Hey! I got the class schedule but some of the days might not be correct. I found a place where I can read the Harry Potter books. This chapter may be a bit fast so sorry. Thanks for the reviews!!!
Do you want me to follow ALL the books? That was my plan, but it's what the readers want. Know I won't be very accurate. Please review. Constructive criticism is always acceptable, and no flames please. Thanks. Please review to let me know, that way my update will be faster.
DISCLAIMER! I do not own the Harry Potter series (it belongs to J.K. Rowling) OR the Mortal Instruments series!!! INFORMATION ON ANIMAGI FOUND ON: but have altered some words and deleted parts to fit my story. I AM NOT PROFITING FROM THIS!!!
Islinn woke up in the common room forgetting where she was. Well, she most definitely was not on a bed and she wondered where she was, after all, this wasn't the Institute, or her room. What had happened last night? Well, she had had a nightmare… and, oh! She remembered then, and felt embarrassed. Why had she been so dull? Neville had seemed to understand, and hoped she had not driven him away. She remembered then she was at Hogwarts and that someone was resting their head on top of hers. For a moment she thought it was Jace, but the impossibility of that was too real. Tilting her head slightly upward she was pleasantly surprised to see Neville. She felt comfortable sitting here leaning against him and would have gladly gone back to sleep, but she also remembered today was Monday. Today they would all be starting their classes.
Islinn watched Neville sleep while trying to think of the best way to wake him. Watching him sleep she was reminded of a little kid, vulnerable, and wondered if she looked like that when she slept. Her head still on his shoulder, she tilted her head a little further back until she could whisper in his ear. She shook him gently and said,
"Good morning Mister Longbottom." Neville shifted and mumbled something incoherent, so she tried again. "Good morning Mister Longbottom. It is time to wake up."
"Ten more minutes," he mumbled and she barely caught the words. He put arm across his eyes and gave a little groan. Islinn almost smiled as she shook her head.
"We are going to be late if we do not get up in time," Islinn reasoned. Neville groaned and let his arm fall. He squeezed his eyes shut before opening them slightly. He rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand. The gesture was so childish, again he reminded her of a little kid. She felt like an older sister who had to look out for her little brother which was odd for her because Neville and she were the same age and she was an only child.
"Oh," she heard Neville say and she looked at him. His brown eyes were wide and a little sleepy, and he was blushing noticeably.
Neville felt embarrassed. Islinn probably thought he was some lazy bum who couldn't even get up by himself in the morning. He looked at her and saw her tilt her head to the side and smile faintly. It was strange because even though her face was impassive, her eyes portrayed a mixture of friendliness, curiosity, and sleepiness. He couldn't help but feel better.
"Morning Islinn," he said smiling shyly.
"Good morning Mister Longbottom. Did you sleep well?" she asked looking at him intently.
"Yes, thank you. A-and you?" he managed, hoping he hadn't done anything stupid.
"I slept very well, thank you. I am so sorry Mister Longbottom for falling asleep on you. I suppose I felt a lot better when I was in someone else's company, after having an awful nightmare," she replied. He couldn't help but notice the slight nervous tone and the way her eyes darted everywhere except to him. It seemed to him she seemed uncomfortable and disoriented, and suddenly last night seemed more real and he wanted to make her feel better.
"It's okay Islinn. I had trouble sleeping too and it was nice to not be alone in the common room. Besides, I think I slept better with you here," he replied. Oh, no! He did not just say that last part out loud! Now she was going to think he was some weird, clumsy, creepy kid. He looked at her pleadingly, after all, he didn't really know anyone aside from Hermione, and she and Islinn seemed to get along. Neville was surprised to see one side of her mouth lift upward into a tiny half smile and her blue eyes were warm and friendly.
"Thank you. I slept a lot better too," she paused and then said, "I was wondering if you would like to walk with me to the Great Hall after we get ready."
"That would be great," he said feeling relieved that she didn't think he was some creepy kid. About the clumsiness…
"Very well, I shall meet you here then," she said, a faint smile on her face. When he nodded they parted, each to their respective dormitories.
Everyone seemed to still be asleep when Islinn took her clothes into the bathroom to take a hot shower. As she showered she wondered if Neville had seen the marks on her arms and the traces of the runes she had used. If so, he gave no indication, which she supposed was a good thing and she was sure he would not tell… or at least she hoped he wouldn't. She also hoped he didn't ask, or, what would she say? She couldn't lie and she couldn't think of any way around it. For now though, she wouldn't worry about it.
