Once inside the common room, Artemis found her friends sitting near the fireplace, surrounded by other Gryffindors. Harry and Ron were playing wizard's chess; Ron, having destroyed a great deal of Harry's pieces, was looking rather proud of himself. Meanwhile, Hermione was reading a book six inches thick while biting her bottom lip in concentration; Artemis predicted this was Hermione's idea of "light reading." She smiled and plopped down next to Hermione on the nearby couch. Artemis truly loved her friends. Hermione looked up at her arrival and rolled her eyes after a heartbeat, "Honestly Missy, your admirers are out of control" she joked, indicating towards Neville and Seamus whose eyes had been following Artemis.
"Admirers? Where? I'm pretty sure those boys over there," Artemis nodded in Neville and Seamus' direction, "scribble all over their parchments 'I love Hermione Granger'" Artemis replied with a smirk. "In fact, I'm sure they're looking at you now, Mione!" She added with a giggle. Hermione scowled at the nickname and attempted to give Artemis an angry look, but even she couldn't hide her amused smile when her eyes returned to the book. Ron looked up from his chess match with a bewildered expression, clearly unable to believe that Hermione could have admirers. Harry and Artemis both laughed at his expression. Artemis wanted nothing more than to spread out on the couch with her friends but she sighed as she lost her internal battle, "I'll go freshen up and come back down" she said quickly, jumping to her feet and heading to the girl's dormitory. She heard Harry call, "Hurry up, we want to know how it went with Snape!" before she was out of earshot.
Once upstairs, Artemis went to the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror. She saw a striking girl looking back at her with straight hair that reached her stomach, dark eyebrows, large hazel eyes, and plump lips. She flashed a smile at herself, observing the way her face lit up, noting her own pearly teeth. Suddenly, she moved towards the mirror, thinking she had spotted a pimple. Luckily for her, her warm ivory skin was glowing and blemish free.
Being Artemis meant not feeling self conscious, it meant having confidence that had nothing to do with looks, yet it also meant not noticing the beautiful reflection in the mirror. She truly did not care for her features; it embarrassed her when people brought up her beauty. She never wore makeup and preferred to dress in muggle clothes; t shirts and jeans, when not in her robes. Her body was very curvy, with large thighs and hips and a small waist and chest. Her shape looked elegant on her and it made watching her walk away rather pleasant. She skipped bras on most days and wore small shirts due to being petite and having small breasts.
Artemis uncapped the face wash she bought in Diagon Alley, splashed water on her face, and began to smooth the cream onto her skin. She felt a cool sensation as the cream penetrated her pores and as she massaged her face, she couldn't help but think of her interaction with Malfoy. I shouldn't make a habit of this, Artemis thought to herself. Malfoy is a prick, he doesn't deserve a place in my thoughts. Yet a nagging thought was fighting for attention in Artemis' mind; was Malfoy thinking about her? After she finished washing her face, she proceeded to brush her teeth before she picked up the textbooks on her bed and grudgingly headed back downstairs to start her homework. The only positive aspect of doing homework, she figured, was that she would spend the majority of the time goofing off with her friends. She already knew she'd annoy Hermione to no end, a thought which made her grin. The friends would often accuse Artemis of being the reason why they never got work done; a statement which rang true without doubt.
As Draco lay in his bed that night, he mulled over the events of the day; he thought of the way Pansy blushed when he complimented her, thought of the letter he received from his mother, cringing internally at the memory, and finally he replayed his interaction with Artemis. He felt embarrassed and annoyed with himself as he remembered the way her eyes had searched his face. I can't let a blood traitor humiliate me like that again, he thought to himself darkly, turning on his side and closing his eyes.
