Chapter Fourteen
Lumen
:.:.:
February had drawn its final breath, though March did not bring much warmer winds. It certainly did bring winds, though; so much so that there were delays in the post due to the owls being blown off course.
For once, things actually seemed calm. True, there was another task coming up, but it was so far off that there wasn't much to do about it. We weren't even provided with a clue to solve. Cedric and I spent more and more time together and were becoming quite close; Viktor and Grigor actually took the time to get to know more about Finn, so they were forming a bond of their own. The only downside to things was that I hadn't seen George at all. Normally, I wouldn't've been able to get rid of the troublesome duo; they were waiting for me at every corner, it seemed. But ever since the second task, it was clear they were doing their best to avoid me. Well, actually, it was just George who was avoiding me.
It wasn't often they detached themselves from one another's hips, but Fred actually went out of his way to speak with me briefly from time to time. I never bothered to ask about George, though; we both knew there wasn't any point in making up excuses for him. But that Friday morning actually brought about a few surprises, one in particular being a certain red-headed twin...
"George!" I exclaimed. Everyone was seated in the Great Hall for breakfast and I noticed George approaching the Slytherin table. I rushed toward him and wrapped my arms around him; he tensed up and did not return my embrace.
"Why didn't you tell me about any of this?" he immediately asked when I pulled away. He quickly flashed a newspaper in front of my eyes, most likely the Daily Prophet, but it was too quick of a movement for me to be sure.
"What're you talking about?" I asked, taken aback. "Ugh, did Rita Skeeter publish that piece on my resurrection?"
"You mean you haven't read it yet?" he asked, surprised.
"Breakfast only just started a few minutes ago," I reminded him. "But I don't understand — you already knew that happened."
"Um, Demi...?" came Grigor's 'you're-not-going-to-like-this' voice from behind me. He handed me his own copy of the Prophet; a rather lengthy article sat underneath a color photograph of myself after the second task, the heading reading: DEMETRIA HARRIS RISES FROM THE DEAD...
I briefly skimmed it but there wasn't really much to it. It simply described what happened to me during the task. But that was when I saw, at the bottom of the newsprint, there was another heading entitled: ...BUT IS SHE HUMAN?
"What?!" jumped from my mouth as I flipped to the page which held this article. This one was fairly short, and didn't feature a picture.
LUMEN OR HUMAN?
Whether or not you're hoping Durmstrang will win this year's Triwizard Tournament, no one can resist cheering on the only girl to ever attend Durmstrang — Demetria Harris, writes Rita Skeeter. She certainly knows how to wow the crowd and please the fans, but this reporter recently discovered that there is more to this mysterious foreigner than meets the eye.
It's already been made clear that Harris isn't your typical fifteen-year-old girl, unless being the daughter of a Quidditch legacy, attending an all-boy school, AND defying death are all normal attributes of the average teenager. We know you're just dying (no pun intended) to hear her deep, dark secret, so we won't beat around the broomstick any longer: Demetria Harris is a Lumen.
"It all started a few months ago when I had a dream about my mum," said Harris in an exclusive interview. "She appeared out of no where and gave me this locket with some sort of inscription on it, and when I woke up, I actually had the locket in my hands." Although Harris hasn't been able to crack the code, we did some digging of our own for her.
Lumen's literal translation from Latin is simply "light," but the term refers to a distant descendant of a creature of the Light, namely the Siren. Light, with a capital L, is a power which can only be passed down through generations of said creatures. Simple enough to follow, right?
"Finn [Archer] and I spent weeks in the library trying to figure out what it meant," Harris continued. "Draco [Malfoy] even suggested we visit the Divination professor here [at Hogwarts]. She couldn't tell us anything without the locket, and I didn't have it anymore because I had another dream and the locket completely disappeared when I woke up." Poor Harris can't catch a break. Luckily, this reporter cracked a piece of the code for her.