She turned off the water and after drying herself, she got dressed. With a wave of her wand she dried her hair and then she manually ran a brush through it. She put it up in a ponytail as she always did. Islinn found she really did feel uncomfortable with the school uniform, since she could count on one hand the times she had had to wear skirts or dresses. She sighed and went back to the dorm to put on her shoes. Today she was too lazy, unlike at the Institute where she had no choice, and she was not awake enough this morning to make her bed. Islinn knew the house elves would do it, but she didn't mind helping so she waved her wand and muttered a spell. She looked regretfully out the window thinking about the morning walk she didn't take. Then she saw Hermione and after a moment of debate she woke her up.
"It's too early," complained Hermione.
"It is seven in the morning," Islinn said.
"But you can't go into the Great Hall until seven fifteen," Hermione reasoned.
"Which means you only have fifteen minutes to get ready," Islinn said and Hermione groaned.
"Oh, fine," Hermione sighed and threw back the covers. She looked around and she glared at Islinn. "The others aren't awake yet," she said accusingly.
"An observant child sits before me," Islinn teased while Hermione rolled her eyes and gave a small, reluctant smile. She got out of bed and when Islinn was sure she wouldn't go back to sleep, Islinn left her alone and went down to the common room to wait.
When Islinn descended Neville was already there. Islinn told him, not in detail, about Hermione and they decided to wait for her. After a moment of silence Neville got the nerve to speak.
"Islinn, I, uh, wanted to ask… a f-favor," he said blushing.
"Yes?" Islinn asked, her eyes showing the curiosity her expression did not.
"Um, well, i-it's about Trevor," Neville said, not sure if asking this was the smartest thing. After all, they hadn't known each other that long.
"You want me to teach you how to keep Trevor still?" Islinn asked.
"You d-don't have to," said Neville hurriedly.
"You are right, I do not, however, it would be my pleasure to teach you," Islinn answered truthfully.
"Thanks," Neville said timidly. A trace of a smile crossed Islinn's face. Hermione came down not much after their conversation. "Morning," Neville greeted.
"Good morning Miss Granger," Islinn said, inclining her head a little.
"Good? What is so good about you waking me up so early?" Hermione asked in mock anger.
"Out of all the pleasant things that I could list, let us rule out your foul mood, shall we?" Islinn said calmly. Hermione shook her head and was about to respond when they heard someone snort.
"Got that right," someone said. Islinn and her company turned and saw Ron and Harry, and Islinn knew Ron had spoken.
"Good morning Mister Weasley, Mister Potter," Islinn greeted.
"Morning," both boys answered unsynchronized. Ron pointedly ignored Hermione as Hermione, looking a little confused, tried to do the same. Islinn didn't know what to make of it.
"We were about to go to the Great Hall, would you like to join us?" Islinn queried.
"I don't know…" Ron said, eyeing Hermione while Harry kept quiet and gave a wary glance between the girl and Ron. Hermione sighed exasperatedly.
"You don't have to come if-"
"It just so happens Islinn-"
"Honestly, do you think-"
"Will you two please stop arguing?" Islinn asked calmly, but loud enough to be heard. Both stopped and looked at her so Islinn continued, "Some manners and politeness would do you both good. Once you are done with your bickering you may decide if you wish to join me or not." With that Islinn turned and left the common room.
Once out of the common room Islinn took a deep breath. She disliked hearing people argue, especially in front of her. She thought that instead of arguments (which don't solve anything), people should discuss matters (because discussions are more effective). Besides, arguing was rude. Islinn, calmer now, began walking.
"Wait!" she heard Neville's voice break her thoughts. Islinn couldn't believe she forgot about Neville and Harry. She turned and saw said boys walking toward her while Ron and Hermione looked angry and were avoiding talking to each other. Islinn sighed; Ron and Hermione would either have to come around or they would explode.
"Please forgive me Mister Longbottom, Mister Potter. It was not my intention to leave you. I was too focused on Miss Granger and Mister Weasley I forgot," Islinn apologized truthfully.
"Sure," Neville said while Harry shrugged. Hermione and Ron walked on opposite sides and their walk was done in silence.
