Hey everyone,
So I just want you all to know that I will NOT be changing the whole scene with Severus and Lily. I might add a little, but I perfectly like that scene and don't really think there's anything wrong with it. I will add to the start of the chapter – thanks to what I added at the end of the last – but other than that, don't expect too many changes. Okay, maybe one or two at the part of James going to heal everyone who has been in detention with Umbridge, but not much more.
Hope you enjoy,
Venquine1990
Chapter 32
Conflict In Many Forms
30th of January 1996
Entrance Hall, Hogwarts
Lily's POV
Lea's performance – or warm-up as he calls it – was astounding to watch and makes me very interested in what Sora and Riku might be like and whether or not they have the same talent. And while I do acknowledge that the teen obviously got his experience from years of hardships, is it also easy to see that others have spotted this and that it makes them less willing to try and make a move onto Jessica, which I know is the whole reason behind all this.
This makes me smirk as I know how important it is to a MG bond for the Dominant to be able to protect the Submissive and Lea just proved this. "James, I think we should move onto our next phase. Is that okay with you?" I ask my brother and the man nods before I turn to Severus, who is still glaring at the man. I pull and unshrink my two favorite kits, one that holds all of the best draughts made by my own students and one that holds the rarest ingredients you can get.
"Severus, would you mind showing me your Potions supply and storage room? I think I may have some things in here that will interest you." Yet before Severus can recover from his temporary shock that I am talking to kindly to him and before others, like some of Harry's friends, can stop gawking at me for actually calling the man by his first name, does an obnoxious blonde I recognize from the books as Draco Malfoy rudely ask:
"What could a Mudblood like you have to offer him, huh?" And while Severus sends him a ferociously furious glare to prove that he still takes that slur very personal from back when we were kids, do I only send the boy a victorious smirk back. The boy steps back, shock and confusion on his face as he probably expected me to feel insulted, but instead of that do I rummage through my ingredients kit before pulling out a single vial.
I show it to the boy and he squints his eyes before he shouts: "THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!" But I keep my victorious smirk as I put the vial of willingly given Unicorn blood back in my kit and calmly say: "Not to our Care Taker of the Magical Creatures that roam the lands across Campbrina and live – pretty similar to Hagrid. Though we don't really get how he manages to get them – and we stopped asking a long time ago."
This makes many of the others look at me and I easily spot that there are various students interested in both the subject and the school I used to work for as I say: "He's an odd one. Practically the living embodiment of the saying "The ways of Campbrina are unexplainable." He does go through various tests on a regular basis and we keep a constant eye on him when he's just caring for the animals, but else we let him be."
"And even then he's an oddball from time to time." One the other teachers mutters, but his partner, who is also his sister, giggles and says: "Maybe, but he's Campbrina's oddball." Making me smile as James tried to take that role for a while, on recommendation of his Mind-Healer. I then turn back to Severus and ask: "So, interested?" And the man smirks at me, even if the look in his eyes makes me want to sigh in defeat.
The two of us then leave the rest of the group that has gathered around us behind, yet don't speak until we are both sure we are a safe and acceptable distance away. And before Severus can do or say anything, do I say: "Severus, it will never work." And the man looks at me, his mask gone and his face showing his shock as I say:
"I've seen how you've been looking at me, especially when Siri proposed to James. And to be honest, the fact that you are so open with your emotions makes me concerned for your job as spy. And you also proved me right just now with how you respond to their names alone. You're still stuck in the time when you were all teens, but you're forgetting something vital. You and James have something in common." And instantly he snarls:
"What could I possibly have –." But I interrupt him as I actually went through a similar situation with James when he was going through his period of letting go of the past and say: "You both believed everything you ever loved gone and dead for years." And this shuts the man up before he mutters: "Potter could have easily –." But I shake my head and say: "James was taken, because he was suffering from a horrible curse, a family related one.
Severus, you may or may not want to believe it, but James is still going through annual meetings with a Mind Healer. He didn't get to be Assistant to any teacher until 1984, he was in that bad a state for that long. And I think even with Sirius back in his life, it might still take several years before the effects of that curse are lifted.
Severus, according to four different books I read about this curse, two of them being written by a Healer, and one portrait of a Potter who once worked at Campbrina himself some centuries ago, the Potter War curse is triggered by how long a war lasts and how long it can effect a Potter, but it can only be lifted – by those closest to said Potter. And what did James think of those closest to him these last thirteen years?"
And the man holds quiet for a bit, making me remember that most of the world believed the same of James and me before he grumbles as he says: "He believed them dead." At which I nod and say: "So you see, you and James have something in common. But where you had those that once loved James the way you loved me, James had only me and teachers he slowly tried – but due to the curse failed – to make his secondary family."
"But what does this have to do with you saying we could never work?" The man asks and I answer: "Because of two reasons. One is my job – and no Severus, I didn't fully give up on that. I actually had a feeling that Jessica would be coming to Campbrina. The fact that Lady Destiny sought to intervene gave me that feeling, the feeling that Hogwarts, unlike during our years, was no longer safe for my niece to study at.
And I'm really sorry to say this, Severus, but Campbrina has horribly strict rules when it comes to relationships, both long-distance and not. In fact, the long-distance ones are more strict than the ones that take place at the school. And because I know you're needed for the war, I can't, in good conscience, ask you to transfer. And I will ignore you if I find out that you did so yourself. I'm needed for Jessica, you're needed for the rest of us.
Which means it will have to be long distance and that means I'm currently breaking Campbrina rules by wanting to give you these ingredients and Potions." This makes the man stare the two kits in my hands hungrily, before he looks back up and asks: "And what is the other reason?" Making me sigh sadly and I say:
"The other reason is – I've seen what you've become. Both in how you handle yourself when we're in meetings back at London and in the book. And before you say anything, Severus, can you look me in the eye and tell me Jessica is the only one giving out biased treatment?" And this instantly shuts the man up making me sigh again.
"That's what I mean. You still see everything Potter related as something bad that you need to conquer. And that means that, even if we become something more, there will always be a hurdle. Severus, I am blood-adopted. Meaning that, even if I bond with you, I will still be known as Lillian Roseanna Prince/Snape-Potter.
And I know you well enough that you know a change of name is not an option and that, therefore, that second last name, my new maiden name, will always be that hurdle." At this the man sighs, heartbreak sounding clear through his voice and making my own heart ache. I then decide to give him something that will hopefully cheer him up.
"Which is why I have two important roles I want you to fulfill if that time ever comes, Severus." Instantly the man looks up and I say: "Don't think I'm saying this to hurt, torture or otherwise inconvenience you. I'm asking this because I trust you on the same level I trust James, Sirius and, at one point, Albus and Minerva."
