The Call of the Siren
Prologue
Carrietta Stafford walked through the front door of her house and headed for the kitchen, rubbing her back as waves of fatigue and exhaustion washed over her. It was a blistering hot day in August, but she'd spent the last couple hours away from the heat inside a studio singing. She'd completed her normal two hour Saturday afternoon voce lesson, and she felt drained. The lesson had been a grueling one and hadn't gone particularly well, much to Carrie's chagrin. Lately, things just didn't seem to be going her way.
"Is that you, dear?" called her mother's cheerful voice from the dining room.
"Yeah, Mom, it's me. I'm just going to the kitchen for some cold water. It's stifling out there."
Carrie was a beautiful sixteen year old girl with waist length wavy golden blond hair that shone and shimmered in the light. Her eyes were the color of a brilliant blue sky, and they twinkled and sparkled like the brightest of stars. Carrie's hair and eye color complimented her milky complexion beautifully. Her perfectly straight white teeth flashed as Carrie's friendly smile was bestowed on others freely. Like a butterfly, Carrie was very small and dainty, being only 5 feet tall and very slender and petite. She walked with a confident, and light, but bouncy, step. Carrie looked like the typical, normal All-American girl, but there was something special about her. Carrie Stafford and her family were witches and wizards!
Carrie sat down at the kitchen table and noticed that her grandmother was there, nursing a cup of tea. "Did you have a good lesson, honey?" Carrie's grandmother asked. The older woman was in her early sixties, but she looked years younger. The only sign of significant aging was her snow white hair that her grandmother, Bea Murphy, kept tied neatly in a bun at the nape of her neck. Bea had fine wrinkles around her blue eyes, but her light complexion was that of a younger woman. Like her granddaughter, Bea possessed a small, compact frame.
"It was OK, Grandma. I just had a bit of an off day," Carrie explained as she flopped tiredly into a chair.
"Have some tea, dear, and tell me all about it." Carrie's grandmother was always all ears, especially when it came to Carrie's voice lessons.
"There's not much to tell, Grandma. I just wasn't on my mark, and Randolph knew it. He's taught me for so long that he knows instantly when I'm not with it," Carrie said miserably.
"You're restless, aren't you, honey?" asked her grandmother astutely.
Her grandmother's remark hit home, and Carrie knew it. Tears filled Carries blue eyes and she ducked her head to obscure her face with her hair. Carrie began to cry helplessly, hating herself for it. She had a wonderful family and a wonderful life. Why couldn't she just be happy with what she had? Carrie laid her head on the table as wracking sobs overtook her tiny frame.
Bea instantly got up from her chair and went to her granddaughter's side, taking the sobbing girl tenderly into her arms. "Shhh, darling. Ah, don't cry, dear. All will be well," she crooned as Carrie cried in her arms. Bea rocked her only grandchild as the girl cried out her anguish and misery.
Carrie cried for a few more minutes before she was finally able to speak. She didn't want to leave the comfort of her grandmother's arms just yet, so she just sat there and allowed herself to be held. "I'm sorry, Grandma. I seem to cry so easily these days. I don't know what came over me. Ever since that time—"
"It's alright, honey. I understand. You went through a terrible ordeal last year, and now with this restlessness you're feeing—well, I'd cry too," said her grandmother.
"I feel so guilty," said Carrie. "After what he—" she took a shuddering breath before continuing. "After what he did to me, I should be happy to just stay here at home forever."
"Nobody can be happy just saying home forever, dear," said Bea. "You're a young girl, full of dreams with a desire to live and find excitement. Nobody can fault you for that, honey."
"If anyone would understand, I knew you would, Grandma. I love you very much," said Carrie as she squeezed her grandmother close.
Bea stroked the girl's long, shiny hair and said quietly as she held her, "I love you too, honey, with all my heart. We're two of a kind, you and I."
Carrie had heard other people speak this statement, but it was never truer in Bea and Carrie's case. Not only were the two women witches, but they shared something else in common; both Bea and Carrie were Sirens.
"I know, Grandma. This burden, this 'thing' we carry with us, it sometimes frightens me," said Carrie.
"Yes, darling, I know. It is a unique gift, even in our world. And honey, that is how you must look at it or it will drive you mad. Like all gifts, it can be used for good as well as evil. I know your heart, dear. Your gift has brought help and healing to those in need, and that's very commendable."
"But Grandma, you've coped with it. How did you manage to not let it eat you alive? I mean, just think of the power behind this ability we have. It's scary," said Carrie, frowning in concern.
