Time passed relatively quickly ever since Salazar started teaching me occlumency. Every night after dinner I would meet with him in the Room of Requirement and he would instruct me on how to relax and clear my mind. Because I was a natural Occlumens it was easy for me to clear my mind and Salazar was able to instruct me on how to strengthen what shields I already had.
Even if someone was to break through my shields Salazar told me how to make my mindscape. What the intruder wound see was a library. Not the Hogwarts library, but the library I would always escape to back in my dimension.
Of course the intruder would think I put my memories in the books, but I didn't do that. In the library there are two floors, and on the top floor there were computers along the back wall in the corner. To find my memories they would need a password to even log on to the computer, and if they were able to do that they would have to look through all the different files I've set up. The most recent file was one I decided to label Animagus.
In any free time I have during the day I research all that I can on wolves and save the information in the file. I've been researching everything from their anatomy to the time of year they mate. Although the latter isn't really needed for the transformation.
The one thing that has been bothering me is that now, instead of ignoring me, Riddle has begun to stare at me when he thinks nobody is looking. He always has a weird glint in his eyes that I'm too creeped out to try and decipher. He's most likely planning different ways to try and get me alone so he can interrogate the shit out of me until every possible answer has been wrung out of me.
Now would probably be the best time for him to start that interrogation because the castle was empty. Winter break Bahrain a few days ago and all the kids were too eager to leave the castle. There had been another attack on some muggleborn student. The student didn't die thankfully, he was only petrified and was now sitting in the infirmary along with Annabelle Chambers.
The break was a relief for everybody, even a few of the teachers had left the castle to return to the safety of their own homes. The only people left in the castle was Dippet, Dumbledore, Slughorn, Hagrid, Riddle, and of course me. I spent most of my time in the RoR making progress on my occlumency shields and my animagus transformation. The rest of my time was spent with Hagrid.
It was rather fun hanging out with Hagrid. He would a,ways talk to me about all different kinds of animals–mostly dangerous. The most recent animal he's talked to me about were unicorns. I told him how the fifth years were going to start learning about them in our Care of Magical Creatures class, and he started informing me about everything he knows about unicorns. There was no doubt Care is Hagrids favorite class.
Now that Christmas was coming up I used the Floo from the RoR and travelled to Diagon Alley for some Christmas gift shopping. I traveled in my disguise of black converse, black ripped skinny jeans, red tshirt, and black hoodie. Basil was more than happy to be displayed in my shoulders, no longer having to hide beneath my clothes.
To keep the winter chill away I put some warming charms over my clothes, it helped to keep Basil warm as well.
I ignored the stares from the people I passed as I entered Madam Malkins, and when the bell above the door chimed Malkin looked up from behind the counter to greet me but her eyes widened in what seemed to be recognition.
"Welcome back dearie! I see you aren't wearing anything from the wardrobe I made you." She had a teasing glint in her eyes.
My eyebrows rose but she couldn't see them, "You remember me?" She could still hear the surprise in my voice though.
"Well of course! It's not everyday I get a customer such as yourself coming in near midnight and requesting a whole new wardrobe."
"What do you mean 'such as myself'?"
It was her turn to raise a brow at me, "Honey, your clothes are enough to remember you by. Add on the fact you have a four foot snake draped over your shoulders and you were cemented into my mind. I'm sure anyone else who saw you would remember you as well."
"I suppose that makes sense," I nodded. "But I'm not here for myself. I need a pair of socks."
"Socks?" she sounded a little incredulous.
"The fuzziness and most colorful you can find" I agreed.
"Alright" she sounded a little confused but didn't say anything. She went to the back if the store and returned a few moments later with a pair of blinding neon green socks with pink spots. "Anything else dearie?"
"Do you have any cloaks in a dark green color?"
"A winter cloak or an everyday cloak?"
"An everyday cloak if you have one." Browsing through the racks of clothes, Madam Malkin took down five cloaks all different shades of green. She held them out in front of me, "Do you like any of these or do you want a darker green?"