Because Lumens are said to be the descendants of Sirens and wizards, they are often compared to Veelas, the descendants of Harpies and wizards. It is important to note, much like Veelas, that Lumens are not the actual creatures that their ancestors were, being that they do not possess a great enough percentage of the creature's blood to qualify as a Siren, or even half-Siren, quarter-Siren and so on that came before them. Though this brings about much controversy over whether or not Lumens can be considered humans. But whether you believe Demetria Harris to be a human or not, is up to you, readers! (This reporter votes no).
There were so many thoughts racing through my mind and so many emotions churning up inside me. I wasn't even sure what to say or do or even feel first. Okay, actually, that was a lie — the very first feeling I expressed was anger.
"What the sodding fu — !"
"Whoa! Hey, Dem, why'd you give this woman an interview?" Finn immediately cut me off.
"I didn't!" I insisted.
"So this locket business isn't true?" asked George, curiously.
"Well, no, that's true..." I said softly, feeling confusion next.
"Demetria, I thought we were close," George dropped his voice so only I could hear him, then. "You could've told me about this. Who knows, then maybe I would've been the damsel in distress in that lake." He said it with a flicker of that usual Weasley smirk, but it was only enough to tell me that he was really being serious.
"I'm sorry, are you actually upset that you weren't the hostage I was s'posed to rescue?" I asked him, incredulously.
"I reckon they only picked me 'cause I'm shorter," Finn lamely offered. "Easier to carry...or something."
"Please, I don't want to get into this right now," I fervently told George before turning to Finn. "Is this true? Why couldn't we find anything on this?"
"I guess I'm just wondering why you could tell Rita bloody Skeeter about this and not me," George snapped.
"I didn't! I told —" I froze, only my head moving as it turned to locate the Hufflepuff table. As it turned out, though, I didn't need to, because Cedric had already rushed over to George and I.
"Dem —"
"You told her?!" I didn't even want to hear what he said to say.
"No! I —"
"I can't believe you!" I pressed. "I confided in you, and you ran and told Skeeter the first chance you got!"
"I would never do that!" Cedric defended. "You can't really believe that I would betray you like this!"
"This is word-for-word what I told you, Cedric!" I shouted. "What other possible explanation could there be?!"
"Demi," whispered Grigor.
And that was when I realized I'd just heard Grigor whisper...in the middle of the Great Hall during breakfast... I finally noticed it, then: everyone in the Hall had stopped whatever they'd been doing and were all watching me, listening to me... I wasn't sure if it was because they'd all read the article or because I was screaming... Probably both... But thankfully, it didn't last much longer.
"Everyone please, tuck in! Go about your business!" came Albus Dumbledore, making his way from the High Table over to me.
I turned my back to Cedric and immediately hurried to meet Dumbledore half-way. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to —"
"No need to apologize, Demetria," he kindly assured me. "I was actually hoping to speak with you, if you wouldn't mind?"
"Of course, sir," I said, feeling a nervous wave crash over me.
Dumbledore gestured his hand forward and we began walking side-by-side out of the Great Hall. When we came to where I'd just been seated at the Slytherin table, George and Cedric were still standing nearby, but I didn't look at either of them as Dumbledore and I passed. The Headmaster didn't speak again until we made it out of the Hall.
"Demetria, do you recall your first time in the hospital wing, when we arranged a meeting?" he asked me.
"And Karkaroff convinced you that there was nothing to talk about?" slipped out of my mouth before I remembered I wasn't sure if I was supposed to have heard that. "I wasn't eavesdropping though, sir."
"That's quite alright," he insisted with a small grin. "I suspected you might've heard part of that conversation."
"Is that what you want to talk to me about now?" I inquired. "Does it have to do with the Prophet?"
"Yes," he told me rather gravely, the grin having vanished. "And yes."
Dumbledore and I continued on the familiar walk to Headmaster's Tower, the stone gargoyle jumping to life after receiving the password for entry. We ascended the spiral staircase until reaching his office; it appeared the very same as the only other time I'd seen it.
