Chapter 5: Delivering Maybes
Innocence is an accident
Even if it comes by two or three
And in a sense it's a consequence
Of everything you took away from me
"Do you think that was wise?" Glory doesn't need to ask what he is referring to.
"Why not?" she shrugs and answers lightly. They both take a step back so they are out of the way as she gives the password to enter the common room. "I was only telling him the truth."
"Exactly," Neville mutters quietly as they scramble through the portrait hole into the busy room on the other side. "I'd think you, of all people, wouldn't want him to remember the wedding. I mean, you did throw up on him."
"I did no such thing, you take that back!" Glory laughs loudly, looking a little horrified as she turns on him. Around them the crowd is lessening as the other Gryffindors head out past them and down to the Great Hall for dinner. "I was with you getting caught nicking sweets from the tables." Neville pauses next to the staircase as he thinks it over.
"That's right!" he laughs, shaking his head. "I completely forgot about that part. Who got sick then?" Glory frowns slightly as she tries to recall.
"Can't remember now, but it'll come back to me in a bit." She sighs and leans back against the red and gold tapestry-covered wall, dropping her bag and closing her eyes. "Merlin, I could use a nap right now."
"What you need is something to eat." Neville steps over to her side and studies her face. "I noticed that you barely touched anything earlier, at either meal. "You're not… You know…?" He trails off looking a tad bit uncomfortable.
It takes a moment as she considers what he is asking before Glory's eyes snap open.
"Of course not," she replies firmly, shaking her head. "I'm perfectly happy the way I am. I just… It's been one long, hectic day and things kept coming up. I just lost my appetite that's all." Neville looks a bit reluctant to believe her, sparking the slightest hint of annoyance in Glory. She forces the feeling away and give him her most endearing smile. "Give me a sec to drop this stuff off and we can head down to dinner, ok?"
Neville nods and watches Glory disappear into the girls' dormitory before heading up to his own to get rid of his books.
Tossing her heavy bag onto her bed, Glory slumps heavily to the floor and rests her head in her hands. 'What else could possibly go wrong today?' she thinks as she rubs her eyes tiredly.
She rises after a few moments, stripping off her robes and pulling on a fresh set that doesn't smell like potions, feeling glad that the other sixth year girls had already gone down to the Great Hall and missed her little fit.
Grabbing her bag, Glory kneels in front of her open trunk, digging through the piles of clothes and school supplies. With a cry of success, she finds what she is looking for and places the old tome on her bed carefully. She quickly pours out her bag into the trunk, being careful not to break the full potions vial she has newly acquired, which she stores in her nightstand drawer.
Carefully she picks up the book from her bed and slips it into her now empty bag. She is about to close her trunk when, almost as a second thought, she digs into the pile again and pulls out a wand. She twists her hair up into a knot, slipping the long piece of wood through to secure it in place. With a quick check in the mirror on the back of the door that she looks ok, Glory slips another wand out of the holster at her waist, and with a quick flick of her left hand, her trunk is reorganised and sealed shut.
She smiles to herself, picking up the bag and slipping it over her shoulder. Realising she is taking longer than she should and probably worrying Neville even more, Glory picks up the pace and practically runs down the stairs to the common room, where she finds Neville already waiting for her.
"Ready?" he asks carefully, studying her closely to make sure she is all right. She smiles at him wryly and nods, grabbing his arm and dragging him through the portrait hole.
"Let's go, I'm starved." Neville shakes his head at her antics and follows.
"What's in the bag, Ry?" he asks curiously. She slows down a bit and turns to face him, walking backwards down the stairs confidently.
"A peace offering, of sorts," Glory tells him enigmatically, shrugging. "To make up for what happened in potions this afternoon." Neville looks suddenly worried, as if a terrible thought has just come to him.
"It's not something for Professor Snape, is it?" he asks her reluctantly. She blinks at him in silence for a moment before bursting into laughter.
"No, not for him," Glory reassures when she has regained a modicum of her composure. "It's something Hermione should see, actually. You think she'll be in there?"
"Harry went after her, so I'd guess so."
The pair has made it to the open doors of the Great Hall, already full of loudly chattering students. Neville grabs her arm lightly stopping Glory in place. She looks at him wonderingly.
"Maybe we should eat somewhere else?" he offers lightly, taking in the dark looks being sent in Glory's direction. The story of what took place in the Advanced Potions class that afternoon has travelled its way around the hall now, and most people are not happy with the new girl.
Glory shakes her head, tugging Neville forward towards where Harry and Hermione are sitting with the rest of their group. None of the others look at all happy to see her, except for Harry, who shoots an apologetic look at her as if to say 'I tried'.
Glory shakes her head at him, smiling faintly and telling Neville he should sit down, as she reaches into her bag and pulls out the book. She quickly flips the pages until she finds the one she wants and carefully slips the book down onto the table in front of Hermione.
Not waiting to see if she is reading it or not, Glory walks a bit further down the table away from the older students and sits next to Cassie and the other first years.
"Hey guys, how was your first day?" she ignores the questioning looks and glares from the older students and gives her focus to the younger ones who are excitedly talking over each other to tell about their experiences.
After a few minutes, Glory peripherally notices Hermione hasn't moved the book and that Harry is leaning over to read it with her. Both look exceedingly pale.
Her attention once again returns to the first years as Caoimhín, the most outgoing of all the Gryffindor first years, swings his arms around, re-enacting some of the more interesting attempts at their first Charms lesson.
"Ry?" Harry calls her from down the table, his voice clearly transmitting his distress. She doesn't even turn to look at him, simply holds up her hand for him to wait a moment and tells Caoimhín to continue with his story.
"We worked on it the entire class and I just couldn't get it right!" he pouts slightly, even as his friends join him in his frustration.
"It's nothing to worry about Caoimhín," Glory smiles at him, ignoring the impatient sounds the older students have started to make at her. They want to know what is going on, what they missed out on in potions. "Not many people are able to make a spell work on their first attempt. Not unless they are extremely powerful or very well studied in the subject."
"I bet you did it fine," Cassie mutters quietly and Glory laughs.
"Actually, I didn't. It took me many long hours of practise before I got it right." She shrugs and turns to face Cassie. "Just like when we were practising on the train. How long did you have to work to get that spell right?"
Cassie nods, giggling as she remembers some of the accidents that they had before they finally got the hang of the spell.
"You were doing magic on the train?" a young blonde girl named Brianna asks, sounding a bit awed. The others look impressed as well.
"Oh, yeah, Ry was teaching us how to—"
"Uh, Cass," Glory interrupts quickly with a slight laugh. "Probably not the best time to be sharing this, you think?" She glances significantly towards the staff when Cassie looks at her confused. "Or am I not in enough trouble for one day already?"
"Right," Cassie blushes, ducking her head slightly. "Of course. Sorry. I'll tell you later," she whispers to the other first years.
"Thank you!" Glory laughs, followed closely by the rest of the group. Hers are not the only eyebrows raised as Hermione comes over and sits next to her, holding the book as if it is precious cargo.
With a sigh, Glory realises it's time to fess up to them about earlier and finally turns back to the other group of Gryffindors to see what Harry wanted. "So what's up?"
The older students look at her with more than a hint of shock in their faces at her seemingly calm appearance, considering what has gone on that day for her.
