I do not own Harry Potter. Charlotte Potter and Brizon Jenkins are my OCs.

Realistic Nightmares

Depending on the time, the library on Sundays could be either very busy or completely dead. At ten in the morning the tables and cushy chairs were sparsely packed with students. Most of them were Ravenclaws, which was to be expected. There were a few Hufflepuffs clumped together near the back and a few Gryffindors hurrying to finish up an assignment they had left until the last minute.

Harry, Ron and Charlie were at their usual table near the large glass windows that overlooked the courtyard. Dozens of students were taking advantage of the piles of snow, creating snow forts and throwing snowballs at each other. Ron kept casting moody glances out the window, as was tradition whenever he was coerced into studying when there was a winter wonderland outside.

"If you stopped looking over your shoulder every five seconds, you might finish with plenty of time to join them," said Charlie patiently as she reviewed her rough draft of her essay.

"I can't help it. I hate being stuck inside doing homework." Ron reluctantly picked up his quill and started on the third paragraph of his own essay.

"If you finished it sooner, you wouldn't be working now."

Ron frowned at her. "It wasn't long ago that you were drowning in schoolwork. There was a point where you were worse off than me!"

Charlie grinned. "It was a horrible experience that I'm trying not to let happen again."

"When is Hermione joining us?" asked Harry.

She shrugged. "I'm not sure. She left the common room before I did. I think she's at Hagrid's, trying to convince him to follow Professor Grubbly-Plank's lesson plan. Again."

"Don't know why she's bothering," muttered Ron. "I don't think Hagrid would be capable of following Grubbly-Plank's plans. They're not very…Hagrid."

"Well, Hermione can at least try. He really shouldn't take risks when it comes to Umbridge." Harry tapped his quill against the table, idly trying to think up a decent transitioning sentence. "I heard that the Gryffindor Quidditch team got some new Beaters."

Ron made a face. "They're not nearly as good as Fred and George, but they're going to have to do."

"How's Ravenclaw doing with their Seeker?"

"I think they found someone to use for the rest of the year," Charlie replied. "Brizon Jenkins. He's a year under us."

"Fred and George are furious," said Ron. "They can't believe they got banned when Malfoy didn't."

"It's not surprising," sighed Charlie.

The library doors opened and Hermione walked in, her robes damp from her trek through the snow. From the frustrated expression on her face it was obvious that her talk with Hagrid did not go well. "It was a good try," soothed Charlie.

"Not good enough," she said hotly, moving her wand in a complicated pattern and using the hot steam that emitted from the tip to dry her robes. "He wouldn't even listen to what I was trying to say! What's worse is that he was coming out of the Forbidden Forest as I was knocking on his door."

Ron winced. "Great. Next class is going to be interesting."

"And by interesting you mean disastrous." Hermione scowled. "I don't understand why he won't use the lesson plans Grubbly-Plank left!"

"Those aren't his plans," pointed out Charlie. "You know Hagrid has his own ideas for Care of Magical Creatures. He also doesn't understand exactly what Umbridge is capable of."

"No use worrying about it now," said Harry.

Ron gave a serious nod. "We'll just worry about it later."

Charlie rolled her eyes. "Wow. Tremendously wise of you."

…

On Tuesday, the Golden Quartet trudged through the snow to Hagrid's hut. All of them were filled with apprehension over what Hagrid had planned for the class and what questions Umbridge would ask. It came as a small relief that the High Inquisitor wasn't present. But the worries still lingered, especially when Charlie realized that Hagrid's injuries had not seemed to get any better.

"What the heck did the giants do to him?" asked Ron lowly. "Those cuts should have healed some by now."

"Are we gonna talk about the dead cow he has over his shoulder?" Harry hissed.

"I'd rather not," said Hermione tiredly.

"Everyone here, then?" asked Hagrid cheerfully. "Let's get into the forest. They like it really dark."

"Who likes it dark?" snapped Draco, looking frantically at his friends. "What did he say?"

They started to walk into the Forbidden Forest, the darkness setting most of the students on edge. Charlie was not so much bothered by being in the Forest—she'd spent enough time in the place to no longer be fearful of it. But she was bothered by the possibly dangerous creature Hagrid had in store for them.

