A few days had passed while I had thought of my escape. I've tested the window. Sticking my hand out it. I couldn't feel anything stopping my hand from going out it. The thought is now, if I could fall from the third story, where my window was currently, and make my way to my fathers office, from the outside.
"Alright, my love stay here." I whispered, to Capone, setting him onto the bed. Then going to the window. First throwing my feet out it, swinging my legs out the window, so I was now sitting on the sill of the window. As I sat there, I could feel my shoulder ache, as if my bones were reminded of the last fall I took. "Alright, it's easy. Just fall and float my way down." I scooted closer to the edge. Till I fell, quickly thinking of the floating spell. I soon met the ground, gently touching my feet to it. I waited, seeing if any alarm. Moments went by, nothing I couldn't hear, or see anything.
Quickly but quietly I walked to the front of my house. As I opened the grand doors, pushing them open. I made a dash for the stairs, up to the second floor. Slowing down, as I heard talking in one of my fathers meeting rooms. Meaning his office was free. Opening his door, I made sure to lock it behind me. So, if someone came in I'd know.
Sitting at his desk, I opened each drawer. Not finding money, but instead I found a file from the ministry, that had a familiar name on it, Gilderoy Lockhart, opening it up, I read the file, skimming it, till I got to the middle;
Gilderoy Lockhart a former Ravenclaw student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, shall be come the new defence against the dark arts professors.
Books he has made required for his classes;
Break with a Banshee by Gilderoy Lockhart
Gadding with Gouls by Gilderoy Lockhart
Holidays with Hags by Gilderoy Lockhart
Travels with Trolls by Gilderoy Lockhart
Voyages with Vampires by Gilderoy Lockhart
Wanderings with Werewolves by Gilderoy Lockhart
Year with a Yeti by Gilderoy Lockhart
I threw my head back, slouching in my fathers chair. Of all the people to teach the class they pick this self-obsessed, egotistical maniac. Why not just let me teach it? I rolled my eyes, placing the file back into the drawer where I had found it. The next drawer I opened had the small box I was looking for, pulling out I placed it on the desk top, unlocking it before I opened it up. Inside were mostly golden reflective gallons with either a dragon or wizard on showing on visible sides. I then stopped. Was I really thinking about stealing money from my father? At one point, he was my favorite person. I couldn't do this. Letting out a sigh, I placed the box back where I found it. Crossing my arms over the desk, I laid my face in it. There has to be another option. I know I can get out through my window now, so I'll be able to get food now. Perhaps, I'll be fine for now. Getting up to leave the office I barely opened the door, when I heard not just my fathers voice but another one.
Peering out the cracked door, I saw my father, with him was my aunt, my mother sister, Aida Ribes. They were standing real close, holding each others hands. Are they having an affair? I soon got an answer, seeing as Aida had stood on her toes and kissed my fathers lips. I felt a sense of anger, yet relief. I wasn't the disgrace, but my father was. Then he pulled her back into the room they must've just came out of. Gross. I took the chance to escape the office, ignore the gross sounds that I heard as I did.
I've managed to not get caught sneaking out of my room, or back into it, aside from the elves in the kitchen, whom were easily fooled, they had thought I was Ava. I had been able to eat food, bring food back to my room for Capone, Tinker and I to eat. I even found the broomstick, taking it back to the room with me, figuring I could use it into flying me to Diagon Ally when the time came. I'd given into my dark ways and took some money from the box, not a lot just enough for school supplies, and three weeks worth of money, for food and a room at the Three Broomsticks. That's what I've told myself, making myself feel not guilty about it.
Being dressed today; with a light blew cotton pleated skater skirt, that stopped just above my knees, showing the dark tights I had on, along with some heeled boots, while I wore a white turtleneck. I even stuck a pink bow on the back of my head, holding my bangs and hair out of my face. Grabbing my wool pea-coat, I put it on, placing my luggage, a suit case, on the ground, charming another bag to stick to it, along with Tinkers bird cage. Tinker of course wouldn't be in his cage during this flight, he'd fly next to me.
We -Capone, Tinker and myself- were outside preparing to take off. I could feel my shoulder ache, when I got onto the broom stick, with a wand in my hand, so I could use a charm, to make the luggage follow us. Capone had gone into my shirt, only sticking his head out, while Tinker sat at the top end of my broom, ready to get flying. "Alright, loves, lets go" I whispered, kicking off the ground, once I did Tinker started flying, as did the luggage, that flew behind us. Enjoying the cool morning. We had taken off just after the sun had risen. Now we could enjoy the rays of the sun, that had begun to get cooler, as summer turned into fall. With clouds touching the toes of my boots as I flew. Tinker was flying a bit above and in front, circling the end of the broom stick as he did. Capone had crawled deeper into my shirt, hiding his face from the sunlight, that was to bright for him.
