AND THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE
By
SilverSkies
CHAPTER TWELVE: Hallowe'en
"Now that you've learnt the wand movements and incantation, I'd like you to partner off and practice on these feathers. Remember just a gentle swish and flick." Professor Flitwick was giving instructions to the class.
Anthony Goldstein collected a feather for each of them, offering a grin as he slid into place beside Harry.
"Far better than Potions, eh Harry?"
Hermione and Neville who were the partners sitting next to them, seemed put out and sympathetic respectively.
"Far better… somehow I get the feeling Professor Snape isn't all that fond of me."
Anthony stifled a laugh at his response and Hermione seemed mollified by his answer, undoubtedly she still wasn't happy with any derision about those in authority… whereas Harry wasn't impressed with authority until they proved that they were worth it.
"It could be worse," Neville commiserated. "You could have ended up in Gryffindor. He'd like you even less then."
"So… are Longbottom and Potter allied?" Anthony said, attempting to be casual, but the way he sat confirmed his interest.
Neville's startled look and subsequent almost falling from his chair, gave the answer away, but Harry's sharp glance to Anthony shut the boy up before he could add anything else.
"This isn't the place for such conversations – I do believe we are meant to be practicing the levitation charm – Wingardium Leviosa!" The feather floated easily upwards and Flitwick quickly drew attention to it and him, but at least it drew attention away from what he didn't want widely known.
At the end of the class – Anthony suggested that they find a classroom to 'get to know each other better, foster inter-house relations, all that…' Harry felt rather chagrined that he'd under-estimated Anthony, who was now showing that he had an easy turn with manipulating other first years.
Isabella Black was currently stood, arms akimbo as she gazed upon one of the most infamous or famous forests in Europe, possibly the world, but the rest of the world only included the Americas and they didn't really compare… Africa had Egypt of course and all the wizardry that came with, but the north of that continent had long had relations with Europe. Really when it came down to it, Europe had more of wizarding culture – some theorists were saying the supposed 'centre' of the wizarding world would soon move to the Americas, just as power had had a general shift westwards in the Muggle world, though most scoffed at the idea.
The forest many thought about in fairy tale. The Black Forest, Schwarzwald. In actuality, it was a rather pretty forest, with dappled patches of sunlight peaking through green leaves and needles. In fact, it was appallingly picturesque, considering that all the fairy tales that had come before did have some grain of truth within them. The werewolf of the Muggle tale 'Little Red Riding Hood', the transfigurations cast on twelve brothers to turn them into wild swans, even House Elves who had made shoes – helping out an old cobbler. The magical section of the forest, Unplottable, and warded from Muggle eyes, was far more dangerous – if only for the magical trees and shrubs contained within.
Still, it was somewhat of a tourist trap – for wizards as well as Muggles, which is why she was doubtful for any clue towards the Dark Lord's location. The report of so-called 'Dark' activity was probably something minor, plenty loved to tell of how they'd faced terrifying beasts in the Black Forest, but once you looked into the details you found the speakers had first availed themselves to liquid courage in some form or another before venturing out at night and being spooked by the wind in the trees, or any number of nocturnal creatures.
"Ist dies Ihr erster Besuch, gnädige Frau?" A tall brown haired man, in dark trousers, blue polo shirt and a waistcoat of all things, was addressing her. From his looks she'd say he was a wizard, especially after taking into account the fact she hadn't heard him approach. A portkey, perhaps?
However, her language lessons hadn't included German, and her translation charms had never been very good.
"Er… Ich spreche nicht Deutsch," She stumbled over the words, learnt courtesy of a phrase book of all things. "aber ich kann Englisch und Französisch sprechen."
The man laughed, "Your German is not so bad."
"Thank you, but I can barely string together two phrases. Your English is very good though."
"Is this your first trip here?"
"Yes… and you? Do you live around here?"
"Actually no, I'm here as part of my work."
"Oh, what work do you do? I usually teach A-level French at a sixth form college back home." It was a shame, Bella thought, either the Muggle references were going over his head, or his grasp of English wasn't quite enough – so far he could be either wizard or Muggle, though she leaned towards the former.
"Ah, I work in… it's something like your police." He offered with a smile.
