Disclaimer: I don't own any of JK Rowling's character nor do I own the Wonderful World of Harry Potter.
Extremists
"Well here we are once again," I cheerful exclaim as I carefully de-robed Rhodderyk. Rhodderyk scowled at me but was too itchy from the poison Ivy he dared not to complain. His small hands were red from where Godric had constantly smacked him to stop him from scratching himself raw. It was yet another escapade gone wrong. And of course Earven had been identified as the lad behind the dare.
When I turned my back briefly Rhodderyk took the opportunity to have a good scratch. I decided to take a different approach to Godric. I dawdled giving Rhodderyk time to scratch only to make himself want to scratch more. By the time I had pity on him Rhodderyk was almost bouncing up and down with frustration.
"It itches," the boy whined looking up at me pathetically.
"Poison Ivy tends to do that," I replied dryly watching Rhodderyk's hand twitch. I took a moment to glance over him critically. Now at thirteen Rhodderyk had the all the charm of his uncle. I daresay the temper of his father at times but I value my life too much to put that into writing – oops! He was built more willowy than his father but I knew his slim body was strong when put to the test. He was lithe and quick on his feet and brave unto stupidity like his uncle, hence his current predicament. And I strongly suspect he was more intelligent than his father.
"Someone had to get the calf out, Magister," Rhodderyk grumbled.
"And you had to be the one who did it."
Rhodderyk nodes and removes his shirt impatiently, silently telling me to start treating the Posion Ivy. I took a moment to look at the red rash and came to the conclusion that Rhodderyk's creamy skin did not react well with the plant.
"Earven wasn't going to."
"You could have used magic."
Rhodderyk glanced at me with deep dark eyes perplexed as if I was being stupid.
"Uncle Godric would tan my hide," Rhodderyk said, "I'm not suppose to use any magic for another week yet…"
Of course I had forgotten. Yet a pervious accident nearly caused Rhodderyk to kill himself with his magic. Godric was sorely tempted to tan Rhodderyk's behind. It was only the fact that Rhodderyk was serevely injured that Godric couldn't so Sir Elric and Godric had banned him from using magic during the Summer months. It was terribly frustrating for a young wizard wanting to spread his wings and explore his talents. But Rhodderyk had stoically abstained and never once (to my knowledge) attempted to use his magic during the ban… My sons however…. Well… they are another story.
I thoughtfully smear Rhodderyk's shoulders with the salve. My patient however wriggly was silent seeming lost in his thoughts. I finished the procedure and Rhodderyk dresses with a hint of a grimace on his face.
"Your uncle and grandfather want to see you in their study," I informed him sternly. Rhodderyk grimaced. "Now?"
"Now."
Rhodderyk winced. We both know he is in trouble. He made his way to the door but he paused and glanced back at me. "Magister do you think there is a Heaven and Hell like the muggles say?"
A thin smile creeps onto my face. "Who knows the mysterious of death."
"If there is such a place I hope my father is in Hell…"
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It was particular late and I was returning from a late night in the Healers' Quarters. I left an apprentice in charge as I had classes to teach early in the morning. I wasn't taking any notice of where I was going…
It was a scream that alerted my senses. My head lifted up as my heart pounded in my soar chest. Realising I was near the entrance to the castle. I turned on my heel to investigate. The first scream was followed by a second and then a third I ran on. Past the entrance and into the coolness of the night…
The screams stopped the last one reverberated in my ears and still now it haunts my dreams. The air seemed still as if waiting for something to happen. Waiting for me to react…
My footsteps carried me along to a small slope and that is where I found her. If not for her long white gown I would not have seen her in the dark.
"Lumos!"
My breath shuddered in my lungs and I wonder over to where the still body lies. With my foot I turn her over knowing already I am much too late; that this indeed is a corpse.
My breath hitched violently and a sob caught in my throat. Briona…
My wife lay dead at my feet.
"NOOOOO!"
Rhodderyk skids to a halt beside me his face streaming with tears. "Muggles," he murmured shaking his head. "Muggles did this."
"Get back inside," I replied sternly forcing myself to find my voice. Rhodderyk stood still beside me as if he was frozen… as if he could not move.
At first I could not understand his frozen state or the horror that mirror in his eyes. But on reflection I knew what he saw in my wife's dead body. His mother… his mother who had died horribly at the hands of his father at such a young tender age.
'Godric…'
'I'm already coming my friend.'
"Your uncle is coming go to him," I commanded. Rhodderyk shivered at glanced up at me as if he could see through me. Tears were still streaming down his face unchecked.
I have always professed that Gryffindors are unpredictable and no Gryffindor is so unpredictable like dear Rhoddy. One moment I was glancing at him the next he was running in the direction of the extremist muggles. "Rhoddy…" I started after him but spared a moment to glance at Briona who was still cold and lifeless.
'Godric… Rhoddy… fly after him…stop him…'
'What's Rhoddy doing out here?'
'Danger… stop him before he gets his thick Gryffindor head knocked off!'
As if in reply I heard the screech of an eagle over head. To see an eagle at night would scare any muggle stupid… but the magnificent form was Godric. I shuddered knowing that I had caused Gryffindor's anger to rise and realised too late that Rhodderyk would have a hard time once Godric got his hands – er claws- on him.
I ran after them I watched in trepidation as Gryffindor deliberately landed on Rhodderyk's shoulder. The running lad tumbled over and Godric suddenly returned to his human form pinning a squirming Rhodderyk under him.
"What are you doing!" Godric yelled as I skidded to a halt. Before I can cry at him to stop he struck Rhodderyk with all his might. Rhodderyk gasped in horror as his head snapped around. He raised his shaking hand to his burning cheek and glance to me then back at Godric.
"Answer me when I speak to you…!" Godric thundered. Before he could strike Rhodderyk again I grabbed my friend's wrist.
"Methinks he is in shock, Godric."
Godric glanced at his panting nephew then back at me. "What has happen?" I ruefully watched as Godric got to his feet hurling Rhodderyk up beside him. Rhodderyk was fearfully glancing at Godric then to me.
"Briona's dead," I muttered.
Godric had the decency to look shocked.
"Murdered. I think Rhodderyk saw more than I… I think he's…"
Godric swore and bundled Rhodderyk into his arms. It was amazing how quickly a Gryffindor's ire can melt when one utters the right words. Slytherins on the other hand can smoulder with anger for centuries…
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Earven and Saxtyn had cried for hours after hearing the sad news of loosing Briona. All that I'm willing to say on this matter is that the funeral was a simple affair and Hogwarts Castle had been changed forever.