Chapter 11 – To Friends, to Harry, To Evil Family.
On Platform nine and three quarters Danny pulled his trunk into a compartment with the help of a weightless charm courtesy of Sidonie. Slumping into his chair Danny leant his head back against the seat. Harry gracefully sat down and relaxed on the seat opposite Danny whilst Sidonie threw herself onto the seat and pulled a book out of a pocket in her robes.
Sidonie was wearing a plaid skirt that came only to mid thigh showing off her long slender legs. Her top was a plain black vest top and her boots came up to her knees also in black. She wore robes that reached her ankles that were a deep blue the same colour as the tartan on her skirt. Her waist length long hair was tied up in a pony tail but it still reached her waist and she had make up on that accentuated her long eyelashes and already darkened lips. Sure it was winter and there was snow on the ground but Sidonie wasn't effected by the cold so she obviously didn't care about the season of clothes she wore.
Danny was already dressed in his Hogwarts uniform and robes and was looking just as untidy as he did during school term time. Sidonie had tried to straighten him out but he still managed to loosen of his tie, un-tuck one side of his shirt and get his robe falling off one shoulder. Danny's black hair was messy and his glasses slightly askew. Sidonie just rolled her eyes at the sight, he was becoming a very messy teenager. At the Manor in France Danny had is own room and it was a tip before he'd had to pack everything for Hogwarts.
Harry who was sat next to Sidonie was rather tidy though in comparison to his twin he was a neat freak. Harry wore a pair of smart black trousers and smart yet still casual black shoes. He had an emerald designer shirt on that Aurora, Madeline's mother, had bought him for Christmas and a new dark emerald robe that was done up to just a little below the top of Harry's shirt so you could see the contrast in the bright and the dark greens. Harry's now shortened hair that reached the bottom of his shoulder blades was pulled back and tied with a metal snake that coiled and uncoiled around what you wanted it to hold. The snake couldn't speak it just coiled itself around something that touched its underside.
"Hermione and Ron should get here soon." Danny said casting a wary look at Sidonie who met his gaze over the top of her book. "Promise not to scare them away?"
"My dearest Danny, would I do such a terrible thing to you?" Danny and Harry exchanged a glance.
"No probably not but I still felt like you needed a warning." Sidonie tutted and shook her head. Harry grinned at her before looking over at Danny.
"So maybe I'll finally get to meet your famous friends."
"Yeah and I'm sure they're dying to meet you too. Hermione is fascinated with you, and Ron wants to meet my brother since I've met all his and it's only fair. They think I've been hiding you from them on purpose." Danny grinned cheekily. "Besides, I'm allowed to play protective older brother if I want to."
"Hey!" Harry cried indignantly. "You are only older by fifteen minutes." Danny shrugged.
"Don't care, you are still my little brother." Harry rolled his eyes and grabbed Danny's trunk opening the lid quickly. Finding what he wanted Harry closed the trunk and sat next to Danny flipping through the pages of the book to find the spell they'd been practising over Christmas. The had moved on from the Patronus spell since they'd decided that they just weren't powerful enough but then once they found out that there was a possibility of Harry going to Hogwarts they had spent a lot of time trying to make it work no matter how young and inexperienced they were.
"Wanna practise?"
"Sure." Danny said pulling out his wand. Both boys waved there wands simultaneously and thought of their happy memories. "Expecto Patronum."
Twin white cones burst from the wands and light up the compartment making it blindingly bright.
"You two are getting better at theat one." Sidonie said closing her book. "It's a hard spell. What happy memory are you using? Because if I'm right then if the memory is strong enough, happy enough, then it can reach corporal form."
"I'm using the time I won the Quidditch cup at school."
"I'm using when I found out that Madeline is going to be my teacher and I was going to learn magic."
"Hm, are those the happiest memories you have?" Harry nodded but was thinking.
"I've got lots of happy memories but that one is easiest to think of. I made everyone happy when I won the cup and that made me happy." Sidonie nodded and shrugged going back to her book as the train lurched into motion.
