Writer's Commentary - Being a writer is weird. On one hand, I've found a cool form of magic for Melissa to play with in Year Six. On the other hand, it's led me to butcher writing Icelandic poetry on Google Translate ^^"
On the stony shore of Azkaban, two guards and a prisoner watched as a boat rolled in. There's three of them. Melissa noticed. It's like a prisoner exchange. Just a little different than normal.
"I guess my cell isn't staying empty for long," she said quietly.
Beside her, Miller replied, "No, this one's going straight to maximum security. The aurors found another Death Eater in hiding."
"Really?" Her head rolled in confused curiosity. "That's weird."
Above her sight, the two guards made disbelieving gestures.
The boat arrived, and the guards beside her helped secure the vessel before the three stepped out. Well, shoved, in the case of the new prisoner. The act caused the prisoner to fall into the ice-cold water. Their knees no doubt bashing into the rocks underneath. A curse was on their lips, followed by a very loud "HOW DARE YOU, YOU INSOLENT, WORTHLESS TROLL!"
That voice is familiar. Melissa starred as the person, a man it turns out, was wrenched out of the water and shoved towards shore. His clothes were the same as all prisoner's, so she focused more on the face. It was obscured by long, lank blond hair. Yet beneath it she could just make out the sneer on the man's face. A sneer that looked very familiar. Oh… my god!
"LUCIUS MALFOY?!"
The exclamation caught all five men's attention. At the centre of them, Malfoy's eyes burned with hatred. "YOU!" He rushed at her, only for his ankle-cuffs to make him crash and drag across the stony shore. He screamed in pain.
She hardly cared. "Oh, this is brilliant! How did they finally get you?!"
"Argh! You wretched, mudblood bitch!" He pushed his face off the ground, still on all fours as he yelled out. "This is all your fault!"
"Really?!" Her mouth went agape as a smile. "You mean because of the diary? Oh, that's hilarious! Someone actually did something about it?!"
Behind Malfoy, the guards rushed and dragged him up. "When I get my hands on you-"
"Pfft! Good fucking luck," she scoffed. The two new guards dragged him away, ignoring his protests. Unwilling to resist it, she called out after him. "Just so you know, you were ALWAYS going to end up in Azkaban! Have fun!"
Beside her, Miller asked, "Was he, really?"
"Yeah, but not for a couple more years. Not that it matters anymore." She looked up. "Here they come."
Following the direction, Miller and the other guard swore and raised their wands. "Expecto patronum!" Animals burst forth, just in time to block three dementors. Beyond them, the other guards did the same to protect themselves (and Malfoy, by association). "Can you not think about Malfoy until we're off the island? They're here because of you."
"Mmm. Sorry about that." It wasn't hard to do, the dementors were already pulling horrid laughter and screams into her conscious mind. Fortunately it wasn't long before the monsters let up and let them be. The trio barely wasted time before jumping into the boat and spelling it back to Britain. It took a while for her mind to recover. The bad memories getting shoved far, far down into her mind. When done, she closed her eyes and let herself fall into her mind, hoping to ignore the frigid sea and find better thoughts to occupy her time.
A few hours later they arrived at the port office that serves as a mid-way floo between the Ministry and Azkaban. There, the guards signed her off for official release. Her heart leapt when they told her that someone was waiting in another room to take her home. With a grateful goodbye to the guards, she went straight into the other room. Then her heart fell on finding the bejewelled robes of Albus Dumbledore.
The man, in opposition, offered her a kind smile. "Miss Bennett, how wonderful it is to see you again."
She gave a single, slow nod. "Headmaster. I take it that you're my escort?"
"I am, indeed. Come, come, let's get you home." With a firm yet gentle hold of her hand, the man pivoted and disapparated from the spot.
Their apparition point was not at her street, as it turned out, but an alley a few blocks from her home. As Dumbledore guided her out of the alley she found herself thankful for the cloudy skies and light rain. London was BRIGHT and LOUD, hands flying immediately to her ears as people and cars passed by. Had the day been sunny, she'd have shut her eyes completely. Fortunately they soon left the busy street, moving into one of the residential streets.
"Your time in Azkaban must have been difficult."
The comment made her scoff. "It's Azkaban. What else would it be?"
The wizard hummed in agreement. "Fortunately you have handled your stay admirably. That's not something most can say."
"...Thanks."
"Before we come to your home-" Ah, there it is, "-I would like to go over some matters of import. First, do any apparitions still exist in your mind?"
"Just the one," she answered. "I take it he'll have to leave before school starts?"
"Yes. Of that, I insist," he said. "Along with an inspection of your mind to ensure that he and no others remain in your mind."
