Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters from the Harry Potter world, which are trademarked by J. K. Rowling
Dragons at Hogwarts: The Gift
(HP:PoA)
The end of October came around and Quidditch practices began with a tear-jerking speech from Oliver, or at least, it was for Lin. The day before Halloween, the common room buzzed with talk of the next day's feast. Lin sat with Fred, George, and Lee to trudge through homework, a trusty bowl of grapes next to her. There was a long sigh, a bit of rustling, and then a 'thunk' from a book closing shut.
"So, who wants to go on an adventure?" Fred asked, stretching his legs from a seemingly prolonged seated position.
"Fred, you have to do your work or you'll fail your O.W.L.s," Lin told him, annoyed that he was ruining her concentration.
"Well, you aren't doing anything, so why do I have to?"
"What? Eating grapes means I am doing my work remember? 'Do not disturb'." she told him as she shook the bowl and looked up at him defensively.
"Well you haven't touched them. They mean nothing just rotting there. Come on, I'll show you a few tricks to get around the school! We won't accomplish anything here anyway."
"Can't. Herbology is getting more difficult by the day. Hey… why don't you help me?" she asked him.
"Fred can't help you with Herbology, he can't even help himself. He isn't nearly as daft at it as you are though," joked George.
Lin's few weeks at Hogwarts made her realize that no matter which school she went to, she was always going to be terrible at Herbology. This, however, didn't stop her from whacking George on the shoulder with her Herbology book.
"Then you help!" she grumbled.
"If your great-uncle in Spain could never help you, then what makes you think I can?" George laughed.
"Because believe it or not, I like you more than I like him. That's not saying much though," she chuckled.
"Well I agree with Fred, I'm tired of sitting here," groaned Lee, standing up from his seat. "Let's go do something? How 'bout a dungbomb maze for Filch?"
"You three can go, I've got too much work to do here," she told them, waving her hand dismissively and turning her head back to her books.
"We did warn you about heavy class loads. But you never listen do you?" Fred tutted, nudging his brother with his elbow.
"No, I don't," she sighed. "If you find something good, send it my way would ya?"
They packed up and left, laughing and planning their adventure. Lin opened her Herbology book and tried to read, as giggles and gossip swirled around her from the passing Gryffindors. The words seemed to hover around and the images of extracting odd fluids from plants caused Lin to shut the book quickly.
I guess I do need a break, she thought as she rubbed her eyelids. Or maybe I need someone who can actually help me study…
She scanned the Common Room. Katie or Alicia? No, they are sitting with Angelina, and I don't know her that well outside the Pitch. She might think I'm too silly. Jace? The sixth year boy from Quidditch tryouts. No, we haven't gotten past nods in the corridors. Oliver? Er, definitely not... Percy!
Gathering her things, she walked over to Percy, who was sitting a bit away from his friends, books and parchment spread out around him.
"Hey, Perce! I was wondering if you could help me with homework. Fred, George, and Lee went to… they left, as you probably would have guessed," Lin said sheepishly as she picked at the edge of her books, "I hope I'm not disturbing you..."
"Not at all, I was just getting ahead a few chapters for Potions before I begin my patrol. What subjects do you want help for?"
Noticing she forgot it, Lin went to grab her quill from her table and ran back to Percy.
"Herbology... And Potions... And Transfiguration," she listed as she thumped the corresponding books on the table.
"Are you bad at all those subjects?" he asked.
"Why do you assume I am bad at them?!"
"Well… because… Herbology…"
"Yes, I'm rubbish at Herbology, but that doesn't mean I'm bad at the rest! I want help…," she scanned the room for the three troublemakers and whispered, "I want to impress the Heads of Houses. You know… for prefect... maybe…"
"Prefect?!"
"Shhhh! Keep it down!"
"That is nothing to be ashamed of! Being a prefect opens many doors for any career," he whispered, out of courtesy. "We can work on Charms too if you'd like."
"No, I have that one down," she said smugly. "But really, the only reason I'm actually trying is because I received an owl saying "next step: prefect" from my Dad. That's it."
"Ignacio is one ambitious man," Percy said, looking off into the distance.
"Yes, everyone loves my father," she said, a bit miffed. "I have Quidditch practice soon, so maybe we can just get this Herbology work done?"
Percy was a great help to Lin, which surprised her. She actually understood what he was saying and before they departed, he gave her the notes he had mentioned at the Leaky Cauldron. She took them, quite embarrassed that she didn't trust him before, and even gave him a handshake.
