Thanks to everyone for reading the last chapter. Well I assume it was read since the traffic stats are down site wide right now and I have no idea if anyone is still reading this. I know seven of you got the email saying it was updated. To help me through this time of unsureness, please leave a review saying READ. That's it. Even if you don't have anything else to say about the chapter just comment that you read it. Please and thanks. And now to find out who was behind her.
Betas for this chapter are: LittleDrummerGirl2010 and Literatifan4eva. You guys are great.
Also thanks to Prongs Smitch for looking over this even though you didn't find anything wrong.
Chapter 12: Blue got you down
Mandy stopped on the ground floor and stared out the window at the falling snow.
"Little Gryffindor is far from her Common Room," a voice behind her said. Mandy focused on the window to see her reflection and smirked at the person behind her. Regulus Black. Though usually Mandy would be nervous to come across a Slytherin while she was alone, Regulus wasn't nearly as scary when he was by himself. She wasn't exactly happy to see him but he didn't look like he was there to hurt her. Instead he looked more curious than anything.
Mandy stared at Regulus's reflection in the window glass as he stood behind her and wondered what he wanted. The ground floor corridor was empty and Mandy knew not many came this way. Though the two didn't really have much other than Sirius in common, the younger Black hadn't bothered her as much as the rest of his Slytherin friends did. He could be annoying but he could also be sweet.
"It is unlike you to wander so far from your Common Room," Regulus said.
"No, it's not," Mandy answered as she turned around to look at him straight on. "I am quicker on the draw than you are, Reg. Don't tempt me." Technically that was a lie, since Mandy wasn't supposed to use magic while pregnant, but she figured she could talk her way out of anything before it required her to use her wand.
"I came to see how you were."
"Why?" Mandy asked confused.
"I don't know. Maybe I wonder what it would be like if I didn't have to hate you." He sounded extremely curious. It was almost as if he had had a change of heart and really wanted to know how his life could have turned out differently.
"You don't have to do anything, Reg. You do it because you're terrified. You're terrified that once you go against your parents, there is no coming back from it. Maybe there's not, but isn't there anything more important than allowing the darkness to grow?" Mandy's eyes narrowed at the boy wondering if there was anything she could do to get through to him. Though she knew he was a Slytherin and that didn't predetermine him as evil, Sirius said his brother bought into everything his parents said. Mandy wondered if deep down there was a part of his soul unaffected by his parents and the babblings of that insane lunatic.
"I don't know." And there it was, an emotion in his eyes that told her all hope wasn't lost. "I know that my parents believe that we are better off ruling over muggles and not having to hide our magic but well ... anyway, I heard that you and my brother are back together. Even after what he did at the costume party," Regulus spat the last two words. The pure muggle-ness of it had turned his stomach.
"Yes, he has deeply apologized for it and things have changed," Mandy said.
"And now you get to live happily ever after." Just thinking about how happy his brother got to be following a different path made him angry. He didn't know how to deal with seeing his brother so happy. It worried him to say the least.
"It's not that simple. Nothing is happily ever after with your brother. Sure we've gotten past this hurdle but there are bound to be plenty more."
"I always did wonder what you saw in him." If things were rocky between Mandy and Sirius, that gave Regulus hope that his brother would drive her away and his brother would go back to being miserable. A miserable Sirius was easy for Regulus to deal with. Not so with a happy Sirius. Regulus didn't particularly care either way about the girl but he didn't know how to deal with it if his brother was happy.
"He is very caring and once you get past his flirtatious nature and the brick wall around his heart he is an amazing guy. Why does it matter?" Regulus's sudden interest was confusing Mandy.
"Look, you are the first girl that has ever put my brother in his place, and if you ever met my parents no doubt you would do the same to them. I guess I envy you, even if you are a half-blood. You've mostly been nothing but kind to me when we pass in the hallways and maybe Sirius had the right idea getting away from them. Especially since he has a girl like you. We used to have something in common and I always saw you as this girl, the only girl not falling for my brother's bag of tricks, then you did. I can't believe you ever fell for him."
"Reg, Sirius was a bona fide prick but he grew out of it and I saw the softer side. I want you to know that deep down your brother does care about you. I know that it's difficult being in that house and that their lectures can get to you, just don't take them to heart. Make your own opinions. Like I did with Sirius. Even if I am wrong about you and you want nothing more than what your parents want I am here to talk to if you need it." She didn't know why she was being so nice to Regulus but figured it couldn't hurt in the long run. If there was any way to keep Voldemort from gaining another follower out of this Slytherin she would try her best. There was a small pop of apparition and Mandy turned to see Chris standing there twisting his fingers together. When he saw Mandy looking, he bowed lowly.