"I didn't mean to cause any trouble," I assured Dumbledore, the two of us making our way toward his desk. "I'm sorry if this causes any problems for you...like when word got out about that werewolf professor..."
"Remus Lupin," said Dumbledore, fondly.
Remus Lupin! That was how I'd vaguely recognized the name that night in the Forbidden Forest with Harry! Granted, it still didn't explain how he knew me, if he did at all...
"Send him my regards, next time you get the chance," he said.
"What?" I felt sort of sheepish for just blurting that out, but I was taken by such surprise, my brain couldn't formulate a proper question.
"I apologize, Demetria, I know Carlisle hasn't been too keen on your interaction with your godfather —"
Albus Dumbledore was a very wise man, and one would almost think he sort of knew everything, so it was rather strange to see him wearing the expression he was at that moment; an expression which looked as though he was probably thinking: "Oh shite, I've said too much."
I was sure my own facial expression was that of shock, but after a moment, I couldn't help but laugh, because of course I had a secret godfather that my grandfather kept from me! I wouldn't've been surprised if I had a ton of family members still alive! At that point, after just recently having finally heard the truth about my parents, nothing else that I could find out about myself could come as a surprise. Technically, I suppose it could, but it just wouldn't phase me anymore...
"That's the first I'm hearing about Remus being my godfather," I said, still sort of laughing at how ridiculous the situation was. "But maybe we should get back to the matter at hand — y'know, how I may not even be human." That made me chuckle even more.
I had absolutely no idea who I was.
–
"So you just...laughed?" said Finn.
"Like a tosser," I told him.
I was seated on the ship's railing, surrounded by the usual trio.
"Vut about the...Lumen business?" Viktor inquired.
"He went rather in-depth about them, said he wanted me to understand exactly what they were in order to form my own opinion on whether or not I'm human," I said airily. "He then told me he suspected this would happen to me considering my mother went through the same thing. Oh, and here's the kicker — my powers will be coming in soon."
All three blokes gave the exact reactions I expected: Viktor was concerned, Grigor was excited, and Finn was bewildered.
"What sort of powers?" Finn asked the question on everyone's mind.
"He didn't say," I told them. "He did say that I would need the locket back, though. Trelawney was right about one thing — it has all the answers."
"So you just have to wait around until you wake up with it again?" said Finn, irritated. "What if that takes too long?"
"Finn is correct, there must be some vay to get the locket for yourself," Viktor agreed, determined.
"I'm afraid not, blokes," I said, recalling another piece of information I'd learned. "Dumbledore said it's all about the timing. It won't come to me until I'm ready."
"So there is nothing ve can do about this right now?" asked Grigor, clearly disappointed.
"I don't think so, mate," I told him.
"How anticlimactic..." Finn deadpanned.
Suddenly, the doors to Karkaroff's cabin flew open, our Headmaster rushing to make his way off the ship.
"Where d'you reckon he's off to in such a hurry?" said Finn once Karkaroff was out of earshot.
I replied to Finn with a mischievous look instead of vocalizing my thoughts because I knew Viktor would disapprove. But not at all to my surprise, he caught on anyway.
"Do not even think about it, Demi," he warned.
"C'mon, Vik, there's nothing exciting going on!" I pleaded. It was true; March brought winds and not much else. The calm before the storm which was sure to be the third task was incredibly boring.
"Vhy don't you go speak vith Cedric, if you are looking for something to do?" suggested Viktor.
"Even if I wanted to, he's in class and —" I immediately had a thought but my face did not reveal it. "— Y'know, maybe you're right... I'll wait for him, I reckon it'll be over soon."