Once they reached the Great Hall, Ron and Harry sat across from Islinn and Neville. Hermione sat next to Islinn. Like the Gryffindor table, the other tables were not very populated. Islinn looked to the professor's table. Dumbledore smiled at her and nodded in her direction in greeting. Islinn allowed herself a tiny smile and a nod. Again, Snape and Islinn held a gaze, but it was a shorter time than before, and again, both inclined their heads slightly in silent acknowledgement.
Islinn turned to her company, which was silent. She put some fruit and yogurt on her plate and filled a cup with tea. She took a sip of her tea before she asked the boys sitting across from her,
"I trust you slept well?"
"Um, yeah," Harry replied.
"Yeah, I slept okay. We woke up because Neville was getting ready and made too much noise," Ron explained.
"Sorry," Neville apologized sheepishly. The boys shrugged.
"How about you Miss Granger?" Islinn asked before taking a piece of fruit, dipping it in yogurt and eating it.
"I slept well. I was sleeping well until you woke me up," Hermione said and Islinn sighed.
"I suppose I owe you an apology. I was under the impression you were a morning person. I am sorry Miss Granger," Islinn replied.
"It's okay, I'm just kidding. I usually am a morning person but yesterday was tiring," Hermione responded and Islinn agreed. At that moment Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas came in. They sat near Harry and Ron.
"Morning," Seamus greeted, giving Harry a slightly admiring look. There was an unsynchronized chorus of "morning's" and "good morning's". There was silence after that as Seamus and Dean piled food on their plate.
"It's cool that we're here, huh?" Dean asked. Some nodded, while others voiced their thoughts. Islinn felt no need to answer.
"You're not excited?" Islinn heard someone ask. She looked up and saw Seamus looking at her.
"I am very excited to be here," Islinn answered.
"Are you being sarcastic?" Seamus asked frowning.
Islinn allowed her lips to tilt upward slightly and said, "I am not one to display much emotion, Mister Finnigan, but I am excited." What was he expecting? Her to do cartwheels and jump in joy?
"I couldn't tell," Finnigan replied.
"Are you being sarcastic Mister Finnigan? Are you making fun of me?" Islinn asked calmly with a raised eyebrow.
"No, I just, well-"
"Do not trouble yourself with an explanation, it is alright," Islinn interrupted, a small, friendly smile on her lips and he knew she was kidding.
The Great Hall was getting packed by now and Islinn was finished eating. Draco walked in with his two companions. Islinn was going to look away and pretend she hadn't seen him, but he saw her and so they inclined their heads slightly in acknowledgement and then averted their gazes from each other.
Islinn suddenly felt a strange feeling, like someone was behind her. She stiffened, not really knowing what to expect because she refused to turn around. She felt hands cover her eyes and her world went black. "Guess who?" someone asked. Again, she was amazed at how she was able to tell. Islinn relaxed and put a hand over the hand covering her eyes. The skin texture felt the same but different and she wondered if something was wrong with her.
"Good morning Mister Fred Weasley," Islinn greeted. The hands went away and she turned and was greeted by both twins grinning and a third person was with them. The newcomer was dark-skinned and his hair was black. He was grinning also and she noticed he was attractive.
"Cool, huh?" George asked the boy. The boy nodded. The boys greeted everyone else with a "morning" and then introduced the dark-skinned boy as Lee Jordan.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Mister Jordan," Islinn said.
"You too," Lee Jordan replied. Then they went away to sit, hopefully. Islinn looked at her company and she noticed they were giving her strange looks.
"How did you know it was Fred?" Ron asked and everyone seemed to be waiting for a response.
"I wish I could tell you, but I have been wondering about that myself. I do not know," Islinn clarified. Nobody seemed satisfied by her response but nobody said anything.
Some time later, Islinn saw McGonagall passing out schedules, and suddenly Islinn felt uneasy. When the professor reached them she handed a schedule to each of them, Islinn examined hers. Hermione leaned over to look at Islinn's schedule.
"We're in the same classes," Hermione stated.
"Yes," Islinn responded and saw Neville had the same schedule. "I believe all Gryffindor first years have the same schedule."
"Great," Islinn heard Ron say sarcastically and Hermione rolled her eyes.
"We have Transfiguration first with Professor McGonagall," Neville stated.
