Hey everyone,
Well, we are getting ever closer. Ever closer to the point in the story, from which point on, everything just went to hell in a hand's basket. I mean, honestly, there is just so much that goes wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong after Harry's name comes out of the Goblet, it really is one of the reasons I don't like this book.
Let's do this,
Venquine1990
Chapter 45
A Painful Past
3rd of November 1993
Great Hall, Hogwarts
Alice's POV
"I'll take that, love." I tell my husband, gently taking the book out of his hands as Albus asks: "Are you sure, Alice?" I nod at him and say: "Yes, I believe it's best if the chapters about this imposter are read by either Frank, James, Reg, the twins or myself. We have sharper memories of the war, so we're better prepared."
The man nods, but I can tell by the look in his eyes that his thoughts are similar to mine. The idea that, in only a few year's time, our world will be thrown into a second one, one with my precious baby boy in the middle, and me just comatose unable to do anything and he himself perhaps not able to do so either, is a thought we both hate.
And just by looking at my precious older girl and her friends, do I know that this is true. They may not look war-hardened, battle ready and up for any challenge thrown at them by Voldemort and his ilk, but they did have to sacrifice quite a bit in order to survive and that the loss of Mss. Rosie is still something they are grieving over.
I look at the younger version of that woman, the one from this timeline, and feel my heart go out to her, even though my mind is really wary of her. I want to believe that she is Sev's sister. That she is the woman who was one of the people helping me with my wedding to Frank and who supported me through my pregnancies.
But her looks and the fact that she doesn't remember a thing about her past, other than the most basic yet elemental things like the fact that she went to Hogwarts and set her exams, really doesn't help. And while I don't like the pain she is in from time to time, do I hope she too will soon be able to remember the truth.
This concept returns my attention to where it belongs, the set of papers that are pressed together in book form and are lying in my hands. And just the three words under the title number fill me with dread and make me, ever so sligthtly, regret that I decided on this. But I push through, like any stubborn badger, and start to read.
The Unforgivable Curses
And just that title is enough to fill the whole Great Hall with the sounds of students gasping, screaming, yelling, cursing or yelping in fright and horror and I can think only one thing: "There is no way this title isn't an indication to what my son's lessons are going to be like." This knowledge fills me up with fright and reminds me of that fateful night. I shake my head to clear it and read.
The next … horned toads.
This makes me want to glare at the man, but I know it's not entirely his fault and Frank voices this knowledge as he says: "I hate this. That blasted MMB is making the one person who is in constant contact with my son be against him instead of in need to keep him safe. I hate that no-good rat." Severus looks shocked, as if he can't believe that Frank defends him like this, and I read on.
"You know … his dungeon…"
Molly wants to rant at her son for this, but Regulus says: "You really shouldn't be encouraging stuff like that. Though then again, the you in the book is unaware that this person is a Death Eater and someone who seems to have a liking for physical violence. A kid in an adult's body while hiding under a mask of trained paranoia. The worst kind of enemy to have." Ron gulps at this and I read on.
The Gryffindor fourth … decent seats."
"Hate to say this, sweetie, but seeing in how many ways that filthy rat has been influencing practically all of Magical England, I don't think it's a stretch to imagine that he swiped all of the good books on valuable information out of the library. I think you're already fighting a losing battle here." I gently tell the girl, who looks horribly lost and devastated and her brothers are quick to comfort her as I read.
They hurried … blurted out.
"Thank the Founders for that one." Regulus exclaims, but Amelia says: "Just further evidence that this man is up to no good. Work at Hogwarts one year, do his master's bidding then see chaos ensue and return to his master's side. And Moody being retired gives the perfect alibi to boot." This makes me think: "I hate how we already know that he's the culprit." As it takes a lot of fun out of reading.
Moody's magical … sixth year.
"Guess the MMB didn't change this one that much. Before it was in Fifth, because showing the curses would give the OWLs students a better understanding of what they were practicing their spells against and whatnot. Though Fourth is also fine, as long as it's done right." Regulus mutters as I read on.
You're not … wizarding law?"
