Chapter 5: Aftermath
Before her stretched a breathtaking open hall that descended in tiers, its sculpted rocky roof gracefully upheld by elegant marble pillars. The walls were adorned with numerous moving portraits that seemed to come to life as they gazed upon the passersby. In the expansive central chamber, multiple passages branched off, and at its heart, a grand stone statue stood sentinel—a robust and stoic figure guarding the common room. Plush leather seating was thoughtfully arranged near the fireplaces and along the walls, creating pockets of comfort in the otherwise spacious and cool expanse. The common room exuded an unapologetic sense of pride, a manifestation of Slytherin's enduring strength that permeated every aspect of the hall. At the end of the hall, a dozen towering glass windows revealed a distant, obscured view that appeared as if water were pressed against the glass.
Eve placed a trembling hand onto the stone banister and delicately descended the steps into the bustling central room, where students of all ages engaged in lively conversations.
Upon reaching the base of the steps, she encountered a grand portrait on her left, depicting a regal figure dressed in 19th-century attire, who gracefully bowed and addressed her. "Allow me to extend the first welcome to you, Miss Evelyn, to Slytherin. Our distinguished house will nurture your growth and success," he declared with a proud and welcoming smile.
Eve's entrance elicited a reaction from some of the onlookers, causing a few heads to turn in her direction. "Look, we got the freak!" exclaimed a third-year boy, playfully nudging his friend to draw his attention. A hush settled over the common room as all eyes shifted to the archway, where Eve stood, framed by the green curtains.
Countless pairs of eyes, laden with judgment and snide expressions, bore down on Eve, creating an overwhelming discomfort. She clutched the inside of her robe with trembling hands, fighting to remain perfectly still, determined to keep her knees from giving way.
In a frantic search for a friendly face in the crowd, her own grey eyes darted left and right until they finally locked onto a set of fiery green eyes she'd never forget. In a brief, poignant exchange, Albus and Eve shared a knowing look that screamed 'help.' Their gaze was disrupted by the laughter of their fellow students. One of the third-year boys, pulling his hood over his head in mocking fashion, began an absurd monologue about the end times, and then flopped on the floor, mimicking the ordeal Eve had experienced in the great hall.
Albus rose from his seat, placing his book beside him, and casually sauntered over to the group that was revelling in laughter. He maneuverer through the taller students, his gaze unrelenting as he fixed it upon the boy squirming on the floor, his humour far from shared. "Cut it out, you fool. It's not funny," Albus snapped, his eyes blazing with fury.
The other students responded with even more laughter, taunting the first-year. One of them sneered, "Oh, did we hurt your girlfriend's feelings?" He puckered his lips mockingly at Albus. With a sharp exhale of frustration, Albus turned and stormed off to the opposite side of the gathered circle, where he found Eve, trembling and frozen at the bottom of the steps.
Without hesitation, Albus took Eve's hand in his, guiding her away from the commotion to a quieter corner of the common room. They settled in a cozy seating area next to the tall, submerged glass windows that offered a view of the mysterious depths of the black lake.
After guiding Eve to a seat, Albus settled across from her, glancing to his right to ensure their privacy. "Are you okay? I wanted to come see you, but they wouldn't let me into the infirmary. I was really worried about you," he admitted with a hint of concern, allowing a weighty pause to hang in the air. Eve nodded, her eyes briefly averting his gaze. "I'm okay. Madam Pomfrey said I made a full recovery from whatever happened to me." She couldn't reveal the full truth, not yet, as she herself didn't entirely understand it.
A warm smile played on Albus's lips as he expressed his relief. "I'm so glad you're okay. It was really scary to see what happened to you." Before he could continue, Eve gently placed a hand on his arm, interrupting him. "If you don't mind, I'd rather not dwell on it," she said, offering a closed-lip smile. Albus nodded, understanding her reluctance.
As they conversed, they delved into the classes Eve had missed during her two days of absence, and Albus shared the wondrous sights he had encountered within the halls of Hogwarts. Laughter and smiles emerged throughout their conversation, momentarily allowing Eve to forget her concerns.
Before they parted ways, as Eve prepared to locate her bedroom, Albus laid a gentle hand on her arm. "I'm really glad you got placed in Slytherin," he remarked, searching her eyes for a glimmer of excitement at his words. It was there, and it elicited a smile from him. "See you tomorrow," Eve replied softly, slipping out of Albus's grasp.
Narrow, winding tunnels of black tiles stretched in various directions, resembling a labyrinth. Eve briskly traversed the metal-framed walkway, determined to locate the first-year female dormitory. After several minutes of navigating the maze-like tunnels, she finally reached her destination. Pushing the heavy oak door ajar, she was greeted by the sight of multiple four-poster beds adorned in shades of pale green and silver.
The room took on a circular layout, with the beds evenly spaced around the perimeter. A large, shimmering silver carpet occupied the room's centre. Soft, diffused light filtered through the tall glass window, submerged beneath the inky depths of the Black Lake. Eve approached the window, her hand making contact with its icy surface as she gazed into the mysterious lake's depths. The cold glass sent shivers down her spine.