The next day, Draco made his intentions clear; he was bluntly avoiding and ignoring Artemis Lupin, something which was only apparent to her. She noticed that he no longer threw her dirty looks or made snotty comments, and if they happened to be near each other, he would find a way to escape her proximity. Even after he insulted Hermione and Harry on their way to the great hall for breakfast, he didn't acknowledge Artemis. "He usually has something lovely to say to me, did you notice he didn't even look in my direction?" Artemis asked her friends in a low voice, watching a slender Draco stride down the hall ahead of them. Ron snorted, "It's Malfoy, he's pathetic, who knows what he's trying to prove? Why do you even care if he noticed you or not Missy? Isn't it better that he didn't?" He asked her with an eyebrow raised. The friends greeted a scampering Neville, whose shoelaces were untied, before Artemis responded. "Well it is better, but I do admit it was entertaining outwitting the snake. Maybe I'll start picking on him now, see how he likes it." It was Harry who spoke, cutting Artemis' plan down the middle; "Leave it alone Missy, we don't need anymore problems. Malfoy is bad news, he isn't above getting us in trouble, remember that." He warned her and held her gaze for a heartbeat longer than necessary, to make sure she had been listening. "Fine." She said gruffly. Artemis then noticed that Hermione had been silent, she peered at her friend's face and saw the hurt in her eyes from Malfoy's comments. "Forget him Hermione, you're the best witch in our year." She said softly, linking her arm through Hermione's. "I'm fine." Hermione responded without meeting her gaze; her tone was warning enough not to press the matter.
At breakfast Artemis discussed their upcoming flying lesson with Madam Hooch, excitement making her spill her pumpkin juice. "Shit, let me clean this up" She said, leaving Ron rambling about his favorite Quidditch teams. Waving her wand, she muttered "Tergeo" and lazily watched as the liquid returned to her goblet. "That's impressive Missy!" Hermione said, clearly more enthusiastic about the spell than she was about the topic of conversation. Artemis only shrugged before turning back to Ron. "My mom and my uncle were both on the team, they were beaters. As soon as I can try out, you can rest assured that I will!" She said happily through a mouthful of toast. "I'd like to be a keeper," Ron said, thinking it through deeply. "Oh good, because I'm definitely going for chaser. I've been practicing at home and I'm rather good, not to boast of course." Artemis grinned arrogantly, winking at a nearby Dean Thomas, who had been listening in. Harry and Hermione exchanged looks; both being just as lost as the other. After the feast, owls swooped overhead, dropping their daily mail. Artemis felt her heart skip a beat as she noticed a familiar black barn owl, deemed one in a million due to its color, fly towards her. The owl landed neatly on the table and lifted its leg to indicate he had mail. "See Artemis? Your dad does love you." Ron joked, noting her surprise. "Shut up Ron, make sure your mum didn't send you any howlers." She retorted, her eyes still on the beige envelope.
Artemis had a difficult family situation, one she did not speak about; her mother had been murdered the very day she was born, causing her father and herself to move frequently for protection. She was never told the real reason behind the murder of her mother, nor was she told why her father and herself were targets, and to whom. It was evident that Remus was depressed, having endured the greatest of losses throughout his life. The greatest tragedy by far being his wife's death. While constantly moving, Remus tried to conceal Artemis to the best of his ability, failing miserably nonetheless. He truly loved his daughter beyond anything in the world and Artemis loved him back. Still, being at home was difficult when Remus was having his bad days, and Artemis found herself mourning her mother alongside him. She had received one previous letter from her dad, and due to them having a fight the very day she was to leave for Hogwarts, she had not bothered responding. Feeling guilty and suddenly fearful, Artemis reached for the envelope, her hands shaking. I hope he's okay, please let him be okay, she begged the universe silently.
Artemis,
I'm writing to tell you that I miss you above all else. The ministry is locating us to a new house next month, please come home for the holidays so you can see it for yourself. I've been told of your detentions and your poor decisions, I do have people keeping an eye on you in Hogwarts. You are smarter than this; do not be impulsive and reckless, only you will suffer in the end. I hope I am not wasting my breath, though I fear you are too much like your mother for your own good. Have you befriended Harry Potter? If so, I'd love to have him over soon; there is a lot I must share with him in regards to his parents. I am worried about you Artemis, please stay safe. You are in my thoughts every moment of every day; I am sorry for our last conversation, I hope you can forgive me. I was recently in Saint Mungo's to treat wounds I obtained during the full moon and I've been on the lookout for jobs that would accept a wizard such as myself. How are you, my beautiful daughter? Please do tell me about your friends, your classes, your experiences. You truly are all that I have.
