*Chapter Three: The Chamber of Secrets*
Year: 1992, August
The new school year was fast approaching. Rayne sat in the living room of the Burrow in the dim light of a lamp, she couldn't sleep. She had another nightmare of that man. She listened to the quiet whispers and movement from upstairs, narrowing her eyes. She saw Fred, George and Ron sneak downstairs, oblivious to her presence. They were looking around cautiously, sneaking out no doubt.
"…And where do you think you're going?" She asked in a quiet voice.
The three froze, looking over at her with panicked eyes. She watched, waiting for one to finally speak up.
"…We're…we're going to save Harry…" Ron finally said, sheepishly.
"Save him?" Rayne asked, looking to the twins.
George nodded. "Ron says he hasn't been able to get one letter to him, and not one letter back"
"The muggles are probably keeping him hostage" Fred added.
Rayne crossed her arms. "And how, by chance, are you going to save him?"
Ron shifted. "We figured we'd take…the car…"
"The car? None of you even know how to drive it"
The three looked down, defeated. Rayne stood and walked to the doorway into the kitchen and paused, looking back to them. "…Well? Coming?"
They looked back up to her.
"You three may not be able to drive…but I can" She grinned at them, the three grinning back at her.
Rayne made sure to write a note before they left. It wouldn't completely defuse Molly, but it would at least diminish the worry. The four piled into the car, flying off into the night.
Rayne turned the wheel, driving to the place Ron pointed at. She saw the bars on the window, biting her lip. These people Ron had told her about, they really were the worst of muggles. She pulled the car up alongside the window, Harry peering out from behind the bars.
"Ron, Fred, George….Professor?" Harry said the last name with question. Rayne only shrugged.
"Can't let these three have all the fun" She muttered then pulled out her wand, pointing it to the bars.
Harry nodded as her wand. "If the Dursleys wake up, I'm dead" Harry murmured.
"Don't worry, stand back" Rayne told him then turned her attention back to the bars. "Evanesco" The bars instantly vanished, Harry leaning out the window.
Rayne pulled the gear shift and backed up to the window.
"Get in" Ron opened the door.
"But all my things, they're locked in the cupboard under the stairs" Harry looked back to the door. "And the door's locked…"
"No problem; Fred, George" Rayne said then reached into her hair, pulling out the bobby pin and handed it off to George. "Handle this"
"On it" The two said in unison then climbed from the car and through the window. They made their way to the door, crouching before it and shimmied it in the lock. Harry watched them, looking back at Rayne and back to the twins.
"A lot of wizards think it's a waste of time, knowing this sort of Muggle trick" Fred gave Harry a grin. "But we feel they're skills worth learning, even if they are a bit slow"
The lock clicked, the door swinging open.
"We'll get your trunk, grab anything from here and hand it out to Ron" George whispered as the two crept down the stairs.
Rayne and Ron watched as Harry quietly dashed about the room, passing things out to Ron.
"I'll go help them with the trunk" Harry whispered as the two nodded.
Harry made his way down the stairs, helping the twins to lug the large trunk upstairs. Fred climbed back into the car, he and Ron pulled the trunk as Harry and George pushed. The trunk thudded into the car.
"Let's go, Harry" George whispered before climbing into the back. Harry pulled himself onto the windowsill as Hedwig let out a screech, having been forgotten.
"That Ruddy Owl!" Came a booming voice from down the hallway.
"Harry, hurry!" Rayne said anxiously.
Harry quickly raced back into his room, grabbing the cage and handed it off to George. He quickly climbed back onto the windowsill as the door was thrown open and a large man rushed forward to grab Harry's ankle.
"Oh no you don't, you're not going anywhere!" The man bellowed.
Harry struggled to kick the man off as Ron, Fred and George grabbed onto him.
"Rayne, drive!" Ron yelled. Rayne threw the gear, the car driving off. The man was pulled out the window, landing in a bush. Harry quickly shut the door, looking back at the Petunia and Dudley leaned out the window.
"See you next summer!" Harry yelled after them as they drove off.
They all roared out with laughter, the five of them grinning ear to ear.
Rayne peered at the rearview mirror to them, noticing the lock on Hedwig's cage.
"Boys, let Hedwig out. I bet she'd love to stretch her wings"
Fred nodded, working on unlocking the cage with the bobby pin as George climbed into the passenger seat. Hedwig flew from the cage, guiding alongside them.
"So what happened Harry?" Ron asked.
Rayne listened as Harry told them about Dobby and the warning he had given him.
"I reckon this Dobby was sent to stop you coming back to Hogwarts…probably someone's idea of a joke" Fred glanced to him. "Think of anyone at school with a grudge against you?"
"Yes" Harry and Ron answered instantly.
"Draco Malfoy. He hates me" Harry scoffed.
Rayne looked back to him. "Makes sense, I suppose…"
"What?" Harry asked.
"Well, if I remember right, Dobby is the Malfoy family's house elf"
"So that's it then, Malfoy's joke to get me to stay away from Hogwarts"
They were pretty much quiet the rest of the car ride home, each trying to piece things together. Finally, George broke the silence.
"Ah, there's the main road. Should be there in ten minutes"
It was morning by the time they got back to the Burrow. Rayne touched down, shutting the car off. She sighed, getting out of the car as the others piled out. Fred walked to the kitchen door, peering around then opened it. He gestured them in.
"Come on, come on. Before Mum notices" He whispered as they walked into the kitchen
Rayne smiled. "Probably a bit too late for that, darling"
Harry looked around the house in amazement, taking in all the magical items. The dishes washing themselves, the knitting needles knitting, the card deck shuffling.
"Not much…but its home" Ron commented, Harry gave him a look.
"I think it's brilliant"
Rayne smiled as she watched them, pausing as she heard the hurried footsteps upstairs. Molly bounded down the stairs, looking at the group.
"WHERE…HAVE…YOU…BEEN?!" Molly roared each word, the five of them watching her with wide eyes. Her voice softened as she looked to Harry. "Harry, how wonderful to see you dear"
Her death gaze shifted back to the other four. "What were you thinking? Taking that flying car?!" Molly looked back to Harry, her voice sweet again. "I don't blame you, of course"
Ron was the first to speak up. "They were starving him, Mum! They put bars on his windows!" Ron pointed back to Rayne. "Rayne knows how to drive, we were perfectly safe!"
Molly turned her glare to Rayne before giving an exasperated sigh. "You're supposed to be a professor…"
Rayne grinned, hugging Molly. "Sorry to worry you, but Harry needed a bit of rescuing"
Molly glared to them once more. "Well come on, breakfast is nearly ready"
She shooed them into the kitchen, calling up the stairs to Percy and Ginny. Percy joined them in the kitchen, sitting alongside Fred. Ginny raced into the kitchen, asking about her jumper until her eyes fell on Harry. She froze, slowly stepping back before sprinting off the way she came. The twin's snickered, but was silenced by Rayne's glare.