"Fair enough, if it's the strongest you have."
It wasn't long after the train started to move that the compartment door opened and a bushy haired girl peeped around to see wither the compartment was full or not. Once the girls brown eyes landed on Danny though she smiled and threw the door wide open.
"Danny, we've been looking for you. Come on Ron, he's in here." The girl said stepping inside with a tall, lanky red headed boy behind him. Danny grinned widely at his friends and stood up to receive the hug the girl wanted to give him. Sidonie looked up from her book and looked scrutinisingly over the pair before sighing and closing her book. Shoving the large book inside a robe pocket where the book immediately shrunk in size Sidonie stood up. Stepping around the pair of teenagers Sidonie leaned down and whispered something in Harry's ear. Harry pulled away, looked at her and nodded his understanding allowing her to leave.
The red head fell into the seat opposite Danny and the girl sat more cautiously next to him. Now Harry had a good look at the newcomers it was easy to tell who they were. The boy with the tall lanky frame was obviously Ron Weasley since the flaming red hair and freckles gave it away. His robes were also slightly worn showing that they were indeed done up hand-me-downs. The girl with the bushy brown hair had very neat uniform and Harry guessed from her familiarity with Danny that she was Hermione Granger.
"Who's that mate?" Ron asked looking over at Harry. The long raven haired teenager shifted in his seat and looked over at Danny waiting for an introduction. Danny grinned and put his arm around Harry's shoulder.
"This is my brother Harry. Harry, that's Ron and that is Hermione my best friends." Harry smiled having already guessed that much.
"It's nice to meet you. Danny told me all about you." Ron merely nodded but Hermione beamed.
"Not all of it is true I'm sure." She said and Harry smiled brightly and flicked his head back slightly to move a stray lock out of his vision.
"Oh no, he told me you are the brightest witch in his year and that Ron was a fantastic chess player and that he loved Quidditch. Danny's my twin, he wouldn't lie to me but it's nice to actually meet you to find out whether Danny missed anything when he told Dudley and me about you."
"Danny probabluy tole you I was a book worm and had an obsession with the library."
"Yes he did but if it wasn't for you he'd probably never get his homework done. Besides, you have a lot in common with me and Danny wouldn't be horrible to me." Harry looked charmingly over at Danny who was torn between looking like he was going to hurt his brother for saying that or smile proudly at the fact that he loved his brother. Hermione smiled and sighed longingly.
"God I wish I had a brother. I'm an only child."
"Trust me 'Mione, you aren't missing out on much I can tell you." Ron offered making Danny laugh whilst Hermione glared and said something about appreciating his family.
"So anyway, what's Harry doing here?"
"I'm going to see the Headmaster about coming to Hogwarts."
"Oh it would be amazing if you came to Hogwarts mate. Imagine the Quidditch matches we could play!" Hermione rolled her eyes whilst Danny and Ronn grinned.
"Actually, I'd probably spend most of my time reading. I love Quidditch, don't get me wrong, but I love books too." Ron groaned and Danny laughed.
Once the Hogwarts Express stopped at Hogwarts Danny threw an arm around Harry's shoulder with every intention of escorting his brother up to Hogwarts school. As soon as the group of four got off the train however Sidonie reappeared.
"I'm sorry Harry, we have to go separately. We are going straight up to see Dumbledore before joining in with the feast." Danny reluctantly pulled his arm back and waved goodbye as Sidonie took Harry by the hand and tugged him gently towards a separate carriage being pulled along by what Harry thought were black winged horses.
The pair made it up to the castle and entered using a side door into a corridor with some stairs at the other end. A woman wearing a matron's outfit was there to greet them and she introduced herself as Poppy Pomfrey the school nurse.
"I know you, Danny talked about you a lot in his letters. You can mend bones in an instant, he said." Poppy smiled kindly but also self assuredly down at Harry.
"I most certainly can my dear."