"You are right. Perhaps it would be for the best if we retrieved the necessary items now," Islinn suggested, as she had forgotten to do so.
Sitting in Transfiguration and watching Professor McGonagall enter, Islinn concluded that McGonagall was exactly what a professor should be: strict, in command, collected, and able to keep a class quiet.
Islinn's excitement had her almost bouncing in her seat as she waited eagerly for today's lesson. Of course, in the exterior Islinn seemed like she always did: calm, and with an unconscious air of grace. The only hint that Islinn was really excited was her small smile and the way her eyes seemed to sparkle, but that could have only been noticed by people that knew her well… like Jace. The thought of him dampened most of her excitement. It was this time Professor McGonagall chose to begin her lesson. She lectured about the basics of what transfiguration involved and its definition. It was interesting, and Islinn diligently took notes, and was pleasantly surprised to see Hermione doing the same. There was something odd McGonagall mentioned a little after she had turned her desk into a pig. She mentioned and explained rather briefly about animagi. She mentioned it was when a wizard or witch could turn into an animal. That was all she said, she didn't say how or why or if it even was hereditary. Islinn put it out of her mind for later.
They were all given a match which Professor McGonagall said they should try to turn into a needle. Like everything in Islinn's life, she needed to concentrate. She had to do this so much throughout her life concentrating was like her second nature, so she found transfiguration easy. By the end of the lesson only Hermione and Islinn had managed to turn their matches into needles. McGonagall smiled at them and Islinn truly admired and respected Professor McGonagall.
"That was amazing," Hermione commented to Islinn on their way to Charms.
"I agree, Miss Granger," Islinn replied, her eyes sparkling.
"That's only because you managed to turn the bloody match into a needle," Ron said glaring at Hermione.
"Even if that had not been the case, it was most exciting," Islinn replied.
"Sure," Ron said unconvinced.
"She mentioned the term animagus. She said it was being able to turn into an animal?" Islinn asked.
"Yeah, that sounds cool," Harry commented.
"It does," Islinn agreed.
"I've heard of them before. I've heard they're really rare because it's so hard to learn and that it can go really wrong. I think you don't even need a wand,' Ron supplied.
"Oh," was all Islinn said as she took a seat in her Charms class. Being an animagus sounded useful and entertaining. Despite Ron's comment about it going wrong, Islinn liked challenges, and this was most interesting. How hard could it really be? Can there really be anything more difficult than having to hunt demons? Perhaps not. Maybe she could study it, perhaps read some general information on it, just its theory, to sate her curiosity. She resolved to do just that, but put it out of her mind for now because Professor Flitwick was taking attendance. He was small and had a pile of books, one on top of the other, just to be able to reach his desk. He gave Islinn a quick glance when he called her name, and when he called Harry's name he gave a little squeak of excitement and he fell off his book pile.
Charms was an intriguing class to Islinn and she thought Flitwick was a superb teacher, even though he was quite different from McGonagall.
They were all heading to the Great Hall, but Hermione excused herself saying she had to go to the common room and she took Neville with her. Neville apologized and excused himself looking confused. Islinn watched them go and shook her head. She wondered about the real reason Hermione had left, and whether it had been Ron's of her fault.
"How can you stand her?" Ron asked Islinn.
"What do you mean?" Islinn asked confused.
"She's such a know-it-all, and so bossy," Ron replied.
"A know-it-all? I believe the correct term is intelligent, Mister Weasley," Islinn answered.
"No, you're smart, but that doesn't make you a know-it-all. She's smart, but she has to show off the fact that she is, you don't do that," Ron explained as they sat down in the Great Hall and helped themselves to some lunch.
"And you're not bossy," Harry contributed and Ron nodded. "Did you see the way she practically dragged Neville with her?"
"Perhaps there was something important they had to do," Islinn reasoned.
"Yeah, like find Neville's toad and transfigure it into a needle," Ron said and Harry snorted. Islinn shook her head and allowed a small smile to escape her. Draco came in and he and Islinn acknowledged each other much like they had at breakfast. She remembered Snape and she sought him out and found him in his usual seat next to the professor wearing the turban. They nodded slightly at each other and her glance slid to the turban-wearing professor, and suddenly she felt like something was extremely wrong, even if he wasn't looking at her. The feeling was overwhelming and she could have almost sworn it had a literal weight on her. She returned her attention to her food feeling ill-at-ease. What had just happened? She ignored it and a little while later, she excused herself.
