CHAPTER 7:
DISCUSSIONS OF A PERSONAL NATURE
After their next DADA lesson, on Red Caps, a kind of malevolent Goblin-like creature, Harry stayed behind once more to talk to Professor Lupin. Lupin frowned at him. "Mr Potter…if it's about the Patronus…"
"No, no…I'm studying the charm myself for now. Haven't tried casting it yet, but…I was more curious to know more about my parents."
At this, a melancholy smile touched the careworn features of the werewolf. "Of course, sorry. I can spare some time for that, certainly."
As he put his materials away, Harry frowned at the Red Cap's infamous hat Lupin brought in as an example. "…You said the Red Cap was created by bloodshed on battlefields. There must be a lot in Europe after the First and Second World War."
"For a brief period of time. But between some diligent wizards and overpopulation, they've since fallen to more manageable levels," Lupin said, before his face fell. "But there are still Red Cap strongholds in a number of bloodsoaked places in the world. But let's save that for another time. What did you want to know?"
"Well…really, anything. About my parents. I'm always told that I look like my father, but with my mother's eyes. James Potter is lauded as a brilliant Quidditch player, and Lily as one of the brightest witches of her generation. Not that you'd hear any of it from my aunt."
"Yes. I knew Petunia to some degree, and I knew she was jealous of Lily for her magic, but…Professor McGonagall told me a little about their attitude."
"Not enough. I won't go on about it, but let's just say claiming my parents died in a car accident, and that they were drunken layabouts, were the least of what they did."
Lupin scowled, before shaking his head. "Damn them. Unfortunately, even if I had a steady income, I doubt that the Wizengamot would look kindly on my adopting you."
"Why not? Honestly, you seem to be a decent person so far."
"So far?"
Harry gave him a flat look. "The first DADA teacher I had was a stammering coward, only, he turned out to be one of Voldemort's agents. And last year, we had Lockhart, who turned out to be a fraud who was only good for Memory Charms, and who tried to use one on me and my friend. So forgive me for being a little wary."
"Fair enough. I hope I can buck the trend, then," Lupin said with a smile. "Anyway, your parents…your father and I had come together as part of a group, I guess you could call us. Myself, your father, Black, and Peter Pettigrew. I'm sure you're acquainted with the Weasley twins and their antics. We were not unlike them, pranksters who delighted in tweaking the nose of authority and keeping things interesting. I will admit, in hindsight, more than a bit of what we did crossed the line…or more to the point, what your father and Black did, and what I allowed to happen. But more often than not, we kept things entertaining here, and considering that Voldemort was on the rise at the time…people needed the morale boost."
Harry nodded absently, digesting this. "I suppose. Must've been tough for my mother. She was a Muggleborn, and I know what they're called."
"Yes, but your mother had a fiery temper, and those who used vile slurs like Mudblood regretted it," Lupin said. "She made a lot of enemies, not just because of that, but because she was smart. She and your father…did not get along well at first. Well, she thought little of him. How they came to be together…well, it's a long story, and we don't have much time. I should tell you in earnest when we start lessons for the Patronus, we should have time then…then again, Professor McGonagall told me you were on the Quidditch team for Gryffindor. We'll find a way to work around that."
Harry once more nodded absently. Then, something occurred to him. "Do you know how my mother saved my life?"
Lupin sighed morosely. "Not really. I was on the out with the Order of the Phoenix at the time. That was the vigilante group Dumbledore formed to fight the Death Eaters. What I do know is that your mother worked for the Department of Mysteries, under old Saul Croaker. I knew very little, especially as the Unspeakables were paranoid about a mole in the Department of Mysteries at the time, but apparently she had an interest in relics left over by Gellert Grindlewald. After Nurmengard fell, the Unspeakables apparently took a number of items to study. And there were rumours that during the last year of Grindlewald's reign of terror, during the dying days of the Second World War, he fielded monsters, like werewolves, and yet not."
And now, an important part of the jigsaw puzzle had fallen into place for Harry. He now knew how the Cadou containing his consciousness had ended up in Lily's hands. Though the fact that Grindlewald had experimented with Lycans, presumably using samples from that Cadou, or else Mutamycete samples he got at about the same time. As a bit of a diversion, he said, "You think my mother used some sort of ritual?"