An Auror then, or… her fancies took her for a moment, an agent for one of those secret Muggle agencies – the MIA, the MIB? Or was it CI5? Anyway, how did she manage to meet an Auror first thing?
"I'm Klaus Krüger." He gave a belated introduction, offering his hand.
"And I'm Isabella Black." She said whilst shaking his hand firmly.
"Black, like the forest." He said with a smile. "Well, Miss Black, I must be off to my duties now."
"It was nice meeting you, Herr Krüger."
With the possible Auror striding off, Bella once more surveyed the forest. Map in hand, with Alphard's scrawl annotating several sections, she set off.
"What did you mean by Longbottom and Potter being allied?" Hermione's first question was directed at Anthony, who now seemed somewhat unnerved by her intense focus upon him.
"He meant that House Longbottom and House Potter are allies – since Harry and I are the Heads of our respective Houses… our families… meaning we agreed to be friends and shook on it… which means that the rest of our families are obligated to offer help to each other if needed or asked. Not that that means much since Harry is the last Potter."
Their reactions were varied – Hermione seemed pensive, whilst Anthony was rather shocked at Neville offering up the information, it not being expected from the quiet boy. Harry, for his part, was relieved that he wouldn't have to offer an explanation and possibly evoke questions as to how he knew about pureblood traditions.
"I see." Came Hermione's eloquent answer.
Harry wasn't able to stifle the snicker, which led to looks from the others.
"Sorry, it's just that has to be the least I've ever heard you say."
Hermione flushed and looked about to argue with him, but Neville interrupted, "I understand you like her, but that's no reason to tease her so."
Harry stared at Neville, agreeing wholeheartedly with Hermione's cry of "What!"
Neville only grinned in response.
It was Anthony who then took up the challenge, "You lot have to be the most socially inept eleven year olds I have ever had the pleasure of meeting… what do your friends back home think of you!"
The blush on Hermione's cheeks, Neville's hanging head and Harry's sarcastic eyebrow raise – told him what they weren't saying in words.
"Merlin." He sounded somewhere between shock and horror, "You lot don't have any friends from before Hogwarts?"
Hermione opened her mouth to make her defence, but Harry grabbed her hand to stop her and spoke instead, "Well in Hermione's case I would reason that there was no one who refused to be intimidated by her intellect and ability to memorise written text, in Neville's case – none who understood the virtue in being able to be calm and enjoying useful pursuits such as Herbology, and in mine…"
Hermione and Neville seemed flattered by his claims, though rather doubtful of the veracity of all he said.
"And in yours…" Anthony prompted.
"My cousin insured that none of the other primary school children would befriend me. We don't really get along."
"Surely you had some friends," insisted Hermione, "Your cousin couldn't possibly of made everyone turn against you."
Harry was internally fuming at Hermione, he wanted the matter to drop… he had a friend after all… "Well one, if you count my babysitter." Harry had a sour look on his face, as if he hadn't wished to say it – which to the others was understandable, what eleven-year-old wants to make note of the fact they have a babysitter?
Oops, was the first thing that rang through her mind. Bella honestly hadn't meant to attack the first person she came across. On the other hand, she felt rather pleased at her reflexes – a smooth quick draw of her wand, and an almost instinctive silent casting of the Stunning spell. The trio of spells that sped towards her, as soon as her victim thudded to the ground, weren't so pleasing. She swiftly sidestepped the first two, and batted away the third, sending a spell of her own, trying to keep from taunting her unknown assailants. She ducked another spell before crouching over the downed man, swiftly giving him a once over. He didn't look particularly threatening, but she knew better to judge on appearances.
With her wand to his throat, she called out to the others,"Who are you? I have your friend, so I suggest you show yourselves!" before belatedly adding softly, "or find someone who can translate English."
The voice that responded seemed unsure, "Miss Black?"
She sighed to herself, if possible Auror Herr Krüger was an actual Auror then that meant she'd probably attacked Aurors, who would be within their rights to arrest her.
"Herr Krüger, I had wondered if you were a wizard or not." She said as the aforementioned man strode into view with two younger wizards, one shorter and blond, the other dark-haired and rangy. She classified the dark-haired one to be the greater threat of the two.
"Indeed. I had believed you to be Muggle after hearing your occupation. There have been some strange reports in the area, so I would say it is not safe, but your reflexes are very good."
