Part IV
"Hey, Iris!" a voice called out in the second floor corridor. The black-headed witched turned to see the Golden Trio walking swiftly towards her.
"Hey Potter, Granger, Weasley. What brings you here?" she greeted back.
"Well. We heard about Ten. And thought we check up on her," said Hermione, a sixth-year prefect with bushy brown hair. Iris nodded. "I'm on my way there."
"Can we come?" asked the male Gryffindor prefect.
Iris nodded again and made her way to the Hospital wing, with the Golden Trio behind her.
"So. How long has she been out?" asked the green-eyed boy.
"About a week now," sighed the young witch. "There was no sign of her awake while I've stayed by her side. Everyday I'm praying that she wakes up."
"The injury isn't serious, and everyone said she wasn't hit by one of the unforgivable curse. I'm sure she's alright," said Hermione matter-of-factly. There was no reply.
The door to the Hospital wing was opened when the four of them arrived there and without hesitating, they all entered. At the sight of the DADA professor, Iris stopped in her tracks.
Since Ten David entered the Hogwarts building with the unconscious Ten in his arms, Iris overheard the conversation between her cousin and Professor Dumbledore about Ten's condition and felt a surge of anger burning in her. Once the two of them were alone in a classroom, she began screaming at him of how irresponsible he was and for having to put her best friend in the state she was. She even cried after her voice became hoarse. And she hasn't forgiven her cousin for it.
David looked up at the sounds of footsteps, his hands holding one of Ten's. His chocolate brown eyes were red with tears, some of them falling down and they were no longer mischievous. Not anymore.
"She hasn't been awaken yet," he spoke, his voice cracking. And with that, he kissed the palm of the heiress's hand, got up and exited the hospital wing swiftly.
Harry felt anger rising up from the pit of his stomach for some strange reason. Iris had to hid a smile when she felt it, for she secretively knew the boy-who-lived had a crush on her best friend. She walked to the bed where he friend lay and took David's spot, a hand over Ten's. Harry sat on another chair on the other side of Ten's bed, with his best friends standing behind him. Suddenly he felt helpless.
'Please wake up soon,' he found himself thinking. 'What can I do without you?'
As if his thoughts were a miracle, the eyes of the heiress fluttered open slowly, a small groan escaping her parted lips.
"Ten?" her best friend called. The blue orbs of the heiress opened completely, confusion shown through them.
"Iris?" she whispered.
Said girl smiled brightly, her eyes sparkled with joy for the first time since Ten became unconscious.
"Hey, girl. How are you feeling?"
"As if I was hit by the cruciatus curse a thousand times," she mumbled. Iris was able to catch what she was saying and flinched visibly at the name.
"You OK?" asked Harry, noticing the flinch.
"I'm fine," nodded Iris, putting her attention back to Ten who was now changing her position, from lying on the bed to sitting on the pillows.
"You shouldn't move about too much," said Harry, concern noticed in his voice.
Ten chuckled. "And you sound like Madam Pomfrey."
"And what is wrong with that?" someone said in a huff. The Golden Trio and the two witches turned to see Madam Pomfrey bustled into the room from her office, her wand in her hand. Ten could only groan. Iris had to chuckle lightly.
With a wave of her wand, Madam Pomfrey did some check up.
"You're fine, but need to rest for the next few days," reported Madam Pomfrey. And with that, she returned back to her office.
"What happened?" Harry suddenly asked. Ten and Iris glanced at each other.
"That, I cannot answer yet," was Ten's reply. "I'm not ready to explain."
Harry nodded in understanding. Silence ensued after the heiress words. Feeling her energy slowly drained away, Ten closed her eyes, opting to have some sleep when a voice spoke out. The heiress snapped her eyes open to see her captain stood at the foot of the bed.
"Hey, Malfoy," she greeted.
"How are you feeling?" he asked softly. This made everyone in the room to quirk an eyebrow.
"Some sleep and some spicy food will do me good," she grinned. Malfoy dug his hand into his bag and took out a wrapped box and passed it to Ten. Curious, Ten took it. She looked at the present then back at Malfoy.
"A get well gift. From me," he said and swiftly left.
"That… was… odd," commented Iris.
Ten didn't hear. She examined her present, making sure there was no spells or hexes coming after her and then began to unwrap the present.
"Bertie Botts Every Flavored Beans," drooled Ron as he noticed the candy. Ten giggled at his expression and opened the pack. She took one herself and offered to her visitors. Harry and Hermione declined, not too eager at the 'every flavor' part but Ron happily took a handful. The rest of the box was then shared between the two witches.