"If there was one person who'd be able to find a means to stop the Killing Curse, it would have been Lily," Lupin said. "I'll be honest, she helped me get my DADA Mastery. She could have taught here at Hogwarts, but…actually, do you know what the Department of Mysteries is?"
"Not really." He lied: the Duke had told him, but he wanted Lupin's take anyway.
"I believe the closest thing you can get to a Muggle equivalent is like research and development. The Unspeakables are secretive, hence their name, as they don't normally speak about their research, but they study the fundamental forces of magic. They also look into darker areas of magic, as well as how magic ties in with scientific principles. And they are quite secretive. In fact, it was a massive scandal when one of their number, Augustus Rookwood, was exposed as a Death Eater, leaking secrets to Voldemort. And Lily loved working there. She would be pleased with how you turned out so far, the Dursleys notwithstanding."
"Maybe," Harry conceded. It sounded like Lily was a researcher, just as Henric Stan had been. A woman he could admire and respect. A shame she had died, then. What a waste of potential talent, just like Dani…
Later, Harry was seeing Professor McGonagall. The second Divination lesson had proven no better than the first, and he'd decided enough was enough. She seemed surprised, not at his dissatisfaction with the subject per se, as much as his desire to change. "Mr Potter, if you do decide to drop it in favour of another subject, I'm afraid your choices are somewhat limited, due to the schedules for those classes already being set. The only choices you have are Muggle Studies and Arithmancy. Given that you grew up with Muggles, I believe the former subject would be redundant, and I honestly feel Miss Granger is wasting her time with it."
Harry nodded, though he remembered how odd it was that Hermione was taking multiple classes at once, and he now had an inkling, thanks to the Duke, as to how that was possible. "And Arithmancy? What is that, exactly, mathematics?"
"Mathematics as they relate to magic. The first lessons of Arithmancy study are about theory, of why certain numbers have magical connotations, before moving onto equations, spellcrafting theory, and so on as you advance. If you do change subjects, I would suggest doing so within the next couple of weeks, and ask Miss Granger to help you catch up."
"Now that I come to think about it, Professor, why aren't some more subjects standard? I mean, I've heard of the 'Three Rs', reading, writing, and arithmetic. Why aren't there more maths classes, or literacy ones?"
"Mr Potter, most of our students are expected to have been taught to such a standard either by the Muggle educational system or by home tuition," McGonagall said. "Do not misunderstand me, I share your concerns myself, but the Headmaster and the School Board dictate the curriculum, and the latter are of the opinion that, if it isn't broken, then it doesn't need fixing. And in their minds, it isn't broken. We do offer private tuition for students who wish to take mundane education qualifications, like O-Levels and A-Levels, and Miss Granger has been availing herself of the same, but on the whole, many don't bother, and to their detriment."
Harry nodded. "Professor…Professor Lupin told me that my mother worked in the Department of Mysteries. How would I go about working for them?"
"They generally recruit people who catch their eye, Mr Potter, it is not as simple as applying for a position. However, if you are serious, then apply yourself to your studies, especially when it comes to your OWLs and NEWTs. Then again, those are at least some time away. We generally do not discuss your future career until your OWLs year."
"And if I have chosen the wrong electives, Professor?"
"There are ways and means around that, Mr Potter. The Unspeakables are flexible, given what little I know about them, as to what subjects you are required to know. I have to say, I am genuinely surprised at your drive. The last couple of years, while you were far from an appalling student, you did not apply yourself as much as you are now. What changed that?"
"…The Dementor changed it," Harry said. "So did learning that Sirius Black may have betrayed my parents, and may be coming after me to finish what he started. Something I did not learn from you, or from Professor Lupin. I can understand why to a degree, Professor. You did not want me charging off after him. I have been known to do that. But…even if I won't, it doesn't change that between all that, and the last couple of years, with Quirrell on one hand, and the Basilisk on the other, I need to up my game. More people are going to be coming after me in the future, so I need to be prepared. I don't think learning dubious stuff like Divination is going to help."