She smiled brightly at the compliment – it wouldn't hurt to try Cissa's methods of getting along, but she wasn't stupid, she stayed crouched by the unconscious man with her wand in hand. "Thank you Herr Krüger. I presume you and your companions are Aurors then?"
"Ja. The man you currently ah… threaten is an Auror as well." He looked at her expectantly.
Her smile this time showed teeth, "I'd like to see some proof that you are Aurors."
The younger men seemed irritated at this, shuffling about and casting dark looks in her direction. Krüger merely nodded in approval and produced a badge. "Hier is my badge."
It looked like the real thing, and if they were the source of the troubles in the area then they'd have continued casting despite a hostage. Well… it was what she would do… unless it were Harry… or Narcissa or Alphard…maybe Andy? Not for Andy's brat though or Cissa's.
She rose gracefully to her feet, a muttered Ennervate had the fourth man blearily opening his eyes and cradling his head.
"I apologise for the misunderstanding Aurors. If that is all?"
"There is no harm done. Please be careful in the area, though there is a…" he paused for a moment as if debating word choice, "…a considered expert in Dark matters. He is a countryman of yours."
Bella kept the frown off her face, "I'm afraid I'm not greatly familiar with the Aurors back home."
"He is no Auror!" the darker haired Auror spat. "He pokes his nose where he shouldn't."
Bella was visibly taken aback at the outburst. Who was this person that he should garner such a response?
"Harry! Aren't you going to the Feast?" Goldstein was asking the question, and Harry saw Neville and Hermione approaching them, where they stood just outside the entrance to the Great Hall, both the Gryffindors had smiles upon their faces.
"No. I'm not particularly fond of celebrating this… holiday." It was true, the past few years, they'd held a small remembrance for his parents, but since he'd learnt it was the anniversary of their death; he certainly hadn't believed in celebrating it. Bella wracking her brains to think of stories to tell him about his parents… which mainly involved her younger cousin, Sirius, who had been one of his father's best friends and possibly their eventual betrayer – something Bella wasn't sure about, though he had blown up a street full of Muggles. Given how Harry had first-hand knowledge that people can and did change, it made accepting that this Sirius had at one time been a friend of his father's a lot easier.
Anthony looked at him doubtfully before shrugging and making his way towards the Ravenclaw table.
The other two had caught the last of what he'd said and Neville looked at him, concerned. "Is… do you do anything special then?" He asked hesitantly.
Hermione looked confused momentarily, before her eyes brightened as she realised the significance of the date.
"I think about them, what they'd think – I'd like to know more about them though, my aunt doesn't like to hear about my parents though."
"You could try asking the teachers," Hermione suggested, "They probably taught your parents."
Neville made a noise of agreement, before adding, "It might be a bit awkward asking, but they'd no doubt be pleased to be asked."
"I'll do it." Harry agreed, wondering why he hadn't thought of it himself. "Do you want to grab some food from the feast and we can go back to that classroom of ours… I found a colouring charm for walls, so we could start decorating it."
"That sounds like a great idea, but don't you think we should ask for permission…" Hermione trailed off, at Harry's raised brow, and gamely continued, "…though it probably wouldn't take much to put the room back to the way it was… so I don't suppose it matters."
It didn't take long to grab a few pastries and cakes and tie them in an enlarged handkerchief. Hermione deftly shrunk a pitcher of pumpkin juice along with a few glasses, and Harry was quick to follow her example and after grabbing a platter of roast potatoes, added pieces of chicken, lamb and a few selections of vegetables before shrinking the lot. Their actions went unnoticed thanks to the hustle and noise of the Hallowe'en Feast, which was far greater than the usual dinner rush.
Settling into the disused classroom they'd claimed for themselves took longer. Neville had the bright idea of enlarging the handkerchief further to act as a tablecloth across the teacher's desk. After that it was simply a matter of unshrinking the various foodstuffs they'd brought and then tucking into the spread of food laid out before them.
The consensus seemed to be vampires. Rogue vampires, tired of the restrictions placed upon them by the Ministries and having turned to more pleasurable pursuits. Their idea of sport was chasing down Muggles, Squibs or the odd wizard or witch – through the forest to make it more interesting. Bella could see the appeal; it was more fun to toy with your prey especially when you knew it couldn't escape you. She hadn't met the English 'expert' yet, but given how little the others cared for him, it was probably better not to bring him up.