"Is that," he points to the book Hermione clings to. "What would have happened if you hadn't…?" Glory nods and shrugs as Harry lets the thought trail off. "We all could have—"
"But we didn't," she interrupts quickly, shooting him a warning look. "Worst thing that came from it was a couple of detentions and some lost house points. Nothing too serious and nothing we can't handle and bounce back from."
"I'm really sorry," Hermione says quietly. She is still very pale, and anxious that she should be believed. "I should have—"
"Don't worry about it," Glory interrupts quickly, seeing how uncomfortable Hermione is. It's clear that she doesn't often do this and isn't accustomed to being wrong. "Just next time, trust me if I tell you something isn't right about a potion, ok?" Hermione nods and Glory continues, adding enough wryness into her next comment to make sure everyone knows it is a joke. "I know what I'm talking about when it comes to that particular subject, if nothing else."
Hermione looks a little comforted by this exchange and smiles a little shakily. Further down the table, Harry looks hopeful and Neville shoots her the thumbs up for being so accepting. Tensions ease all around as the Gryffindors all acknowledge this mini-truce they have just witnessed, and shift closer together to be able to talk more easily.
"How do you know so much about them?" Hermione asks, having not only regained her colour, but her curiosity as well. "Professor Snape was asking you some pretty obscure questions and you answered them all like you were reading it from a book!"
"Potions are a specialty of mine. I've been studying them closely since I was a child." From a few places down the table, Neville shoots her a grin.
"So you're obviously still friends with Galen then," he comments playfully, earning him an innocent look from Glory.
"Now whatever could have given you that idea?" She winks at Harry, who is grinning knowingly at her. "Something I said perhaps?" The rest of the Gryffindors once again look lost about what they're talking about.
"Oh, maybe just a small hint or two," Neville holds up his thumb and finger about a centimetre apart, then shakes his head as he looks at it. He spreads his hands out about a foot and nods, grinning at Glory. "The fact that you knew all of the answers in class was a pretty good one, since his family owns an apothecary, but I'd say the 'Crow Dance' comments were the ones that really gave it away."
Hermione catches on quickly, having been in the class for the explanation and knowing what they are referring to. She starts to laugh even as her eyes get wider. "Oh my…"
The rest of the Gryffindors exchange confused glances, looking like they'd love to just give up on trying to follow their classmates cryptic conversations, but find it all far too interesting to ignore.
"Veela records indeed," Harry mutters quietly, knowing that the others can hear him. "He probably told you everything about it himself." The gasps are more than enough to prove him right. "So, you, er, watched the potion being brewed, did you?" he asks slyly, making Glory bite down on her lip to keep from laughing. "Tell us what really happened."
"I wasn't lying! I really did exactly as I said," her voice comes out sounding higher pitched than normal as she tries to defend herself. At the doubting looks she gets, she relents. "I watched it, brewed it, under supervision of course." This comment is directed at Hermione, who was frowning slightly at her.
"And tested it," Neville adds, recalling the words she said in class. Glory blushes faintly, and nods.
"Well, yeah, actually, I did. And no, I'm not going to tell you what happened." She adds as an afterthought, noticing the interested looks on the faces of the others.
Hermione sits up and looks ready to ask something, but decides better of it at the last minute and settles back in thought.
"Look, I know you want to ask something, so just go ahead," Glory urges her with a wry grin. "I'm feeling like I owe you some answers right now, so you may as well ask while you know I'll be more likely to tell you."
Hermione hesitates again, studying Glory closely. She opens her mouth to ask something, but quickly shuts it again. Her eyes show she is thinking quickly, and Glory makes a mental note to find out what she really wanted to ask when she can get her alone.
"We're you making it up, about creating an aphrodisiac accidentally?" Hermione blushes as she asks. Glory tries to fight it, but can't and she bursts out laughing as she shakes her head.
"Unfortunately, I didn't make that up," she chokes out to an avidly listening crowd of rather disturbed Gryffindors. "Remember how last night I told you about getting to spend a Christmas at home with everyone for once?" She waits for the nods before continuing. "Well, my little brother wanted to help cook, you see, and he botched the measurements slightly when no one was looking. Of course since we didn't know, we all sat down for a nice meal together and… well, it's a long story, very embarrassing, trust me, you'd rather not hear too much about it."
"Why not?" Seamus manages to ask through his laughter. And he isn't the only one in such a state. Many of the listening Gryffindors have burst into fits of giggles, mainly at the look on Glory's face.
"Do you really want to know what it was like for all of those people to suddenly be hit with that…?" she trails off with a shudder as she thinks about it. "I mean, imagine if it had happened to your family! Would you want to see your parents like that?" The others sober quickly, shaking their head and protesting vehemently. "It was just very disturbing on a bunch of levels." Glory shakes her head to clear the thoughts. Her eyes widening slightly and the faintest twitch of her lips are the only outward reactions to show she has suddenly coming up with an idea, one which she quickly stores away for future consideration.
"So this Galen of yours taught you about potions then?" Hermione asks as the rest of the group goes back to enjoying their meals as they listen, still sulking a bit over the lost house points. Glory nods, saying that he was the one who gave her the book Hermione is still clutching protectively. "And he's a Veela?"
"Only a quarter," Glory laughs as she hears the whispers begin to travel down the table, the Gryffindors spreading the news and assuring the rest of the student body that Glory is not a Veela herself, but knows so much about them through friends that are. "His grandmother, Athelina, is of pure Veela blood. She was the one to show me the old family records and teach me the 'Crow Dance' recipe."
"Speaking of teaching, you know, you never did tell us what happened to Professor Aiguilles." Neville reminds her with a smirk, trying to cut off Hermione's inevitable inquisition before she can get started. Glory rolls her eyes at him, pointing out that he was the one who distracted her the first time. "Maybe I did, but this time I won't, so start talking. What happened to the professor?"
"She had a bit of a nervous breakdown and quit, that's all," Glory answers flippantly, noting the astonished looks the Gryffindors are sending towards the usually unobtrusive Neville. It takes them a moment to comprehend what she just told them.
"What do you mean that's all? Isn't that enough?" Cassie demands with wide eyes. Glory studies her seriously.
"More than enough," she assures carefully. "Professor Aiguilles wasn't a bad person or anything; she was just never meant to teach potions and didn't really know what she was doing." Glory glances significantly at Harry, Hermione and Neville. "Those who've seen me in a potions class might have some idea what it was like for her. She made a few dangerous mistakes that I pointed out and… well… rumour has it that I was just too much of a handful." Glory looks not the slightest bit contrite as she says it and gives a shrug.
"But—"
Hermione's question is cut off by a loud screech from above the sounds of wings as a large Golden Eagle glides into the hall. Everyone looks up and students begin exchanging whispers at the unusual appearance of mail at this time of night.
"I thought mail wasn't supposed to be delivered to the Hall after morning post?" Harry asks as the bird flies lower, over the Slytherin table. The students there keep an eye on the eagle as it flies by them all and moves its search to the next table, the Ravenclaws.
"Not unless it's an emergency," Hermione answers quietly.
Glory frowns and whistles up at the beautiful bird as she did for her owl Galahad earlier that morning. The eagle reacts almost instantaneously, spiralling upwards quickly before swooping across the hall towards the Gryffindor table, landing gracefully in front of Glory.
"Is he yours?" Cassie asks in awe, studying the enormous bird. Glory shakes her head.
"Not mine, but I know who it's from," she loses a little colour as reaches out slowly to stroke the soft golden-brown feathers. Glory quickly realises she is being watched again and forces her face to remain composed, her hands to be steady. "I didn't know that rule about letters coming in this late, but he should have…" Glory mutters, untying the package from the eagle's leg.
