Chapter Two: Second Chance
Iris awoke with the sun shining in her face, she opened her eyes and was able to look around the large room in the light. It was oval shaped with at least forty beds, all set up the same way; privacy screens on either side a single bed and nightstand. The potions from the night before started to wear off. She groaned in pain and let out a string of obscenities
"Shall I perform a Scouring Charm, for your foul language?" Snape's voice floated from the door, his eyebrow raised in question.
She grit her teeth, willing the pain down. She would not let this man see her squirm. She stared into his eyes as he entered the room. Everything was quiet, it was strange. He waved his wand and his potions appeared in front of her. She said nothing, as she grabbed them, not bothering to check them this time. When they were all gone, Snape swished his wand once more, and they disappeared. Still they continued to stare at each other.
Finally after what seemed an eternity he broke contact first, "The Headmaster is on his way down, he shall be here in a few minutes."
"Can't he just like….appear in an instant?"
"No,"he sneered, "foolish girl, one cannot Apparate inside of Hogwarts."
"Well how the hell am I supposed to know that. I didn't go to Hogwarts." she huffed.
"I surmise there is a great deal you do not know."
She rolled her eyes at him, "anyone ever tell you what a delightful person you are," her voice thick with sarcasm
Footsteps echoed along the quiet hall and a few moments later Dumbeldore appeared at the door, "Good morning!" He greeted them cheerfully. Snape nodded his head and left them alone.
Dumbledore walked to the side of her bed and conjured himself a comfy looking armchair. "Well how are you feeling?"
"Like Death had me in his sweet grasp, and bitchslapped me…er repeatedly…uh sir." She coughed, her cheeks turning slightly red, remembering her manners. She was at the mercy of a great wizard, who deserved respect.
He smiled gently at her, "I imagine that is one way to describe it."
"Sorry, my imagination can run wild. So sir, have you given any thought to my request."
"I am not one to turn away an ally, especially one so gifted." His eyes seem to twinkle at her.
She smirked, "ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies."
"You're a legilimens." He said factually.
"Legilimens?" She tried the term out. Back home in her research they used the term Mentalist. Not that there was much information on them, mostly no-maj claiming to be, or a shady wizard looking to swindle money. They were all punished by the law but a real one had never been found. "I haven't heard that term before. I can hear thoughts if that's what it means. Not yours for some reason, but others, I hear others here. How did you figure it out?"
"Your spell, a beautiful piece of magic by the way. It was cast well before the other party. You couldn't have known unless you already did. As for me, I'm what's called an Occlumens."
"I see…Occlumens?" she breathed in, "so that's my kryptonite." He had strong mental shields in place protecting him from outside forces such as her. Snape was beyond her reach too, so he must be able to do that same thing.
"How does your ability work?" He asked curiously
Iris kept her gift a secret, from everyone. Of course Dumbledore figured it out. She had to tell him, but what did it mean? Did he want to turn her back over to America? Would that be useful in this war. "wizards and witches who can read minds, Mentalists , have given themselves to the dark arts. They will plant false feelings and memories so real you cannot distinguish from fiction, They will take your deepest secrets with just a single look. Mentalist Have no need of wand nor incantion…" she quoted a textbook she had found about her ability, "That's the general thoughts about me back home. What is it like here?"
"Legilimens can navigate through the many complex layers of the mind while Occlumency is the art of closing one's mind against those outside forces. These are obscured branches of magic, they are not taught in schools. By no means are these powers evil." He said gently. "How we chose to use our gifts is where our true nature lies."
"Oh good, I thought I was turning to the dark side for a second there." Her heart thumped against her chest. she came here to find Dumbledore, a kind honest good wizard. She hated it but she would have to trust him. "I can hear everyone, constantly in my head whispering, all their problems, worries, joys, failures…everything." She could do more but for now that would suffice. "Every year it grows and I can't stop it. I hear her, she's reading her cards right now." Iris could hear the jumbled thoughts of a woman reading tarot cards trying to predict the future.
The Tower… disaster…tsk tsk…no…no…The Emperor…power...control…Justice…
Dumbledore gave her a look of pity. She bit her cheek to keep the smart retort forming in her mind in her mouth. "That sounds exhausting."