"That is not doing it right." Regulus growls, but then Severus sighs and says: "Maybe not, but –." But then Harry says: "But it's only Ron, Hermione and I who have enough experience that this won't scar us for life. Neville and the others don't have that luxury." Yet there is another reason that I really don't like that I need to read about this and I take great comfort out of the presence of my family as I do.
Several hands … that one.
"I can't see Moody telling any of his enemies about that." Gideon growls, yet Arthur asks: "A-about what?" And his brothers in law sigh in relief as Fabian say: "Good. It looks like the MMB took you that memory completely. Only better." This makes Molly cuddle close against Arthur in great concern as the dark look of reminiscence on the twins' faces is really a sight to behold before I read on.
Gave the … tap dance.
"Well, I suppose it's not that bad." Mss. Jorkins says, but Regulus says: "No, but this isn't Moody. If it had been, he probably would have made that spider walk close to the fire or dangle off a thread out a window. I can only imagine how this madman is going to let the kids know how severe and dangerous this curse is." The woman grimaces and I notice that everyone is huddling closer together as I read on.
Everyone was … everyone jumped.
"There we go. Right there." Regulus growls, having his younger son close against him while his elder is between him and Severus and he says: "Moody would never even consider testing kids under that curse. He would focus on that other stuff, on the dodging and avoiding of curses you don't know. He would actually keep to the lesson material, somewhat." Others that know the man nod and I read on.
Moody picked … spider. "Engorgio!"
"No, it really doesn't." I whisper, but then Albus suddenly stands beside me and says: "Alice, let me. You don't need to be –." But I smile at him and say: "I can handle it, Albus. Just please, put a Silencing charm on the students, especially those that have active traumas of the war." The man grimaces and nods and I turn to Neville, who instantly volunteers.
Others do as well, most of them Fifth to Seventh, but I also spot the occasional Third and Fourth and think: "That has to be the Dementors. Those monsters must have brought horrible memories to the front, just like with Harry." And the boy himself seems to realize the same as he shows them all deeply understanding smiles. But he himself does not volunteer and this worries me as I read on.
The spider … to twitch.
I read all of this in a dead voice, void of emotion, as I work my hardest not to let anyone know how harshly this really affects me. Yet because I have had nightmares of that fateful night for a few nights now, do I manage to keep that same memory from overwhelming me as I read this part. And after Albus sends me one last look, does he undo the spell, the students looking at their friends as I read on.
"Reducio," Moody … once too.
And suddenly it hits me. Everything falls into place in my mind as I read that one word. Popular. As I read that and as my mind goes over the part I just read out as if it were the page in a phone book or something, does everything that we read about and that happened since we started reading this book fall into place. And the only thing I can do is turn to Crouch, my eyes wide with horror.
"How – how – how could you?" I whisper, horror and disgust in my voice as I ask it of the man and he mutters: "It is one of the things that I regret above all others." Yet this does nothing to diminish the way that fires of hatred and anger are stirring within me and this time I do throw the book at Albus as I say: "I can't read. Not anymore. Not about this." And I storm out of the room.
Albus' POV
While I had expected Alice to want to stop reading when we came to the curse that took her most of her life this last decade, do I feel quite confused as to why this part made her decide to stop. Yet the fact that she asked Barty about a crime he clearly committed makes me wonder if there could be a connection between the two. Hoping I can get it out of her after the chapter, do I start to read.
"Right… anyone … Hermione whispered.
"You know, in another universe, you would have used that curse." Irma suddenly says and we all look at her shocked, but she's not looking at anyone. Her eyes are straight on the glass of water in front of her and it, unlike all the other goblets and jugs of water, is actually rippling, obviously showing a vision to the young girl. "Who would?" Minerva asks and the girl answers without looking up.
"Mr. Malfoy. In another universe, he would try and use it on a twelve year old Harry. For something to do with a – servant?" This confuses the girl enough she finally looks up and Lucius sighs as he says: "He tricked me into freeing Dobby that year. I lunged at him, but I would never use that curse. Not on him or any child." Irma shrugs and says: "Maybe in the other universe, the MMB is stronger."
"I think it's more likely that, in that universe, I actually really am a Death Eater. That the past that is remembered by Regulus and the others doesn't exist and that all the knowledge of the past that is written here is actually true." The man sighs and Irma looks at him regretfully. Yet I myself feel incredibly intrigued with the idea of there being other universes and read on, curious about them.