After ten minutes of walking they came upon a spot where the trees were so close together that it appeared to be night. Hagrid tossed down the carcass and surveyed the students, most of which were cowering behind the trees. "Right, they should be attracted by the smell o' meat. But they like teh know it's me, so I'll call 'em."

He let off an odd shrieking cry that caused everyone to jump in surprise. It only heightened the nerves of the students and Harry clamped onto Charlie's arm. "What is it?"

"I don't know, I don't see anything yet." She squinted into the darkness. "Here they come."

It took a moment before the great black, skeletal horses jolted her memory. They were the same ones she had seen at the very beginning of term. Relief flooded through her. Okay. I'm not crazy. These things do exist.

Her relief immediately evaporated when she noticed the confused expression of her brother. "Where are they?" he asked, perplexed.

"Uh…"

She looked around. Judging by the expressions of her fellow classmates, no one else could see the creatures either. At least, it seemed most of them couldn't. Neville was staring at them with a deathly pale expression. Everyone else was just watching the decaying flesh get torn off the carcass with bewildered looks.

"What is it?" Pansy demanded.

"Thestrals," answered Hagrid.

"That makes sense!" Hermione exclaimed. "I was wondering why I couldn't see anything!"

Ron glanced at Harry. "You know what she's going on about?"

"No. But then again, I hardly ever do."

Hagrid surveyed the crowd of students. "Now, who can see 'em?"

Charlie raised her hand, along with Neville and a couple more students. Draco scowled. "See what? How come some of us can see them and some of us can't?"

"Thestrals are creatures that can only be seen by people who've witnessed death," explained Hagrid.

Ooh. Everything makes sense again, thought Charlie. Least I'm not insane.

"Interesting place to hold a lesson."

Charlie flinched at the familiar, simpering sweet voice. She glanced over her shoulder to see Umbridge stepping carefully towards them. Hagrid smiled obliviously. "Glad teh see that yeh made it."

Umbridge made a noise in the back of her throat. "Indeed. Why are we standing around, staring at nothing?"

"Oh, it's not nothin'," said Hagrid. "We're studyin' Thestrals. Only those who've seen death can see them."

"I am aware of what Thestrals are," she said snidely. "I assume the majority of this class cannot see them?"

"Er, yes—"

"Seems rather foolish to teach a class a creature many cannot even see," she muttered, making a note on her clipboard.

Hagrid looked slightly flustered. "I was just goin' teh start tellin' 'em about the herd an' how Hogwarts got 'em. We started out with a male an' five females—"

"Are you aware that the Ministry has classified Thestrals as dangerous?" interrupted Umbridge.

This…this is not going to go well.

For over an hour, Umbridge twisted Hagrid's words, led him into giving less-than-desirable answers and interviewed students who she knew would give her the material that she indeed. Hagrid was completely thrown off halfway through his lesson, starting to stutter and trail off hopelessly.

Charlie could do nothing but stand stiffly as Umbridge interviewed a giddy Draco and Pansy. She had already caused enough trouble with Umbridge—Flitwick would kill her if she caused another scene. She could feel fury radiating off Hermione, and when the lesson finally ended, she exploded into a barrage of insults.

"That foul, horrible woman! You know she's doing this because she hates half-breeds. She's not even willing to give him a chance! Did you see how she sabotaged his lesson?"

"We were there," said Ron with a roll of his eyes. "We saw everything."

"He gets the results of his inspection in ten days," said Charlie with a sigh. "I think we all know what to expect."

Harry kicked at the snow. "It's not fair."

"It never is," said Charlie.

…

December came with a flurry of snow and an avalanche of homework. Charlie would spend most of her free time working in the library or in her common room. Harry, Ron and Hermione would often be caught up with prefect duties, leaving her to her own devices. She didn't mind, especially since it left Hermione with no time to knit for the house-elves.

With the Christmas holidays steadily approaching, Charlie found herself wondering if she would be spending it with Sirius. She hadn't gotten the chance last year, due to the Triwizard Tournament and the Yule Ball. She enjoyed the idea of having Christmas at Grimmauld Place, just her and Sirius.

Though you might end up stuck in the castle. Sirius hasn't contacted you ever since that near-miss with the fireplace and Umbridge.

Charlie pursed her lips, momentarily distracted from her History of Magic essay as she pondered this. Though Sirius was, essentially, a free man, he still needed to keep a low profile. It would be best if very few people knew where he was residing, especially considering that his home also served as the headquarters for the Order.