Love,
Dad.
Artemis blinked away the tears that were swimming in her eyes, refusing to let them drop. She stowed the letter carefully inside her pocket, planning a letter of her own inside her mind. I should have written to him sooner, I'm a terrible daughter. She felt her heart lurch at the idea of her dad at Saint Mungo's, bloodied up and inches from life; she could not deal with him getting hurt or hurting others during his cycle. If only we had the money to afford Wolfsbane potion, she thought to herself, her sadness transforming to anger. I cannot lose him, I need to find him that potion. Their money came entirely from her mom's savings; Chleo Lupin had invented many spells and counterspells in her day, resulting in a fair amount of wealth. Remus was firm in his decision to not use the money for anything outside of Artemis and her well being.
Artemis considered her mom's side of the family for a heartbeat; she knew the Black family was incredibly wealthy. She had been told she could not meet them under any circumstances; had been told that they were most dangerous and most cruel. What would happen if I paid them a visit? Artemis thought to herself, growing more interested in the idea by the second. At the sound of laughing, the Gryffindor snapped out of her thoughts and launched herself into the conversation once more. "Missy your owl is still here, does he want something?" Hermione questioned, noting the black owl resting peacefully on the table.
"Otto has a thing for me, he took a liking to me as soon as I saw him. Sometimes he flies by just to cuddle." Artemis said happily, stroking the black barn owl as he moved even closer to her. "Blimey, I never paid much attention but he's dark toned. Isn't that rare for a barn owl?" Ron chimed in. "Let's just say, he's one in a million." Artemis replied.
After breakfast, the first years headed outside of the castle to the lawn, where they spotted broomsticks placed in two neat rows on the floor. The Gryffindors and Slytherins stuck to separate rows as they awaited their instructor, glaring at each other with resentment once in position. "This should be funny; I bet most of these muggle borns have never even seen a broomstick up until now," announced a sneering Malfoy, making sure his voice was loud enough to be heard by everyone. He scanned the Gryffindors, his eyes resting coldly on Neville. "I'll be sure to send you flowers when you end up in the hospital wing, Longbottom," he said in a cruel manner, causing laughs from the Slytherins. Neville blushed, giving no response. "You talk big game for a boy whose hair is so perfectly gelled back. Can you actually fly without causing a stray hair to wiggle out of place or would that be the end of your world?" Artemis retorted, looking at him lazily. Pansy shot her a look of loathing, to which Artemis returned.
Before Malfoy could respond, Madam Hooch started making her way to the students, walking at a brisk pace. She greeted them, silencing all other chatter, before whipping about dramatically at the head of the rows to face them. Artemis noted her hawk-like yellow eyes and rather liked her sharp tone. Hooch instructed the students to step up to their broomsticks, outstretch their hands, and shout a demanding "Up!" Only Harry, Artemis, and Draco got their broomsticks up in one try. As the rest of the students eventually got their brooms to obey, Hooch told them they were to mount their brooms and kick up off the ground as a start.
Before she could even blow her whistle, Neville was rising in the air, shouting out in fear. "Help!" He exclaimed, his face growing paler as he put more distance between himself and the ground. "Get back down this instant Mr. Longbottom!" Hooch shouted, sticking out her wand as to steady the disobeying broomstick. Without warning, Neville's broom launched forward full speed, causing Neville to hold on for dear life. His shouts were those of pure terror, and without thinking, Artemis mounted her broom once more and kicked off. "Miss Lupin, if you do not get back down here this instant, you will be expelled!" Hooch shouted, grabbing hold of her personal broomstick in preparation.
