Chapter 6: Visions
The young princess let out a loud groan. She had been imprisoned in the Hospital Wing for over a week and was beginning to go stir-crazy. She wanted to get up, walk around the room, go to class, and do anything that didn't require her to lie in a bed. Her only saving grace was that Lily would visit often and bring Sairina's missed homework to her. During this time the two girls would chat and visit with one another and discuss their least favorite people.
"The Marauders have been nothing but trouble since the match," Lily sighed tiredly, "They are constantly pranking the Slytherins, that beater in particular too, Goyle I think it is." Sairina laughed dryly.
"I know," she said, "He got sent here the other day and refused to even acknowledge my presence." Sairina closed her Transfiguration book and rolled up her essay, "Did you get my Divination work?" Lily smacked her forehead comically.
"I completely forgot," she gasped, "That's one class I didn't take and you did, so I never see the teacher, so I didn't get the assignments. Who teaches that class again, she's new right?" Sairina smirked as she added her transfiguration book to the pile on the bedside table.
"Professor Rumer," Sairina said, "She's a bit out there really." A laugh sounded from the infirmary door.
"That has got to be the understatement of the century," Remus said as he entered the room and made his way over to the two girls. He looked strangely tired, more so than usual, his eyes were slightly blood-shot and the blue of the iris was rimed with a faint amber color, and his skin was ghostly pale. He handed Sairina a roll of parchment.
"The daft woman asked me to bring this to you," he explained, "She was saying something about how our stars are crossed and that the spirits tell her that we are destined to be. I truly believe that the woman is mad if she is hearing 'spirits'." This got the two girls to laugh lightly.
"I swear that class is complete crackpot," Lily said and Sairina gave her a harsh glare.
"I don't think it is," she said defensively, "I'll admit that the professor is a bit . . . eccentric, but need I remind you Lillian that I come from a long line of seers and people who possess the gift of foresight." Lily nodded and mumbled and apology and Remus gave her an incredulous look.
"You do?" he asked crossing his arms. When she nodded Remus replied with, "That's interesting. Perhaps you can help me with my Divination homework sometime," He let out a brief sigh.
"Is something wrong?" Lily asked, "I would have guessed that any other Marauder would have just come in here, given Sai her homework and left." Remus shrugged and looked at the floor.
"I was actually wondering if Sairina would . . ." he began, but never got the chance to finish because Madame Pomfrey chose that moment to bustle in.
"You're early Mr. Lupin," she said curiously, "Are you not feeling well this time?" Remus once again shrugged and Madame Pomfrey stole him away from the two girls and he began to talk to her in hushed tones.
"I wonder what that is all about," Lily asked turning to her friend, "What do you think she meant by 'this time'?" Sairina stared after the two and watched as Remus begrudgingly clamored into a bed and Madame Pomfrey drew the curtain shut around his bed.
"I would love to tell you, if I only knew," she said in a somewhat dreamy whisper as Madame Pomfery came back to check on Sairina.
"One more night," she said after checking up on Sairina, "Then you may go. Head injuries are tricky my dear, I just want to make sure that there will be no relapse." Sairina nodded and Madame Pomfrey turned to go.
"Madame," she turned and looked at Sairina who lowered her voice, "What's wrong with Remus?" Madame Pomfrey not only looked taken aback but nervous as well.
"He has a weak immune system," she said quickly, "He's always getting sick." There was a low groan from behind his curtain. "I need to go check on him."
/0/0/
She did not just say that. She did NOT just say THAT! Remus thought angrily, Great! Now Sai is going to think that I'm weak! He let out a low groan of frustration and slammed a pillow over his head. His hopes of death by suffocation were dashed, however, when Madame Pomfrey snatched the pillow away. He would just have to deal with death by embarrassment.
/0/0/
The day wore on from mid-day to late afternoon. The sun was sinking into the west in hues of gold, orange, and red. Sairina was busily doing her Divination homework and singing a simple tune she had learned from one of the hobbits softly.