"Ginny. She's been talking about you all summer. Annoying really" Ron mumbled, taking a bite of his pancake.
Arthur walked up to the door, opening it. "Morning Weasley's"
The whole table broke out into 'mornings' as he made his way inside, setting a portfolio on the counter.
"What a night! Nine raids. Nine!" He exclaimed, giving Molly a kiss.
Harry looked to Ron. "Raids?"
"Dad works at the Ministry of Magic, in the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office" Ron turned to him. "Dad loves muggles, finds them fascinating"
Arthur hung up his cloak, sitting at the head of the table and settled in. He looked to Harry, pausing for a moment.
"And, who are you?" Arthur asked.
Harry looked up to him. "Harry, Sir. Harry Potter"
"Good Lord, are you really? Ron's told us so much about you" Arthur smiled as Molly set a plate inform of him. "When did you get here?"
Molly turned back around. "This morning…Your sons and Rayne flew that enchanted car of your to Surrey and back"
Arthur turned his gaze to them, leaning forward and grinned. "Did you? How'd it go?!"
Molly slapped his arm, Arthur jumping. He cleared his throat, trying to but on a serious voice. "I mean that was very wrong, very wrong indeed"
They all grinned, Rayne shaking her head. Arthur went on to ask Harry about muggle related things, Rayne looked over, noticing Errol flying towards the house.
"Ah, there's Errol with the post" Rayne muttered, watching the owl fly to the window. The owl slammed against the closed side of the window, sliding down onto the sill. They family was silent, Molly sighed.
"Percy, grab the post" She said.
Percy stood, picking up Errol and laying him on the counter before taking the letter, opening it.
"Ah, it's our Hogwarts letters. They sent us Harry's as well"
"Dumbledore must know you're here Harry" Arthur commented. "Doesn't miss a trick, that man"
George looked over the letter. "This lot won't come cheap Mum, the spell books alone-"
"We'll manage" Molly smiled, looking around the table. "Only one place we're going to get all this…Diagon Alley"
The family gathered around the large fireplace, Molly taking the vase from the ring.
"Alright, Harry, you first" Molly gestured them, Harry stood there looking dumbstruck.
"Harry's never traveled by Floo powder before mum" Ron mentioned
Molly nodded, gesturing Rayne. "Alright, Rayne. You take Ginny, show him how it's done"
Rayne nodded, ushering Ginny into the fireplace then stood next to her, Ginny holding onto her robe. Rayne took a bit of the dust.
"Diagon Alley" Rayne said, dropping the powder as the two were engulfed in flames.
Moments later, Rayne and Ginny stepped out of the fireplace at the Leaky Cauldron. They waited until another bright burst of green, Fred and George stepping out this time. Fred looked around.
"Harry's not here?" He asked.
Rayne shook her head. "Did he get lost?"
George nodded. "Must have-"
"He said diagonally" Fred interjected as Percy stepped through the fireplace.
"Hope he didn't go off too far…" Rayne looked over as Molly and Arthur stepped through.
Rayne looked to Molly. "You all go ahead to Gringotts, I'll look around for Harry"
Molly nodded, ushering the family into Diagon Alley.
Rayne headed to Knockturn Alley, hoping Harry didn't end up in there of all places. Knockturn Alley was filled with witches and wizards who catered to the dark arts. It was no place for a child, let alone Harry.
Rayne peered down the alley, cautiously walking down. She saw Harry, cornered against the wall by some decrepit witch.
"Hey, away from him!" Rayne yelled, scaring the witch off.
Rayne took hold of Harry's arm, escorting him back to Diagon Alley. She looked back at the dark alley, sneering.
"W-What was that?" Harry asked breathlessly.
"Knockturn Alley. Don't want to be caught there. People will think you're up to no good…are you alright?" Rayne asked, dusting the soot from his clothes.
Harry nodded quickly.
"Come on then, let's join up with the others" Rayne gestured him, leading him down the alley.
Rayne noticed Hermione standing on the steps of the bank. She smiled, waving to them as she raced up to them.
"Rayne, Harry. It's wonderful to see you again!" She said happily. "Everyone was so worried. They're all inside waiting"
Hermione led them into the bank, Rayne looked forward as Arthur examined some muggle money Hermione's parents held. Rayne walked up to Molly, smiling.
"Found him"
Molly turned, beaming at Harry. "Oh Harry, I was so worried" She started knocking off more of the soot from his robes. Hermione pulled her parents from Arthur, walking to the counter to exchange their money. Rayne and Molly ushered the others onto a cart, the cart driving underground to the vaults. The cart stopped at the Weasley vault first, Molly and Rayne stepping out. Molly opened the door, looking at the small pile of Sickles and the one Galleon. Molly swept the lot into a bag, giving Rayne a sad smile. Rayne patted her arm, whispering.
"Don't worry, Mum"
They stopped at Harry's vault next, than finally Rayne's. Her vault had less than Harry's, but was still substantial. She took two pouches out, one for herself and secretly passed the other to Molly. Molly hated using Rayne's money, normally preferring not to. But they both knew that Lockhart's books were not cheap and that they would need to extra Galleons. When they all gathered back together, they decided to all split.
"We'll meet at Flourish and Blotts in an hour for the schoolbooks" Molly said as the group all went separate ways.
An hour later, the group walked into Flourish and Blotts and was met with a crowd of people. A blond haired man stood before the crowd, grinning as the camera flashed. Rayne hung back, away from the mass. She never much fancied the man. She watched as Lockhart pulled Harry up, taking a picture with him. No doubt this was a ploy to gain more popularity for himself, that Lockhart really was a vain person. She saw Molly take the stack of books he was given, shooing the kids off to finish their shopping. They started for Rayne, but were intercepted by Draco as he came down from the second floor.
"Bet you loved that, didn't you, Potter?" Draco sneered. "Famous Harry Potter. Can't even go into a bookshop without making the front page"
Rayne started to step forward, but Ginny glared to the boy.
"Leave him alone, he didn't want all that" Ginny scolded.
Draco gave a half laugh. "Look, Potter. You've got yourself a girlfriend!"
Harry and Ginny looked absolutely embarrassed at the comment. Rayne sneered.
"Draco" She called, he looked back to her. His eyes instantly fell in shame.
The sudden throat clear had them all look up, Lucius made his way downstairs. He eyed Rayne, giving her a snarky smile.
"Rayne…how you've grown…pity you never come to visit your family…" He doled out, Rayne gaze casting down.
