Ancient Secrets
Chapter 4
As Silvina, Aurora and Jinn entered the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, Professor Bell called Silvina to her office as the other students entered the room.
" How are you feeling today Silvina? " Professor Bell smiled soothingly as Silvina spoke.
" Much better. The healing ritual was wonderful and Wolfe made me a charm necklace. " Silvina smiled happily.
" Professor Wolfe is a very special person isn't she? Your lucky to have a friend like her. " Professor Bell smiled as Silvina nodded. " Now then, Before class starts i need to ask. Do you feel ready to face the Boggart again? "
" I don't know if i will ever be rid of my fears, But i can face them. I need to face them. " Silvina sighed softly. " Even if i don't want to. "
" Your a very brave girl Silvina. Come then. " Professor Bell stood and walked out of her office and into the classroom where the tall cupboard stood waiting in front of the other students.
" We will again be practising the Riddikulus Charm. Please practise the proper movements and pronunciation while you wait for your turn. " Professor Bell spoke calmly as the students formed a line. Aurora was first followed by Jinn. Layla was fourth in line and Silvina was after her.
As Aurora stepped forward, the door of the cupboard opened and a Manticore once again stepped out and roared loudly. As it stepped toward her, Aurora sighed softly before shaking her head and speaking clearly. " Riddikulus! "
The Manticore shrank rapidly to the size of a house cat as it's skin turned a bright pink with bright green spots and as it opened its mouth, Bubbles flew out. After giggling softly, Aurora walked to the side of the room as Jinn stepped forward.
The tiny Manticore shuddered for a moment before bursting into flame and rearing up as a massive snake engulfed in fire. Jinn trembled for a moment before speaking. " Riddikulus! "
The snake hissed loudly before bursting into a large rainfall of confetti as Jinn sighed heavily and walked over to stand next to Aurora. After the third student had their turn and walked to the side of the room, Layla stepped forward. Before the Boggart did anything, Layla spoke confidentally. " This is completely pointless. I don't fear anything. "
Jinn scoffed loudly as the Boggart shuddered. " Except that. "
Layla turned to face the Boggart as it stopped shuddering and changed into a large Nundu. As it's eyes opened, Layla stepped backward rapidly. " S..Stay away from me! " Layla pointed her wand toward the Nundu as she trembled slightly. The Nundu growled deeply as it stepped forward. As Layla fell backwards, Silvina stepped in front of her.
The Boggart shuddered slightly before once again changing into a perfect copy of Silvina.
Silvina sighed softly before speaking. " Riddikulus! "
The Boggart stepped backward as it's shape changed. After a moment, Silvina burst into laughter at the sight before her. In front of her was a copy of herself wearing a clown outfit and juggling small brightly coloured balls. After walking to the side of the room, The other students laughed softly before the next student had their turn.
" I am so never forgetting that Silvina. " Jinn chuckled softly as Aurora spoke.
" Definitely remembering it for your birthday. This is a moment worthy of immortality for future speeches. " Aurora smiled as Silvina laughed happily.
" I don't think I will ever be able to forget that image. I look completely silly in a clown outfit. " Silvina giggled happily as Layla's voice took the three of them by surprise.
" Why did you do that. I was fine. I didn't need your help idiot. " Layla had a look of frustration on her face and stormed away as Silvina motioned to speak.
" That girl is a special kind of twisted. " Jinn spoke softly as Aurora nodded silently.
As class continued, Silvina, Aurora and Jinn spoke amongst themselves happily. As the bell chimed to signal the end of class, Layla pulled Silvina aside.
" Why did you help me? I didn't need it. " Layla spoke calmly before crossing her arms.
" Because I wanted to. You looked terrified by that... I don't know what it was. " Silvina spoke softly before Layla replied.
" It's called a Nundu. And I was scared but I didn't need help. " Layla turned away impatiently as Silvina spoke.
" Everyone needs help sometimes Layla. And needing help isn't a weakness. Nor is being Muggleborn. Why do you feel the way you do about them? " Silvina asked curiously as Layla huffed impatiently.