Night had fallen, and the two young Aurors, Hirsch and Richter, were further warding their camp. She felt something was missing, vampires weren't an easy foe, but even a score could fall to a team of determined wizards – so why hadn't they? It left two probable possibilities – one, the vampires had wizards working with them, or two, the German Aurors weren't very good, or at least not good enough. It didn't bode well that they sent two rookie Aurors, either they were talented and this was supposed to be an easy job, or they had no one else to send. Following the advice of 'always be prepared', once in her tent she donned the second-hand dragon-hide Alphard had managed to scrounge up for her. Chinese Fireball for a garish vest that hung loose and was cut for a man, one wrist-guard of Antipodean Opaleye and Hungarian Horntail for sensible black boots that she'd had tailored. She already had an array of personal wards set on her tent, and so feeling as secure as she could make herself - she drifted into sleep.
BZZT!
Bella was awake in an instant, an electric shock triggered by her wards being breached. She scrambled for her wand, and a Disillusionment charm later; she was exiting the tent and wishing she had better night vision, or at least the knowledge of a night-vision charm.
A voice came from behind her, unintelligible German, spoken too fast for her to catch. She spun clockwise targeting her wand towards the voice, only to feel the impact of a blade along her forearm, thanking the Opaleye, which left her uninjured.
"Flagello flammatus!" A long whip of fire unfurled from her wand, lighting up the night, revealing the trio surrounding her. A wizard and two vampires, and whilst she had hit the wizard, who now seemed to be giggling rather insanely, the two vampires remained unharmed.
Vampire 1, as she dubbed him mentally, spat at her in German, but she was already casting her spell-whip in his direction, his speed however allowed him time to get out of reach. A sudden sting on her cheek, and the accompanying feeling of wet let her know she'd been cut, on her face – her face. Even Cissa who hated duelling would be willing to let loose at such a point, and Bella wasn't about to disappoint.
She bared her teeth in a wild grin, and for the first time, in a long time, she was really able to unleash her vicious side.
CRASH!
The sound brought all three children's heads up.
"What was that!" Hermione's exclamation was shrill and the continuing thuds, increasing in loudness only added to their unease.
"Do you think we should take a look?" Neville asked, who had turned a rather pasty shade.
Harry was about to tell them no, that it would be better to wait safe and inside, since it sounded like footsteps, that is, if the footsteps belonged to a creature that was very, very heavy; he didn't get the chance, since Hermione had already opened the door and now stood stock-still at whatever sight had greeted her eyes.
She slammed the door shut after what had seemed like ages, his heart thudding in his chest.
"Troll." She said weakly as she moved to join the two boys at the desk where they'd been having their own private feast. "Mountain troll." She reiterated.
CRACK!
The door burst open under the attack, the doorframe splintering and throwing a few shards of wood towards them. It wasn't easy to see much beyond the troll standing in the doorway, large club in hand. It growled.
Neville was whimpering slightly, Hermione seemed to be mumbling facts about trolls, whilst Harry was frantically trying to think of a spell to use against a troll.
"Hermione! What can we use against a troll? They're immune to stunners!" He hissed.
"I… there are three types of troll; mountain, river and forest. This one's a mountain troll. I don't know any more! In Muggle fiction some turn to stone in sunlight, but…"
"LUMOS!" The light emanating from Harry's wand was almost too bright to look at, and the troll bellowed in pain at the sight.
"Of course, they're generally cave-dwellers and venture out at night mostly, so their eyes are photosensitive." Hermione spoke dazedly.
The troll was now lumbering towards the group of children, swinging its club at the source of its pain. Harry separated from the others, the troll easily moving the heavy club in his direction.
"Harry!" Hermione cried out.
"More facts, Hermione! Is there anything else we can use?" Neville's voice was tremulous but faintly acerbic.
"Their skin's too tough to easily penetrate, and magic-resistant."
"Muggle means then, blunt trauma." Harry gasped from where he was busily backing away and dodging the debris from the various damaged desks.
"Blunt trauma," Hermione repeated thoughtfully, looking around. "What can we use to knock it out?"