"Chris did not mean to interrupt Miss Amanda but Master Jason is looking for you," Chris said in a small voice.
"You didn't, it's alright. Chris this is Regulus Black. He's Sirius's brother," Mandy said, "Regulus, this is the Hunter family elf, Chris."
"Mr. Black," Chris said, holding his bow.
"Chris?" Regulus asked, looking at Mandy and motioning off the house elf's bow.
"My brother named him when he was a kid. He liked the name Chris. Chris, where is my brother?"
"In his office, Miss Amanda."
"Thank you, I will see to him shortly." Chris nodded then bowed low again and disappeared.
"You speak to him like he is human," Regulus said.
"Why not? He's just as powerful as we are. If you haven't noticed he can apparate in Hogwarts when even we can't. Doesn't that deserve respect?" Mandy asked, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I suppose," Regulus said. "My parents would kill me if I spoke to our house elf like that. I only do it when they're not around." There it was, the Slytherin did still have a heart. Now that she knew that and knew that he could still be reached perhaps Sirius could have his brother back, she knew he missed him even if he didn't show it. Bringing these two brothers back together would be something she strived for even if she never attained it.
"It gains you their trust and loyalty. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar."
"Why not just summon the fly?"
"Not the point. I should go," Mandy said, hearing footsteps down the hall. "I guess I'll see you around." Regulus nodded and Mandy walked off just as two Slytherins turned the corner.
"Well what do we have here?" One of them asked.
"A Gryffindor walking away," Mandy answered.
"We weren't done with you," the other said.
"Too bad," Mandy slipped around the corner and walked off, shaking her head. She heard two thumps and knew Regulus had taken them down so she wouldn't have to. She felt a bit of gratitude towards him and reminded herself to continue to be nicer to the younger Black. It wasn't his fault his parents beliefs had rubbed off on him. He wasn't as brave as his brother. Plus being nice to him would make things simpler in the long run. On top of all that, even if Sirius hated his brother, he was still family and family was very important to Mandy. If the boys never reunited that was fine but she would always help the younger brother out.
Mandy slipped up the stairs silently and thoughts of her parents returned. She had been doing so well lately not thinking about them. Now though it was getting harder the more she thought about family and with the holidays upon them. Christmas was her mum's favorite holiday.
"Hey kiddo," Jason said looking at her. She looked at him then realized that her feet had carried her to his second floor office without much thought.
"Hey," Mandy said.
"Have you been crying? You look upset." Jason stood and looked at his sister closely.
"Just realizing that Mum and Dad are—they're—"
Jason walked around from behind his desk and wrapped her in a hug. Jason felt his heart break for his baby sister as tears poured down her face. With all the education he got from Hogwarts and three years of Auror training from some of the best Aurors in the business plus six years in the field, Jason thought he could handle everything. However nothing had prepared him for dealing with the heartbreak of a teenage girl losing her parents. Jason did the only thing he could think of doing. He held his kid sister close and rubbed her back until she calmed down.
"I'm—"
"Don't apologize," Jason said. "You have every right to be upset. They really loved you."
"I just miss them so bad."
Jason pulled back and looked at his sister as he held his arms around her loosely. "They were so excited to have you. Nothing was out of reach for their little girl. I know for the longest time Mum and Dad worried about not telling you about your adoption. Uncle Pat didn't want you to know until you were 17. I know that Mum, Dad, and Aunt Cassie didn't like it but they knew Uncle Pat had a point. I don't know what that point was, but it was enough to stop Dad until last Christmas. They swore when they took you in that you'd want for nothing. When they promised they wouldn't tell you they agreed that they would raise you as their daughter. If Uncle Pat didn't want to acknowledge you as his daughter, then Mum and Dad would make sure you didn't miss his lack of love."
"I never did," Mandy said. "I mean, I knew Mum and Dad loved me and I never felt unloved. Uncle Pat, I mean my father, when I thought he was my uncle, it always felt like he loved me."
"I think he did. He may not have been able to show it the way he wanted to, but I think deep down he loves you very much," Jason said.
"Thanks Jason, this really helped."
"Sirius asked me to speak with you. Thought I could help."
Mandy smiled.
"What set you off? Sirius said one second you were fine and the next you were in tears," Jason said.
"The fairy. We have a Christmas tree in the Common Room and the fairy at the top looks just like the one at home. The one Dad helped me put at the top of the tree every year," Mandy answered.