Quidditch practice went like usual. The three Chasers went through different plays and formations, doing aiming and passing exercises. Lin noticed that Angelina and Katie were some of the most skilled Chasers she had ever seen. Oliver was having excellent practice blocking because of her own good aim, but he still impeded an enormous amount of shots with ease. This was about the only time Lin could actually interact with Oliver without completely shying away from him. Alicia, who showed up to some practices to help Oliver catch some missed things, would bring this to Lin's attention.
Lin now saw what people meant about Harry being an exceptional Seeker. He zoomed by, back and forth when he caught sight of the Snitch, and would get a hold of it quickly time after time. Fred and George also had good eyes. They would deflect bludgers left and right, and their team members were never in much danger of being hit. There was a great sense of comradery in the Pitch that Lin had never experienced before. She now knew why her father rambled about Quidditch so much.
After Practice ended everybody changed for dinner and started towards the Great Hall. Katie asked Lin to dine with them, since she usually ate with Fred, George, and Lee, but…
"Hey, Lin!" Oliver came, panting down the corridor. "Lin! Wait up!"
"Er, yes?" Lin said, a bit panicky as she stopped.
"I just wanted to know if I could steal you away from the twins and Lee tomorrow at Hogsmeade. I want to talk to you about something," Oliver asked.
This is happening. OK. Be… cool... WOW.
"Well, I didn't really plan anything with them… but sounds good! Yeah, I guess I'll find you? Or you'll find me… whichever is fine," she rambled, slowly backing away from him towards the Great Hall and giving a small wave. "Ahem, well… see ya!"
Oliver nodded and headed off to find his mates.
Lin found the three girls already seated and went to join them. She couldn't help but have a goofy smile on her face.
"So, what did Oliver want?" Katie asked, smirking.
"Oh nothing… just that he wanted to have a little chat tomorrow at Hogsmeade."
The four girls giggled and began to whisper.
"Never thought of Oliver to be a romancer, guess I was wrong," Katie giggled.
"Yeah, all he ever talks about is Quidditch. Come to think about it, I don't think I have ever had a normal conversation with him," Alicia admitted.
"I'll tell you if we ever do talk about anything else," Lin promised.
After eating, and getting to know Angelina a little better, Lin went to find Hermione. She hadn't talked to her in a while, but Lin heard that the other girl's in her year were angry because of a rabbit incident. Lin found her trying to concentrate on an Arithmancy book while Harry and Ron talked amongst themselves.
"Do you mind if I sit here?" she asked.
"Only if you can solve Harry's problem," said Ron.
"Ron, there is no way this can be solved. We've tried everything. Besides, Professor McGonagall already knows Harry can't go," Hermione told Ron, rolling her eyes.
"Oh this is about Hogsmeade right? Sorry Harry," Lin told Harry, who looked dispirited. "I can't help you with that. I actually came to ask Hermione if she can help me with something?"
"Yeah, take her. She isn't helping Harry either," said Ron, obviously annoyed.
Hermione huffed and collected her belongings. The two girls went up to the fourth year girls' room and Hermione plopped down on Lin's bed and sighed.
"Er, hard time?" Lin asked Hermione.
"Well, there's homework, an Azkaban escapee trying to kill my best friend, and Ron always barking at me about Crookshanks," Hermione admitted.
"Yeah I saw everybody chase him the other day. Ron, will come around," she tried to comfort her. "Scabbers is the only thing that hasn't broken on him. The Weasleys' have had that thing forever."
"He doesn't have to be rude about it though. Crookshanks is a cat. He will chase rats," Hermione stated. "But anyway. What did you need?"
Lin shut the door and quickly went to sit next to Hermione.
"I was wondering if you could help me pick out an outfit for tomorrow. I usually wear whatever works but I need tomorrow to be... different," Lin said. She then went on to explain her feelings about Oliver and what he asked her yesterday.
"I don't think I am the person to ask about that," Hermione giggled.
"Hmmm… You're smart and I used to have a fashion sense, so I'm sure we can figure it out."
Blouses, bottoms, and boots ended up thrown everywhere until they finally found an outfit that would be suitable for the occasion.
"I think we did well," said Lin giggling.
"Just wear your necklace you got for your birthday to complete the outfit," Hermione laughed.
The two of them cleaned the mess up and then went to bed. Lin thought about her necklace as she dozed off, it was really quite stunning with the small Catalonian Fireball charm and was glad her mother had sent it. Choosing the right clothing was more tiring than she thought, especially when she didn't put this much effort since she dated.