"This one taste nice," commented Iris, chewing on a white bean. "Popcorn flavor."
Ten took out what seems to be a pink one, popping into her mouth.
"Strawberry," she winked. "Grandfather had a vomit one once, since then he had lost his appetite."
"When he came to visit me at the end of my first year," spoke Harry, reliving his memory, "Professor Dumbledore sneaked a bean and said 'Alas. Earwax'"
"Grandfather love earwax flavor. Don't know why though," the heiress grimaced.
"Because the old fool, loves adventure," someone said. They all turned to see Professor Dumbledore, walking down the aisle towards Ten's bed, eyes twinkling in its usual mischievous manner. "How are you feeling, my dear?"
"Better. A good night rest and hot food will do me some good," the girl answered. "And you are not an old fool," she said sternly. Dumbledore sweatdropped. He sat at the foot of the bed and sneaked a hand into the box of candy taking out a black bean. The two girls Ten and Iris, watched with an amused expression.
"Alas," Dumbledore spoke. "Black Pepper."
Ten let out a small giggle. Harry smiled at her happy expression. Madam Pomfrey made her appearance again.
"Professor Dumbledore," she spoke.
"Poppy. I hope my dear granddaughter is well enough to be out of bed tonight?"
"Well she may but right now she need sleep."
A grumpy expression took over Ten's face and she folded her arms across her chest. The group chuckled. Dumbledore got up and pecking Ten's forehead, he made his leave. Iris almost bid her goodbye, following Dumbledore. Ten received a 'get well' greeting from Ron and Hermione, watching them leave and Madam Pomfrey went back to her office. It was now only the heiress and the boy-who-lived.
"You should sleep now. You really need it. I can see it in your eyes," Harry spoke quietly. Ten smiled and went back to her lying position, her head on the pillow looking up at the pair of green eyes she loved.
"Yes, Sir!" she saluted, giggling. Harry rolled his green orbs and watched her fall asleep. After some moments, did he got up and left, but he left a small mark at the corner of the girl's mouth: a hidden kiss.
-00-
Friday came once again on the second month of the academic year and the Slytherin and the Gryffindor once again trudged into the dungeons for their potion lesson. Sitting in their usual seat at the beginning of the year, they chatted quietly amongst themselves, waiting for the potion master, and the dreadful lesson that awaits them.
The wooden door of the dungeon banged open as the Potion Master entered in his normal, obnoxious manner, his black robes flying behind him.
"I must say that the majority of you have unimpressed me with your Veritserum Potion so far. But I'm sure you can whip it up in today's final lesson. Tonight after dinner, you will collect your vial of potion and begin the report," commented the greasy-haired man.
"One of your partners will drink the substance while the other ask questions and note down the effects. You each will have one go throughout the week, so I am expecting five results each. After that, over the next weekend you will write down the essay. And I want two feet long!" explained Professor Snape.
There was a round of moaning and groaning from the students.
"SILENCE!" yelled the potion master. Indeed did silence ensue. "You will now continue your project, without a word."
Scraping noises were made and the students all got up to get their potion and other materials, lighting up the cauldron. As usual, as if it was part of his routine, professor Snape went around the class, checking the potions and either criticizing or praising each one … but praising is hardly heard. He also took the chance to blame the Gryffindors and as usual, they all glared at his back.
He went over to Ten and Harry's potion, looking over their notes and potions and for once, found no criticism on their work, to their relief and surprise. He did the same thing towards Iris and Malfoy's work, but then again, he does favor Malfoy above all else. He then went back to his desk and opted to mark the third-year essays.
Time passed and almost every potions were now silvery-clear, an indication that the potion is perfect and almost ready.
"Time's up. Pour the substance into a vial that has your name on it and bring it up to the front desk. Then clear up," Snape announced ten minutes before lesson ended. The class did so and all twenty vials, with twenty different names were on his desk. The bell rang and the students all gladly exit the classroom, taking deep fresh air before going to the Great Hall for a small snack.
"Stupid git," complained Ron.
"Oh stop complaining," Hermione rolled her orbs. "It's not going to make anything better."
"So! At least it helps to get a bit of frustration away," grumbled Ron. Giggling was heard and the Golden Trio turned to see Iris and Ten behind them, chattering.
"Hey, Ten! Glad you're feeling better," greeted Hermione.
"Thanks."
"Ten!" someone called. Said girl turned to see Malfoy walking in fast strides towards her.
"Quidditch practice before dinner," he said.
