Chapter Twenty-two: Back From the Dead
Alright, if I don't have to disclaim this anymore would someone kindly let me know? I think at this point in the story (in the series really) it would have become obvious that none of this is actually mine. Thanks!
I shuddered as the cold breath drew closer, though I still had my mouth clamped shut and my eyes shut tight. It was taking a painstakingly long time for the dementor to draw closer, though I could feel it coming towards me.
Suddenly I heard a shout, though this one was not inside my head, of that much I was sure. The next thing I knew I was being greeted by a wave of warm summer air, the sounds of shrieking dementors filling the air, making my skin crawl. I opened my eyes and let out the breath I had been holding and looked to see two gigantic silver stags racing around Harry, Sirius and me. I thought I was seeing double at first but then I noticed one of the stags did not have any antlers meaning it must have been a doe.
The patronuses chased away the last of the dementors and gave the three of us a final look before galloping back across the lake. Two dark figures stood waiting, one a bit taller than the other. I tried to grin but all that came out was a grimace and I realized that I was crying.
I turned back to Sirius and Harry slowly to see Harry staring back across the lake and that Sirius was passed out. He had tired himself out battling Moony first, and for longer, and then the dementors. Harry noticed me watching him and he turned to face me. He looked as though he were about to pass out too.
"Was—was that—?" I didn't hear him finish his sentence as I collapsed on the ground next to him.
Keena's perspective:
I felt a sudden wave of cold wash over me and that was what woke me up. I opened my eyes, groggily, and looked around. Hermione and Ron were kneeling in front of me, trying to wake me up, though now they were both grinning as I had finally opened my eyes.
"Thank Merlin, you're alright," Ron said in relief. Hermione didn't look like she could form words. "Could you turn back into a human now?" I blinked in surprise and realized that I was still a white wolf.
I complied with the request and changed back into a human and looked around us. There was no one else there.
"Where is Harry?" I asked, suddenly concerned. Moony had side-swiped my head one too many times, I should have guessed he'd do it again after the second time. I was such an idiot and now Harry could be in danger or even worse because of my stupid over-sight.
"We don't know," Hermione said, speaking through tears. "He ran after Kailey and Sirius when they were still fighting Professor Lupin and he hasn't come back, and—"
"I've got to go and find them," I said, moving to stand up.
"No! You've only just woken up, you're in no condition to fight," Ron argued.
"How long was I out for?" I asked, even more worried now.
"A good twenty minutes," he replied.
"Then there is absolutely no time to waste," I said, taking out my wand. Why I hadn't thought to make a patronus message before was beyond me. I sent one off to the castle and one went off towards the lake to wherever James and Lily were. I would have to trust that they could handle the dementors themselves. "C'mon," I said standing and Hermione and I began pulling Ron towards the castle. We weren't far from the bottom of the stairs when a silver doe came racing towards us from the lake.
"Hold on, you guys," I said, stopping and turning towards it, my heart suddenly pounding painfully in my chest as my worry increased.
"What is that?" Hermione breathed. Before I could answer, James' patronus began talking.
"We've already taken care of the dementors, but you, I mean, Kailey, Sirius and…uh, well, Harry all passed out. I'm bringing Sirius and Harry up to the castle myself, Lily and…well, Harry are bringing you…um…bringing Kailey up separately so that there is no confusion." The doe paused and looked doubtful and the three of us exchanged looks. "Well…yeah. Doesn't matter, point is we've got everything sorted. Go ahead into the castle and it'd be nice if you could make sure the minister isn't there. See you in a few," the doe finished relaying the message and dissipated into the warm summer air.
"What was he talking about?" Ron asked.
"What was that thing?" Hermione asked sounding a little frustrated that she still didn't know what it was.
"That was a patronus, they are made of happy thoughts and force dementors away, and they're also reliable messengers," I said. "And he was telling us that Sirius, Harry and Kailey are all safe so we can just worry about getting you to the hospital wing," I said in response to Ron's question.
We were halfway up the stairs when the doors to the castle swung open and the first thing we saw was a stretcher racing out to us, Dumbledore standing behind it. He stopped once he saw us and sent it down towards us. I resisted the urge to gulp as I helped the elder wizard get Ron onto the stretcher.
"We have much to discuss," he informed me quietly and I nodded, my feeling of dread instantly doubling.
"Um…I'll go help the others out…" I said, backing away slowly. "Cause, you know if the minister is here—"
"I'd rather you come this way," he told me politely. "Minister Fudge has been told not to come and the Aurors have been told likewise for the moment," he added.
"But you're the one I'm more nervous about, you're going to yell at me," I mumbled nervously.
"Nonsense, when do I ever yell?" he asked, flicking his wand and causing the stretcher to move. Hermione and Ron (on the stretcher) were walking a little ahead of us.
"Touché, but that is beside the point," I muttered.