Lucius turned to Harry, giving him a once over. "Mr. Potter…I don't believe we've met" Lucius extended his hand to sweep some of Harry's hair from his forehead to reveal his scar. "Forgive me, but your scar is legend…as, of course, is the wizard who gave it to you…"
Rayne looked to Harry now, his brows knitted together in frustration.
"He was a murderer" Harry countered.
Yes, a pity about your parents. Curious that you yourself should escape with a mere flesh wound…" Rayne glared at her uncle. "Curious, too, that you speak of him in the past. Surely, you don't think He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is gone forever"
"His name is Voldemort" Harry shot back.
"You must be very brave, Mr. Potter, to dare speak his name…" Lucius said coldly. "…Or foolish…"
Hermione stepped forward. "Fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself"
Lucius turned his attention to the girl. "…You must be Miss Granger…Draco's told me all about you…you and your muggle parents…"
He sneered at the girl, making her shrink back. Lucius turned his gaze to the other Weasley boys.
"Let's see…red hair…vacant expressions…second hand books…" Lucius listed off. "You must be the Weasley's"
Rayne growled low in her throat, about to step forward as Arthur came up to them.
"Come on children, it's madness in here, let's go outside" He said smiling at the lot.
"Arthur…" Lucius sneered his name.
Arthur looked to him, standing straight. "Lucius" He said stiffly.
"Busy time at the Ministry. All those raids. I hope they're paying you overtime" Lucius reached forward, picking up a book from Ginny's cauldron. "Obviously not…"
Lucius slid his eyes back to Arthur. "What's the use of being a disgrace to the name of wizard if they don't even pay you well for it?"
"We have a very different idea about what disgraces the name of wizard, Lucius" Arthur countered.
Lucius stared at him for a long moment, setting the book back in Ginny's cauldron. "Clearly…" His gaze went to Rayne, who was fuming mad. "The company you keep, my dear niece, suits you well…blood traitors…"
Arthur instantly lunged at Lucius, knocking him into the bookshelf behind them. Books came tumbling down around them.
"Get him, Dad!" The twins cheered.
Molly raced up to the scene. "Arthur, no! Stop it!"
"Break it up, break it up!" The bookstore assistant yelled but stopped short when he saw Hagrid make his way into the store.
Hagrid effortlessly pulled the two men apart, Arthur with a cut lip and Lucius with a black eye.
Lucius shoved off Hagrid's grasp, straightening his robes.
"Come, Draco…we're leaving…"
Lucius turned, walking from the store. Draco gave a hollowed glance to Rayne before hurrying off after his father, his head tucked down.
"You should have ignored him, Arthur. Rotten to the core, the whole family" He faltered as Rayne peered to him. "Except you, Missy, of course I don't see you as one of them. To me you're a Weasley"
Rayne laughed at this. "I know you didn't mean anything by it, Hagrid"
Hagrid cleared his throat. "Come on then, let's get out of here"
Hagrid ushered the group from the cramped store.
Year: 1992, September
Rayne arrived at Hogwarts well before any of the students. She made her way into her classroom, waving her wand as the shutters opened to let in the daylight. Moving to the back of the classroom, she entered her office. She saw Abner had already arrived, sitting on his perch. She petted the owl's head and made her was to her desk, gathering her books and papers. She sat down to start writing out a lesson. Hours ticked by as she worked in silence.
When the clock tolled, she looked up then put her papers away. It had already turned dark. She stood, making her way to the great hall. The students would soon be arriving. As she walked down the corridor, she stopped as a blur went by the window. For a moment she could have sworn it was the…flying car? No, she shook her head. That was impossible.
Rayne continued making her way down the corridor, walking down the stairs. McGonagall turned a corner, Dumbledore behind her. She waved her hand.
"Ah, Lestrange, good. Come with us" She said as she walked down another corridor.
Rayne watched them, quickly following after them. She hurried to McGonagall's side. "What's going on Professor?"
McGonagall looked to her. "Seems the youngest Weasley boy and Potter have been caught by Mr. Filch"
Rayne groaned inwardly. One day, one day without trouble is all she wanted.
They walked to the office, Rayne catching the tail end of Snape chewing into the two boys.
"Silence! I assure you, that were you in Slytherin, and your fate rested with me, the both of you would be on the train home – tonight. As it is-"
Dumbledore cut him off. "…They are not"
The two boys looked up at the three Professors, shell-shocked. Snape looked back to them, stiffening. "Headmaster, these boys have flouted the Decree for the Restriction of Underage Wizardry. As such-"
"I am well aware of our bylaws, Severus, having written quite a few of them myself"
Rayne had to bite her lip to keep from grinning, Dumbledore continued.
"However, as head of Gryffindor house, it is for Professor McGonagall to determine the appropriate action"
Rayne peered to McGonagall, her expression unreadable.
"…We'll go and get our stuff" Ron said quietly, McGonagall looking at him.
"What are you talking about, Mr. Weasley?" She asked.
Ron met her gaze. "You're going to expel us, aren't you?"
"Not today, Mr. Weasley. But, I must ingress on both of you the seriousness of what you have done. I will be writing to your families tonight, and you will both receive detention" The two beamed up at her, Snape giving her a disgusted look. "Now…Lestrange…escort these two to their common rooms…"
Rayne nodded, herding the two from the room. She snatched their ears, dragging them down the corridor as the two winced and groaned.
"Ow, ow, Rae!" Ron whined.
"Of all the stupid things!" Rayne scolded them. "I cannot believe you two, you could have been in so much more trouble than just a letter home and detention!"
"But, the platform was blocked somehow!" Harry grimaced.
Rayne stopped, releasing them as they rubbed their sore ears. "Blocked?" The two nodded.
"Just…get to your common rooms, please. You both have had enough excitement today…"
The two boys nodded at her, quickly hurrying off. Rayne sighed, rubbing her forehead.
"I'm going to be getting a howler from Mum…" She mumbled.
Rayne sat at the head table, drinking a cup of tea. Her ears were ringing from the Howler she had received earlier from Molly. Rayne sat back in her chair, sighing and rubbed her eyes. Owls streamed into the great hall, delivering the letters and parcels. Rayne watched them fly about, instantly noticing the old Errol. She watched as the owl swooped down, misjudging the distance from the table and landed in a milk jug. Milk splashed over the table in front of Ron, Hermione and Harry. She watched as Ron pulled the bird up by its feet and laid it on the table, probably knocked out. Poor old thing… That's when she noticed the red envelope in Errol's beak. Ron got himself a howler too.
"RONALD WEASLEY! HOW DARE YOU STEAL THAT CAR! I AM ABSOLUTLEY DISGUSTED! YOUR FATHER'S NOW FACING AN INQUIRY AT WORK, AND IT'S ENTIRELY YOUR FAULT! IF YOU PUT ANOTHER TOE OUT OF LINE, WE'LL BRING YOU STRAIGHT HOME!" The letter howled, then turned to Ginny. Its voice was soft and sweet. "Oh, and Ginny, dear, congratulations on making Gryffindor. Your father and I are so proud!"