Each cloak seemed to light in my opinion except for one. It was a dark, almost black, green with silver occasionally stitched throughout the fabric. I pointed to the cloak, "That one."
I paid for the cloak and the socks before leaving the store and moving on to Flourish & Blotts. I went to the creature section and found a book filled with magical creatures and information about them.
Leaving F&B with the book in hand I made my way to the opening of Knockturn Alley. I was hesitant to go in there because of the dark aura I could feel hanging in the air. I squared my shoulders and made my way through the dark streets of Knockturn, keeping my occlumency shields up to mask any discomfort.
One old hag decided to try and grab my arm, but Basil was quick to rear up her head and bare her fangs with a venomous hiss. After that it seemed everyone else in the Alley kept their distance.
I final,y found the store I had been looking for, Borgin & Burkes. I opened the door into the dark and dusty shop and looked for anyone who could help me, but found no one.
I gravitated to the wall that held shelves full of dark titled books. I had no desire to get any of the books for myself but I was looking for a particular type of book, and I wouldn't have seen it if I wasn't looking hard enough.
Sitting on the shelf above me was a thin book with what looked like squiggles written on the spine. I took down the book and looked at the cover for a moment when the squiggles started to move together and form the title, "Dark Magick's".
I snorted at the creative title but brought it over to the counter. "That book is rather useless."
I looked up at the owner of the wheezing voice to find an old man with greying brown hair and a beard to match. He was looking back at me with dark eyes.
"I will be the judge of that. How much?"
"100 galleons."
I sneered at him, "Tell me sir," he scowled at my mocking tone, "if it's as useless as you say, then why are you asking for 100 galleons?" I didn't give him time to speak, "I'll give you 25 galleons for it. No more no less." To prove my point I dug into the pouch of money connected to my Morrickson trust vault and took out the 25 galleons. "Take it or leave it."
The man eyes the galleons and growled as he swiped them off the counter. I took the book and left without another word, and stalked out of the store.
I made my way out of Knockturn and into the more joyful streets of Diagon. "Hatty?"
A pop sounded beside me, "Yous be callin Hatty, Mistress Abby?"
"I need you to take these items," I handed her everything I had bought from the Alleys, "and if you can, bring them into my dorm room. Can you do that for me?" She nodded her head vigorously, "Good. Bring these there." She took the shopping bags and popped away.
I made my way to the Leaky Cauldron and went up to the bar tender. "Er, Tom?"
The man turned to look at me and grinned, "That's me! What can I do for ya?"
"Do you know how I could get to Hogsmeade?"
"Sure sure!" He came from behind the bar and led me over to the fireplace. "You can use the Floo. What store did you want to go to?"
"Honeydukes."
"Alright, just step into the fire and say Honeydukes. You should come right out from their own fireplace."
I took some of the Floo powder and looked at Tom, "Thanks." I stepped into the green flames and said Honeydukes as clear as I could. As the flames swallowed me I heard Tom say "You're welcome."
The fireplaces flew past me until I was finally spat out into Honeydukes. I brushed off my clothes and looked around the store and began weaving through the shelves of candy before I was able to find the Lemon Drops I was looking for. I also found a chocolate frog for myself before bringing the sweets to the counter.
I had just paid for the sweets when a piercing scream echoed through the village. The scream was soon followed by several more and the sound of breaking glass. Flashes of colors lit up the village.
Everyone in the store ducked down with frightened shouts while I rushed to the stores window and saw cloaked men terrorizing the people of the village.
I slipped out of the store and heard someone shouting from behind me to stay inside and how it was dangerous, but I ignored them.
I crouched low to the ground and scurried to the side of the building. I kept my back pressed against the wall and unsheathed my wand, intending to use my patronus to warn Dumbledore what was happening, but I hesitated. Slughorn might recognize my patronus and when they come to help they will see me in my disguise.
Another ear piercing scream rang through the village and all of my hesitation vanished. Identity be damned I can deal with it later.
Coming out of my wand was my signature eagle, "Dumbledore, Hogsmeade is under attack," to prove my point another scream sounded through the air, "and your help would be very much appreciated." I rushed the rest of the message out and sent the eagle on its way.
