"Well…..there are two horizontal lines, right here…Followed by a third one, shorter in length, and it curves down just a bit. Then a vertical line crosses through the horizontal ones without touching the third one….okay…um…so if the head line is the one that crosses the first two lines then the life line should be the one that curves down which means that you will die in ….a week?" I doubtfully quizzed as I read Mrs. Vance's left palm. Do I even make sense?
"Is that so? Hmm, I ought to call my lawyer and see him for my will statement" she remained calm while she gracefully sipped her tea.
"Oh god, I'm going to fail this test!" I shrieked hysterically as I hide my face in my hands.
"Rest your concerns. Divination can be very…" she trailed off as if searching for the right words. "Ambiguous and utterly boring" I answered for her, struggling to keep my voice emotionless. "Subjective" she corrected me politely. "Now stop worrying and eat your breakfast. The Wizarding Examinations Authority awaits no one" she spoke gently.
I stared at my mug of black coffee.
How come she's so composed about all this?! Sure, I was alright in most of the subjects. Then again, most of them were surprisingly… simple. I mean learning about astronomy was comfortable since I have read about it and I did have a telescope back home which I often use to identify lots of constellations. History of Magic was about learning the chronology of important events, so it was alright. Herbology was fascinating, Ancient Runes was like learning a code and Arithmancy was similar to Sudoku. Potions was…unexpectedly enjoyable. It was like cooking and my absolute favorite was Care for Magical Creatures. Obviously. Dragons were… whao. Just thinking about seeing one gives me goose bumps. I should buy a small sketchpad, just so, I could draw one, if I ever saw one. Though, the wise thing to do would be to avoid, not approach. But, my absolutes favorites were hippogriffs. I might actually just go to Grimmauld Place to meet Buckbeak just so I can sketch him.
Unfortunately, some subjects did not share the same uh…attributes as the others. I mean I thought Charms wouldn't give me that much trouble but it did. I couldn't get the spells right. It was irritating, knowing how the actors made it look so easy in the movies, while I struggled every night to get the spells done. Even if I perfectly spelled the incantations, I couldn't get the wand movement right. Then, there was Transfigurations, with its expected complexity, being considered one of the hardest subjects. Overall, I spend three weeks in those two subjects. It was exhausting and I was mentally and physically challenged but with hard work and Mrs. Vance and Dumbledore's guidance, I managed to get the hang of them. But nothing prepared me to my two biggest frustrations of all. I thought I was mentally prepared for Divination; it is a dense subject and I guessed that Defense against the Dark Arts would be hard too because of the wand movement. So, I was not surprised that I was going to face the same problem I faced with Charms or Transfigurations. Boy I had it coming.
In Divination, I could stand tea leaf reading and I didn't mind crystal gazing that much but palm reading was just infuriating. It was annoying not fully understanding its ways, it's so superficial, even shallow and it really angered me the idea of identifying a person life line on the hand. Talk about invading someone's personal space and being sort of insensitive. I mean who really wants to know when he's going to die. It's really common sense… So, we don't really need a remainder. That only affects our mood and will probably make us paranoid. Then there was Defense against the Dark Arts. I never thought I could find something that I could literally suck so badly. I mean I can sing, I can act, I can dance, I'm a great cook and baker, I can drive, I can play the piano, I'm great at math and sciences and I have an outstanding memory. I was taught to be the best of the best in order to succeed in life and yet I couldn't perform a single counter-jinx. Even if I made the wand movement right, my spells were worse than sloppy. It was downright pathetic. I never thought that a subject was capable of challenging me emotionally. It scared me. This was one subject that I couldn't fail, the one subject I had to be the best. I mean what good am I to anyone, if I can't even defeat a stupid boggart.
I sighed heavily. Worry and anxiety consuming me.
"How can I calm down, Mrs. Vance? What if they make me read the instructors palm… All I can see is veins and skin tissue… I spoke softly.
She remained silent as she placed her tea cup then she held my gaze, a wave of confidence embracing her brown eyes. "Well, frankly I'm not worried. Your interpretation skills are highly accurate, therefore as long as you do well on your crystal gazing and tea leaf reading, you will pass" she reassured me as she ate her fruit salad.