She swallowed thickly, "It can be." She said in a small voice. It was hard hearing everything all the time. Harder when she was younger sometimes she didn't know if it was a thought or spoken out loud. Now at almost twenty-four years she had some control but her powers growing every year was annoying. It also alarmed her would they ever stop? Could she learn to block out her mind?
"Severus tells me we should see improvement in a few more days." He changed the subject. "Let's get you all healed up. We can talk more about your request later."
She nodded her understanding. "Do you think I could have some books? Since it looked like I'll be bed bound."
"Of course." Dumbledore arose from the chair, flicking his wand as he did so. The chair disappeared and a small stack of books appeared at the nightstand beside Iris. "Thank you." He inclined his head.
"Breakfast should appear in just a moment. I'll let you get along."
Iris was alone once more. She looked at the books and picked up the first one, Hogwarts, A History by Bathilda Bagshot and cracked it open.
Dumbledore and Snape sat in the headmasters office, the next night. "As you can see our young witch has some interesting problems." Dumbledore had finished retelling his conversation with Iris.
"She is a problem alright. She's untrained in a delicate branch of magic."
"She will need a teacher," Dumbledore said slyly.
"Indeed she will, I am glad you are able to make time in your busy schedule." He shot back tunelessly.
"Ah, well…" Dumbledore paused awkwardly
"I will not babysit that infantile witch. Don't you dare pawn her off on me." He hissed through gritted teeth.
"A talented young witch will need an equally brilliant teacher. She needs help, Severus," replied Dumbledore.
He scoffed, "Don't fawn over me, like I'm a good boy seeking approval."
Dumbledore sighed, "My intention was not to trivialize you. I do not ask an easy task of you, I know. But I trust you Severus, discretion is required, the less who know about our new friend the better."
Snape knew he could argue more but it was pointless, the damn old codger had made up his mind. This was his punishment for rescuing the girl, his price for being audacious. He fixed his face into a careless expression, "Fine. What else do you have planned for the girl?"
Dumbledore sat in his chair, his eyes twinkling in the firelight, "I think I will keep her close."
Snape narrowed his eyes slightly, "meaning…"
"Iris Morgan will pose as an exchange-student and start her fifth year here. Her assignment will be to keep an eye on the students. There is no telling what the Ministry will try. The Dementor attack on Harry is concerning enough. Either it is an isolated incident in which someone inside the Ministry has conducted or The Dementors have gone to Voldemort's side. Either way I would like an extra pair of eyes around here."
Snape turned from Dumbledore, "splendid," he replied sarcastically. "If we're done here," he stood up, his mouth in a tight line, "I have more important matters to attend to." and walked out the door.
Iris sat prop up in bed, with a book open. She had gotten a small history lesson about Hogwarts. Snape was correct, one could not appear or "Apparate" anywhere within the grounds, muggles couldn't see the castle, and muggle devices didn't work. Perhaps the most interesting thing in the book had been a chapter about The Chamber of Secrets. One of the founders Salazar Slytherin had kept a monster hidden somewhere within Hogwarts, spooky.
The door creaked open and she looked up from her book to see Snape walking in. Laying in bed proved to be quite boring, maybe she could entertain herself. She sat up and waited patiently as he conjured three potion bottles. His dark eyes turned to her.
She took the first potion, these were different then the other ones. It was purple and smelled of herbs, rosemary, lavender sage and a hint of citrus. She drank it, it tasted like orange juice, not too bad. The next potion was pink and smoky. It was a bright bubblegum pink but had a salty smell to it. It felt like slime going down her throat but the taste was pleasant. The last potion was green and lime scented, she prepared for this one thinking of the sour taste to come. Down the hatch it went, she choked and clapped her hands over her mouth. She gagged it down, the smell was sour but the taste was putrid. Somewhere along boogers and vomit. Her eyes darted to Snapes, whose smirk played around his lips. The bastard saved the worst for last on purpose. She grabbed her pitcher of water forgoing the cup and started to drink deeply until it was empty. The taste still lingered.
She wiped her mouth with her sleeve, and gasped out, "thanks for the warning jerk!"
A smile played around his lips, but he coolly replied, "if you are done making a fool of yourself… I'll be back this evening.
She glared at him. "Can hardly wait…not."
The next day, Iris sat up and waited for Snape, she had a different tactic this time. She held a book in her hands, Quidditch Throughout The Ages. The door creaked open, she didn't look up as the dark potions master walked in. She was more prepared this time. Her hand reached out, green one first, might as well get it out of the way, but when it came back she held the wrong potion. Her eyes narrowed and she looked up from her book to once again see that smirk.
