DISCLAIMER! I do not own anything you may recognize! It belongs to J.K. Rowling!
A/N- So, there's a pedophile part here; you'll see what I mean. Oh, I must remind you all that Islinn's magic has to be superb because, not only is she part angel, but she has to be skilled because she's Harry's guardian. So, I don't want people to review and be like: 'it's stupid that she can produce a Patronus in her first year'. Also, 'Islinn' and 'Idris' is the same person. Just a friendly reminder, thank you for reading!
***
Islinn walked down the empty hallway, the only sound were her heavy boots hitting the ground. After only a week of being at Hogwarts, the Institute seemed cold and foreign to her, despite the fact her friends were here. As she came closer to Jace's room she felt as if she were walking to her death sentence.
Standing in front of the door, Islinn knocked. She didn't really know why she did it; she supposed it was out of habit. She opened the door and was greeted by silence… aside from the quiet muttering sounds that came from Jace. She closed the door and pulled a chair closer to Jace's bed. Islinn slipped her hand in his and stroked his hair, but she didn't speak, she never did. She let her guard fall as she stared at Jace's impassive face. She felt the slightest shift from him, one she felt whenever she made physical contact with him. Slowly, his muttering stopped.
"Maybe you should talk to him," Islinn heard a voice say. Without really thinking she stood and withdrew her wand in one fluid motion. A fraction of a second passed before Islinn's mind registered what happened.
"Maryse," Islinn said a little surprise in her voice which meant she was completely and utterly shocked. Then Islinn realized what she had said and done and her eyes widened a little. "Misses Lightwood, I am most sorry, forgive me, I did not mean to call you by you given name, nor did I mean to scare you with my actions," Islinn said, putting her wand away.
"I understand Idris, and truly, I don't mind you calling me by my given name. I would be happy if you did," Maryse said.
"Very well, Maryse," Islinn said smiling faintly. Maryse smiled back and her gaze went to Jace and her smile faded.
"You know, it might help if you talk to him," Maryse said.
"Do you really think he would like to hear me after what I did to him? He probably loathes me," Islinn responded.
"No, that's not true, and you have to stop thinking it's your fault because it's not. You were literally bound, I'm sure he understands you could have only done so much."
"My bindings. I do not believe I struggled enough to break them when I was suppose to. I am sure that if the situation had been reversed, he would have fought hard enough to break his bindings in time to save me."
"The situation would be different. He is older and stronger, you were only nine," Maryse said, striding forward. She took Islinn's wrist and pulled the sleeve of the robe away from her wrist. There, on her wrist was the scar of her humiliation, of her futile attempt to free herself of her bindings, and she turned away from it. "Look at it Idris," Maryse said and Islinn reluctantly did so. Maryse continued, "You shouldn't shy away from it, this is part of you. It proves your struggle against your bindings true, and Jace knows that." Islinn didn't really feel better. After all, Maryse hadn't seen what happened. Maryse let go of her and Islinn's hand fell to her side.
"I will try to talk to him," Islinn agreed and Maryse seemed to relax a little. The she excused herself. Islinn was alone with Jace again, so she resumed the position she had before Maryse had come in. She ventured to speak to him about a non dangerous topic. "Remember what I told you about the boy, Harry Potter? The one I was said I had to guard? Well, I met him and we go to the same school and we have the same schedule. He is kind to me, which I find a relief." Then Islinn told Jace a one sentence worth comment about Ron, Hermione, Neville, the twins, and strangely enough, Draco Malfoy. Then she stood up and squeezed his hand. "I have to go Jace, but I'll come by tomorrow. I hope that you can forgive me for what I did to you and that I can continue to be Idris Wayland. Good night Jace," Islinn said and took a look at him before leaving his room. On the way to the coat rack Islinn was found.
"Idris!" someone called and Islinn turned around.
"Hello Isabelle and Alec," Islinn greeted the Lightwood siblings, who looked a little nervous. Islinn was used to not speaking to them so formally since she had known them since she was five. Isabelle hugged Islinn.
"Those robes look great on you!"
"Thank you," Islinn replied with a small smile as she got to the coat rack. She took off the robe and hung it, revealing her Shadowhunting attire. "Where is Miss Clarissa?" Islinn asked.
"She's talking to Max in the weapon room," Alec replied, shifting his weight a little.
"Oh, very well, please tell her and Maxwell I said hello," Islinn said, and added, "I must leave, perhaps I will see you when I come back. Goodnight Alec and Isabelle." The siblings looked at one another.
"Wait Idris," Alec said, but he didn't look at her, "there's something we have to tell you about Jace."