"But I've got Russian language!" complained the heiress.
"How long?" he asked.
"An hour and a half."
"Can't you cancel it?"
"Err… I'm going to have to check with the professor. But I'll try to come, if that satisfies you."
"Yeah sure." And with that Malfoy entered the Great Hall.
"Extremely odd," commented Iris.
"Ditto," agreed Ten. The bell rang for the third lesson to start. Ten groaned, having nothing to eat she trudged to her next lesson.
Half way up the third corridor, someone tapped the heiress's shoulder and the young witch turned to locked eyes with a pair of green pools.
"Hey Harry," she chirped.
"Hey," he chuckled. He took something out of his pocket, putting it straight into Ten's hand. The girl looked at it, and noticed it was a bar of chocolate.
"I saw you earlier, groaning with hunger so I thought I get you something quick to eat," he explained.
"Thanks, Harry," the girl blushed. Said boy chuckled and placed a kiss on her cheek, making her blush even more before walking passed her and into the classroom.
"Ten?" someone called. The heiress turned to see David at the doorway, waiting for her.
"Ah. Err… Dave... give me five minutes to stuff my face and I'll be right there," she spoke quickly. The young professor sighed and nodded, granting her permission and went back into the classroom to start the lesson. Ten quickly ate her chocolate and entered the classroom, placing herself into her seat between Iris and now Malfoy. She gave him a 'what are you doing here?' look. The reply was nothing but 'just looking out for you'.
"I'm returning your essay on the Patronum Charm back with the grade you will get if you do this on your NEWTs exam. And then I'll explain what our next project is," said David. As he went round, each student received their project back, some a bit disappointed, others so and so or proud of themselves. Harry was surprised that he got almost full marks for the Patronum charm. But then again, he learnt the spell back in his third-year so there was no surprise.
When Ten received her work, there was a small envelope with the crest of the Koltchak family on it. Looking quizzically at the back of the professor's head, Ten slipped the note under the desk and read the small message.
Ten,
I'm sorry for what happened to you that night. It was my entire fault. But I need to explain the side effects of that attack. I need to talk to you after the lesson or at the end of the day,
David.
Terrified at what this side effect may be, Ten continued the lesson without any worry.
-00-
After setting another project and the students got into the new spell, the bell rang eventually. The sound of packing up was heard and the students slowly left the room. Soon there was only the teacher left, and the heiress.
"You said you wanted to talk to me," she spoke up quietly, not looking at her 'crush'.
"Yes. The side effects of the attack," he too spoke quietly. "Firstly, I don't know how you knew I was in the forbidden nor why you put your life in danger for me. I'm not worth it,"
Ten sighed. The next words were spoken crackling. "I was in love with you. At least I thought I was. Since the day we became friends, my affections for you were stronger than friendship. But it was weaker than love."
David gasped inaudibly.
"On that night, I had a nightmare and made my way down to the kitchens for something to drink and I saw you walking across the Hogwarts ground towards the forbidden forest. Curiosity got the better of me and I followed. I realized that Professor McGraw was a death eater all this time, and you were innocent so I had to save you," her eyes were stinging with tears by now.
"But still," he shook his head. "You shouldn't have done that."
"Just tell me what this side effect is."
David took a deep breath. "Stand in the middle of the room," he commanded. Confused, Ten did so.
"Now, imagine in your head that you are sprouting wings. Keep replaying that image in your mind, best if you have your eyes closed. When you feel the heavy weight on your back, open your eyes."
Following his instructions, Ten did so, unaware of her best friend watching from the crack of the doorway, watching with wide eyes. The weight on her back was light and normal and it gradually got heavier and heavier until the weight was the same for a while. Slowly opening her blue orbs, Ten saw a few black feathers flying around her. Eyes now wide, she looked behind her to see a pair of black wings.
"What does this mean?" she turned back to Professor David. She started to notice the tears in his eyes.
"It means, you are cursed. When the black feather falls, you are one step closer to death," he explained. "A curse at a high price. That's why I sort of snapped at you earlier. You are too young to just die because of a curse. I should be the one holding those wings."
Ten wanted to hug him, to comfort him but she doesn't know how to control the wings. So, instead, she collapsed onto her knees.
"Who knows… about this?"
"I told Iris how you became unconscious." David looked away. "No doubt McGraw knows the side effects. And I'm guessing by the looks of things, Iris also knows this too."
At the mention of her best friend, the heiress turned to see her best friend in tears, stood at the doorway.