I peeked past the wall of the candy store and examined the village. What I saw was pure chaos.
People were running around everywhere, some were battling the robed men without success, while others were trying to hide in nearby stores. The robed men were throwing spells around and hitting the panicking people. I saw one robe throw a red spell at a woman, and when it hit her she fell to the ground with a shriek. I watched her convulse on the ground and slowly tore my gaze from her agonized features to look at the face of her tormentor.
The man was wearing a sadistic grin that severely pissed me off. I pointed my wand at the man, "Reducto!"
The blue spell shot out of my wand and hit the woman's tormentor. He was blasted right through a window he had been standing next to and I hurriedly made my way over to the woman. "Come on. Get up!" I dragged the woman up by her arm, "Go!"
She looked to my face, trying to find the eyes she couldn't see. "Thank you" she whispered before stumbling away as fast as she could. I looked away from her and surveyed the chaos around me and jumped into the fray. There was no way I was going to stand in the sidelines and watch as people get hurt or die.
I've never dueled before but it seemed I didn't need to know. All of the robed men were distracted by the screaming people and I was able to blindside them with either a Stupefy or a Reducto. They were the first spells that came to mind so those were the ones I used.
There was one moment when I saw one of the men throw the red spell–I assumed it was a Crucio–at a little girl. My eyes widened and I threw myself at the girl, blocking her from the spells path.
The pain was almost unbearable. It felt like a thousand hot knives stabbing me throughout my body. I clenched my teeth shut, not wanting to give the man the satisfaction of hearing me scream.
I put up what occlumency shields I could and was able to whip around and point my wand at the bastards face, "Reducto!"
A Stupefy probably would have been better choice at such close range. The spell hit the man right in the face, but instead of blasting him away it practically blew off his face. I watched, wide eyed, as the now faceless man crumpled to the ground. Blood started pooling around his body and I was frozen with what I had just done, but a small sniff shook me out of my state.
I looked at the little girl in my arms and quickly shifted her in front of me so she wouldn't see the horrific sight. "Where's your mommy sweetie?" The little girl didn't answer me as she stood there and continued to sniffle.
I don't have time for this. I looked around and found a small side alley and shoved her in there. "Stay here. When all these bad men are gone we can find your mommy ok?" I sighed with relief when she nodded without a fuss.
I returned to the middle of the street and found the fight were slowly winding down and I would have been relieved if it wasn't for the powerful voice cutting through the air, "I saw what you did for that little girl, and I have to say," I turned to look at who had spoken and my brow furrowed, "I'm impressed."
The man had wavy blond hair and was looking at me with intrigued light blue eyes. He looked to be about the same age as Dumbledore and was wearing sleek black shoes with black slacks, a black turtle neck, and a deep magenta robe over his clothes. I wasn't sure who this man was, but I had a hunch.
"I just killed that man," the words had a bitter edge, "what is there to be impressed over?"
Blondie smirked at me, "That may be, but you willingly threw yourself in front of that spell to protect that little girl, even though you knew it was a Crucio. Besides," Blondie gestured to the man I killed, "he wasn't very useful."
I snarled at him but quietly hissed to Basil "~Hide nearby, but out of sight. When he is distracted enough I want you to attack him, alright?~" She gave a low hiss of acknowledgement and slithered down my body. The man I believed to be Grindelwald watched her as she slowly made it to the ground and hid in the alley where I put the little girl.
"That's an interesting choice of pet." He looked at me from underneath his brows, "Where'd you get it?"
"Where I got her and why is none of your business." I spat at him.
I held my wand as loosely as I could to keep my wrist relaxed and shifted my legs to stand a shoulder width apart. Now would be an absolutely wonderful time to show up Dumbledore! "I would greatly appreciate it if you and your minions would leave the village."
Grindelwald threw his head back and gave a deeply amused laugh. I looked around and noticed all of the fighting had stopped and everyone, both the shoppers and the minions, had chosen to watch what was unfolding between me and Grindelwald. The mans laughing stopped and I returned my attention to him.
