A/N: Hey guys, I know this is a short chapter, but in all honesty the next one is going to be even shorter. My life is getting a little hectic right now, but I'm still trying. I will get this done, I just don't know how long it will take me. Thank you to everyone who has stuck with me so far, I appreciate all of you more than you know. A huge thank you goes out to Slenderpanda597, who is also a great writer, for keeping me from sounding like a complete idiot when it comes to British slang. Thank you for all my "British lessons".
…
Victoria was somewhere between sleep and awake when she heard the knock on her door that morning. Somehow she realized that in her dream there were no doors on the grounds of the castle. She opened her eyes for a split second, and then slammed them shut again, against the harsh sunlight pouring in through her window. Another knock echoed through the room, causing her to sigh as she sat up. Finally standing she heard Regina give an indignant meow, annoyed by the sudden movement.
Stumbling to her door, still dressed in her pajamas, Victoria opened it to find a very excited looking Poppy on the other side. Poppy smirked at her, looking over the younger woman's disgruntled appearance, "Good morning Victoria," she said brightly. "You better get a move on, the task starts in 15 minutes."
Victoria sighed, but let Poppy follow her back into her rooms, sliding behind her dressing curtains to change. Ironically enough when she'd first seen them in the room Victoria couldn't imagine ever using them, but found them suddenly very helpful. Pulling off her pajamas Victoria asked, "What makes you so chipper this morning Poppy?"
"Simply the excitement of another Task!" Poppy beamed, taking a seat on the small couch.
Victoria gave a slight laugh, "You sound more excited than Bagman." She stepped away from the dressing screen, now fully dressed for the new task. It was a plain, ice blue, one piece swimsuit, but Victoria couldn't see wearing her usual robes to jump into a lake.
Poppy smiled eyeing her attire, "Is that what you're wearing? My, my, I dare say our Potions master will be simply speechless."
"Poppy," Victoria said in a warning tone, much the same Minerva's. "You know Severus and I are friends." Victoria walked out of the room, turning down the corridor to the Entrance Hall with Poppy close on her heels.
"Yes, so you've told me. However, I did see the two of you at the Yule Ball. I don't believe I've ever seen you so content as when you were dancing with him.
A deep blush painted Victoria's cheeks as she tried to recover, "It was just a dance, nothing more."
"It certainly looked like more from where I was standing. I remember seeing your head on his shoulder."
"Poppy, please," Victoria begged exasperatedly, "there is nothing going on between me and Severus. We are good friends, nothing more."
"Suit yourself," Poppy answered with a shrug, "but I did see the look on your face as the two of you parted. I don't think I've seen anyone look more disheartened."
Sighing as they reached the bank of the lake, Victoria shot Poppy a pleading look, "Poppy, just drop it okay. Nothing is ever going to happen between me and Severus. He's still stuck on someone else, and believe it or not I'm perfectly fine on my own. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some students to protect." Victoria turned and walked towards the judges' table, leaving Poppy staring after her.
Poppy smiled, whispering to Victoria's retreating form, "I hope for your sake you're wrong. We all deserve to be happy, not just fine."
Poppy turned taking a seat next to Minerva, who seemed to be even more pale than normal, nervously buttoning and unbuttoning her cloak. As Poppy sat down she placed a calming hand on Minerva's, making her stop the action instantly. Poppy smiled at her, "It'll be alright Minerva, you'll see."
"I wish I could believe that," Minerva said quietly watching as the champions took their positions at the side of the lake.
Minerva gave a start as the sudden shrill whistle sounded, announcing the beginning of the task. Watching as the students entered the lake she couldn't help but remember back to when she was a champion herself. She remembered as if it were yesterday the feeling of the icy cold water running over her legs, freezing her to the bone. It was nearly a stabbing pain, but once she had started to move it suddenly started feeling better. Little did she know what was to come.
