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'Thought'
"Speech"
§ Parsletongue §
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing of Harry Potter, only my OC(s) and some plot twists...
NOTICE: The previous chapters have been revamped, with a few changes added in. Nothing too major, or plot changing, but I suggest you give them a read, just in case. I have toned down a bit on the whole 'Luna knowing what's up' thing, and have generally done some touch-ups as well. Feel free to let me know your opinions in this regard. This is a temporary notice that will be taken down after my next update. Now... onwards to the chapter!
'Fucking hell!' I cursed. I turned my pillow over, in the hopes of finding that perfect 'cold spot' but given my luck as of late, it was no wonder that my quest remained unfulfilled. I tried, in vain, for the next few minutes to calm myself down enough to get some shut-eye 'Aagh! Fuck it!' I let out a few more choice words, before giving up on getting any more sleep for the night.
My mind was a little too preoccupied, and my Occlumency exercises proved completely ineffective "Well, screw this!" I grumbled. I called for Riley and asked her to take me to the top of the Astronomy Tower, in the hope that the cold crisp breeze would calm me some.
"Damn, this view never gets old" I mumbled, sitting on the very sill where I inevitably changed the course of my (Colin's) life. I took in a deep breath and relished in the fresh mountain air... the blissful chill of the night's breeze bringing a welcome reprieve.
"Crass language aside, I am very much inclined to agree with you... Mr. Creevey" I hardly reacted to Sinistra's words, having already realized (due to my Mage-sense) that I wasn't alone in the tower. How did I know it was her? Well, Riley would not have apparated me in if it had been anyone else.
The two of us remained silent for quite a while, basking in the moment's serenity "I noticed that you weren't able to get around to dinner today..." I finally said, tearing my eyes from the breathtaking view of the landscape "I trust that Riley was able to save some of your favourites?" I enquired.
By now Sinistra had walked up to - and was currently leaning against the side of - the window next to me. She gave me the stiffest of nods but otherwise ignored me, her gaze still fixed on the view. I wasn't complaining either way, since it gave me an ample amount of time to admire the 'new' necklace she was currently wearing.
"Suits you…" I mumbled, not disappointed by her lack of reply or her cold aloofness, having gotten used to it over the course of my detentions with her.
Actually, the simple fact that she was choosing to wear it was progress in itself, which brightened my mood considerably. I grinned, and inwardly cheered as I got off the sill, just as Riley apparated in with a soft 'pop'.
Of course, I'd long since gotten used to her doing so and ergo, wasn't as startled anymore. Contrary to my expectations though, I noticed (from the corner of my eye) that Sinistra hadn't shown any outward reaction to the House-elf's abrupt appearance.
'Ah, right... she's grown up knowing the fact that apparation, and Houselves, exist' I reasoned, wondering on the side if there was a spell that was capable of detecting when someone (or something) was going to be apparating-in around your immediate vicinity.
'Talk about a jump-scare hazard...' I grumbled. But that particular train of thought was shelved when, at a snap of her fingers, two steaming mugs materialized (levitating in the air, mind you) in front of me.
"Hot-chocolates for Miss Teachey, with added coffee beanies for Young Master" Riley explained, I nodded in thanks "Enjoys…" she smiled widely as she 'handed' me both mugs, which I accepted instinctively, before apparating away almost immediately.
'Luna's been a bad influence on her' I inwardly grumbled, as I steeled myself for what was to come "Uh... I hope you like hot chocolate?" I lamely started. I knew she did, Riley wouldn't have made it otherwise.
Her lack of reaction was telling enough...
"Uh, yeah. Right... here?" I sighed, and tentatively offered the steaming mug (that didn't smell of coffee) out to her 'Way to go Cassanova, real smooth' I applauded my conversational skills, or apparent lack thereof.
'Dammit man! Get a grip! You're better than this!' I chided myself, half expecting her to banish the cup against the tower's walls, at this point.
The pause that followed was by far the longest one I've ever experienced in my life... and for a sinking moment, I wondered if she was actually just going to leave me hanging there, like the priced idiot I was. I inwardly grimaced, wondering if I'd simply deluded myself into thinking that she'd finally cut me some slack.
I let out a mirthless chuckle, 'Looks like I've-' only to stiffen when her eyes suddenly gazed into my own. I inadvertently gulped... I'd never truly understood the magnitude of the term, 'Caught like a deer in headlights' until this point. I was literally rendered immobile under her scrutinizing gaze, and had I been a normal kid, I'd have probably started shivering... or had an accident in my robes.