Then, out of nowhere, a colossal tentacle struck the window's exterior, its suction cups adhering to the glass. Eve recoiled in terror, her heart pounding in her chest. In her haste, she stumbled on the silver rug, falling backward and landing in a dishevelled heap on the floor.
"It seems the giant squid likes to give us Slytherin first-years a little surprise. Don't worry; it caught me off guard too. Hi, I'm Dotty Trupe," chirped a small, white-blonde-haired girl as she emerged from the bathroom. She extended a hand to help Eve back on her feet.
Eve raised her head to meet Dotty's gaze and couldn't help but notice her captivating beauty. Dotty's soft, unblemished pale skin, adorable dimples forming with her smile, vibrant blue eyes, and intense stare all held an irresistible charm.
Eve tilted her head to the side, drawn to those enchanting blue eyes, feeling somewhat entranced.
Sensing the shift in Eve's mood, Dotty immediately closed her eyes and shook her head vigorously. "I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed. "I don't know how to control it yet. This place has enhanced my natural ability more than I thought, and I can't keep it in check. I didn't mean to." Eve regained her composure but felt a lingering sense of strangeness and dizziness.
"What just happened?" Eve asked, rubbing her eyes.
"I accidentally entranced you. You see, I'm part veela. I didn't do it intentionally," Dotty explained.
"Veela?" Eve inquired; her curiosity piqued.
Dotty nodded and giggled. "A semi-human magical being that usually takes on the appearance of a harpy when angry. But don't worry, I won't be turning into a harpy." She let out a light laugh. "My grandmother was a veela, and my mother and father were regular wizards and witches, so I'm only part veela. It feels like a curse sometimes. I don't know if people genuinely want to be my friend or if they're just entranced by me."
She shifted her gaze from Eve, looking out of the tall window, then over to a low chest at the foot of one of the beds. "I take it you are Evelyn?" She pointed to the chest with a silver nameplate, bearing Eve's name etched into it.
Eve nodded. "Eve, for short." They both moved over to the chest, and Eve sat on the bed, which was remarkably comfortable. "The other girls didn't seem thrilled when they saw your name appear on the nameplate," she paused, "but I don't mind. I often feel like an outsider too." She offered a warm smile, and they shared a moment of mutual understanding.
Dotty tapped the bedpost. "Alright, I'll let you get settled in. I'm going to head into the common room for a few hours before bed. I hope to see you out there," she said before leaving the room, leaving behind an eerie silence.
Eve sat in silence for a few moments, absorbing the atmosphere. She finally laid her head down on the plush pillow, gazing up at the bed's canopy. However, something felt amiss. A sudden realization jolted her, and she swiftly pivoted in front of the chest, determined to retrieve a particular book. "There you are," she muttered to herself.
Returning to her bed, she opened the book and turned to page 213, which bore the title "Light Spells" at the top. Her finger traced the inked text, stopping on a particular passage. "This is it," she said to herself as she retrieved her wand from her robes. Clearing her throat, she pointed the wand toward the bed's canopy and incanted, "Lumos Numerosa." Tiny star-shaped lights emanated from the wand's tip, adhering themselves to the canopy. Eve beamed with satisfaction at her accomplishment before resting her head back on the pillow.
As she gazed at the radiant stars above, she felt a sense of comfort wash over her. She lay in this serene state for about ten minutes before deciding to get up and head to the bathroom. As she walked past a mirror, she stopped to assess her reflection. "Goodness, is that what I look like? No wonder I'm being avoided," she thought. Her hair was unruly and tangled, and her eyes appeared weary. Without hesitation, she grabbed a brush from her trunk and smoothed out her hair, securing it into a high ponytail that tautly framed her face. She then splashed her face with cold water, rejuvenating her tired eyes.
Once she felt presentable, she mustered the courage to venture out into the common room. She hadn't seen Scorpius yet, and she needed to check the bulletin board for her class schedule. Navigating the tunnels, she eventually reached the common room. Across the room, she spotted the bulletin board and held her head high as she strolled over, her eyes scanning the various notices. Her gaze settled on the first-year schedule, and she unpinned it from the board, only to find another schedule immediately appear in its place.
As her attention focused on the parchment, a young boy approached her silently from the side, standing somewhat shyly. Unbeknownst to her, as she turned to move, they accidentally collided foreheads, resulting in a loud gasp escaping her lips. Both took a step back, rubbing their heads, and shared a smile, accompanied by a chuckle. "Hello, Eve. It's good to see you again. I wasn't expecting to get assaulted by you, but you do make things interesting," Scorpius said.
Eve's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she lowered her head, hoping he wouldn't notice. Scorpius ran his fingers over the trim of her robes, his words carrying a trace of surprise. "I wasn't expecting you to get into Slytherin. No offense, but you don't seem the ambitious, cunning type. I would've placed you more in Hufflepuff." In a playful response, Eve swatted his hand away. "Well, you just don't know me that well, then," she huffed and crossed her arms.
