It was in late September when a dramatic headline in the Daily Prophet had all of Hogwarts talking. Callidus was sitting with the other Slytherins in the Great Hall, when the owl post arrived, dropping mail, parcels and newspapers on the students' hands, laps (or on their plates of food.) Callidus himself did not subscribe to any newspapers, but Draco's father had purchased him a subscription, and they always shared. Callidus took an interest in the news, mostly because the current political environment seemed to be getting increasingly volatile. He had the feeling that something was happening, though whether it would amount to anything or not, he could not predict. But most Slytherins tended to keep their eyes and ears open for change and possible opportunity. It could mean changing fortunes after all.
He was absently eating his kippers, thinking about how he still had to test three more vapourizing spells in the potions lab, when he was aware that the buzz of conversation around him seemed to change and become more excited. He straightened up, looking towards Parkinson questioningly. If anything interesting was going on, she was usually the first to verbalize it.
"Merlin," he heard Parkinson exhale.
"Let me see!" Greengrass demanded, pulling the newspaper away from Parkinson, who released it without a struggle.
"What is it?" Harry queried, his expression concerned.
"A new disease. Confirmed by researchers at St. Mungo's," Parkinson explained, though her expression remained shocked. "There's been over ten cases in London alone since the summer." She looked up at Harry, her dark eyes filled with concern. "They say it's contagious. That it makes victims act violently."
"But it's only affect muggleborns - and one half-blood so far," Draco pointed out. He too had been reading the article. He handed the paper towards Harry and Callidus. "See for yourselves."
Harry and Callidus held the newspaper between them, reading through article while around them, the other Slytherins speculated and worried. As Draco had said, almost all the victims were muggleborns. They all displayed the strange orange rash on their lower back. And as of yet, there was no cure, and all the patients had been put into a magical stasis at St. Mungo's. The whole situation left a roiling sort of unease in Callidus's gut. Was it just coincidence that this disease was mostly striking muggleborns? And if, indeed, muggleborns were particularly susceptible to the disease, what did it mean for wizarding culture? With the tensions that already existed, how could the wizarding world hold itself together? Not to mention the horrors of the disease itself. Would Hogwarts be safe?
Callidus was pulled out of his thoughts when he realized the other Slytherins were talking about this very topic. Some were wondering if they should return home - especially those that lived on large estates in the countryside. Others were convinced that there was no place safer than Hogwarts, and did not think it was likely that the disease could affect the school. Callidus peered over towards the Gryffindor table, curious to see the reactions of the lions. Hermione looked pale, and was worrying her lower lip. Ginny was making some sort of sympathetic gesture by rubbing her arm. As for Caiside, her expression was pensive. Callidus wondered what she was thinking about. Caiside supported the cause of muggleborn acceptance (even if it was for rebellious reasons), but if she was worried, shouldn't her reaction be more like Ginny's?
Harry had opened the newspaper and was reading through some of the other articles, hoping to glean more information.
"Oh - I didn't realize that the Magical Child Protection Act has been passed," Harry commented when his eyes fell on the article on the second page.
Draco raised his eyebrows. "Ah, yes, father mentioned in a letter that the wizengamot would be voting on it sometime this month, but I had forgotten the precise date." A small smile that didn't reach his eyes pulled at the corner of his lips. "I suppose that's one bit of good news amidst all this mess. My father knew it would pass, of course, but nonetheless, I imagine he's pleased at the results. Finally, you'll never have to return to those dreadful muggles ever again."
Harry blinked, feeling a bit staggered by the implications. "Merlin," he murmured. "Never again. I've wanted this for so long I almost can't believe it's real." But Harry's expression soon fell.
Draco and Callidus looked at him, puzzled. "Aren't you glad?" Draco queried.
"Yes - but -" Harry's lips thinned into a line. "It's hard to be happy with all this other stuff going on. It feels selfish, yeah?"
Draco gave Harry and odd look, as though Harry had just spoken in goblin gobbledegook. "But what does that matter? It's not like you're the one who's infected with the disease. It doesn't really have anything to do with you."
Callidus rolled his eyes. "I always figured that concepts like basic decency were beyond you, Draco."
"What do you mean?" Draco retorted. "I have perfectly good manners. Better than yours, anyhow. Much, better than yours."
"What are you three going on about?" Greengrass cut in, her voice sounding shrill. "This whole situation is just terrible! What is Dumbledore going to do about it?"
This comment caused most of the Slytherin second year to look towards the Head Table. Dumbledore's expression was oddly neutral - the typical twinkle in his eye was nowhere to be seen. Something about that sight was strangely unsettling.