"B-but, what about Defense against the Dark Arts? I could barely perform a counter jinx or a defensive charm! I can't even perform a Riddikulus or a Patronus Charm decently! Oh god, what if I face my boggart?! I'm not ready!" I exclaimed obviously vexed.
I was scared. Heck I was terrified. My O.W.L.S. examinations were about to begin in an hour, on my worst subjects and that had me anxious. I mean, my whole Salem witch student identity greatly depended on my results and I had made everything in my power to get high marks. Sure I was seriously exhausted, I spent most of my time reading the books that Dumbledore had sent me. And exactly as she had said, Mrs. Vance taught me how to perform the spells. Usually we did this during the night when she was free from meetings. Heck, I'm thankful for the Colombian coffee. Though, now I'm seriously addicted to it. I'm positive I have developed insomnia and I probably lost some weight. I barely have time to eat, so I was always munching on something fast like fruits or vegetables like baby carrots. Yeah, had a lot of those. Sometimes, Mrs. Vance would come and get some meat inside me, chicken or fish. Though, when she noticed my lack of weight, she scolded me for not taking at least an hour for eating properly. But even so, I was too stressed about the tests so I ate half or sometimes less of the portion of the meal in a time span between fifteen to twenty minutes. It sounds horrible and definitely unhealthy, but it had to be done. I couldn't afford to get on anyone's radar, especially Umbridge.
"Really Samantha…" She sighed. "You'll do just fine. Yes, it took you some time, and you may have several flaws but you still handled the basic. Now get some breakfast" she ordered me sternly this time.
I couldn't avoid the subtle tug at my lips. She's such a serious lady yet she's such a softie. Even though she was busy, she always made sure I ate. She even bought me a running machine, which I used to stretch my legs whenever I couldn't feel them and it was convenient because I could still read while jogging. She also insisted me to sleep at least four hours a day, though honestly I could only reached three, which she greatly reprimanded me for, just like grandpa would.
I sighed. Insomnia…just perfect.
After breakfast, I took a shower and grabbed some regular jeans, a short sleeve beige blouse, along a long sleeve black cardigan, some silver ball post earrings and some toe cap ballet beige flats. Ballet flats were hard to find. There weren't that popular here, which made it harder to find, but Mrs. Vance took me to this specialized rare shoes store, where I was able to find at least two pairs and they couldn't compare to what I have back home.
I kept my hair in a ponytail and my bangs tugged backwards in a bobby pin, just so they wouldn't get in the way. As final touches, I applied some honey lip balm and mascara. For my greater joy, we apparated to Muggle London, though I didn't knew exactly where. I was too busy struggling to keep, once again, my breakfast in my stomach. After a series of deep breaths, I blinked as I saw the famous red telephone booth that the Ministry used for visitors.
I couldn't help but smile for a few minutes, fear being replaced by excitement. I was going to the Ministry of Magic, by the telephone booth! How cool was that! I was going to the headquarters where Arthur, Kingsley, Tonks and Alastor worked…. Well Alastor is retired but he does mentor Tonks…Then reality hit me.
Oh god, what if…what if I meet them?
My smile faltered.
I hope not. I mean, I'm not ready…I mean do I really want to meet them?
I lowered my gaze finding the concrete street much more interesting.
Mrs. Vance is already part of the order so…is only a matter of time…but do I really want to meet them? Should I really get involved with them? I'm no one here and this is their story. Is it wise to really step in? Wise enough to let friendship and trust develop until is too late to reject any relation towards them…too late to proof to Him that I'm no one.
Well, I'm not really planning to stay long, hopefully. So… should I just let the story run smoothly? Avoid any relation to most of the canon characters…Let Sirius die?…Even though it's not fair to Harry, it does trigger an emotional switch inside him, it makes him in a way, more reckless and impulsive, its prompts his next reactions and actions…then with Dumbledore's death, Harry gets more determined to stop Voldermort, firm in his search for the horcruxes…so if I save Sirius or even Dumbledore, would I be affecting that switch inside Harry? Do people really need to lose someone in order to get their act together? But then…Teddy would be an orphan….George-
"Samantha, I would appreciate your presence inside the telephone booth" Mrs. Vance calmly interrupted my troubled thoughts. I looked up to see her standing right beside the red booth, holding the opened door for me. "Samantha?" she called to me. Oh right, the tests!