"I would like to if you'd let me," Scorpius said, tilting his head in a curious manner.
Once more, a blush coloured Eve's cheeks, and she nodded, her voice escaping her in a soft, barely audible murmur. They both took a seat and chatted for hours, getting to know each other. An enchanting feeling began to take root within Eve, casting an unusual aura around her. An invisible force enveloped both her and Scorpius, as they became engrossed in their conversation, oblivious to the outside world, cocooned in their own little bubble.
Following their extended conversation, they bid each other farewell and went their separate ways to their respective bedrooms. When Eve entered her room, she couldn't help but notice that it was still empty. The emptiness felt odd, considering it was getting late. She reached for her phone, resting on her end table, and tapped its black screen, causing it to spring to life, displaying the time as 17:00. A puzzled expression crept onto her face. She was certain she had left the common room at 16:45, and her talk with Scorpius had felt like hours.
Lying in bed, she stared up at the stars on her canopy, pondering the strange anomaly. As she connected the dots in her mind, she realized this wasn't the first unusual event she had encountered. The incident in the schoolyard where all the children froze in time and her visits to the void, a place where time seemed to cease, were somehow linked to this. The common denominator appeared to be time.
Her eyes widened, and she covered her mouth with her hand to stifle a gasp. "I have a connection to time," the words reverberated in her mind. She wasn't quite sure what to do with this newfound information, but the thought occurred to her that perhaps Headmistress McGonagall could provide some answers.
With the revelation weighing heavily on her mind, sleep was elusive, her thoughts racing. Nevertheless, she eventually succumbed to slumber, drawn into its deep, dark embrace.
The next morning, Eve was engrossed in her preparations for a day filled with classes. She made her way to the shared girls' bathroom and stepped into the shower, letting the warm water cleanse away the traces of sleep and the perspiration brought on by the nightmare she had endured the previous night. After the shower, she dried off, brushed her teeth, and applied a small amount of concealer to her tired eyes.
As she glanced into the mirror, she couldn't help but notice the disdainful looks being thrown her way by the other girls in her dorm. Eve clenched her jaw, biting the inside of her cheek to restrain herself from turning around and confronting them. She reminded herself that today was going to be a good day, and initiating conflict right at the start would serve no one's best interests, she mused to herself.
Returning to the bedroom, Eve spotted Dotty struggling to pull her jumper over her head, the fabric stubbornly clinging to her. Amused, Eve couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle as she walked over and helped Dotty slide it down. Their eyes met, and Eve flashed her a sly, half-grin before moving toward her own bed to get dressed.
Once both were ready, Eve and Dotty made their way to the common room's centre, where they met up with Albus and Scorpius, sharing cheerful good mornings and warm greetings.
"Does anyone know the way to Defence Against the Dark Arts? I have no idea where to go," Eve admitted shyly. Dotty linked arms with Eve, offering a reassuring smile. "I do. Follow me." Glancing over at the two boys, her eyes involuntarily flared. "You two coming?" she asked. Albus and Scorpius nodded far to eagerly for Dotty's liking, the boys trailed closely behind Eve and Dotty as the group exited the Slytherin common room, ascending the marbled stairs and entering the main hall.
As they navigated through numerous corridors, Eve's eyes roved around, captivated by the enchanting sights. The intricate details etched into the stone walls, the paintings that adorned the passageways, and the bright sun streaming through the ornate windows all took her breath away.
Upon arriving at the East Tower, which housed the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, they quickened their pace. Eve had paused several times to admire the castle's intricacies, and Albus had to physically nudge her forward on multiple occasions.
"We're here!" Dotty exclaimed; a gleeful little hop showed her excitement as she dashed into the classroom. Albus and Scorpius swiftly followed in her wake. Eve, however, found herself struggling to cross the threshold of the classroom. As a sudden, overwhelming weight pressed down on her chest as Rose, having noticed Albus and Scorpius's entrance, had rushed from her chair. Rose clung to Eve, her arms enveloping her tightly. She whispered softly into Eve's ear, "I'm so glad you're okay."
Eve gasped, her voice trembling as she managed to stammer, "Breathe... can't breathe!" Her words were choked out. Rose quickly realized her overexuberant display of affection had inadvertently overwhelmed Eve. "Oops, sorry," Rose muttered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Rose's eyes scanned Eve from top to bottom, and she couldn't help but let out a disapproving tut. "I still can't believe both you and Albus ended up in Slytherin. That took me by complete surprise, but there must be a good reason for it," she said, her tone filled with conviction. She firmly took Eve's hand and led her into the classroom, guiding her toward a desk with two empty seats.
Once they were seated, they took out their books and quills, getting ready for the class. As the clock struck 9 a.m., the door to the upper chamber of the classroom swung open, and Professor Inkwood made a leisurely entrance. He sauntered down the small, curved stairs and walked toward the blackboard, setting the stage for the day's lesson.