McGonagall looked at him, her eyes glistening suspiciously, before nodding. "…As much as I hate to have you taking such a viewpoint so young, you are not wrong. I will confess that I have not always tried my best to help you, Mr Potter, sometimes with good reason, and other times, not so much. What happened with the Philosopher's Stone springs to mind. But I felt confident in the defences, and in any wards we had alerting us to any trouble. And you should be enjoying your childhood."
"I never got to really do that at the Dursleys, Professor. Hogwarts was the closest thing I came to an enjoyable childhood, but…the novelty of all the adventure's worn off. I enjoy being with my friends, I enjoy Quidditch…but I don't enjoy being the Boy Who Lived. Lockhart was right about one thing, though you know the saying about broken clocks," he said. "Fame is fickle and fleeting. I hate being famous, especially for something my mother had a hand in doing rather than anything I did. I'd give my fame up in a heartbeat if it meant my parents would still be alive."
"And I understand that, Mr Potter. I miss them, every day I miss them. I would rather them be alive and taking care of you than them being dead and you living with those…appalling Muggles. Unfortunately, this is reality. And reality can often be cruel. But do not forget to try and enjoy your life, enjoy your childhood while it lasts."
Harry nearly scoffed. It was because he didn't have much of one in this life, and he was already mentally an adult thanks to Henric Stan's memories. But he didn't. McGonagall meant well, and as much as he had his issues with her in some regards, he could respect her to some degree. So, instead, he said, "I'll try. No promises with the Dementors wafting around. Is it me, or is the Ministry mostly about looking good than doing anything useful?"
"Sadly, where it comes to Minister Fudge, you're not wholly wrong, Mr Potter. But try to keep your opinions to yourself in that regard," McGonagall said. "Fudge may be…somewhat indecisive, but when he does decide something, he won't change his mind. And that Senior Undersecretary of his…" McGonagall shuddered. "Ghastly woman…"
In Castle Dimitrescu, Daniela was getting restless. The visit from Henric Stan had stirred something, like sediment at the bottom of a murky river. Her quieter demeanour gets her teased a little by her sisters, though Bela's teasing is gentler than Cassandra's. The three sisters are close, but Bela and Daniela were always closer than Cassandra with…well, virtually anyone else.
She doesn't want to tell anyone. She can't, save for Mother and the Duke. They understand, but her sisters may not, and if Mother Miranda caught wind…well, Daniela didn't know Henric enough to care, but she cared about her mother, and the Duke was nice.
Which was why she was in her mother's chambers, getting berated. "Don't be a fool, Daniela," Mother said. "Your absence would be noted by your sisters, and I am not sure what I will tell them."
"Just say I'm with the Duke, that I'm learning the tricks to his trade. They'll think it's one of my latest fads or something."
Mother pursed her lips, conceding the last point if nothing else. "You know they will be jealous of you."
"And I'm not sure I give a damn, Mother." She was mustering her admittedly low reserves of rationality for this argument. "He knew me back when I was human, right? I…he seemed so sad when he saw me. And for some reason, I don't like that. I know to us, humans are just prey, man-things and maidens, all fit for serving us with their…service, or with their blood and meat, and yet…I know I don't remember him, but…he wanted to see me. Not like man-thing prey does, but…I don't want him to be sad. And…if I can remember by being around him…"
She expected her mother to refuse outright. And yet, to Daniela's surprise, Mother was actually considering it. She sipped from her wine glass pensively, before gently putting it on a table and beckoning Daniela over, and then hugging the girl.
"Daniela…I am just worried for your safety," Mother said softly. "You and your sisters are far from invulnerable, especially if you are exposed to the cold. The Duke has assured me that the place Henric uses for his laboratory isn't that cold, but if you venture beyond that…"
"I'm not stupid, Mother," Daniela said. "I'm not going to venture beyond that place if I can help it. I know enough about the wizards to know that they have spells that could be a real threat. And didn't you say Dementors were hanging around Hogwarts? I know I'm not all there in the head, but going up against Dementors? That's really crazy."
Mother chuckled gently, running a hand through Daniela's hair. "I know, dearest daughter, but of the three of you, you were always the most innocent. Even as a human, you had a similar demeanour. Not naïve, but innocent in a strange way. Is it any wonder we are so protective of you?"
