Harry Potter, the order of the Phoenix, and the DarkChilde
Author's note: My plan for this story is not a complete chapter by chapter retelling so I strongly urge you, the reader, to read the actual work. Works by an author who is now apparently controversial for having opinions that are held by many, perhaps most, people. Resulting in one person even buying used copies of her books to rebind them so as remove any indication of who the author is (and selling them of course). Now that's cancelling! I love what you produced, I just wish it wasn't you. Sigh… the ability to have differences of opinions is what makes a free society (i.e. dying for the right for you to say what I don't agree with). But… for those who think that's okay (meaning allowing no differences of opinions) … do you really want to create such a society where everybody fears to say something that might offend somebody? And if your answer is yes then… one I'm offended (ha ha) and two… what makes you think you won't have to live that way? After all, if you set the precedence, and create the means of such intolerance, why… others can wield the tools as well (and perhaps you need to re-read The Order of the Phoenix, after all, that is one of the themes). Oh the irony, the Ministry of Magic is trying to cancel Harry because… he says things they don't like, the whole speaking truth to power thing.
Part 6a: Discussions and candy
Harry stopped what he had been about to say and just stared in surprise as she stared back at him.
After a few seconds Dumbledore prompted in a mild tone. "She is what Harry?"
"She's… ah…" The fact that she was here had suddenly tied up his tongue as accusing a fellow student of being a dark wizard was not something one haphazardly engaged in.
"He's concerned about me." Finished Illyana for Harry.
Resulting in Dumbledore giving Harry a mild look of inquiry. "Regarding?"
And of course Harry had sworn but minutes ago to never discuss the events that had taken place in Professor Umbridge's quarters. Which included, he supposed, just exactly how those events had been caused. Specifically Illyana's tampering with the black quill, and just how she might have known how to tamper. Thus resulting in more "um…" sounds from Harry. Sounds that made him feel silly and left him feeling foolish.
Again the Rasputin girl gave voice to what Harry wanted to say. "Dark magics, or I suppose the dark arts. I imagine he has concerns about my particulars on the subject."
A sagely nod from Dumbledore. "Ah… I see. The particulars. Most understandable considering the circumstances of Miss Rasputin's ancestry. And…" A muffled cough. "Extenuating circumstances."
A statement that made Harry think that perhaps the events that had taken place were not as concealed as he had thought. And a flash of insight that while he, the girl, and Umbridge had sworn to never speak of the events that has just happened, sneaky Snape had not.
"Please do sit Harry." Stated Dumbledore while gesturing at the second chair next to Rasputin. "Might you want an every flavor bean or two?" As he offered Harry a bag ofBertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans (A risk in every mouthful!)
Harry took a bean from the bag as he sat. "Thank you Professor, I though you didn't care for them."
Dumbledore took a bean from the bag and ate it. "I normally don't, but I appear to be having unusually luck tonight on sampling. Ah… raspberry."
Harry looked down upon the bean he had taken, it was a bright shiny yellow. With a shrug he popped it into his mouth only to cough and gag at the flavor. A flavor accompanied with the stench of…
"Brimstone I suppose." Spoke Dumbledore . A flick of Dumbledore's wand and a glass of water was at hand for a grateful Harry has he gulped it down to get the flavor out of his mouth. Harry glanced about the office as he drank and that's when Harry figured out what was off about the office. All the portraits were missing, leaving just an empty scene in the picture frames.
The girl was still staring at him. Harry noticed that now she was dressed in a hoodie like cloak outfit that hid all of her body, even her feet, apart from her face. Also her hands were now encased in white dress gloves.
Her face turned from him as she settled back in the high backed chair. "Does he know?" Was her question to Dumbledore.
"Do I know what?" Asked Harry?
An irritated look from Dumbledore as he answered. "He knows nothing of your history Miss Rasputin."
An answer that elicited a cold stare from her at Dumbledore.A look that Harry did not see as she was concealed by the chair. The answer did not address her question, but she supposed that was the answer.
She then gave an answer to a question that one supposed had been asked before Harry entered. "Yes Headmaster, the accommodations suffice. Although I find some of the staff to be most marginal."
"One does what one can." Answered Dumbledore as she rose from the chair.
"Goodnight then." Was her reply as she then turned and left Dumbledore's office via the stairs that Harry had entered, her footsteps generating oddly sharp clacking sounds for two steps after she left the carpet, almost as if she suddenly had tap dancing shoes on? And with her departure the various subjects of the paintings began to peak out from the edges of their frames and seeing that the Rasputin girl was now gone, silently returned to their normal poises.
Dumbledore looked concerned. "Are you okay Harry?"
Harry contemplated attempting another bean, but decided not yet tempt fate as he rubbed his right hand. "Yes… no… kind of. Sorry, just a bit surprised to find her here."
"As am I." Sighed Dumbledore, then a slight start. "Oh… you mean in the office. She had some… concerns that she wished to discuss. Everything is quite new and strange for her."