Glancing over the class of Gryffindor and Slytherin students, Professor Inkwood confirmed that all 35 of them were accounted for. He then turned back to the blackboard and proceeded to write the word "Possession" in large, bold letters. Eve sank a little lower into her seat, her attempt to remain inconspicuous evident, as she instantly recognized that this lesson was likely prompted by what had happened to her.
"Possession!" Professor Inkwood announced, his voice resonating clearly throughout the classroom. "Can anyone tell me what possession is?" he inquired, but no student raised their hand. Professor Inkwood's gaze traversed the classroom, and Eve could feel it momentarily rest on her. Panic momentarily gripped her; she had no desire to speak in front of the entire class.
"Possession," Professor Inkwood began to explain, "occurs when one soul takes control of another, either completely or partially. For instance, a complete possession entails seizing the mind and body of the other person, enabling you to manipulate them at your will. However, this practice can be perilous, as if the victim resists, your soul might become lost within their mind. Additionally, it's important to note that possession is highly illegal and should never be practised. But I feel you need to know about it."
The entire class erupted into hushed muttering as Professor Inkwood continued writing on the board. Eve could feel the weight of multiple eyes boring into her from all sides. Just when the unease was beginning to take hold, Rose's soft hand slipped under the table and gently squeezed hers, offering a reassuring touch that eased her discomfort somewhat.
"Today," Professor Inkwood continued, his voice drawing their attention, "we will be delving into the counter-curse for possession. I understand that this might seem a bit advanced for first-years, but given recent events, I believe it's more than warranted."
Professor Inkwood strode over to a table at the front of the classroom, covered with a blue silk cloth. With a flourish, he removed the cloth, revealing several cages containing mice.
"These mice," he explained, "have been under my possession. Note their white eyes when I take control of them; it's a clear indicator of possession. I can make these mice do as I wish, like so." Closing his eyes, Professor Inkwood focused on his connection to the mice. Simultaneously, all the mice within the cages began spinning around and around, eventually flopping onto their backs, their little legs kicking into the air.
Upon opening his eyes, the mice quickly righted themselves and returned to their previous behaviour, sniffing around the cages as if nothing had happened. "What I aim to demonstrate is the counter-curse that can release these mice from the control exerted over them."
Professor Inkwood extended his wand toward the nearest mouse, addressing the class with clarity. "Watch my wand movement carefully. It's crucial—this spell involves a half-crescent swish to the right and a sharp upward flick as the final syllable is spoken." As he demonstrated the wand movement while muttering the incantation, "Expulsio Possessus," the white mouse only twitched slightly but otherwise remained unaffected.
"I will now demonstrate the results," Professor Inkwood said. Once more, he closed his eyes, and the eyes of all the mice, except one, turned white. They went through the same motions as before, and upon opening his eyes, each mouse had returned to normal.
"As you can see, all but one succumbed to my control. There are various variables at play in cases of possession. It depends on the power of the wizard or witch attempting possession and the willingness of the one being possessed. This is why mice serve as a good starting point, as they have no resistance against my magic," he explained, before pausing.
"People can be under possession for extended periods, often unaware until the controller decides to take action," Professor Inkwood explained. "It's somewhat akin to the Imperious Curse but much older and far more perilous as it allows access to the victim's mind."
He then circled the table and positioned himself in front of it. "I would like you to pair up and take turns countering the possession placed upon these mice. So, up you get," he directed, gesturing with both hands.
The class shuffled toward the table, each pair selecting a cage and making their way back to their desks. Amidst the commotion, there were plenty of murmured words and occasional exasperated sighs as the students attempted the spell, often with less-than-ideal results.
Rose carefully set down the small cage containing the mouse and encouraged Eve, "You go first." With her wand in hand, she cleared her throat, practicing the wand movements before speaking the incantation, "Expulsio Possessus." As she executed the final flick of her wand, the mouse twitched briefly and then settled once more.
Across the room, Professor Inkwood watched Eve with an eagle eye while assisting another student. He observed her fluid wand movements and recognized her natural talent. The mouse's twitch confirmed that the spell had found its mark, and Professor Inkwood, though somewhat unsurprised, couldn't help but scoff to himself. There was definitely something about that girl.
"Did it work?" Rose inquired; her gaze closely fixed on the mouse through the cage bars. "I'm not sure," Eve replied uncertainly. "I think I saw it twitch, like it did when Professor Inkwood cast it."
"You try now," Rose offered, levelling her wand at the mouse and attempting the spell. However, she moved her wand with incorrect motions and pouted when no change occurred. "I don't think I did it right," she mumbled, resting her head on her folded arms, her eyes filled with longing for success. "I felt so powerless when you were affected the other night. I wanted to make it stop, didn't want to see you in pain, to see you like that anymore." Rose buried her head further in her arms.
Eve enveloped her friend with a comforting arm and leaned her head on Rose's shoulder, whispering softly into her ear, "I know you would have done it if you knew how. The teachers didn't even know what to do, so please don't think like that anymore... I'm okay now." She hugged Rose tightly, offering her support.