The howler ripped itself up, the pieces falling onto the table. Ron sat there shaking in fear, his eyes wide. Rayne continued to sip her tea.
Rayne walked into Hagrid's hut for their afternoon tea. She had grown quiet close to the half-giant, he reminded her so much of Charlie with his love of mystical creatures. Plus, Hagrid always loved hearing about how Norbert was doing. Rayne got down the cups, setting them on the table.
"Charlie recently found out your little Norbert is actually a Norberta" Rayne looked to him as he picked up the kettle.
"Really now?" Hagrid asked, Rayne nodded.
"Says she's getting along with the other Norwegian Ridgebacks. Growing like a weed he said"
Hagrid smiled fondly, gesturing Rayne to sit as he poured two cups of hot water, dropping a tea bag in each. "Good, good. I worry about him…her"
Rayne smiled, nodding. "I know, but Charlie is the best caretaker there is, and he's got Yona too. She's very talented with caring for the babies"
Hagrid pushed a cup to her, she wrapped her hands around it, smiling. "Thanks"
The door was pushed open, the two looked over as Harry and Hermione ushered Ron in.
"Kids? What's going on?" Rayne asked, Ron looked like he was going to be sick.
Ron hacked, spitting up a slug as it splattered against the ground. Rayne grimaced, scooching back.
"Oh dear, Have him sit down" Hagrid instructed, going to a closet.
Harry and Hermione help him sit on the couch, Hagrid grabbed a bucket, handing it to Ron. "Nothin to do but wait'll it stops, I'm afraid"
Ron belched, hacking up another slug as it plopped into the bucket. Rayne grimaced again, rubbing his back gingerly.
"Who was Ron trying to curse?" Rayne asked, looking to Harry.
"Malfoy. He called Hermione…well, um, I don't" Harry stuttered, looking to Hermione. "I don't know exactly what it means"
Rayne looked to the girl, she casted her eyes down and stood. Crossing her arms. "He called me a mudblood"
Hagrid sucked in a sharp breath, Rayne stood to set a hand on Hermione's shoulder. How dare Draco call her such a thing…
"What…What's a mudblood?" Harry asked, looking around.
"It means 'dirty blood'. It's a foul name for someone who is muggle born. Someone with non-magic parents. Someone like me…" Hermione looked as if she was about to cry.
"The thing is Harry, there're some wizards, like the Malfoy family, who think they're better'n everyone else because they're what you call 'pure blood'" Hagrid scoffed, sneering at the term.
"t-that's horrible" Harry stammered out.
"Yes, it is…Don't you listen to that Hermione…" Rayne crouched, getting to Hermione's eye level. "Don't you think for one second that you're any less than anyone else?"
Hermione watched her, nodded before throwing her arms around Rayne's neck. Rayne hugged the girl back, rubbing her back.
Year: 1992, Halloween
Rayne made her way down the corridor to her classroom. She stopped short, looking to Ginny sitting on one of the window sills. She walked up to the young girl, smiling.
"Ginny? How have you been?" Rayne asked.
The girl looked up at her, her eyes dulled and face paler than usual. "I'm fine Rae…"
Rayne sat down next to her, taking her hand. "Your hand is ice cold Ginny, and you look peaky…" Rayne felt her forehead. "Have you got a cold? There's been a spat of students getting sick lately"
"I'm fine, really"
The poor girl looked like she was about to drop unconscious. Rayne helped her stand.
"Well, come to my office and I'll give you a Pepperup potion"
Ginny started to protest.
"Please, Ginny. Humor me?" Rayne asked. The girl finally gave in, letting Rayne lead her down the corridor.
Rayne sat on the edge of her desk, watching Ginny as she drank the potion. Steam raised from her ears, making a light whistling sound.
"How is your first year? First year always seemed like the hardest to me, what with the adjustments"
Ginny looked up to her, giving her a tired smile. "I like it well enough. Wish I had more time to spend with my brothers though, or you"
Rayne smiled, nodding. "I know. Get some rest sweetheart. Let me know if you need anything, ok?"
Ginny nodded, standing. At least the color was back in her cheeks. Ginny wrapped her arms around Rayne, hugging her. Rayne returned her embrace, smoothing her hair. Ginny pulled back, waving then walked from the office. Rayne sat there for another moment, sighing as she crossed her arms.
Later at night, just before curfew, Rayne stood in her classroom setting up the projector for tomorrow's lesson. She heard murmuring from the halls. Slowly she walked to the doorway, peering down at the crowd of students at one end of the hall. She stepped out, hurrying down the other way to get McGonagall.
Soon McGonagall, Dumbledore, Lockhart and Snape followed Rayne down the halls. Rayne heard Filch yelling. "I'll kill ya!"
Dumbledore was quick to speak, the students clearing a path for them. "Argus! Argus, I…" He trailed off. Rayne starred at the wall, a message written in blood. The Chamber of Secrets has been opened…enemies of the heir…beware.
Rayne casted a look at the other teachers, all frozen in place. Finally Dumbledore spoke. "Everyone will proceed to their dormitories immediately…" The students started to disperse. "All except, you three…"
Rayne looked to Harry, Ron and Hermione. They shot each other glances, staying in place. Dumbledore walked up to the cat hanging, looking her over.
"She is not dead, Argus. But petrified…" Dumbledore looked to Filch.
"Ah, thought so" Lockhart chimed in. "So unlucky I wasn't there…I know exactly the counter curse that could have spared her…"
Rayne rolled her eyes at his comment. Dumbledore gave him a droll look before turning back to Filch. "But how she has been petrified, I cannot say…"
Filch sneered, glaring to Harry. "Ask him. It's him who's done it. You saw what he wrote on the wall!"
Harry took a step back, frantically shaking his head. "It's not true, I swear. I never touched Mrs. Norris!"
"Rubbish!" Filch snarled.
Snape took a step forward, looking to the Headmaster. "If I might? Perhaps Potter and his friends were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time…However, the circumstances are suspicious…I do not recall seeing Potter at dinner…"
Lockhart gave a laugh. "I'm afraid that's my doing, Severus. You see, Harry was helping me answer my fan mail"
Poor boy, Rayne thought.
"That's why Ron and I went looking for him, Professor. We'd just found him when he said…" Hermione trailed off, looking to the boys.
"Yes, Miss Granger?" Snape snapped.
"When I said I wasn't hungry. We were heading back to the common room when we found Mrs. Norris" Harry finished.
A blatant lie, but the teachers seemed to halfway buy it.
"Innocent until proven guilty, Severus" Dumbledore looked to him.