"Where are you going?" Harry asked.
"The library," Islinn responded and Ron almost choked on his food.
"What?! Why?!" Ron asked wide-eyed.
"There is something of interest I would like to look into," was all she said. She stood and some of the nearby people looked at her. She would have to ask about that. "I shall see you in the greenhouse Mister Potter, Mister Weasley," she said and swept out of the Great Hall.
Once she got to the library she was surprised to see a few people there. She wasted no time however, and went to examine shelf for shelf for a specific book. Fortunately, it didn't take long for her to find what she was looking for. Truly, she was surprised they had that book, after all, it wasn't something they studied, or she thought they didn't.
"I wish to check out this book," Islinn told Madam Pince as she put some effort into placing the book on the desk. Pince looked at the book and then at Islinn.
"The Animagus Theory?" Madam Pince asked, reading the title. She raised an eyebrow at Islinn.
"It sounds quite interesting, do you not think so?" Islinn asked the librarian, her eyes innocent.
"It does," Madam Pince said and let her check out the book, though she looked at Islinn skeptically, but Islinn felt relieved. "I hope you enjoy it," she added without smiling.
"Thank you," Islinn replied, hefting the very large book with her. She walked out of the library toward the common room. When she reached the portrait she gave the password and managed to climb inside with her bag and book.
"- stand him?!" Islinn heard a voice she recognized as Hermione's. Islinn saw Hermione pacing and Neville sitting on a couch watching Hermione pace. Islinn walked into view planning to reach the girls' dormitory so she could put away the book. "Islinn!" Hermione exclaimed stopping and looking guilty. Neville wide eyes toward Islinn.
"Good afternoon Miss Granger, Mister Longbottom," Islinn greeted and went upstairs to the dormitory. She put the book on her night table facedown, and went back downstairs. When she reached the common room Hermione all but ambushed her, while Neville stood a little off to the side.
"I'm sorry, but I just don't understand," Hermione explained.
"I beg your pardon? What is it that you do not understand?" a confused Islinn asked.
"I don't understand how you can stand Ronald Weasley! He's so rude and dull," Hermione supplied.
"He's very kind once you come to know him. Perhaps you have caught him in a bad mood," Islinn explained and added, "I do not mind you two disliking each other, I just cannot stand you two arguing. I find it pointless."
"You're right, I'm sorry."
"Do not trouble yourself," Islinn replied with kind eyes.
Islinn, Neville and Hermione were in the greenhouse and their professor, Professor Sprout, seemed to be a very good teacher.
Herbology was a fun class, and allowed a better environment than being cooped up in a classroom, not that she was complaining. Islinn's suspicions of Professor Sprout being a good teacher were proved correct. Islinn was pleasantly surprised to find that Neville was very goo at Herbology, because he truly wasn't very good at Transfiguration and Charms. Islinn enjoyed the class, even though Harry and Ron were sitting far away from her.
It was late now and Hermione and Islinn were in the common room, but they were not the only ones. There were both getting a head start on their homework.
"I'm so very glad I have a study partner," Hermione commented.
"I am glad also. It is nice to have some company," Islinn responded grateful of Hermione's company.
"I'm glad someone has a similar mind set to mine."
"I suppose you are right… except for Mister Weasley," Islinn said casually.
"I truly don't understand how someone as smart as you can even stand to be around him," Hermione said frowning. "I don't have a problem with Harry, kind of; it's mostly just Ron I can't stand."
"Perhaps time shall fix things, or some situation or other."
"Maybe," Hermione conceded doubtfully. The rest of the night passed without nightmares or arguments. Islinn found herself too tired to read her new book.
The next morning was much the same; even her day was much the same with the exception to the library trip and classes, and that she did take her morning walk. Today they had History of Magic and Defense Against the Dark Arts. Professor Binns, the history teacher, was a ghost, though that didn't mean he was interesting. The only means for Islinn to stay awake in that class was taking notes. Professor Quirrell was much boring and his stories seemed fictional and were flawed. Looking at Quirrell's nervous ways, Islinn had to doubt his incredible stories. Again, Islinn felt that strange feeling that something was incredibly wrong, but being in this class the feeling was worse than the day before. Thankfully, he didn't take attendance, and Islinn sat in the back corner and almost ran out of there when class was over. The rest of the day passed without incident.