The bird begins to chatter at her softly and she answers back to him in the same way as she opens the letter he has brought first, ignoring the attention of the others.
Scanning the words quickly, Glory sighs heavily in relief. Not an emergency. Setting the package aside for the moment, she begins to speak to the bird quickly.
With a loud squawk of understanding, the bird swipes the steak from Glory's plate and flies away, leaving her shaking her head.
"Everything all right?" both Harry and Neville ask at the same time. Glory smiles faintly and nods, assuring them that all is well.
"It's just work stuff, nothing to worry about," she rolls her eyes. "Fenris rushed a bit, he said he wasn't expected to get here until tomorrow." She quickly reassures Hermione that she explained the rules to Fenris and tells him from now on just to go to the dorm with any packages unless it's urgent.
"Why would you be getting work stuff here though?" Ginny asks, frowning slightly as she thinks about it. "I mean, what can you do being at school?"
"Galen and I have worked out a compromise, so when I'm away during the terms I do the researchy stuff, since most schools tend to frown on the extracurricular potions brewing." Hermione exchanges a quick look with Ron and Harry, both who look like they are trying not to laugh. "Only one professor ever allowed me to use his lab to do work stuff, but that was special circumstances." Glory glances towards the staff covertly and puts on a contrived expression of gravity. "Somehow I don't see Professor Snape letting that happen here."
"After today's class, the magic 8 ball says the 'outcome doesn't look good'," Harry tells her with an equally false sympathy. The students who know about the muggle toy get the joke and begin laughing. The rest just stare at Harry blankly.
Glory buries her face in her hands as she laughs, choking slightly on her pumpkin juice. Cassie pounds her on the back until she begins breathing normally again.
"Been playing with that thing a bit much, I think Harry, if you can quote it." He just laughs at her. Moments later, Harry notices Hagrid trying to gain their attention.
After a few minutes of trying to decipher his hand signals, Harry finally nods to show that he understands. He turns to Glory looking a little worried.
"I think Hagrid wants to talk to you." Glory looks up at Harry a little blankly for a moment and turns to look up at the High Table again. Hagrid waves for her to come up.
"Oh, Ry, what did you do now?" Ginny sighs, shaking her head.
"I didn't think you could get into any more trouble today!" Cassie nudges her with a smirk.
Glory opens her mouth to comment, but quickly snaps it shut again. She swallows heavily and stands, shooting a waning smile at the others, who don't notice her sudden tension, continue to joke about her getting into more trouble, as she walks away towards the staff table to find out what Hagrid has to say.
"S'everything alright there, Glory? Yer lookin' worried." The concern in Hagrid's voice is clear, his kind black eyes studying her closely as she walks up in front of him. She bites the inside of her lip nervously.
"No, I'm fine," she smiles hesitantly at Hagrid, really noticing for the first time just who is sitting next to him. Sheer force of will is all that keeps her from taking a step back as she feels Professor Snape's dark gaze levelled on her. "It's just that, well, the others just let me know that were not supposed to get letters delivered to the tables after morning post unless it's an emergency, so now they're saying I'm about to be in more trouble than I'm already in." Glory forcefully holds herself steady and without outward reaction, resisting the urge to glance at the potions master as she speaks.
"Wha kind o' trouble?" Hagrid asks her, sounding concerned and amused at the same time. Glory grimaces slightly as she remembers that she also had a bit of an incident in his class as well earlier.
"A few detentions and some lost house points, mostly." She tells him dully, giving half a shrug as if the topic isn't really that big a deal. "Well earned ones though, I think."
"Better than the alternative at least," Glory thinks to herself. Hagrid looks confused by her reaction, but appears to decide maybe it is better that he not ask for more details.
"S'that why yer not sitting with yer friends?"
"It's why I'm not sitting with my own year," Glory corrects with the hint of real amusement. "I don't think they've really decided one way or the other whether my punishments were worth it or not. Especially now that they're trying to figure out what else I've done." Hagrid laughs as Glory shifts uncomfortably as she thinks about what she just said.
"Well, yer not in trouble by me, I was just want ter ask about yer bird," Hagrid, being true to his kind nature, is quick to reassure her. "An eagle, isn't it?"
Glory sighs and visibly relaxes, her smile appearing more easily at this turn of events.
"Golden Eagle, yes, but he's not mine. Fenris belongs to a friend. Well, more accurately, my boss. Just sending me a few things I forgot. I've told him to just go straight to the dorms with deliveries from now on."
"Why not just stick to morning post?"
"Well, he's an eagle," Glory squirms inwardly as she explains, starting to feel unnerved by the scrutiny of not only the rest of the staff, but also the other students, waiting to see what kind of trouble she is in. "A rather large eagle at that, even for his species. And one who has been known to devour unfamiliar birds at times." She shrugs. "I didn't think having him show up and be surrounded by strange owls would be the best of plans, especially after a long flight to get here."
"Ah, right, for the best." Hagrid nods, seeing the merit of her decision. He smiles behind his beard. "But yer getting along better with Hermione, I see?"
"We've sort of called a truce," Glory tells him cautiously. "For the moment."
"It's good that that yer at least trying ter get along after…"
"Hagrid, perhaps it's time to allow Miss Roman-Saul to finish her meal?" Professor McGonagall tells him. Hagrid looks sheepish as he agrees, noting the attention that is focused in their direction. He sends Glory an apologetic look, but she just grins back at him. She says a quick goodbye as she turns to leave, but her head of house calls her attention back. "The headmaster would like to see you in his office later, Miss Roman-Saul."
Glory freezes in place, her only movement being a single blink. Her mind races through all of the possible reasons for the headmaster to request a meeting with her so soon and none of the possibilities she comes up with seem too agreeable.
"Yes, Professor," she answers mechanically, eyes downcast, still lost in thought. She only vaguely comprehends when Professor McGonagall tells her how to find the office and what time to be there before dismissing her.
Glory bows her head in respect to the staff vacantly and heads back to her seat, not noticing the concerned glances in her direction from the few around the hall who notice the sudden change in her demeanour.
"So what happened?" Harry asks eagerly, only a hint of tension in his voice.
"Hagrid just wanted to ask me about Fenris, that's all. Nothing special," Glory answers vaguely.
"And Professor McGonagall?" Neville asks delicately, looking anxious.
"Let me know the headmaster has requested a meeting with me tonight at eight." She answers, still thinking over the possibly reasons. Finally she comes to the conclusion that it must have been decided before afternoon classes started, as Professor Snape didn't assign her a detention for that night. He must have known about the meeting already. Glory takes a bit of relief from this thought, since it almost guarantees that whatever the meeting is about, she won't be expelled. Otherwise, why would the potions master have assigned her so many detentions, right? Glory shakes herself out of her stupor and smiles at the others quickly, noting the faintly worried looks they are exchanging.
"Hey, no worries guys, it's probably just about my transfer or something," she lies convincingly, relieved that the others seem to believe her. Most of them anyway. The group from potions doesn't seem too sure. She carefully avoids their eyes and turns her attention to the unopened package still sitting on the table where she left it. "Should probably open that, shouldn't I?" she comments quietly, more to herself than anyone else.
"Yes you should," Cassie leans in as she answers, grinning. "It's been driving us up the wall wondering what it is!" Glory studies her out of the corners of her eyes, and grins back sinisterly, recalling the teasing they gave her earlier.
