Chapter 21

The rest of the class period passed in silence. As the end of class bell rang, everyone gathered their things and quickly filed out of the room. Angelo disappeared into Shannon's office before she opened the windows and let the light flood in, blinding those who remained in the room. Malfoy, hand-in-hand with Pansy, hurried from the room before Harry, Ron, and Hermione had even stood up. They looked at each other and then at the door. Their next period was a free period so they stayed behind to talk with Shannon and see what was going on.

"Excuse me, Miss Darconia," said Hermione as the door closed to the classroom.

"Call me Shannon guys," said Shannon. "The only time you need to be formal is when someone else is around."

"We've got a few questions we'd like to ask you," said Harry.

Shannon's smiling face quickly faded in a grim expression. "Not now and most certainly not here," she said walking over to her desk. "Meet me at the Astronomy tower tonight say after dinner. I'll tell you what I can. But until then you must keep everything hush hush. Understand?"

The three of them looked at each other with uncertainty but quickly agreed if it was the only way to learn what was going on.

"Of course we will," said Ron. "We've got loads of secrets from the last seven years."

"I know you all do," Shannon said sternly. "I'll talk to all of you tonight then. You better hurry, my next class is going to start coming in and I've got to prepare."

With a wave of her hand, the wooden coffin vanished and a large basin filled with crystal blue water became the centerpiece of the table. Several figurines also appeared on the edges of the tables.

"Let's go," Harry said, as Shannon moved about the room moving one thing and then another. "We'll talk to her tonight."

"I wonder what's got her on edge," said Ron as they went out onto the grounds.

"Who knows," said Hermione. "But she sure didn't want to talk to us in that room."

"Did anyone else notice there were no pictures in her classroom?" asked Harry as they sat beside the lake.

"No," said Ron. "Why?"

"Well all of our teachers have pictures of witches and wizards in their rooms, don't they?" Harry asked. "But why doesn't Shannon?"

They sat there in silence for a moment before Hermione spoke up. "Just another thing to ask her tonight," she said.

Harry and Ron looked at each other and sighed.

Their day went by quickly and soon it was time for dinner. As they entered the Great Hall, they were greeted by the voices of their classmates and confused by the arrangement of the tables. Everyone was deep in conversation about why the tables had been set to the sides of the Hall. Once everyone was seated at their house tables, Dumbledore strolled into the hall with Shannon at his heals. The hall fell silent as all eyes watched the two.

"Good evening everyone," said Dumbledore as Shannon sat beside him. "Tonight we have a very special treat."

"I wonder what it is," whispered Dean.

"Something cool I hope," said Seamus.

"Miss Darconia has agreed to do a performance for us tonight that she and a few others perform in America," explained Dumbledore. "So as we eat, we shall also be entertained."

Everyone clapped as Dumbledore sat down. Shannon stood and walked to the end of staff table. She quickly removed her robe and handed it to Hagrid who in return handed her a long wooden staff. She wore a pair of blue jeans, a black tank top, and a pair of black boots with a very small heel. Her hair was pulled back into a high tight ponytail that was then braided. As she stepped into the center of the floor, she began to twirl the staff around in her hands.

As Shannon began to dance, she smacked the floor with one end of the staff and flames shot out the other end towards the ceiling. When she smacked the other end, snow exploded into the air and slowly began to fall onto the students and staff. She stopped in the center of the hall and held the staff high above her head. All eyes watched as two birds flew down onto the staff. One was a black raven and the other was a red phoenix. Then out of nowhere a large wolf leapt over the table closest to the doors and jumped over the staff, as well, landing behind Shannon.

Shannon quickly spun around to face the staff table. As the two birds were spun around, their image quivered and in the blink of an eye they were two twin girls of eight years old. They were both dressed in matching black ankle length skirts, dark blue peasant tops, and wore no shoes. Their long black hair was pulled back into tight braids and they both had dark blue eyes.

The wolf jumped over the staff and as it landed it transformed into a young woman. She looked just like Shannon except for her shirt was red and a red ribbon was tied to the end of her braid. Shannon dropped to one knee allowing the two girls to jump off the staff.

The twin children each drew their wands and faced each other. As they raised their wands towards the ceiling, they each muttered an incantation. Red and green sparks shot from the tips of their wands and swirled into the air. The glittering red sparks quickly shaped themselves into a dragon gliding through the air while the green sparks formed a phoenix.

Shannon raised her wand into the air and shouted, "Nox."