"She's… she's a practitioner of the Dark Arts, isn't she?" Quietly asked Harry.
"She… does appear well versed." Again sighed Dumbledore.
"And you let her in?"
"Harry, more then a few of the wizardly community are versed in the Dark Arts, not to mention many a practitioner. Knockturn Alley does not lack for customers after all."
"True… but…"
Dumbledore tried another bean and again appeared pleased with the results as he stated. "Dark does not always mean evil Harry. Not all dark wizards remain as such. There are those who have done wrong who then turned from their ways. Just as there are those who deeply regret past choices and paths they trod. Many who we think are good have done and do unpleasant things. Why, your first two Defense against the Dark Arts instructor was less then exemplary in the wisdom of hindsight."
True. Year one instructor, Quirinus Quirrell, had been a Voldermort ally and host. Whereas year two, Qilderoy Lockhart, had been quite the back dealing sneak.
"What did the Sorting Hat say?" Asked Harry, referring to what the hat had said after assigning the new girl to Slytherin.
"That Gryffindor or Ravenclaw would have equally been an appropriate choice. Only Hufflepuff was inappropriate."
"How could she possible be acceptable to Gryffindor?" Was Harry's shocked response.
Resulting in a bit of a frown from Dumbledore. "Harry, there are bad characters in all houses, and bad behaviors. It's just that Slytherin tends to get more of them from many people's perspective. Some of the greatest wizards have come from Slytherin. Just as some very foul wizards indeed have been of Gryffindor, Peter Pettigrew to name just one, and don't think that he's an exception."
A bit of musing from Dumbledore. "I have often thought that those best suited for power are those who do not seek it. Many a good person has done bad things. And many a bad person has done good things. Tell me Harry, what are the main traits of each house?"
Harry had a prompt answer. "Gryffindor is bravery, daring, nerve, and chivalry."
"And the others?"
"Um… Ravenclaw is intelligence, knowledge, curiosity, creativity and wit. Hufflepuff is hard work, dedication, patience, loyalty, and fair play. And Slytherin is ambition."
A slight shake of the head from Dumbledore. "Not quite correct for Slytherin Harry. Slytherin values ambition, leadership, self-preservation, cunning and resourcefulness; all of which are good traits I might add. Which leaves us with…?"
"Um…" Harry was not quite sure what Dumbledore was getting at.
"A most resourceful young lady." Answered Dumbledore. Than a change of subject as Dumbledore mused out loud.
"You have a certain notoriety on being the boy that survived. But now you have a type of twin I suppose. The girl who shouldn't be. I would hazard that the papers will be quite interested in her, as well as others. Which should take the spotlight off of you for the moment."
Harry took a sip of water, and then another bean with some hesitation, which was a pale white with yellow streaks. While most flavors had the same bean appearance, sometimes there were sneaker bean that had entirely different tastes. Harry popped it into his mouth and… Ahhh, vanilla, one of his favorites.
"It's late Harry and you should be getting to bed."
"Okay Professor. Um…" Harry really wanted to ask about why Dumbledore had been ignoring him, or so he thought, but now that he had the opportunity he was hesitant. A hesitancy that Dumbledore observed.
"Harry, scared people tend to be tempted to do bad things."
"What do you mean Professor?"
"The Ministry is scared. Scared that Tom Riddle has returned. Scared as to how the people will react. Scared as to just how many followers he really has. Scared about how many of their own staff may be compromised. Scared people do desperate things. Scared people lie, and then when confronted with the lie, lie even more; and attempt to suppress those who point out the lies. And in that fear they may become desperate, panicked, forget their ideals and values. Resulting in decisions that are… wrong."
Harry felt a tad of anger. Wrong… His right hand had scars from somebody being… wrong? "Forgive me Professor, but I would use a stronger world then wrong."
A statement that made Dumbledore look sad. "Correct Harry, how like the young to see things so distinctly, I believe evil is the word you're looking for."
Harry stood up. "Goodnight Professor." And made his exit via the stairs he had come by, but than paused and looked back.
"Professor, did the House of Rasputin have any magical specialties?"
Dumbledore did not answer at first as he appeared to think upon the question, then a slow "Yes… Demonology, Necromancy, and other such magics involving the soul. I do wonder just how much of the wizarding worlds has to thank, or curse, the Rasputins for."
With that Harry made his exit and his way to his bed.
Part 6b: Slytherin
We see the new girl and Professor Snape walking down a dark corridor, Snape is in the lead with Illyana, in her school uniform, following three steps behind. Snape is speaking in his usual dry tone.
"… with that minor detour complete, follow me child to your new domicile."
"Yes Professor." Was her only reply as Snape continued.
"The headmaster has informed me, and only me, of the particulars of your residency. Most… unusual. And notified me of your… advanced learning as it were. But do not think that the rest of the instructional staff are as imperceptive as Professor Umbridge, or that even she would not have observed the changes in the enchantments of the quill."