"They must be drunk in the same order." He said it slowly, savoring it.
"You get off on this don't you." She grumbled drinking the orange juice one first, then the bubblegum and finally the boogers. She kept more of her dignity this time stifling her gagging, as she reached for her tea cup next to her. Strong green tea with jasmine was the perfect booger counter. It washed away the taste. She took a deep breath satisfied.
"Man you brits and tea, you were totally on to something there." She lifted her tea cup up in a toast and drank some more. "You strike me as a coffee drinker though, black like your soul." She blinked her eyes at him innocently.
Snape turned his cold stare towards her. A sneer played around his lips but he said nothing, it was what she wanted, and he wouldn't give in. Instead he turned on his heels and left.
"Goodbye Snape." She called cheerily after him.
Iris sat up in bed, it was day five and she was feeling much better. The pain in her ribs were a dull ache now, her head no longer was throbbing, her various fractures were healed. She still had some internal damage healing but she would live. She had given up trying to talk to Snape. This morning potion meeting had gone slightly different, Snape had informed her that Dumbledore would be gracing her in the afternoon with his presence
She thumbed through her latest book, Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander. The door creaked open and her eyes flicked upward to see the esteemed old wizard walk through.
She put her book down, ready to give him her full attention.
"Good afternoon dear, how are you feeling?"
"Physically I'm doing much better, my nurse's bedside manner could use some work though. Not very cheerful." Dumbledore let out a chuckle. "So sir, let's get down to business then. Give me the 411."
"The Order of The Phoenix was formed when the first wizarding war began." He handed her a piece of paper. "That is to be burned after reading. I have a mission for you. It might not seem glamorous or dangerous for a witch of your talents but I could use you right here in Hogwarts."
"Er…" her eyebrows shot up, "I'm not qualified to be a teacher."
"I was thinking more of an… exchange student."
She blinked at him, "my big mission is…going back to school…with children…no wait worst…" she shuddered, "teenagers."
Dumbledore cracked a smile, "I understand you might have wanted something more proactive but I could best use you here. If your interested Severus can teach you Occlumency, with a bit of practice you can shut out foreign thoughts."
"I could use the lesson." She tilted her head to the side. It would be interesting going to school at Hogwarts. She wondered how different the curriculum was compared to her old school. "What do you need me to do? Why a student?"
Dumbledore let off a sigh, "Harry shares a connection of sorts with Voldemort, he has in the past been able to look into his mind, through his dreams. Voldemort has not yet realized this connection."
"But if he does…" she said thoughtfully, "he can invade Harry's mind for information. You wouldn't be none the wiser."
"Yes. I need you to keep an eye on Harry."
"I can do that." She watched his face carefully. "You're worried about him." She could see the slight downturn of his lip as he talked about Harry.
"You're very insightful." He raised an eyebrow at her.
"I've picked up a thing or two." Sometimes a person couldn't help the way their body moved. A corner of the mouth dropping or picking up held meaning, wrinkles around the eyes or the mouth both meant something different. "I will do my best to keep an eye on Harry and the others." She promised
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled, he stood up. "I will arrange everything. All school supplies and a cover story shall be taken care of. You shall join the 5th year Gryffindor students."
"Would it be too much to ask for my own room? I would like my privacy."
"Of course." Dumbledore nodded.
"One more thing, I'm getting cabin fever, could I walk the grounds?" She asked hopefully. She had walked around the hospital room multiple times.
"I will ask Severus to escort you out."
"Gee thanks" She deadpanned.
Dumbledore left with a chuckle. "It can be quite confusing out there, I wouldn't want you getting lost." He patted her shoulder and left her alone.
Iris cleaned herself up with her wand. She didn't want an escort but she couldn't deny his logic. She did not know the grounds or how to get back. Ten minutes passed before the door opened once more and Snape walked through. His mask was perfectly in place, a blank bored expression. Though the tight lines around his mouth indicated unhappiness at his current task.
She slowly sat up, she felt stiff and every move rediated a dull ache but she got up and to her feet. A quick emotion fell across Snapes face before he abruptly turned around. She looked down at her outfit a white crop top coming above her belly button, she wore no bra, two piercings peeked through, ripped daisy shorts, and combat boots with knee high black socks. She stuck out like a sore thumb, back home this was the height of fashion. She grabbed a green and silver flannel, "lead the way."