"I know what it is. His condition is critical now, I just saw him. What I do not understand is why neither you two nor Miss Clarissa notified me of this," Islinn replied raising an eyebrow.
"We just didn't want to worry you."
"You do realize that by not notifying me you make me more worried? I do not wish to think I cannot trust my own friends."
"We don't want you to think that, not ever… it's just… we're sorry, you're right," Isabelle said. Islinn's eyes softened toward her friends because she didn't want to make them feel guilty.
"It is quite all right. I just wish that next time one of you will be the one to notify me if something were to occur."
"We will," they both said, and Islinn couldn't have asked for better friends. They hugged her and she bid them goodnight before she teleported out of the Institute.
She ended up in the park; it was dark and late so people shouldn't even be here. After Valentine's downfall the people at the Institute decided to assign areas to patrol, and the Clave had agreed. There was a small possibility a Shadowhunter would run into a whole lot of demons, and if they did they wouldn't be so dangerous to a Shadowhunter. Islinn withdrew her demon detecting device to check the amount of demonic activity. She almost panicked when the device picked up a great amount of demonic activity. How is this possible? she thought as she became acutely aware.
Fortunately, when the attack came she was not caught unaware, like a true Shadowhunter. Unfortunately, she was alone and had no way to call her friends. So, she used all her skill and the weapons she had brought with her. She wished she had a whip like the one Isabelle had, it might have simplified matters. She battled, turning this way and that, using mostly daggers, but also the magical weapons she had brought with her. She got hurt, but was greatly relieved these demons were not poisonous.
These demons, she recalled, she had seen only once before; she had seen them the night Valentine died. I killed him, her mind corrected. These creatures were reptilian-like. They were like a cross between a frog and a lizard. She had never seen them before that one time, but she thought this was a lot better than having to fight demons that could fly. As she continued to battle she briefly wondered if Alec, Clarissa, and Isabelle were having better luck.
It was a scene watching Islinn fight. She looked most graceful and dangerous, even if she didn't realize it. She moved this way and that, twisting and turning. Her aim was precise as she threw a dagger at a demon; she was well-known for her accurate aim. She turned the dagger in her hand once, and she pulled back her arm, stabbing a demon that was about to attack her from behind. She turned, her dark red hair in its ponytail, whipping behind her as she fought more demons. In the end, a couple of demons fled, and Islinn, her hands coated in black, tarlike demon blood, continued her patrol. She found an occasional demon, which she had to chase down. Before she knew it, it was time to go back.
Islinn was back at the Institute and she walked to her room, to her bathroom. Once there, she washed her hands and cleaned up her weapons. Islinn looked at herself in the mirror. She looked very pale and strands of her hair had freed themselves of the ponytail she had tied it to. Her skin was in total contrast to her dark clothing and hair, and the demon blood that had spattered on her attire did not smell pleasant. There was a gash starting from her jaw and extended halfway to the side of her neck. Islinn sighed and opted to change her clothes. She changed into similar clothes, black jeans and a shirt, and she redid her hair. She realized she had left her steele (her healing instrument) at Hogwarts and almost cursed under her breath.
Islinn walked out of her room and toward the coat rack, and decided to leave her friends a note telling what had happened. She put on her robe and she heard someone call,
"Idris!" Islinn turned and was greeted by a smiling boy her age.
"Hello Maxwell," Islinn greeted, inclining her head slightly, and putting on the hood of her robe. The boy frowned.
"Hi," he said and paused before saying, "You know that looks kind of creepy. It's like you're a Silent Brother, but a girl, b-but you don't look like them…" and he trailed off.
"I look like a Silent Brother, but I do not?" Islinn questioned, raising an eyebrow and smirking.
"You know what I mean," Maxwell said rolling his eyes.
"Hey Max, who are you…" and the speaker trailed off.
"It's Idris," Maxwell replied.
"Oh, geez, you look a little creepy, like a Silent Brother, but not…" Islinn saw Isabelle trail off. Islinn rose an eyebrow, amused, and Max laughed.
"That's what I said," Max said. Islinn looked at Isabelle, Clarissa, and Alec, and asked,
"How did it go?"
"It was weird, I ran into this lot of them and Izzy did too," Alec said.
"And you?" Islinn asked Clarissa. Alec laughed and Clarissa glared at him.
"Clary ran into a demon… and a faery too," Alec answered for her and laughed again.
"Hey, you try dealing with an obnoxious faery like that," Clary answered and turned to Islinn. "How about you Idris?"
"Remember the demons that looked like a cross between frogs and lizards? They were there the night… Valentine died?" Islinn asked a little lamely. That had been the night Jace… she turned from the memory.
"Yeah," Clary answered a little wary.