"Maybe I'll just leave you to wonder about it then," she comments mischievously, grabbing the package and looking as if she's getting ready to leave. She giggles as the others protest, displaying their well-developed sense of Gryffindor curiosity.
"Well, if it's work stuff, don't you have to open it?" Harry points out calmly
"Eventually," Glory answers slowly and shoots him a cheeky grin. "But what makes you think I'd want to share it with you?"
"Because we're family and you love us?" Neville offers hopefully, much to the shock of his friends. Glory laughs outright as he shoots her a wink.
"Oooh, cheap shot, Neville, but I'll let it pass just this once." With a shake of her head, Glory settles the plain package into her lap and prepares to untie the strings. "It's not as if I don't already know what it is," she mutters as her hands pause, hovering just above the strings for a moment. Her eyes flicker slightly and she proceeds to rip open the paper, aware of the other Gryffindors shifting closer to get a better look.
"How can you already know what it is if you weren't expecting it?" Cassie asks quietly as Glory breaks the seal and slides off the lid of the wooden box. Glory smiles as she finds another letter resting on what appears to be a bundle of cloth.
"Well, thinking back on what I said earlier about doing research, there're only so many possibilities of what Galen would send me, isn't there?" she answers as she scans the new note quickly. Glory's eyes widen a fraction and her smile grows wider. On her other side, Hermione gasps quietly.
"It's a book!" the excitement in her voice is obvious, and Glory laughs softly to hear the groans of the older Gryffindors as they figure on another bookworm in their midst.
"Yes, it's a book," Glory tells them quietly as she carefully pulls back the cloth padding to reveal the extremely worn cover with cracked silver lettering. "Le Pozioni Guidano, to be exact." She lightly traces the symbols on the front with her fingers.
Most of the Gryffindors shrug this comment off, not figuring this book is anything special to keep their attention. It is the reaction of the others that quickly catches their interest.
"Did you say, Pozioni Guidano?" Neville asks faintly. Hermione leans in closer to get a better look at the book.
"First edition," Glory tells him, her tone showing just how impressed she is by the tome in her lap.
"But, that couldn't be," Hermione looks staggered, reaching out towards the book, but not touching it. "It would be almost impossible!"
"How do you know so much about this book?" Ron asks, the question more directed to Neville, not surprised that Hermione would know about it. "I've never even heard of it before!"
"Not a big shock there Ron, Sna…" Harry starts to say, then catches himself and sighs. "Professor Snape mentioned that book last year during a class." Glory looks interested, asking Harry why he remembered it, of all things. He shrugs, ignoring Ron's scowl. "It just sounded interesting, being one of the rarest potion books in the world." He avoids looking Glory directly in the eye as he says it, which she notes but doesn't comment on.
"There are only nine original copies of it in existence, each hand written by the author," Hermione quickly explains in her little-miss-perfect-schoolgirl voice. Glory resists the urge to roll her eyes.
"Close, but not entirely accurate, Kia," she comments lightly, opening the front cover of the book open and reading the inscription scrawled across the inner panel. The others exchange looks of confusion, except for Neville, who quickly hides his expression by taking a large swig of his pumpkin juice.
"What did you just call me?" Hermione demands sharply, not sure whether she is being insulted or not.
"Kia," Glory repeats simply, not looking up, nor seeming to notice the agitation of the girl next to her. She shrugs when Hermione asks her why. "It seems to fit." Glory gives an odd grin and giggles faintly as she finishes reading the scrawling authors note.
"What's so funny?" Ginny asks.
"Well, Galen said in the letter that this book belonged to his Grandmother's Great Grandmother, Piroska, but after reading this note, it's obvious that this was more than just a gift between friends!" Glory watches the blush rise in Ginny's cheeks as she realises what is being implied. It doesn't take long for the rest of the group to figure it out.
"They were… romantically involved then?" she asks hesitantly, and Glory laughs, closing the book cover and starting to wrap it back up.
"To say the least."
"But Professor Snape said the author was a woman," Hermione reveals faintly, looking a little confused. "Why would he lie about that?"
"What makes you think he was lying?" Glory asks simply, sliding the wooden lid of the box back into place.
"But that would mean…" Hermione flushes as she trails off. Most of the others have lost track of the conversation. They're still stuck on trying to figure out what Glory's new nickname for Hermione means.
"It's not like it's that uncommon," Glory says casually, shrugging. "Not in some of the circles at least," she adds quietly, securing the lid tightly and sliding the box into her empty bag, void of the book Hermione still holds.
"You're not…?"
"Would it matter?" Glory turns her attention to Cassie and Caoimhín, who are arguing about their homework, leaving Hermione staring at her in thoughtful silence.
After a few moments, Hermione excuses herself and says she's going to the library. Glory makes no comment as Hermione walks away, taking Glory's book with her. The rest of the Gryffindors continue their meal in peaceful conversation.
The common room teems with energetic students, chattering in their collective groups, some dutifully surrounded by books and parchment, already getting a jump on their homework, others embroiled in loud games of Gobstones or Exploding Snap. Still others sit quietly in their own corners, reading their books or writing letters to the loved ones back home.
A large fire crackles in the grate, warming the room with its orange glow. At a nearby table, the sixth year boys cheer as Ron battles Seamus at a game of wizard's chess. Glory sits on the floor by Harry's feet, resting her head against his knee with her eyes closed.
Harry taps her lightly on the head. She turns, cracking one eye open to look up at him.
"What time did you say you were supposed to be in his office?" Glory closes her eye again and buries her face against his thigh.
"Eight," she murmurs, fighting off a yawn. She lifts her head in a sudden panic. "Why, what time is it?" Harry works quickly to reassure her.
"You've still got time, but you should be leaving soon, be a bit early."
"Would you walk me?" Glory rubs tiredly at her eyes. "Professor McGonagall gave me directions, but…" she shrugs as she trails off tiredly, putting her head back down.
"No problem," Harry pats her on the head. His tone is one of humour. "I know the way pretty well by now." Glory giggles and he nudges her, telling her to get up. She groans and leans back as he stands and he reaches down to tug her to her feet. "We should get moving if you don't want to be late."
"Like I really want to go," Glory mutters as she steadies herself. Harry laughs and tells her she brought it on herself. She sticks out her tongue at him, making him laugh harder. "Ah, let's get this over with then."
A large cheer goes up around them as Ron makes a particularly spectacular move, assuring himself a win. Seamus complains loudly and demands a rematch, which Ron gladly accepts, and begins setting the board back up.
Glory waves to them and calls out that she'll see them later as Harry drags her over to the portrait hole and out into the hall. They walk together in silence of a few minutes, Harry leading Glory through some of the hidden shortcuts to avoid running into anyone in the halls.
"You haven't talked to Neville about what happened yet, have you?" Harry asks quietly, once he's sure there is nobody around to overhear them talk. Glory shakes her head.
"No, I'd rather not worry him any more than he already is," she stifles another yawn, willing herself to wake up and be alert. "He's already keeping a pretty close eye on me."
"Already?" Harry snorts, tugging Glory's arm to steer her away from walking straight into the wall. "Why?"
"He thinks I'm not eating enough," she giggles as Harry pulls aside a tapestry and motions for her to go first. Glory steps through into the dimness and pauses while Harry comes in behind her. The dimness turns to darkness as the tapestry falls back into place.