Their intimate moment was suddenly interrupted by Professor Inkwood's loud voice. "Right, class, I've given you plenty of time to attempt the spell. Now, let's see how well you've done." Once more, Professor Inkwood closed his eyes, taking control of all the mice he could. The eyes of all but one mouse turned white. The possessed mice chewed through a small piece of string holding the cage door closed and swiftly scurried across the room into another, larger cage placed on the floor.
Professor Inkwood swiftly opened his eyes and closed the door of the large cage, trapping the mice inside. He gazed at the class, noticing that only one mouse remained outside the cage. With a smirk, he pointed over to Eve and Rose's table. "Ten points to Slytherin for demonstrating flawless technique and skill beyond their abilities," he proudly announced. Looking at the student from his own house.
A student in red-trimmed robes, however, couldn't hold back and shouted, "That's not fair! She's a freak who's already been possessed. It probably rubbed off on her, and now she knows how to do it." His friends joined in with laughter, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere.
Eve, who was currently the centre of attention, had her hood draped over her head as she attempted to blend into the background, sinking lower into her chair. Meanwhile, Rose stood up, her eyes filled with fiery rage as she sent a hateful glare across the room towards the laughing boys.
The laughter quickly died down as Professor Inkwood addressed the situation. "There will be no name-calling in my classroom," he reprimanded. "Five points from Gryffindor. I expected better of you, Prewett. Weasley! Sit down. I don't want to deduct another five points from your house for a violent altercation," he snapped.
Rose huffed and reluctantly took her seat, mumbling to herself. Professor Inkwood concluded the lesson, saying, "That's the end of the class. I'll see you tomorrow. Off with you now; Professor Flitwick won't be pleased if you're late for his Charms lesson." He gestured for the students to disperse and took a seat behind his desk.
As the students gradually filed out of the classroom, they engaged in conversations about the lesson they had just attended. Eve lingered at her desk, gesturing for Rose to go on without her. Rose shrugged and quickly caught up with her cousin, who received a nasty flick on the back of his head from Rose before leaving the classroom.
Eve let out a deep breath and approached Professor Inkwood's desk. "Sir, can I ask you a question?" Professor Inkwood looked up from the notes he was jotting into a book. "You've just asked me a question, but you may ask another," he replied with a faint smirk. Eve fidgeted with her fingers as she spoke, "You mentioned that possession can linger for years. I wanted to know if Hera could repossess me anytime she wanted."
Professor Inkwood closed his book and leaned back in his chair, placing one hand under his chin as his gaze shifted upward. His brow furrowed with a thoughtful expression, and then he appeared more surprised a few moments later.
"I don't want to frighten you, child, but I won't lie to you," he said with confidence and reassuring eyes. "There may be a chance that she still lingers within your mind, at least a small part of her. But I can't be certain of that."
Eve gazed straight ahead, her vision slightly blurry, and her hearing seemed distant. Had she heard him correctly? There was a chance that Hera still haunted her mind.
Professor Inkwood continued, "I will have to do some more research on this matter to know for certain. In the meantime—" He stopped when he noticed Eve had gone deathly still, her gaze fixed on something beyond him. He turned to look but found nothing there.
Turning back around, he snapped his fingers in front of her face to regain her attention. Startled, Eve shook off her stupor and focused on what Professor Inkwood had to say.
"As I was saying, in the meantime, I would like you to visit me for extra lessons every day from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, right after dinner. I will teach you how to protect your mind." He stood up from his desk, walked around it, and leaned against it. "Occlumency is a very tricky branch of magic, usually not taught to first years, but the situation is dire, and you need to be able to shield your mind from mental attacks."
Eve nodded, determination in her eyes. "Thank you, sir, for the help. I won't let you down. I'm a fast learner and a hard worker. Should I stop by this evening?"
Professor Inkwood shook his head. "Not today. I have a prior engagement to attend to. But tomorrow, in my classroom at 6:30 PM, on the dot. Do not be late. Now, off with you." He shooed her out the door and promptly closed it behind her.
Eve stood still for a moment, contemplating what she had just heard. She was going to be taught Occlumency. She had read about it during the summer before school, and only really strong wizards and witches could stop a mind attack. She just hoped she could withstand the mental barrage that was to come.
Looking around for her friends, she had hoped Albus, Dotty, and Scorpius would have waited for her, but they had gone on to the next class without her.
Eve stomped her foot in frustration and began walking in a random direction. She had no idea where she was going, and she was utterly lost. The first student she saw, she asked politely, "I'm lost. Could you point me in the direction of the Charms classroom?" She received a sneer in return as the student spun around, hitting Eve with their book bag, and walked off without a reply.
Rubbing her shoulder, she was determined to get some help. She spotted a Ravenclaw student briskly walking towards her. As their eyes locked, Eve moved to block their path. The Ravenclaw student did a 180 and sprinted in the other direction, yelling, "She's going to possess me!"
Eve threw her arms down at her side in defeat as she slumped against a cold stone wall. "This was supposed to be a fresh start. I'm even more hated here than at my last school," Eve spoke out loud as tears trickled down her cheeks. She dabbed at her hot eyes with the sleeve of her robes and buried her head within her arms.