Oh, her eyes were a beautiful shade of hazel-brown by the way - not that I could tell in the current lighting - but just in case you were wondering.
Anyhow... what exactly she was looking for you ask? Well, I can say with utmost confidence (to this day, in fact) that I didn't have the faintest of ideas. I was however pretty sure that whatever decision she made or following action she took, would ultimately dictate the nature of our 'interactions' (relationship did not seem like the word for it) moving forward.
Luna had also helpfully reiterated in the morning today, that there were no longer any Wrackspurts gathering around her... so, yeah.
In any case, I did the only thing I could... I kept silent, and simply maintained her gaze while trying not to flinch. I knew for a fact that she wasn't actually using Legillemency or anything of the sort, but I still couldn't shake the getting-dissected-alive-but-mentally feeling away.
Occlumency - my rudimentary grasp of it in any case - wouldn't do any good here either, and I for one wanted her to see that I was genuinely trying to make amends. Sure, having to limit myself to the confines (and emotional range) of being an eleven year old was a major pain, and her more than indifferent stance would have disheartened any normie... but I wasn't just a normal firsty was I?
So I let all of my guilt show: at the imposition I'd put her in, and for the impending storm she'd have to weather through as a consequence. Sure, many would argue that it wasn't my fault (at least not entirely) and try to ease their conscience into wiggling out of any form of accountability, or responsibility. Mind you, I'm including all genders (and those of non-conforming genders) here, and not just us guys like most assume.
In any case, I wanted to make it clear that I wasn't going to avoid her... nor did I consider this entire shit-housary of a situation, as some form of cul-de-sac. I'd learnt via first-hand experience that playing the clueless fool (dense card, if you will) or the hide-and-seek game, would not solve anything, contrary to popular belief.
The situation wouldn't 'magically' (heh, get it, get it?) resolve itself, simply if one employed the out-of-sight and out-of-mind mentality. All that it would accomplish is allowing for your negative emotions to roil and fester, which would only magnify the fallout thereafter.
No, being indecisive here would not achieve anything. Especially given that I'd already fucked up, by unknowingly slighting her with my callous words that night, at the end of my first detention. Sure, I was unaware (at the time) of her implications with the letter - it would be more prudent to call it a contract of sorts - particularly the fact that she'd been the one to write it, and had already signed it.
I, as I'd mentioned earlier, had been trying to make amends for it since the moments I'd realized the fact... but Sinistra had not been exactly cooperative (not that I blame her) having kept all further conversations curt and to the point. The beautiful Astronomy Professor had basically taken a page out of McGonagall's book, giving off the whole strict and no-nonsense teacher persona. However, the fact that I'd not been offered any more Pepper-ups - aside from the first day - clued me in that she was in fact, quite displeased with me... to say the very least.
I fervently hoped that it wasn't the case now - with the necklace serving as proof - which thus, lead to my more than direct actions earlier.
Where exactly did the necklace come from? And what did it signify? Well... best I start by going into a few more specifics, from the conversation between Gnarlfang and me.
"It will be done in the next few months, for the most part, we will notify you if otherwise..." the Goblin finished, his tone turning dismissive "If that is all Wizard, then our business is conclu-" only for me to cut him short by walking up towards the table in front of him, leaning up - I had to stretch almost until my tippy-toes in order to do so, mind you - and placing a rolled-up piece of parchment in front of him.
Yes, it was the letter that Sinistra had let me find in her drawer... only now it had my signature, in addition to hers, at the bottom as well.
There was a poignant pause, as I returned to my less-than-comfortable-though-I-couldn't-outwardly-show-it seat. The crafty guy had already begun reading through it no doubt, for in the time I'd taken to settle back down, his beady eyes were trained on me once more.
"I am told that Madame Sinistra has previously been in correspondence, but Gringotts was not aware of-" he started, to which I simply raised an eyebrow in query, and yes... I was a little smug about it.
Clearly, he was more than a little miffed at having lost the chance of extorting a little more money out of me. I inwardly shuddered at the greediness these nasty little buggers housed, though I have to say that it worked to my advantage... this time.
Credit where credit is due though, Grarlfnag was back to being all business soon enough. He began outlining the procedures that had to be cleared, highlighting the various bureaucratic loopholes Gringotts was prepared to exploit - the 'for a price', went without saying - in order to do so.
Having said that, I still had to cough up a sizeable amount of dough by the end of it... and to say I was less than pleased, would have been an understatement.