"Even Henric?"
"Especially him. He viewed what happened to you as a personal failure, not just because Grindlewald had stolen someone he loved, but because he failed to protect you. When you were turning into what you are now, I thought him too naïve, too impulsive, his mercy and good nature a liability. It wasn't until later that I realised…he kept me human inside, even when I had become this. Dearest daughter…if you can reclaim your humanity…never let it go. I don't mean being human, as I doubt you could become one once more. But…the best qualities of one's humanity are not weaknesses. It was only long after I resurrected the three of you that I realised that, even after what the Duke taught me."
As she said those words, she picked up a CD case that Daniela recognised. The title proclaimed it to be the work of Miss D and the Pallboys, and there was her mother, younger, amongst some jazz musicians. "You miss them?" Daniela asked.
"Every day. The Pallboys did not end well, as you know. Caught in a shootout between rival criminal gangs," Mother mused. "All because we were eating in a restaurant favoured by one of those gangs. And while I was mourning them, one of their vile number who survived made the crudest remarks, about my dead friends, and what I was good for in his eyes. But he made the mistake of believing a Dimitrescu to be harmless, even when grieving, or that I wouldn't use the knife I grabbed from the overturned table. I tasted his blood long before I gained the Cadou. I think something awoke in me, long before Mother Miranda gave me her gift, and a curse. It is said that the Dimitrescu are descended from a branch line of the Drăculeşti, the family that included Vlad Dracul, as well as his son, the Impaler, who became infamous as the vampire Count Dracula thanks to Bram Stoker. Perhaps my blood condition is a legacy of true vampirism within the family, or little more than a genetic accident. But either way, as much as we aspire to elegance, I carry the blood of monsters in my veins. Henric tried to hold that back…and in vain. In truth, perhaps the only humanity I have left is my love for the three of you. You may not be the daughters of my blood, but you are my daughters of my spirit, and I will always love you."
Daniela smiled at her mother's words, snuggling into her embrace. She knew at least she had love from her mother, and from her sisters. But could she find love of a different kind elsewhere? One that wasn't part of her delusions?
Harry, Henric, he was the key. And she was going to see if she could re-establish what she had with him. Even if she couldn't reclaim what she had in the past, maybe they could start over, right?
CHAPTER 7 ANNOTATIONS:
Harry has had some serious talks with Lupin and McGonagall, and Daniela is up to mischief…or should that be solemnly swearing that she's up to no good?
A lot of people take issue with both Lupin and McGonagall as they are in canon. I find it hard to bash either of them, even given Lupin's actions in Book 7. So here, I am reconstructing them somewhat, especially McGonagall.
Now, I really should have done this sooner. I need to give a shout-out to Hellraptor. I'd discussed various parts of this fic with them, as well as having discussed the characters of Resident Evil: Village with them at length. Indeed, without their interesting characterisation of the Dimitrescus, this fic may never have been conceived. They've written a number of excellent fics relating to Resident Evil: Village, which I highly recommend:
*Peace Through Superior Firepower: Or, what happens when Chris Redfield doesn't keep Ethan in the dark after shooting 'Mia'. An interesting what-if romp.
*An Act of Kindness and Bound by Sins of the Past: The former story has Bela opting to let Ethan go on his way, leading to a very different take on Resident Evil: Village where fewer of the antagonists die. The latter is a sequel where Mia Winters is forced to rejoin the Connections, and the Dimitrescus and Ethan, along with Rose, reunite with the Duke and Chris to deal with the Connections' growing threat to them all. This eventually becomes an Ethan/Bela fic, believe it or not, with Cassandra/Chris on the side. This also has an interquel fic: Haunted by the Past, detailing the Dimitrescus' life trying to fit in while living in Cuba.
*Obsession: Hellraptor's latest work, and while it's early days yet, it's promising. Basically, months before the events of Village, Cassandra catches wind of Chris Redfield and his squad keeping tabs on the village, and decides to go on an enthusiastic walk to investigate. Eventually will have a Cassandra/Chris pairing, apparently.
No numbered annotations this time.