Pulling herself back out of her memories for a moment Minerva gasped audibly as she watched red sparks shoot out of the lake. Everyone knew that was a sign of trouble. Watching Victoria shrug off her trench coat and jump into the lake Minerva couldn't help but say silent prayer to anyone who was listening to keep everyone safe.
Watching her daughter dive into the murky water, the memories seemed to flood back to her. After setting her bubble-head charm, she thought the task was to be a simple one. Gliding through the muddy, cold water rather easily she felt like she'd been swimming for hours when suddenly she felt a strong hand on her ankle. Looking down she realized that a grindylow had a hold of her and there were two more coming up on her. Quickly taking her wand out of the inside pocket of her robes she didn't think and sent the first spell at it that came to her mind. The spell hit the water demon directly in its brittle hand, slicing through it cleanly, however Minerva hadn't realized the force she'd used behind the spell until it was too late. Although she'd managed to get the grindlylow to let go of her, her leg was now sliced in a rather sizeable gash. The pain was excruciating, however as Minerva didn't know any good healing spells at the time, she realized that she had to keep moving if she were to make it through the task.
As she swam on, she started to attract more and more creatures to her from the blood pouring out of her leg. At one time she was truly considering the thought of just quitting and going back to the mediwitch she knew to be on the bank of the lake. It was her Gryffindor courage above all that kept her going. Finally, after what felt like an eternity she found what she'd been looking for. Tied to the statue of the merperson, was her best friend in the world. Poppy's robes were flowing out in all directions as well as her dark hair. As Minerva approached so did one of the other champions, a boy from Beauxbatons. Streaking past her as if a lightning bolt with his gleaming gold hair, he arrived at the statue. Taking one look at the hostages tied up he pulled out his wand and cut the ropes binding a red-headed girl who wore the customary light blue Beauxbatons robes. Before taking her up he looked around and saw Minerva coming up to the statue. Apparently he'd realized that their time was almost up, as he let Minerva sever the ropes binding Poppy. As Minerva took a hold of Poppy's arm and kicked with all the might she could muster, she watched as the boy took his wand and pointed it at the other hostage.
Suddenly the merpeople were upon him. He was surrounded by them, all brandishing their spears and pointing them at his face. The boy did not seem interested in heeding their warning; instead he shot the spell at the other hostage as the merpeople screamed. Horrified, Minerva watched as blade after blade pierced his flesh, staining the water a vibrant crimson around him. Minerva couldn't watch any longer. She pushed Poppy up and prayed that she would make it back to the surface by herself. Kicking with all her might, despite the searing pain, Minerva fought her way back to the other boy. Shooting out random spells at the merpeople, she finally made her way through the chaos to the boy who was now badly injured. Putting an arm around him she pointed her wand skyward and shouted "Accendio!" A moment later she found herself laying, sprawled out on the bank of the lake, the boy lying next to her seemed to be bleeding from everywhere. A crowd descended on them immediately, seemingly from nowhere.
From the middle of the insanity she saw two familiar faces smiling down at her, one of her dripping wet best friend, and the other was Dumbledore, holding out dry robe. Slipping it over her shoulders she realized it must have had a warming charm on it. He smiled down at her, "You did admirably my dear."
She gave a weak smile, but nodded, "I finished."
Poppy beamed down at her, pulling out her wand and healing her leg instantly, "You more than finished! You're in first place!"
Minerva gave her an appreciative nod then looked to the boy who had been next to her. She could see that a stretcher had been summoned for him a moment earlier. "How is he?" she asked Dumbledore imploringly.
Giving her a grim look he answered honestly, "It does not look well. They have taken him back to the castle, and will be sending him to St. Mungo's. Alas, I fear it will be in vain."
"What are you saying Professor?" Minerva asked pushing her long wet hair behind her shoulders, not wanting to accept what she was hearing.
Dumbledore simply put a hand on her should and gave her a small smile, "Do not worry about it for the time being. I am sure we will hear soon enough." With that Dumbledore rose again and turned away from them.