"Then what is the point?"
"That I'm innocent and so is Sirius, only I don't have the proof anymore,"
"Anymore?"
I nodded. "Bloody thing ran away,"
"Your proof is alive?"
"You think I was joking when I said Sirius wasn't a murderer? Well, no I wasn't," I said with more attitude than I should have.
"Keena—"
"Professor?" Hermione said suddenly, turning to face us. She had that look on her face. The look that said she had just thought of something. Something that was going to save my butt.
"Yes, Ms. Granger?"
"You're going to believe her," she stated proudly.
"Hermione, hypnosis isn't a branch of magic," Ron said from his position on the stretcher, rolling his eyes.
"No, Ron, I mean he is going to. Think about it, Kailey and Keena may not be the same soul, spirit or person, but they do share one thing. A body," I gaped at her before tackling her in a hug.
"You are my hero!" I cried laughing at how stupid I was for not having figured that out myself. "And I told you so!" I said, grinning at Dumbledore who looked bemused.
"I don't believe you quite yet," he reminded me. "But I can see you've been waiting to say that for a long time so I shall let you have your moment,"
I practically skipped the rest of the way to the Hospital wing and wasn't even daunted when Snape stood up and started yelling at me for being "So damn cheerful" that I had "battled a bloody werewolf" and "nearly died."
"Are you finished?" I asked with a grin still present on my face. Hermione and Ron were watching the exchange wide-eyed and Pomfrey looked as though she were counting the beds to see where she would put the two of us once we were done with each other. He nodded. "Good, because I've just got to remind you that whilst I am Keena, I am not your daughter so I am going to unabashedly ignore every word you've just said." I grinned and he scowled.
"Then you may wish to remain as Keena for the rest of your life because as soon as you are Kailey again you will be grounded. Severely."
I stopped grinning and stuck out my tongue.
"Juvenile delinquent," he spat.
"Fun squashier," I accused.
"Moronic fool," he scowled.
"Mean-y face," I taunted.
"Stupid Gryffindor," he insulted.
"Lame Slytherin," I countered.
"Damn idiot," he growled.
"Slimy git," I turned around to see James walking into the ward with a stretcher on either side. I turned back to look at Snape to see his jaw all but touching the floor. "Close your mouth and stop insulting my sister, she's far better at it than you," he advised before turning to an equally shocked Pomfrey. "Sirius' old bed still here?" he asked with the cheeky grin he was best known for.
"H-how?" was all she was able to reply. Snape was still standing with his mouth open in shock. Hermione and Ron both had looks of shock mixed with confusion and it was probably a good thing they were sitting already.
"Magic," he shrugged airily. "But seriously, Sirius needs a bed and so does my son,"
At the reminder of her patients, Pomfrey began to bustle around; though it was clear she was still confused as she clattered around louder than she normally did. Snape was still staring when the door to the wing opened again and Lily and Harry walked in, Kailey lying on this stretcher. Now Snape's jaw seemed to drop even farther as he looked between me and Kailey.
"But—?" he said, looking from me to her.
"Severus, perhaps it is best you sit down," Dumbledore suggested calmly. "And perhaps you could explain how you are in two places at once?" he directed at me. I just shrugged and pointed at the second Harry.
"He must know," I said.
"We borrowed Hermione's time turner," Harry said. Just as he said it the other Harry began to wake up.
"Oh, that's not good," I said and Lily, James and the second Harry all rushed over to one of the beds where the screens were hanging, ready to be drawn. They drew the screens, Harry looking confused, Lily and James looking a little worried.
The original Harry blinked and sat up, looking around the room. He spotted me and made to stand up but Pomfrey attacked him with chocolate and his mouth was soon too full for him to speak. Dumbledore stood up instead.
"I believe I understand it, now," he said nodding to himself. "Keena, if you could please change into Kailey?" I did as I was told and looked at the headmaster expectantly. "Ms. Granger?" he asked. Hermione immediately handed him the time-turner. "Now, Poppy, Mr. Potter will need to come with us," Had this been an ordinary night, she would have argued but as it was, it was a very strange night and she allowed Harry to get up without question.
Dumbledore led the two of us out of the wing and closed the doors behind us, Harry shooting me confused glances. "Ms. Snape, I believe you know where you are to go?" I nodded, suddenly understanding what was going on. "Mr. Potter once you are where I send you, you will follow Ms. Snape onto the grounds before separating yourself a distance and you shall meet up with two very important people. They will come to you, do not be afraid of them," he warned. Harry nodded and if he were confused he was hiding it very well. "And Kailey," he said.
"Yes, sir?"
"It is of the utmost importance that you do not change anything that has just occurred."
"But, professor that means—"
"Nothing must be changed," he said sternly.
Dumbledore swung the necklace over both our necks and gave it a few turns and we were going back, not giving me the chance to reply. Once everything stopped spinning, we took off running. I had been doing a lot of running that night…
Kailey's point of view post-dementor attack.