"Oh. Oh! The club!" Neville shouted, bringing the troll's attention over to the two of them.
"The club?" Harry said confused at the seeming non sequitur. His eyes widened in realisation.
"Children!" The cry came from the doorway, where Professors McGonagall and Snape, stood along with the Headmaster, expressions ranging from concern and worry to a severe anger. The cry had come from McGonagall.
"Sectumsempra!" The curse, unfamiliar to these foreign wizards, was a wonderful thing. Eyes alight with joy, Bella watched as the wizard's shield crumbled before her spell and she followed it with a softly whispered 'Reducto'. Warm blood rain fell upon her face, and everyone seemed to freeze, staring at the blissful woman in their midst.
"I really missed this, you know." She said conversationally, to her onlookers.
"She's insane." She wasn't sure who said it, but she would bet it was Hirsch, the young blond Auror. At least it was said in an awed, if accented, tone.
"Miss Black?" concern, from Auror Krüger. It did offer an amusing idea though.
"Please, Auror Krüger, call me Bella." Her voice turned a little throaty as she said her name. She smiled up at her opponents, slowly blinking heavy-lidded eyes.
"Bella Black?" one of the remaining wizards all but squeaked, before backing away from her slowly.
"Aw, come little wizard. Don't give up now." She smiled as she crooned the words, "We were just beginning to have some fun."
"I think you will find that we are the ones who are about to have some fun." The cold tones belonged to one of the vampires.
Her response was to wave her wand, in a practiced, if long ago used action. The resulting fire, licked hungrily towards the vampire.
He scoffed, "Did you not see, little witch, we have protections against your fire spells!"
"Even Fiendfyre?" Darkly amused tones answered back, as she released her hold on the spell.
The three of them were escorted to the Hospital Wing by Professor McGonagall after having to give an account of why they hadn't been present in the Great Hall for the feast. Snape had sneered when Harry had said they'd wanted to have a small quiet meal, and the other two professors hadn't looked entirely convinced either. Either way, they were each docked 10 house points and admonished for not attending the feast, though Professor McGonagall seemed somewhat sympathetic towards them.
After being treated for their various scrapes and bruises – Harry had a nasty gash on his right forearm, which had Madame Pomfrey shaking her head, and the two boys suffering through hugs from Hermione, they left together, chatting as they went.
"I thought we were going to die!" Hermione gushed. "Or at least end up seriously injured…" she concluded more calmly. "But you two were brilliant – if you hadn't thought of using the club, and you hadn't cast the charm…"
"I'm sure the Professors would have stopped it before we could come to harm, Hermione." Harry pointed out, "but it's better that we were able to take care of it ourselves, and it's nice to know that the things we learn in class can be practically applied to daily life."
Neville, who up to that point had stayed quiet, snorted. "Yes, Harry. Daily life usually involves meeting up with fully grown mountain trolls intent on crushing you to death."
Three gazes met, and they laughed.
"I can't wait 'til we learn conjuration. I mean, imagine if we'd been outside – a more likely place to meet a troll, and it didn't have a handy club to knock it out with."
"In that case," Harry said mock-thoughtfully, still elated from their brush with death, "I should like to conjure an anvil, a grand piano, and a safe."
"Why?" Neville's usually good-natured face was scrunched up in confusion.
Hermione and Harry sighed in unison, commenting only "Purebloods."
"Ah, so it's one of those Muggle things then." The other boy decided.
Then, "Wait. Muggles drop pianos on people?"
The air was gritty with ash. The clearing they'd pitched their tents in, was now a good deal larger. Luckily the German Aurors were familiar with a spell that could magically dampen cursed fires, something she'd never seen an English equivalent of. A fact that had startled them, considering her use of the incredibly dangerous Fiendfyre, which had swiftly evolved into separate fire entities – a dragon, an oversized eagle and a snake that had reminded her greatly of Nagini. On the bright side, the vampire threat was gone, and the wizards in league with them were now bound or in the case of one, dead. On the other hand, she now had to face up to what she'd done in front of Aurors no less.
"Your duelling skills are very impressive Miss Black, though somewhat dangerous." Krüger paused, uncertainty writ in his posture.