"Well, I ran into a group of them tonight, and some managed to escape," Islinn replied and looked away from them. Another failure, her mind reminded her.
"Do you think they're left over's?" Isabelle asked quietly, breaking into Islinn's thoughts.
"As much as I hope they are, I do doubt it," Islinn answered. It was silent before she spoke again. "I must go," she announced and Clary hugged her.
"I'll see you tomorrow then," Clary said while Islinn hugged her back and agreed.
"Bye," Alec and Max said and waved.
"Night, see you tomorrow," Isabelle said and hugged Islinn. Her friends looked a little sad and it hurt, but she had to go back.
"Goodnight," Islinn said and teleported back to the edge of Hogwarts grounds. As she stood there she got an idea, and Islinn was not one who backed down from a challenge, especially one she set for herself.
Islinn was alone, it was dark, and she was feeling depressed, hurt and sad. It was all perfect. She drew her wand and held it firmly as she pointed it in front of her. Her father had told her about this and she wanted to prove she could do this. She took a deep breath and said, "Expecto Patronum." A wisp of silvery mist swirled out of her wand. Islinn stood there for a moment before she breathed deeply again as she concentrated on her happiest memory – one of when Jace was alright and her parents were still alive. Then she tried again and said with authority, "Expecto Patronum." A great mass of mist burst from her wand and it shifted as if trying to take form before it drifted away. Well, it was better than before. Islinn sighed, half content, half frustrated; perhaps tomorrow would bring better results. Then she took a step back and teleported to the Gryffindor common room.
Islinn quietly went to her dormitory and took out her steele, and went back downstairs, besides, she needed light to do this. She took the sleeve of her robe and pulled it down, away from her wrist, where the shimmering scars of the runes were. Taking the steele she traced the rune on the right side of her wrist – the healing rune. Where she traced, the skin turned black and she felt the familiar burning on her skin. Of course, in order for the rune to work it had to be burned into her skin, it was the Shadowhunter way of healing. She always watched this process, even if she was the one performing it, with amazement. She enjoyed watching the delicate and intricate patterns of the runes, and she liked how powerful and dangerous the runes were. Then, when it was done, she put her steele away and put her hood down. Almost immediately she began to feel extremely tired as the rune began to take effect.
Islinn walked to the fireplace and stared at it for a moment before turning around. There, on the same love seat was Neville Longbottom, asleep, but there waiting for her as he had promised. She sat by him and fought hard not to fall asleep next to him because he needed to wake up and go to bed. She leaned close to him and shook him gently.
"Mister Longbottom, go to bed," she whispered at him. He made a little sound, and turned toward her. Then, he slung an arm around her waist and put his face on the crook of her neck, his breathing still even, he was still asleep. Islinn froze not knowing what was happening to her. Her chest seemed to tighten and her stomach felt as if it were doing little flips, but most of all she felt like she wanted to relax against him, to have company, to go to sleep. She thought it probably had to do with the effect of the rune, or maybe the friendly and sisterly affection she felt for him… except, that was not the way she had felt that Monday morning. That morning she had felt what she felt for Jace, and this was most certainly not it.
Her eyes felt heavy and they began to droop so she resigned herself to sleep there, with him. Carefully, as to not wake Neville she took off her boots and socks. Then she curled against him, her movements causing him to stir and unconsciously pull her closer. She took this chance to rest her head on his chest while he rested his on the love seat. Oddly enough she felt safe and comfortable, but she didn't dwell on that too long because before she even realized it she had fallen asleep.
The next morning Neville awoke feeling a little dazed. He rubbed some of the sleep out of his eyes and felt something warm against him. He looked and let out a little yelp and jumped slightly. The form stirred, snuggled closer to him and burying her face in his chest, and unconsciously tucked her legs tighter underneath her. It was enough to look at the girl's dark red hair to know that his arm was around Islinn Ignotum. Never in his life had he even thought about this, and now he didn't know what he should do, though he had an idea of what he wanted to do. Wait, when had she even come? Why didn't he remember? What in Merlin's name had happened?
Neville looked at her and he couldn't help the little smile that crept up his face. There was a strand of loose hair and tentatively he tucked it behind her ear, his fingers brushing against her cheek. Her hair was soft and silky, just the way it looked. He felt a tightening in his chest and wondered if this is what a safe, friendly, and brotherly affection felt like, except that was not the way he had felt on Sunday night.