Come lunch, I had arrived at the Three Broomsticks, buying a room, to rent for the time being, till school started. Dropping off my stuff, and Tinker. I left, with my purse, that had my wand, room key as well as the money for school supplies. Pulling out of my pocket I read over the list of books needed for this term. I already had one of the Gilderoy Lockhart books, Break with a Banshee. It was so terribly written. I shook my head in irritation as I walked. I needed to get six other books my this moron. Looking at the list once more, I glazed over the textbooks needed, I had the majority of them, they were the books from last year, the only books I needed to buy were; The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2. Then the six books by Lockhart. I also needed to get some basic supplies, ink, quills, paper and so on.
As I walked towards the book store, where I'd need to get the books from, I stopped seeing how large of a crowd there was in Flourish and Blotts. What the bloody hell? Walking to the end of the line I waited with Capone, whom had hid himself once again, this time from the crowd, who could blame him? This was nuts. Quickly, I realized what the big deal was. On the window was a sign, with a picture of Gilderoy Lockhart, he was apparently here signing copies of his autobiography. I rolled my eyes in disgust, why of all people, why is he a bid deal? There were better books and authors; Defensive Magical Theory by Wilbert Slinkhard, The History and Analysis of The Order of Merlin just to name two.
"You're not swooning Amber, what waiting to get close and personal?" I looked up, seeing the face of Cedric Diggory, it seemed he was just leaving the store.
I rolled my eyes at the idea of swooning over Lockhart, "I'd rather have my nails ripped out one by one and have salt poured over and cuts, then read his books"
He chuckled, "Graphic, I'd love to stay and keep you company, but my mum has been waiting for me, if she's not irritable now, she sure will be if I'm later than I am currently." He waved me off, then ran in a direction, assuming to his mother.
As I watched him go I saw the familiar face of, Hermione. Once she saw me she ran over and gave me a hug.
"It's good to see you Amber, how are you? Excited, for the second year?" She questioned, kindly, but stopped be from answering, as Harry and Ron walked over with Fred, George and the rest of the Weasly family, I assumed, "Those two with the dark hair are my parents" She stated, pointing out the two non-ginger adults, that's Ginny, the youngest Wealey, and those two are their parents, Molly and Arthur Weasley" She pointed everyone out. As we waited in the line, managing to squeeze into Florish and Bolts, Harry explained that he was rescued from his imprisonment by Ron and his twin brothers, and that an elf had stopped him from getting or sending letters, warning Harry not to go to school this year.
"Amber, do you have elfs working for you?" Ron asked out of the blue.
I nodded, "Yes, they live on the top floor of Ravenclaw manor, unlike most elfs they were clothes, as my mother wished them to look clean and proper. Compared to other house elfs I think they are better off" I informed him.
"Ravenclaw? We've met your mother" Rons mother muttered, quietly in disgust. She must've not been a fan of my mother, with the right to dislike her, trying to get them out of the burrows, just because they didn't live up to the standards my mother had. I pretended I didn't here her bitter tone. Instead I looked forward, once I did I regretted it. I saw the pompous wizard, Lockhart, flashing his very white smile around. I never thought something that white would creep me out.
"I can't believe he's our dark arts teacher" I mumbled, displeased.
Hermione had let out a squeal next to me, "So it's true? Awesome, I can't wait, I've read everything about him, he's just amazing. I'm glad he looks attractive also" I looked at Lockhart, once again, observing his appearance. He had bright blue eyes and wavy blond hair. He was wearing some flamboyant and flashy robes. He was so bland. Reminding me of so many people that my parents worked with, being foppish.
"I don't see it. " I stated simply, "His books that I've read are utter trash as well, he seemed to write more about how supposedly handsome he is, it's the same thing over and over again."
"his books are amazing!" Hermione objected, sticking her nose up and walking to the book shelves to get whatever books she needed.
"Good, at least we know you haven't lost your mind over this guy" Ron informed me, Harry nodding as well. Harry, Ron and I were looking through the same shelves, stopping when Harry had been noticed.
"It can't be Harry Potter" I looked over Potters shoulder hearing the crowd seemed to gasp, "And, is that, Amber Rose Ravenclaw? Oh my gosh!" The crowd now were looking between Harry and I. I wanted to rip my nails out. Lockhart piratically glided over to us, placing a hand on each of our shoulders. What I would give to be fighting Quirrell again. I felt a wave of embarrassment as people stared.
"Nice big smiles kiddos" Lockhart ordered, I couldn't bring myself to smile, to embarrassed and to busy wishing that Quirrell was still alive, "Ladies and gentlemen, what and extraordinary moment this is! The perfect moment for me to make a little announcement I've been sitting on for quite some time! When young Harry and Amber Rose came into Florish and Blotts today, they only wanted to by my autobiography- " No I didn't. "... which I shall be happy to present both of them now, free of charge!" I rolled my eyes, seeing a familiar face on the second level of the building, leaning against the railing. Draco, whom had his face all screwed up, in displeasure, as he glared, I assume at Harry, he then disappeared. The crowd bursted into a loud applause, when Lockhart announced he'd be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts this year. He then handed us the entire collection of his work. Where is a fire when you need one? I then handed my stack to Hermione, whom came over in glee.