"C-coming. Sorry, just a bit nervous" I managed to create a smile which she seemed to buy.
"Perish those thoughts. You are ready and remember you're a transfer student from Salem Witches Academy, most prestigious school for witches in America. If anyone asks reasons for your presence here-"
"I don't want to talk about it" I answered for her. She smiled genuinely. I smiled back, satisfied to know she trusted me.
Right after walking inside, curiosity took over my inner worries. I couldn't help but stared as she dialed some numbers on the telephone. After dialing 62442, the booth slowly descended below the ground and before I knew it, we had step out into the famous atrium I had seen many times on screen. I swiftly stopped myself from gawking in wonder at the grand lobby and merely concentrated on following Mrs. Vance.
It was a long hall, crowded with many witches and wizards that either came from the hall or through the fireplace, the latter being on both sides of the polished dark wood corridor. Of course, the Fountain of Magical Brethren did not pass unnoticed as we walked around it to get to the access lifts.
As we stepped inside the lift, I blinked as I saw a goblin walked in next to me. Discreetly, I turned my gaze to the front to avoid staring, even though I was squealing on the inside at the cuteness. I did scold myself for my rudeness but I couldn't help myself. Little grumpy people are just adorable, like Grumpy from Snow White.
The next couple of minutes were simple greetings as wizard and witches greeted Mrs. Vance and she greeted back, introducing me in the process as her goddaughter from America. Finally, after a brief yet endless moment of courtesy, we stopped at the Division of Magical Education. Politely nodding my head to the few wizards and witches, I followed Mrs. Vance out of the lift.
As we crossed the corridor towards the Bureau of Wizarding Examinations Authority, I couldn't help but fidget my fingers around my black cross body ebag. Well, not exactly an ebag like the ones back home, but close enough.
"Here we are. Madam Marchbanks will test you personally" Mrs. Vance stopped in front of some double brown doors.
My nervous gaze met her calm eyes at the revelation of my examiner. Did she say Marchbanks? As in Madam Griselda Marchbanks, the lady that personally tested Dumbledore? That person will test me on my worst subjects.
I plastered a wide smile. "What an honor. Such exciting news would had been most welcoming over dinner some time. Like last night, for instance". Seriously!? Some warning would have been appreciated!
"And let the nerves eat you alive. Why, then I wouldn't be a good godmother now, would I? Shall we?" she smiled back. I blinked. No argument there. I had the tendency to turn into a nervous wreck. Heck, I'm one right now. Oh God. Calm down, Sam. Calm down. Relax. You can do this.
I took a deep breath. "We shall" I smiled genuinely this time as I entered the office that would dictate my magical worthiness to the world.
Madam Professor Marchbanks was a kind woman in character yet merciless during the tests. The written test for Defense against the Dark Arts was rather simple but then things got bad…really bad. I messed up my defensive charm. My counter jinx was done poorly and I froze upon facing my boggart. Not to mention I miserably failed my palm reading which consisted most of the Divination test.
Angry, frustrated, scared and ashamed, I simply stared at the ground as we walked back towards the access lifts.
"We cannot always win all our battles, Samantha." Mrs. Vance comforting and unexpectedly soothing voice broke my daze. I met her calm gaze, surprised and somewhat relief for her subtle support. Why wasn't she scolding me? I just did poorly on two O.W.L.S tests! Furious, humiliated and irritated at myself, I went back to stare the dark floor.
"Samantha" she called me, subtly ordering me to face her, which I didn't, still glaring daggers at the murky flooring.
I heard her sighed. She was probably exhausted. Heck I wouldn't blame her, if she was just tired from babysitting me. And whao, what with the attitude Sam? Calm down. That lady is not at fault, you were the one that messed up.
I tried to take a deep breath but all I could feel was a huge lump crawling up my throat and the traitorous sting surround my eyes.
Don't Sam. Don't you dare.
Unyielding myself to the unshed tears; I managed to swallow the evident heavy knob in my throat and forcefully pushed back the tears.
"Y-yeah, I-I'm okay. Just a bit disappointed" I croaked, failing miserably to hide my broken voice as I shifted my gaze to my beige flats. I took a few deep breaths, pushing more unshed tears back hoping to keep myself from breaking down. "I won't fail the others so…" I trailed off, as I struggled to soothe myself.