On Wednesday there also wasn't much exciting except for Transfiguration and Herbology. Hermione and Islinn did more of their homework and they were almost done, which proved helpful because at midnight they had Astronomy. Professor Sinistra was pleasant and efficient and Islinn enjoyed watching the night sky through a telescope, even recording didn't seem so cumbersome. That night too, Islinn was too exhausted to read.
Thursday proved to be more productive and Charms entertaining. Islinn's remaining classes of the day, History of Magic and Defense Against the Dark Arts wasn't the productive part, and neither was working on the homework. The productive part came at night, in the form of the book she had checked out at the library. She settled and began to read.
Ordinary Transfiguration of a human into an animal's shape results in the human having an animal's brain, and thus being unable to remember what he or she was supposed to be doing Retaining one's human mental capacities while still taking on an animal's form is a highly advanced form of Transfiguration, and can go horribly wrong. Consequently, those who can master this Transfiguration are quite rare in the wizarding world; they are referred to as Animagi. More precisely, an Animagus is a witch or wizard who has the ability to transfigure herself/himself into an animal at will while retaining her/his mental powers, such as the ability to think as a human.
The Animagus Transfiguration can be performed wandlessly. It is possible for another witch or wizard who is sufficiently knowledgeable to force an Animagus to Transfigure from animal shape back into human shape; the incantation is accompanied by a flash of light around the target Animagus. If used on a true animal, the "resume natural shape" spell would have no effect.
An Animagus' physical condition as an animal reflects his or her physical condition in human shape.
An Animagus retains his or her clothing, spectacles, and so on throughout the transformation, disappearing when the Animagus is in animal shape but reappearing when human shape is resumed. The Transfiguration process moves the clothing into wizard space while the Animagus is in animal shape. In some cases items such as spectacles may affect the animal's appearance.
An Animagus has to have some ability to communicate with true animals.
The Improper Use of Magic Office maintains a register of all known Animagi. The register is a matter of public record.
The register keeps a record of, for each known Animagus:
the kind of animal that Animagus transforms into
distinguishing markings
There are penalties for being an Animagus and failing to register with the Improper Use of Magic Office.
Islinn thought this information was most interesting, and though she didn't know why she decided to keep this a secret. She had taken time to take detailed notes on this too, perhaps for later. Finally, Islinn settled down and went to sleep.
When Friday came around Islinn was happy and she knew it would be eventful. She was excited and it wasn't because the weekend was near, well, it kind of was. It wasn't even because she had Potions and Herbology. It wasn't even because of her book. She was excited because tonight (and Saturday night) Islinn would leave Hogwarts for a while, with Dumbledore's permission of course, to go Shadowhunting. Although in truth, Shadowhunting wasn't what she was nervous and excited about, though it was a large part of it. It was because she would be able to see Jace. Of course, she always went to see Jace before she went Shadowhunting because she had promised him she would always try her best, and from him she would draw strength to find and hunt the demons… if she found demons. There had not been that many after Valentine's downfall three years ago. Truthfully, she hoped it stayed that way.
Islinn was sitting in her Potions class. This class was a combo class, it was Gryffindors and Slytherins. Islinn had been looking forward to this class, mostly because of Professor Snape. She was curious about the way he conducted himself now that he wasn't a student anymore. Islinn did notice he was become a cold man, unlike when he was younger, and he favored Slytherins. He also seemed to favor Islinn a little, maybe because of her father. It was clear however, that he disliked Harry Potter with a passion.
Snape took attendance and glanced at Islinn when her name came up. When Harry's name came up however, he paused and said something about Harry being a celebrity. Snape did explain the art of potion-making most beautifully, and then he called on Harry.
Snape asked Harry questions and though Islinn could have answered easily, Harry could not. Hermione had stood up with her hand in the air, but Snape ignored her. Islinn decided to raise her hand to try to save Harry, after all she was sitting behind Harry and she would be hard to miss.
Snape sharply told Hermione to sit down and then he made eye contact with Islinn. He said, "I am sure, Miss Ignotum, that you have the ability to answer my questions efficiently, however, I would like Mister Potter to answer." Snape said the name "Potter" with slight contempt in his voice.