Artemis paid the instructor no mind, instead soaring up towards a terrified Neville whose broom was jolting back and forth, threatening to knock him off. Artemis flew towards him, feeling the wind blowing her long hair behind her. She felt the body of the broomstick and felt how easily she could command it; she knew she could make any movement she wanted to and she felt so free. Flying inches away from Neville, Artemis told him to grab her arm, in which he tried to do to no avail. After a second attempt, he managed to grab on, and as he tried to steady his broomstick so as to get on hers, it bolted forwards from underneath him. Feeling the sudden weight of a dangling Neville, Artemis screamed and clutched his arm with both hands, attempting to lift him onto her broom.
Despite her efforts and all within heartbeats, Neville began slipping; Artemis was almost off her broom due to his weight, and before she could fully understand what occurred, he had released his grip on her arm. She only saw the fear in his eyes as he fell, and without noticing anything else, she pointed her broomstick at the ground and mentally prepared herself for what she was about to do.
Artemis strained her broomstick as she propelled it downwards at maximum speed. She surpassed Neville as he fell, and a foot from the ground, she pulled up sharply, feeling her stomach lurch, knowing she had only one chance to break his fall. She flipped her body so that she faced the back of the broom, causing gasps and screams from the students below. Without being able to control the broom, she desperately hoped her plan would work.
There was a spare heartbeat before Neville collided with the broom; falling onto it stomach first. Artemis grabbed onto him once more, reacting with incredible speed, using all her strength to steady him so that his legs wrapped around the broom. At least he's safe, she thought, feeling relieved for a second before she felt the broomstick jitter under her. "Hang on Neville" she said quietly as she turned her body once more, attempting to ignore his whimpers. Starting the descent, Artemis felt Neville's arms circle her waist tightly, almost causing her to lose control. Upon landing, she pushed a pale faced, shocked Neville off of her with slight aggression, feeling annoyed by his rib-breaking hold. She did not notice Madam Hooch hovering in the air until she landed with an audible thud next to her.
Artemis heard nothing that the students were saying; she did not hear the shocked mutters and the impressed gossip spreading among them. Instead, she dreadfully turned to face Madam Hooch, who was seething with anger. "I will escort Mr. Longbottom to the hospital wing, he is in quite a bit of shock. Ms. Lupin, you will escort yourself to Professor Dumbledore at once. He will be located at the Headmaster's Tower." She said briskly, attempting to control her anger. Artemis felt her hope drain from her face, replaced by outrage. "I just saved-" "Save it for Dumbledore, Lupin. I did warn you. Go at once, I will inform him of your arrival. Take this as a lesson; follow rules in the future." Madam Hooch interrupted without a trace of sympathy before proceeding over to Neville, who was still on the floor wide eyed and shaking. "If I see another broom in the air, the one riding it will be out of Hogwarts before they can say Quidditch." She threatened. Waving her wand, Hooch summoned a letter from thin air before sending it soaring across the grounds. She then helped Neville get up, and making eye contact with Artemis, she pointed at the castle firmly.
Artemis made eye contact with Harry, who was mortified at the situation. I probably won't even get to say goodbye, she thought bitterly before turning around and marching towards the castle. She gripped her wand as she walked, resisting the urge to destroy the nearby trees. With each step she took, the grass beneath her feet was left burnt to a crisp; she was a dangerous witch at best.
Upon making her way through the castle to the Headmaster's tower; which took quite a bit of time, Artemis was now fearful. What will I tell Dad? He'll never forgive me. What school will I go to? Will any school accept me knowing I was expelled from my previous one? Her fears preoccupied her mind until she reached a set of steps that curled upwards in a majestic manner. I suppose this is it, Artemis thought with bitter defeat. She climbed the steps grudgingly, noting a gothic gargoyle figure at the top of them.
At the top, she was about to enter the headmaster's office when she stopped short in amazement; for a brief heartbeat, the beauty of his office overwhelmed her. It was large and filled with curious artifacts, unusual books, and grand windows. Temporarily forgetting her predicament, Artemis rushed inside the office, eager to take it all in, and peered at a beautifully colored book resting on Dumbledore's desk. She ran her fingers on the cover of it, and to her surprise, they went right through it. She felt a strange, cooling sensation race through her body and quickly removed her fingers from the book.