What can you see
On the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea
A pale moon rises.
The ships have come
To carry you home . . .
Her tune was interrupted when Madame Pomfrey and someone wrapped in a large black cloak raced out of the room. Curious, Sairina stood to follow, but got no further than the infirmary door. She was stopped by Professor Dumbledore.
"I do believe that Madame Pomfrey said one more night, Miss Telcontar," he said cocking an eyebrow at her (how he knew that, she had no clue). Sairina stared intently at the retreating backs of Madame Pomfrey and the mystery person. The headmaster's gaze followed hers and he sighed deeply.
"There are some things that you need not concern yourself with, my dear," He said and led her back to her bed, "There are many things that go 'bump' in the night . . ."
/0/0/
Sairina fought to keep her eyes open, but it was a losing battle. It wasn't even that late yet. The sun just set, leaving the twilight to reign in watery blues, soft violets, and inviting blacks. The beams of the full moon shone in through the infirmary window giving the room an ethereal glow.
Sairina always loved the full moon. She supposed it had something to do with her elf heritage. Her mother always said that the elves were the most in tune with the forces of the earth during the full moon. Ever since she was a child, Sairina had felt the pull and the need to be outside during this one night a month. But now, something else was taking over, her vision began to cloud and fade into blackness.
Sairina suddenly found herself in a rickety old house that seemed to bend with the wind like a tree. It looked as if it could tip over at any moment. She explored the small room she was in, but moved into the hall. She noted a window high up that was partially boarded up. In the small portion that was open all she could see were clouds, which slowly parted exposing the light of the full moon.
Pain suddenly wracked her body. She doubled over and fell to the floor and writhed on the ground. She could feel her body changing, the pain was intense as muscles shifted and lengthened, organs shifted as well, her face surged with pain as she developed a muzzle. Her spine cracked as it lengthened and her skin prickled as silvery fur sprouted over every inch of her.
During all of this she was crying and screaming. She screamed for all she was worth. The anguish of transforming, the desire to be normal, the maddening lust for blood, the pain of being alienated, and the torment of having to hide from the world all welled up and escaped through a shriek that changed into a wolfish howl. Suddenly Sairina could feel herself being thrown from the wolf's body. She looked at the creature from the outside perspective.
The wolf was enormous, covered in a silver-gray fur. His muscles were lean and taught, ready to pounce should the need arise for it to kill. Its amber eyes burned fiercely, and it growled fiercely baring its white teeth. Sairina wasn't sure if the beast could actually see her, but the way it licked it chops was unnerving.
But even as she stood outside and stared at its physical form, she could still feel the emotions from before. The pain, torment, anguish, lust, and desires coursed through Sairina's veins. The emotions were definitely human, and did not belong to this creature alone. The frustrated and confusing emotions came to a head, and both Sairina and the wolf let out a blood-curdling shriek.
Then the world went black once more.
She sat up with a jolt. Cold sweat covered every inch of her body, and she was still screaming out in pain and shock. She was back in the infirmary with Madame Ponfrey at her side.
It was a vision, she kept telling herself, Only a vision. That pain . . . it felt so real, so human. But how can a wolf feel like that. Suddenly it dawned upon her. The person in the cloak . . . there is a werewolf at Hogwarts.
/0/0/
Despite Madame Pomfrey's new protests, Sairina did leave the hospital wing the next day. As she entered the Great Hall for breakfast she was received with warm greetings and well wishes from most of the students. She smiled and to the students she seemed to handle everything with a diplomatic, and almost regal, composure.
After eating a light breakfast (she still felt somewhat nauseated from the vision she had last night) she made her way to defense class. Claiming her usual seat by Lily she waited for Professor Ambrose to begin.
"Today class we will be discussing about dealings with Red Caps," and thus Sairina toiled through the lesson doing fairly well considering her handicap in the subject. The class ended after what seemed to be an eternity and Sairina packed up her books. The sound of someone clearing their throat distracted her.