She went to breakfast Halloween day, sporting the new look, and sat down next to Lee and began to fill her plate with food happily.
"Er, what are you doing?" asked Fred.
"Eating? That's kind of obvious isn't it?" Lin replied.
"I think what Fred meant was that you look… different," said George.
"Do I look weird?" she asked, growing self-conscious, "Bad?"
"No. It's just strange seeing you…" Lee said, carefully.
"Er, out of uniform?" she asked.
"In shoes that click and a nice jacket," George finally stated.
"Well, it's cold outside..."
"You know what we mean."
"Yeah you're planning something aren't you?"
"Tell us."
"I am not planning anything. Calm down you three," she said laughing. Internally, though, she was telling herself to keep her head straight.
They finished breakfast, the boys eyeing her suspiciously, and went to the entrance of the Great Hall. Mr. Filch was checking off names from the list Hogsmeade attendees.
"You," he grumbled.
"Me?" Lin squeaked, trying to remember if she had done anything wrong.
"No, all four of yahs. I don't want any mischievous objects and trouble making toys brought back, ya hear?"
"Of course not sir, we'd never do that!" Lee told him as Fred and George tried to suppress sniggers as they left.
"I cannot believe I'm labeled as a troublemaker with you three," Lin complained. "I haven't done anything wrong!"
"Well we have a reputation," George said. "Everyone knows who we consort with."
"Right," Lin laughed.
By the time they got to Hogsmeade, Lin felt frozen. It was cold and wet, and some precipitation fell in the trek, but despite this, her spirits heightened when they reached the town.
"This place looks brilliant! There's barely any entertainment in our little town," Lin said, recalling Ottery St. Catchpole. It was a small town with only four wizard families, the Weasley's, Diggory's, Fawcett's and Arden's.
"You have us," said Fred, pompously. "We're all you really need."
"So where are we going first?" asked Lee. "Are we going to give Lin a tour, or show her as we go along?"
"Well, Fred's out of stink pellets so Zonko's," George answered him. "Lin, you'll get to see our slice of heaven."
"Literally the best place there is," Fred told her.
They walked a little ways up the street and stopped in front of an ordinary shop, except, you could see chaos through the window.
Fred opened the door and a boom of noise sprang out from the inside.
"Isn't it beautiful," Lee marveled.
There were different gadgets and toys buzzing around. Screams and laughs of surprise came from students at different areas of the store as puffs of smoke mushroomed above them.
"OK. George and Lee, you go and take care of the things on that side of the store, Lin and I will do this one," Fred instructed as he took out two long lists.
She peeked at the lists which had items with "exploding" and "spewing" and specific quantities next to them. They split up and Fred started to count some gross looking green beans from a large tub.
"Er, what do I need to get you?" she asked Fred, who seemed very concentrated.
He gave her instructions for different powders, goo's, and liquids. Lin was glad Fred never named the items, because she had no idea what the different things she was scooping and picking actually were, nor did she want to know about what the boys were up to. She also didn't know how they were going to pay for this stuff, but then again, they always had money for joking products ever since they were little.
"Get me about ten of those red cubes in that barrel over there," he instructed after some time.
She pulled out a plastic sac from one of the many rolls that floated slowly around the store and went to the barrel. It was full of small red, dense cubes and a sign that said:
CAUTION: DO NOT CONSUME!
Lin decided to smell one. Seems harmless, but smells a bit spicy, she thought. She accidentally dropped one and decided to pick it up later. She counted the ten then went back to Fred, who was scooping up some orange powder from one of the buckets lining the walls. She accidentally bumped into a large jawed girl who seemed to be looking for someone.
"Watch it! Can't you see me walking here?" the girl said haughtily as she continued walking.
"Good. Now get me three scoopfuls of the purple slime right there," Fred said, checking off her item from the list. She noticed that another item was suddenly marked off and realized that the two parchments were charmed to instantly communicate what was written on them.
She turned around and heard a loud pop. A cloud of red powder bellowed up into the ceiling and spread around their area. Lin's front half was covered in powder and her eyes began to water while she coughed. The powder cleared and a high pitched scream engulfed the store.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHH! WHO WAS SO STUPID TO LEAVE CAYENNE CUBES ON THE FLOOR?!" yelled the large-jawed girl, who was covered head to toe in cayenne powder. The girl spotted Lin and ran up to her, leaving a powdery trail behind her.
"YOU! YOU'RE GOING TO PAY FOR THIS!" she screamed in her face.
"Er, can you please step back a bit? You're making it hard for me to breathe," Lin replied, trying not to laugh. It was mean of her to think this, but Lin believed the rude girl deserved it.