"Yes Professor Snape," Islinn responded and put her hand down. When Snape began giving the answers Islinn wrote them down.
"Is Miss Ignotum the only one who wishes to pass my class? Why aren't any of you writing?" Snape demanded. Islinn felt a little embarrassed and shy at being put in the spotlight. She caught Ron's eye quickly and gave him an apologetic look. After all, he didn't like "know-it-all's" or people who showed off. She was glad when he shrugged.
Then they were to work in pairs for a potion they were going to make. Islinn and Hermione decided to pair up. Everything was going well with their potion and it was coming to be perfect. Snape just looked at their potion and moved on. He went to the Slytherins and was praising the way Malfoy was doing his potion right when a loud hissing sound and green acid smoke filled the classroom. Islinn saw it had been Neville's fault since Seamus's cauldron was a twisted blob, and the potion pretty much destroyed everything it came in contact with. Neville himself was covered in the potion and was moaning and whimpering in pain as boils sprang on his legs, arms and face. Snape spat at Seamus to take him to the hospital wing and then somehow it had managed to be Harry's fault. When it was time to go she packed her things and walked with her regular companions, minus Neville.
"We have to deal with that greasy-haired git for the rest of the year?" Ron asked angrily.
"He hates me," Harry said. Islinn had her suspicions about why that was, but kept it to herself.
"I am sorry Mister Potter, but I am afraid I made your situation worse. I only wished to help you," Islinn apologized.
"I know. It's not your fault, he just hates me," Harry said as they all sat.
Halfway through lunch, though Islinn was already done eating, Nomen came and people realized it was a hawk and not an owl people began muttering looking uncomfortable. Nomen swooped down and landed gracefully on her right shoulder and nipped her ear lightly. Islinn put her left arm out and Nomen jumped on the offered arm. With her free hand Islinn expertly untied the two envelopes from the hawk's leg and set them on the table. She picked up the one with the seal she did not recognized but the bird but her fingers warningly. It didn't hurt but she knew what the gesture meant. "All right, I shall open it later then," she told the bird, unaware of the people looking at her. She picked up the other envelope, with the seal she did recognize; it was the one from the Institute. Even before she opened it she recognized Maryse Lightwood's handwriting. Suddenly, Islinn didn't feel very well. She broke the seal anyway and unfolded the parchment. This is what the letter read:
Idris,
I am sorry to writing to you, but I made a promise to you and I can't break it as I gave you my word as a Shadowhunter.
I am sorry to say Jace's condition became critical as of Wednesday night and he has been muttering incoherently. Alec, Isabelle, and Clary don't know I have told you, and they were debating on how and when to tell you.
Again, I must say how sorry I am as Jace is like a son to me, and consequently, you two were as inseparable as siblings. I must repeat that it is not your fault, nor his, the only person to blame is already dead. The fact you were nine when it happened… you were only a child, you still are, and we know you could have only done so much, so please don't torture yourself.
All I have to say is that I am blessed to have my children be friends with you as you have also proved to be a good friend to me as well. I am glad I have had the opportunity of knowing you. I will be here if you ever need support or anything else. I shall see you Friday night.
Maryse
Islinn stared at the letter a moment as the information sunk in. "Thank you Nomen, you may leave," she said dismissing her hawk without looking at it. The hawk nibbled her fingers lightly before taking flight. She felt suddenly tired and like she was a thousand years old. She must have still be staring at the letter because she heard Hermione ask,
"Are you okay?" Suddenly, Islinn felt overwhelmed, she needed to get out of there. She stared blankly at Hermione before saying,
"I need to leave. I will see you at Herbology." With that, Islinn stood, took the letters, and ignoring the whispers of the people around her she walked out of the Great Hall as composed as she could.
Hermione watched Islinn leave worriedly. She didn't look well. She looked pale and whatever color she had had was gone. At least she knew it had something to do with that letter. Nobody made comment of Islinn's behavior because they were sure there was a good reason for it.
As Islinn had said, she was at Herbology, but she was distant, a little distracted, and her eyes looked sad. Hermione had told Neville what had happened at lunch and he wondered if it had to do with that Jace kid, and he couldn't help but worry. They had the rest of the afternoon after Herbology, and Islinn went to the common room as if some unknown force was pulling her there. Ron and Harry had asked Islinn to join them to visit someone but she refused politely.