" Because my mother taught me her beliefs. It doesn't matter if it is a weakness or not, Mudbloods shouldn't be allowed to learn magic. " Layla motioned to walk away but Silvina seized her arm gently.
" You know Layla, Muggleborn's are not the enemy. They are just as worthy of magic as we are as Pureblood's. On top of that, They can be very nice people. Take Mika for example. Look what she did for Jinn. Not because she had to or because she needed to. She protected him because she wanted to. Because he is her friend. Is there anyone that would do that for you? " Silvina let go of Layla's arm as she walked past, Leaving Layla standing alone wondering why it mattered if she had friends or not.
As Silvina left the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, She pulled out her timetable to see what class was next. After seeing that Flying was her next class, Silvina walked toward the training courtyard. As she arrived, She saw Jinn and Aurora talking happily before noticing Layla standing away from the rest of the students with a frustrated look on her face. After a moment, Layla looked up and noticed Silvina before turning away with a look of annoyance on her face.
As Silvina sighed softly, Professor Vissity spoke clearly. " Alright students. Everyone find your broom or a spare broom and pair up. We are going to be working in pairs and completing trust exercises before flying in two person formations. "
After finding her broom, Silvina turned and looked around. After a moment, Aurora and Jinn walked over to her before Jinn spoke calmly. " Found a partner yet Silvina? "
" I have one in mind. Your gonna think I'm crazy though. " Silvina smiled as she spotted who she was looking for. After turning to see who Silvina was talking about, Jinn spun back to face Silvina with a bewildered look on his face.
" Your right. I think you have officially lost it. In what universe is that a good choice? " Jinn spoke in confusion as Aurora turned and saw who Silvina meant.
" I am with Jinn on this one. That is the worst idea in the long sad history of bad ideas. Of everyone you could partner with you pick the one person that is likely to try and knock you off your broom? Really Silvina? " Aurora spoke calmly but like Jinn, Had a look of bewilderment on her face.
" I know guys, It may not be the most logical choice. But... I don't know it just feels like the right choice. She may not actually be a bad person. Just misunderstood. Or even maybe just lonely. I don't know. But everyone deserves a chance right? " Silvina spoke calmly and smiled as she noticed Layla looking in her direction. " You two aren't going to hate me for this right? "
" Silvina we are two of your three best friends and although we think this is a terrible idea, We aren't going to disown you or stop being friends with you because of it. Just be careful. " Aurora smiled before walking away and starting the trust exercises with Jinn. After a moment, Silvina walked over to Layla and spoke softly.
" Layla? Have you found a partner yet? " Silvina spoke in a soothing tone of voice before Layla turned around.
" No. No one wants to partner with me. They are all scared that I will curse them or something. " Layla smiled and laughed softly before realising that she smiled." Not that I care! And what's it to you anyway? "
" Oh I was just wondering if you wanted to partner with me today. It's okay if you don't though. " Silvina smiled before turning and motioning to walk away as Layla spoke again.
" Wait! I.. " Layla coughed softly before speaking in a softer tone of voice. " I do need a partner today. I don't have problems with being on my own though! Don't get the wrong idea! "
Silvina smiled and giggled softly before nodding and walking to a spare area with Layla as Professor Vissity smiled and thought to herself. " Silvina partnered with Layla... Why didn't I think of that.. "
After several minutes of trust exercises, Professor Vissity spoke calmly. " Okay students, Let's start with formation flying. The first two to fly will be Aurora and Jinn. As there are only two of you, The formations to choose from are limited so today I would like to see pairs flying in a support formation. One will fly as leader and the other as support. Remember to coordinate your flight path. "
Silvina watched as Aurora and Jinn started talking to each other quietly before Layla spoke.
" Wouldn't you rather be partnered with your friends? " Layla looked at Silvina with confusion before she answered.
" It is nice to be with my friends but that doesn't mean I don't want to fly with anyone else. I am partnered with you today and I trust you Layla. " Silvina smiled as Layla turned away.
" But why? I attacked your friends. One of them got hurt and yet you trust me? Your weird. " Layla looked away and scoffed softly as Silvina spoke.