That order met silence. Meanwhile, her mind screamed absolutely fucking not at the idea.
"You'll be happy to know I've been in touch with the legilimens you worked with last summer. Luisa Ramirez."
"Oh. Señora Torrero-Ramirez," she spoke pensively. "Good. That's fine. I was supposed to meet her this summer anyways, before it all went to Hell."
"...Yes. Fortunately you have another opportunity to do so. I've spoken at length with Mrs. Torrero-Ramirez and she's agreed to become this year's defence professor."
Huh. That's… that's good. Different, but good. Not like this year was going to be a repeat of canon anyways. Still, better different than a werewolf risk. "Nice. That's a good idea. I take it we're going to work on my mind the rest of the year, too?"
"As much as is needed," Dumbledore answered.
"There's one thing I don't get. How am I able to go back? I mean… I was expelled, wasn't I?"
"No, of course not. Why would I expel you?"
Geez, I dunno, because of the DEAD AND TORTURED TEENAGERS?! "Well, even if you don't mind me there, the Board must have had something to say about me coming back, right?"
"There were some concerns," he admitted. "However, as they believe that Voldemort was the one who possessed you, it was easier to assuage their fears once I told them that a professional would clear you before the start of term. I've administered a similar check up on Miss Weasley to keep everything in order."
"Huh." That's convenient. I wonder if the rest of the school believes that? That would be nice. "Speaking of Weasley and the Board, I can't help but notice we got a new inmate today. How did you manage to pull that off? Isn't Fudge in Malfoy's pocket?"
"You are correct in that regard; but with Voldemort's horcrux under investigation and pressure from certain members of the Wizengamot, Cornelius' reluctance did not prevent a trial taking place."
Melissa nodded at that, letting the information swirl for a bit. As it settled, she spoke again. "And the horcrux?"
"Has been disposed of. Once it was no longer needed, the Unspeakables destroyed it. I witnessed its destruction first-hand."
"...Tested?"
"They were running tests on it, trying to understand the nature of its magic. Though nature is a term I use loosely for such dark magic."
"That's for sure." With that, the conversation lulled into silence. It came at a good time as Melissa took in the world around her. The familiar streets she's known all this life. Where she's made friends and played games, explored and absorbed the world, finding her place within it. Most important, it's the place where she forged new love and family. Where she re-discovered that feeling of-
"Home!"
The word came in an awed sigh. The building in front of her was a modest house that, in this moment, felt like a palace of love and safety. Moreso as the door opened, and the two people she loved most in the world stepped outside of it.
"She's here!"
Jake jumped where he stood. His wife's shouting broke the tension that's been building all morning. They ran to the door, only pausing on the porch to drink in the sight before them.
"Mum! Dad!"
All three broke into a run, practically crashing into each other as they met in an embrace. A sob ripped out from his daughter, making Jake and Mary cling tighter as their own tears fell. "I'm sorry!" He heard through the sob. "I'm so sorry! I missed you so much!"
"Shh, shh, it's alright, Melly-bean. We missed you, too. So much!"
"It's okay," Mary cooed. "You're safe, now. You're going to be alright."
They all squeezed tighter. No intention of ever letting each other go again. Finally, after eight long, anguishing months, their little girl is home!
In the minutes that passed, a great reluctance came as Jake slowly absorbed the changes in his daughter. The way she clung to their hands or arms as they walked inside the house could be written off from their time apart, even as they all sat on the couch across from Dumbledore. It didn't explain the shaking, though. Nor the way she was avoiding anyone's eyes. Then there were the clothes. Seeing his daughter in prison clothes was bad enough; but the way they were frayed, dirt-stained, and hung loose on Melissa's shrunken frame had him seeing red.
"You people couldn't be asked to give a child the bare essentials when you threw her in prison?!"
The wizard in front of him blinked, as if confused. "She was placed in the minimum security wing of Azkaban. I assure you, Mister Bennett, that your daughter received good care during her time."
He shared a disbelieving look with Mary. "This is your idea of good care?! Did they even feed her? Look at her!"
Melissa flinched at the shout. "Dad…" She pulled at his arm weakly. "It's okay. It wasn't so bad."
"Melly, sweetheart, I know you think that; but no one who goes to a normal prison comes out looking-" He cut himself off. "There are laws to make sure they're treated humanely. Three square meals, a bed, fresh air, showers-" He stopped, seeing her shrink down again.
Luckily Mary took over the conversation. "Now that our daughter's home, we need another chat about her schooling. As you know, Sirius has already offered to find tutors for her."
"It is imperative that she remains at Hogwarts," Dumbledore replied. "In the current climate, it won't be safe for her to remain here."