"You know you could always have one of the boys charm it so it looks different. Like an angel or something else. A star maybe. That way it won't remind you of them."
"No, I think I'll keep it the same. This way it'll feel like they're still here with me, you know?"
"Sure, now run along. Oh and Mandy, Happy Christmas."
Mandy smiled again and after a quick hug, he let her go and she went back to the Common Room. When she returned, the boys asked her if she was ok and she sighed but told them the same thing she had told her brother.
"I can change it if you'd like," James said pulling out his wand.
"No, it feels like they're here with us kinda," Mandy said. "You know, it feels odd that your mum didn't send presents." Mandy looked at James.
"She did. They just arrived." James offered a present to Mandy and she tore into it. Mandy smiled seeing a beautiful hand knitted jumper. It was Mandy's favorite, dark blue, and soft as her Abraxan's wing feathers.
"James, this is so soft," Mandy said.
"I know. Mum said it'll stretch too so you won't have to charm it," James answered.
"How's your mum know?" Mandy asked.
"Mama Potter knows everything," Sirius shrugged. That she did. Christmas wound down and Mandy checked the calendar one day only to realize there were about five and a half months left before their exams. She didn't feel at all prepared with missing her practical classes. That was something she would have to take up with the Headmaster.
So on the 31st Mandy and James went to see the Headmaster about Mandy's practical classes. The Headmaster didn't seem surprised to see either of them. "Mr. Potter, Miss Hunter, please have a seat. Ginger Nut?"
"No thank you," Mandy said.
James took the biscuit and downed it in a few moments. "We wanted to speak with you about Mandy's classes. I know that her being in practical classes isn't smart especially since she's pregnant but she needs to be able to practice. Transfiguration and Charms have practical N.E.W.T.s and we're worried she won't be able to pass them."
"Miss Hunter?"
"Since I turned 11 years old and found out what my parents did, I've wanted to do the same. To catch dark wizards and make the world a better place. When I found out that's what Aurors did, I found out everything I could about them then decided I wanted to do that after I graduated. I need at least an E in both classes to be considered for Auror training. I cannot get that with the way things are going. Reading can only get you so far with practical exams," Mandy explained.
"I see."
"We're just asking to see if there was any way you could help her."
"Are you asking me to allow her to return to classes?"
"No sir, we're just asking if there was any way possible for her to get back to practicing magic. Safely. The last thing I want is to allow harm to come to that child," James answered.
"Perhaps there is. I must consult with some of my associates but I will let you know."
They thanked the Headmaster and left his office. That hadn't gone at all like they had expected. Their all-knowing, all-seeing Headmaster was supposed to have an answer straightaway and not make them wait. 'Perhaps,' Mandy thought, 'he doesn't have all the answers.'
So wait they did and three days later Dumbledore called Mandy back to his office. When Mandy walked in there was a dark haired woman standing next to his desk. Her hair was pulled back in a tight bun and her amber eyes narrowed at Mandy.
"Miss Hunter, this is Mina. She is an associate of mine from Asia," Dumbledore explained.
"Okay?" Mandy answered confused.
"Mina is also a were-tiger and a mother of two. She has agreed to help you through the rest of your pregnancy."
"The first one is always the hardest," Mina said.
"So what exactly are you offering to assist me with?"
"Your wandless magic can become uncontrollable during pregnancy. Also, I specialize in Charms and you did ask for help."
"When James and I asked about my practical classes, we expected a professor from this school."
"I assure you, Miss Hunter, Mina here is as good as any professor here," Dumbledore said.
"Would you mind showing me what you're able to do wandlessly?" Mina asked.
"Can I ask a couple questions first?" Mandy asked curiously.
Mina and Dumbledore shared a look but both nodded.
"How long do were-tiger pregnancies last?" Mandy asked.
"Actual animal tiger pregnancies normally are two months with kittens born in the spring," Mina explained. "However with were-tigers it varies. The shortest one on record is four months. That was the one where both parents are were-tigers. In cases where only one parent is, the length is usually seven to nine months."
"Does it pass through blood?"
"Through saliva only. They'll have some traits but they'll be fully human."
"Saliva?" Mandy asked worried. If that was true then Sirius could become infected with all the kissing they had done.
"Saliva in an open wound." Mandy was still confused. Mina looked at Dumbledore and said something Mandy didn't understand.
"She means through a bite like a werewolf. Mr. Black is safe," Dumbledore said.