" Maybe I am weird. And just because you hurt my friends doesn't mean I should hate you or not trust you. Maybe it means that you are misunderstood or hurting others for a reason that no one else knows about. " Silvina smiled slightly before Layla turned around and spoke impatiently.
" What makes you think I don't enjoy hurting others? What makes you think I want anyone to know what I am going through or what my reasons are for hurting others? What makes you think I care if anyone knows? " Layla crossed her arms as Silvina responded.
" I don't know. But I don't think you do enjoy hurting people. I think you do have a reason for acting the way you do and despite that, I think that deep down maybe you do care. " Silvina spoke calmly before Layla scoffed and walked away.
After a moment, Professor Vissity walked over and put a hand on Silvina's shoulder. " Not easy is it kiddo? "
" No. But I won't give up. I know she has a reason for her behaviour. I know that she cares that she hurt someone. I just have to keep trying. " Silvina smiled happily as her mother tousled her hair gently.
" I hope you succeed. Layla seems like she needs an actual friend. Should I assume that you two might not be flying? " Professor Vissity looked down to Silvina as she looked toward Layla.
" Maybe. I don't know if I can get through to her yet but I will keep trying. We may not be flying though. I'll let you know mom. " Silvina smiled as Professor Vissity nodded and walked away as Silvina walked to where Layla had sat down on her own. As she approached, Layla spoke softly.
" I don't care. " Layla spoke calmly as Silvina sat down.
" Don't you? " Silvina looked at Layla calmly as she spoke again.
" No. I don't. " Layla looked to Silvina. " I... I don't care.. "
" I think you do Layla. Why do you feel this way? " Silvina tilted her head slightly as Layla turned away from Silvina.
" Leave me alone Silvina... " Layla motioned to stand up as Silvina seized her hand gently.
" But that isn't what you really want is it? " Silvina spoke soothingly as Layla sat back down.
" Yes it is. I don't want to let people in. I don't want people to know why I act the way I do. I don't care. " Layla spoke softly as her lip trembled slightly.
" Then why didn't you leave just now? I can't make you stay you know. " Silvina spoke calmly as Layla looked at Silvina.
" Why do you care so much? Why are you trying to get me to talk? Why do you want to know? " Layla spoke softly with sadness in her voice as Silvina smiled and responded.
" My mom has always told me that everyone needs someone. That everyone wants to be cared about and loved. That no one truly wants to be alone and even if they do, They only choose to be because they don't know what it feels like to be cared for. That's why I care. But also because I want to. I just have this feeling that deep down you are like me. You aren't a bad person and you don't enjoy hurting people. You are misunderstood. I am scared of myself because I feel like my magic is dangerous. My lightning is unpredictable and my wand responds to me. My thoughts and emotions. I feel dangerous all the time. Even when my wand isn't in my hand. " Silvina spoke calmly as Layla looked at her with surprise on her face. " But just because I feel dangerous doesn't mean I can't have friends or be around other people. It means that I have to be careful how I react to things. Like when you attacked Jinn and hurt Mika. Sure I could have duelled you. Sure I could have used my magic against you but what would that have achieved? "
" You could have beaten me. You could have shown everyone that I am not as good as you. " Layla spoke shakily before Silvina responded.
" I could have. But I chose not to because it would not have achieved anything. It would only have made you feel worse. " Silvina looked to Layla as she stood up.
" Why should you care? You don't even know me! " Layla mounted her broom and took off before Silvina could speak again. Silvina stood up quickly and mounted her broom before flying after Layla as the other students turned to watch and Professor Vissity mounted her broom and took off to keep an eye on Layla and Silvina.
" Layla stop! This is dangerous! " Silvina yelled out to Layla as they flew over the courtyard and circled around the various towers.
" I don't care! Leave me alone! " Layla has tears streaming down her face as she swerved to avoid the top of the Astronomy tower before diving toward the ground and pulling up before hitting the ground. Silvina followed and flew at Layla's left side as she spoke again.
" I won't! You don't want to be alone. I know you want to have friends. I know you don't want to hurt people. " Silvina spoke calmly as Layla drew her wand.