"Samantha" she commanded me severely this time to look at her. Reluctantly, I did and I stifled a gasp at her strong yet gentle brown eyes. "Madam Marhbanks will be the judge whether you fail or not. Until then, do not fool yourself with your own insecurities" she voiced firmly while I gaped like a fish at her bluntness.
"O-oh…" I stammered weakly, too stunned at her unexpected honesty. Though, I am a bit immune to bluntness, austerity or any kind of criticism, courtesy of Nana as she coached and taught me as I grew up.
"If you have the time to feel sorry for yourself then get up." "You are only allowed to be weak for three seconds." "You are not be satisfied with good or very good, not even excellent. You are to be outstanding, magnificent, glorious."
Demanding wasn't she? But I still love her and I knew she felt the same. For her and grandpa, quitting is definitely not an option. Not now, not yet. This is only the beginning.
I took a deep breath and smacked my cheeks real hard, only to notice Mrs. Vance's amused and startled gaze.
"I'm ok. Let's go. I'm a bit hungry" I struggled to lift my lip muscles, only to miserably fail and give a grimace. She obviously knew I was trying to be strong as she simply nodded and strolled gracefully towards the access lift expecting me to match her pace, which I certainly did. We kept quiet. It was a bit awkward at first, mainly because I never expected her to be able to read me at all. Was she psychic? Hmm, not really. Maybe I'm easy to read. It's not like I'm good liar, anyway. Then again, I've been living with her the past two months so maybe she has noticed one or two things about me-
I blinked.
Two months-Oh my god… T-tomorrow…Tomorrow, is the last task… Harry-He-
I gulped discreetly.
I completely forgot….Well that's just great. Nothing like taking O.W.L.S. the week Voldermort is about to return. No pressure, Sam. Not to mention, you possibly fail your Defense against the Dark Arts test. Fantastic. Could things get any worse?
Of course, life had the tendency to prove me right so it shouldn't had surprise me the lovely visit we were blessed, upon reaching the atrium. We hadn't noticed her. Well, at least I hadn't, I can't say about Mrs. Vance. She was walking a bit ahead me, as we exited the access lifts. It probably didn't take us three steps when we were interrupted by that familiar signature fake cough. It's a good thing she was ahead of me, shadowing me a bit with her taller frame; she was at best an inch taller than me. Thankfully, I had at least five seconds to erase my panic and nervousness from my eyes and place my apathetic mask on, switching into acting mode.
"Good morning" she smiled superficially, scanning us for any startled or fright gesture in our body language.
"Why, Madam Umbridge. What a pleasant surprise" Mrs. Vance greeted the pink lady casually.
"It certainly is, Emmeline. And here I thought I would terribly miss the chance to greet you. How lovely" she beamed shallowly.
"Indeed. Tell me, Madam Umbridge, was there something you needed?" Mrs. Vance inquired politely as she smiled faintly. I fought the urge to giggle at her blunt question. At least we share the same beliefs towards her.
"Oh, no, no, no. Nothing, my dear. As the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magic, it is my duty to greet you, especially our most respected Muggle diplomat" she explained in her usual prejudice manner. W-why that racist lady?! How unprofessional, unethical can she be?!
"Of course, I'm sure Cornelius would be thankful, he can be quite oblivious with his extremely busy schedule" Mrs. Vance chuckled casually. I held myself from gaping at her frankness. She can call the minister by his name? I only know Dumbledore and the mean lady to do that, maybe even Lucius, but Mrs. Vance? Then again, she's an important-no an imperative key diplomat between the Prime Minister of Britain and the Ministry of Magic. No to mention, she's constantly meeting members of the parliament.
"Truly, which is quite fortunate I am to assist him in every potential outcome" she giggled sickly.
"Certainly and I'm positive he's under capable hands. It is rather handful to find such usefulness, these days" Mrs. Vance smiled nonchalantly. I almost smile at Umbridge's subtle scowl. She was losing her façade and fast. She was about to retort when a booming voice interrupted the wording brawl.