Islinn sat with Hermione and Neville doing homework but she couldn't quite concentrate and she was thankful when she finished it. She stood to gaze out the window and her mind was lost. How could Jace's condition become critical? He had been better on the day she had left, where had it gone wrong? He was muttering incoherently? What could he be muttering about? Was it about how she had failed him? She felt a lump in her throat but swallowed hard. She would refuse to cry in the presence of others. She didn't know how much time she was there because she felt a hand on her should, and Islinn hardly suppressed a flinch.
"It's time for dinner," Hermione said gently. Islinn hated looking weak so she pulled herself together and drew herself straight. She followed her companions down to dinner.
Islinn ate in silence and finished quickly. She excused herself and went to her dormitory. She took off her robes and changed into her Shadowhunting attire, black jeans and shirt and heavy boots, and took the weapons and devices she would need. She took two magical weapons and gave them angel's names and the wand-like weapons flared to life. Truthfully, she liked the mundane weapons better – daggers. She had one on her wrist that she kept on at all times except when she showered or slept. Jace had given to her for her ninth birthday. It looked like a thick leather bracelet, and embedded on it was a watch, it was most useful. The dagger was hidden but when you made the right wrist movement it would unlock and with another wrist movement it would revert to its hidden state. She had never used it on a demon, she would refuse to, especially now. She took her weapons and transfigured them. She took the information to accomplish this from her father's memories and some of Professor McGonagall's lecture and it took three tries for her to succeed. She put on a light jacket, put in her weapons and put on her robe. She took Dumbledore's permission letter (the letter Nomen had not wanted her to open that afternoon) and went to the common room. Islinn found her acquaintances there, so she greeted them because she didn't have to leave until later.
"Are you all right?" Harry finally asked, saying the question the others wanted to know. Islinn looked directly at him.
"I am worried but it is nothing you should worry about," Islinn answered. They fell into divided conversation, Ron and Harry spoke and Neville and Hermione spoke. Islinn decided not to engage in either conversation because she was too distracted.
"Islinn, aren't you going to bed?" Ron asked, taking her out of her thoughts. She wondered yet again how much time had passed.
"I am staying in the common room for a little longer," Islinn supplied. Ron and Harry left to their dormitory after saying good night to her, and after a little while Hermione excused herself as well, so that only Islinn and Neville were the only ones left. "Mister Longbottom, it would be for the best if you went to bed, you look quite tired. You did have a tough day today," Islinn said when her time for leaving was imminent.
"I'm fine," he said, looking at her and blushing. Islinn realized that if he didn't leave soon she'd have to tell him. She sighed not knowing if her next actions were wise.
"I must leave," Islinn announced.
"What?!" Neville asked shocked, standing from his seat. Islinn motioned for him to lower his voice. "You can't," he said firmly.
"I can and I must," she said, holding out the letter from Dumbledore to Neville. He read it and gave it back with a shocked expression.
"Why?" was all he could ask. Islinn opted for the simple reason.
"I received a letter this afternoon saying that a loved one is in a critical condition. I am allowed to go and check on him first before I do anything else. I will continue to do so until I must," she explained solemnly, trying to keep emotion out of her face. She succeeded, but somehow she knew Neville could tell.
"Oh… how long will it take?" he asked quietly.
"Two times a week, Fridays and Saturday s. I come back before sunrise, so during the day I will be here," Islinn said quietly. The reality of what was going on settled around her.
"I'll wait then," he said.
"It is too long of a wait," Islinn reasoned.
"I'll be here," he said, his Gryffindor courage showing as he looked at her in the eye.
"If you wish," she said finally, inclining her head. "I do wish you not to tell anyone until it is right to do so," she added.
"I will, I promise," he said, walking with her to the door. They looked at each other and Islinn felt something strange within her, but resolved to ignore it because she did not understand the feeling.
"Goodnight Mister Longbottom," she said.
"Goodnight," he whispered and waited until the portrait door swung shut. They were both eleven… what was this weird feeling? He didn't know, and he didn't even know if he liked feeling or not.
Islinn walked through the hallways and out the door, lucky enough not to get caught by prefects, professors, Filch, or Mrs. Norris. She walked a long time until she reached the place out of Hogwarts's magical bounds. She teleported to the Institute and she felt unprepared as she walked toward Jace's room.