"What can he do?" Draco scoffed. "Maybe a disaster like this will be what finally gets him kicked out of his position. Then we could have someone else as headmaster. Someone who takes our situation and our safety seriously."
The other Slytherins were nodding in agreement. But Callidus was troubled - he knew that when Draco said 'we' he meant 'purebloods' or other people of importance. But what about the others? What about his friends like Hermione? On the other hand, could he really trust Dumbledore?
"But what could keep us safe?" Harry questioned. "How do you keep something like a disease out of the school? How are magical diseases spread anyway?"
Callidus wondered the same thing. Since he and Harry had grown up in the muggle world, they didn't know anything about the transmission of magical diseases. It was hardly the sort of topic that would be discussed at any dinner table.
"It's complicated. Many magical diseases are caused by the interaction of an individual's magic with the disease agent," Draco explained.
Callidus raised his eyebrows "And?" He wanted to hear more details than that.
Draco frowned. "I can't really explain it beyond that."
"You mean you don't know how to explain it, or you don't know?" Callidus grilled.
Draco's eyes narrowed in irritation. "I don't know, all right? I'm not like Miss Know-it-all-muggleborn there in Gryffindor. Besides, how diseases work isn't the point. The point is what the headmaster means to do about it."
"He should just remove all the muggleborns - send them home to the muggle world," Greengrass insisted. Upon seeing Harry's shocked expression and Callidus's incredulous one, she clarified. "I mean, for our safety."
"It isn't determined that the disease is limited to muggleborns. Need I remind you that a half-blood was affected as well?" Callidus intoned, barely able to keep the cutting edge from his voice.
Greengrass opened her mouth to retort - possibly to say something that might be even more offensive, but she seemed to think better of it, and snapped her mouth shut, giving Callidus a dirty look.
By the time that breakfast was over and classes had begun, the situation began to feel more normal. The news was disturbing, but it also felt relatively distant. When faced with the normality of learning new charms or taking notes for History, it was easy to forget about what was happening in the outside world. And with the belief that Hogwarts was one of the safest places on the Isles, it was easier to simply give in to the hope that nothing would happen here at Hogwarts. Besides, how could one prepare for something like a dangerous disease? It wasn't the sort of thing that could be warded off with the right spells.
Callidus had just finished his last class of the day, History of Magic which had left him in a state where it was difficult to stop yawning, when a plump first year approached him.
"Are you Callidus?" the boy queried.
"Yes," Callidus answered, mildly puzzled.
"Here." The plump boy shoved a folded note at him, before leaving without an explanation.
Callidus unfolded the note. It was from Dumbledore, requesting a visit (with a postscript recommending the deliciousness of Ice Mice.) He had almost forgotten about his monthly meetings with the headmaster - especially since Callidus had barely seen him over the summer.
"What is it?" Harry asked, peering towards the note.
Callidus pocketed it. "Nothing important." He had never been that comfortable discussing his relationship with the headmaster. It was one of the odd ties to his past self, but if the Slytherins knew that he was having meetings with the headmaster, he'd be subjected to all sorts of wild conjectures. It wasn't the sort of thing that he wanted others to gossip about.
He excused himself from his friends, letting them assume that he was going to check something in the Potions Lab (after all, he was there often enough), and made his way towards the stone gargoyle that marked Dumbledore's office.
After uttering 'Ice Mice,' he made his way up the circular stairs and knocked on the door.
"Ah, come in!" the headmaster's voice beckoned.
The wooden doors swung open on their own, and as Callidus entered Dumbledore's office, he could see the man feeding treats to Fawkes, his phoenix familiar.
"Callidus, my boy," Dumbledore said with a warm smile. "How are you? All settled in for your second year?"
"I'm well and settled. Yourself? I understand that you've been very busy this past summer."
Dumbledore smiled, as if this was a conversation between old friends, and not just some veneer of closeness, in which the whole purpose was to get a sense of what the other party was up to. But while Callidus might have felt mistrustful, he didn't resent Dumbledore. He was certain the old man meant well, even if his nosy good-intentions sometimes caused more trouble than help.
"Indeed, it has been a very busy summer. I may have found a lead for what is tying Voldemort to this world. If I can destroy those ties, he will be gone forever. As for matters in the wizengamot - well - the climate of wizarding Britain seems to be changing, and it's important that there be a voice of reason amidst the confusion and fear."
While Calliudus appreciated Dumbledore's efforts to remove the Dark Lord from this world, he had doubts about the man meddling in politics. He gave a slight arch of his eyebrows. "And you are in the best position to offer the voice of reason?"
Dumbledore's eyes sparkled. "One might think that you doubt me, Callidus."
"Well, the Magical Child Protection Act did just pass. What are your thoughts on that?"