Truth be told though, for all that I wanted accomplished, I hadn't come out of it all that worse for wear either. I expected it to be a good deal more - between the favour I owed to the Creeveys, a few other things I'll get into later, and now with everything in association to the letter - than twenty-five percent (according to the smug Goblin) of my current assets. Though in hindsight, it also spoke volumes of how well-to-do the previous Heir, who'd been the one that had set up the ritual and everything, had been.
Oh, and I'd already broached up the topic of Trust vaults - and hence the thought of there being multiple vaults, I would eventually have access to - by the way. A misconception that Gnarlfang cleared up real fast "Gringotts charges a marginal fee for a vault's retention of course, but its inheritance is otherwise bequeathed - in its entirety - to the Owner's immediate descendants... or divided at his or her behest, among relatives and close friends" he was almost snarling at this point.
"Just because you Humans fight amongst - and betray - those of your own blood, gives no cause for us to house multiple smaller vaults, with fewer treasures" he gave me a look that simultaneously conveyed his scorn while making evident his utter disgust at the thought "Why would we entertain such an absurd, time-consuming scheme?" he finished by asking, rhetorically of course.
Okay, point noted... fuck all my fanfic knowledge, only make use of facts that were proper canon, from this point onwards.
Regardless, I was confident that I could make up what I'd spent (and more) soon enough. I started by having the bank invest a portion of my remaining assets into the Nimbus Racing Broom Company. I knew for a fact, that they would rake in quite the payday with their up and coming, two-thousand-and-one model.
There was also the fact that Lucius Malfoy would make a bulk order for the Slytherin team, to bribe them into enlisting dear Draco as their Seeker. But I wasn't about to stop with just that, oh no. I wanted me a piece of that Firebolt action, so I made plans for it accordingly.
I also learned that I was capable of investing in the mundane world as well, but shelved that piece of info for another time. Showing too much, too soon would only arouse their suspicions and that was something I couldn't afford at the moment.
"Our business has come to a conclusion, for today" I said, rising to my feet "I thank you for your hospitality, and apologize that it was on such short notice... rest assured that I-we will strive to keep you better informed, in the days to come" I finished and began making my way towards the doors.
I felt like I was reading lines from a Shakespeare book or something, not to mention my lacklustre delivery 'Talk about unnatural' I inwardly grimaced... but that was just it, I was a kid - or at least I looked like one - so I wasn't expected to be perfect. I just had to show them that I was trying, and I'd say I more than accomplished that.
The doors opened seemingly of their own accord, with our good friend Grumpy the Teller, waiting for me on the other side. I wordlessly passed by the guards (who I hadn't noticed when I'd entered the room) stationed on either side, only for the words "Fare thee well Wizard... until our next council" to echo in my ears, as the doors closed shut behind me.
Okay, I hear you say. Nice info dump mate, but you've told us nothing in regards to the necklace and what it means. So what even was the point of this all!?
Yeesh, give a guy some breathing room...
Gnarlfang had assured me that he would task one of his trusted subordinates - on my request - to sift through and categorize all the books: tomes, journals and the like, that were Astronomy-related in 'my' vault.
A letter - with the list in question - was sent to me a week-and-a-half later. Gnarlfang had also 'helpfully' categorized them based on rarity and value, while also highlighting the more exclusive ones in the bunch. The crafty Goblin clearly knew or had an inkling, of what I planned on doing and seemed to be in favour of it.
Let's put a pause on that for now, and fast forwards to my final stop at the Alley that day.
The shop in question had its entrance in the ginnel, leading away from the main Alley, between Malkin's and - what looked to be - a shop that sold quills. I dodged by a peddler selling flowers (one of which may or may not have tried to take a bite out of me) and walked into the shop, with a newfound prejudice against floral designs of any kind.
Yes, I was being overly petty... fuck off.
In any case, I heard a chime go off somewhere... no doubt to notify the patron of my entry. I'd hardly cast my eye around the shop when a gruff, none-too-friendly-but-not-exactly-rude voice sounded behind the counter "If you're looking for simple trinkets or those barmy good luck charms for your exams or summat, best look elsewhere lad" at a glance, I could tell that the bloke - who'd basically done an Ollivander, having simply appeared out of thin air - was the no-nonsense type.
Relatively short - still taller than me though - and portly, with a practically bald head with tufts of white hair just above his ears. He kinda looked like the protagonists' gramps from the new Jumanji sequel, if I'm being honest... only without the anger management issues.