I felt stifled. It was unbearably warm and I didn't know why. I opened my eyes only to shut them again, tightly. It was too bright to still be night out that much I knew.
Merlin…how long was I out for…?
I opened my eyes again, more cautiously this time, and surveyed the room around me. It was bright outside, but not nearly as much as I had thought. I was in the bed Keena used to end up in. It got full blast of the sun in the mornings and with her being blind for just over half of her years at Hogwarts it hadn't mattered. Now, however, it mattered to me very much. Not only that, but it was morning meaning I had missed what had happened the previous night after I had passed out.
I struggled for a moment, pulling my arms out of the blankets I had been tucked into and sat up a little straighter, squinting through the sun to see Harry across from me in the bed that James used to occupy. James was sitting (asleep) in the chair next to Harry and Lily was half lying with her head on James' shoulder. Ron was on the next bed over and Sirius was on Harry's other side in his own bed. I looked next to me and saw that Snape too had taken up the post of the watching parent and he was sleeping soundly in his chair. Looking on over to the right of me I spotted Hermione sleeping on the bed that would have been Remus'. I also noted that the bed Wormtail would have had was completely empty, not even a set of sheets covering it.
I stretched and yawned and decided that I was going to shut the blinds to the window that was letting all of the light in. We'd all had a very chaotic night and I didn't want anyone else to wake up because of the sun. After doing that, I went back over to my bed and lay back down. I tossed and turned for a few minutes before I gave up. I got up again and found my robes on the table at the end of the bed and shuffled into the bathroom to change. I came out and sat down for a moment, thinking of what to do with myself. I felt entitled to disrupt the headmaster seeing as it was his fault I had been absent for so long. Besides, I was bored.
I decided to just conjure a patronus to relay the message to whoever woke up first and made my way up to the headmaster's office. I came up to the gargoyle and it blinked at me.
"Please?" I asked not in the mood to come up with random candies. To my surprise it nodded once and leapt aside. I had a feeling this was a onetime shot, but I took it anyway.
I got to the top of the staircase and knocked on the door, a bit louder than necessary but only because I wasn't focusing on what I was doing. After I heard the soft "come in" I entered and shut the door behind me, vaguely wondering if Dumbledore ever slept. He didn't even look up to see who was coming in. I hadn't realized I was so predictable.
"Madame Pomfrey shall be beside herself to see that you are not in bed," he said once I had sat down.
"She should be used to that by now, I'm more worried about my last moments of freedom before the ultimate grounding takes place," I replied with a wave of my hand. "So, I was wondering if Professor Lupin has returned,"
"No, he has not, he did have a very rough night," Dumbledore replied gravely. "I don't know if he will be willing to return after that display. He nearly killed you. Twice,"
"He probably doesn't even remember," I muttered.
"Which will only reinforce his point," Dumbledore sighed, shaking his head. "Hopefully he will not resign; I am running out of teachers,"
"That isn't all you've run out of," I said. "Wormtail is now on his way to Voldemort. He's going to return. You've got twelve months to prepare,"
Dumbledore closed his eyes, looking tired and worn. "It must be so,"
"But why, sir? Destroy the horcruxes, and then he doesn't need to come back,"
"Are you willing to rid the world of all of the horcruxes? Every last one?" his question seemed fierce, though he said it in his calm, quiet voice. I was taken aback.
"Why wouldn't I be? Sir, is there something about one of the horcruxes that you've already realized?" I asked, frowning, suddenly worried.
"If you do not already know, then it may be safe to assume that I am incorrect," he said carefully. "In which case I shall not burden you with the idea," he added before I could further question him. "There is another matter which is in immediate need of discussion."
"What would that be, sir?" I asked curiously, not entirely convinced on leaving the horcrux matter alone for very long.
"Your living situation," he said.
"What of it? My dad has custody, doesn't he?" I asked feeling very confused.
"He did, but upon hearing that the Voldemort would be returning shortly he knew that he could not have you living with him, he did not plan on keeping you at Hogwarts again this summer," he informed me in an almost businessmen like manner.
"I don't understand…are you saying he doesn't want me so that he can protect me from the inevitable?" I frowned.
"Yes, that is essentially what is going to happen,"
"And does he have any clue where I'm going to go in the meantime? I'm not going back to America, am I?" My mind whirled at the nearness of returning to my home country. But that was the thing; I'd been away from it for so long I wasn't sure how I felt about going back.
"Your father said that he would look into a couple of families that he trusted you with to see if they would take you. Until he has decided then you may have to stay at the castle in any case,"
"I haven't been away from this place for more than a couple of hours in over a year and I'm still stuck here? Why can't I just go on my own for a bit?" I asked.
"You are fourteen, Kailey, you can't live on your own," he answered calmly.