"Thank you. So no transformations what so ever?"
"None. We have noticed a few children with enhanced senses: better smell, better eyesight, things of that nature."
"And magic while pregnant?"
"If you know the spell exceedingly well, the risks are the same as any other witch performing the spell. Our healers do not recommend witches learn new spells while pregnant, but basic spells are acceptable."
"The safest mode of transportation?" Mandy asked.
"Buggy or floo powder but Apparition in extreme emergencies."
"I think that covers everything."
"Good, now may I see what you can do?" Mina asked curiously.
Mandy held her right hand up and focused her gaze on it. Seconds later both Dumbledore and Mina froze. Mandy scrawled out "No thanks" on a spare bit of parchment then left the office. It didn't take her long to return to the Gryffindor Common Room as the fat lady's portrait was on the same floor as the gargoyle that protected the Headmaster's office.
When the spell broke Mina looked at Albus. "I think you underestimate that girl, Mr. Albus."
"Perhaps," Albus said.
"One should be careful about underestimation. It could lead to mistrust and lead her to leave."
"You are welcome to stay in the castle for as long as you like."
"For a few days. If she does not need me, I will return to my home and family."
"Thank you."
Mandy sat down next to Remus on the couch in the Common Room feeling both angry and confused.
"How'd it go?" Remus asked before she had time to delve deeper into her thoughts.
Mandy sighed. "He brought in some Asian witch. I mean sure she was like me and all, and she did have good information, but I don't want her help with magic," Mandy explained.
"I know how hard it is to accept the help offered, but someone smart once told me that as hard as it is to accept that help, there comes a time where we have to," Remus said.
Mandy looked at him. "I was talking about someone you trusted, someone you knew you could trust. I don't trust her. I don't know her and I can't let someone I don't know or trust that close to me when I'm pregnant and can't defend myself. I'll just wait until ... you know." Mandy shrugged and looked away.
" Mandy, why don't you trust her?" Remus asked.
"I don't trust anyone I've just met. I don't know if it's just the tiger instincts getting to me or if my hormones were flaring up but there was just something about her that I didn't trust."
"Tigers are solitary creatures. Usually after two years cubs or kittens, are they kittens?"
"Tiger cubs," Mandy corrected.
"Tiger cubs are driven off and by two and a half years mothers are ready to mate again. Maybe Stripes doesn't trust her or maybe your pregnancy hormones were over-reacting," Remus said.
"Maybe, I did kinda freeze her and Dumbledore in place before I left the office." Mandy explained how she did it feeling a bit bad that she had done that to her professor and when she looked at Remus he looked shocked.
"I didn't know you could do that kind of wandless magic but I'm impressed."
When Mandy told James and Sirius what happened later the former was outraged and the latter was quiet. Sirius was never quiet. When he was it was either a really bad thing or he was about to say something philosophical. "Sirius?" Mandy asked softly. Seconds later Sirius exploded, asking who Dumbledore thought he was and a bunch of other things questioning the man's sanity. At first, Mandy was scared of the look in his eyes, but then she realized none of the anger was directed at her and she laughed. Especially since a lot of what he had said was practically what James had said, not even ten minutes earlier.
"Sirius," James called.
"What?" Sirius asked.
"Sometimes he makes mistakes. I mean he's what? 100?" James asked.
"At least," Mandy laughed. "Seriously though, he was only trying to help. I don't blame him, but he should have considered the fact that I don't trust a lot of people."
"You? He was going to put my child in danger," Sirius growled.
The room went dead silent.
"Sirius, enough," Mandy said. "I know you're concerned, but don't you at least care about me?"
"Of course I care about you. I love you deeply, but I also know that you are one of the strongest and bravest and most powerful people I know. She could never seriously hurt you."
"Really? Because right now I can't do magic or protect myself."
"Trust me, even if you couldn't do magic because you didn't have a wand or were in a position that you were in danger, you'd be able to protect yourself. We told you this last year. You never got a handle on your accidental magic and any time you find yourself in danger or extremely emotional you will protect yourself," Sirius said, placing his hands on her shoulders. Mandy stared up into his fathomless grey eyes. It was at times like this that she wished she could read minds just by looking into someone's eyes but then realized it would be a bad thing. "I love you and I trust you. You'll do just fine."
Mandy shrugged and Sirius let her go. He hadn't expected her to tell him she loved him back, he knew she had problems with that, but he had expected some kind of answer. When she didn't say anything letting her go was his best option in case she was angry. Which she wasn't but he didn't want to tempt it.
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