The man seems shocked that I trust him and nods before I say: "Were it ever to happen that I find someone, someone willing to court and then marry or bond to me, I want you to be my chaperone as well as the man walking me down the aisle. Can you do that for me, Severus?" And again, as much as it hurts me as it proves that the man just can't let go of his past regardless of how much that is hurting him emotionally, does Severus prove me right as he asks:
"What about Potter?" To which I answer: "I'm asking you.""And he's okay with that?" The man asks and I can hear a clear tone of disbelief in his voice. To this I shrug, trying to suppress my sense of disappointment as I say: "He's quite sure you won't treat his little girl any better than you did when she was Harry, especially with how she now looks, but he's also reasonable enough to know that I'm not Jessica and that's enough for him."
This shocks the man, which I know is because he never did that for Jessica and he probably thought James couldn't either, but then he seems to decide to give my offer some thought, making me smile in relief before he says: "It's a good thing you grasped my hand from time to time there. You wouldn't have been able to get through my wards into my personal storage otherwise." Making me smirk at his cunning before I say:
"Clever move. I doubt any of your snakes would be willing to hold onto you just to get a look in there." Yet then I turn grim and say: "Though I hate saying this, your wards have been breached two times already." And immediately the man swirls on me and asks in angered shock: "How can you be sure of that?"
To which I remain calm as I have dealt with students that look a lot scarier when angered over the years and answer: "Standard procedure at Campbrina. The ComC teacher knows how to give a History of Magic class, the Transfigurations Teacher can teach Divinations, you get the idea. And because Campbrina is so well warded and protected, all of its staff learns how to sense and study wards before they start teaching."
The man looks shocked, yet I also notice a glint in his eyes that proves he's impressed with this manner of cooperation between the staff and then he asks: "Can you – can you read into – the breaches?" To which I answer: "Only when they happened, nothing more. We who don't teach Wards and Runes class only learn the basics, just enough to be in constant contact with the Campbrina wards as long as we are on Campbrina grounds."
The man nods and says: "Good enough." At which I return to where I felt the last ward pass us and I use a special little bit of Wandless, non-verbal magic to have my right middle finger go over the ward, leaving a trail of sparks and lights where I pass before I say: "The first breach is old, somewhere at the near end of last year."
At this the man sighs and says: "That's good, that one's been taken care of. The culprit's been caught and sentenced." At which I nod at him, even though his tone tells me there is more to that story and then go on and say: "The other one – is from just before the holidays began. I'd say the day before the train left." At this I turn to Severus and say: "However, because school has again restarted already, there is a way to find the culprit."
"Even if they have probably already used whatever they stole from me?" Severus asks, his tone proving how annoyed he is with the fact that he might have lost some valuable ingredients or potions and I nod as I say: "Because of Umbridge The Mother won't be allowing her own Ward Expert to come here, a rule against doing so in an area of conflict, but she can send other teachers, who can do what I did and then be on the lookout.
And because you're a teacher yourself, they can hide themselves away in either your classroom or the corridor and sense out the signatures of the students and see if it matches with the signature of the one who breached your ward. And no, Severus, that is not an invasion of privacy, because it concerns an investigation into thievery.
But, if you want, the Mother can send notices to those you believe would never think of doing this. Just promise me that, when you make that decision, you will be unbiased when you make your list. A Gryffindor is a Gryffindor and a Slytherin is a Slytherin. Not a Gryffindor is a Potter or a Slytherin is a bully victim or something, okay?"
The man seems hesitant at first, but then looks into the corridor we just went through, his eyes hardening in anger before he nods and asks: "And the – the Mother would willingly help me in this?" To which I decide to humor him and tell him a little more on Campbrina rules and protocols as I ask: "Severus, remember what I told you about that Care Taker? What he has to go through every so often to keep being allowed to do what he does?"
The man nods and I say: "That's why I think it's such a good thing Jessica is now with Sirius. He was way overprotective of her when she was still his little infant son and he had to pretend to be his godfather. It's why we chose the Fidelius and not to make him Secret Keeper. It was to keep him from blowing his cover.
And these books? If they don't max out Sirius' need to be overprotective, I don't know what will. And seeing as how I know Jess was raised by my sister, Sirius being so overprotective is exactly what she needs, especially if she plans to transfer to Campbrina the way Angelina says she was. The over-protectiveness will help in that."
"How?" Severus asks, obviously confused and I answer: "Jessica is independent. To the point that she breaks rules just to help others. We even heard stories of her being willing to throw her own life away just to help or protect others. But the rules of Campbrina are way tighter on that than those at Hogwarts. You heard about that when Lea questioned the staff in regards to Jessica and those filthy creeps and their sick ideas.
And trust me, even if Jessica and those creeps both go to Campbrina, they will not be learning in the same part of the school. But if Sirius keeps being his overprotective self, Jessica will lose her reason to be independent and will grow more willing to abide by the rules and trust in adults. And that is another reason she goes on crazy adventures to save others, like she did when she went to face that Mountain Troll." At this the man frowns and he asks:
"And you really think that will work?" At which I sigh as I'm already sure that the Troll was only an appetizer compared to whatever else the girl might have gone through and say: "I won't say it will be easy for her, but that's what makes me glad that she's not just reading of her past experiences. She's apparently also meant to read about her future – or at least a future that would have existed had Lady Destiny not intervened when she did.
And Severus, according to Lady Destiny, this year marks something horrible for Jessica.""What?" The man asks and I can tell he's only worried because of how I look and say this and I look down and wrap my arms around myself to give myself some emotional comfort as I whisper: "Don't tell James this, but – Lady Destiny visited me in my dreams last night. She told me what would be the catalyst that changed Harry for good."
The man looks at me imploringly and I sigh as I say: "According to Lady Destiny, you, Vol – the Dark Lord, Dumbledore and Umbridge all play a role in this, but – at the end of this year, Harry would have –." Yet here I stop, still not wanting to believe what Lady Destiny told me last night as it is exactly the one thing I would never wish on any of my family, especially James and Jessica and Severus mutters: "Lost his father."
At which I nod at him and then feel extremely grateful when the man wraps his arms around me as he whispers: "That would have broken him for sure." To which I whisper back: "Which makes it a good thing she has a long way to go before she gets to that book." At which the man nods against my shoulder in clear relief. And the fact that the man does care enough about my niece to be relieved about this warms my heart.
Like this we keep standing for a short while and then, when I feel I have regained myself and have moved past the pain of what I got told last night, do I pull back, Severus reluctantly letting me go and I ask: "So, want to see what I can do to add to your collection?" And the man smirks, obviously seeing through my change of subject.
We then pass through the last few wards and barriers and the man opens an almost invisible door on the left of the hallway as he says: "See what you can do, Campbrina Mistress." Making me giggle as that sounds like something he and I would do before Hogwarts, its Houses and their rivalry made it harder for us to remain friends.
"You know, Campbrina doesn't have Houses or anything like that. The Mother did try to implement them once when we were working for her, but that didn't go too well. The whole thing only lasted two months before it got completely cancelled. Can you believe that a school without Houses is more competitive than one with?"
