-1Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter Characters or the Universe. I am not writing this fic for a profit, it is for entertainment purposes only.

Irish Eyes

Chapter Seven: Breaking the Seal of Her Memory

Dumbledore ushered her into his office and closed the door behind her. Fawkes watched Bridgette take a seat in front of the headmaster's desk with much curiosity. Bridgette nodded hello to the bird, and explained to Dumbledore the results of the Occlumency lesson.

"Very good. It's a start. Professor Snape tells me that his memory potion is ready for you to take. It should help you discern which memories are yours, and which ones were planted."

"That will be a relief, Professor. Oh, have you found anything more about my parents?"

Dumbledore's clear blue eyes clouded, and his usually bright and cheery face looked careworn. "Yes. I'm afraid it's nothing but bad news. Aurors from the Ministry arrived at your home in Kent a few days ago. They found your parents, both were no longer living. They did, however, leave you a letter, explaining what had happened, in case you were ever found, alive." Dumbledore reached into a drawer in his desk and retrieved a small envelope made of parchment, closed with a wax seal with the Shannon crest pressed into it. He placed it in her hands and watched silently as she fingered the familiar coat of arms.

Bridgette did not cry. She knew in her heart all along that her parents were gone. A letter was all that remained, to explain the events of the past weeks. She broke the seal gently. Unfolding the letter, she recognized the neat and tidy handwriting of her mother, Erinne.

Bridgette love, If you are reading this now, then know

That we have done everything in our power to stop him

From getting to you. We may no longer be with you,

But we can rest in peace knowing that you are safe.

The Dark Lord succeeded in abducting you once.

Your father played the double agent role to get you

Back. He was exposed by a fellow Death Eater, and

Well, you know the rest by now. The last spell your father

Performed was a Portkey enchantment. The necklace round your

Neck served as your Portkey to Hogsmeade. With luck, you will

Be reading this within the confines of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft

And Wizardry. We are always with you, remember that. We love you

Very much, Bridgette Cwen Shannon.

Forever and Always, Your loving parents.

Bridgette fingered the dainty gold chain around her neck. Her father wasn't a Death Eater. She smiled in the knowledge that her father was not responsible for her mother's death at all. Peace came over her in waves. "Any other family?" She asked.

"None."

"I didn't think so."

"So, what will you do now?"

"I don't know. I've never been an orphan before."

"You're taking this quite well."

"I'm better knowing they died on our side. Now that I know the truth, I don't expect the false memories will affect me as much."

"Where will you go from here?"

"Would it be alright if I finished out the school year here?"

"I don't see why not."

"Thank you, Professor."

"I believe Severus is ready to administer the potion now, if you'd like to go on down to Potions class."

"I believe I will. Erm, Professor?"

"Yes, Bridgette?"

"Could I have a hall pass? Professor Snape seems to get quite testy about tardiness."

"Of course." Dumbledore scribbled a note on a bit of parchment. "There you are, my dear."

"Thank you, Professor."

"My pleasure."

Bridgette pocketed the hall pass and made her way to the potions dungeon. Before Snape could say, "Detention!" she showed him the pass and sat down. "I'll see you after class, Miss Shannon." He said.

"Yes, Professor." Bridgette partnered with Neville and set about chopping frog livers to stew. She couldn't help notice Neville blush and fumble more than usual, and wondered if it was his proximity to a girl that caused such behavior. She only giggled when he dropped his powdered Tentactula root, and helped him clean it up. "Careful, Neville." She cautioned when he almost tipped the entire package of beetle eyes into the brew. She smiled when he caught her gaze. He turned beet red and went about pulverizing some more Tentactula root.

Bridgette had never seen anyone more relieved to leave class as Neville. He gathered his things and scurried off with the rest of the Gryffindors. Bridgette stayed behind, to take the potion. "I cannot guarantee that this will restore all of your memory." Snape said, "But it should restore most." He handed her a small vial of orange potion. "Best to drink all of it quickly."

Bridgette took the vial and gulped it down. She felt her heart begin to race, and memories flooded back from years and years ago. Birthday parties, funerals, first days of school. She caught herself on a chair to stop from falling. "It's all coming back. Everything that he took from me. It's mine again." She paused. "Except for my parents." She stood up to leave. "Thanks, Professor. I think I'm going to be okay. "

The End