"I guess he doesn't know about that stash of candy you've got under your bed then?" Harry asks innocently, and Glory doesn't need to see him to know he's grinning at her.
"You're not even supposed to know about that!" she laughs, reaching out blindly in the dark and grabbing his hand effortlessly. He tugs her to the left and pushes aside a panel of wall that swings outward silently.
"It's not like I can get at it or anything," Harry teases, and Glory pushes him playfully. He sobers quickly, taking the opportunity while they're alone to ask something that's been on his mind for hours. "So what was really going on in potions today? Why did we all get the wrong recipe?"
"We all didn't," Glory sighs heavily, knowing she should have expected this. "That's why I checked with the guy who sits in front of me, whatever his name is." Harry tells her his name is Terry and she makes a mental note to thank him next time she runs into him. "Only where we were sitting got the altered recipe, that's why Professor Snape didn't notice it until I pointed it out."
"You mean he didn't do it?" Harry asks sceptically, leading Glory behind a suit of armour and down a hidden staircase. She grabs his arm and pulls him to a stop so that he is facing her.
"However much you dislike him, you know he wouldn't mess around with a potion like that." Harry nods reluctantly as Glory stares at him, waiting for some sort of reaction. "Or put his students at such a risk."
Harry gives and exaggeratedly fake cough that sounds remarkably like 'Duelling Club' and Glory laughs, starting to hop down the steps, suddenly feeling more energetic than she has all day.
"The snake thing was controlled though," Glory reminds him, turning around to see him still standing in the same place, looking at her doubtfully. She sighs. "Yes, there was a possibility of someone getting injured, but it was pretty minor, wasn't it?" Harry nods reluctantly and starts to walk down the steps. "The potion we were reading could easily have killed everyone in that room. It was obviously put up there by someone who didn't know what would happen."
"Do you know who it was?" Harry asks quietly as they step out into a main hall once more, getting very close to the headmaster's office.
"Couldn't tell," Glory shakes her head. "Let's face it, the emotions were running pretty high and everyone was all over the place." Glory bites her lip, debating whether to tell him the rest or not. The look he gives her tells her that she'd better or else. "All I know for sure is that someone in that room cast a Misdirection Spell so that only our little group of Gryffindors had the wrong list. Someone was trying to sabotage us, but it wasn't Professor Snape."
Harry groans softly at the news, not at all glad to hear that some unidentified person, a student none the less, has already tried to kill him on his first day back home at Hogwarts. Glory pats him on the shoulder lightly and squeezes his hand, smiling reassuringly as they turn the final corner.
Even thought they are early, they see Professor McGonagall already waiting next to the gargoyle guarding the entrance to the office. She looks a bit surprised to see Harry.
"Mr. Potter? What are you doing here?" she notices Harry's faintly uncomfortable shifting as she looks down at their joined hands.
"Ry asked me to walk her," Harry answers quickly, not missing the look his head of house is sending them, or the amused smirk Glory tries to hide.
"I didn't feel confident enough about finding my way down here," Glory explains when the professor's attention is focused on her. "So I asked Harry to show me the way, to make sure I didn't end up lost."
Professor McGonagall studies them both in silence for a moment, then nods, telling Harry he may go back to Gryffindor Tower. Glory gives him a quick hug, and he leans close to whisper in her ear so that their professor cannot hear.
"If you have any secrets you want to stay that way, don't look him in the eyes."
Glory thanks him and hugs him tighter once more before letting him pull away, and with a quick 'see you later', watches him disappear into the shadowy hallway.
Once alone, Professor McGonagall gives the password to the gargoyle, ('Pixy Stix'), and it shifts aside, revealing the moving spiral staircase behind. At the professor's prompting, Glory steps forward, riding the stairs to the top, fighting off a giggle as she thinks how it reminds her of riding an escalator.
Reaching the top of the staircase, Glory hops forward onto the landing and moves towards the large door in front of her, keenly aware of Professor McGonagall's presence close behind her.
Glory slows her pace to allow Professor McGonagall to go first as the door opens in front of them and falters for an instant as she sees Professor Snape is the one who opened the door. Her eyes flick past him quickly, landing on the Headmaster standing behind his desk. He motions for Glory to take the seat across from his desk
She schools her face into a mask of calm and steps into the room, casually glancing around for alternate exits as she makes her way to the winged chair, ignoring the spindly moving objects stationed on tables and shelves throughout the room. As Glory sits, she hears the door click shut and the Professors move closer to the desk, one on either side of the chair and behind her slightly. She frowns inwardly as she notes this, not sure what to make of them remaining.
She looks quickly to the side to see Fawkes studying her from his perch. He makes a soft trilling sound, which makes Dumbledore nod as he glances at Glory. She raises an eyebrow as she listens, shaking her head.
"You should really let him know that it is rude to talk about someone as if they are not sitting right here," Glory comments dryly, turning to meet the twinkling blue eyes of the headmaster. His gaze immediately turns searching and Glory flinches back slightly, turning her head to the side again and closing her eyes as she raises a hand to her temple.
"Are you all right, Miss Roman-Saul?" the concern in his voice is obvious. Glory nods and takes a deep breath and turns back to face him again, aware of the scrutiny of all three professors. This time, she avoids looking the headmaster directly in the eyes.
"Am I in some sort of trouble, sir?" Glory asks lightly, glancing around at the portraits of the previous headmasters. Her eyes narrow slightly as she recognises one of the faces from the side room where she waited with the first years the night of the sorting.
"Why would you think that?" Dumbledore asks quietly, allowing a hint of humour in his tone as he tries to lighten the mood a little. Glory picks up on what he's doing and decides to play along, for the moment.
"Add twelve of my peers sitting over there," she gestures vaguely with her hand off to the side of the room. "And you've pretty much got a typical courtroom setup going on in here." Glory shrugs and drops her hands, staring down at her nails as she adds quietly. "I'm also taking into consideration the amount of barely concealed hostility that is permeating this room right now."
Glancing up briefly to see how this comment was received, Glory notices the amused twinkle back in the headmaster's eyes. Outwardly, she shows no reaction but inside she celebrates a victory. A minor victory maybe, but a victory none the less. She doesn't even need to turn to know the expressions on the faces of the other two professors. Glory can almost feel their eyes trying to pry their way through the back of her head.
"You've had your share of experiences in courtrooms have you?" Professor Snape comments snidely. Glory relaxes back into chair and mentally smirks, resisting the urge to roll her eyes as she glances back over her left shoulder to look at him.
"Not that it's really relevant here, but yes, I have," she answers calmly, mimicking the tone of Hermione's perfect schoolgirl voice. "A number of times actually, but, of course I'm not the only one in the room who can say that so…" Glory trails off with a small shrug and shifts back around to face Dumbledore looking quite innocent. She doesn't miss the quick glimpse of a very angry potions master as she turns.
"I assure you Miss Roman-Saul, you are not in trouble," Professor Dumbledore tells her, eyes twinkling brightly as they flicker between her and the irate professor behind her. "There are just a few questions I'd like to ask you."
Glory's mind shifts into overdrive, quickly taking in the comment that she is not in trouble with an inner sigh of relief, then shifting almost as quickly through all the possibilities of what questions he could want to ask her. She bites the inside of her cheek.
"All right," her voice comes out a little hesitantly, knowing that this could turn out very bad, not only for her, depending on the questions asked.