As he looked at her he noticed a thin, pink line from her jaw to the side of her neck. It looked like a scratch and it seemed the slightest bit puffy. It looked days old, but he was sure he hadn't seen it before. With his index finger, he gently traced the line, and it was warm to the touch. Islinn gave an involuntary shudder against him, and he felt something odd inside of him, but he didn't know what. He took his hand away and carefully, very carefully, as to not wake her, he began stroking her hair, as something to do, and he felt himself relax next to her. Her hair was in a ponytail, but there were strands of hair that had come out of it.
After a long moment he felt her stir against and shift, and when she stiffened his hand froze in mid stroke. He hesitantly resumed his stroking when he felt her relax, but then snatched his hand away when she began lifting her head.
"Good morning Mister Longbottom," Islinn said her eyes sleepy. She wasn't really looking at him and he noticed the slightest shade of pink on her cheeks.
"Morning," he answered shyly and blushing furiously. He couldn't quite look at her either. What was happening to them? She stood and he did too and there was an awkward silence.
"I beg you to forgive me for falling asleep on you yet again, but I was extremely tired last night. I attempted to wake so you could go to bed but it did not happen. Please, forgive me," Islinn said and made a deep curtsy and he wondered if she had done so to hide her face.
"I… i-it's okay. I-I'm sorry too. I-I shouldn't have f-fallen asleep," Neville said embarrassed.
"There is no reason to be sorry. It is perfectly understandable," she replied and after a pause she added abruptly, "I must go and get ready."
"F-for what? It's early," he rejoined glad for the change of subject.
"I like to take morning walks before breakfast," she explained.
"Oh," was all he could articulate. After a silence Islinn spoke.
"Would you like to join me?" she asked
"Sure," he responded and found he really did want to join her.
Neville tried to hurry as he got ready, and at the same time he tried to do it quietly. He succeeded, only stumbling three times. He took a shower, dried himself and then dressed. When he was finished he crept out of the dormitory running a hand through his damp hair. He waited for Islinn and he was feeling a little excited and nervous. How would she react when what had happened finally sunk in? What would she think of him? What did he think of her? She said she had tried to wake him, what had he done? Nothing stupid he hoped.
Neville saw Islinn come downstairs with two items draped over her arm. Her hair was in its traditional ponytail and he remembered just how silky and soft it was, a rather strange thought too. She was dressed like a Muggle – black jeans and shirt and he admitted that style fit her well, although he hadn't been able to see how her uniform fit her.
"I hope you did not have to wait long," she said to him.
"What? Oh, n-no, it's okay," he replied.
"I am glad to hear that," Islinn said, putting on her robe and then her cloak. "Shall we go then?" she asked and Neville nodded and smiled shyly. They left the common room and began walking outside. "I hope you do not mind but I have been doing this since Tuesday. I walk to the lake and stay there a moment before heading back. If you would like to go somewhere else, we may do that," she said to him. She breathed in the morning air and she relaxed.
"Oh, uh, i-it's fine, w-we can go to the l-lake," Neville managed.
"Very well," she responded and they began their walk. They were both silent, Islinn trying to process what had happened. He was stroking her hair; she had thought it was Jace, until she remembered that it wasn't him, that it couldn't be him. Then she had remembered where she was and who she was with. She wondered what Neville thought of her. What exactly did she think of him? She still needed to figure that out. She had admitted to herself a while back that she was only eleven, a child, and that she didn't know and understand many things. She could do a lot things, she could fight, and her magical abilities were superb, she could have broken those bindings faster if she had tried hard enough. She tried not to dwell on that too long because she wasn't in the liberty to think about it when she had company.
"Islinn?" Neville asked timidly. He was very curious about this and was going against his better judgment.
"Yes?" Islinn asked giving him a curious look.
"I, well, uh, th-this… person you have to s-see, is it Jace?" he asked a little cautious.
"You know?" she asked, sounding less than mildly surprised. He looked at her but she looked away.
"Um, well, on Sunday I…" he trailed off unable to explain. "I'm really sorry about that. You don't have to answer, I understand," he said rushing through the words. He thought about how he would dislike it if someone asked about his parents
"Do not worry; it was my fault for not taking proper precautions. You see, Jace and I have known each other since I was five, he is eight years my senior. Something horrible happened when I was nine, something that… well, it was unpleasant to both of us. He fell into a coma-like state and has been like that until now. Unfortunately, his condition became critical, but I do not know why. As you saw on Sunday, it has affected me greatly because he and I were as close as siblings, though I am an only child," Islinn found herself explaining. Why? She didn't know.
Neville and Islinn reached their destination and stopped. He looked at her but she did not look back at him. Why had she told him this? He knew it wasn't simply because he had asked because he was sure she wouldn't tell someone like… Malfoy. He knew this was hard for her and he could tell she was not used to speaking about it.