"I coped by doing exactly what you are doing now. I learned to control the ability and use it for the benefit of others. You see, honey, we are what we are, and we must make the best of it. Carrie, listen to me. You are a loving, kind, and sweet young woman with a unique gift. That gift will help both you and others along the way as you live your life. Don't let it frighten you into silence," her Grandmother said as she looked squarely into Carrie's eyes. "If you shut yourself off from your power, you will be miserable, dear. Always use it carefully and wisely, and never let your fear silence you."
"But as you know, I can be dangerous in the wrong hands," Carrie looked down at her clasped hands. "Look at what happened last year."
"That is why precautions must be taken, honey. You were very courageous in the face of that awful situation, but you didn't give in to the evil demands. You stood your ground and stood up for your beliefs and values although your life was in danger. That's something to be proud of." Carrie's grandmother took her by the shoulders and squeezed them with her small hands.
"I don't feel proud Grandma," Carrie continued. "I feel stupid for allowing myself to get kidnapped. You always told me to be careful—"
Bea fixed Carrie with a stern expression. "You listen to me, and you listen well. It was not your fault that you were taken from us. Things happen that is beyond our control, and this was one of them. None of us could have predicted the danger. You were the victim in all this. We all were. Don't ever blame yourself for this."
"I tried to fight him, Grandma. I really did. He was just too powerful—"Carrie's eyes filled with tears again, and she began to shake.
Bea took Carrie in her arms again and held her frightened granddaughter close. Even after all this time, the ordeal was fresh in all of their minds, especially Carrie's.
"I know you tried to fight, honey. Most likely, you fought like a tiger to get away. It was a horrible, horrible time for all of us, especially you." Bea began to sing softly to her granddaughter to get her calmed down. It hurt her heart to see Carrie still so frightened. Had she been able to, Bea would have taken her place in a heartbeat.
Last summer, Carrie had been abducted by a Death Eater, one of Voldemort's followers, who wanted to use Carrie's Siren Song for his evil doings. The Death Eater, who called himself "The Destroyer" was actually a man named Rudy Butts, who was one of Voldemort's main supporters. Butts, in the hope that he could get Carrie in his evil clutches, wanted to be the Dark Lord's second-in-command. By abducting Carrie and getting her to follow his orders, Buts expected to be handsomely rewarded by his master. However, the plan backfired when controlling Carrie and using her for his evil purposes didn't go according to his plan.
Butts had held Carrie in deplorable conditions and exposed her to the Cruciatus Curse for the ten days he held her captive when she refused to meet his demands. Carrie wanted no part of using her Siren Song for killing and destruction, and she was quite vocal about telling him this during her captivity. Butts became increasingly angrier as the days passed, and his torture of Carrie increased along with his wrath. The prolonged exposure to the Cruciatus Curse took its toll on Carrie's body, causing her internal injuries in her weakened state. She was rescued by her family after ten days of hell, but by that time, Carrie was in a coma and not expected to live. Fortunately, she beat the odds and recovered from her physical injuries, but the ordeal left Carrie with emotional scars that she struggles with on a daily basis.
Carrie was finally able to relax, and her trembling subsided. Her grandmother could always calm her down and make things better, and Carrie was grateful for this woman's loving influence in her life. She and her Grandmother had always been close, especially because of the "gift" they both possessed.
"Thanks, Grandma. I feel better now. You must think I'm a real woos," Carrie chuckled softly.
"No, I don't, honey. It's normal to be frightened after going through such an experience. Now, I'll make you a cup of tea, and I want you to just sit and relax while we chat, alright?" Bea smiled reassuringly as she gave her granddaughter a final squeeze before busying herself with the teapot.
Carrie was lost in thought while Bea prepared a cup of tea for her. Before she knew it, she was singing softly. It was an English folk song about unrequited love and tragedy, and it was one Bea had taught her years ago. Bea, recognizing the song, joined in with a beautiful harmony, complimenting Carrie's sweet soprano voice. The kitchen filled with the awe inspiring sounds of grandmother and granddaughter singing together, their voices blending with one another in rivers of harmony and emotion. As the song ended, the two women grinned at each other, feeling the bond of music that has tied them together since Carrie's talent was discovered.
"I thought I heard my two favorite singers wailing in here," boomed a deep male voice as the kitchen door opened. Gerald Stafford, Carrie's father, arrived home from work and was treated to the sound of Carrie's and Bea's singing as he entered the living room.
"Hi, Daddy," giggled Carrie as she got up from her chair to give her father a hug.
"Hello, Gerald, dear," said Bea, smiling at her son-in-law. "Would you like some tea?"
"I think a butterbeer would do nicely, Mother," said Carrie's father. Carrie immediately retrieved one and handed it to her father. "Thank you, Angel." Carrie's father smiled lovingly at his daughter.