Several people … that spider.
By now Sirius has both Harry and James in tight embraces and Remus has Lily in his lap. The other parents also have their kids close, Irma is tightly holding onto her younger sisters and students all over the four tables are seeking comfort and reassurance with each other. I grimace at this and think: "And it will only get worse from here." And while I hate the necessity of these books, do I read on.
Had they … their bodies?
This very much reminds me of the second chapter and Lily telling us as much as she could. I look up at the woman, not to inspire her to say more, but simply because I really worry for her and I think: "Before these books go real bad, I need to make sure that there is a Mind Healer here at the school." And while I decide for myself that I will skip a few chapters in search for one, do I read on.
Harry had … own despair.
"I – I'm only going to say this." Lily whimpers and I look at her, astonished that she is willing to talk of that event at all and the woman goes on: "The fact that Pettigrew can alter memories well enough that even a Dementor can't bring out the true ones scares me, but – this version is – is more – more – kid-friendly compared to what I had to do to get that monster away from Harry."
This shocks everyone, but finally I understand. "Perform a dark ritual in order to give Harry a light kind of protection. What protection is more pure and made of light –." I look at Lily, horrified not just at the fact that she found out about such a ritual, but would entice Voldemort into it as well, just to protect a child that isn't even her own. Yet Lily seems oblivious to my staring and so I read on.
Moody was … like that!"
"That doesn't sound right." Regulus growls and he goes on: "Even with all of the warnings that bastard gave, they're still –." And then Harry gives the answer: "He's working alongside Pettigrew, remember? That rat probably taught the bastard a thing or two about different forms of mind magic before he took this job." Regulus nods, but then Narcissa says:
"I don't like this anymore than any of you, but I'm tired of looking at all this from a negative standpoint. If you change your point of view on those last two sentences, you can also see the fact that he didn't go too far and didn't take them their innocence just yet." Both of her cousins nod at this and everyone sighs a breath of relief. I too feel very grateful for the woman as I read on.
They were … Cruciatus Curse.
A lot of students turn to the boy at this, yet he seems to actually gain that same look. That is until his father pulls him close and whispers: "We're right here, Neville. His work's been undone. We're right here." Neville loses the look in his eyes and quite a few of the students that had looked at him gasp in realization. Yet before any of them can do more than look between father and son, do I continue.
"Neville?" Hermione … of tea…"
"That monster needs to stay far away from my son – if he knows what's good for him." A scary sounding voice suddenly says and we all look at the doors leading into the Great Hall. Alice is standing there and she is obviously still seething with rage, but it seems her anger has changed targets from Barty to whoever she knows the imposter to be. She goes to sit with her family and I read on.
Neville looked … dustbins. Balderdash."
"Not to mention that we need to take the MMB into account, the fact that Pettigrew is working together with this bastard and that teachers are used to their students talking about classes after class. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if that bastard enchanted the door in such a way that details can only be heard by those sitting the class, but not the staff." Alice growls and this makes me worriedly read on.
The Fat … have done.
"That sounds like my mother. I'm going to assume that she took you in after we got taken out?" Frank asks, sounding both concerned and curious and Neville nods as Frank says: "Mum was always a little too demanding. From time to time, behind dad's back, she tried to make me believe I had to be just like him. Then he'd find out and punish her." Neville slowly smiles at Frank for this and I read on.
Harry and … it up."
The woman wants to glare at Ron for this, but Molly actually sneers back at her and says: "You have only yourself to thank for this. Harry's Divinations exam proves it. And besides, what are you still doing here anyway? Albus fired you, remember?" The woman reels back and I can tell by the look on her face that she had hoped that we would forget about this. I shake my head at her and read on.
"Right," said … on Monday.
"I don't know what's more impressive. That Harry can throw parchment that far and that well – probably even without looking at where he was throwing it – or that he made a prediction that might actually come true." Seamus laughs, but I notice something. Irma has gone back to looking in her glass and her eyes show a troubled look. This concerns me and I decide to speed up my reading.
Okay, Tuesday … a friend?"