The girl yelled and stomped at her reply, and ran out of the store screaming, "YOU WILL PAY!"
The old shopkeeper came to them and cleared out the chilli powder that covered the shelves.
"I'm sorry sir, I'll cover the costs for everything," Lin said, shyly.
"Oh no my dear girl, accidents happen. You just keep on shopping merrily, alright?" he told her, making a crinkly smile. He walked off slowly, to sit behind the counter again.
"Congratulations, seems like you just made Regina Knope your new enemy!" Fred joked. "Not that she didn't already hate the rest of the world, being a part of Pansy's group."
"She was a rude one though, wasn't she. I don't really feel too bad about it."
He helped her try to dust the powder off, but it seemed to stick in every loop of her coat.
"OK, I really need to clean up. I'll be back real quick."
She went to the restroom and started whacking her coat against the walls and shaking her hair to get any powder hidden within them. She also washed any exposed skin because she thought she looked a bit red in the mirror. Once she thought she was clean, especially clean for her meeting with Oliver Wood, she went out to join Fred amongst the mischievous displays.
"You've been a while," Fred stated.
"Wow, moody. I needed to clean up remember?" she told him, wondering why he was acting so off-handish.
"Yeah, right. There's someone here looking for you. They're over there by George and Lee," he said in a bored voice.
Lin saw Oliver Wood. She started to get nervous and sweaty. Fred seemed done with his part of the list and they both walked to the other side of the store.
"Ah hah! So you weren't planning anything were you?" said George when Lin got there.
"No wonder you actually thought about how you dressed today," Lee said.
"Abandoning us in a time of need. And here I thought you were having fun, what with the Cayenne Cube thing," said Fred.
"That was you? Everyone was talking about the chilli powder Slytherin girl," revealed Oliver, chuckling.
"Yeah, that was me," Lin admitted, blushing.
"Let's step out for a bit. I need to talk to you, Lin," Oliver instructed. She followed him out of the shop, and when she looked back at the three boys, she saw them shaking their heads with disappointment.
"I'll get right to it. I'd like to switch up who's Striker out of the three Chasers. I thought about it and I want Angelina for the Slytherin game next weekend, Katie for Ravenclaw, and you for Hufflepuff. You're new, but I know you will do well for that game. Besides it is the last game of the season, so you will have experience by then. What do you think?"
"Er, yeah sounds good… Is that it?" she asked him, clearly expecting more from this conversation.
"Yep, that's about it. Just a real quick update on my plans. I need to find the other two now, and you should get back to the twins and Lee," he said matter-of-factly. "See ya at the next practice!"
She told him goodbye and he walked off, leaving her alone, more or less. She spent so much time worrying about this 'get together' for almost nothing. She looked for the right things to wear and even tried to sneak around the boys, all for a quidditch update.
She went back to the boys, telling them what Oliver said, and then went on to act as if everything was as normal as ever.
They had lunch at the Three Broomsticks, a few butterbeers for warmth, picked up some sweets from Honeydukes, where she bought chocolate for her uncle, and then had a snowball fight nearby the Shrieking Shack. They played a game taking them closer and closer to the Shack, when they thought they heard a weird noise and ran for it.
They got back to the castle and the four of them ate an incredible amount of food. Just because she was a girl with parents who made her act proper didn't mean that she couldn't be a complete slob when eating away from them.
They finished the delicious meal and went to the Gryffindor tower, but when they got there, no one was entering the common room.
"What's the hold up?" asked Lee, confused. "Neville, can't have forgotten the password again."
"He could have. I bet he doesn't have a clue about where he is most of the time," Fred joked, the other boys cracked up with him.
There was an odd feeling looming over the students, which was increased when Percy yelled at people to get the Headmaster. Professor Dumbledore arrived fairly quickly and people made a trail for him to pass through. He started talking to the Heads of houses that arrived and Peeves swept in. Peeves revealed everything saying "nasty temper he's got that Sirius Black."
The whole school was herded into the Great Hall and Professor Dumbledore switched the long tables for sleeping bags for each student. He bade them goodnight and left, leaving the prefects and Head Boy and Girl in charge of everyone.
"Er, do you two mind if I sleep between you?" Lin asked the twins as they found a collection of sleeping bags in the corner, making it difficult for prefects to reach them through the masses.
"Just like when we were younger and you were afraid of the thunder?" Fred laughed.
"He means yes," said George. "Sirius Black won't be getting in here. Don't worry."