Much of the sparkle vanished from Dumbledore's eyes, but his expression stayed the same - untroubled and warm. "Many dangerous things can arise from good intentions. While I'm relieved that the magical world takes the plight of our children seriously, one should do so without demonizing and scapegoating others."
"Do you believe the new act does so?"
"It paves the way for anti-muggle sentiment. Children should be protected, but not at the expense of antagonizing others. We should strive to do our best to create a balance between protecting children while respecting muggles."
"Harry will never have to see his muggle relatives again. He should never have been placed with them in the first place," Callidus pointed out.
"He will be staying at Hogwarts from now on. Speaking of Harry, how is he doing?"
Callidus contemplated how he would answer. He wasn't about to bring up his suspicions concerning the pendant. Aside from still throwing the occasional jinx towards Lockhart, Harry didn't seem affected at all. Callidus was starting to wonder if maybe Draco was right. Maybe it was just a strange reaction to the pendant's protective enchantments. "He's well. He - well - I just wanted to thank you for letting us stay at Hogwarts over the summer. Harry seemed particularly happy about it."
Dumbledore inclined his head, and smiled understandingly. "I'm happy to hear it."
They fell into a brief silence, in which Dumbledore gave Fawkes another treat.
"Was there something you wished to discuss today?" Callidus asked.
"Ah, yes, there was." Dumbledore made his way over to his desk and sat down, gesturing for Callidus to do the same. "What do you know about this new FLAME organization? I understand that you are close to one of the founders? Wystan Overcliff?"
"FLAME? Yes, Wystan is one of the founders. Why do you have an interest in their group?"
"I've heard that their group has been making quite an impact. I simply wished to know your thoughts."
Callidus shrugged. He explained the basics of what he knew about Wystan's organization, but he knew little more than generalities. Callidus still hadn't forgotten how Dumbledore had told him his potions discovery couldn't be published the previous year. He didn't wish to needlessly draw Dumbledore's suspicion towards Wystan's group. Wystan had always been on Callidus's side after all.
Eventually, Callidus was dismissed by the headmaster. As he left the office, he reflected that it was just a year ago that he felt significantly more comfortable with Dumbledore. Dumbledore had been like a grandfather figure to him. Now, Callidus saw him much as the other students did: as a headmaster. True, Dumbledore spoke to him more than he spoke to the other students, but the feeling of closeness and trust had been lost. Nonetheless, Callidus wouldn't assume the worse of Dumbledore either. The older man had his own agenda, but he was trying to make the world a better place, according to how he saw it.
He was about to head down to the Slytherin dungeons when it occurred to him that he wanted to find a book for a paper he was writing for Transfigurations. He changed his direction and made his way to the library instead. As he entered the library, Madam Pince gave him the same suspicious glare that she gave to all the students, but she must have recognized him as being not-a-troublemaker because she quickly looked away.
He ventured through the aisles of books and quickly found what he needed. As he was about to leave, a familiar voice called his name. He turned towards the voice and spotted Hermione and Caiside at one of the library tables.
"Hello Hermione, Caiside. No Ginny today?" He sat down at the table next to Hermione and across from Caiside.
"Ginny's still at practice," Hermione answered.
Callidus raised his eyebrow. "Practice. You wouldn't happen to be referring to -"
"I don't think you were supposed to mention that," Caiside cut in. "I think it was supposed to be their big secret."
Hermione bit down on her lower lip, looking vaguely guilty. "It just slipped."
"Wait - are you saying that Ginny is - on the Gryffindor Quidditch team? Because as far as I'm aware, Hogwarts doesn't typically allow first years to play Quidditch."
"Don't tell anyone!" Hermione pleaded. "I shouldn't have even mentioned it."
"The Gryffindors must be desperate if they're allowing first years to play," Callidus mused.
Caiside had crossed her arms, her expression irritated while Hermione still looked guilty. "Just drop it," Caiside snapped.
Callidus grinned wolfishly. "They are desperate, aren't they? Ah, how low they've sunk."
Caiside scowled "Shut up! I'll have you know that Ginny's an amazing flyer, and Gryffindors are going to crush you Slytherins this year."
"I'm hardly an expert on Quidditch, but it's true - Ginny is quite a remarkable flyer," Hermione added.
"Well, we shall see in the first game in November, won't we?" Callidus challenged.
"Yes we will," Caiside replied, her eyes gleaming with opposition.
Hermione sighed and shook her head. "Is it really worth getting this worked up about Quidditch?"
Caiside still looked combative, but Callidus, who had to endure far too much Quidditch talk was willing to let the topic go with a shrug.
"I suppose not. How have you been?" Callidus asked Hermione. "This morning's news was rather unexpected, wasn't it?"
"That's one way of putting it," Caiside muttered.