"It took them only two months to grow rivalries?" Severus asks in shocked amusement and I retort: "Yeah, can you believe it?" Making the man laugh as I browse through his stocks, both his potions ingredients and the vials of potions he has in stock and checking to see if there is anything in my kits that I can add and also admiring what the man has been able to either collect or create by himself over these past years.
"Then again, the way to get into Campbrina as a student is pretty tough, you know? First you get send this magical bit of parchment that has you take a very bizarre but worthwhile multiple choice quiz and then, without the help of anyone not even the alumni, you have to use the questions you got asked to find the place. This actually happens four times a year and Campbrina actually Port-Keys the entire land to different parts across England each time.
And once you do, you have to prove that you can keep things secret by remaining out of contact with your family on the other side of the protections for a month." By now Severus is looking shocked and I say: "And the teacher positions aren't filled easily either. You have to have some kind of death sentence before you can be applied." Yet this seems to reignite Severus' old anger at James as he mutters to himself:
"And thanks to Potter, you –." But to this I say: "No Severus, you got that wrong. The Mother wasn't sure I would or would not survive in this world without James, but she knew James wouldn't survive Campbrina without at least one family member. She saved me, so I could save him. There was no other reason for her actions."
At this Severus grimaces, but he doesn't fight me on this for which I am grateful. I then take one final look around and say: "Well, Severus, I got to say. You haven't been idle with the time you're not spending on either teaching or spying. I really thought – no offense meant – that I'd be emptying out both of my kits entirely."
"So how much of them will you be emptying?" The man asks, his smirk proving he doesn't take offense to my words and I say: "Forty percent of my potions kits and a little more out of my ingredients kit. Though again, don't ask where the Care Taker got them from, we stopped asking long ago for a good reason. James actually tried tricking the man into telling him once and he still won't tell me how that went, though he still doesn't know either."
The man nods, a smirk of glee temporarily on his face as he hears of James' misfortune and I look down at the potions kit in my left hand as I say: "Also, I have a potion in here that you might not like having, considering how much trouble you still have with when we were teens. Think you can prove me wrong?" And while the man grimaces, does it seem his curiosity wins out as he nods and I pull the vial out as I say:
"A student of mine made this one. You probably remember it from when we read the last chapter about the detention in the forest. It serves to help werewolves touch Silverware. I already gave Remus a dose." The man looks shocked and then I decide to really test him as I say: "You know, the student who made this? He was actually disappointed in it, because he wanted to make one that makes werewolves immune to all silver.
Think you can study this beauty and write a report on how my student is supposed to get that done, would you rather I send my student to you as an apprentice for you both to try it or would you rather do it yourself?" And the man looks at me shocked as he asks: "But what about the whole thing with Campbrina and its security?" To which I shrug and say: "He graduated, no big deal. Plus, he wants to create a private service where he can market this thing."
And the man smiles at me as he asks: "When can I expect this student of yours?" To which I answer: "Probably sometime within the next week. That okay with you?" The man nods, his eyes alight with the desire to tackle this new challenge and perfect an already good potion and then I decide to tease him as I say: "You know, James is probably ripping into Minerva and Hagrid right now. Want to go see how that's going?"
At this the man sends me a confused raised eyebrow and he asks: "What reason could Potter have to rip into those two?" And I stonily answer: "It has to do with that blasted chapter that we read earlier. Minerva lied when she took 150 points for ridiculous reasons and Hagrid, instead of taking responsibility for his actions, thought it a good thing to take four First years into the Forbidden Forest to take down a Unicorn Killer."
The man looks shocked and he mutters: "Even I wouldn't put Potter – Junior – through something like that." At which I giggle and ask: "Can't you just call her Jessica?" At which the man shrugs and mutters: "Maybe in time." At which I nod, feeling relieved if nothing else that I have my friend back, even if he still has issues.
At the Entrance Hall
James' POV
"James, now that Lily is doing her job, you should go and do yours. We got that woman off our necks, now it's time to undo her work." One of my colleagues, who was an immense help to me when the Curse tried to affect me after I left this world behind, tells me and I nod, happy that I still have my Keyblade in hand as I ask: "Minerva, would you be able to call on all students who've had detention with Umbridge – without alerting her?"
The woman looks confused and I turn dark as I had found a picture of Angelina's hand stuck to the back of the stack of papers that Lady Destiny had sent me and so I say: "Trust me, it's necessary." To which Angelina and Jessica's closest friends nods feverishly, which is spotted by the woman and she asks: "Where should I send them?""Would your classroom or office be a problem?" And the woman shakes her head, making me smile.
Angelina then calls Jess' friends to her and quietly explains them what happened last night as Minerva puts her wand at her throat and seems to use an adapted version of the Sonorus charm, which does sound like it is resounding through all of Hogwarts, but of which I know it bypasses the DADA classroom and office and she says: "All students who have had detention with Professor Umbridge report to my office please."
And while she repeats the message another three times, probably to make sure that none of the students anywhere in the castle take the message lightly, do I smirk as she says: "A third party will meet you there to discuss the detention circumstances without consequences." At which I think: "Without painful circumstances." But I don't voice this and neither do I acknowledge the look the woman sends me as she says this.
Yet when I get to the office, do I feel a grimace covering my face as there are more students there than I would like and as I walk over to them, does Hermione ask: "Does – does Jessica know that – that you know about this?" But I shake my head and Angelina says: "I told them last night, but only after Jess admitted to how she felt about those creeps and exhausted herself. Lady Destiny send me there to help Jessica with some – girl issues."
And the way that she runs her hand down from her chest to her hips and back up makes me know she means Jessica's undergarments, making me feel relieved as I really don't want Siri, Sora, Riku or – heaven's forbid – Lea helping my newly developed little girl with that. And Hermione also gets it, but Ron doesn't seem to as he asks:
"What do you mean?" And he turns red as Angelina walks over to whisper the answer in his ear before he moans: "Why did I even ask?" Making us all laugh and drawing the attention of the students. "Wait, you're the third party? But you're Potter's mother." One of them says in fright, yet I smile at her and say:
"Yes, I am. And I am also someone who has the ability to heal your unjust injuries. Can I see your hand, little girl?" And while the girl's eyes widen, does Angelina then call on her attention and she shows the girl her own unblemished skin, shocking the girl again before Angelina says: "And Lord Potter can do the same to you."
And instantly I am swarmed by the students all of them screaming at me to help them first and trying to push the other out of the way, but then I say: "Okay, okay, enough. I will do the ones that are the least injured and Lea here will do the ones that have been in detention the most, okay? His skills in this are better and more well-developed than mine. Also, you, you and you, out! I can already see that your hands are fine, so you have no business here."
At this I see both Lea and the poor students nod at me, bar the three that I pointed out, who glare at me before they storm off and then Neville Longbottom, who had come along with us, shocks me as he asks: "Can I help too? Lea gave me the same power. I have a Keyblade too, Lord Potter." At this I turn to Lea, who has his arms crossed in a confident manner and tells Neville: "The spell to do this is called Cure. Got it memorized?"