'Lies are not the way I wish to start out my time here, and I will avoid them if I can,' Glory thinks. 'But there are just some things I have no intention of telling you about, and I will do what I must if you leave me no other options.'
"I'll do my best to answer what I can as clearly and honestly as possible," all three of the professors exchange curious looks at her precise answer. Glory can feel Dumbledore's searching gaze and feels a strong urge to look up and meet his eyes, but she takes a deep breath and forces herself to ignore the headache it gives her and keep her eyes on the hands folded in her lap. The urge soon passes, but the faint headache remains.
"That would be much appreciated Miss Roman-Saul," Dumbledore finally says, after a few moments of silent study. "Shall we start then with the incident at breakfast?"
'Oh, sonofa...'
"Perhaps you can give us your take on the Howler incident?"
Glory doesn't relish the idea of explaining the story behind the letter to this particular group of professors at the moment and does a bit of quick thinking to stall for time.
"I guess this is just standard procedure then, calling in a student who has received a Howler for a chat," Glory ventures, knowing it isn't, but curious as to what she will be told.
"Well, no," the headmaster gives her a curious look, as if trying to figure out where she is going with this. "There is no standard procedure for this situation."
"Mm-hmmm," Glory murmurs thoughtfully. "So you've made a special case of me then?"
"I suppose we have," Dumbledore shoots a covert glance at his fellow professors as he answers, thinking Glory isn't paying attention as she still seems to be looking at her hands. "It isn't often that a situation like this comes up, especially so early in the year. Would you like to tell us who sent you that Howler?" Glory looks up and directs her gaze to the painting of a 'sleeping' wizard over Dumbledore's left shoulder.
"Unless I'm thoroughly mistaken," she answers quietly, trying her best to keep her voice from sounding sarcastic. "And I don't believe I am." Her lips twitch slightly as she hears Professor Snape muttering quietly behind her about disrespect. "You already know exactly who sent me that Howler." She ignores Professor McGonagall's sounds of disapproval and continues. "I'm quite sure you recognised the voice."
"The voice was familiar," Professor Dumbledore hedges, unsure of how to deal with Glory's stubborn refusal to look at him or give away any of what she is thinking. He tries another tactic. "Perhaps then, you could tell us why it was sent?" Glory sighs and relaxes farther back into her chair.
"Perhaps I could," she crosses her arms over her chest and fights off a yawn. She can practically feel the questioning glances the professors shoot each other over her head. "But may I ask something first?" Dumbledore nods slowly when Glory specifies that she just wants to clear something up about the current situation before she answers.
"Ok, well, I understand why you have to do this," Glory uncrosses her arms and gestures with her hands towards Dumbledore. "You're the headmaster and it's your job to know what's going on with your students in your school and under your care." Her head bobs slightly as she speaks, her tone of voice clearly revealing that she believes this statement to be obvious.
"And I understand why, in such a situation as this, said student, in this instance being me," Glory motions to herself with both hands, ignoring the silent looks of shock she knows are being directed at the back of her head. "Would also require her head of house, who in case also happens to be the deputy headmistress, to be present as well, so I understand why Professor McGonagall is here." Glory turns her upper body and strikes a good imitation of a 'Price is Right model' pose, shooting an innocent smile up at the surprised Professor McGonagall. Quickly turning back, Glory catches the amused twinkle in the headmaster's eyes. She leans to the side slightly, resting her right elbow on the large armrest and tapping her finger against her chin.
"Now this is the part that confuses me a little," Glory stops tapping and motions with her hand over her left shoulder towards the potions master. "Uninvolved observer?" Glory shrugs and keeps her face immobile, her lips giving only the faintest of twitches as she hears her head of house stifling a giggle behind her. Ignoring Professor Snape's dark glare and softly muttered curses, Glory continues her observation, looking as if she doesn't realise what she has said could be taken as offensive.
"Meaning no disrespect, for the life of me, I cannot comprehend why Professor Snape's presence would be required at this particular meeting," Glory maintains her innocent smile as she takes a peek out of the corner of her eyes at the fuming potions master. "Unless one of his students has lodged a complaint against me to him," she corrects herself quickly, feeling very confident that this isn't the case, and proceeds under this assumption. "And if that is indeed the reason for his presence, should that not have been the first matter discussed, instead of this matter of my private correspondence and relationships outside of my time at this school, which to be absolutely frank and honest with you, are no one's business but my own."
All three members of the staff look shocked at her blatant showing of apparent disrespect. Glory, on the other hand, gives herself a mental pat on the back for keeping the professors unsettled enough to distract them from her lack of straight answers.
"Professor Snape is here by my request Miss Roman-Saul, for my own reasons," Professor Dumbledore tells her firmly, leaving her no doubts that he is not amused by her latest comments. "Now, if you are ready to tell us about that howler?" Glory stops smiling immediately but her eyes still glint with a hint of malicious amusement.
"I am afraid then, Headmaster," she answers calmly with just a tinge of ice behind her polite tone. "That I must decline to answer your request, since I am by no means obligated by any rules to justify questions about my personal life that have nothing to do with this school." Glory shifts in her seat, resisting the urge to peek over her shoulder as McGonagall utters a small gasp of shock. The potions master remains eerily silent on her other side, but he is obviously furious. "Nor would I feel completely comfortable doing so in the presence of someone with no plausible reason for being involved in this discussion in the first place."
Professor Dumbledore frowns and from the side of the room Fawkes trills. Glory looks over at him with a raised eyebrow and quietly trills something back, much to the shock of the staff. She laughs quietly and gives in to the urge to peek back at the irate potions master before she continues.
"Especially when I haven't been informed of the real reason behind that, or indeed, any of it, or why it is of such interest to you?" She shrugs and sighs resignedly. "But, in the spirit of honesty, which it appears I shall have to be the one to initiate, I will tell you that I am here at Hogwarts by my own discretion and against the better wishes of many of my family and friends."
The professors all fall silent at her final comment. Glory waits silently, looking down as if studying her shoes, waiting for someone to make a comment as she thinks over everything that's been said and done so far. Finally, Dumbledore speaks.
"And why is that, Miss Roman-Saul?"
"Why am I here?" Glory asks casually, the fingers of her left hand tapping out a pattern on her knee. "Or why don't they approve of my decision?"
"Perhaps you should tell us all of it," Professor McGonagall comments carefully, her mind shifting back to the howler from that morning and what was said. Glory gives a soft sigh and settles back into her chair again.
"Jess never intended for me to come to Hogwarts," she answers quietly, with only the slightest trace of resentment in her tone. "In fact, she specifically kept me away until she could no longer deny me."
"And how could she no longer deny you?" Professor Snape sneers derisively, not quite hiding the interest in his tone at the mention of Jess. Glory's lips quirk up at the corners in a faint smirk, not as much at his curiosity as at the memory of the tactics she used.
"When I turned sixteen," Glory starts slowly, turning her head to look back over her shoulder and meet the dark eyes of the potions master. "I threatened to drop out of school completely if she wouldn't let me come here to the school I wanted to be at. And of course she knows I am sufficiently enough like her and daddy both, that I would have done it if she'd tried to send me away." Glory grins outright at the faint widening of the potion masters eyes and the soft chuckle that the headmaster emits. "Or that I would have left home. She still did try her best to stop me though," Glory concedes with a shrug and turns to face the other way when Professor McGonagall finds her voice again.
"But why would she want to keep you away? She came here herself for training." Glory's grin fades away, knowing she is about to talk her way into some dangerous territory.