"I don't like this." Irma mutters, yet her voice is clearly heard over mine and we all look at her. "The water. It's rippling again. But – different. That last part. The water rippled really bad at that. That – that will actually happen. Harry will be betrayed by someone." This makes Harry look around, but he skips over those that are either adults or in the Gang or Squad before he looks at me as I read on.
"Yeah… cool … be careful…"
"What on earth are you two on about?" Molly asks, both a little demanding and also concerned and the twins chorus: "We don't know. Future, remember?" The woman nods, but then Edena growls: "It sounds to me as if someone scammed them and they're trying to get that person to pay up, but want to remain friendly about it." Her tone proving that she has experience with this as I read on.
Then George … Ron hastily.
At this Gideon and Fabian turn to their sister and one of them asks: "Sis, does mum ever come around? Cause that sounds like one of her favorites." But the woman asks: "What are you talking about? Mum was killed just before Charlie was born." Yet the two look shocked and confused and I mutter: "A death – that was created by the MMB." The woman looks shocked and I say:
"Charlie was born in 1972, Gideon and Fabian were taken somewhere between 1980 and 1981. If they lost their mother eight to nine years before they were taken, they wouldn't have asked that question. Your mother, Molly, is still out there, probably thinking herself another person thanks to the spell." The woman looks horrified and heartbroken and her family surrounds her as I read on.
Harry laid … a word,
"You probably would have been able to get through to her if you had used another word. If you had said bonded instead of enslaved, she probably would have been more likely to listen. Not to mention that there is a high chance that the only books in the library are what will fuel her beliefs. Am I right or wrong here, sis?" Isaac asks Hermione and the girl guiltily nods her head as I read on, chuckling.
"are to … shockingly underrepresented."
"Those plans are way too extreme. You will only get everyone who actually knows about House Elves to go up against you. You might even lose the respect of your own House and Year mates if you do that. House Elves don't need wands because they are masters at wandless magic and a representative doesn't need to be one of their own. You can do that yourself as well."
Regulus tells the young girl, who rubs the back of her head before Frank says: "I say, when Sirius and his family head for the EEM, I will happily invite Hermione over to the Manor. Let her see that there are also families who do treat House Elves with the respect they deserve. That do respect the balance that is between us and them." Hermione smiles at the man gratefully and I nod at him as I read on.
"And how … first meeting."
"And that will definitely work against you. Not the fact that Harry and Ron are supposed to be members, but that you have already appointed them roles even before asking them if they want to join. That level of expectation and pushing is only going to rub people the wrong way, especially the more stubborn of our kind." James says, chuckling in the end and Hermione turns a little red as I read on.
There was … Harry. Sirius
James smiles at his partner, but Harry doesn't seem to share in his mother's delight. He himself has a look of great concern on his face and Jeffrey asks: "What's wrong, little brother?" And Harry answers it with a single sentence: "He's still wanted, in the book that is." Instantly I understand where the boy is coming from, but I also read ahead and know I might as well just read on.
Harry looked … lying awake.
Sirius had wanted to comment, but I had raised my hand, halting him and keeping him from doing so. But now I stop reading and James sighs as he says: "I wish I could scold you for this one, kiddo, but all I can say is – you are so your father's son." The man grumbles in the end and instantly Sirius snaps: "What is that supposed to mean?" To which James looks at him incredulously.
"You hardly spoke to me until you saw that I was planning a prank that would get me in major trouble. You came back from home one Christmases covered in bruises and wanted us to believe you fell down stairs of all things. Dad practically needed to lock you up in the guest room before you let him tend to you. Do I need to continue? Our son is as stubborn and independent as you are, for Merlin's sake."
Sirius is quite red at this point, proving that he actually does remember these events happening, which I find a great bonus and James sighs and says: "And just like you, does our son think his burdens are his to bare, though in his case, he has one thing you don't. He has a valid reason. His fear that you'll be caught and that he'll lose you all over again." And with that sad thought, do I put the book down.
Like father, like son.
And needless to say, this chapter was not easy. I waited with it until almost the last second, three days before posting day and, at some points, I tried to just rush through it and get it done. So yeah, Alice is now aware of who the imposter is, but she's not telling. I will probably explain why in the next chapter. Also expect another break chapter sometime soon.
Hope you enjoyed,
Venquine1990