And while some students seem shocked at such a simple wording and I hear two of the students that are obviously in their final year snort, does Neville nod and does he summon his own Keyblade, which makes me smile in pride at Lily's godson. "Okay, Neville will do those who have only had one detention, I'll do those who have had a few of them and Lea will do the ones who've had it as bad as my daughter. You all got that?"
Everyone nods and I say: "Good, now please split up inside Minerva's office and hold out your hands for us to work on them." And instantly the students all dash inside, but once we get there too, do I say: "Do know that I will also be casting glamour spells on your hands to make it look as if you still have the scarring, alright?"
And while some students seem confused at this, does one of them say: "It's to keep the teachers from getting into trouble, isn't it?" I shake my head and say: "It's to keep Umbridge from doing something even crazier than this, just because things aren't going the way she likes them to. I don't like it, but it's the safest plan – for now."
This makes the students look at each other and I smile at them in reassurance, spreading my arms wide as if to give them all a comforting hug as I gently tell them: "If you think Lady Destiny or the Mother are going to continue accepting this, you really don't get Destiny and you need to read up on what Campbrina High is all about. Now let's see those hands." And instantly all of them raise up the hand that got scarred in detention.
The three of us set to work and while we do, do I silently hope that Minerva will come in here and see this happening. "Maybe seeing her lions in pain like this will awaken that Mother Lion I just know is still part of her. Even if, for some reason, she's decided to bury it deep inside herself." I think to myself as I continue to work. Neville, unfortunately, still spots two more students who are actually unscarred and Lea glares them out of the room.
And after some time it does seem as if Minerva's curiosity has won out on her reluctance to be a good Head of House as she knocks and asks: "How are things going here?" And Neville answers: "I had to let Lord Potter take over the students I asked if I could help, but otherwise I think we're well on schedule. Wait, are we?"
He asks and Minerva asks: "Wait, why is Mr. Longbottom helping?" And I answer: "Because, at the time, he, Lea and I are the only ones able to have the ability needed to heal the wrongdoings of a certain teacher. And before you say it, Minerva, no, I have nothing against Severus, he is not the teacher I meant."
This, like it startled Severus before, startles the woman as well and I think: "Why is everyone I know so determined to stay stuck in a past that just serves to hurt and annoy them?" Yet I don't voice this question as I remember how hard it was for me to, at first, let go and instead I focus on my task at hand as I kindly say: "There, that should do it. Now please wait over there with the others so I can cast the Glamour later."
And the little girl, who has the same color and hairstyle as my own little girl, nods before she joins all of the students we already managed to heal and when I look at the three dozen teens sitting there, all talking in excited hushed voices, do I think: "So much pain caused in only four and a half months time." And I shake my head in disgust.
I then notice that another young man of just a year under my little girl has gone to sit in front of me and the boy startles me as he says: "All hail Jessica Potter! All hail the return of her family! Long live House Potter!" And my eyes turn wide as I look at him, but then Neville says: "Colin, enough already. You startled him."
"I'm sorry, it's just – I'm so excited to meet you. And so happy for Jessica! And while I've been a fan of the Boy-Who-Lived for years, I just love that that title is dead! Because it died when you guys returned! And that is so awesome! My dad is never going to believe this! People saved from certain death! Though he does love stories like that! Can I take a picture of you later? Or get a copy of that picture you showed us?"
And while I wonder who this little fellow is as well as whether or not he will have an impact on my little girl's Second year, does Neville sternly say: "Colin, time to focus." His voice sounding like that of his father when Frank helped my friends and me study for our OWLs. And instantly it looks as if a switch has been turned on the boy as he shuts his mouth and suddenly looks as if he's ready to be taught in Auror classes or something.
"I'll explain later." Neville mutters at me and then he goes to sit with Ron and Hermione, who were amazingly enough unharmed though Neville said that's because Umbridge was constantly focused on my little one more. And yet, knowing this trio from what I have learned so far and from the way that I can see Hermione look at us when the younger students come to me to be healed, I just know they won't let this injustice lying down.
I then look back at the lad that is waiting for me to heal him and think: "His change of character has something to do with it, I just know it." I then shake the thought off and decide to focus on it later and just level my Keyblade above his hand as I say: "Cure." And the regular leafs and flower petals once more cover the boy's hands.
They seep in, causing for a green glow to shine over the blemished skin, even as more flower petals and leafs fall and as the glow keeps up, does it also seem to push the skin up, causing for the scars to fade and for regular skin to slowly grow back from the uplifting skin on the boy's hand. And I keep this up until only skin is visible.
I then motion him with my head for the group that I've already done and as the boy walks over, do I get my wish granted one step further as it seems that Minerva has taken a more closer interest in what I do and has seen the newest girl, one who is actually only a second year if her height is any indication, raise her scarred hand.
"Mss. Laisla, how did this happen?" The woman asks shocked and I think: "You can't be serious. You know why they came here. How are you being so stubbornly blind?" And the girl in front of me seems to think the same as she stubbornly mutters: "Professor Umbridge had me doing lines." And I can hear a sense of repetition in her voice.
At this I turn to Minerva, who wants to open her mouth, but I ask: "How many of your lions have been telling you that?" And Minerva looks at me shocked and while I only pay enough attention to the girl to make sure I cast the spell upon her hand, do I ask: "How many of your lions have told you they write lines when in detention with Umbridge?"
And the way that the woman grimaces, makes me send her a very disappointed glare as I think: "Too many obviously." I then notice that Lily and Severus have also actually made their appearance and Lily asks: "How are things here? Wait, are those all students who have had that horrible detention method used on them?"
And I nod before Minerva asks: "How do either of you even know of it?" And Angelina angrily steps up and says: "Because I couldn't trust in my own Head of House to protect me, so I decided to confide in the one person who is best protected to take care of my injuries for me. And after that, Lady Destiny informed his mate of what happened."
And while Minerva looks shocked at the girl, does Angelina prove me she knows how to make someone feel guilty as she snarls: "Let that sink in for you, Professor. I trusted a man that I believed to be a wanted murderer for the last 2 ½ years more than I did the woman who has been my Head of House for almost 7 years straight."
And even I wince at that before Lily looks around and mutters: "If I didn't know better, I'd say we just transfer all students to Hogwarts until Dumbledore and Fudge are done fighting their ridiculous little game." At which I growl: "That would certainly ensure them losing the chance to indirectly hurt or harm any more innocents."
"Albus would never –!" But this is as far as Minerva gets as Lily and I both glare at her furiously and I growl: "You and Albus along with the other Heads – yes, even you, Severus, Lea already healed the two Snakes present, but they already left, they know Glamour charms. But all five of you have let these students get harmed!"