"I can buy my own, you can have these" I muttered, I noticed Harry did the same giving his books to Ron. Which Molly took to get signed, Hermione right behind her. I then walked back into the book shelves, leaving Harry and Ron, so I could get the books that were required for the year. Once I had the six books, I walked out to see not only Draco, but his father whom was making snarky comments about Ginnys books, as well as the amount of money the Weasleys had. I sighed, watching as Rons father had thrown himself at Dracos father. I consider how to break the fight up, without causing problems for myself. Thankfully, I didn't need to break it up as Hagrid gets between the two men, pulling them apart. The Malfoys, Weasleys and Harry were then rushed out of the shop. While I went to buy my books.
"Excited for me to be your professor young Rose?" I looked up in discuss seeing Lockhart standing to close to me.
I gave him a disgusted look, "Don't call me that, only my father calls me that" I warned him.
"What shall I call you them, hm? Rosey?" He questioned, walking closer.
He was quickly becoming my most despised, most hated person, out ranking Quirrell and Voldemort, alsmost, "You may refer to me as , like the other Professors" I retorted, grabbing my books walking past him. That guy!
Once I was out of the shop, I found Hermione, whom gave me a quick hug before she had to leave. She explained that Harry, was going home with the Weasleys. With that I walked myself to the Three Broomsticks. Once I entered the inn, and into my room, I nearly jumped out of my skin, I hadn't expected to see anyone in here, let alone Professor Dumbledore, whom sat on the bed, Petting Tinkers head.
"I've been given word that you've left home." He stated simply, waiting for an explanation.
I thought carefully, "I lived there, but it's not my home anymore, they aren't my family, I'd rather live here then live locked in that prison of a room."
His eyes scanned me, he then stood up, "You'll be going back, you need them." he stated.
I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms, "No I'm not and I don't need them, I need to be here, ready to go to school, when it's time." I then went on, "If you force me to go back, I'll just end up right back here. I've figured out how to get out before. I'll do it again."
He seemed to chuckle, catching me off guard, "Fair enough. Instead you'll becoming with me." He ordered, getting up. I raised a brow, coming where? "You're coming to Hogwarts with me. With the last two weeks of the summer, however, you'll be expected to learn something, anything you'd with to learn?" He then clarified, "you'll be tested on whatever you've learned, and you'll be watched closely as you learn."
I blinked in shock, feeling giddy at the idea, calming down, realizing what I wanted to learn more about, or whom I wanted to learn more about. I stared into his sparkling eyes, I couldn't tell him that I wanted to learn more about Voldemort. He'd stop me for sure, would he?
"Perhaps, you'd like to perfect Occlumency instead?" he questioned, I then realized there was a numb feeling in the back of my head. I felt embarrassed, "It's alright, I almost predicted you would want to learn more about the man you've faced in your first year. However, I ask that you not learn about him, not at the moment, as I'd like you to move on from him. To heal." there was something off by the way he said that, move on from him, It's not like I'm obsessed, just curious about the man that nearly killed me. Twice. "You are a bit obssesive my dear, it's one of your strengths and weaknesses. I understand the reasoning you'd wish to learn more. However, as I've said I'd like you to move from him, focus on something useful"
I let out a sigh, "Occlumency would work, please, whom would teach me?" I questioned.
He smiled lightly, "It'd be either Professor Snape or myself." He then held out his arm, while he had my luggage in the other, and Tinker on his shoulder. "Be warned, I'm only letting you learn it, as I'd rather you be taught, instead of doing it on your own. So you don't go to far in the dark arts, as you've learned Legilimency on your own." I nodded simply, taking a hold of his arm. We then appeared in the Slytherin commons room.
I felt sick, I then looked at Dumbledore, "was it wrong for me to learn Legilimency on my own?" I questioned, unsure why it's dark magic.
"No, but the last student to learn it, to perfect it was as bright as you, quick to learn, he became Voldemort" He informed me, I felt my eyes widen in shock, then I remembered Quirrell, or Voldemort using it on me during classes, "I'd rather someone as smart as you, not end up becoming a dark lord"
I nodded, then asked, "What was his name before he became Voldemort? Or what year did he attend Hogwarts?" I hoped for the answers.
He looked at me as, he put Tinker on me, then finally responded, "I'll think about telling you in the morning. However, I will tell you, it was before I became headmaster" With that he was gone, in a cloud of smoke.
With that information, I went to get settled in my dorm. Tomorrow I'd start my research and perfecting Occlumency. With the thought in my head, What else had Voldemort learned before he became a white demon?