"Thank you," he said quietly, "and I promise I won't tell," he finished knowing she was going to ask him just that.
"I know," she said and looked at him. She smiled a tiny, gentle smile but didn't reach her eyes, it never did. He noticed her eyes looked sad and brighter than usual. They both looked out to the lake, its surface smooth like glass before a soft breeze came and rippled it surface. Neville glanced at Islinn and saw her hair blow slightly and her cloak moving a little around her while she looked at the lake with a serene expression. The image seemed surreal, like a well done painting. He looked out to the lake again. They were like that a long time before they decided to go back, and they walked in comfortable silence.
Once inside the castle Islinn checked her watch and it was almost seven-fifteen. On their way to the Great Hall they found Malfoy and his "friends", and there was no way to avoid them. Malfoy bowed and little and said, "Good morning Miss Ignotum." He did not acknowledge Neville.
"Good morning Mister Malfoy, Mister Crabbe, and Mister Goyle," Islinn replied dipping into a neat curtsy. She would not resort to such lowly standards to avoid people who have not done anything to her. Neville looked between Islinn and Malfoy while Crabbe and Goyle looked confused.
"I am sorry about the House you were Sorted in, and about the atrocious company that seems to follow you," Malfoy stated without preamble.
"I have nothing against the House I was Sorted in, Mister Malfoy. Also, my company does not follow me, we accompany each other. Lastly, it is rude, impolite, and most ungraceful to make ill comments about the company one chooses to keep," she said smoothly. Malfoy inclined his head slightly and changed the subject.
"You are up early," he said, pointing out the obvious and making a point in ignoring Neville.
"I must also observe you are too. I like to take walk in the mornings before breakfast, they are quite beneficial and allow me time to think," she responded.
"You do this every morning?" he queried with a raised eyebrow.
"Whenever I am in condition to do so," she replied truthfully.
"And you walk with your… acquaintances?"
"This is the first time I have company," Islinn said and Malfoy nodded once in understanding. Islinn checked her watch and said, "Perhaps we should be going," and after a pause added, "We cannot enter at the same time." She gestured for him and his bodyguards to go first.
"I reckon it would be better if you went first," Malfoy said.
"Thank you Mister Malfoy, that is very kind of you," Islinn replied politely, inclined her head, and her and Neville left.
They were eating when Islinn looked toward Snape. They nodded at each other slightly but did not break the gaze and Islinn wondered what he was thinking about and wished he hadn't grown up to be such an unhappy man.
"Islinn?" she heard Neville ask. She allowed her eyes to soften toward the professor before turning to Neville.
"Yes?" she queried.
"About what you told Malfoy…" he trailed off looking sheepish and she knew what he was talking about. She allowed a gentle, barely perceptible smile.
"I enjoy your company, Mister Longbottom, much like I enjoy the company of Miss Granger, Mister Potter and Mister Weasley. I am sorry I was not able to defend you all so well. Perhaps next time I will be able to do so. I hope you can forgive me, I feel ashamed," she replied, her cheeks becoming tinged with the slightest shade of pink. She looked down at her plate as she took her fork and used it to pick up a piece of fruit.
"I thought it was a good answer because you were polite, and you let him know you didn't like it. You touched a nerve when you told him a comment like that was ungraceful. Um, I j-just wanted to s-say th-thanks," he said and blushed.
"You are welcome," she said her eyes showing relief. They ate in silence and when they were almost done Hermione came and after a couple of minutes, Harry and Ron joined them.
The rest of the day was spent in mindless wandering, in the library, reading a little from her book and taking more detailed notes, with her usual company, and helping Ron and Harry with their homework. All too soon and what seemed like a blink of an eye it was time for dinner. During dinner she listened politely and made a few comments but she wasn't entirely there.
"You have to go tonight too, right?" Neville asked in a low tone.
"I do, but like yesterday, I will be back before dawn," she replied just as quietly as he had done. He nodded. She excused herself and stood. As she walked out of the Great Hall she felt people looking at her, she heard people whispering and she wondered if it was about her. She would eventually have to ask about that. Just as she had done the night before she changed and transfigured and named. She vaguely wondered if a Patronus would work on a demon. She put her robe back on and went downstairs where Harry and Ron were already there.
"Hey Islinn, you think you can help us with homework again tomorrow?" Ron asked and both boys looked hopeful.
"Yes, as long as I am actually helping you and not completing your homework for you," Islinn responded.
"Okay," Harry agreed. Islinn sat in a recliner facing both boys.
"You look better… better than yesterday anyway," Ron blurted out while Harry looked uncomfortable.
"Certain situations have allowed me to feel less worried," she responded. Neither boy noticed her body had gone a little rigid.