The candles and sparks extinguished throwing them into darkness. When the candles re-lit, the four performers had vanished leaving only a single red rose in the center of the room. Everyone looked about the room trying to find the performers, but their attention went straight to the rose when it bursted into flames. Out of the smoke stepped Shannon carrying one of the girls and on the opposite side the other two appeared. The rose quickly extinguished and vanished as the smoke cleared.

They turned and faced each side of the hall and bowed. Applause filled the room closely followed by cheers. Dumbledore stood and applauded before raising his hands to silence the room.

"That was a most delightful show," said Dumbledore as the four women watched him. "I have not seen something this entertaining in years. We thank you for this display of talent."

"Thank you, Headmaster," said Shannon. "It was a most unexpected request, but welcomed at the same time."

"Here tonight with Miss Darconia is her twin sister Ivy, and her twin daughters Blythe and Starla," introduced Dumbledore.

The hall quickly filled with chatter at this news. Shannon led the way to the staff table where four more chairs had been added. Beside Dumbledore sat Shannon, then Blythe, Starla, and finally Ivy who immediately struck up a conversation with Professor Flitwick. Dumbledore quickly entertained the twins with dancing silverware and sweets.

"That was an exciting show," said Ron.

"Yeah it was," said Ginny as they ate their dinner. "They're pretty good."

"Hey guys," said Hermione to Ron and Harry.

"What?" asked Harry.

"Snape's been looking at Shannon for a long time," Hermione said. "I think he likes her."

Harry and Ron looked at Snape. He indeed was looking at Shannon intently.

"What do you think is going on there?" asked Ron looking at Harry. "You reckon their seeing each other?"

"I doubt it," said Hermione taking a sip of her pumpkin juice.

"You never know," said Harry not taking his eyes off Snape. "I'm just curious what she has to tell us tonight."

"Can I have everyone's attention please?" said Dumbledore standing up.

The room fell silent as everyone waited for the headmaster to speak.

"We will be doing something very different for Halloween," he said. "This year we will be having a traditional American Halloween. When that time comes closer your teachers will be explaining everything to you. But the night grows weary and it is time to say good night. Pleasant dreams to one and all."

The hall filled with clapping as everyone stood and headed to bed. Once again, Harry was one of the last people to leave the hall. Beside him were Hermione and Ginny chatting about the performance. His mind was else where when a familiar voice caught his ear.

"Shannon, would you like to join me for an evening stroll?" asked Snape.

"That would be delightful," Shannon said. "I'll see my sister and daughters off and meet you at the staircase?"

Harry glanced over his shoulder. Sure enough, walking behind him were Snape, Shannon, the twins, and Ivy. Snape caught Harry's glance and glared.

"Keep moving, Potter," hissed Snape. "Or it'll be detention."

"Yes, sir," said Harry as he followed everyone else up the staircase. "Good night, Miss Darconia."

"Good night, Harry," Shannon said disappearing out the front doors.

"What was that about?" asked Hermione glancing behind them.

"Shannon's going for a walk with Snape," explained Harry.

"Cloak?" asked Hermione as they entered the Gryffindor common room.

"Yeah," Harry said.

"I'm going to run upstairs first," Hermione said. "Meet you down here."

Harry and Ron quickly ran up the stairs with the other boys. As they entered their dorm room, Ron noticed a package on his bed.

"What's this?" asked Ron picking it up.

"Who's it from?" asked Harry as Dean, Neville, and Seamus climbed into bed.

"Doesn't say," Ron said opening it. "Blimey."

"What?" whispered Harry from his trunk.

"It's an invisibility cloak," whispered Ron.

"Cool," said Harry pulling out his own invisibility cloak. "Let's go finish our homework."

"Okay," Ron said as they left the room.

Beside the fireplace was Hermione with something in her hands. She hurried over to the boys as they jumped the last couple steps.

"Look what I got," said Hermione holding up a cloak.

"Another invisibility cloak," said Ron. "I got one too."

"Someone thinks we need them I guess," said Harry. "Let's go. We need to get to the astronomy tower."

Hermione and Ron both nodded as they threw on their cloaks. They quietly slipped out into the empty and dark hallway. With each one having their own cloak, it made the trip go much faster and before they knew it they were in the astronomy tower. As Harry reached the top of the stairs, he stopped so suddenly that Ron's head smacked into his back.

"What's wrong?" asked Ron.

"Shannon's with Snape," whispered Harry. "Be quiet and follow me."

They quickly entered the tower and stood against the wall making sure not to make noise. Shannon was sitting in the window seal smiling sweetly as Snape spoke.