Gerald Stafford was a burly man in his early 40's. Looking at him, one would never guess that Carrie was actually his daughter. Gerald was a tall man of over six feet with sleek wavy black hair and kind, twinkling brown eyes. He wore a beard and mustache, which he kept neatly trimmed. Gerald was very muscular with the build of an athlete, being quite broad through the chest and shoulders. He served as the Transfiguration Professor at the Springfield Academy of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the same school that Carrie attended in Springfield, Illinois. On first meeting Gerald, many people found him intimidating with his muscular frame and big, booming voice, but in actuality, Gerald Stafford was a gentle, compassionate man who cares for his family, friends, and students tremendously.
"How was work today, Daddy? I can't believe the Headmaster made all of you come in for that meeting," said Carrie. "School doesn't even start for two more weeks."
"It was alright," said Gerald with a weary sigh. "Some new staff has been hired, so they had to be brought up to speed."
As they talked about his meeting, Lisa Stafford quietly entered the room. It was quite obvious that Carrie took after her mother's side of the family. Lisa shared the same small stature as her mother and daughter, and like Carrie's hair, Lisa's long, blond hair shimmered in the light as she moved. It was long and flowing like Carrie's, but Lisa's hair fell to the middle of her back while Carrie's reached her waist. Lisa also possessed the same brilliant blue eyes as Bea and Carrie, and like Bea, Lisa didn't look her age. Although Lisa was in her early forties, she could pass as Carrie's older sister rather than her mother.
"Hello, darling," Lisa's soft voice called as she walked over to her husband and kissed him. "I'll get started on dinner straight away."
"Is there anything I can do to help, Mom?" asked Carrie as she finished her tea.
"Would you mind making the salad, dear? I'm late getting started as it is. I hate working double shifts at the hospital," sighed Lisa, who worked as a Main Heeler at St. Mungo's of Springfield, a Wizarding hospital that treated magical maladies of every kind.
Carrie retrieved the lettuce and other makings for their salad and began washing and chopping the vegetables. Since she was not of age yet, she was compelled to do it without magic, but she didn't care. Carrie loved to cook, even without magic. Their homey, cozy kitchen was an atmosphere of camaraderie as grandmother, mother, and daughter worked together. The kitchen was done in soft yellows, and everything was always put away in its proper place. Bea had been making bread, and the wonderful smells reached Carrie's nostrils. She breathed in the fresh scent of the bread and began to sing as she chopped. As the women worked, Gerald exited the kitchen, heading back to the living room to chat with Carrie's Grandfather, Timothy.
Timothy Murphy was a kindly man, who was approximately Bea's age. He was tall and thin, with gentle blue eyes and a kind smile. His hair, beard and mustache were snow white, with his beard reaching to the middle of his chest. Timothy was soft spoken with a gentle voice that possessed just the faintest hint of an Irish accent that Carrie loved to listen to.
When dinner preparations were complete, Lisa called out to the two men that dinner was served. As they ate, the adults talked happily amongst themselves while Carrie listened politely. The food was delicious as always, but Carrie's appetite wasn't what it normally was. She ate slowly and distractedly, not noticing the looks of concern her parents and grandparents were giving her.
"What is it, honey? Aren't you feeling well?" asked her Grandfather, his Irish accent becoming thick with worry and concern.
"I'm fine, Grandpa. It was just one of those days," said Carrie, trying to reassure him.
"I think we should tell her," said Lisa, wiping her mouth daintily with her napkin.
"Tell me what?" asked Carrie. "Did I do something wrong?"
"No, Angel," her father smiled a bit sadly at her. "We have a surprise for you, but we're just not sure how you'll react to it."
"What is it?" asked Carrie with a touch of apprehension. "Don't keep me in suspense."
"Well," Lisa began. "Your father and I, along with your grandparents, thought that you might study abroad this year."
Carrie's eyes grew round with astonishment as she gaped at her mother. She was speechless for a moment, which was totally unlike her. "Abroad? You mean, like as in another country?" she asked once she recovered her voice.
"Yes, Angel," chimed in her father. "The school is called Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It's in England. We just received your letter of acceptance today. It's a wonderful school with a top-notch educational program. The Headmaster's name is Albus Dumbledore, and he's approved an exchange program so students of other nationalities can attend." Gerald spoke rather quickly, hoping to get it over with soon. He hated keeping something this important from Carrie for so long, and he dreaded a bad reaction from her.
"I've heard of Hogwarts," said Carrie. She couldn't believe what she was hearing! This had totally come out of nowhere.
"May I ask what brought this on?" Carrie asked the question very softly and slowly. "We've never talked about my studying anywhere besides here in Springfield. I'm—uh—shocked, to say the very least."
"We're so sorry to just spring this on you, honey," said her mother as she looked at Carrie with a worried frown. "You see, we've noticed how you've been toward the end of last term and over the summer. Your father and I could sense that you needed something more in your life, perhaps a change of scenery."