"So after all I've been through because you don't trust me you think I can't live on my own for a bit? What does it take to stay on your good side, sir?" I asked grumpily.
"You don't need a password to get past the gargoyle any longer," he said in reply. "I'd say that that puts you on my good side,"
"Don't you get to order who does and doesn't get in here?" I asked, frowning.
He shook his head. "The castle chooses and likewise the gargoyle chooses who may or may not come in if they do not have the password,"
"Then how'd you know I didn't give one to the gargoyle?"
"You always comment about the candy of the week,"
Damn, I was predictable.
"So you know what I want to ask next?" I asked with a cheeky grin.
"I doubt you should go and look for Remus seeing as you've left your father and his ex-enemies alone in a room together," he answered, shaking his head.
"Um…no, but thanks, I was going to ask if Sirius is going to receive a public apology,"
"Oh, well, yes as soon as I finish this letter to the Minister, he will be," Dumbledore answered sounding mildly surprised.
"How do you know that the Minister will believe that he is innocent? Has he already been here?" I asked, confused.
"No, but as head of the Wizengamot I am the only one who would have been present at the giving of the Veritaserum in any case so he would have no choice but to believe me in either case," he answered, signing the letter he had been writing with a flourish.
"Will he trust the Veritaserum that you were given, though?" I continued to pester. I didn't want to think of any loopholes later that could get Sirius back into trouble.
"Are you questioning the validity of your own father's potions skills?"
"No, I'm not, but would the ministry, what with my dad's history and all?"
"No, that would not be an issue; he has been cleared of all charges as I have told Keena and her friends countless times. The Ministry chose to believe me the first time that I told them so is all," that annoying twinkle that had been absent in my presence for so long had finally returned it seemed as the ancient headmaster looked up at me as he sealed the envelope. "Would you like to take this to the owlery yourself to see that it is sent properly?"
"Personally I was thinking along the lines of a hand delivery," I answered with a wicked grin. "Keena's getting apologized to as well, right?"
"There wasn't anything for her to be accused of if Sirius has been innocent so she is as well, yes," Dumbledore nodded. "A hand delivery?"
"Yeah, I'm sure Sirius would love to see the look on the Minister's face,"
Dumbledore nodded in agreement before standing up. "Now, I believe that I should bring you back to the Hospital wing,"
"But sir," I whined. "I don't wanna,"
"You may have the courage to face the wrath of your father and Madame Pomfrey at the same time, but would you be willing to go against Lily as well?"
I blinked before folding my arms stubbornly. "She's not my mother; she's got Harry now so she can deal all of those hormonish-motherly feelings onto him now. I will never study history that much again," I shuddered at the memory.
"So you are willing to face her wrath?"
"I did not say that, only that she is less likely to dole anything out on me now that Harry is finally with her," I grinned, standing up to follow the headmaster back to the Hospital wing.
"Do not count your dragons before they hatch," he warned as we passed the gargoyle.
"But—"
"Kailey Aradia Macauley Snape, you had better have a better explanation than your patronus did for leaving the Hospital wing at Merlin knows what hour in the morning!" Lily was storming towards us in all of her stereotypical red-headed anger. Not to mention it was only a bit after seven now. The use of my full name (both last names and all) was also enough to frighten me. Even my dad hadn't thought of that one yet.
"Um…what did my patronus say again?" I asked, feeling fairly certain that that explanation had been good enough. Well, I assumed it would have been for my dad at any rate, but apparently Lily wanted better than that.
"Don't you dare pull that with me, I know you far too well," she said, pointing a finger at me. "And you, yes you professor," she said whirling to face the shocked looking Dumbledore, poking him fiercly in the chest. With her wand. "I can't believe that after all she went through last night, twice I might add, you thought it was all right to entertain her at such an ungodly hour of the morning! I am shocked, professor,"
Dumbledore all but cowered under her stare, eyeing her wand with caution, and the three of us headed back to the Hospital wing, Lily muttering under her breath the entire time. We entered the room to see that everyone was now awake. Snape stood at the foot of my bed with his arms folded and an eyebrow arched. James sat in between Harry and Sirius' bed and he and Sirius were sniggering at my predicament while Harry, Ron and Hermione all looked confused. She pointed to my bed and gave me a look that said "move before I make you."
I scurried into the bed and pulled the covers up to my chin.
"What did she say to you?" Harry asked sounding shocked. "You never come back in here once you've gotten out,"
"It isn't what she said, rather what I was afraid she might do," I informed him, sitting up a little so I could gauge his reaction.
He looked between me and Lily for a moment before shrugging. "Then I suppose it's a good thing that I don't have an aversion to being in the Hospital wing,"
That's the end of this one! I hope you all enjoyed it and I hope that you aren't mad at me for taking so long (I did have a very good trip, though)! Next is 23!
:-D