I wasn't even sure if Viktor believed that's what I was really doing, but he didn't stop me as I made my way off the ship and across the grounds. I tried to move as quickly as possibly while still seeming casual, but I needed to find which way Karkaroff went. Luckily, as soon as I stepped foot in the castle, I caught a glimpse of him turning the corner at the very end of the corridor. I followed, keeping a safe distance away, until we reached the steps leading to what I assumed were the dungeons. I waited at the top of the stairs for a moment before descending them, and saw from around the corner, Karkaroff knock on a door. When he entered through it, I rushed to catch it before it shut, leaving my hand in between to keep the door open the tiniest bit.
I couldn't see much, but it looked like a classroom; most likely Potions. That would probably mean Karkaroff had been rushing to speak to Snape. That was when I remembered something I'd witnessed the night of the Yule Ball but never really paid much attention to...
"…don't see what there is to fuss about, Igor."
"Severus, you cannot pretend this isn't happening!" Karkaroff's voice sounded anxious and hushed, as though keen not to be overheard. "It's been getting clearer and clearer for months. I am becoming seriously concerned, I can't deny it —"
"Then flee," said Snape's voice curtly. "Flee — I will make your excuses. I, however, am remaining at Hogwarts."
I watched Karkaroff up in the front of the room, trying to speak with Snape who, apparently, kept dismissing him. Finally, Karkaroff admitted defeat and waited behind the desk as Snape, presumably, continued with the lesson. Although, just as I'd said to Viktor, classes were about to end so it wasn't long before the bell sounded and I stood back from the door to allow students to leave. Once the coast was clear, I returned to my spot by the door, opening it just a crack, as I'd done before.
"What's so urgent?" I heard Snape hiss.
"This," said Karkaroff. In order to hear better, my ear was placed against the small opening rather than my eyes, this time, so I couldn't see what he was referring to at first. But I stool a quick glance and noticed my Headmaster rolling up the left-hand sleeve of his robe. I couldn't see his forearm, but I didn't have to in order to know what it held home to — the Dark Mark.
I'd always heard rumors about Karkaroff being a Death Eater, but I was never really convinced of it. I couldn't say I was shocked to learn this, however. Though I was a bit surprised I'd never seen him or heard him mentioned at the meetings and gatherings...
"Well?" Karkaroff pressed; I'd turned my head once again so my ear was near the door's opening. "Do you see? It's never been this clear, never since —"
"Put it away!" snarled Snape.
"But you must have noticed —"
"We can talk later, Karkaroff!" Snape spat. "Potter! What are you doing?"
Harry? I turned so I could see again and, sure enough, Harry Potter rose up from behind one of the tables. "Clearing up my armadillo bile, Professor," he said, innocently holding up a sodden rag to prove it.
I'd been so focused on Harry, I hadn't even noticed that Snape's dark eyes were on me. Well, actually, I couldn't tell if he knew it was me, but he appeared to be looking right in the doorway. But before I even thought to move away or shut the door, I heard him call out, "Who's there?"
"Shite," I swore under my breath before revealing myself from behind the door. Harry and Karkaroff appeared rather surprised, though Snape did not. I wasn't even entirely sure why I opened the door. He had no idea it was me and I could've very easily gotten away before anyone could've figured that out...
"Potter, leave," Snape ordered; Harry immediately rushed to gather his belongings and exit.
"Demetria, you too," said Karkaroff, anxiously.
"No, Harris, stay," Snape insisted.
Harry passed by me as he left and I entered. I didn't think I heard the door close, so I figured Harry was doing what I'd done, waiting just outside...listening...
"Severus, what are you —"
"Relax, Igor," said Snape, calmly. "Young Harris is on our side. You weren't aware that one of your students is —"
"I'm not," I quickly assured both Karkaroff and Harry, if he was really listening.
"Not yet," Snape corrected, grimly before rolling up his own sleeve.
That was when I moved close enough to, hopefully, block Harry's view and also so we could speak quiet enough that he wouldn't overhear us. Snape and Karkaroff both admired the Dark Marks on their inner, left forearms. Karkaroff was right; they'd grown much clearer. You see, the Dark Marks had been fading since the end of the First Wizarding War. The ones I'd seen were very faint, like the one on Granda — Carlisle... But these before me were nearly jet black... Voldemort was coming...