She figured Fudge was probably doing what he could to keep a close watch on the ex-convict, though she doubted he was having much luck. Apparently, the Blacks had always enjoyed their seclusion from the rest of the 'filth', and barely anyone knew where they lived.

So Sirius can't exactly send me a letter, since Hogwarts' communication channels are being watched. She'll find out I'm going to be with him. I don't think many people are aware of just how close I am to Sirius. Probably should keep it that way.

She hated all the secrecy and tiptoeing, but she understood that it was necessary. "Oh well," she sighed to herself. "Christmas at the castle won't be so bad. Better than going back to the Dursleys, at any rate."

She was suddenly struck with a mental image of her arriving on the Dursleys front porch with no warning, announcing she was staying for the holidays. She burst into laughter at the reactions she pictured, and it was not long before an irritated Madam Pince kicked her out.

"Ahh," she giggled, shouldering her bag. "I crack myself up."

"Hey, Charlie!"

The raven-haired girl glanced over her shoulder to see Ron hurrying to catch up to her. "Hey, Ron. How did babysitter duty go?"

"Horrible," he grumbled, falling into step beside her. "They're rotten little brats. Don't know why prefects have to supervise the first-years. It's not that cold outside. They can have their breaks out there."

Charlie grinned. "No, it's cold. Which is why none of us are allowed out there right now."

Ron sighed. "I can't wait until holidays. Mum will make awesome food and I'll sleep in as much as I want."

The redhead had been speaking of his trip home for Christmas for the past few days. Charlie wondered if she would get to spend the holidays with friends and family, or if she would have to spend it alone in the castle, avoiding the wrath of Umbridge.

"How will you be getting home?" she asked.

"Don't you mean 'we'?"

Charlie blinked in confusion. "What?"

Ron's eyes widened and he smacked his forehead. "Oh blimey, I didn't tell you? You're invited to my place for Christmas."

A wide smile crossed the girl's face. "Seriously?"

"'Course you are." Ron rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Sorry I forgot to tell you."

"Don't worry about it. Do you think he'll be there?"

It took a moment for Ron to catch on to who his friend was talking about. "I'm not sure. I think he was invited, but I'm not positive."

The last DA meeting before the holidays was purely reviewing what everyone had already learned. Zacharias wasn't too pleased by treading over old ground, but a few sharp remarks from the Weasley twins and Harry caused him to go silent.

Dobby had decorated the Room of Requirement with Christmas lights, mistletoe and boughs of holly. It gave Charlie a warm feeling inside, as the holidays tended to do to her. She moved around the room, monitoring everyone's progress. She was happy to see that Neville was improving immensely.

She felt a great swell of pride. Even though they had learned only a few spells and charms, it would be enough to assist them if any of them stumbled into trouble.

Her eyes strayed to Alicia and Katie, who were practicing Stunning each other. Her stomach dipped as an image of a smiling Angelina flashed through her mind, and she managed to keep a seal on her surge of sadness.

She would have been here, too, she thought. Right along with the rest of us.

"Hey, are you okay?"

Charlie glanced over her shoulder to see Cho staring at her in concern. Marietta stood a distance away, irritated at having her friend pause their practicing. "I'm fine," the raven-haired girl said with a smile.

Cho glanced at Katie and Alicia and her eyes flashed with understanding. With a sympathetic expression, she set her hand on Charlie's shoulder. "It's not your fault, you know."

Charlie smiled thinly. "As everyone keeps telling me. I can't help but feel some responsibility."

"You did everything you could. Which is more than I can say for me. I probably would have frozen up in utter terror. You fought back and won. For her."

"Thanks." Charlie smiled sincerely this time. "I appreciate it."

Cho nodded and went back to her friend. Charlie continued her monitoring and after an hour called the meeting to a close. "Good job, guys. I'll see you all after the holidays. Merry Christmas."

As everyone filed out, Ron came up to Charlie. "Not bad," he remarked. "Everyone seems to be catching on."

"It's fantastic, isn't it?" Charlie grinned up at him. "I owe you guys a lot of thanks. I wasn't sure at first, but I'm glad I agreed to your idea. It makes me feel a little more at ease." She stood on her tiptoes and pecked him on the cheek. "I'll see you later!"