The guy was quite preceptive as well, having not dismissed me outright (many others would have) at first sight. I saw his eyes flit over my family ring - which I'd taken to fiddle with, in my absentmindedness - just then, his expression turning into one of intrigue before he schooled himself.
He then bluntly asked "I presume you came in for a reason?" scuttling forward and gesturing me closer towards the counter "All our wares are custom designed" he clarified, "I can start us off by making a rough sketch, based on any ideas you currently have - if you don't have any other references - and we work our up from there" he finished, just as a roll of parchment, and a piece of charcoal, materialized next to him.
"I take it, that you have an array of enchantments you can add to it as well?" I asked, to which he simply let out a disgruntled grunt.
"Why else, lad, would someone have directed you to my shop front?" was his gruff response. I got two things from that: one, he most definitely assumed that there was more to me - probably thought I was polyjuiced or something - and two, his shop was more famous (and notorious) than I'd first assumed.
Either way, it was to my advantage. He wouldn't try all that much to rip me off, and I could get what I wanted without too much of a hitch.
It took me a good half-hour to straighten out the design and have him add in all the extra stuff I wanted done. The remainder of the hour - that I ended up spending there - saw a constant back-and-forth between me and the gramps. Haggling the initial price tag he'd posed, down to a reasonable (that we both agreed on) margin. It proved quite the ordeal, but we managed nonetheless.
He'd cautioned that the job would take him a minimum of two weeks to complete, but the end results spoke for themselves. Just a passing glance at the two seemingly identical (though I knew better) pieces of jewellery, had me certain that I'd gotten my money's worth... so to speak.
He'd sent me a letter (stating that he had completed them) the day before - as luck would have it - I was scheduled to serve the last of my detentions with Sinistra. I quickly scribbled back a reply informing him that Riley would collect them in my stead, later that day, and to have them ready for her.
My elvish friend had already brought in my 'book order' from Gnarlfang a few days prior... so if it all worked out, I'd have everything in hand - at the latest - by the eve.
The bundle of nerves I felt, however, did not unravel at the thought of (finally) getting all the 'pieces of the puzzle' together, so to speak. Funnily enough, having a Goblin for a wingman didn't bring me any comfort either. I briefly wondered what angle he was playing at, but unrepentantly buried that thought for the moment.
The rest of the day - and night, not to mention the following day as well - went by in a flash. I still have no clue how I got through all of my classes, especially Sinistra's which (understandably) was the last class of the day. A few short minutes later, the tower bereft of all other students.
'Showtime...' the detention went on without any fanfare and - like the last few times - I was duly instructed to collect my permission slip from her drawer, at the end of it. Capitalizing on the moment with a deft sleight-of-hand, I pocketed the piece of parchment while placing a wrapped parcel (containing the book, and the jewellery box housing the necklace) along with a letter, in its place.
I'd say I did a pretty good job but, like with most things when related to the fairer sex, I couldn't say for sure. I left the Astronomy tower feeling a mixture of relief, anxiousness, and apprehension.
Oh, and I was also proper drained as well, though a few other factors that were in play there... none of them being relevant, currently. I got back to the dorm room in record time (courtesy of Riley) and all but flopped onto my mattress, once I changed 'It's basically a waiting game now...' I mused and was soon lost to Morpheus's sweet reign.
Nothing of note happened the following day, it was only the day after (and by that I mean today) that Luna had made the offhand comment regarding the Wrackspurts, during breakfast.
Of course, it wasn't all that much to go on, but it was something I guess. I'd sneaked a glance at her at the time of course, but the High table was - despite us first years being the closest to it - quite a ways away from where I was sat.
It was only when she moved to tuck her hair behind her ear, that I noticed the tell-tale glint of gold around her neck. I knew that it was a new development because I'd never once - in the time I'd been in the castle at least - noticed her wearing any sort of neck accessory before.
A light cough at my side, alerted me to the fact that I'd in fact been staring a little too intently, so I quickly took to my plate and pretended to focus on my food.
"I think the Humdingers must have gotten you again..." the blonde next to me commented idly, though her voice contained definite traces of mirth as she continued "Your face is quite red, like the time in the forest when we-" in an attempt to run damage control, after casting my eyes around and making sure that the kids around me were fairly oblivious, I planted a swift kiss on her cheek to mollify - and potentially catch her off guard, for a change - the situation.