She followed behind Snape closely and looked around. The walls looked old, made of stone, and covered in tons of pictures. Every frame moved and some talked to each other. They walked out the double doors and into a dim lit hallway, a few paces and turned into another short hallway through a door. Her eyes were assaulted with light as they found themselves in a courtyard. They walked through it and down a path.
There sat a forest in front of her sight, and a large field to the right, she recognized as a Quidditch Pitch. They walked in silence down a path. A lake came into sight next. It was a cool summer night. She pulled her flannel tighter, "can we sit by the lake?" She asked.
He said nothing but veered off to the left. She followed. They sat a few feet away from the edge of the lake. She conjured a blanket and pillows and sat down. The evening was slowly creeping upon them. The sun was setting west of the lake.
"Are there any books on Occulmency? MACUSA is very tight on reading material. They want us all to be mindless sheep. Bahh…" she scowled.
"I will lend you one from my collection."
"Hella, thank you."
The sun was closer bathing them in the evening glow, together they sat in silence. Iris closed her eyes and enjoyed the quiet. Silence had never felt so loud. Her thoughts echoed solely and freely, if learning Occlumency meant this she would study her ass off. She eyed the older wizard next to her. Her gifts had never failed her before, she was in uncharted waters now. There was something more to him that she could feel, he didn't seem evil, maybe an ass. Dumbledore trusted him greatly, but there was obviously more than that. He must be sure that Snape was good, or did he keep him so close because he did not trust him. This was one mystery she wouldn't break right away.
Severus watched the young witch from his peripherals. She sat with her knees tucked under her chin, her red hair in two buns. How he ever could have mistaken her for Lily was beyond him. Less than a week in her presence and he could see they were nothing alike. Where Lily was soft, intelligent, and kind, this girl was ignorant, simple, and wild. He understood only half of what came out of that foul mouth of hers.
After so many years of peace, his world was finally turning upside down. There were dark times ahead of him. He could sense it and nothing would stop it. The sun finally set on them. The grounds grew dark and the moon glistened its half crescent in the night.
Blue flames roared to life floating in three balls, as Emmalie muttered, "Lux Ignis," a non verbal spell transfigured her flannel into a dark red wizard cloak with a hood. She lifted it over her space bun styled hair. "The cold here is totally brutal, I could cut glass over here."
"What does cutting glass have to do with being cold?"
Emmalie snorted, "not literally."
"Then why utter such nonsense?"
She turned to look him right in the eyes, "it means my nipples are so hard from the cold they could cut glass."
She watched as pink slightly tinged his cheeks. Brit's really were as proper as they appeared, 1995 Americans…not so much. In his eyes she probably looked like a vulgar no-maj foreigner . Then again she was an anomaly in the magical community back home as well. She didn't fit proper norms in their society, she always got in trouble at school, dressed like a no-maj at a rock concert, and didn't join the magical congress like everyone else, to top it all off she attended a no-maj university. In her world, she didn't fit in.
"Are all yanks this crass?"
She smirked, "I prefer to be outside the box. Would you like me to speak like a proper lady?" Her voice changed to a higher pitch with a softer tone. "Thank you kind sir, for escorting me across the grounds." She looked down fluttering her lashes and clutched at her chest, "I'm positively terrified of the dark. I'm so glad a big strong wizard like yourself is here to protect me."
She fluttered her lashes once more at Snape's blank face and snorted, "Look your accent is sexier than mine, I get it no need to rub it in." She held up her hands in defeat. "And as if, I'm just special that way."
Severus felt the urge to rub his temple. Dumbledore was putting his trust in this child, he refused to believe she was an actual adult. The old codger must be losing his mind, she was troublesome . The kind of student who would rather joke around then get they're work done. He was supposed to teach her how to protect her mind? She couldn't even shut that gob of hers.
They started walking back, led by the fireballs Iris had conjured. "Think all the evil little thoughts you want of me, Snape, it's all just conjecture."
They walked quietly back to the castle and stopped outside the double doors of the hospital wing.
"I don't suppose I could skip the potions tonight?" She sighed at his silence, "guess not."
chapter two is out! please leave a review and let me know your thoughts! Appreciate any feedback.