"By chance are you busy tonight?" Remus asked kindly and Sairina shook her head, "Then we can have another tutoring session if it's alright with you."
"Sure, Remus," she said smiling, "What are we going to be doing?" Remus thought for a moment.
"I was thinking about reviewing some of the previous things we have gone over both in our session and in class," Remus reasoned, "And then I was thinking about going over the stunning spell."
"Do I have to bring my own target?" Sairina quipped lightly and Remus laughed.
"Actually, no, I will be providing a target for you, that is if one of them will agree . . ." he drifted off and cast a wary glance at his fellow troublemakers causing Sairina to laugh. Agreeing to the same time and place as all their other lessons Sairina left with Lily who was headed towards the library and Remus joined his friends.
"So have you asked her to Hogsmeade yet?" Sirius quipped playfully. Remus rolled his eyes.
"I really wish you would stop living in denial, Moony," James said running a hand through his messy black hair, causing several groups of girls to sigh dreamily, "It is so obvious that you like the girl. If you need help all you have to do is ask." Remus stopped suddenly and a mischievous smile spread across his face.
"Actually," Remus began, "I could use some help with something." James could tell that his normally silent friend was crafting a devious plan behind his cool exterior; unfortunately the other two were completely oblivious.
"Anything so you can at least get a girl, mate," Sirius said. Again Remus smiled, almost evilly.
"Tonight, seven 'o' clock, in the defense room," Remus said before heading towards Gryffindor tower.
/0/0/
Once again, seven 'o' clock rolled around and Sairina found herself seated in the DADA room waiting for her tutor. Since their first meeting, Sairina had mastered many of the basic attack and defense spells. Only last week had she finally gotten the shielding spell right, and Remus seemed to think that she was progressing along nicely in attack and defense.
She had also accepted the fact that some things in the world were meant to be evil, and she had learned to deal with many weaker dark creatures. She was still, however, terrified of facing the boggart again, and thankfully for her, Remus wasn't pushing her into an uncomfortable situation. He had told her during their fifth session that when she felt that she was ready, she could try to face the boggart again.
The door opened and Sairina could tell that two people entered the room, and to be honest she was impressed. She didn't actually think that he could get one of his friends to play the part of target willingly . . .
"Hey there darling how are you tonight?" the slick voice of Sirius asked her flirtatiously and she rolled her eyes. This tutoring session was going to be interesting to say the least.
"Absolutely perfect," Sairina replied sarcastically causing Remus to chuckle softly.
"Right," said her tutor seriously, "Now Sirius has offered to help with tonight's lesson on the stunning spell." The dark haired boy's eyes went wide.
"Hold on there a moment Remus," he protested, "You never said anything about . . ."
"Stupefy," Remus shouted. A red beam shot out of his wand, knocking Sirius square in the chest, and he fell to the floor. Remus turned to Sairina, "As you can see it is a sharp movement, very much like a thrust," he cast a look at her bemused expression, "I probably should have put pillows down." He looked at his stunned friend and chuckled softly.
"Nah," Sairina said, "he's a beater; he can handle falling on the floor." Remus smiled.
"Not to mention he has got the hardest head in the world," Remus laughed causing Sairina to laugh along, "Anyway, the spell to un-stun him uses a circular motion with a bit of a thrust," he pointed his wand at his friend, "Be sure to pronounce it correctly. Ennervate!" Sirius sat up with a jolt and glared at his friend
"YOU did NOT tell ME that you were teaching her the STUNNING SPELL!" he shouted exasperatedly and started to stand. Remus looked to Sairina.
"Give it a try," he said gently. Sairina lifted her silvery wand.
"Stupefy," she said copying Remus' movements perfectly.
"Protego," Sirius growled the shielding spell and the red beam from Sairina's wand bounced off harmlessly, "I am NOT going to be your test hinkypuff!" Remus sighed heavily.