" You don't know me at all! Leave me alone! Expulso! " Layla swerved as her curse flew toward Silvina. Silvina dodged just in time and swerved to avoid hitting the wall of the main courtyard before circling back and following Layla toward the huge lake next to Hogwarts.
As she caught up, Layla fired another spell at her. This time, The spell hit Silvina's shoulder, Leaving a small burn mark as she groaned in pain. After stabilising so she didn't crash, Silvina stopped flying and hovered as she looked around to find Layla. After a moment, Silvina saw Layla sitting on the edge of the lake with her face covered by her hands.
As Silvina landed, Layla spoke softly. " Why won't you just leave me alone. "
" Because I don't want to leave you alone Layla. " Silvina spoke calmly as she sat down next to Layla.
" You don't even know me. Why do you care? " Layla looked at Silvina as she responded.
" Because I want to be friends Layla. I want to know why you feel like this. Why you feel the need to be mean and hurt people. Why you believe the things you do. " Silvina spoke softly as she placed a hand on Layla's shoulder.
" Ever since I was little my mother told me that Muggleborns are scum. That they are garbage that deserve to be slaves to Purebloods. Every time I argued or disagreed, She tortured me. Then she started torturing me just because she could. Until a year ago. Me and mom were in Diagon Alley and one of my Dad's coworkers saw us. She saw the cuts on my arms and bruises that I had on my neck and cheek. She went to my dad. He got a group of Auror's together and arrested my mom. By then it was a little late. My mom brainwashed me into hating Muggles and Muggleborns. I can't help it. I try to be nice but I just can't help it. I'm starting to get past it but.. I just feel the urge to hate them. " Layla spoke slowly as she trembled and looked to Silvina.
Silvina sat silently for a moment before putting her arms around Layla gently. Layla pulled away for a moment as Silvina hugged her. " Stop it. "
" Why? You needed to be hugged Layla. " Silvina smiled as Layla shoved her aside gently.
" It makes me uncomfortable. Stop it. " Layla turned away as Silvina giggled.
" Uncomfortable? What makes you uncomfortable? " Silvina hugged Layla again. Layla shoved her aside again and stood up slowly.
" Stop it Silvina. " Layla motioned to walk away as Silvina hugged her a third time.
" Stop what? I'm not doing anything. " Silvina giggled softly as Layla sighed and shoved her aside once more before turning to face her.
" Stop hugging me. It makes me feel uncomfortable. " Layla sighed impatiently as Silvina hugged her again.
" Why does it make you feel uncomfortable? Because you have never been hugged before? " Silvina didn't let go as Layla shoved her slightly more forcefully as she spoke.
" My mother hugged me after she tortured me. Every time. Saying it was for my own good. Don't hug me. " Layla spoke with force in her voice as she shoved Silvina roughly before picking up her broom and walking away slowly.
" Then what should I do to show you I care? To help make you feel better? " Silvina picked up her broom and followed Layla slowly.
" Don't do anything! I don't want to be cared for right now Silvina. Just leave me alone.. Please.. " Layla started crying as she ran away from Silvina and back toward the castle. As Silvina stood there and watched Layla leave, Professor Vissity landed next to her.
" So how did it go? " Professor Vissity spoke calmly with a smile before Silvina turned to face her and started crying softly.
" She is hurting so much. Her mother tortured her and brainwashed her into believing that Muggles and Muggleborns are garbage. Even hugs are painful to her. What do I do mom? How do I help Layla when she doesn't know what affection even feels like? " Silvina cried softly as Professor Vissity hugged her gently.
" You keep trying. You keep showing her that people do care. That hugs aren't painful. You keep trying to be friends with her. You help her by showing her that her pain can go away. " Professor Vissity smiled before mounting her broom. " Fly with me Silvina? We need to get back to the rest of the class. "
Silvina nodded and mounted her broom before taking off and flying next to her mother. As they flew past the Quidditch pitch, Silvina saw Layla looking up at her from one of the stands. Layla watched as Silvina and Professor Vissity flew past as she spoke softly, Thinking that she was alone. " I just don't get it. What is with her.. "
" Perhaps she is just trying to show you that there are people that care about you. Like I do Layla. " Avendus Morendi stood behind Layla and spoke softly as he sat down beside his daughter. " Headmistress McGonagall sent for me when she saw you and Silvina flying around the castle. Layla.. I am sorry about what your mother did and that it took so long for me to do something about it. I am sorry you had to endure what she put you through and I am sorry that I was not there for you. But I am here now. I care about you and love you with all my heart. You are my daughter and nothing is more important to me than you are. "
" But... You didn't save me. You didn't take the pain away. " Layla turned away from her father as he responded.