"My cat has been petrified. I wanna see some punishment!" Filch yelled, Dumbledore quickly hushed him.
"We will be able to cure her, Argus. As I understand it, Madame Sprout has a very healthy growth of Mandrakes. When matured, a potion will be made which will revive Mrs. Norris. And in the meantime, I strongly recommend caution…" Dumbledore's eyes slid along the three children. "To all…"
The three hurried to the common rooms, the teachers starring at the wall. Lockhart excused himself, going back to his office. Snape sauntered off, following behind Dumbledore and leaving Rayne and McGonagall alone. Rayne peered to her.
"The Chamber of Secrets?" She asked lowly.
McGonagall nodded, looking to her. Her eyes were filled with fear. Never before had she seen McGonagall so freaked out.
"What is it?" Rayne asked.
"Well…You know about the founding of Hogwarts" McGonagall looked back to the wall, Rayne gave a nod.
"Well, three of the founders coexisted peacefully. One did not. Salazar Slytherin wanted to be more selective with admissions"
"Meaning only pure bloods?" Rayne asked, McGonagall gave a nod.
"Yes. According to legend, he built a hidden chamber in the castle. He sealed it and until that time when his heir returned to the school…the heir would open the chamber and unleash the monster within…" McGonagall breathed in. "This purging the school of all those who, in Slytherin's view, were unworthy to study magic…"
"Has anyone ever found the chamber?"
"No, the school has been searched over and over. No Chamber was found"
Rayne gulped, looking back to the wall.
Year: 1992, November
A game of Quidditch was just what Rayne needed to get her mind off the horrid thoughts of the Chamber. She sat beside McGonagall again, watching the players take the field. She looked over as her cousin flew out, the new seeker for Slytherin. She wondered how much her Uncle persuaded that position…
As if knowing she was thinking of him, a silver snake head tapped her on the shoulder. Lucius smiled down at her. "Ah, Rayne….so good to see you…"
Rayne glared at her uncle, turning back to the field as he took a seat farther down from her.
They took their spots, the game beginning. Rayne watched as the teams zipped around the field. A bludgers whizzed past harry, harry barely ducking in time. She saw Oliver scorn him, just as the bludgers was coming back. Rayne stood, the bludgers was headed straight for him. It cracked against his broom, breaking the stick and sending him dropping. Rayne covered her mouth then looked up as the bludgers went after Harry, keeping up with his fast movements.
"Rouge bludgers?" Rayne asked silently. The bludgers basted through the wood towers, keeping up with Harry. Both Harry and Draco caught sight of the snitch, driving forward after it. They dived down into the support beams after it, the bludgers following close behind them. Draco was suddenly thrown from the supports, slamming against the grass and tumbling to a stop. The crowds gasped, standing. Rayne grimaced, looking over to Lucius as he glanced off. Rayne sneered, standing and making her way from the tower.
When she made her way down, she noticed Harry was laying in the sand. Everyone was flocking to his side, grimacing she made her way over to Draco. She crouched, looking him over.
"Anything feel broken?" She asked. He curtly shook his head. Rayne helped him sit up. "Come on, let's get you to the hospital wing"
She helped him stand, leaning him against her side. Hagrid carried Harry towards the hospital wing, Rayne looked to Hermione. "Is he alright?"
"Professor Lockhart tried to fix his broken arm, but ended up making his bones disappear" Hermione raced off after Hagrid, leaving Rayne to roll her eyes at that man.
Rayne helped Draco lay down on the hospital bed as he grimaced, coughing. The nurse rushed past them and over to the bed Harry was laid in, Gryffindor students gathered around him. Rayne looked down to Draco as he struggled to breath, sucking in sharply. She pulled the potion from the cabinet, checking the name and handed it to him.
"Drink, it's a calming draught" Rayne watched him take a few sips. "You need some rest is all. You'll likely be sore for the next few days" Rayne smiled at him gently, rubbing his forehead. "Sleep, ok?"
Draco nodded, slowly calming down. Rayne stood, walking over to the group of Gryffindor students. Fred and George gave her a side glance.
"What were you doing with that-" George started.
"Filthy, no good-"Fred continued.
"Malfoy" They two almost growled his name.
Rayne smiled, patting their arms. "I'm still his cousin, you two". Rayne looked to Harry. "How is he?"
"He'll have to regrow the bones…it'll be unpleasant…painful" Madam Pomfrey mumbled, taking the empty cup from Harry. "He'll need rest"
Rayne smiled, nodding. "You heard her, everyone off now. Let the boys rest" She herded them out of the hospital wing.
Rayne was awoken late at night by McGonagall. Not even having a chance to change, she hurried after the older woman.
"Something is happening" Was all she said.
Rayne came up short, watching the two men carrying a boy on a stretcher to the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey quickly joined them, followed by Dumbledore. They moved him to a bed, his body stiff as stone and a camera held in front of his face.
"What happened?" Rayne was able to breathe out.
"There's been another attack…" Dumbledore starred down at the poor boy.
McGonagall laid a gentle hand on the boy's arm. "Do you. I think…he's been petrified…"
Rayne walked to the other side of the bed. "P-perhaps he managed to take a picture of his attacker?"
Dumbledore gestured her, she reached down and gently took the camera from the boy's hands. She turned it over, opening the back as a small puff of smoke lifted from it. The teachers gasped.
"What can this mean, Albus?" McGonagall asked.
"It means…that our students are in great danger…" Dumbledore looked to her.
"W-What should we tell the staff?" Rayne asked.
"The truth…tell them Hogwarts is no longer safe…" Dumbledore looked to McGonagall. "It is as we feared, Minerva…"
Rayne watched them with horror on her face, not even wanting to say it. "The Chamber of Secrets…it's been opened again…hasn't it?"
The two looked at her, Dumbledore nodding sadly. "Yes…it has indeed been open again…"
Rayne barely slept the night before, her thoughts still clouded with the Chamber. She walked into the great hall, figuring to catch the Dueling Club to keep her mind off things. There was a padded stage set up, students standing all around talking. Lockhart stepped up, walking down the platform as the students gathered around. She hung back, leaning against one of the statues.
"Gather 'round, gather 'round! Can everybody see me? Can you all hear me? Excellent! In light of the dark events of recent weeks, Professor Dumbledore has granted me permission to start this little Dueling Club to train you all up in case you ever need to defend yourselves, as I myself have done on countless occasions- for full details, see my published works." He shot the students a smile.
Rayne scoffed under her breathe. The man really couldn't go a second without talking about himself.
"Let me introduce my assistant, Professor Snape. He has sportingly agreed to help me with a short demonstration. Now, I don't want any of you youngsters to worry- you'll still have your Potions master when I'm through with him, never fear."
Rayne glanced to Snape as he walked up onto the platform. He did not seemed pleased at all to be there. They set up for a duel, bowing and walking a few paces away. Lockhart counted down.