"I'm learning medi-magic but I've not got far with it because Xavier is sometimes too tired to teach me after work and on visits. I can mend bad cuts though just not the complicated stuff." Poppy seemed impressed with the thirteen year old but Sidonie just smirked.
Poppy eventually lead them to the statue of a gargoyle and said the words 'sherbert lemon' and the gargoyle got out of the way allowing the group to enter and step onto a moving staircase that carried them up to a small landing with a door in front of them. Poppy knocked and they waited before an elderly man's voice called out for them to enter.
"Ah Miss Snape, Harry Potter, it's so nice to meet you." The man had bright blue twinkling eyes and long white hair and a long beard that tucked into his belt. He wore purple robes and looked slightly eccentric but also very wise. Harry felt a strange zing like sensation go up his spine as soon as he entered the room. Somehow Harry knew that Dumbledore was incredibly powerful. Harry felt lightheaded but pushed it away and took the hand Dumbledore offered him. Shaking the hand Harry felt another zing travel through his body and quickly fell into the chair behind him. Sidonie took Dumbledore's hand and allowed him to kiss it before also sitting down and looking over at Harry with a worried expression on her face.
"Are you okay Harry?"
"Yes, I'm just a little…" Harry hesitated not really wanting to or knowing how to say what was really wrong with him. "Tired?" Sidonie raised one of her eyebrows in question byut Harry shrugged and looked over at Dumbledore whose gaze was swapping between the two with a smile and a growing twinkle. Seeing Harry gazing at him Dumbledore smiled a bit more and relaxed in his chair interlacing his fingers in front of him.
"What can I do for you today then?" Harry glanced at Sidonie and waited. Sidonie sighed but graciously took the stand and spoke on Harry's behalf. At the end of the speech Dumbledore looked thoughtful before brightening up.
"Well, I believe that shall be fine. I see no problem with Harry attending Hogwarts though I would suggest he contiunue with his private tutors for the next few months so he can start a fresh in September. I hardly think it fair for him to start his schooling now as I believe that many classes are in the middle of projects that Harry would not be able to take part in due to either not knowing the subject matter or simply not having the time to start a new project of his own and complete it with the rest of his class mates."
Sidonie and Harry nodded their understanding.
"What about my problem sir?" Asked Harry a little hesitant to bring up this matter once again.
"Your problem? Oh yes I see, that problem. Well, there is nothing that can be done in regards to that problem. It shall not effect this discision. I have taken in pupils with far greater problems than just seizures. No, it shall not be a problem for Hogwarts. Of course, all the teachers shall be warned about the attacks and Madam Pomfrey shall keep a bed open for you but I promise to give out no further information than is necessary. It is my understanding however that there is nothing that seems to cause the attacks and that they are completely random?"
"Yes sir."
"So there is nothing you should stay away from like certain plants, herbs or elements?"
"No sir…except…" Harry stopped again and looked nervously over at Sidonie who was watching him with a neutral gaze. Harry swallowed.
"Excapt what Harry?" Dumbledore prompted.
"Except I have a strange reaction to anything from a snake. I can't use snake parts in potions but that'a about it."
"What happens if you do?" Harry blanched.
"I am told that…I just can't do it. Something happens I'm ill. Dunno why but it happens. It never used to, only recently." Dumbledore nodded and they concluded their meeting quickly with Harry wearing a very tired expression. His cheeks were pale and his hands were shaking slightly.
"Well, why don't you head down to the Great Hall. I'm sure Fawkes can show you the way. I shall be down shortly. I just have to make sure our books are changed so you can attend next year."
"Yes sir." The pair turned to leave but when Harry was about to eit Dumbkledore called out to him.
"Oh Harry? Could you possibly tell me what your wand is made of?" Harry frowned trying to remember.
"It's got a chimera scale in it but I don't remember anything else sir." Dumbledore sighed and stood up. Walking over to Harry Dumbledore held out his own wand.
"May I have a look then?"
"Sure. Why though?" Harry said handing his wand over to Dumbledore. Dumbledore waved his own wand and muttered a word waiting for the results to appear on the piece of parchment hovering infront of him.