Just silence from Illyana as they continued to walk the corridors of Hogwarts, scarcely making a sound. A silence that apparently found approval with Snape.
"Good. No words falsehood as to the deed. It was well crafted, and the misdirection of your own injuries showed skilled strategy. A talent that I, and the Headmaster, are now most certainly informed of so do kindly exercise restraint in the future."
Illyana thought upon his response for a second or so before issuing a terse.
"Understood."
"Understood in what way?"
"I suppose institutionally it implied I shall comply."
"And other interpretations?"
"Don't get caught."
Perhaps there was a hint of a smile upon Snape's lips, but he was ahead of her so if there was it went unseen. "Perhaps… I am not known for tolerating non compliance in students."
Illyana's tone went cold. "Much of my life I was at the not so tender mercies of others. I survived. I am not known for turning the other cheek or tolerating abuse upon my person."
"Understood." Was Snape's reply as he turned her answer back upon herself, with all the possible implications now resting with Snape.
Which caused Illyana to stop in her tracks in surprise. Snape continued a few paces before stopping and giving her a questioning look. A small smile bloomed upon her face as she spoke words that Snape had rarely heard in his life.
"I think I like you Professor. I shall endeavor to attempt compliance with your instructions."
Just an inscrutable look from Snape as they resumed walking. Then more words from him.
"Now that such observations are out of the way, some introductions. I am the head of House Slytherin. Charged with the monitoring and maintaining the welfare, safety and disciple of Slytherin. While any professor may assign detention or take points from any house, it is I to whom you will answer to for any serious problems. I also counsel students regarding academic and course issues that you may have. You are expected uphold the standards and integrity of our house. As you are a newcomer I have taken the liberty of leaving a brief history of Slytherin in your chambers."
The two continued deeper into the depths of Hogwarts.
Snape continued. "House Slytherin is many things. In it you will find some of the most talented, and the least. The height of wealth, and the impoverished. The august, and the scorned. All united by the belief, the desire, to be the best. Or for some, the simple belief that they are. And up to now, united in that at least one parent was of a magical bloodline with demonstrated ability."
"Until me." Was her answer.
"Yessss… until you. I suspect some, perhaps many, will find this to be a most difficult pill to swallow, even with your surname."
Illyana did find it ironic, having shifted universes, that she was still an outcast minority. And that was just from her name and birth. If others were to learn the particulars, as Snape had put it, why… detention would be the least of her concerns. She mused out loud.
"I have always believed ability is where you find it, not the accidental and incidentals of birth and position in society."
"Quite…" Was Snape's reply with a touch of a sneer in his tone. "Cream shall rise regardless."
They stopped before a blank stretch of wall as Snape spoke.
"As you should infer, access to your dorm is located in the dungeons. Use of a password is required to gain admittance. Note that other houses have their own methods of security. It is the belief that only those pure of blood are allowed into Slytherin, hence the selected password."
With that Snape went silent, just standing there looking at the wall. After a few seconds Illyana figured out that he was waiting for her to speak the password. And he obviously expected her to figure out said password. After a brief thought she spoke two words in Latin.
"Pura sanguine."
Which did invoke a smile from Snape as a door materialized from the blank wall. "Latin is not needed but one point to Slytherin." As Snape awarded a point for student insight.
With that the two entered the Slytherin common room.
Part 6c: U.S. Department of Magic intercept number: 23-6674-666-7a
Topic cross reference: UK Minister of magic, Demons, Rasputin, Hogwarts, Forbidden forest
CLASSIFICATION LEVEL: MMOTW
INTERCEPT BEGINS
Voice 1 (UK Minister of Magic Rufus Scrimgeour): Well?
Voice 2 (unidentified male): It's a no go sir. Hostile actions from locals and unknown party or parties is denying us access to the site and has driven us from the forest.
Voice 1: Locals? You mean Hogwarts is involved? I knew it!
Voice 2: Negative sir. Locals as in creatures of the woods. I have two men injured from arrows from centaurs, and another dead from a giant spider who um... ate him.
Voice 1: Ate him? Since when are we at the mercy of forest rabble?
Voice 2: Apparently now sir. The entity that intruded last night appears to be extending control and continues to show the ability to wield powerful magics.
Voice 1: Blast it. And the location of the so called Rasputin girl?
Voice 2: It has been confirmed that she was it detention writing lines during the assault.
Voice 1: Detention? How odd. Could it have been a double or an illusion? Any chance the troublesome boy was involved?
Voice 2: No sir, Miss Umbridge is the source as to her location. And she was with the boy was well.
Voice 1: I see... So her presence may be coincidence after all. But if that's true then she must be a pawn in some plot of Dumbledore's. Hmmm, any goblin sightings by chance?
Voice 2: No sir.
Voice 1: Blazes, I know their plotting against me as well. Continue attempting to seal off the forest. But what to do about this potentially problematic child, this girl who should not be.
Voice 2: Perhaps we could...
INTERCEPT LOST AT THIS POINT