"Ex—pelliarmus!" Snape yelled, swishing his wand as the light emitted from it, knocking Lockhart back.
He landed on his back with a loud thwack. Rayne snorted, hiding her laugh. Lockhart stood, clearing his throat.
"An excellent idea to show them that, Professor Snape, but if you don't mind me saying, it was pretty obvious" Lockhart explained, walking back to Snape.
Rayne had to fight the urge to roll her eyes again.
Rayne's thoughts wondered off, worrying about the students. Her students…
Her mind snapped back just as Harry and Draco stepped up to duel. Rayne watched them, nervous. Lockhart counted down, not even getting to three before Draco started.
"Everte statum!" Draco yelled, knocking Harry back.
Rayne grimaced, watching as Harry stood. Harry glared at Draco, holding his wand out. "Rictusempra!"
Draco was thrown back, landing beside Snape. Snape snatched him up, pushing him back to the duel. This was fast getting out of control.
"Serpensortia!" Draco yelled as a snake burst from the end of his wand.
The snake slithered forward, Snape stepped past Draco. "Don't move, Potter. I'll get rid of it for you"
"Allow me, Professor Snape" Lockhart stepped up, pointing his wand. "Alarte ascendare!"
The snake was thrown up in the air, landing back on the platform. Could this man do nothing right?
Rayne started to step forward, but stopped when Harry spoke. He was speaking to the snake, in parselmouth. Everyone watched him with wide eyes, the whole great hall silent. Rayne quickly moved forward.
"Vipera evenesca" Rayne waved her wand as the snake burst into flames, burning to ash.
Everyone was silent, Harry looking around with a confused face.
"What are you playing at?" One student asked, Harry looking to him.
"That's enough. Dismissed" Rayne said, the students slowly dispersing.
Year: 1992, December
The Christmas break was fast approaching, and students couldn't sign up fast enough to go home for the holidays and away from the fear of the Chamber and Slytherin's heir. Rayne was surprised to learn that Draco had decided to stay at Hogwarts. When he had come to her office one day, she had asked him why he decided to stay. He had shifted awkwardly with his eyes cast down.
"I told Father that Crabbe and Goyle were staying and wanted to stay too…I figured I would spend at least one Christmas with my cousin…" He had muttered under his breath.
Rayne smiled softly at him. He was a good kid when he didn't have his posse around. She wished that others were able to see this, too. That it was all a façade to please his parents and his friends.
"I'd like that, how about we have Christmas lunch together here?" Rayne asked, knowing he wouldn't want his friends to see him hanging out with a teacher.
Draco gave her a smile, nodding.
She watched as the students filed out of the castle on their way to the train station then veered into the great hall as Hagrid placed the last tree. McGonagall and Flitwick were waving their wands, floating the ornaments to place them around the tree. The ceiling of the great hall was snowing gently, but the roaring fireplaces made the hall warm and comforting. She spotted Harry, Hermione and Ron sitting at the table talking and walked over to them.
"Hermione, glad to have you with us for Christmas" Rayne smiled, the young witch beaming up at her.
She looked over as Fred and George walked into the great hall, making a B line for the group. They stopped on either side of Rayne, the two leaning against a shoulder.
"Rayne, let's all have a sleepover in the common room" Fred flashed her a smile.
"We can have midnight hot chocolate and cookies like we used to when we were kids" George added with his own smile.
Rayne crossed her arms, taking a moment to look at the two boys then over to Ron, Harry and Hermione.
"Well? What do you three think?"
"Sounds wonderful!" Hermione exclaimed, smiling.
"It would be nice to redo our past tradition" Ron mumbled, trying to hide his smile.
Harry gave a joyful nod. Rayne looked around, spotting Percy as he walked in.
"Percy, over here" She called as he came over to them.
"Yes, Professor Lestrange?" He asked.
Rayne sighed. "Percy, it's not school term. You can call me Rae. We're going to have a sleepover, join us"
"Awe, no way, he'd ruin it with all his prefect talk!" Fred whined.
"I wouldn't want to partake in such childish behavior anyway" Percy almost sneered at his brother.
He stalked off, Rayne sighing gently.
"Dunno why you try and include him, he's nothing but a stick in the mud" Fred murmured.
"He's your brother, he should at least get the chance to join" Rayne murmured back.
The group had met up in the Gryffindor common room Christmas Eve night after dinner. Percy had gone up to his dorm, still refusing to partake. They set about arranging the chair cushions on the floor, propping around the pillows and smoothing the blankets from their beds around the roaring fire. Rayne, with a wave of her wand, made mugs of hot chocolate and plates of Christmas cookies appear. Rayne made sure to bring up a mug and a plate of cookies to Percy, who took them.
"Since you brought it all the way up here, I suppose I'll take it" Percy had mumbled. "Since you went through the trouble"
Rayne had laughed to herself, knowing Percy was quiet happy to have some but too stubborn to admit it.
The group sat around the fire on their cots, sipping their hot chocolate and munching their cookies. Hermione told them about a normal muggle Christmas, while Rayne and the Weasley's shared their own family Christmas stories.
"I remember one Christmas, Rayne gave me and George some wet-start, no flame fireworks. Mum was not happy when we would set them off in the sink!" Fred snickered.
"It would absolutely drench her when she went to get the dishes!" George added.
The group laughed, Rayne smiling at them.
"Yes, well, that was the year I was banned from gifting them anymore joke products" Rayne smiled. "So I just ended up giving it to them in secret"
Ron shook his head, looking to Hermione and Ron. "Sometimes I think those two are so mischievous because Rayne always egged them on"
"Mum's never had a liking for our pranks" Fred smiled.
"Says they distract from school" George added.
"She always hoped that we'd grow out of it before starting here"
"Boy was she ever wrong"
The group laughed again. They talked and joked well into the night, everyone eventually falling fast asleep. Rayne had been the first to wake up, always being an early riser since becoming a teacher. She shuffled about the common room, quietly clearing the mugs and plates. Hermione was the next to wake, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She went up to her dorm to dress, coming back with an armful of presents as Rayne was setting her own haul of gifts under the tree by the fire. Hermione set her gifts down next to Rayne's before they set about waking the boys.
It took them nearly 30 minutes to wake them, and soon they were all gathered around the tree exchanging their gifts. Molly's gifts had been delivered as they slept, lumpy parcels that they all knew were sweaters or scarves but loved nonetheless. After they opened their gifts, they made their way to the great hall for breakfast. Only a handful of students from each house remained, so the hall looked unusually small. Rayne noticed the other house tables peering over at them curiously, no doubt wondering why a teacher was sitting at the student table. She even thought she had caught Draco's gaze, his expression that of jealousy and envy.