" How would I have done that? Until your mother was arrested there was nothing I could do. I had no evidence that she was the cause of your suffering. You refused to talk to me when I asked about it. " Avendus spoke soothingly as Layla cried softly.
" I.. I didn't think you would care. I didn't think you would understand. " Layla spoke shakily as Avendus put his arms around her and held her gently.
" I know you don't like hugs Layla, But I need you to know that you are safe. I need you to know that I will always protect you. That I will always love you and will always care about you. You don't need to be alone anymore. You don't need to hurt others to feel better. " Avendus held Layla for a few minutes before standing and leaving the stands as Layla sat on her own and cried softly.
An Hour Later
" You left her on her own in the stands at the Quidditch pitch? " Headmistress McGonagall spoke calmly after Avendus Morendi finished explaining the situation.
" Yes. It was the only course of action that would not have upset her further. Layla is not a bad person. She is hurting and feels alone. Leaving her to herself for a while to come to terms with the fact that she is cared for and loved is necessary. " Avendus spoke coolly before Headmistress McGonagall spoke.
" To think she was tortured as a child. Did you not think to mention this earlier? " Headmistress McGonagall spoke disappointingly before Avendus responded.
" Even if I had, Would it have helped? Would it have given you the answers to the problems that Layla faces? " Avendus looked toward Headmistress McGonagall before turning and leaving her office.
" Perhaps not. " Headmistress McGonagall spoke softly as the door to her office closed.
Meanwhile
Silvina, Mika, Jinn and Aurora were sitting in the Great Hall having lunch after Mika was allowed to leave the Hospital Wing. As they talked amongst themselves, Layla walked over to them and spoke to Silvina.
" Silvina can I... Can I speak with you alone please? " Layla spoke calmly before walking toward the entrance of the Great Hall slowly.
" Did.. Layla just say please? What is going on here? " Jinn spoke with shock in his voice as Silvina stood and walked out of Great Hall after Layla.
As she entered the main courtyard, Silvina saw Layla standing on the bridge, Looking out over the lake below. " What did you want to talk about Layla? "
" Actually nothing. I wanted to ask you for a hug. I hate hugs but my dad spoke with me while I was at the Quidditch Pitch. I would have asked in the Great Hall but.. " Layla stopped speaking as Silvina smiled and hugged her gently.
" But you didn't want anyone to see. You are still figuring out what is going on in your head aren't you? " Silvina spoke calmly but bluntly before Layla stepped back and spoke softly.
" I don't know if I will ever figure it out. I just.. I need to be alone. I need to be away from people while I try to figure it out. I don't know what to think or feel, So I just.. " Layla stopped speaking as Silvina hugged her again.
" Need to be alone. You need to decide for yourself what to believe without anyone telling you what is right or wrong. " Silvina spoke calmly before Layla looked at her with shock on her face. " Like I said Layla, You and I are not so different. "
Layla looked at Silvina with shock and surprise on her face as Silvina walked back toward the Great Hall. After a few minutes, Layla walked across the bridge and toward the lake slowly. As she sat at the edge of the lake, Layla spoke to herself softly. " I don't want to feel like this anymore. I don't want to believe what my mother said. I don't want to hate people or insult my dad... What do I do.. " Layla cried softly as she tried to figure out the mess that her mind had become.
The Next Day
As Silvina was eating breakfast in the Great Hall, Headmistress McGonagall approached her. " Silvina may I speak with you please? "
" Ofcourse Headmistress. Am I in trouble? " Silvina looked up at Headmistress McGonagall nervously.