A few minutes later, she felt a presence looming over her. As she looked up through tear-filled eyes, she saw James Potter standing there with an outstretched hand. "Need some help?" he said, offering her a warm, kind smile.
Eve sniffled and took the hand offered to her. "Thank you," Eve said, looking down at the ground, too embarrassed to look him in the eye. Her brother's words played over in her head, "Don't let anyone make you feel like you don't matter." She really felt like she didn't matter right now. The other students avoided her and looked down on her, but not James. He was a kind soul.
"What's got you so upset?" He paused, letting Eve answer when she didn't respond right away, he followed up with, "It wasn't my brother, was it? I swear to God, I'll beat him to next week." This elicited a giggle from Eve. She placed a calming hand on James's arm. "No, it wasn't your brother. I'm lost. I can't find my Charms classroom, and when I went to ask for help, everyone ran away from me like I had the plague," she shifted her gaze away from James again.
"That's easy enough to remedy. Show me your schedule. I'll show you a little bit of magic," he winked at her.
Eve, looking puzzled, rummaged through her robe pockets, pulling out a folded piece of paper. After handing it to James, he removed his wand and, with a tight swish over the words on the paper, spoke the spell, "Navigari Absumete." The words shimmered with a golden light before settling back to their black, inky state.
"Go ahead, tap the words 'Charms class' with your wand." Eve followed James's instructions, and as her wand touched the words, a bright, sparkling line ran across the floor, up the stairs, and out of sight. "Only you can see the line. It will guide you wherever you need." Before James had finished speaking, Eve hugged him tightly. Standing on her tiptoes, she gave him a small peck on the cheek. "Gotta go. I'm so late!" she said as she hurried up the stairs, her robe billowing behind her.
Following the trail of sparkles, Eve climbed multiple flights of stairs, traversed down two long hallways, and ascended one more flight of stairs. Eventually, the sparkling line led her to a closed door. Gasping for breath, Eve pushed the door open and stumbled into the classroom. All eyes turned to face her as she hunched over, trying to catch her breath after her brisk run.
Professor Flitwick was utterly shocked by the sudden entrance of a student, causing him to topple off the stack of books he used as a podium. Laughter erupted from the students as the professor struggled to regain his composure.
"What is the meaning of this, Miss Warren? You are 15 minutes late," he chided, readjusting his glasses. Eve took a moment to catch her breath before responding, "I apologize, Professor. I was discussing a personal matter with Professor Inkwood. I promise it won't happen again."
Professor Flitwick folded his arms and replied sternly, "Make sure it doesn't. Five points from Slytherin for tardiness." He then gestured for Eve to take an empty seat at the front of the class.
Eve spotted her three friends sitting across the room surrounded by Hufflepuff students. She offered them a small, tight-lipped smile, subtly conveying her dissatisfaction with leaving her behind. Afterward, she settled into her seat beside a fellow student with auburn hair and robes adorned with yellow trim, they exchanged polite smiles whilst Eve took out her equipment for the lesson.
"Now that we're all settled again, let's continue. Does everyone have their broken object in front of them?" A collection of students held up various broken items. Eve quickly scanned her desk as she realized she hadn't brought anything broken, so she snapped her quill in half and held it up.
"Very good! Today, we will be learning the Mending Charm, a most useful spell for fixing small objects, or even entire buildings, depending on the caster's proficiency, of course." Professor Flitwick held his wand aloft, encouraging the students to follow his lead. He resembled a conductor as he stood on his stack of books, ready to guide them through the magical symphony of learning.
His wand moved with fluid precision, and although Professor Flitwick might appear diminutive in stature, he was a wizard of great skill. "Now, repeat after me as you aim your wand at your broken object and perform the wand movements. 'Reparo,'" he said, and a chorus of students echoed the spell, producing a mixture of delighted gasps and frustrated sighs.
Eve carefully followed Professor Flitwick's instructions. As she cast the spell, her damaged quill fused back together seamlessly into one solid piece. "Well done, Miss Warren! Bravo! Excellent work on your first try," he exclaimed, offering her a warm smile. His attention then shifted to the other side of the room, where Albus Potter's struggles had attracted the class's laughter. "Mr. Potter, how did you manage to make it even worse?" Professor Flitwick shook his head, and the laughter grew louder. A red-faced Albus slumped in his chair and locked eyes with Eve across the room, who couldn't resist sticking her tongue out at her friend in good-natured teasing.
The Hufflepuff and Slytherin students continued to break and repair their objects repeatedly. Just as Eve was about to snap her quill again, the girl sitting beside her introduced herself, her voice trembling with nervousness. "Hi, I'm Celiea Adams," she said, her words quivering.
Eve offered a polite smile, extending her hand. "Pleasure to meet you. I'm Eve Warren." As they exchanged greetings, Eve couldn't help but notice that Celiea was trembling slightly. The conversation took an unexpected turn when Celiea leaned closer and whispered in a hushed tone, "Is it true?"