He made the motion of wiping a tear from his eye and looked at me with amusement. "You are quite funny." he mused, "I'll tell you this, you have a lot of potential from what I've seen today and I think it would be beneficial to both of us if you were to join me."
My draw dropped open a little from astonishment. Is he serious? He watched as I got crucioed by one of his men and now he's telling me I should join him? I think not.
"As wonderful as that sounds…no." As quick as I could I shot a Stupefy at him but it wasn't quick enough. He easily dodged and after that it was a rainbow of spells. Most of which came from him.
With my limited knowledge on dueling I focused more on dodging the spells then firing any back. Knowing Grindelwald was a dark lord most of the spells he shot at me were dark and I didn't think a simple Protego would be able to block them.
I was quickly growing tired and I knew Grindelwald could tell, if the fact that he started shooting spells faster than before was any indication. I knew I needed to get creative if I wanted any chance at getting out of this alive, forget about winning.
Jesus why are these people just standing there? I need help! And where is Dumbledore! Some aurors would be nice too! I dodged another spell Naturally they aren't here when they're needed the most.
I thought of every spell I possibly could, but they just weren't enough. I was really thinking about just giving up when Grindelwald threw another spell at me, this one hitting its mark.
My wand flew out of my hand and landed on the ground a few feet away, too far out of reach for me to get it without Grindelwald hitting me with another spell. I could hear the people around us gasp and I wanted to sneer Don't tell me these people were expecting me to win. It was obvious I would lose from the start.
"I will admit, though I had better duels you have lasted longer than some." He then pointed his wand at me and the tip began glowing green. I knew exactly what spell it was but I looked Grindelwald in the eye. I would not close my eyes and look away as I was about to be killed. "It's a shame. You could have been wonderful had you joined me."
He opened his mouth to speak the killing words, but instead a shout of pain escaped him and he jumped back. I followed his glaring eyes to the ground and saw Basil reared back as if to strike again. I wanted to cry with relief but didn't get the chance because Grindelwald pointed his wand at Basil, the tip still glowing green.
Dread gripped me as I realized Grindelwald was about to kill Basil. The dread was replaced by anger and I could feel the warmth coursing through me. I instinctively brought up my hand towards Grindelwald. "Expelliarmus!"
His wand flew out of his hand and everyone watched as the wand soared through the air and into my outstretched hand. As soon as my hand closed around the wand I felt power and warmth flow from my hand and continue throughout my body. I thought nothing of it and pointed the wand at Grindelwald, "Incarcerous!" Ropes shot out of my wand and wrapped themselves around Grindelwalds defenseless form.
It was at that moment that pops sounded throughout the village. The aurors have finally arrived, along with Dumbledore. Took them long enough.
They moved as if to start battling but realized there wasn't any. They saw everyone looking at the middle of the street and followed their gazes to see a hooded figure pointing their wand at the tied up form of Grindelwald. Nobody moved and Grindelwald took his chance.
"Retreat!" Grindelwalds form suddenly disappeared, followed by his followers. I wanted to face palm Portkeys, naturally.
The disappearances caused everyone to gasp and the aurora scrambled to stop the followers, but it was in vain.
I stood in the middle of the street until I absentmindedly walked over to my wand and picked it up, as well as picking up Basil and setting her on my shoulders. I scratched her chin "~Thank you~" I breathed to her. She flicked her tongue out and gave a small hiss of satisfaction.
"Hey!" I turned around and was blinded by a flash of light. When the spots left my vision I found a woman along with what must have been her camera man. "Tell me about your duel with Grindelwald. Were you frightened? How does it feel to know you were able to fend off Grindelwald when no one she could?"
I stumbled back from the woman, surprised by her sudden appearance and questions. "What?"
Her questioning was interrupted by a sudden voice, "Ms. Skeeter! Lovely to see you." We looked over to see Dumbledore happily making his way over. Skeeter gave a false smile, "Albus Dumbledores! Late as usual." I barely suppressed my snort of amusement To true.