"I was hoping you wouldn't do this the hard way, Sirius," Remus groaned and raised his wand again, "Expelliarmus!" Sirius' wand flew from his hand and Remus caught it easily, "Now try, Sai." Sirius gulped.
"Stupefy," she said and a red beam shot from the tip of her wand. Once again Sirius was on the floor out cold. Sairina turned to Remus, "I think I'm getting the hang of this defense stuff." Remus smiled, "I suppose I should undo the spell now." Sairina raised her wand, but Remus stopped her.
"There are a few things I . . . erm . . . wanted to talk about," Remus said shyly, "This weekend is the first Hogsmeade weekend, and I was wondering if you would . . . um . . . like to walk around together for a bit?" Once again a flush rose to Remus' cheeks and he silently cursed himself.
Sairina on the other hand was having an internal battle.
He is practically asking to court you without your father's permission! What would the people at court say if they knew that the king's daughter, the last link to magic in their world was out gallivanting with boys without her father's permission! It would be a scandal in the courts of Minas Tirith!
But I'm not in the courts of Minas Tirith now, am I . . . ?
The logic made sense. What her parents didn't know wouldn't hurt them. Plus she didn't see anything really wrong with Remus in the first place, other than the fact that he was a Marauder. Then again . . . he is considered to be the mild mannered Marauder, a gentleman at best . . .
"Perhaps for a little while," Sairina said finally, "Just so long as you don't bring any of them with you." She jerked her thumb towards Sirius causing her companion to chuckle.
"I'll do my best to keep them away," he said, "You can go ahead and wake him up now." Sairina did the spell several times before Sirius sat up. He promptly leapt up, grabbed his wand and stormed from the room leaving Sairina and Remus laughing in his wake.
The two students continued to review spells for the next hour until the school's bells chimed that it was eight thirty.
"You've made wonderful progress, Sai," Remus said proudly causing his companion to blush slightly.
"I've had a great tutor," she replied and they walked to the door, "Remmy, would you mind walking with me back to the Ravenclaw house? I'm a little wary of traveling the halls alone after the Quidditch match." Remus smiled brightly.
"Not a problem at all," he replied and the two teens ambled slowly down the hallways in the direction of the Ravenclaw common room. They talked quietly about insignificant things during their trip, and upon their arrival Sairina looked ready to burst out something.
"Is what Madame Pomfrey said true?" she blurted, "Do you really get sick that often?" Remus refused to make eye contact with her nodded, "Hold on for one second." She mumbled the password and the statue guarding the entrance leapt aside and Sairina vanished. She returned a few moments later holding a large handmade parchment envelope.
"This should help," she said handing the envelope to Remus. He turned it over and studied it. It was sealed with wax that had an emblem of a tree surrounded by seven stars.
"What is it?" he asked ready to break the seal, but Sairina quickly took his hands and stopped him.
"It is leaves from a plant of my native land," Sairina explained, "It is called Athelas. Where I come from, this leaf is used in the tending of wounds and other ills that can befall a person. When you are feeling ill, crush or bruise the leaves and the scent produced by that alone will help many ills, especially if it is just a cough or head ache.
"If that is not enough, take the bruised or crushed leaves and put them in boiling water. After letting them sit in the water for a few moments take a clean bit of cloth and soak it in the water. Use the cloth to wipe your face or lay it flat on your chest, and that helps also if you feel weak with sickness." Remus looked at her in amazement.
"I've never heard of any plant that had that much healing power," he murmured turning the parchment envelope over in his hand.
"It's a home remedy of my father's so to speak," The hands of the king are the hands of a healer she added to herself. Remus took a deep breath.
"Wow," her murmured sniffing the envelope, "it smells so fresh, like the earth after it rains. Thank you, Sai, this means a lot to me." He awkwardly gave her a hug and made his way down the hallway towards Gryffindor tower. Sairina smiled to herself before vanishing once more into the Ravenclaw common room.