"What were we supposed to do? She has the Minister's backing and you know it! What other choice did we have?" The woman screams, but I shout back: "DOES HOGWARTS HAVE PROTECTIVE WARDS MEANT TO WARD OFF ITEMS AS DARK AS A BLOOD QUILL OR NOT! DOES IT NOT HAVE THE MAGIC NEEDED TO BECOME A SANCTUARY FOR THE INNOCENT! IS THAT A LIE TOO?"
And the woman shrinks back as Lily comes to stand with me, both to support me and to show a united front against the woman as she angrily says: "Face it, Minerva, you have all become so stuck in your mindset of this is how things are and nothing can change that, that you have all lost your drive and with that, your need to live up to your responsibility in keeping the students safe. Instead, you have started believing and assuming.
Oh, we can handle this, so our students can too. Oh, we've weathered this, so our students are fine. Oh, we can overcome this threat, so our students will remain unharmed. Oh, we can keep our school standing through a war, so our school can handle everything else. That is the kind of mindset you and a lot of the other teachers have taken upon yourselves. And now for one more little history lesson, Minerva McGonagall."
And while I feel amused at how much Snape is obviously enjoying this, making me wonder if he hadn't been telling the other teachers things like this before we did, do I growl at Minerva: "Campbrina exceeds Hogwarts and has done so for centuries. There is even a contract that was signed up by the Headmaster of 1312 and of which a part is added to the contract of each new Headmaster. Want to know what it says?"
The woman nods, though her face proves that she is already aware that she won't like what the contract states and Lily growls: "If the staff of Hogwarts fails to uphold its duties in regards to the student body and provide acceptable levels of safety to their health and physical well-being, teachers and staff of Campbrina are to provide protection against this failure of duty at earliest convenience. Transfer acceptable, but not required."
The woman looks shocked at what she hears, actually moving over to slump down in her seat with her face almost whiter than snow and I growl: "Basically, we have the legal right to call on all students, check to see if they are in any physical danger or if either you or Umbridge are willing to – instinctively or purposely – use them to spite or hurt the other and then transfer that student to Campbrina, possessions and all.
And yes, Minerva, we have a copy of that very contract on hand. Last night, after the reading, I contacted Campbrina and told the Mother of what I found on the back of them. When she heard a blood quill was being used inside Hogwarts, she instantly insisted on it. We just felt that getting the students healed was to be our main priority, meaning we had to get Umbridge out of the way so she wouldn't hinder our aide to your students."
And while the woman looks as if she is about to faint from her own realization of how much she has failed her House, do I growl: "Campbrina may not have the rights Fudge thinks he can put on Umbridge all willy-nilly, but we do have the duty to keep – students – safe. Which is the whole purpose behind our school's reputation. Which is what your school was known for during the war and that you think still applies, even now."
And with that do I turn to the student body that have obviously been hurt by this woman and say: "However, if you'd rather stay here, that is entirely up to you. Just know that, refusing our help even once, forbids us from offering it again. Unfortunately that statement falls under the same contract, though why is a mystery to me."
"And if you fear that Umbridge, Fudge or anyone else will go after your families just to either spite you or entice you into coming back to do their bidding, no worries. The contract does include a clause where the student truly has to feel safe before the teachers of Campbrina have done their job. And fearing for a parent does not feel safe, so when the contract was set up, Campbrina started building homes for the families to live in."
This makes many of the faces around me give warm, grateful – some even teary-eyed – smiles and I turn to the devastated woman beside me as I sigh to prove that I really don't like any of what I am doing here and I say: "Trust me, Minerva. I don't like emptying out the school I loved so much as a teen, the school I dreamed to send my kids to, but if it means keeping the innocents safe, I will do that. I put the students first."
And with that do I turn back to the students that still need my help. But while I do so, do I spot something from the corner of my eye just as I turn around. Severus Snape nods at me in accepted pride and while that was definitely not something I ever expected would come out of this, do I let it motivate me nonetheless.
At the same time
At the Dimension
Jessica's POV
I don't know how or why, but for the third night in a row my sleep wasn't disturbed by a single dream. And while I have already come to accept that Lady Destiny's realm is keeping the connection between my mind and Voldemort's under stasis or something, does the absence of nightmares still amaze me seeing what happened before I fell asleep.
Yet this thought seems to be the trigger as I feel a shiver of disgusted fear run down my spine images of me being forced to lie under some random student going through my mind, only for a fire of determination to take its place, pusing those images away as I think: "No! I may be a girl now, but I am also bonded to someone. I am nobody's toy and nobody's little playdate. I am a girl and I deserve to feel proud over being a girl."
And with that do I think back to how wonderful it felt to wear that first dress, how marvelous it felt to wear that dress I chose as my bridesmaide's dress, how it felt to see and hear how proud dad and Sora are of me and how brilliant Lea's smiles are when he looks at me as well as how horrible it felt when Mrs. Weasley ranted at me for how it looked. I shake my head and think: "I deserve to feel special in my own skin and in what I choose to wear."
I look up and move around my bed to the double-doors that lead into my walk-in closet, anxiously awaiting the moment that Angelina might come back with more cloths. Yet before I can open it, does it seem to shine from within and within my own mind I can hear Lady Destiny whisper: "You do deserve it, my little dearheart." And instantly I feel both grateful for her help and excited over what she could have in store for me.
I then notice another bright light and look to the side to where my vanity table is standing – something I have grown to love to sit behind every morning since I changed, squealing when I actually spot a whole buckload of different kinds of makeup articles. From lipstick to rouge to blush to combs and brushes to eye shadow and eye pencils to moisturizers to little bottles and tubes that have skin-colored goo in them and so, so, so much more.
"Feel pretty, little dearheart." I hear Lady Destiny say and after another squeal of excitement do I throw the doors to my closet open, ready to grab whatever it is that Lady Destiny got for me. And the dress that is hung up at the back of the closet and right in front of a huge, floor-to-ceiling mirror that is set in the back-wall of the closet makes my heart just burst with excitement over how gorgeous it is and I think: "They'll love it."
At which I practically drag it out, rush for my own private bathroom and change into it with just enough haste that I get it on fast, but not risk tearing even a single strand in my haste. I then make sure my teeth and hair are brushed and done up in a style that I really like and finally rush for my vanity table, yet again squealing in delight when I see all the make up.
But that squeal is cut short as I suddenly realize something and think: "Wait, I have NO IDEA how to use any of this." And instantly I sigh and feel like getting off my table, only for Lady Destiny's voice to sound through my head as she asks: "Do you trust me, dearheart?" At which I let out an unladylike snort and ask:
"Do I trust the one deity that has done more for me in the last few days than all of my Hogwarts teachers over the last four and a half years? Of course I do!" To which the voice, now sounding amused, says: "Then just pick up whichever item you wish and let my guide your head and hand to apply it just right."
And this again makes me let out an excited squeal and think: "I might not be allowed to have Lea see me like this for another five chapters, but showing off to my brother and dad is going to be just as sweet." Before I happily grab the first item and instantly feel an ethereal sense of magic flow through my lips and hand as I get to work.