"That's good," Harry commented.
"I am glad you think so," Islinn replied.
"So, Malfoy doesn't hate you," Ron commented casually.
"He does not seem to, no, and I am very curious as to why," Islinn answered.
"Isn't it obvious?" Ron asked.
"Not to me, no. Would you mind explaining it to me?" Islinn questioned curiosity in her dark blue eyes.
"It's because you're like him," Ron stated.
"I beg your pardon?" Islinn asked feeling shock and confusion. She had heard wrong, right?
"What Ron means is that Malfoy thinks you're like him. That's probably why Snape doesn't hate you either," Harry explained.
"He thinks I am like him? And Professor Snape does not dislike me because he also thinks I am like Mister Malfoy?" Islinn asked with a raised eyebrow. They were kidding, right? At that moment, Hermione and Neville came into the common room. Hermione saw who she was with, made a face, and declared she was going to bed. While Ron and Harry rolled their eyes, Islinn and Neville chorused a "goodnight" and Neville sat in the recliner next to Islinn's.
"Well, it explains a lot. You have perfect manners and he thinks he does too. You're smart and he thinks he is too. You can act like some person from high society, and he can probably do that," Ron said getting back on topic.
"I am also a half blood, something I am sure Mister Malfoy will not miss. Professor Snape on the other hand, has not a reason to like or dislike me based on Mister Malfoy's standards," Islinn reasoned.
"Purebloods like him do associate with half bloods, especially if those half bloods act as aristocratic as you do. You could easily pass as a pureblood, and even if they know your blood status, you could easily be accepted into their world," Neville put in, entering the conversation easily. He realized what he had said and who he had said to and began blushing, but the other two boys didn't notice and agreed with him.
"There is also the House I was Sorted into and the company I choose to keep," Islinn pointed out.
"Apparently, he doesn't care. He didn't even argue about what you told him and Malfoy isn't the type of boy who just takes it like that," Neville said, remembering the morning events. He was sure of the fact; there was no reason to be shy about it.
"What?" Ron asked while Harry just looked curious. Neville told them about the conversation that had happened that morning. Harry and Ron laughed. "How clever," Ron said grinning.
"Thank you," Islinn said with a little smile.
"See? He doesn't hate you," Harry said.
"All right," Islinn admitted, letting it go for now, "what about Professor Snape?"
"Well, it's obvious he's in love with Malfoy, so he has to like everyone he likes. Besides, you're smart and you actually bother to take notes before he even asks us to," Ron said.
"So does Miss Granger," Islinn pointed out. Ron snorted and Harry rolled his eyes.
"Who likes her anyway?" Ron asked. Out of all the things Islinn could have said she simply shook her head and she thought she heard Neville sigh.
It was now late, and again, the only people left in the common room were Islinn and Neville. They were lost in their own worlds – and then Islinn checked her watch and sighed.
"I have to go," she said and rose to her feet. Neville stood as well. "Mister Longbottom, perhaps it would be best if you actually went to bed tonight," she added.
"I can stay. I said I would," he replied.
"While I am flattered at your actions, you need proper sleep," Islinn reasoned.
"I sleep well, and it's fine, I don't mind," he said and frowned as if confused.
"Proper sleep means on a bed, where it's comfortable," Islinn pointed out.
"I think it's more comfortable here," he said quietly. He looked away from her but Islinn saw that he was blushing. What did his words imply? She didn't know and somehow she knew he didn't really know either.
"As you wish, Mister Longbottom," she replied. They walked silently to the door. "Goodnight Mister Longbottom," she said inclining her head.
"Night Islinn," he replied and it looked as if he wanted to say something else. Islinn waited patiently and finally he managed to say, "Be careful." She gave him a nod before she left the common room. She walked along the hallways that would lead her to the exit of Hogwarts castle.
"Where do you think you're going?" she heard a voice say. She turned and was greeted by a redheaded boy of about fifteen. She recognized him as Ron's older brother, Percy, whom Ron had pointed out sometime that week. He was a Gryffindor prefect.
"Oh, Mister Weasley, good evening," she said though it was nighttime, "I have a letter of permission here from Headmaster Dumbledore," she finished taking out the letter and handing it to Percy. He read it and seemed a little skeptical about it.
"Perhaps I should escort you," he said.
"If you believe that I will not be able to find my way," she responded with a trace of amusement.
"What are you doing here Weasley?" they heard a new voice ask.
"The same as you," Percy replied rather coolly as Islinn turned. The speaker was a boy of about fifteen. He was lithe and attractive… and a Slytherin prefect.
"Oh, you caught one of your own?" the Slytherin asked with clear amusement in his voice.