"Well my boy, our book record what type of wand each student has because teenagers have the tendancy to loose things and there have been a few lost wands in the past. By recording each wand I can keep track of every wand that turns up, goes missing and I can also check on the condition of the wand right now."
Harry smiled and waited. Sidonie placed a hand on his shoulder as she waited behind him. Eventually black words appeared on the parchment and Dumbledore gave Harry back his wand with twinkling eyes.
"Ebony, thirteen and a half inches long with the core of venomous chimera scale in excellent condition. Well, I look forward to seeing you as a student in September Harry." Harry nodded remembering the information and turned to leave. It never occurred to Harry that the information on his wand just given to him didn't match the one Ollivander gave when he handed it over in the shop two and a half years ago.
Sidonie and Harry made a detour into a nearby bathroom before finally making it to the great hall. Fawkes the Phoenix escourting them hadn't minded the detour as he trilled them a happy song that didn't stop at all. Not even when the fire bird left the couple at the doors to the great hall and flew away did it stop singing.
"That bird is almost as bad as me singing all the time." Sidonie muttered making Harry smile an exhausted smile. "Come on. Lets go find your brother and then I can go find mine."
They entered the great hall and immediately saw the tables tucking into their food and Dumbledore looking up at them with a smile and a twinkle as he ate his own food. Harry had the unnerving feeling that Dumbledore knew something he didn't but never mind. Blushing slightly when he realised the whole hall had turned to look at him and Sidonie Harry quickly made his way between the tables towards the Gryffindor table where Sidonie had pointed out that Danny was sat near the middle of. Once Harry got there he offered Danny a small smile. Danny grinned and shifted over so Harry could sit beside him. Harry hurridly sat down and smiled brightly at the plate that appeared before him. Reaching out Harry put some things on his plate and began eating offering not a word to anyone.
Sidonie, was a different matter. She waited until she saw Harry sit down next to Danny before she turned her gaze up towards the staff table again. Trailing across the different teachers her onyx eyes finally came in contact with another pair of black eyes. She smirked dangerously.
"Oh Severus." She called sweetly as she walked towards the table still keeping her gaze locked onto her brother. Professor Severus Snape was torn between leaving and staying, looking absolutely disgusted at Sidonie's choice in clothes and surprised that she'd even dressed like that. He settled for staying and being disgusted though he vagely noticed that some of the seventh years were ogling at Sidonie's long, slender, bare legs.
"And what may I enquire is the situation that brings you to torment me with your irritating presence?" The professor questioned with a sneer. Sidonie smiled sickeningly sweetly with a dangerous glint in her eyes.
"Is that the proper way to greet your baby sister? I think not Severus. Now, do it properly." Sidonie leaned over the table and presented her cheek. Severus gritted his teeth but knew better than to disobey. Kissing her cheek lightly he offered her a seat. She took it gracefully and smirked dangerously around the hall before tugging her sleeves above her elbows and tucking into the food that presented itself.
"Now I'll ask just one more time Sidonie, why are you here?"
"Pray tell Severus, are you still sour and holding grudges or have you finally started being mature and moved on?" Severus cut up his meat and answered calmly.
"If you are referring to the time you broke my nose then I'd remind you that you got your just deserts when I made you bald."
"Well, it's a good job I'm not referring to that though I must say since then my hair has grown perfectly fine with a few charms to help it grow of course. No, I was referring to certain pranks against you when you were at school." Severus put down his cutlery and turned to glare at his sister.
"To what are you referring exactly?" He asked in a very dangerous hiss. Sidonie met the gaze with glittering eyes and a smile.
"Tell me, how are your potions classes going?" Severus gritted his teeth at the change in subject but answered anyway. Sidonie had a very annoying manner of taking a jab, changing the subject only to make another jab then change the subject again and it wasn't always clear what she was getting at until she decided to reveal it. That was what irritated Severus about his sister most. Sidonie could be the most pleasant person in the world so long as you didn't upset her.