An hour later
Downstairs
Sora's POV
"Am I the only one worried? Jessica had a good reason to be down late yesterday, but we were up pretty early too so we could be here when she arrives. Why is she late now?" Riku doesn't seem to know the answer to this, but dad smirks and says: "Ah Sora, the mystery that is a woman getting ready. A life mystery, I tell you.
Best just leave them to it." And then another voice, one I have grown to love in a very brotherly fashion very quickly, says: "If you do, your reward will be grand. Especially today." And I look at where the door that leads up to Jessica's room is, only for my mouth to drop and my eyes to widen as I see my sister.
Where she looked amazing in the white dress with black appliques, does she look almost like a phoenix in her new dress, which has a yellow bodice with red and yellow stripes at the neckline and a yellow peplum with a horizontal red line through the peplum as well as a black belt above it that has a sun for a belt buckle.
Underneath the peplum, the skirt is made of two pieces. The first piece is red with yellow stripes going down the front of the dress and the second part is yellow with a red stripe going even further down before it covers the entire trim of the dress. The skirt itself is body-fitted until the knees and then flares out from there.
Jessica has also done amazing work on her facial features and her hair as it's done up in a bun at the back of her head with only three strands sticking out. One at her forehead and two just above her ears. There is also a gorgeous flower in her hair and the way that her make-up is done accentuates the natural beauty of her face.
"You – you – you – you look incredible!" I mutter and dad says: "I'll say. Sweetie, you look good enough to turn a gay man straight – which makes me glad I'm not just gay, I'm magically bonded to be gay." And instantly I nod, ignoring how this makes Riku send me a smirk that says: "Yeah, you know you're mine."
For those curious about the dress, check "Sunset Shimmer Dance Magic" out on Google images. I decided to use that gorgeous bit of fabric, cause I felt it would really compliment the bond between Jessica and Lea, which is currently really important to Jessica.
Yet then Jessica sighs and asks: "Do you think, if I were to look this regal at Hogwarts, it would – well, you know?" Yet while I know what she means and while it makes me furious that she is worrying over such a thing, do I say: "It doesn't matter if they would or not, sis. They aren't going to be given the chance, remember?"
This makes the girl smile at me gratefully, but then she turns sad again, which shocks and confuses me. Yet dad seems to get it, which is something that I have been impressed with since the first time this happened as he asks: "You're worried for your friends, aren't you? Heh, even when you are still hard at work to get your own life slowly brought on the right track, you still worry for the others. You are just the most caring person I ever thought I could have for a daughter."
And he comes over to give her a warm hug as he whispers: "I am so proud of you." Making her send him a warm, grateful smile. "Don't worry about them, sweetie. I'm sure your mum and the others from Campbrina got it covered." The man mutters before we all get shocked as a small light appears in the center of our breakfast table and when it vanishes, it leaves behind a single scroll that has a strange looking ribbon wrapped around it.
"What do you think that is?" I ask and the ethereal voice of Lady Destiny says: "It is to comfort my dearheart's concerns." And this makes us all look at Jessica, who tentatively reaches out and takes the scroll, opening and reading it to herself. The girl gasps as she does and tears of relief start to prickle in her eyes as she squeaks and says: "Listen to this." And to our own growing shocks, does she read the note out loud.
"If the staff of Hogwarts fails to uphold its duties in regards to the student body and provide acceptable levels of safety to their health and physical well-being, teachers and staff of Campbrina are to provide protection against this failure of duty at earliest convenience. Transfer acceptable, but not required."
This makes the girl look up, smiling with tears of relief streaming down her face, which I can only assume is due to her hormones as she says: "Umbridge. Her infernal battle against Dumbledore over how Hogwarts should be run, what about it should be changed and all that other stuff. It can be considered a breach of this contract. It would give mum and Aunt Lily a perfectly good reason to transfer all students to Campbrina."
And this makes all of us smile at each other and dad asks: "See Jess, your parents got that situation under control. You feel better now?" And Jessica nods before dad says: "Good, because I took care of a little something myself, something that, once it gets send to our homeworld, will instantly end all sick dreams of those blasted creeps to have their disgusting ways with you. read this." And he hands her another scroll.
The girl looks at the contract a little warily, probably because of why dad felt it needed to set it up, and then dad sighs as he says: "I won't lie to you, sweetie. I took a good look at several of those marriage contracts earlier this morning and let me tell you – a lot of families in alliance to House Potter are about to get in a lot of trouble.
And not only that, but a lot of families either related or in alliance to House Black – well, I might just let Sora, Riku, Lea and their friends have their ways with those bastards." This instantly makes Riku and me smirk at each other as our needs are still at an all time high as dad says: "However, that is only a temporary solution. This is a permanent one, not just against those bastards, but also other creeps. Just read it." And Jessica does so out loud.
Official Marriage Contract
Set to be honored by Lea of Radiant Garden
And Jessica Artemis Potter of House Potter
Written by Lord Sirius Orion Black of House Black
This contract will officially bind/engage/bethrodes Lea of Radiant Garden to Jessica Artemis Potter, Heiress to the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter. The date of bonding/marriage is not to be until both members feel they have a stable life, preferably with income, but not required.
If Heiress Potter desires to remain in her own world, Lord Lea is to find a way to bring his home to the place of Heiress Potter's desire. If Heiress Potter is okay with moving to Radiant Garden, Lord Lea is to ensure that his home location is capable of housing himself and Heiress Potter.
All that belongs to Lord Lea will belong to Heiress Potter with the rule that she can only use said possessions with Lord Lea's permission. The same rule applies to all that is in the belonging/possession of Heiress Potter.
Courting is preferred, but not required. If Lord Lea desires to Court Heiress Potter, he is to do this through the traditional ways known to both House Black and House Potter.
At all times, both before the bonding/marriage and after, is Lord Lea required to offer the full ability of his services/capabilities to improve in the life of Heiress Potter. How she rewards him for this is up to her to decide.
The one true goal in Lord Lea's life, if he is in agreement with this contract, is to see Heiress Potter live a prosperous, healthy and safe life where she can celebrate being alive with her friends, family and (future) spouse.
Due to Heiress Potter being the last of the Potter line – alongside her mother, Lord James Potter – she is to have given birth to an Heir(ess) to the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter by no later than her thirtieth birthday. If she or Lord Lea desire more children, this is preferable.
In case Heiress Potter befalls anything that would make her unable to sustain her duties as Heiress to the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter, Lord Lea is to take her place at any and all tasks required of his services.
Lord Lea and Heiress Potter must vow to only use their Keyblade and – if Lord Lea ever acquires one – wands to blow off steam of outside events or to practice and hone their skills. Neither a wand nor a Keyblade can ever be used against each other in an argument/fight.