After breakfast she excused herself, going off toward her office to start making new lessons. Fred and George had walked off towards the courtyard, probably to have a snowball fight. She sat at her desk and worked on her lesson plans for hours, happily scribbling away on her parchment. She heard the bell toll noon, and soon after a soft knock on the door sounded.
"Come on it" She said in a happy voice, stretching her arms.
Draco pushed the door open, walking inside the office as she smiled.
"Ah, hello Draco. Happy Christmas"
Draco gave her one of his few genuine smiles. "Happy Christmas Rae"
He walked over, sitting in one of the chairs in front of her desk as she stood to wave her wand at her tea set. The teapot hovered, pouring out two piping hot cups of tea. She waved her wand again as an assortment of tea cakes and sandwiches formed.
"How are your classes?" Rayne asked as she set the cup of tea in front of Draco.
"Fine, I suppose…Father isn't too thrilled that I don't make top marks"
"Top marks? You are always a fraction behind Granger, how can he not be proud of that?"
"Because Granger is a-"Draco started, but stopped when he caught her eye. He lowered his head. "Well…you know why"
"Sadly yes, I do" Rayne watched her cousin. "Draco…you know, blood purity isn't everything"
Draco looked up at her, glancing off again. "Father says-"
"He's wrong" She cut in, drawing his eyes back to her. "No one is better or lesser than anyone else due to blood. What matters are actions, being a good person"
Draco watched her, not sure how to process this information. "I don't want you going down a dark path, Draco. You can do so much good if you put your mind to it"
Draco was silent, eating a sandwich as he continued to think. "…Thanks, Rayne…" He finally said.
Rayne nodded, hoping she could get through to him. She pulled a drawer of her desk open. "That reminds me, I have something for you" She pulled out the small parcel and handed it over to him.
Draco looked back up to her, taking the package and opened it, starring at the silver and green knitted gloves. Rayne watched the smile spread across his face as he put them on.
"Thank you Rayne" He breathed. "I got something for you too"
Rayne watched as he shuffled through the pockets of his robe, pulling out the small box and handed it off to her.
Rayne grasped it, peering to him then opened it, starring down at the locket. She smiled, pulling it out then opened it, looking at the two pictures on either side. Both showing a younger Rayne with a toddler Draco. She smiled, looking to him.
"I love it" She quickly put it on, the locket clinking gently on the snake tooth.
Draco was blushing, his white skin pinkish. "I figured we both could have one"
It took a moment for Rayne to realize what he meant, until he pulled the small golden locked from his robes. Rayne smiled, seeing he had kept it all this time. The two sat there together for hours, talking and laughing over tea. This was the Draco Rayne knew, this was her little cousin she so loved.
Lockhart had boasted to Rayne and McGonagall about how he was sure the chamber was locked for good this time. That the culprit must have known that 'It was only a matter of time before I caught him' and that it was 'Rather sensible to stop now, before came down hard on him'. The two women had exchanged glances of bored looks. Before departing, Lockhart had noted how the school needed a morale-booster to wash away the memories of last term and that he had just the thing in mind. Rayne shuttered at the thought, there was no telling what that man would think of.
During breakfast on February 14th, Rayne walked into the Great Hall to find just what Lockhart had meant by a morale-booster. Large pink flowers covered every wall, with heart-shaped confetti falling from a pale blue ceiling. She made her way to the teacher's table and was greeted by Lockhart himself, decked out in hot pink robes.
"Ah, Miss Lestrange. Welcome! Isn't it glorious?" He asked, giving her a toothy grin. "Valentine's Day. Such a wonderful day. I noticed your card for me must have been lost in the post"
"I never sent you-" Rayne started before she was cut off.
"Course I understand, no need to be embarrassed. A single woman such as yourself-" He started.
Rayne silenced him with a raised palm. How badly she wanted to punch him in the nose. She breezed past him, hearing him laugh.
"Ah yes, another time, you must be hungry" He called after her.
Rayne sat down next to McGonagall, looking to the older woman she saw that her jaw was clinched and a muscle ticked in her cheek. Snape looked even more unhappy than usual, glaring daggers at Lockhart. Rayne would have found the expressions of the students as they walked into the hall humorous if it wasn't for the fact that she probably shared their looks. Lockhart raised a hand, the hall going silent as he spoke.
"Happy Valentine's Day!" Lockhart shouted. "And may I thank the forty-six people who have so far sent me cards! Yes, I have taken the liberty of arranging this little surprise for you all and it doesn't end here!"
Rayne groaned. There was more?
Lockhart clapped his hands, through the doors marched a dozen dwarfs. They all wore golden wings and carried harps. Rayne was horrified.
"My friendly, card-carrying cupids!" Lockhart beamed. "They will be roving around the school delivering your valentines! But, the fun won't stop! I'm sure my colleagues will want to enter into the spirit of the occasion! How about asking Professor Snape to show you how to whip up a love potion! And Professor Flitwick knows more about entrancing enactments than any other wizard, you sly old dog!"
Professor Flitwick tried his hardest to disappear under the table. Snape looked as though the first person to ask something of him would be killed on the spot. Rayne closed her eyes, rubbing her temples. She felt a headache coming.
Year: 1993, May
Rayne sat in the chair next to the hospital bed. She starred down at Hermione. The girl was frozen in place, her arm extended out like she had been about to pluck a book from a shelf. Rayne's eyes were puffy and irritated, wiping them only made them burn more. The poor girl didn't deserve this…
She looked up as McGonagall quickly escorted Harry and Ron into the wing, the two came up short as they looked down at Hermione.
"Hermione!" Ron's wide eyes turned to Rayne.
"I found her near the library…" Rayne looked to the bedside cabinet, picking up the mirror. "She was holding this…"
McGonagall looked to them. "Does it mean anything to either of you?"
The two shook their heads. McGonagall nodded, escorting them from the wing. Rayne sat in silence, starring at the mirror. There had to be a reason she was holding this…
Rayne sat in her office, the silence almost deafening. The intercom beeped, McGonagall's voice echoing the halls.
All students are to return to their house dormitories at once. All teachers to the second floor corridor, immediately.
Rayne leaped from her chair, racing down the corridor. This could not be a good sign…
Rayne met up with the other teachers, McGonagall showed them the message on the wall.
"As you can see, the Heir of Slytherin has left another message. Our worst fear has been realized. A student has been taken by the monster into the Chamber itself." McGonagall looked over to them. "The students must be sent home. I'm afraid this is the end of Hogwarts."
The teachers starred back at her, Lockhart sauntered up to them.
"So sorry – dozed off – what have I missed?" He asked, a bright smile on his face.
Snape watched him, holding his gaze. "A girl has been snatched by the monster, Lockhart. Your moment has come, at last"
Lockhart cocked his head, not fully understanding. "My m-moment?"