"Iris?" she muttered. Iris ran to the brunette and hugged her tight, crying on her shoulders. Ten concentrated on her wings and made them return to her back letting out a small cry of pain before hugging her best friend back tightly.
"I'm sorry," she heard her sob. "I'm so sorry."
"Iris," the young witch stroked the black strands. "It's not your fault. Nor is it David's. It's mine. I should have been more careful."
"You should get something to eat," David spoke quietly, still not looking at the heiress. The two girls got to their feet. "You've been here half way through lunch."
Ten walked up to the young man and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him. David was surprised by her actions and he hesitated, before wrapping his own arms around her.
"It's not your fault," she whispered. "Please don't avoid me."
"I promise," he whispered and let her go. The three of them headed to the Great Hall.
"Oh, and David… I hope you don't mind if I skip Russian language tonight. Draco wants Quidditch practice," said the brunette.
"After what I did to you, go right ahead," he smiled.
-00-
It was a bright, sunny afternoon, unusual during October, since winter is just round the corner. But there were some indications that winter is here: grasses were no longer green, just yellow; the leaves on the trees were slowly falling and the breeze was getting colder everyday. Apart from that, everything else is normal and it's also normal for the Slytherin Quidditch team to have their practice as they all trudge to the pitch, brooms in their hand.
"What we will do is let Ten show her strategy and practice that," announced the captain as they all settled down in the changing rooms. "If it's effective and you are improving, we will use it against the Gryffindors. If it works and we won, then we will continue using that strategy."
"And what if we lose, using this strategy?" one of the three chasers asked.
"That depends on how badly we are beaten. We have score not enough goals, then we will go back to the old strategy, but however, if it's effective and I wasn't able to catch the snitch quick enough, we will continue using the strategy and hopefully get better and better enough to beat against the Gryffindor. We are the best after all," Draco answered smugly.
Ten only just sat there and rolled her eyes. When the captain gave word, the Quidditch team all got off their asses and went onto the field. They all mounted their brooms and started practicing. The chasers were all against each other, trying to get the Quaffle from each other while the beaters hit the Bludger towards them and the seeker; he finds the snitch at a fast time. They have continued this until the sun had begun to set did Draco called the team in.
"I hope this strategy was helping you in your training and that you are improving your speed and skill. Good luck to all of you in our match against the Gryffindors which will be next Saturday," and with that, the team got changed back to their school robes and headed to the castle for dinner.
"How are you feeling, Ten?" the Blonde asked, slowing down his pace to match hers. The rest of the team was quite ahead of them, giving them enough privacy.
"Dizzy from time to time, but better than before."
"Listen, I know was a stupid git from the beginning and I want to change that," he explained.
"What do you mean?" the heiress asked.
"I don't want to be rude and arrogant and be hated by everyone else. But I don't want anyone too close to me either,"
"Because of your father," interrupted Ten.
"Yes," nodded the Slytherin Prince. "I apologies if I did anything wrong towards you and Koltchak. I hope the two of you can forgive me," he whispered. The familiar mischief, sapphire eyes soften at how vulnerable Malfoy looked and turned to him fully. She held onto his hand to stop him from walking away from her and she did something that Malfoy wasn't expecting. The blond received a hug and a quick peck on the cheek from the heiress.
"Thank you," he whispered, hugging back. And with an after thought, he whispered the last word that changed the relationship between them: "Sister,"
Ten lock eyes with his grey orbs, her own widen in surprise. "Sister?" she quirked an eyebrow.
"That's how I looked up to you. As my little sister I never had."
Ten smiled. "Thank you," she whispered.
"Come on. I'm starving," grinned the Slytherin Prince. With that statement, he earned a slap from his 'sister' resulting in his stomach grumbling furiously, and loudly causing him to sweatdrop a bit. The two of them made their way to the Great Hall, laughing.
-00-
At exactly nine o'clock that evening, the portrait of the fairies and the heiress exited her bedroom, wearing a jumper and jeans with trainers. Her hair was tied to a ponytail in the middle of her head and there was no jewelry on her except her black watch.
She walked across the Slytherin common room, quietly and swiftly and walked through the snake portrait, up the stairs out of the dungeons and up the grand staircase to the third floor.
There were a few students walking around the corridors, no doubt on their way to their common room since it is nearer to the curfew. Bidding some goodnight, Ten arrived to the entrance of the Dumbledore Office, a golden eagle statue. The heiress stepped under the statue and gave the password. There was a 'woosh' and then movement and the Great Eagle began to rotate bringing the stairs underneath it. Ten stepped onto the third top step and waited.