"Don't be angry at us, dear," said Bea. "We just wanted to see what would happen before we told you."
"Was it something I said? I mean, I don't ever want you guys to feel like I've been ungrateful or anything. You all have been great. It's just—" Carrie trailed off lamely and looked down at her half-filled plate.
"No, love, it isn't like that," said her Grandfather, reaching over to take Carrie's hand. His Irish accent was thick as he spoke, his blue eyes pools of concern as they beseeched Carrie to understand. "It has nothing to do with anything you said or did, darling."
"The truth is, we'd miss you terribly, dear. But, we all think this would be a good move for you, both educationally and emotionally. We just want what's best for you," replied Bea. "Are you angry with us?"
Carrie sighed as she looked at the four people she loved most in the entire world. How could she blame them for wanting her to find happiness? "No, I'm not angry, you guys. The truth is, the crazy thought about my studying abroad did enter my mind, but I just dismissed it as a crazy notion. I never really considered it as a possibility. You say I've been accepted?"
Lisa nodded and smiled. Carrie was actually taking it well. However, she looked a bit shell shocked. "Carrie, honey, are you alright?" Lisa asked with concern.
"I—I think so. It's just I have to get my mind wrapped around it. This is so sudden. I mean, part of me wants to go. I've been feeling so restless lately and wondering how to get it out of my system. It's just—Hogwarts! Wow!" Carrie shook her head in bewilderment. "But, I'm scared too. I've not spent an extended period of time away from home before. England is so far away."
"We know, Angel. It's going to be an adjustment for all of us, but we want what's best for you. Attending Hogwarts will be an experience that will stay with you the rest of your life," said her father with absolute certainty in his voice. However, he had to swallow hard to get the words around the lump he felt in his throat. He would miss his only child terribly, but he knew this is what she needed. "Please forgive us for not telling you sooner, baby. We just didn't want to get your hopes up and then have it not work out."
Carrie gave them a small smile and replied. "There's nothing to forgive. I love all of you for this gesture. Not everyone gets the chance to go to Hogwarts. So, I guess I'm going." A feeling of excitement and giddiness washed over her as she thought of it. It would be such a change, but this was exactly what she was looking for to combat the restless and emptiness she was feeling. "When does the new term start?"
Lisa handed the acceptance letter to Carrie, who read it intently. It was from a Professor Minerva McGonagall, explaining that the new term started on September 1st. The letter was written on fine parchment with handwriting that was neat and precise. Enclosed along with the acceptance letter was another parchment with a list of books that Carrie would need for her classes. She had some of the books in her possession, but Carrie figured she'd have to obtain the rest when she got to England. A dazed but happy expression crossed Carrie's face as the reality began to sink in.
"When do I leave?" asked Carrie. There was so much to do, and she had to say goodbye to her friends and voice teacher. A million and one things rushed through Carrie's brain, and she hardly knew where one thought began and one ended.
"We leave this Friday, Angel," said Gerald. "You, your mother, and I will Apparate to London, help you get your supplies, and then get you settled. The Headmaster, Professor Dumbledore, thought it would be better if you arrived earlier than the rest of the students so you could learn your way around and get used to your surroundings before class begins."
"Merlin's beard! That's only two days from now!" Carrie exclaimed. "There's so much to do! I've got to pack, say goodbye to everyone, and—"
"Don't worry, dear. Everything will get done," assured Carrie's grandmother. "Just take one thing at a time," she was chuckling softly as she saw the harried expression on Carrie's face and the sparkle return to her eyes. "Can we safely assume you're happy about this?"
"Yes, I think I am. I'll miss all of you, but the funny thing is, I'm looking forward to going."
"We'll miss you, too, darling," said her grandfather softly. "You be sure you write to us now—no forgetting about your old family while you're off having a good time."
Carrie felt tears sting her eyes. So many emotions were running through her, and she didn't know if she wanted to laugh or cry or both. "I'll keep in touch, Grandpa. I promise." Carrie threw her arms around him as the tears finally came. "I'll miss you so much." She buried her face against him as she cried. Holding her tight and stroking her hair, Timothy spoke soft words of comfort in his Irish accent. Carrie cried for a while as her grandfather's strong arms enveloped her, making her feel safe and warm. After a time, she lifted her head, and looked into her grandfather's eyes.
"There now, love. You'll be alright." He took a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped at the tears on Carrie's face. "Give us a smile now, hmmm?"
Giving him a small, watery smile, she allowed him to finish drying her tears. "Just like when I was little," she said chuckling. "I love you."
"And I love you, darling," he said as he hugged her close. "Now, you'd better go start on that packing. You've a lot to get done."