and Samantha until exhausted sleep overtook her.
Samantha sat in her chair with her eyes closed trying to communicate with Harry. She could feel the pain of his injuries and the burn of his scar. Various images floated around before her, but she didn't know what they meant or what they were. Her normally talkative father was suspiciously absent. Despite her calls, he didn't greet her or tell her anything. She waded through the abstract pictures trying to find her father. What seemed like hours of walking she came across a hunched over man kneeling beside a woman. She wasn't moving and he was crying. Samantha moved to the side of the man and saw a small child huddled next to the woman. The scene was very sad and dark. The man turned and looked at Samantha. She saw that it sort of resembled her father, but there was something about the man that was unfamiliar.
A feeling of motion, pushing, swept Samantha down an alley and into small, dimly lit room. The man from the street was standing across from her looking like her father. The unfamiliarity was replaced with a warm and welcoming smile. The room seemed more comfortable. A fireplace appeared on the wall behind Samantha and portraits decorated the other walls. As she stood there looking at Harry, decorations were continually being added to the room. Soft chairs and a couch had joined the fireplace along with a small table and a pitcher of pumpkin juice. A large, plush rug separated the chairs from the couch. The man motioned for her to sit on the couch, which she did sinking into the cushions. Harry sat in the opposite chair gazing warmly at her. She turned her head to look at the fire and a pillow appeared by her head joined by a comfortable blanket wrapping around her.
"Dad, was that mom you were crying over?"
"You weren't supposed to see her that way, Honey. I want you to remember her the way she was with you, not like that. Please forget what you saw."
"But that is how you remember her, isn't it?"
"At times. When I am sad or worried about you, I see her like that. That image has become my despair, my fear. You should not have such images in your mind."
"I am OK, Father. You shouldn't worry about me, I am the one who has to worry about you."
"No, you don't. You do not need these concerns at your age."
"But, you had them and worse ones when you were my age. Why should I be any different? I am your daughter after all."
"A father hopes his children are happier than he was. Less worries, less concerns, less danger. I had a childhood that you should not. I have worked all these years to avoid you reliving it."
"I am happy with my life, Father. I couldn't ask for anything more except you not getting yourself into things like this. You scared me when I saw you lying in the bed."
"For that, I am sorry, Dear. I couldn't let those muggles be killed when I could do something about it."
"I know that and I accept it. I know who you are and what you do. We are not that different though. I am my father's daughter and you can't change that."
"I failed to protect her and I can not fail again. You are too important to me for that to happen. There is nothing I won't do."
"You didn't fail her. You did the best you could. It was out of your control don't blame yourself."
"Thank you, but let's speak of something else. Why did you return?"
"I wanted to know more about what happened and what the scar means."
"I am sure you know what happened, and the scar means what it has always meant. Now, more than ever, your true identity needs to be kept secret."
"I know. More people know now. Those people from the attack and Alex know."
"You trust Alex, and I trust the others, but we need to work to harder to keep it hidden from anyone else. Once something like this gets outside of our control, it is impossible to contain."
The fire in the fireplace burned happily producing a crack or pop now and then. The couch was very comfortable and Samantha was getting sleepy. Every now and then the images in the portraits would change. Dark images of pain and death would appear, but were quickly replaced with the pleasant scenes of nature, family, and friends. Samantha figured Harry was still recovering from his injuries and had lapses in concentration.
He was watching her thinking of her mother. How they looked alike and had very similar personalities. "It is time for you to sleep my dear. Just close your eyes and rest. We will talk more when I wake up." Samantha laid down on the couch curling up into a ball and fell asleep.
The sunshine woke her up. She opened her eyes and found a blanket wrapped around her and a pillow behind her head. She searched the room and saw Alex still asleep in a bed, but Hermione was sitting on Harry's bed watching him. Another person had joined them. Ron was sitting with Hermione watching Harry as well. From the stories she had heard, Samantha figured they were both used to being in this situation.