"She has permission to be out," Percy rejoined and almost reluctantly gave the Slytherin her letter. He read it and returned it to Islinn.
"My, how interesting," the Slytherin said before he added, "would you like me to escort you?"
"You both seem keen on making sure I do not lose my way," Islinn replied, the trace of amusement still in her voice.
"We have a responsibility. Besides, you never know what you might find," the boy answered rather cryptically. Islinn simply raised an eyebrow while she smirked faintly.
"I'm escorting her out," Percy stated.
"This isn't your area, Weasley. I can see to it that she will get where she needs to," the Slytherin prefect replied. Percy accepted that quite reluctantly.
As Islinn walked next to the Slytherin boy she felt… strange and confused. She might have come to accept that she didn't know everything, but that didn't mean she liked being confused.
"You're rather quiet," the Slytherin prefect spoke.
"Yes, I have a tendency of being quiet," she replied shortly.
"Well, perhaps conversation would be pleasant."
"Perhaps it would be," she said. He was Slytherin, an older Slytherin, and she knew she had to be wary.
"My name is Ian Hederstern," he introduced himself. She nodded in acknowledgement.
"I am Is-"
"I know who you are and whoever doesn't is either stupid or inattentive. You are Islinn Ignotum, a Gryffindor first year and a half blood, Arctic," he said and she was greatly surprised. He knew a lot about her and she knew nothing of him except his name, if that was even his name. The thought was unnerving until another thought took its place.
"I seem to find the word 'arctic' odd. Do you mind explaining?" she asked politely with an undercurrent of authoritativeness.
"You mean you don't know. Perhaps my impression of you was wrong," Ian said.
"I have never heard the term here at Hogwarts," she explained.
"Fear can be a wonderful thing. People are afraid of being caught using it," he said. Merlin, he had a way with words… like her she had to admit.
"I do not see why," she said.
"Are you sure you don't see why?" he asked sounding a little humored.
Islinn thought for a moment. Why would people be afraid of being caught using it? Why was he using it? How did it have to do with anything anyway? He had used it while telling her about herself… and she finally understood.
"I find the nickname rather amusing, but I suppose that is the way I come across to everyone except the people I have had the chance to converse with. I come across as a cold, arctic, person, am I correct?" she asked giving him a sideways glance.
"I applaud your wit and deduction skills Miss Ignotum. Yes, you are correct. The nickname was given to you the night of the Sorting," he explained and she was surprised.
"So soon? I did not have the chance to converse with anyone except some fellow Gryffindors and Mister Malfoy," she said and he seemed unfazed, except for the raised eyebrow at the mention of Malfoy.
"I recall the Sorting well. Nobody really took notice of you until you walked to the stool. You walked with poise, confidence, and grace. You walked decisively, you didn't waver, nor did you look scared. I am not kidding when I say almost everyone thought you were going to quickly be Sorted into Slytherin. I am not the only one who was surprised when your Sorting took some time and you were Sorted into Gryffindor of all Houses. You come across as aristocratic, as someone who is able to conduct herself well, much like a proper pureblood," he explained. She can very well say she didn't know, after all, she had been very nervous. Maybe that was why the people often whispered whenever she stood to leave the Great Hall. The way people whispered about her was different than the way people whispered about Harry.
"I assure you, Mister Hederstern, I act the way I do not to seem like someone I am not, but rather, because I was raised to act in such manner," she explained. She wasn't looking for attention by acting the way she did, it was simply the way she was.
"Yes, I realize that. The way you execute your manners seem quite natural… and charming," he added, flashing a grin.
"I must compliment your observant skills, it impresses me," she said truthfully, not really knowing what to make of his last words. Islinn realized how different Ian was compared to the other people she had come across. Maybe it was the fact he was older.
"I am flattered," he merely said and they reached the door that would lead her out. Then, he spoke again. "Do you realize how perfect you are?" he asked, but it wasn't admiring or envious… or much of anything really, it was simply a question.
"Nobody is perfect, Mister Hederstern, in fact, I am far from it," she said. He truly had no idea how wrong he really was.
"It does seem that way though. You are witty, intelligent, and diplomatic; you seem to have impeccable manners… and for being only eleven you have rather stunning looks," he concluded. She couldn't help the small blush and she was thankful he couldn't see it in the candlelight.
"I find your words flattering and quite charming, but as observant as you seem, I am surprised you have not spoken of my flaws," she said.