"I'm not worrying about myself. I'm worrying about Harry and my uncle," she told them. "I just want… company I guess. To calm myself."
"Why are you worried about your uncle? He seems to know loads about fighting the Dark Arts," Lee asked, taking the sleeping bag on the other side of Fred. "He didn't get the job for nothing."
"Well we know Black is after Harry because he was a follower of You-Know-Who. He killed Harry's parents to get to him. Then, he murdered another friend who confronted him," said Lin. "My uncle was the last part of that group. I'm worried that he will try to kill him to be completely rid of his old, false life. I mean, he already killed two out of three 'friends' right?"
Lin wasn't telling them the whole truth though. Her curiosity as a child led her to discover Uncle Remus' secrets and past. She knew that he was a werewolf, and since the full moon was close upon them, he would be at his weakest and most vulnerable while a human.
She also knew the great lengths Sirius Black went to earn the trust of Harry's parents. They trusted him so much, that he was even made Harry's godfather, but she was told by her family to keep that a secret from anyone and everyone, even poor Harry. It seemed like Sirius Black would do anything to be rid of those on his hit-list.
She sank deeper into her sleeping bag, for it was longer than she was, and slept while the boys whispered around her.
Sirius Black was the talk of the school for the next few days and new security measures were in place. Sir Cadogan became the new portrait guarding Gryffindor Tower, which was a big inconvenience. He especially liked picking on Lin, always asking her is she is a spy for the Spanish army.
Oliver Wood was also working them hard on the week of the first game. The long practices that ran late into the evenings tired and stressed Lin out, and for some reason, Lin felt she had to work extra hard since Madam Hooch began to safeguard their practices.
At breakfast, she received two letters, one from her mother and the other from her friend Lesley.
Dear Lin,
I hope you are fine! Your father wanted to take you out of the school immediately, but I convinced him otherwise. You already started term there and I'm sure the school is on high alert. Take care of Remus for me!
-Mum
P.S. This afternoon I am going to the history library in the DIMA dungeons! I will learn all about your father's side of the family. I may also learn things about my mum's side too! How exciting!
Lin,
I heard about a mass murderer breaking into your school, I bet that is pretty scary! It also sounds exciting to be honest, but you know me, always going where I shouldn't. Oh! We are starting our winged-horse race around the Mediterranean next week! Your uncle Alonzo is one of the professors helping out during the event and he insisted your mother help with the horse check-ups in exchange for a tour she wanted? Odd but that's what Dan says. Write back!
-Lesley
P.S. Your brother has changed his nickname from Ed to Dan. Don't ask me, he's your brother.
Her mother's note reminded her to give her uncle Remus the chocolate after Defense Against the Dark Arts. Lin was already tired, but since the class lasted from lunch until dinner, it was a hard fight trying to keep her eyes open. Her uncle did tell her that she will not get any special treatment just because they were family, so she made her highest effort to stay awake. Without wanting to, though, everything went instantly black and she lost all control of her body while trying to listen to his lecture.
She found herself standing in the middle of the darkness, her wand illuminating the ground in front of her. A low hum started growing louder and louder, until the ground, if there was any, began to shake. Her mother's face suddenly appeared underneath her feet, looking shocked and afraid. She started to mouth something in spanish from a book, but Lin only heard a phrase that connected with her.
"They may save lives… if they forget their blood. Seeing a type of red is ultimately their choice," her mother boomed.
"Lin?"
Everything went black, and Lin went back to having no sense of feeling.
Mum… no…
"Belinda."
I think this dream is telling me to kill you!
"Belinda Valentia Arden, wake up this instant!"
Lin found herself lying on a textbook. She lifted her head slowly, feeling every muscle of her body waking up with her, and found her uncle looming over her as the rest of the class stared intently.
"Five points from Gryffindor. Please see me for a few minutes Lin. The answer to the question was the Beast Division. Class dismissed."
As the class packed up, people whispered to each other and avoided her eyes. She went her uncle's office after everyone was gone, and shut the door; he seemed quite put off.
"Lin, what did I tell you-"
"I know Uncle, you won't give me special treatment, but I swear it wasn't my fault!"
"Sleeping with your forehead plastered on your book with a pool of saliva wasn't intentional? I never thought I would have to take away points because of my own niece," he said, sounding more disappointed than cross now.
Lin knew there was no way she could convince him that it was completely unintentional without sounding like a liar.
"I'm sorry. I'm probably too tired from Quidditch practices. It won't happen again. I promise."she whimpered as she turned to walk out of the office leaving her disgruntled uncle to his work.