"I believe this mysterious stranger would like to go and take a nice break. I think she deserves it after what she has just been through." His eyes twinkled as they looked at us.
"This 'mysterious stranger' has just saved the whole village because of what she's 'just been through'. She's a savior to Hogsmeade! She took on Grindelwald when no one else would. And on top of that she one against him!"
I slipped away from the two arguing adults and went over to the little alley where the little girl was still sitting. When I crouched in front of her she looked up at me with wide eyes. "Hey there sweetie. Let's go find your mommy, yeah?" I held out my hand and waited for her to grab onto my palm.
I led her out of the alley and started walking her down the street, hoping either she would find her mom or her mother would find her. As we went I used the wand I had taken from Grindelwald and casted Repairo's at the broken windows and anything else that needed to be repaired.
As I walked by people were giving me looks of amazement and awe. I was really uncomfortable with all of the attention and was grateful with the distraction of a relieved voice calling out, "Claire!"
"Momma!" The little girls hand left mine as she ran into the woman's arms. She hugged the girl, Claire, tightly to her chest before she looked up at me with pure gratitude, "Thank you." A man then walked up to them and wrapped them both into a hug I assumed him to be the girls father. He nodded his head at me and I nodded back.
"Let us be off, my dear." I looked over at Dumbledore and nodded my head.
I allowed him to lead me out of the village and up the path towards the castle. The walk was silent as we continued through the castle and towards the Great Hall.
He opened the doors and I saw everyone who stayed for winter break seated at the large round table that replaced the long house tables for the duration of the break. When my eyes landed on riddle I saw recognition light up in his eyes and I silently groaned. Instead I cleared my throat, "Dumbledore–"
"Just what were you thinking miss Abby?" There was no twinkle in his eyes as he looked at me with disapproval and what looked to be slight worry. "You were foolish to think of dueling Grindelwald."
Everyone in the room gasped and I decided it was pointless to keep my hood up so I allowed it to fall. I rubbed my hands over my face, "Professor what was I supposed to do!" I threw my arms up, "Was I supposed to allow him and his followers to terrorize the village while I did nothing but wait for help? Which, night I add, took way to long to get there!" I glared at Dumbledore before closing my eyes and rubbing my temples.
"Miss Abby," I opened my eyes and looked at Slughorn, "is what Albus said true? Did you duel Grindelwald?"
"Yes." I sighed and everyone at the table gaped at me, with the exception of Riddle. He was looking at me with blank eyes, clearly keeping his thoughts to himself. "I was in Hogsmeade doing some shopping when Grindelwalds followers showed up and started breaking things and attacking the people in the village. I helped out where I could but I never saw Grindelwald himself until at one point one of his men shot a Crucio at a little girl." Slughorn gave another small gasp which I ignored, "Grindelwald saw me take the Crucio for the little girl," I left out how I killed the man, "and he offered me to join him. My answer was to shoot a Stupefy at him and we dueled. I knew I was going to lose the duel but I wanted to prolong it for as long as I could so help could come. When he disarmed me he was going to kill me but Basil," I scratched her chin, "bit his leg and I was able to disarm him and tie him up. That was when you guys showed up."
The whole hall was silent after my telling of events. Dippet was first to speak and I was grateful for the break in silence, "I can imagine that you are tired from these events, but I just have one question."
I nodded, "Ask away."
"When did you get ah," he gestured to Basil.
"Oh! Um, well I've had her since I was twelve. People have never really shown a liking to her presence so I always kept her hidden. That's why you never knew about her." I scratched the back of my head, "Sorry."
Dippet waved his hand, "No need to apologize. It seems to me like her presence is helping you. You can keep her but it may be wise to keep her out of sight when the holidays are over."
I smiled, "Of course sir." I quickly made my way out of the Hall and up to the Gryffindor common room. I entered through the portrait hole and quickly made my way to my room where I saw my Christmas gifts sitting on my bed. I smiled and pushed them off the bed before unceremoniously dropping on the bed. Not even bothering to take off my shoes before I allowed myself to fall into a deep sleep.