"You have to be firm with the students," said Snape with a cruel grin on his face. "Especially the Potter boy. He enjoys being in the center of attention. Along with his two friends Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger."

"You've had experience with them, I see," said Shannon. "I'll be sure to keep an eye on them."

"I must say, I was quite surprised when I heard Dumbledore had hired someone so young for Dark Arts," said Snape. "But from what I've heard your no beginner. The Slytherins enjoy what you're teaching them."

"From what I've heard everyone enjoys my class," Shannon said slipping out of the window. "You know, Severus, your students think you're too predicable."

Snape look surprised. His eyes scanned the young woman's face for any sign of a joke. He walked over to her, pressing her against the window.

"What do you mean?" asked Snape.

"I've heard several of your students, from all different grades predicting what you would teach the next week and then I find out they were right," Shannon said. "You need to surprise them. Do something out of the ordinary."

"Did you have something in mind?" Snape asked.

"Change your appearance," suggested Shannon putting her hands on his chest. "Try something new."

"Would you like me too?" he asked.

"I'd like you to surprise yourself," she said with a smile.

Suddenly, Filch came flying into the room panting. His eyes were wild and his face was pale. Snape spun around, hiding Shannon behind him

"What is it?" barked Snape.

"Some of your students, Professor," Filch said. "Caught them sneaking outside."

"What are those idiots doing this time," Snape hissed turning to Shannon. "We'll continue this conversation tomorrow."

"Good night," Shannon said as Snape followed Filch. "Nice go, Ivy."

"What did she do?" asked Harry uncovering his face.

"She and my girls snooped around the Slytherin common room," said Shannon with a smile. "Been there long?"

"Few minutes," said Hermione uncovering her face. "I thought for a moment Snape was going to kiss you."

Shannon grinned. "So did I," she said as Ron uncovered his face. "Ron, please close the door. I don't want anyone to over hear our conversation. So what's the first question?"

"How do you know the Malfoy's?" asked Harry.

"I was visiting London a few years ago," said Shannon. "I accidentally went down Nocturne Alley, got lost, and I bumped into Lucius and Draco. Let's just say, Lucius was mistaken about my character and never figured it out. When my ministry heard about it they told me to try and get close to the Malfoy family to gather information."

"So you bonded with Draco," said Hermione.

"And with Lucius," Shannon said. "Draco's mother paid me no attention so I was able to get around without a problem sometimes. That stupid house elf on the other hand, he nearly got me caught a few times."

"Dobby?" asked Harry.

"That's his name," said Shannon. "Stupid thing was lucky I didn't kill him or set him free."

"I'm glad you didn't kill Dobby," said Hermione.

"Dumbledore told me about S.P.E.W.," Shannon said. "I understand but I'm not too sure about it. But that's a conversation for another day. Next question."

"Why doesn't your class room have photos?" asked Ron.

"I hate the feeling that people are watching me," explained Shannon. "And having a room full of moving talking photos really puts me on edge. I'm trying to do two jobs and me being paranoid is not going to help."

"Two jobs?" said Harry.

"Dark Arts and then something else," Shannon said.

"Phoenix?" asked Harry.

Shannon nodded. "Any other questions?" she asked.

"Why are you hanging around with Snape?" asked Ron.

"It gets me close to Draco while we're in school," she said. "I think Snape's interesting and I don't want to hear anything about that subject."

"Who were you talking to earlier today in your office before class?" asked Harry.

"That is none of your business and I don't want any of you to go snooping around," she said. "Understood?"

"Yes," said Harry and Ron.

"What do you really look like?" asked Hermione. "You're a Metamorphmagus so we never really get to see the real you."

Shannon smiled as she ran her fingers through her long black hair with red tips. As her fingers passed over the red, the bright color quickly darkened to black. She quickly blinked and her dark blue eyes brightened to a light blue color. Her short fingernails grew longer and changed to a glittering dark green color.

"This is the real me," said Shannon. "Not much difference. You three should get to bed before you get caught. More questions can be answered another night. Now go."

Once their cloaks were in place, they quickly followed Shannon out of the tower and to the grand staircase. Standing there, as if waiting for her, was Snape. He looked tired and annoyed. But as his eyes set upon Shannon, a grin crept across his face.

"Waiting for me," teased Shannon with a smile.

"Yes," Snape said. "I'd like to talk to you before you went to bed about what you said earlier. About me changing something."

"Okay," said Shannon as she followed Snape down the hall.

Harry, Hermione, and Ron watched as they disappeared around the corner before climbing the stairs and going to bed.