Seeing Victoria ascend from the depths with Fleur under her arm Minerva couldn't help but let out the breath she hadn't realized that she'd been holding. Poppy smiled at her, "You see, history didn't repeat itself."
Minerva nodded, giving Poppy a weak smile she added, "Yes, but I will still never forget what happened that day. I still wish I could have stopped that boy when I had the chance. He was so young."
"You cannot stop everyone Minerva. Sometimes things just happen." Poppy answered gently.
A tear formed in Minerva's eye as she nodded, "I realize that, but there is no reason why someone so young must lose their life in a game."
Poppy nodded, placing a hand on Minerva's arm, "I understand, but that was a long time ago. Things have changed. The students are no longer in danger in this tournament." Poppy paused, hoping her words gave her friend some comfort, although she knew deep down they never would. Finally she sighed, "Come on, I must go do my part, and you can congratulate the champions."
…
The sun was already hanging low in the sky as Victoria made her way out of the castle. It was her first evening off since arriving at Hogwarts, and although she was happy to be back, she was ecstatic about spending a night with her friends. It seemed like no time before she entered the Three Broomsticks and was immediately welcomed by a loud voice calling to her from a back booth, "Wotcher Vicky!"
Victoria's face lit up with a brilliant smile as she spotted where the voice came from.
"Tonks!" she said pulling the younger woman into a fierce hug. "Oh, I missed you so much!"
Tonks gave a laugh, letting go of her, "Been that bad at Hogwarts has it?"
Victoria sighed, taking a seat across the table from her, "It hasn't been bad, just more stressful than I'd imagined."
"Yeah, you look a bit knackered," Tonks said studying her friend closely. Then turning to the bar she yelled out, "Rosmerta, a Firewhiskey for my friend here!"
Victoria laughed as Rosmerta nodded, pouring a generous amount in a glass for her. Turning back to Tonks, Victoria asked, "And just how many have you had tonight?"
"Oh mate, I just… I don't know," Tonks laughed taking another long pull from her own glass. "I lost track somewhere around five."
"Don't you think you should take it easy than?" Victoria asked, sounding more like a teacher than she meant to.
"Why?" Tonks asked, watching as Rosmerta set the glass down in front of Victoria and motioned for another herself. "I'm here to have a good time with my best mate!"
"What happened to meeting me back in October?" Victoria asked gently sipping her drink.
"This is the first night I've had off all year! Kingsley has been amazing, but he's a total workaholic."
"Have you at least been learning a lot?"
"Oh, I've learned loads! Just haven't had time to breathe since I started working with him." Tonks paused taking the last bit of her drink and watching as Rosmerta placed a new glass in front of her. "How's it been back at the castle?"
"It's been good. Different than I expected, but good." Victoria answered, a pensive look crossing her face after her answer.
"What?" Tonks asked, realizing that Victoria had suddenly become quiet.
"It's just… I don't know." Victoria answered, taking another sip from her glass to try and give herself some extra time. "I just saw something today that made me… curious."
"What was it?"
"Well, when I was on watch earlier today I walked by Severus' classroom and I saw Professor Karkaroff, the Headmaster from Durmstrang showing Severus his arm. I know that Severus was a Death Eater years ago, but I'm wondering now if Karkaroff was." Victoria answered, studying her drink.
"Even if he was, why would he be showing Snape his Dark Mark now? It's not like he needs to prove anything right?" Tonks asked.
"That's what doesn't make sense." Victoria answered, still trying to understand the situation. "If they were both Death Eaters they should already know about each other. There wouldn't be a need to show off their Dark Marks now. Unless…" Victoria trailed off.
"Unless what?" Tonks leaned in with a sudden interest.
"It's… it's nothing. It can't be." Victoria waved her off, trying to sound like it was nothing, but couldn't help but wonder if she was wrong.
Tonks slumped back, eyeing her friend suspiciously. Then a grin formed on her face, "Speaking of Severus, how have things been with you two lately? Have you snogged him yet?"