"It was disturbing," Hermione admitted. "I wonder if they needed to reveal that almost all the victims so far have been muggleborns. At this point, it could still be a coincidence. It's as though they're purposely adding fuel to the anti-muggle fire. The situation is disturbing enough as it is. I started reading about magical diseases just to better understand what might be happening. The last serious magical epidemic coincided with the muggle Spanish flu. Of course, the muggle epidemic resulted in much more deaths, but the magical equivalent was quite bad. It threw the whole wizarding world into chaos."
Callidus lifted his eyebrows, intrigued. "What happened?
"The epidemic of 1918 affected all wizards and witches, not just muggleborns," Hermione explained. "But it seemed to predominantly affect the magically weak. Squibs were especially vulnerable - but pretty much anyone that was below a certain threshold was susceptible to the disease. When people noticed that squibs were more likely to catch the disease, they were cast out of the wizarding world, with no support - left to die, essentially. It was appalling. And because the muggles were so preoccupied with their own epidemic, they didn't notice a few more fatalities."
Caiside looked disturbed. "That's messed up."
"It was awful," Hermione agreed. "But as the disease progressed, and people realized that it wasn't only squibs that were affected, it tore down the social structure of the wizarding community. People shut themselves in behind protective enchantments. People became obsessive about learning and using defencive magics, even if it wasn't proven to help. Essentially, people stopped trusting one another. Hospitals were overrun, and researchers were doing everything they could to find a cure. The rich had it best - they could easily hide behind their large estates, and let others take care of their basic needs. But it was awful for anyone who lived in a wizarding community, in close proximity to others. The disease couldn't be transmitted to muggles, so any who were living amidst muggles were safe, but - as I mentioned, the muggles themselves had their own problems, with the Spanish flu.
"They found the cure eventually - it was the top priority for the wizarding world at the time, so they had all of the most brilliant minds working towards the solution. But -" Hermione's expression was somber, "- it took a long time for the wizarding world to pull itself back together. The mistrust persisted for quite a while. People were scared that there would be a resurgence of the disease. It took years for the wizarding world to recover from that outbreak. And even now, the perception towards squibs is generally very negative."
Callidus frowned as he pondered he words. He could imagine a situation just like that arising if this new disease turned out to be a serious problem. If it affected muggleborns and pure-bloods alike, that would be bad enough, but if it was mostly muggleborns who were affected, it would only deepen the divide between them. Something like that could tear the wizarding world apart, and Callidus felt a knot of dark foreboding in his gut.
"I just hope that whatever it is, they find the cure for it soon," Hermione sighed.
"Yeah. Plus, disasters tend to bring out the worst in people," Caiside added. "Did those books mention any ways that we can protect ourselves from getting sick?"
Hermione pursed her lips. "Mostly just staying away from people who have fallen ill. Keeping up your magical strength through regular usage." She shook her head. "Nothing that useful."
Callidus hummed. He had been planning to excuse himself to return to the dungeons, when Ginny appeared, her hair slightly damp as if recently washed. Callidus raised his eyebrows, wondering why she hadn't used a drying spell.
"Hi everyone!" Ginny chirped brightly, which earned her a threatening glare from Madam Pince. "Oops! Hi." (She said this much more softly.) "Callidus - I didn't realize you'd be here today. Hey Caiside, did you notice the way Neville's staring at you? I think he has a crush." Ginny giggled with amusement, while Caiside frowned. Hermione and Callidus looked over at the other tables and when they saw Neville Longbottom, a rather timid and clumsy Gryffindor, the boy flushed and stared down at his book with conspicuous concentration.
"It's not a crush," Caiside countered, "he just has an interest in magical plants, and he knows that I like them too."
Ginny smirked. "Sure. Whatever you say." She flopped down on the seat next to Caiside. "What have you lot been talking about?"
Callidus, Hermione and Caiside exchanged glances. "Well - we were talking about magical diseases," Hermione admitted.
Ginny wrinkled her nose. "That's - er -"
"Odd? Depressing? Disturbing? Alarming? Funny?" Caiside suggested.
"Er - one of those," Ginny finished. "Probably not funny."
"Yes, well, this has been nice, but I think I'll be leaving." Callidus quickly stood up.
"Aw, so soon?" Ginny pouted. "I wanted to ask you about -"
"Harry's good, Harry's fine," Callidus cut her off. "Harry's probably just as upset about the disease as you are. See you later Hermione, Caiside." And with that, Callidus quickly left before he could be pulled into the grasp of the three girls.
A/N: Trying to write the Dumbledore scene was a struggle - especially since Cal doesn't feel close to him anymore. But I love writing the Gryffindor girls :D. Thanks for the reviews!