"Interesting book, don't you think Ms. Lupin?" An amused voice spoke gently from behind her. Artemis whipped about suddenly, startled. "I'm sorry sir, I didn't see you around." She muttered quickly, avoiding his eyes. "Curiosity is not a sin, my dear." Professor Dumbledore responded sweetly. Artemis dared to raise her eyes to meet his; hardly believing his tone. "I suppose you are surprised as to why I am delighting you with light hearted chatter when you are wondering about a more pressing manner," He began, walking towards his desk. She noted his beautiful robes and his glistening white hair. "Honestly sir, I would much rather the light hearted chatter," Artemis responded truthfully, not realizing he had not invited her to reply. Catching her mistake, she blushed. Shut up Artemis, this is the headmaster. You are supposed to be fighting to change his mind, not further proving you deserve to be expelled. Dumbledore smiled at her and waved his hand gracefully, presenting her with a cushioned chair to sit in. "Please do sit." She did as she was told, sitting in the chair placed across the table from his own.
As Dumbledore took his seat, Artemis watched him with admiration. She had read many books on his accomplishments and she had always hoped to be in a situation where she would be able to speak to him alone. Ironically, she was in that very situation, the only difference being the reason she was there to begin with. "Madam Hooch informed me that you disobeyed her during your first flying lesson," He said in a calm voice, looking at Artemis with serious eyes. Artemis did not shrink back this time; she held his gaze and felt herself grow ashamed. "Apparently, had you not disobeyed her, Mr. Longbottom may have suffered tremendous injuries. For that, I commend you. You are truly a Gryffindor at heart." Artemis could not contain her shock. She narrowed her eyebrows in confusion, staring at the smiling wizard. "Does this mean I'm not expelled?" She gasped suddenly. "You are not expelled, no." Dumbledore laughed. "I truly am proud of you, as your mother in particular, would be." There was a twinkle in his eye as he said this.
"I heard she was a handful," Artemis laughed, giddy with relief. She felt her respect for the headmaster grow beyond words. "Thank you, Professor. I really appreciate your reaction. I only did it to save Neville anyway; I don't see a problem with my actions." She said boldly, becoming all too comfortable in the presence of the greatest sorcerer on Earth. "Indeed. Yet I must insist that there are times rules must be obeyed Ms. Lupin and I insist that you learn when to obey them and when to act outside of their perimeter. The inability to be confined by barriers is just as much a mark of power as it is an indication of danger, Ms. Lupin."
Artemis nodded in agreement; she could benefit from learning discipline. Yet his last words caught her by surprise and seconds after she heard them, she realized why. She sensed the conversation had changed in tone and topic. "An indication of danger, professor?" She asked, confused. A heartbeat later, she looked at the headmaster with outrage, understanding the message behind his words "Are you saying that I am dangerous?"
"Please do not misunderstand what I am about to say to you, Artemis. You are indeed dangerous, possessing as much danger as anyone who is destined for greatness." Before Artemis could interrupt, Dumbledore spoke again. "Your current circumstances will not allow you to contemplate your future, but you will understand the danger you possess soon enough. You have a destiny to you Ms. Lupin."
Artemis snorted rudely, unable to believe him. "A destiny to me? I'm just an impulsive girl who barely gets her homework done, professor. You can't be serious." She was staring at him doubtfully and she proceeded to lean back in her chair, crossing her arms across her chest lazily. How did the conversation turn to this? She wondered.
Dumbledore smiled suddenly, unphased by her skepticism. "Do you want to know what you do not yet know about yourself?" He asked her, his tone differing from any other Artemis had heard him use in the past. His voice was hushed and serious; distracting Artemis completely. During the conversation, he had been observing her every move through his half moon spectacles, gauging how she reacted. Artemis looked at him with uncertainty. For the first time in her life, her vulnerability was displayed on her face. He's serious, she realized.
"Yes." She finally whispered.