Victoria nearly spat back out the drink she'd just taken, "Tonks! How could you ask me something like that?!"
"Easily," Tonks gave her a cheeky smile, "Have you snogged him yet?"
"No! I have not "snogged" Severus. We are friends." Victoria answered, a deep blush painting her cheeks.
"Vicky," Tonks said watching her closely, "I want you to look me in the eye and tell me you do not fancy the man."
Victoria shook her head, "Tonks, you're drunk."
"That may be, but I still want you to do it."
Victoria looked her directly in the eyes, "I do not have anything other than friendly feelings towards Severus."
Tonks's lips formed a pout, suddenly looking like a small child, "I thought for sure I'd get you on that one."
"Sorry to burst your bubble." Victoria answered with a smile. Looking down at her watch she added, "I hope you don't mind, but I invited someone else here tonight too."
"Is it Severus?" Tonks asked perking up.
Victoria laughed, "No, it's not Severus. It's Remus. I think you met him earlier. When I was in the hospital?"
"Oh, yeah, right. Old guy, manky clothes, looked a bit like a teacher?" Tonks asked.
"I'll ignore that old part since he's only a week older than me. But yeah, that's him. He's a really great guy. I just haven't gotten to see him lately."
"Yeah, that's great. I'm sure he's a nice bloke."
"Who's a nice bloke?" Victoria heard a familiar voice from behind her ask.
Victoria smiled turning to see Remus behind her, "You are of course," she answered pulling him down into her side of the booth and into a hug.
"Thank you for the compliment." He laughed pulling away from her a moment later. "So who is your friend?" He asked smiling aimiably at Tonks.
"This is Nymphadora Tonks." Victoria said easily, "But never call her Nympahdora or she might just have your head."
Remus nodded at her, "May I call you Dora?"
"I prefer Tonks, but Dora's okay." Tonks smiled at him.
"So what were you ladies chatting about?" Remus asked looking slightly uneasy.
"Work mostly." Tonks answered easily, knocking back another drink. "What do you do Remus?"
"I… I do odd jobs here and there. Nothing much, but enough to keep going."
"Oh," Tonks nodded, not fully understanding, but deciding to drop the subject.
"What is your profession?" Remus asked politely.
"I'm an Auror. Trained with Vicky." Tonks smiled.
Remus looked impressed, "An Auror, very nice. You must be a very skilled witch."
"I am, thank you." Tonks smiled, "Care to test it out?"
Remus blushed as Victoria chided her, "Tonks, I think you've had enough."
"Vicky, would you stop sounding like my mum. I'm fine." Tonks groaned.
"Well I for one could use a drink," Remus intervened.
"Right, now that's what I'm talking about." Tonks smiled, holding her glass up, toasting Remus.
The rest of the night went on without a hitch. Victoria was so happy that she'd had a chance to chat with two of her friends that she hadn't noticed the time until it was nearly midnight. Looking down at her watch she sighed, "I'm sorry guys, but I've got to go. I'm on duty in a few hours."
"No, you can't go," Tonks moaned, reaching over and taking her hand. "Who knows when we'll get together again."
"I know hon, but I can't help it. You two stay and have fun. I promise I'll talk to both of you again soon," she said making her way out of the booth and giving them each a hug.
"Have a good night Victoria." Remus answered pulling back from their hug.
"You too," she answered with a knowing wink.
"Night Vicky. We have to do this again soon. Owl me." Tonks called after her disappearing form.