"Still wondering what your fate will be for going against orders, Harris?" Snape clearly took pleasure in asking me. "I am sure the suspense must be excruciating, or perhaps even...torturous."
"Demetria, what have you done?" Karkaroff asked me, his cold, dark eyes full of panic.
And for a split second, I couldn't answer. All I could do was think about that night... I hadn't since, well, since it happened, really.
I remembered the feeling of Jack Gelling's lips on mine. Relax, he'd said. You said no one was home. And I believed it for a moment, until . . .
I immediately shook the thought from my mind, not allowing myself to remember that night.
"Something I should've done a long time ago," I said through gritted teeth, recalling the moment I'd cast the Cruciatus Curse on Dolohov.
"I must advise you to refrain from saying such things, Harris," Snape warned, starting to appear just as genuinely afraid as Karkaroff.
"I know about my parents," I seethed.
Without missing a beat, Snape spoke again. "Leave. Both of you," he ordered, coldly.
I didn't wait for a second instruction; I made my way for the door while Karkaroff insisted he be in the loop. I heard Snape dismiss him as I left the room and, sure enough, found Harry trying to run from it. I knew Karkaroff must've been right behind us, so I kept my pace even with Harry's as we ascended the staircase out of the dungeons.
"Not a word of this to Hermione and Ron," I instructed him, gravely, keeping my voice low. "I know you tell them everything. Mention Snape and Karkaroff if you must, but leave me out of it. Please."
Harry appeared rather taken aback, but he didn't have the chance to reply before Karkaroff appeared just behind us at the top of the stairs. We were walking to the Great Hall, but were still in earshot.
"Alright, I'll tutor you in Potions but you have to let me borrow your Firebolt," I concocted on the spot. "Promise?"
I looked Harry right in his green eyes so he would, hopefully, know what the promise was really about.
"I promise," he told me, seriously.
"Oh, and turns out I supposedly do know who Remus Lupin is," I mentioned just before we entered the crowded Great Hall.
Harry looked to me with shock once again. "You do? How?"
"I just found out he's my godfather," I told him, airily. Honestly, there was no point in getting angry over family secrets that Carlisle kept from me...unless I wanted to be angry all the time.
"Your godfather?" Harry incredulously parroted. Karkaroff passed between us, still looking rather anxious, but we walked off towards the Gryffindor table to avoid him. Well, at least so I could avoid him. "That's — Wow! But you don't remember him?"
"I don't reckon I've ever met him," I said. "Except probably as a baby."
Harry seemed to ponder something for a brief moment before speaking again. "Are you going to Hogsmeade tomorrow?"
I didn't see what that had to do with anything we'd just discussed but I answered, regardless. "I wasn't planning on it, why?"
My tone sounded sort of bitter because I actually had been planning on it — I was going to go with Cedric but, well, I still didn't exactly feel like speaking to him about the Rita Skeeter incident.
"I'm going with Ron and Hermione and I really think you should join us," he brightly offered.
"Er, okay, sure," I told him. After all, he seemed rather determined about something.
"Great! I'll see you tomorrow," said Harry.
"See you."
He continued to the Gryffindor table and I made my way back toward the Slytherins. Before I'd even sat down at the bench, Viktor was already reprimanding me.
"You did not go to talk vith Cedric," he said, disapprovingly. "You followed Karkaroff."
"What gave it away?" I asked, though casually. After all, I knew that he'd figure it out. He probably didn't even believe me in the first place.
"Cedric rushed over here looking for you the minute we sat down," Finn chimed in.
"Vas it vorth it?" Viktor asked me, knowingly.
"No, Vik, you were right," I told him.
"Az vinagi sŭm," was his cocky reply. (I always am)