"Is what true?" Eve inquired, genuinely curious.
With a hesitant sigh, Celiea asked, "Is it true that your whole family are evil wizards and witches, and that you're going to be the next dark Mistress?"
Eve was taken aback by the accusation. She shifted her chair back, her tone laced with disbelief. "That is not true! Who told you that?" Her voice unintentionally carried, drawing unwelcome attention from the entire room. Eve hadn't realized she had become the center of focus, and the timid girl beside her cowered under Eve's intense response. She mumbled softly, "Everyone." Eve glanced around, finding the eyes of her peers fixed on her in a collective, synchronized gaze.
With adrenaline and anger coursing through her veins, Eve did something very uncharacteristic. She rose from her sitting position with force and stepped down the small step into the center of the classroom. Her voice was loud and filled with frustration as she bellowed, "I'VE HAD JUST ABOUT ENOUGH OF EVERYONE TALKING ABOUT ME BEHIND MY BACK! WHAT HAPPENED TO ME WAS NOT MY FAULT! LEAVE ME ALONE!"
The sheer intensity of her scream startled everyone, including Professor Flitwick. In the wake of her emotional outburst, a sharp pulse of magic emanated from Eve. The hot and cold air rushed through the classroom, extinguishing the candles and causing the chandelier to rattle. The floorboards around Eve's feet began to deteriorate, as if they had aged a hundred years in a matter of seconds. The wave of magic slowly spread to the nearby desks, turning them into aged wood. The ripple of energy was gradually approaching the students in the front row, and Eve's eyes glowed with golden fury.
For the first time in her life, Eve had lost control. Her anger had boiled up inside, finally breaking free for all to see. She was blinded by rage and couldn't contain it any longer; it had to be released. As quickly as it had started, it ended just as swiftly. Professor Flitwick quickly levelled his wand at Eve, taking no pleasure in what he was about to do. "Stupefy," he cast the spell. The jinx hit Eve, causing her to fall hard to the ground with a thud, and her powerful aura dissipated as she collapsed.
Professor Flitwick ushered the students out of the classroom and sent an ethereal wisp speeding down the hall with his wand. Moments later, Headmistress McGonagall arrived with a quiet popping sound. "I got your message, Filius. What is so urgent?" she inquired. Professor Flitwick pointed at the charms classroom door and said, "In there." The professor had never witnessed such powerful magic from a first-year student before, and it had unnerved him.
Headmistress McGonagall opened the door to the classroom, and a gasp escaped her mouth as she beheld the scene in the middle of the room. A young girl with purple hair lay motionless amidst rotting and aged wood. A clear ellipse of damage emanated from a central point—the girl herself. She turned back to Professor Flitwick, reassuring him, "You did the right thing, Filius. Don't worry yourself. I shall take her to my office and wait for her to awaken."
After her words, Headmistress McGonagall carefully lifted the unconscious girl and, with a swift apparation, they both arrived in her office in the highest tower of the castle. She gently placed Eve's limp body into a chair opposite her desk. Headmistress McGonagall aimed her wand at the child and cast the spell "Rennervate."
Suddenly, Eve gasped for breath, her eyes wide and bloodshot as she frantically took in her surroundings. Her gaze settled on the headmistress, who stood before her, and she gulped hard.
"Care to explain to me exactly what happened in that classroom?" headmistress McGonagall said. Eve gulped, her voice shaky but determined, as she tried to convey the events in the classroom. "I lost my temper, and then everything became fuzzy. It all happened so fast, and now I'm here. But something isn't right with me," she explained, her hands trembling in her lap.
Headmistress McGonagall nodded in understanding and encouraged her, "Please, try to explain it to me the best you can. The more information you can provide, the better I can assist you." Her tone remained soft and caring.
Eve took a deep breath and recalled the earlier event at her primary school before the summer holidays. She went on to explain in more detail the strange experience in the void, describing how she saw herself moving backward in time as if she were floating above her past self.
Eve continued with her explanation, concern etching her features. "And also, yesterday something strange happened as well. My friend Scorpius and I had been talking for hours, but when I checked the time, it hadn't been long at all. I distinctly remember checking my phone's time before leaving the room, and when I returned, it just didn't add up." She paused, her eyes locked on Headmistress McGonagall, waiting for her response.
Headmistress McGonagall paced back and forth, her brow furrowed in deep thought as she absorbed the information. She realized she was stepping into uncharted territory with what she had just been told. All signs pointed to the extremely rare and perilous gift of time manipulation. However, the situation was baffling because every witch or wizard who had attempted to wield time as a magical force had either met their demise or descended into madness.
She turned to Eve with a grave expression, her voice laced with concern. "Miss Warren, your accounts are deeply troubling. The manipulation of time is an exceptionally dangerous and forbidden area of magic. I have never encountered someone with the ability to alter time without dire consequences. We must proceed with great caution."