Upon the bonding/marriage between Lord Lea and Heiress Potter, the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter will provide Lea with a Vault of his own as well as offer any and all companies for which, if he so desires, Lord Lea will be offered a place of employment.
The first born Heir(ess) of Lord Lea and Heiress Potter will also be provided with a Vault of their own and with a money account set by Heiress Potter and Lord Lea.
The school to which any and all Heirs/Heiresses of Lord Lea and Heiress Potter will go to will be decided upon their birth, but will, by the Heir(ess) in question be allowed to be changed after one year of education.
These rules must be upheld at all times or the contract will be considered Null and Void and so will the marriage, though not the bonding.
Signed, Lord Sirius Orion Black,
Lord of the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Black
Father of Heiress Jessica Artemis Potter
By now Jessica has almost lost her voice as she is muttering the wording of the contract with awe and disbelief and dad says: "Trust me, I was being very lenient with this contract. Heck, I actually got to consider 40% of the other marriage contracts null and void because they expected things of you at ages of 13 and 14 that – well –."
And yet just the way that he grimaces in anger, his hand actually wrapped around what I can only imagine is his wand in his robe pocket, makes Riku and me scowl in fury and Jessica turns white as she asks: "Wait, some – some – some families were – were expecting me to – to – at what age?" And dad nods as he says: "Yeah, and those were only some of the contracts. All of the others all gave me other reasons to nullify them."
Jessica then reads through the contract again, but then she looks up and asks: "Even – even the – the Weasley one?" And the way that dad's face turns dark with anger makes Riku and me share a dark look of our own while Jessica scrunches up the document in her hands with tears starting to shine beneath her eyelids. "I won't go too deeply into that one, I will just say this. That contract proves all of your anger at Molly to be justified."
"But – but – but surely – surely after – after meeting and getting to – getting to know me – they – they would go and – and change the contract, right?" Jessica asks, pain and heartache sounding through her voice and while I quickly go over to give my sister another warm and comforting hug, does dad growl: "The contract was made on the 31st of August 1991, the day before you would board the Express for the first time."
This makes Jessica grasp the contract so tightly she almost tears it to pieces as I whisper: "That could mean anything, sis. They might have lost it or something. Just focus on that." And instantly Jessica rushes for the table and at the same time, to my shock, does Hedwig fly into the room from Jessica's bedroom with a quill in her beak. And the minute she drops the quill, does Jessica catch it and with tears in her eyes does she sign the contract.
The parchment shines and then vanishes in the same bright light as that the other scroll appeared and the voice of Lady Destiny sounds: "You made the right call. I will remind them. Still your heart, my little sweet. We've got this." And this makes Jessica send me and Riku a relieved smile at which my mate also comes up and to join me in giving her a warm hug. Dad also comes over and Jessica smiles at us all gratefully.
Back at Hogwarts
Lea's POV
I just finished up with the last of the students who have been, more or less in detention with Umbridge whenever she doesn't torture my precious little mate and James only needs to take care of two more kids, one of them a year older than my gorgeous mate and male and the other a female that is actually in my beloved's year.
I had definitely felt a little annoyed with the latter as she had tried making it sound as if I needed to help her, but her scars were obviously light enough a simple Cure would do the trick. And the way the girl was winking and blinking her eyelashes at me and the way she had purposely, accidentally, lost one of the buttons at the top of her red-trimmed uniform had proven exactly why she wanted my help, at which I told her:
"You'll be helped by my mother-in-law to be and that is that. Keep that memorized." And the way the girl had pouted at me was obviously meant to make me feel bad and go back on my decision, but I had just turned and returned my focus back to the students I had just helped and send them off to get their Glamours from Lily instead.
But then we suddenly get shocked by two bright lights shining in the room, one on a desk close to me and one on a table that is, strangely enough, exactly in-between James and Ron. And from both do I see a scroll with two different seals keeping them closed appearing. I instantly reach for the one near me and start to read it.
And just the first sentence makes my eyes widen yet out of shocked curiosity, as I just can't phantom what would make Sirius want to decide onto doing this, do I continue reading. Yet I only need to look up and spot that same annoying girl before it makes sense, making me read on intrigued. And to my shock does the contract seem to convenience my precious mate only slightly more than it does me, but that does sound like a contract set up by her dad.
"WHAT IN THE NAME OF MAGIC IS THIS?" James suddenly screams in utter fury and I look up at him as he has the scroll that appeared between him and Ron scrunched up in a tight fist and is glaring at Ron as if he wants to roast him alive. "WHY? Why is there a marriage contract between your sister and my daughter?
And why does it demand my child's Trust Vault for a dowry? Why does it demand Godric's Hollow for a home for the first child? Why does it demand that Harry starts courting Ginny at age fourteen? Why –?" But while I am appalled at the fact that even my mate's best friends have set up such a horrifying piece of work, do the kids shout: "WE DON'T KNOW!" And while this shuts the man up, does he still glare as Ron says:
"We don't know any of this. We'd swear it on our blood, our magic, anything. Honest." And the man seems to believe him, yet he still hisses: "If neither of you knew, then why was this contract set up the day before your first trip on the Express?" And instantly the two seem to realize something and while I really hope that all of this is just one big misunderstanding, especially for my Jessie's sake, do I ask: "You seem to know something?"
And the two sigh as Ginny says: "It was a week before Ron's first year. We were at the dinner table, eating one of mum's specialties and the twins were joking around like they always do." Then Ron, as if he is her twin says: "Then suddenly we start joking about what we'd do after Hogwarts, you know for fun, and Percy actually joked about working for Tom at the Leaky Cauldron before Ginny made this one statement while laughing."
The girl sighs and says: "I said Yeah, I'm going to graduate as Lady Ginerva Potter. Everyone knew I was joking, I always use my full name when I do. It's something I've been doing since I was seven or so. But –." And James, who seems to have only calmed down a little, growls: "Molly seems to have decided that she should take your joke seriously. That still doesn't explain these bleeding, ridiculous demands she made of my House."
But the two shake their heads and Ginny says: "We have no answer to that. I mean, mum always had me fantasize about what life would be like to be Lady Potter and the Wizarding has been creating all of these crazy legends about the Potter fortune over the years, but I always countered her trust me, dear, you will want for nothing with the words neither of us will, mum, for anything that is Harry Potter's is mine and vice versa.
I never wanted Harry for his fortune, his inheritance or anything. I wanted him, because of the way his fame hyped up his character into something that was just a dream come true. You know, the same way your solution with the transfer to Campbrina seems like a dream come true about all of this. But neither Harry nor Jessica are like the tales I was told when I was little and I would never demand anything of him that rightfully is his – or hers."
And while I feel highly concerned over the idea that others could have tried something similar and while I really hope that my precious little Firefly hasn't had to read any of them, does it seem as if these two talking like this and James noticing that they're telling the truth seem to have calmed him down and he rolls up the scroll before crossing his arms with the scroll in one hand and he says: "Thank you for telling me."