She darted from the room, leaving behind a deeply blushing redhead with a dazed smile.

…

Night fell and Charlie snuggled under her covers, Snowy curled against her side. The warmth of the room lulled her into slumber, and she dreamed blissfully of a happy Christmas at the Weasleys with her godfather.

They were all laughing, surrounded by pretty decorations and a small, sparkly tree. Then the scenery changed, and she ended up somewhere completely different…

She felt odd. But it wasn't a horrible sensation…she felt rather powerful, and flexible. She was moving across cold stone. Despite the fact everything towered over her, she didn't feel intimidated. She felt rather confident and sure.

She was surrounded by darkness, but she could make out objects, shimmering with colour. She looked around. The corridor was empty…wait—there was a man up ahead. He was slouched on the floor, chin resting against his chest.

Flicking out her tongue, she could taste the man's scent in the air. He was alive, but rather drowsy. He was just sitting there, in front of the door at the end of the corridor. Her desire to bite him was strong, but she mastered her impulse. She had more important things to do right now.

But the man was stirring now. In seconds he was on his feet, silver cloak pooling on the floor. His wand was out and pointed at her.

She struck, plunging her fangs into the man's flesh three times. His ribs splintered under her strong jaws and blood gushed into her mouth, a tangy taste that satisfied her urges. The man yelled, but it was not for long. Soon he dropped to the floor, blood smeared against the wall behind him.

Her forehead hurt severely…she was sure it was going to burst open at any moment…

"Charlie! Charlie!"

'Charlie, wake up! Charlie, what's wrong?!'

The voice of Hermione and the telepathic voice of her brother jolted her back to consciousness. Dazed and disoriented, she could feel sweat coating her entire body. Snowy was on the floor, mewing insistently. It felt as if she was suffering from a very high fever—her forehead was burning.

"Charlie, are you okay?" asked Hermione, face pale with fear. There were other figures surrounding her bed, all of them just as terrified as the bushy-haired girl.

'Charlie?'

She was not able to respond to them. She could not even see them clearly. Her eyes burned white. The pain was so strong she feared for a moment that it would blind her. Gripping her head tightly, she curled into a tight ball, choking for air.

"She's really sick!" said Padma anxiously.

Charlie coughed violently, tears of pain gathering at the corners of her eyes. She needed to tell them, tell someone.

"Ron's dad," she croaked. She was in utter agony, but she had to tell Hermione. "He's been attacked."

Hermione studied the way her friend was clutching at her scar. "No," she whispered in horror.

Charlie made a hard, hacking sound and Padma declared, "I'm going to get someone!" before running out of the room.

"There's blood everywhere," Charlie rasped. "He was bitten. I was the one who did it…I was a giant snake."

Hermione was white as a ghost. "Okay…okay. I don't quite understand, but someone will be here soon."

Her forehead was starting to feel a bit better, but her body still shook with feverish shivers. Very slowly, Charlie started to sit up.

'Harry?'

'Charlie! Are you okay? Are you really ill? I felt utterly horrible for a moment, but it went away.'

Relived that she was starting to subconsciously block Harry from feeling her emotions when she didn't want him to, she said, 'I had a horrible dream. Or vision. I don't know what it was. But Ron's dad is severely injured. He's bleeding heavily. Someone needs to get to him before it's too late.'

'Oh, no. What do we do?'

'I'll take care of it.'

She then put her effort into blocking out any thoughts he tried to send her. She needed to concentrate. Arthur Weasley was on the brink of death, and it was the snake's fault.

You're not taking another one, Voldemort. I won't let you.

"I got him!" called Padma, rushing into the room. "It's okay, Charlie."

Flitwick scurried into the room, dressed in midnight blue dressing gown. "Miss Potter, where are you hurting?" he asked anxiously.

"Mr. Weasley was attacked," she informed hurriedly. "I know this is going to sound strange, but I was there. It wasn't a dream. I mean, I started out dreaming, but then it morphed into something real. He was sleeping and then he woke up and he was attacked. He's bleeding. Someone needs to find him!"

Flitwick studied her intently, and for a horrifying moment Charlie feared he wouldn't believe her. But instead he nodded, expression serious. "Get your dressing gown on, Miss Potter. We're going straight to Headmaster."