"Yes, she did, as did most of her family and friends," Glory notes but makes no comment on the odd glint in her head of house's eyes as she speaks. "But she has since decided that this castle is not the safe-haven it once was. I believe the sheer number of times Voldemort," both Professors' McGonagall and Snape flinch at Glory's casual use of the Dark Lord's name. "Or one of his stooges," Glory continues on speaking, acting as if she noticed nothing. "Or other 'unsavoury characters', as she puts it, have managed to infiltrate the castle and create havoc and generally endangering the lives of the people in it is not something she is impressed by." She pauses for effect, turning her attention back to the headmaster to judge his reaction. His face is unreadable, but the twinkle in his eyes has dimmed. Noting his unease, Glory continues with her current train of thought, ignoring Fawkes' quiet trilling from the side of the room.
"Nor is she at all pleased by the amount of times her godson has been troubled, injured and nearly killed while under the guardianship of… well…" she shrugs and smiles wryly. "Jess has said that the 93-94 school year was the only time since I was just a baby that she had even considered the option of me coming here, because she knew the Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor would actually be reliable and trustworthy for once. Someone she could be sure would be looking out for the best interests of the students in all ways." Glory misses the unpleasant look she receives from the potions master at this comment as she rubs at her face in frustration.
"Of course, other events of that summer did eventually effect her decision and I was once again denied Hogwarts." None of the professors need to ask her what those other events were. "Is that enough of an answer for you, or shall I go on to explain more of the reason why my family didn't want me to come here?"
"I believe that is enough," Dumbledore assures her quietly, his tone thoughtful. "But perhaps you could explain why you wanted to come here so badly as to defy your mother's wishes?"
"There are many reasons for that, some of which I have no intention of getting into with you at the moment," Glory chuckles humourlessly as one of the headmasters eyebrows nearly disappears into his hairline. "But my main reason for being here is that for far too many years I have been deprived of the right to be with my god brother, and I intend to be here to give Harry the love and support and guidance that he needs to make it thru this insane situation alive and intact and functional." It takes only a moment for the professors to catch on to what Glory is saying.
"You think you know better than we what he needs?" Professor Snape hisses venomously, causing Glory to turn right around in her seat to face him head on.
"I have not lied to him, or hurt him," her words come out calmly and quietly, albeit razor-sharp as she ticks off the points on her fingers. "Intentionally or otherwise," her eyes blaze accusations at the potions master, who face remains an icy mask of disdain.
"I don't see him as The Boy Who Lived, or the future saviour of the world, the 'famous golden boy' or even as a weapon for the Order to use at its own discretion." Glory continues calculatingly, carefully studying Snape for any sort of reaction to her words, ignoring the gasp of shock from her own head of house and the sharp look from the headmaster. "I see him as a human, a scared boy who has lost too much and been taken advantage of in the worst ways more times than most anyone else could ever claim." Glory makes a sound like a low growl in the back of her throat, but catches herself quickly and stops, instantly refocuses her attention to the matter at hand. "I see a member of my family and my god brother. I see Harry! And yes, as a matter of fact, I do believe that means I know better than you what he needs." She gives the potions master an exaggeratedly sweet and thoroughly satisfied smile that has him gritting his teeth.
"You know about the Order?" Dumbledore asks quietly, sounding concerned. Glory turns back to face the headmaster, meeting his eyes unflinchingly for the first time since the beginning of the meeting.
"Oh don't worry, I didn't hear about it from anyone here." She answers dismissively, correctly reading the looks on the faces around her. "Jess used to tell me great stories about it when I was younger, about the brave witches and wizards fighting to keep us all safe in a time of great darkness, sort of like a modern version of King Arthur and his Knights." Glory shrugs, her smile becoming more cynical with every word.
"I used to believe that rubbish too, but then, of course, I grew up and realised what a complete load of… well…" She gives a derisive snort. "Let's just say that I learned early in life, when I found out what really happened to all of my godparents and their friends in the course of their work for the Order, that tables were no longer round, that help wasn't always given to those who needed it most," Glory sits back in her chair once more and stops smiling, her eyes glinting with something unpleasant and her body held stiff with tension. "And, of course, that no one is above lies, abuse, and manipulation, if it will further their purposes." She allows a few moments of silence before she continues, her eyes still locked with the probing blue that is no longer twinkling.
"I lost faith in the remaining Heroes," Glory's tone on this word sounds disturbingly like the way Professor Snape spoke of the Gryffindors during the Advanced Potions class that afternoon. "Of those stories, long before the current reincarnation. Let's face it, I saw how hurt my mother and... others, were by everyone they lost to this cause, by everyone who was taken away from them because of it. All the same people who were taken away from me and my god-brothers, who, as it happens, were also taken from us."
"Miss Roman-Saul," Professor McGonagall places a hand on Glory's shoulder, both as a gesture of comfort and one of censure for her accusatory tone. She doesn't say any more, only gives Glory's shoulder a slight squeeze.
"Do you have any idea what it's like, to know all of this, to know they are out there, that they've lost so much, and not be able to help them thru it? Your own family?" Glory's voice is quiet, and very calm, barely above a whisper, almost as if she is speaking to herself. "No, I don't think you do, or you would never have condoned doing it to someone else." Glory closes her eyes and sighs heavily, her body slumping back as she gives in to her exhaustion. There is a moment of silence as everyone considers the situation.
"I can see that you feel very strongly about all of this, Miss Roman-Saul," Dumbledore's voice comes out quietly understanding. Glory nods. "I understand your reasons, and I'm sorry for your losses, but I must ask you to remember where you are."
"Yes sir," her voice is steady as she speaks. "I'm sorry for my disrespect, Headmaster," she continues quietly. "I shouldn't have let my emotions get the better of me. I forgot my place and said some things that I shouldn't have. The only excuse I can offer you is that it has been a long day and I took momentary leave of my good sense."
Professor McGonagall exchanges a frown with Dumbledore while the potions master appears to be thinking about what Glory has said. After a few moments the headmaster speaks again, changing the subject in hopes of lessening the tension in the room.
"Miss Roman-Saul, before I let you go, there is also the matter of the safety of my students and staff to consider." Glory frowns and opens her eyes, her mind blanking on what he could be talking about. "What happened to Professor Aiguilles?"
Glory sighs, staring down at the large desk he sits behind, brows furrowing as she notices the folder with her name resting in front of him.
"I believe you were sent a copy of my permanent records when I first applied to come here?" she asks casually. When the headmaster confirms this she continues. "Have you looked at them? I believe any relevant information dealing with it should be in there."
The other professors remain quiet as Dumbledore flips open the folder, his eyes flicker quickly through a few pages before he looks up.
"I haven't had the chance to read them in depth, but it appears you are right. But there appears to be a section of this file blacked out. Something concerning a… Professor Vidonia?" Glory frowns, shifting uncomfortably in her chair, something that does not go unnoticed by any of the professors.
"Access to those files has been restricted by the Ministry," Glory's voice remains calm, if a little stiffer than it was previously. "The matter was dealt with by the proper authorities and the records were for all intents and purposes sealed. If you want to read them, you will have to go through the Ministry." At the headmaster's concerned look, Glory clarifies a bit. "Section 37 of the Protective Code prevents those particular files from being a part of my official records."
Professor McGonagall frowns at the pronouncement and Professor Snape appears to not understand the reference. Professor Dumbledore nods in understanding and thanks Glory for her honesty, telling her she may return to the dorms now.