"Classes are going fine. My Slytherins are excelling as expected as are the Ravenclaws. My Hufflepuff classes don't go so well but none of them have the sheer capacity to stir with a firm hand and therefore they do not learn. Gryffindors are a complete failure. Very few can even brew a half decent potion but then again I can expect no more."
"Really? Are the Gryffindors really not progressing under your esteemed tutor ledge?"
"I am not the problem dear sister, they just do not have the brains nor the skill to be good at potions." Sidonie smiled dangerously.
"Really? And you never thought that perhaps they just needed nurturing of a different kind to be good at potions?" Severus glared at Sidonie.
"Make your point dear sister then be kind enough to leave."
"My dear, dear Severus. What makes you think I have a point? Can't I just be a curious baby sister?"
"No." Sidonie clicked her tongue then went back to her dinner occasionally glancing over at the Gryffindor table. After eating in silence for a few moments Sidonie turned back to Severus.
"You know, I've been hearing rumours Severus. Rumours that I wanted to believe weren't true however circumstances and characteristics made me believe otherwise. After all, how could I deny something spoken by someone I know to be honest and truthful? One cannot deny the truth when it is sat so plainly in front of one now can they?"
"And pray tell what were these rumours?"
"Did you know I teach Severus?" Severus felt like throttling his sister, she was changing the subject again or at least steering away from the point once more.
"Yes I was aware of that. You are a teacher at a primary school in France am I correct. You teach those not yet old enough to attend Beauxbatons but still old enough to learn potions and other magical crafts."
"Hm yes, but of course I knew you knew that. But did you know even after my shift at the school I teach another set of boys and that I spent all Christmas break and summer break and all my other breaks teaching twin boys in Tremaine Manor in France. They are two remarkable boys. Even their cousin is remarkable and up until recently it was thought he was a…ah…squib." Sidonie stuttered slightly unwilling to tell the whole truth.
"Anyway, one of the twins I teach all year round but the other is at school so I can't…"
"And why wasn't the first at school?" Sidonie didn't appreciate the interruption but she smiled and answered anyway.
"He has a tutor instead. Of course both boys get tutored in the holidays but the second boy loves school. He is far more out going than the first anyway. Besides that, my boys have a brilliant ability for potions. I got the immense pleasure of teaching them all through the holidays and by the end each of us had successfully concocted what is normally seen as fifth year material. They are only thirteen. Good, no?"
"Astounding. It is rare to find people talented with potions." Severus said honestly.
"Yes it is especially since one of them is a Gryffindor by the name of Danny Potter and is someone you put down, disqualify and bully in class for your own twisted amusement." Severus stared at her and Sidonie let a cold and deadly smirk take over her features. "You should be careful Severus or one might get the impression that you don't want the children to learn."
"I think you lie sister."
"Oh really? Then legillimence me and find out the truth. Or, are you just so unfair as to see the truth anyway and ignore it in favour of holding your ridiculous grudge and ridiculing those you dislike. I couldn't give a damn about your personal preferences Severus but I would have you treat everyone with respect. Treat others how you wish to be treated you miserable git. Now, legillimence me and find out the truth." Severus did as he was told with an evil glare. Once out of Sidonie's memories of the certain times she spent with Danny and Danny alone when teaching he was shocked and irritated to learn that Danny was good at potions and that Sidonie could plainly see that his hate for the boy was what caused Danny to hate him and fail. He also saw that Sidonie had seen some of Danny's memories of class and what he saw couldn't really be denied. He pulled back and let Sidonie glare at him.
"Miserable git. Clear up your act or find another job. I don't want to hear or see any more of your ridiculous hate for those that don't deserve it." Sidonie proceeded to ignore the potions master for the rest of the evening. Just before she left however Sidonie made a show of saying good bye to Danny and taking Harry with her. She gave the boy a hug and told him that she would see him soon for some real potions lessons that would be so much more educating that the ones he'd get at Hogwarts with her 'dear' brother. Severus could only watch.