As Victoria made her way back to the castle, a loud rumble of thunder startled her. Suddenly a brilliant bolt of lightning shot across the sky, lighting up the path in front of her. For a split second she thought she saw what looked like a giant black dog directly in front of her. Stopping in her tracks, wondering if she was seeing things in the shadows of the storm, she waited for another bolt to light the sky. A moment later another bolt forked across the sky, lighting the path once more. This time there was nothing but open space in front of her. As the sky decided to let go of its water, in what felt like one large mass, it pulled Victoria out of her revere. Mentally shaking herself, she pulled her trench closer to her and ran back up to the castle. She decided that all she had seen was a shadow, but something about it kept nagging at her. That big black dog looked an awful lot like Sirius's animagus form. Shaking her head at thought she made her way back to her rooms, choosing to put the thought out of her mind, at least for the time.
…
The day had been dragging for Victoria. It was a day like any other, walking around the castle on guard, breaking up a few fights here and there, catching a few students headed for the forbidden forest, the usual. That was until she was walking down a corridor and suddenly heard a boy shouting. The voice was familiar to her, but she couldn't put a name to it. He sounded angry and scared at the same time.
Following the voice she came upon Harry screaming at Snape. A wicked smile crossed Snape's face as he said, "The headmaster is busy, Potter."
Harry yelled back, his face turning red, "I've got to tell Dumbledore!"
Victoria couldn't take it any longer, stepping up to the pair she asked, "Is there something I can help you with gentlemen?"
Harry looked to her pleadingly, "Miss Knight, I need to talk to Professor Dumbledore! It's an emergency!"
"What is it?" she asked concernedly.
Snape sneered, "It seems that Mr. Potter has miraculously found Mr. Crouch."
Looking from Snape to Harry she asked urgently, "Did you?"
"Yes! That's why I need to see Dumbledore! Mr. Crouch is in the forest – but he's – he's not right." Harry tried to explain.
"Where in the forest?" she asked, shooting Snape a dark look for ignoring the boy's panic.
"Behind the Beauxbaton's carriage," Harry answered, heaving a sigh of relief once he realized she was going to help. "I've left Krum with him."
Leaving the two men in the corridor to continue their argument Victoria took off at a sprint. As fast as her legs could carry her she bolted through the castle and into the pitch-black grounds, not even noticing as students and staff alike looked on in confusion. Coming up to the powder blue carriage, she started to slow her pace, her breath now coming out in heavy gasps having run the entire way.
Lighting her wand she pointed it towards the forest, silently praying that she would find the spot. What she saw when she illuminated her path was Krum, lying sprawled out on the ground. Rushing over to him she ran a quick diagnostic spell on him. Finding that he was merely stunned but not hurt she continued on with her search, deciding she could come back for the boy. Running farther into the forest, the darkness seemed to close in on her, the sounds becoming muffled from the thick vegetation. Her wand light created eerie shadows in the darkness, giving an uneasy feel to the atmosphere. Suddenly, just a few yards in front of her, Victoria saw something solid moving in between the trees. Speeding on through the trees, she followed it. Weaving in and out of the dense overgrowth she was nearly upon the cloaked figure, when she stumbled over a downed branch.
Landing hard on the ground, face first, Victoria let out a groan as she turned over, already the metallic taste of blood filling her mouth. Ignoring the pain coursing through her body, she jumped to her feet, but the figure was already gone. Heaving a frustrated sigh she picked up her wand from where it had dropped in her fall and made her way back through the forest.
As she walked back into the clearing of the grounds she came upon Dumbledore talking with Moody. Giving her a worried glance Dumbledore asked, "Are you alright Victoria?"
"Yeah," she shrugged, wiping blood from the corner of her mouth with her hand, "but if Crouch really was here, he's not anymore. I did see someone in the forest, but I fell. By the time I got back up they were gone. I'm sorry Professor."
"It is alright my dear. Come, let us go back to the castle. There is nothing more to see here tonight." Dumbledore said quietly, glancing back to the forest.
Nodding, Victoria followed him back to the castle with Moody close behind them.
"What do you think happened to him?" Victoria asked as they walked through the doors.
"That is hard to say at this moment. I daresay time will tell." Dumbledore answered cryptically, making his way down the corridor, leaving Victoria to stare after him, wondering if he knew something he wasn't saying.
…