She walked down a small corridor, a mahogany door in front of her and she knocked on it.
"Come in," a voice called.
Ten placed her hand on the golden doorknob and twisted it, pushing the door open and entered the brightly lit room of gold and scarlet. She smiled at the sight of her grandfather, feeding Fawkes, the phoenix, small pieces of stick carrots, while reading the Daily Prophet through his half-moon spectacles.
"Hey stranger," greeted ten, closing the door behind her. Dumbledore turned to her, giving her an amuse look before setting the paper down onto the table. He continued feeding the graceful bird.
"Good evening, my granddaughter. How are you?"
"Better, thanks. " she gave him a peck on the cheeks, stroking Fawkes' head. "How's the world," she asked.
"Nothing but bad news, my dear," the old man sighed. "It seems there are more death and no heroism."
"I blame that old fool, Fudge," spat Ten. "It's because of him more wizards and witches are dying. It's like as if he's a death eater himself!"
"Calm down! You do know that I will never, ever let the students be in harm's way," spoke the headmaster softly.
"Of course I know that. But it's getting too much. Fudg4e knows that Voldemort is back and even when he witnessed this, he still thinks that you are a fraud. And I find that disrespectful," Ten folded her arms across her chest, sitting on the couch facing her elder.
"Determined little princess you are," smiled the headmaster. "A bit like your mother."
At the mention of her, Ten lowered her eyes to the ground, her arms now by her side. Dumbledore's expression changed and he got up, walking to her, kneeling in front of her. Holding her hands in this he asked, "Why the long face?"
"I saw her," the girl whispered. "When I was unconscious that whole week, I saw her… in my dreams; in my mind. I never felt so much happiness." Small tears rolled down her cheeks were wiped away by the old man.
"The ones who left us, truly doesn't leave us. You may or you may not be able to see them… but you can feel them," he spoke softly. Ten went down to her knees and hugged her grandfather, crying softly, like a vulnerable child seeking protection and comfort.
The two Dumbledores stayed like this for a while, the girl's cries became quiet. Even the portraits around them shared their sympathy to the young girl.
"You ok now, young child?" one of the portraits spoke softly. Ten smiled softly. She rubbed her eyes to get rid of the tears and looked up at the Portrait of the last headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: Professor Dippet.
"I'm fine now, thank you for your concern," she spoke back just as soft. Fawkes let out a few melody notes and opened his wings. He flapped them once; he flapped them twice and flew off his perch and onto the girl's shoulder. Watching and feeling her depression, he leaned forward and nuzzled her neck, its hair tickling the girl.
"Thank you, Fawkes," the heiress smiled.
Dumbledore got to his feet, bringing the young heroine with him and led her to her seat in front of his desk. He then went round and sat down in his own chair, peering down at her.
"I suggest we get to business as to why you are here," said Dumbledore. Ten nodded.
"As you know, Halloween is just around the corner, and despite the fact that you're going to have training with Professor Koltchak and your Quidditch training, I hope that you will have time to do me a small favor."
Ten didn't say anything. She just sat there, looking at her grandfather, listening.
"I need you, along with the head boy and head girl, to organize a Halloween ball: organize the decorations… music… etc and possible before your match or straight after would you and the rest of the prefects start to decorate the hall."
"Sure. I'd love to do that," Ten's sapphire eyes twinkled. "Where are we going to have the ball?"
"In the Great Hall," was the old man's answer. His hand went down to the top drawer of his desk and he took out a scroll, passing it down to his heiress.
"Inside this scroll are some of my ideas as well as other teachers of the school; including some of our ancestors here on the portrait. It's your responsibility to write down your ideas and the prefects and discuss them. You may cross out ideas that you think are not relevant," explained the headmaster.
Ten nodded. "Of course. Leave it to me. When are you going to make an announcement?" asked the girl.
"Best if I do it somewhat tomorrow night," was the answer she got.
"Then can you announce this: Since it is a Halloween party, all students must dress up as something or someone else," she grinned.
"And I have a fantastic idea of what I'll be," Dumbledore smirked.
"So have I!"
"Please do tell,"
"All I'll be saying is that I'll be wearing some sort of gown," she winked. Then something nagged her mind and she opened her mouth.
"About that training with Professor Koltchak…"
"Professor Koltchak told me the side effects of the attack and I gave him permission to train you to control those black wings. I think it is necessary and it may help," he answered.
Ten nodded, smiling softly. "God night, old man," she giggled.
"And goodnight to you to, my princess."