I'd acted on pure reflex, of course, and it was only when I saw an uncharacteristic smirk on Luna's face (it'd barely lasted a second) as her eyes flitted past me, that it dawned on me: I'd been played.
'... shite' a chance glance at Sinistra showed that she was currently in talks with the sodding excuse of a D.A.D.A. professor we currently had, which sent my blood boiling. The golden pounce was giving her the whole sunny-smile routine, and I for one wanted to punch his teeth out for it.
Hypocrisy at its finest? Yes, and I'm not going to waste any time justifying myself - or for that matter, even apologizing - for it.
The mischievous little fay next to me, on the other hand - seemingly ignorant of her actions and their subsequent implications - had simply hummed and was now calmly buttering up her toast.
I sighed in resignation, 'Girl, you're going to be the dea-'
"Correct me if I am mistaken, Mr. Creevey" Sinistra's words cut short my musings... yanking my wandering mind back to the tower "But I clearly recall mentioning that I would - under no circumstance - stand for students gallivanting about in my Tower, especially after hours..." she finished, raising an eyebrow in apparent query.
Her abrupt interjection startled me, so much so that I barely managed to keep the mugs' contents from spilling over, but I found myself grinning despite the fact.
The tone in her voice had changed, it no longer contained the 'strict teacher persona' that I'd (reluctantly) become familiar with. So her earlier words - which might have otherwise sounded cold and dismissive - were quite... leading, or could be perceived as such, when taken out of context.
Realizing that I wouldn't get a better chance, I took in a deep breath "You only mentioned that students weren't allowed" I started, taking a tentative step toward her "But I'm not here merely as your student now, right?" I held the cup out to her once more, and couldn't help but let out a cheeky smile "Or am I in trouble?" I asked, knowing full well that I wasn't... okay, that might be a stretch, let's say my confidence was at a neat eighty percent.
Sure enough, she simply scoffed and I inwardly sighed in relief. It was then that she finally regarded the proffered piece of crockery in my, slightly shakey - which, was admittedly because they'd grown quite numb at this point - hands.
Her entire demeanour softened, significantly. With a mere wave she levitated both cups out of my hands and set them on the sill next to her, a subtle gesture of her fingers... and the beverages were steaming hot once more.
My eyes, on the other hand, narrowed at the casual - albeit fairly simple - display of wandless magic, 'Once is happenstance, twice might have been coincidental... but the third time was most definitely intentional' I mused as I regarded the Witch in front of me.
I'd long since run down my lore knowledge on her of course, only to come up with a slightly disturbing conclusion: I knew next to nothing about her. Her origins were practically shrouded in mystery. Heck, I was fairly certain at this point, that she wasn't even a Hogwarts alumni.
The beautiful lady in question, having settled down by now - holding one of the cups over her lap with both hands - gave me a pointed (with trace amounts of guilt) look, before shifting slightly to the side and turning her gaze back to the mountainside. The other cup (presumably my own) lay innocently next to her on the sill, and I marvelled at the sudden - almost jarring - situation reversal.
She'd yet to actually take a sip of her cocoa though, and I for one was (not that I would say no, even if I wasn't) in desperate need of some caffeine. I let out a sign, and in one fell swoop: walked towards the sill, grabbed my cup, and sat down - mindful to keep some free space between us - next to her.
With choreographed precision, we each sampled our drinks. I couldn't help but sigh in comfort, and judging by her expression (I peeked at her from the corner of my eye) I'd say that Sinistra found hers satisfactory as well. A comfortable silence descended upon us - unlike the last few that had ranged from awkward and cold, to positively stifling - broken only by my loud (sue me!) slurps.
I caught her eye just then and couldn't help but blurt out my thoughts, to the question that had been bugging me all this while "You're... not an alumnus, at least, not the conventional kind" I ventured, her actions stilled but I continued regardless "Of all the other known schools, only one has a history of wandless magic being taught in their curriculum... presumably because wands, as a foci, were primarily a European invention" one look at her expression (a curious mixture of apprehension, guilt and growing intrigue) and I knew that I was in the right track "... you went to Uagadou, didn't you?" I finished.
The look she was currently giving me was equal parts flattering, and frightening, in its intensity.
I, on the other hand, relished in the fact that I'd broken through her mask... and simply gave her a smug smile, in response.
And with that, we're at the end of this longer-than-normal chapter.
As always, reviews and/or suggestions are welcome and appreciated, as is constructive criticism, though any and all flames will be ignored.
Until next time...
BerserkSpectre out!