He then turns to me and instantly I feel like I am standing in front of Master Yen Sid. Realizing this must be the family magic at work, do I hear him say: "Get Molly here. I still have some questions and it seems that she is the only one who can answer them." At this I nod, but because I want to be here and keep an eye out myself – especially because James still has his Keyblade in his other hand – do I not phase out to go and fetch the woman.
Instead I snap my fingers and a cloud of dark smoke appears and vanishes, only to appear again and when it vanishes, does Molly Weasley appear, the woman shocked for only a few seconds. She then wants to round on me, but gets stopped by a voice that sounds colder than the ice that Even and Vexen used to use in battle hissing at her: "Don't – even – try."
And she turns around, her face whitening in fear as she sees how furiously James is glaring at her. But because I feel like I should punish her for her actions myself do I send a quick silent look at James to tell him to be patient before I state: "Hermione, do you perhaps have some writing equipment? I really must sign this here document."
And while the girl looks shocked and confused, does she come over to hand me a quill and ink and I quickly make sure there is ink on the quill before signing the contract, using a very small bit of my fire power to burn the name into the contract as to further solidify my part of it all and then I look up and say: "James, would you please be a good mother-in-law to be and sign this document as well? That will make it official."
And while I can tell that Snape seems to have caught on as he suddenly starts to smirk and mutter: "That mutt – didn't." At which Lily sends him a look that tells him to be quiet as James growls in annoyance: "Can't it wait?" But I smirk and say: "Trust me, no, it can't. You should sign this now." And Hermione seems to have read the contract upside down as she starts to feverishly nod in the man's direction to convince him.
And while the man sighs, while I notice that Snape, Lily, Hermione and Ron – who gets informed by Hermione – are also smirking, walks over and almost breaks the quill I hand him, does he still sign before his eyes land on the title and for a few seconds does he stiffen in shock before he turns to me and smirks: "You sneaky bleeding devil." Making me smirk back at him, yet it's obvious I only abated some of the man's anger.
He then turns to Molly and asks: "Molly, do you know what this is?" And he holds out the contract that he had put in his pocket when he was signing my own marriage contract and the woman whitens upon seeing it, only to scream: "WHERE DID YOU FIND THAT? THE GOBLINS TOLD ME THEY LOST IT!"
And this seems to really shock James out of his anger yet also fills me with a sense of relief and makes me wish my mate was here to hear this as he asks: "Wait, what?" And the woman rushes over her words as she says: "I have been going back to Gringotts every year since Ron came back from his first. I've been trying and trying and trying to get them to find it, but they just wouldn't do it. And then I asked Bill to and he couldn't find it either.
Where did you get it from? They told me that it had probably been stolen by some unorthodox employee of theirs when they decided to reorganize after that break-in back in 1991. They told me that the culprit must have had an accomplice who also stole that contract. How on earth did you find it?" And the voice of Lady Destiny sounds: "I found it in your Maiden vault. And you, Molly Weasley, are the only able to get in there."
This instantly makes the woman whiten but then she screams: "But I haven't been back in there since the funeral of my brothers. Bill can vouch for that. I put him in charge of everything Prewett after the funeral. Arthur can vouch that I did so. I even have the contract that proves it." And she actually produces a scroll of parchment from the inside pocket of her own robe, making me wonder why she would have that on her at a time like this.
This really confuses all of us and Ginny says: "That doesn't make sense. If mum is the only one able to get into that vault and the document was created a decade after Uncle Gideon and Fabian died, but Bill can vouch that mum hasn't been inside that Vault since their funeral – then how did the contract end up in her vault?"
And Lily asks: "Can I have a look at it?" And while James seems reluctant, does he comply with her request. And Lily needs only to look at the top before she says: "Aha, here it is. Molly signed the contract under her maiden name. The employee, the one responsible for the clean-up, not the break in, I assume, must have seen that, thought it was Molly and Arthur's marriage contract and put it in Molly's vault.
It wasn't unorthodox, it was just an employee only reading part of the contract and not the whole thing. Molly's name is even above Harry and Ginny's." This makes everyone nod, but then James again glares at Molly and says: "Be that as it may, would you care to explain to me why you made some of these disgusting demands?
Ginny allowed to access to most ancient vault belonging to the Potter line? Godric's Hollow falling into the hands of the first born? Ginny meant to be pregnant no later than her last Christmas at Hogwarts? Harry paying for all the expenses of every guest who comes to the wedding? Lily's inheritance going to GINNY!?"
By now Ron and Ginny look utterly flabbergasted, while Snape and Lily look disgusted and James enraged as Molly cringes and says: "I – I just – I just tried doing good for my daughter.""At the expense of what my father, grandmother and I have been building up for the last century? At the cost of an orphan's inheritance?"
At this the woman winces so badly, I actually see tears starting to form in her eyes and James, who is obviously trying to suppress his anger with the pride he must feel over Sirius' actions, growls: "Well, consider yourself lucky, Molly. Because it seems as if your contract – probably with a few dozen other bits of junk – has spurned my brilliant fiancé into taking action. Action in such a way trash like this can never happen."
This confuses the woman and James smirks, the smirk this time completely calm, victorious and without a hint of rage or anger showing as he says: "Remember the document Lea was so adamant I sign just now? That was a marriage contract as well; one between Jessica and Lea – and it already had Jessica's signature before it came here, so Siri showed it to her before Lady Destiny showed us this. And she accepted.
And because she, I myself and Sirius did, do our signatures nullify any and all other contracts that would, otherwise, bind my daughter to anyone. However, you are going to have a long way to go if you ever want us to trust you again. And you weren't doing too pretty before we found out about this either." James hisses at the end.
This makes the woman sit down with her head almost in her lap it's that low, but then James proves me he is a person that makes me proud to be part of his family, a connection I felt was established earlier when he commanded me as only a Head of House could as he turns to Ron and Ginny and says: "Know that I won't hold this against either you or your siblings, but you might still want to let Jessica know of your ignorance of this."
And the two nod before they turn to me, making me smile, but then the voice of Lady Destiny says: "I'm sorry, Lea, but this constant appearing of others is going against why I picked them and only them. They are my chosen to help Jessica and they must find each other truly. I will let them know." And this makes me grimace. Yet then I see James smirk and he says: "I'm really sorry, Milady, but very soon you won't have any other choice." Intriguing me.
Wow, unexpected much.
No, I mean it, there were so many more changes and things added to this chapter than I ever saw coming. I will admit, the biggest change is probably the location from which Jessica got her awesome outfit, but I am still very happy with all of the content that I added; the content added to Lily's part, Jessie's and James and Lea's parts.
Though at the same time, do I feel really, really stupid. Why? Because I was OBVIOUSLY not paying attention to the actual date and time of when my story began. I'm three days ahead of where I thought I was when it comes to this story's timeline. And every time I have to edit that date change, I just get frustrated with myself.
Heh, what can you do,
Venquine1990