"He is going to be OK," Samantha said. "He is getting better."
"Thank you," said Hermione more relived. "I see you got some sleep, finally."
"I guess I did," replied Samantha. "He told me to sleep after we talked."
"You spoke to him, he was awake?" Ron asked excitedly.
"She can enter his mind and speak to him," Hermione told Ron dousing his hopes. "It is like Legilimency only more pleasant."
Ron shivered at the thought of someone breaking into his mind dredging up all his greatest fears. Hermione got up and went to Samantha. She put her arm around her and gave a squeeze. Samantha held on to it for a while thinking how wonderful the touch of a mother was even if it wasn't hers. She let go when Alex stirred and woke up.
"How is he?" Alex asked sleepily.
"He will be fine," Answered Ron.
"Mr. Weasley! How nice to meet you again," said Alex startled by his presence.
"Don't be alarmed," Ron said noticing her surprised. "I have spent many hours waiting for Harry to wake up. He always finds himself in trouble one way or another."
Madam Quince came over and produced some breakfast for the girls so they didn't have to leave.
"When Madam Pomfrey retired she left me all the old records of her patients," Madam Quince said. "I read Mr. Potter's and thought she had left it as a joke. If this is what I can expect from him this year, I had better stock up on certain potions soon."
"I assure you, Madam Quince, the records are correct," Hermione answered. "Just remember, those are only the documented treatments by Madam Pomfrey. During sixth year, I study the basic healing spells and helped Harry avoid Poppy's care for any but the more serious injuries."
"Yes, Poppy left a note in his folder stating that she was concerned that he was seeking treatment 'elsewhere' during the last 2 years he was here," Quince stated. "She made mention that a certain 'resourceful friend' was most likely the cause of his sparse visitation."
Before the sun rose too high, Ron and Hermione left the hospital wing. Hermione was going to get Sirius and Mira before they made a scene drawing even more attention to the absences of Alex and Samantha.
It was an hour or so later when Hermione brought Sirius and Mira into the hospital wing. They rushed over to Samantha offering her comfort and hugs. They both paused when they saw Harry lying motionless in the bed. They never thought their teacher could have been injured like this.
"Are you OK, Samantha?" Sirius asked.
"I am all right, I guess," Samantha said. "He will be fine in a few days."
"I think you should read this before you join the other students," Hermione said holding out a copy of today's Daily Prophet.
The headlines were ominous, "Dark Mark Over Dead Family, Harry Potter Injured." The article read like a horror story. The deaths, the mark, even how her father had been attacked. There was even a comment from Minister Weasley, "Harry Potter will be fine. He is at an undisclosed location doing very well. This attack shows us that we have a long way to go before the remnants of the Dark Lord are finally brought to justice."
When she had finished reading the article, Hermione spoke. "Students will be waiting outside hoping to catch a glimpse of Professor Potter. Most people guess he is here because this is the safest place for anybody. I have been given permission to create a portkey for you to use when you need to visit. It will take you from here to the common room. Be careful how and when you use it. The less questions right now the better."
"I understand, Professor," Samantha said knowing full well how touchy the situation had become. If she were seen visiting Harry, it would only be a matter of time before the entire school had thought up fifty different reasons why.
After lunch, the group decided they needed to get outside. Samantha, most of all, needed to get her mind off of current events. They took the portkey back to the common room since everyone was outside enjoying the last of the warm days before winter came. When Samantha had changed clothes and freshened up, they all went outside and sat by the lake. The giant squid was doing laps putting on a show for a few groups of students who had congregated. Everyone did his or her best to get Samantha to smile, but she was humoring them. Once the sun began to disappear and the air grew colder, they went in for dinner. Afterwards, they all sat in the common room working on homework they had ignored. It was late when Samantha went to her room. Alex and Mira had to practically drag her up to the room. She fell asleep reluctantly and her dreams were as frightening as she had feared. She kept seeing her father hit by curses and her mother lying in the street as she had appeared in Harry's mind.