"With all due respect, being surrounded by the friends of those kids isn't going to make things easy on her."
"It is not other children that you need to be concerned with. Their parents and allies, on the other hand, will not be able to come to Hogwarts. Here, there are no such protections."
That's not true, Jake thought bitterly. His mind recalled the various owls and envelopes that have bounced or blown up mid-air around their house. Had that Italian bloke not put up those shields… he wasn't sure if he'd be alive right now. Unfortunately, he and Mary have already decided to not let Melly know about it. Good thing, too, considering the state she's in now. But it does mean that he can't correct the callous idiot about his daughter's safety.
"And you can guarantee she'll be safe?" Mary asked.
"The staff will all be keeping an eye out for any dangers. I have also hired one of Marcello Salvatore's colleagues on our staff. She and your daughter will be in close contact should any trouble brew."
That wasn't a yes, obviously, causing the conversation to drag as he and Mary continued to question the various safeties Dumbledore will have in place. Unfortunately, and heart-breakingly, even Melissa talked in favour of going back to school. Her heart didn't seem in it, though. As if she felt there wasn't a choice at all. He hated the idea. Yet, once Dumbledore pointed out that any excursions outside the school wards would be a risk, there was an uncomfortable realization that the same could be said about the ones in their home. Can they really commit to forcing their girl on house arrest, without telling her why, to keep her safe?
He can see the answer clearly from the nervous looks Mary flashed at him. Mary's the one that works from home. She knows more than him how hard it would be. If she thinks they won't be able to keep Melissa inside… Bugger, they don't stand a chance!
"Fine," he gave in, "but only because it's the safest option. If we hear one word about about her being in danger-"
"I will be sure to keep you abreast," Dumbledore answered. Irritatingly, if you asked Jake. Fortunately the wizard didn't stick around much longer. His leaving gave Jake a sigh of relief.
Behind him, Mary spoke quietly to Melissa. "How about we have some hot chocolate to celebrate?"
Chocolate. Right. Remus and Sirius both mentioned that she'll need lots of chocolate now that she's home. A remedy against the soul-sucking creatures that have spent the last three months feeding on their daughter!
Furious as the thought made him, Jake put on a smile and offered a jovial "sounds good to me!" The three moved into the kitchen, Jake took Melissa in for a long hug while Mary went about making the sweet medicine. Which was fine by him. He'll take all the hugs he can get! Melissa seemed to be of the same mind as she squeezed in tight. Once the drinks and marshmallows were ready, the trio moved back to snuggling on the couch.
The first sip went slow for Melissa, he noticed. She just seemed to be taking it in. The rest of it, though, was practically chugged before the others reached halfway. Mary giggled at the sight. She had the right sense to bring the pot with them and ladelled another cupful in no time. After half of the second drink was downed, Melissa paused, eyes falling to the cup but not really looking at it. They seemed to glisten, shining with tears unshed. "I figure you both have questions, right?"
Jake shook his head. Though Mary was the one who answered. "You don't have to explain anything to us, Sweetheart."
She didn't answer right away, though she seemed confused. Not that she met their eyes to make it obvious. "But… aren't you mad at me?"
"What?"
"After hearing about what happened, and my visions, I figured-"
"What? Sweetheart, of course not-"
He gave a short chuckle, despite the heavy air. "Melissa…" he put a hand on her cheek, coaxing her to look up and meet his eye. She seemed nervous, all the more reason for him to push on an (exasperated) smile. "Melly, you've been making things float since you were a kid. You go to a magic school. Did you really think we'd think less of you because you can see the future or use strange spells?"
"But-"
"But nothing."
Mary stepped in, meeting her eyes. "You're our daughter. No matter how different your abilities are, that's never going to change how we feel about you."
"...Even when I keep things secret?"
"Even then."
She didn't answer for a moment. Eyes blinking tears as her face twisted with bitterness. "...Even when people die?!"
The tears burst out, and they pounced on her at once. Deftly moving cups aside and holding her tight as sobs broke out. They let the tears run their course. Mary and Jake murmuring sweet, reassuring words all the while. Of course it doesn't matter! The words rang out in repetition. On the couch, up the stairs, even in the hallway when she meekly asked if it'd be a problem to stay in their room tonight.
It doesn't matter. Not at all. The words continued as her frail body shook between theirs on the bed. Because no matter what happens, no matter what secrets you feel you need to hide, you'll always be our little girl.
Jake kissed her forehead. A small relief filled him as the shaking slowed and her breath steadied. That's right. That's all that matters.
A/C: Can you see where Melissa inherited her "Hide your problems behind cheerful smiles" personality from?