"Weren't you saying just last night that you've known all along where the entrance to the Chamber is?" Snape asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Well, that's settled. We'll leave you to deal with the monster, Gilderoy" McGonagall looked to him. "Your skills, after all, are legend"
Lockhart had a nervous twitch in his face, giving them a small laugh and nodded his head. "Very well. I'll uh, I'll just be in my office getting…getting ready" He stammered then turned, quickly walking back down the corridor.
Our savior, Rayne thought. She turned her attention to McGonagall.
"Who did the monster take?" She was almost too scared to ask.
"…Ginny Weasley…" McGonagall looked at her with pained filled eyes.
Ginny…not Ginny…
Rayne felt sick, she couldn't think straight. She only thought about Ginny, who she'd known since she was in diapers. In that chamber…possibly dead. She sat with McGonagall in the older woman's office. McGonagall had fretted over her, worrying over her health. The older woman set a cup of tea in front of her, urging her to drink. Molly and Arthur had arrived moments after, Molly stricken with grief and worry. She kept an iron hold on Rayne's hand and blotted her eyes with her tissue. Rayne tried her best to comfort her and easy her worry, but she too was just as upset as Molly. Dumbledore arrived after them, having been called back from the Ministry. They sat around the desk in worried silence, waiting. Dumbledore assured them all that everyone would be back safe and sound soon enough. Rayne wanted so much to believe him, but even she had her doubts.
Half an hour past before the door of the office opened again, a gold and red bird flew in to perch on Dumbledore's shoulder. They all turned, starring at the four children covered in grime. Molly chocked on her tears, standing.
"Ginny!" She screamed and flung herself on her daughter, Arthur followed close behind. Rayne stood too, not believing her own eyes. She embraced the young girl once Molly and Arthur released her.
"Oh Ginny…" She cried, clutching her. "I'm so glad you're alright…"
She stepped back, giving the girl some space. She looked pale, her eyes puffy and red. Molly had turned her attention to Harry and Ron, embracing the boys.
"You saved her! How did you do it?" She asked.
Finally McGonagall spoke. "I think we'd all like to know…"
Rayne watched as Harry walked to the desk, setting a sword, the sorting hat, and a black diary with a large hole through it. He began recounting what had happened, how they found out what the beast was and how to get to the chamber, and about Tom Riddle and Ginny. Rayne's skin became clammy at the name. Tom Riddle was Voldemort's real name…and her middle name was Riddle. She knew this was no coincidence, seeing as where her parents were affiliated.
"But, Ginny" Mrs. Weasley's voice pulled her out of her own thoughts. "What's our Ginny got to do with…with him?"
Ginny began sobbing, clutching onto Rayne's robes. "It was the diary! I-I wrote in it and he was writing back all year!"
"Ginny!" Arthur gasped. "Have I taught you nothing? Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain! I was clearly full of dark magic"
Rayne had to stop Arthur, holding up her palm. The poor girl sobbed into her robes, gut wrenching sounds she couldn't stand to hear. She finally chocked out through her sobs. "I didn't know! I found it inside one of the books Mum got me…I thought…I thought someone had just left it in there…"
Rayne rubbed the girl's back, trying to comfort her. Dumbledore walked around the desk to them.
"Miss Weasley should go to the hospital wing. What a terrible ordeal she's been through…there will be no punishment dear girl, don't worry. You need bedrest and perhaps a large mug of hot chocolate. I always find that cheers me up"
This got a small smile form Ginny. Dumbledore looked to Rayne. "Escort them to the hospital wing, will you Miss Lestrange? See that Ginny gets some rest and hot chocolate. Madame Pomfrey is bound to be busy giving out the Mandrake juice"
Rayne nodded, smiling. She was happy to hear that all the students would have no lasting effect, maybe just some stiff joints from being frozen. Rayne peered down to Ginny, crouching as she pulled the girl into her arms and picked her up like a child. Ginny didn't protest, just laid her head on Rayne's shoulder. The girl must be exhausted from all this. She walked from the office, followed by Molly and Arthur. Happy to have Ginny back safe.
Rayne sat at the head table, watching the students talking among themselves. McGonagall tapped the knife against the glass, silence filled the hall. Dumbledore stood, smiling at the students.
"Before we begin the feast, let us have a round of applause for Professor Sprout and Madame Pomfrey, whose Mandrake juice has been so successfully administered to all who had been petrified" A round of applause broke out. "Also, in light of the recent events, as a school treat, all exams have been canceled"
The students erupted into a larger cheer.
"And" Dumbledore continued as silence fell again. "I must inform you that Professor Lockhart will not be returning for another year. He has gone off to…find himself and regain his memory"
Many of the students cheered, Rayne smiled as she glanced to McGonagall clapping happily. Even Snape, with his stoic face, seemed to clap happily. Rayne couldn't blame them, finally they were free of that man. The great hall doors were suddenly thrown open, Hagrid's towering form stepped in as he made his way down the center of the great hall.
"Sorry I'm late! The owl that delivered my release papers got all lost and confused…Some ruddy bird called Errol" Hagrid shot a glance at Ron.
Rayne watched as the half-giant exchanged words with the trio. Harry got up, hugging the big man about the waist. The students started clapping, welcoming Hagrid back to the school. Rayne smiled fondly at him, watching him wipe a tear from his eye. She sat back in the chair, sighing. Maybe next year would be normal…but she highly doubted that.
Year: 1993, June
Rayne walked to the station with Harry, Ron, Hermione, Fred, George and Ginny. For once, she decided to take the train home to the Burrow. Rayne went ahead, finding an empty compartment for the group. The others came filing in a short time later, setting their things on the top shelf and under the chairs. She laughed as the twins set off the rest of their filibuster fireworks and played a game of exploding snaps. She watched as the group practiced disarming each other, then surprising the children when she disarmed everyone with one spell. Once they made it to King's Crossing, everyone starting gathering up their things.
"Oh, that reminds me" Harry piped up. "Ginny, what did you find Percy doing that he didn't want you telling anyone about?"
Everyone's attention turned to the young girl. Even Rayne was curious to know.
"Oh, well" Ginny started. "Percy's got himself a girlfriend"
Fred dropped the pile of books he had in his arms right on George's head. "What?"
"Yea, Penelope Clearwater. She's a Ravenclaw Prefect. He's been writing to her all summer. I walked in on them snogging in an empty classroom" Laughs burst from the group. Ginny turned her attention to her older twin brothers. "You won't tease him, will you?"
The twins sniggered.
"Definitely not" Fred said.
"Wouldn't dream of it" George added.
Rayne shook her head at them, poor Percy was in for an insufferable summer. She ushered Ginny and the twins from the train.
"Come on, Mum is very excited to see everyone again"