Thanking him quickly, Glory takes a calming breath and stands. Turning towards the door, she walks past the frowning potions master, making sure to step close enough that she disturbs the bottoms of his robes, making them flutter slightly. She ignores the glare he shoots at her back as she pauses with her hand on the door handle as Fawkes begins to sing loudly from the corner.
She turns back briefly with a slight smile to watch the phoenix, feeling suddenly lighter and happier, then remembers where she is and who's watching and turns quickly to walk out the door, whistling softly under her breath, leaving the professors to talk about her.
Down the stairs and past the gargoyle, through the hallways lit by brightly glowing torches, Glory wanders, not paying too close attention to where she's heading as she thinks about all the things she shouldn't have said in the headmaster's office. It doesn't take long for her to find herself disoriented.
Spotting a couple of familiar looking younger students, Glory decides to follow them, hoping they will lead her into a corridor she'll recognise. Eventually they do lead her right to the portrait of the Fat Lady.
As the portrait swings into place behind them, Glory glances around the common room, noting that it is less crowded than when she left. The sixth year boys have given up on their game of chess and many of the younger students have already disappeared of to their beds for the night. The rest who remain scattered about the common room are students finishing their homework, or engaging in other quieter pursuits.
Glory settles down in front of the fireplace, tuning out everything as she makes herself comfortable lying on her stomach face turned away from the rest of the room.
She hears the whispers and feels the stares of the other students but outwardly shows no reaction, not even when the portrait hole opens once more and Ron enters with a loud laugh, followed closely by a quieter, smiling Harry and Hermione, wearing a disapproving frown.
Hermione is the first of the trio to notice Glory. From where they stand she appears to be asleep on the floor in front of the fire, when in reality she is awake, staring blankly into the flames, deep in thought, her only movement the occasional blink and the soft rise and fall of her shoulders as she breathes.
Hermione quickly quiets Ron and draws him and Harry both away to join Neville, Dean and Seamus in the back corner of the room. The three young men stop talking when they notice the trio approaching, obviously not wanting to be overheard.
"When did she get back?" Harry asks Neville quietly as Ron and Hermione both try to get the others to reveal what their secret conversation was about. Neither boy will tell them a word.
"Came in about half an hour ago and just sprawled out there," Neville answers back just as quietly, turning his head to study the topic of their discussion. "Didn't say a word to anyone either."
"How did she look?" Harry frowns slightly as he too watches her. "Upset?"
"Not at all," Neville shakes his head. "A little preoccupied maybe, but otherwise she looked completely unworried." Both young men watch over their god-sister in silence for a moment.
"Oh, give me a break," Hermione huffs and stands up from the table, drawing the attention of more than just the boys around her. Grabbing her bag, Hermione storms away up to the girls' dormitory, Ron calling after her to not be like that.
Harry and Neville exchange bewildered looks and Seamus quickly fills them in on the mess Ron has gotten himself into this time. Angry when the four others boys laugh, Ron too disappears up the stairs to the dorm. Once he is completely out of sight, Seamus, Dean and Neville begin to fill Harry in on their earlier disrupted plotting.
Later that night, when the last of the other students has left the common room to seek their beds, and the fire has died down slightly, Harry crawls out of his chair and lies down on the floor next to Glory, close, but not quite touching her. He leans up on his side, bracing his elbow on the floor and resting his head on his hand, looking down at her.
Glory smiles and turns her head to look at Harry, knowing that he lied to the others when he told them he wasn't tired, that he really wanted to just keep an eye on her.
"So the Howler…" Harry breaks the comfortable silence but trails off lightly, leaving his question up in the air, waiting to see if Glory is willing to deal with the topic at the moment.
"What about it?" Glory sighs exaggeratedly, reassuring him with her smile that she's ok with having this discussion with him.
"The comment about what your father would think?" The two sets of green eyes meet for just an instant before Harry blinks in shock as Glory rolls into him, knocking him over and burying her face against his chest, giggling hard.
"Is that what's been bothering you all day?" she grins up at him when she catches her breath. Harry nods. Rolling onto her back, she grabs the front of his shirt and tries to pull him back onto his side the way he was before, but gives it a bit too much force and overbalances him. Harry looks very embarrassed as he pushes himself off of her and she laughs again.
"No worries Har, he thoroughly approved of the plans from the beginning." Glory is quick to reassure him, glad to see the relief sparkling in his eyes. "And not only did I tell him all about it, but really, think about it," her grin becomes slightly more wicked. "Am I'm devious enough to plot all of this on my own?"
"Uh, no?" Harry offers cautiously, trying to force his face into an expression of innocence, but fails miserably and bursts out laughing. Glory sticks her tongue out at him and pushes him over. She crawls towards Harry with a threatening smirk and falls down giggling as he rolls away from her into the leg of the nearby chair.
Harry frowns slightly as he rubs his arm where it connected with the chair and asks Glory if she's feeling ok.
"I'm sorry," she giggles again, burying her face in her hands as she fights to calm herself down. She takes a few deep breaths as Harry settles back down next to her, looking concerned. "I think I'm getting a little punchy now."
"It's been long day," Harry wraps an arm around her shoulder and pulls her close. She sighs and leans into him. They stay curled up together, legs intertwined, arms hung loosely around each other.
"I really missed you, Harry," Glory snuggles into him, burying her face in his shoulder. His arms tighten around her. "So were you really worried that he didn't know?"
"Thinking about it now, I don't know why I ever doubted." Glory giggles at his softly confided answer quietly and falls silent soon after. A few minutes of only the crackling fire and the sounds of their breathing later, Harry shifts and speaks again. "You better not be falling asleep now, because I can't carry you up to your bed."
"Awww, why not?" Glory looks up at Harry's amused expression with an exaggerated pout. "That's not very gentlemanly of you."
"Not allowed into the girls' dorms," Glory gives him a confused look and Harry fills her in on the excuse Hermione told him the year before. He shakes his head when she asks if it works the other way as well.
"So you could always take me up to your dorm," she teases sleepily, grinning as she watches the blush rise in his face. It takes a few moments for him to recover his voice, but the blush remains.
"Don't you think you've caused enough gossip already?" he teases back lightly. He laughs when she tells him that he could always just drop her off with Neville or one of the other boys if he'd feel better about it that way. "Ok, now I know it's past your bedtime." Harry disentangles himself from Glory and climbs to his feet. "Come on!"
Glory rolls her eyes at him as he tugs her to her feet, grumbling under her breath. Harry ignores the comments, feeling glad that he can't actually understand what she is muttering and pushes her lightly towards the stairs.
Just as she starts to head up, Harry stops her, tugging on her arm lightly. She turns back to face him, noting the worried look on his face.
"The meeting?" he asks urgently, as if he can't believe he forgot to ask her earlier. Glory shakes her head, telling him she'll tell him everything tomorrow. "But…"
"Everything's fine," she tells him firmly, leaning against the wall as she fights off a yawn. "My secrets remain as such, and I don't appear to be in any more trouble, so can we just leave it at that for tonight?"
Harry studies her silently for a bit, seeing that she is not up for getting into another serious discussion at the moment and nods.
"Sleep well, Ry."
"Good night, Harry," Glory brushes a chaste kiss across his lips and disappears up the stairs to her room, leaving him to stare after her. A moment later Harry heads off to seek his own bed.
End of Chapter 5…