" Not at all. I simply need to have a word with you concerning Layla Morendi. " Headmistress McGonagall left the Great Hall and walked toward her office as Silvina stood up. Before Silvina left the Great Hall, She saw Aurora looking toward her nervously.
Silvina smiled and waved to Aurora before walking out of the Great Hall and toward Headmistress McGonagall's office. As she turned down the corridor that lead to the revolving staircase, Silvina saw Headmistress McGonagall speaking with Layla in front of the staircase. After a moment, Layla nodded and walked away down a corridor to the side of where Headmistress McGonagall was standing.
As Silvina approached, Headmistress McGonagall turned to face her. " Thank you for coming Silvina. It is very important that we speak about Layla. Come up to my office with me. "
Silvina nodded silently as Headmistress McGonagall spoke the password for the staircase and the two of them stepped onto the revolving stairs as they ascended toward Headmistress McGonagall's office. After entering her office and sitting in her chair, Headmistress McGonagall spoke calmly.
" I find myself in a difficult situation Silvina. Layla has requested that she leave school for two weeks to be alone and that upon her return, She is removed from Slytherin and placed into Ravenclaw. Do have any idea why she would request such a thing? " Headmistress McGonagall looked toward Silvina with curiosity on her face as Silvina responded.
" I am not entirely sure Headmistress. Layla and I spoke at the edge of the lake and spoke yesterday during lunch but I had not seen her until just now in the corridor of your office. It may have something to do with the similarities between us. I understand how she feels like no one understands her. I know how it feels to need to be alone and think without people interfering. I don't know what it is like to be tortured or what she is going through exactly but I understand some things. " Silvina sighed softly before Headmistress McGonagall spoke calmly.
" Never before has a student asked to change houses or asked to leave the school during the school year. It is a most unusual request. " Headmistress McGonagall spoke softly before a deeper voice joined the conversation.
" Indeed. I have never been wrong. But perhaps it a simple case of reevaluation. " The deep voice of the sorting hat sounded from the top of a nearby shelf before Silvina responded.
" But specifically Ravenclaw? Why request Ravenclaw? And where did Layla go? " Silvina spoke with curiosity in her voice before the voice of Avendus Morendi sounded from behind her.
" Because of you. She has requested Ravenclaw because that is where you are Silvina. Layla may not admit it but you have proven that you understand her. That despite not knowing what she is going through, That you understand how she is feeling. That is why she requested Ravenclaw. Because you are the one who understands her. You are the one that is intent on helping her. " Avendus spoke calmly before Silvina responded.
" I just want to help. I want to be friends with Layla and I know she doesn't truly want to be alone or hurt people. " Silvina spoke calmly before Avendus smiled.
" You are the first person that has not turned her back on Layla or stopped trying. Even I had given up hope. But you kept trying whether Layla liked it or not. That is what she is responding to. Your willingness to help her and your determination to see it through. " Avendus smiled and bowed politely to Silvina before leaving Headmistress McGonagall's office as she spoke.
" I am not against approving Layla's request but I must ensure the safety of the other students. If I do approve this, I will require that Layla is under the direct supervision of a student who can keep her in control of her actions. I cannot allow her to endanger any other students. " Headmistress McGonagall spoke calmly as Silvina shook her head.
" She won't. I will watch over her and help her through this. She is no more dangerous to others than I am. " Silvina spoke coolly before Headmistress McGonagall looked up to the Sorting Hat.
" I stand by my decision to put Layla in Slytherin. It was the correct choice at the time. That being said, It takes only a simple action to entirely change who someone is. If it is necessary to reevaluate Layla then I will not disagree to it. However, I will not change my evaluation a second time. " The Sorting Hat spoke bluntly before Headmistress McGonagall chuckled softly.
" Ornery old hat. So be it. When Layla returns we will see what the Sorting Hat has to say. Until then, continue your classes Silvina. I will not be lenient if I find your education is falling. " Headmistress McGonagall spoke with a serious tone of voice but smiled as Silvina nodded and left her office.
Layla faces a difficult time and possibly a change of heart.
Will this prove to be a turn of events or simply another bump in the road?
Read on to find out!
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