"The good overrides the bad," he said and shrugged. There was a silence and in that silence she observed him discreetly. He was taller than her obviously, and he had light brown hair that reached to the nape of his neck and he had bangs that swooped to cover part of his forehead. His eyes were green, almost hazel, and he was attractive. She admitted he was pleasant to talk to because he was challenging, he allowed her to reach to conclusions by herself instead of simply giving them to her, and she liked that. She noticed he was also a calculating person, just like she was. He began to speak again. "You will be thirteen when I enter my seventh year and maybe then you will be able to feel it," he said abruptly.
"Feel what?" she asked feeling confused.
"If you do not know then you will have to wait until you do," he answered cryptically. He shook his head and smirked, but it wasn't a mean smirk. Now she felt uneasy and unnerved by his comments. What did he mean? Instinctively, she put her hands in the pocket of her robes, where her wand was.
"Would it not be easier for you to explain it to me instead of having to wait two years?" she tried.
"Ah, but it is not something I can explain, after all, your feelings are your own," he rejoined.
"Then why tell me this now?"
"So that when you do feel it you'll remember what I have told you, and you will know that perhaps I feel the same, and perhaps something will ensue," he answered. What in Merlin's name was he talking about? She felt wary, uncomfortable, and threatened, three of her least favorite feelings. Her hand around her wand tightened.
"Perhaps what will ensue?" she asked not letting him know how confused she was.
"Something… or perhaps nothing at all," he responded. He was about to draw his wand, and in a blink of an eye her wand was out and pointed at his neck. He blinked confused for a moment before fully drawing his wand and placing both hands at his sides. "Perhaps conversation was not the best idea," he said calmly.
"I do not mind the conversation Mister Hederstern, it was rather pleasant, but please do not make cryptic comments you are not willing to explain," she replied levelly.
"Very well," he said and after a pause added, "I suggest that you please put your wand down if you wish me to open the door."
Islinn felt a little embarrassed as she put her wand away when she realized he had taken out his wand to open the door and not to attack her. "I apologize," she said evenly.
"There is no need to apologize. You are right I suppose, and I didn't mean to make you uneasy," after a pause he added, "I am rather impressed at your quickness, especially because you are a first year." He waved his wand, like she had done last night, and he opened the door.
"Thank you Mister Hederstern."
"You are welcome Miss Ignotum," he replied. She felt confused and thrilled at his tone. Wait! Thrilled?! Since when did a tone of voice thrill her?! Why did she even feel thrilled? She was confused about this too because now that she thought about, she felt strange around Ian Hederstern, and it was a new kind of strange. It was a unique feeling, as unique as her feelings for Neville Longbottom, whatever those feelings were. His voice broke her thoughts. "I just wish you to keep what I have told you in mind," he said and there was something in his voice that made her want to assure him.
"I will Mister Hederstern. Good night," she replied.
"Good night Miss Ignotum," he said giving her a smile she found – she nodded at him once and smiled faintly before walking outside. Even the cool breeze couldn't ease the turmoil of feelings. She was confused and she didn't know exactly why, but she knew it had to do with Ian… and Neville; yet the feelings were different. Islinn could not even begin to comprehend how easily anyone could develop a crush on someone else.
Neville Longbottom was slumbering but oddly enough, he was semi conscious at the same time. He felt himself shake, but it was as if someone was shaking him. The feeling was pleasant and he leaned toward it slightly. Nothing happened for a long moment, but then he felt the lightest of strokes on his brow. It felt nice and he didn't move. He felt it again, and this time, he stirred slightly. "Mister Longbottom," he heard a pleasant voice whisper in his ear. When he heard it a second time he stirred and opened his eyes grudgingly. Tired dark blue eyes were on him, but his mind was hazy with sleep and he could not articulate much.
"You're here," he managed, his voice thick with sleep. She smiled faintly at him.
"Yes, and you may go to bed now," she replied quietly.
"It's okay, I'm fine," he said and began closing his eyes.
"It is better if you sleep on a bed, you will find it much more comfortable," she said softly.
"You won't be there," he murmured, his eyes closed, and he sighed. There wasn't a response to that and so he opened his eyes again. It took him a little longer than usual to register that her eyes were unreadable and their was a long pause in which he blinked at her sleepily.
"I will be right back Mister Longbottom," she said and disappeared. He allowed his eyes to droop shut and he found he felt more at ease knowing she was coming back. He didn't open his eyes when he felt the blanket, nor when he felt her accommodate herself next to him. He didn't even open his eyes when she leaned against him tentatively; he merely put an arm around her stomach. In his sleepy haze he was glad she was here, safe and out of trouble. Again he felt that brotherly affection and relief, and finally, he truly managed to fall asleep.
***
Ah, don't you just love the things we can do when we're sleepy?
Please review!!! Let me know what you think! I will greatly appreciate it!