Bella sighed and went with her cover, "Bellatrix Lestrange was my cousin, and it happens that we shared certain physical similarities, enough to fool someone who'd never met the other before."
"It must be very difficult for you back home then." Richter's tone was thoughtful.
She smiled sadly at the dark young Auror, "I don't spend much time in the Wizarding World."
Krüger and the other older Auror, Herman, she thought his name was were discussing something, probably her, she thought with a slight despondency.
"Miss Black," it was Hirsch, and he addressed her in respectful tones.
She interrupted him, "Bella, please."
He grinned, "Bella. Then I am Sigi. Thank you for your help." He bobbed his head, blond hair falling into his face, still smiling.
Richter snorted at his fellow's actions. "He has… what is it called… ah, a crush on you I think. Hero worship?"
She was surprised to feel herself blush, "It wasn't anything big. I mean, I didn't even think what would happen if the fire couldn't be contained!"
"Yes. That is true." Krüger voiced his agreement, "but you are not an Auror, and not… used to such situations. It was good what you did."
"It was good, Ja." Herman allowed "But we will still need a statement from you."
"Of course."
"Richter will take your statement I think." The man said eyeing Sigi's disappointment with amusement.
[AN: Once more, I apologise for the lateness of this chapter…I also apologise for not answering reviews... I'm afraid I got hideously sidetracked in RL :S I have tried to answer some of the questions below...
As to Dark Magic within this story - here it is according to Bella, 'Magic which is fuelled/powered by emotion' so even something like the Patronus, she would consider as Dark Magic though legal and useful, if you're around Dementors... but it's something that not many people can do anyway, and most wouldn't be casting it often (aside from canon!Harry)...
I can't believe it's been over a year since I started either… wow. Another thing, is anyone willing to beta-read this story? Or suggestions on where to find one? It's become a bit harder for me to find time to find time to proofread, and nothing beats someone else's eyes…
Other things: I have never been to Germany My muse has, and she owes me some pics that she took… The German Aurors are not based on anyone and are named with the help of and a article on German surnames and their meanings…
Aurors: Klaus Krüger, Ernst (seriousness) Herman (warrior/soldier), Siegbert (bright victory) 'Sigi' Hirsch (buck), Winfried (friend of peace) Richter (judge).
Sigi is apparently a nickname for those with names beginning with 'Sieg'.
Apologies for any mistakes in the German.
MIA, MIB, CI5… I like Bella not knowing things about Muggles… getting acronyms muddled? Not so surprising… MI5/CIA – you can see where she's getting the mix-up…
Vampires: actually they're mentioned in conjunction with Quirrel and the Black Forest… Plus I needed something that was a bit more intimidating than Rowling's Erklings…
Flagello flammatus: My attempt at altering Latin… hopefully translates to something like 'fire whip'. The wizard giggling after being hit – Flame freezing charm, like Wendelin…
Sectumsempra & Fiendfyre: Why non-English wizards/magical beings wouldn't be familiar with these – Sectumsempra was invented by the Half-Blood Prince, so they have no reason to know it, Bella may know it though. Fiendfyre strikes me as a more English spell, since according to the HP lexicon fyre is from the Old English - 'fyr'. I'm sure there's a German equivalent… but maybe that's a more restricted spell in Germany… who knows?
Being different from canon: I said this would differ from the books and maybe it doesn't seem to be diverging much so far… but it will continue to... I am sometimes overly logical (in odd ways) which means I chose 2-3 main alterations from canon... everything else builds off of that.
Neville taking the place in the 'Trio': I get that it may seem that way... I just don't think Harry likes Hermione all that much though... and he will never be able to be as close to Neville and Hermione as canon-Harry was to his friends...
Bella's Animagus… it didn't get a mention again. Y'know people have such good ideas… probably better than mine (is chagrined), thankfully I'm made of stern stuff and will keep to my not-so-good-idea since it is what I need… and it fits nicely in my head
My Question: Who do you think the English wizard 'expert' is?
Translations: (thank you to lila for correcting me on these... though I didn't take all her suggestions)
'Is this your first visit here, Ma'am.'
'I don't speak German, but I can speak English and French."
Danke. Grazie. Gracias. Merci. Thank you: To everyone who was kind enough to review.
P.S. I think I had far too much fun with the 'CRASH! CRACK! BZZT!'