"Why, Emmeline! Splendid to see you, old friend!" a grey hair man in a pinstriped suit, green grey tie and long black travelling cloak exclaimed as he approached Mrs. Vance and shook her hands affectingly. I hid my momentarily shock at Fudge's affective display towards my caretaker.
"The pleasure is all mine, Cornelius" she chuckled at the minister's earnest greeting.
"Come now, I'll arrange us for some tea-" his excited rambling was politely interrupted.
"Perhaps another time, Cornelius. My goddaughter needs her respite, she has a busy upcoming week and I need her to be fully rested" Mrs. Vance refused calmly.
"Ah yes, yes, the Salem transfer student!" He turned attention to me. "Welcome to England, my dear girl!" he smiled genuinely as he shook both of my hands politely. To think this man will deem Harry as a liar and Dumbledore as senile fool who wants to take over his chair. Is kind of sad.
"Thank you, Minister" I smiled politely.
"I say, you look just like David. I express my deepest condolences for your godfather's death. I'm aware that he was an important family member to you" he smiled sadly as he released my hands. I was dazed at his sincerity, though I quickly snapped out of it.
"Thank you. He died bravely and I'm proud of him" I plastered a sad yet proud smile on my face. Really, Sam? Can you be more of a hypocrite?
"Indeed he did..." he genuinely said concern and sad, almost nostalgic, though his demeanor quickly changed as he remembered Mrs. Vance polite decline to his invitation. "Emmeline, I shall not delay you any longer. Pleasure to meet you, Samantha. I do anticipate perhaps some tea or lunch some day in the future" He smiled at us.
"Of course" Mrs. Vance replied. After properly greeting us, he turned around and nodded to Umbridge. "Dolores, let us be on our way" she nodded with a smile at Fudge but after he had walked away, she giggled sickly at me. It wasn't after she had stepped inside the access lifts along with the minister that I unconsciously gulped.
"I-I don't like that lady" I stammered weakly, as I stared at my coffee mug and some Herbology notes, which I was reviewing at the kitchen's white island counter. Mrs. Vance was making dinner, lasagna to be precise. She was actually a fan of pasta and apparently so was my godfather.
"Samantha it's an understatement that few actually enjoy her charming presence" she stated in her a matter of fact tone, her back facing me as she cut some tomatoes.
It was quiet for a few minutes as I debated whether to apologize for sort of sullying her husband's memory. My "godfather", David Vance was an American wizard, probably a muggleborn or half by the normal picture frames that rest on his studio. I know nothing of him, except that he was killed during the first wizarding war.
"Um, Mrs. Vance. I'm sorr-" I was interrupted by her whispered voice.
"There's no need to apologize, Samantha. You did what you had to do" she turned around showing her rare gentle and subtle smile. "He-David wouldn't have blamed you" she said softly, almost nostalgic.
That just made me feel even worse. I gazed down at my lap finding my cotton grey shorts much more interesting. "H-how, how…" I trailed off inquisitive yet ashamed to be asking her this question. It was painfully obvious she did not want to talk about her deceased husband but I was too curious and frankly I needed to know who he was for further references.
The kitchen was silent except for the panting of my dogs as they were probably playing outside and the soft bubbling of the boiling pasta. I was about to apologize for asking her when she broke the silence.
"Death eaters, they had him surrounded…" she explained softly.
I remained quiet hoping to get more details about him.
"Even for an Auror, there were too many of them. He was helping two of his friends. In the end, he couldn't save them or himself, the fool…" she whispered the last word as she continued professionally slicing through the tomatoes, peppers, onions and garlic.
"Did…" I trailed off unsure of what to ask about my suppose godfather and debating whether I should keep making her conversation at all. But curiosity won me over so I unconsciously blurted out the first thing that darted into my mind "Did he like lasagna?" I voiced out.
I shut my eyes at my pathetic outburst. Whao, Sam. Really? Did Mr. Vance like lasagna? One side of me applauded myself for originality, while the other simply wished to go and crawl in a hole. As for Mrs. Vance, she kept cutting through the different ingredients almost as if my question had barely registered on her mind until she replied "Of course, though he often preferred that godforsaken cheddar sauce. Really I hardly find such a heavy substance appetizing at all" she huffed.
I blinked at her response and felt a light tug at my lips.
Mac and cheese, huh. Typical.