Sitting down at her desk, she drummed her aged fingers on the hard wooden surface. Without saying a word, she waved her wand, and a quill and paper floated in front of her, commencing a lengthy letter on their own. Once the letter was finished, it sealed itself, and the Headmistress handed it to a brown barn owl perched high in a corner of her office. With the window opened, the owl took flight, disappearing into the wilderness.
"I believe I'm not equipped to deal with what ails you, Miss Warren. I have sent for an expert in this field. Once he arrives, he will perform a thorough examination and run tests on you."
"Will I be okay? I don't want to hurt anyone," Eve said, a hint of fear in her voice. Headmistress McGonagall took Eve's hand from across the table. "I believe you will be just fine, but as a precautionary measure, I will give you this." With her free hand, she pulled open a drawer and found the item she was looking for. She pulled out a small silver bangle and dangled it in front of Eve.
"This bangle is connected to one I am wearing. When your magical energy spikes like it did today, it will vibrate and apperate me to your location. So, do not worry about losing control again. I will make sure I am there to help when needed. But I must insist if you feel you are losing control again, try and move yourself away from the situation."
Eve smiled softly, feeling the warmth of the care and support from Headmistress McGonagall. She could see why everyone held her in such high regard. "Thank you, Professor," Eve said gratefully. "I'll make my way to lunch, and I won't let this control me." She looked down at her robe pocket where the enchanted paper rested and then back at the Headmistress. "I'll keep you updated on anything unusual." With that, Eve got up and left the office, determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Descending the spiral staircase guarded by an imposing gargoyle, Eve tapped the word "Lunch - Great Hall" on her enchanted paper once more, and a sparkling trail snaked its way along the floor. She followed the trail, navigating many flights of stairs and twisting, winding corridors.
At last, she found herself standing before the large, open doors of the Great Hall. As Eve entered, she noticed other students whispering to each other and quickly averting their gaze when she looked in their direction. Making her way to her friends at the far end of the hall, she saw Albus, Dotty, Scorpius, and Rose. James sat with his friends, and as she passed, she shared a small smile with him, which he warmly returned.
Before Eve could sit down, Rose sprang up from her seat and dashed over to her, wrapping her arms tightly around Eve's middle. "Are you okay? You're not getting expelled, are you?" Rose's concern was evident. After their hug, they both settled down with the rest of the group.
"No, I'm not getting expelled, and I'm okay," Eve reassured them. "Headmistress McGonagall is actually going to help me with my condition." The rest of the group wore confused expressions, and Scorpius chimed in with a slightly worried tone, "Are you sick?"
Eve shook her head. "No, I'm not sick. I have a rare magical condition. An expert in the field is going to visit me within the next couple of days to assess me," she explained while casually stabbing her fork into a piece of chicken.
"Well, if you're not sick, what's wrong with you?" Albus asked, spitting out small bits of food as he spoke. Eve looked around cautiously before answering, "I'm not sure if I'm supposed to tell anyone. Headmistress McGonagall said it's extremely rare." She leaned in closer, encouraging her friends to do the same. "I have the rare magical ability to manipulate time. I have no idea how it works yet, but I should soon." She whispered the words to her friends, who gasped and looked bewildered by her revelation.
"We have to use this to our advantage!" Albus exclaimed, shaking his chicken drumstick. "If we get bad marks on a test, Eve can just go back in time and tell us the correct answers before we take the test." Rose promptly stood and slapped her cousin on the back of his head. "We will not be taking advantage of our friend to cheat on tests. Besides, she doesn't even know how it works," she said, smiling at Eve, who softly mouthed the words 'Thank you'.
The group continued to chat and theorize what Eve could potentially do with her newfound gift while they ate. After lunch, the Slytherins bid goodbye to Rose as they made their way to Herbology and then Potions.
Four hours later, an exhausted Eve headed towards the Slytherin common room. She had chosen to skip the study period and dinner as she needed to rest. Upon entering the main area inside the common room, she noticed it was sparsely filled with students who kept to themselves. Eve briskly walked down the twisting black tunnels toward her bedroom.
Once inside, she flopped onto her bed, letting out a huge sigh. Rolling onto her side, she noticed her mobile phone. She picked it up, seeing her reflection in the empty black screen; her eyes looked tired again, and her hair was flyaway once more. She slid her finger across the screen, and it instantly lit up. Navigating her way to the phone app, she called her mother. Eve felt guilt as the phone rang; she hadn't called her parents since she arrived and was preparing herself for an earful.
"EVE!" a loud voice shouted down the phone. "Hello, Mum, sorry I haven't called. It's been really chaotic here the last few days, and a lot has happened." Eve said eagerly awaiting her mother's response.
"Don't apologize, sweetheart. I didn't expect a phone call this soon. I know you're settling in, making new friends, and I'm sure you're casting all sorts of wondrous spells," Mrs. Warren chuckled as an image of her daughter twirling around, casting sparks, filled her head. "We have all missed you so much. Tell me what you've been up to before I start crying!" her mother said quickly.
Eve hesitated, wondering whether she should tell her mum about her second trip to the void and the possession. In the end, she chose to tell a half-truth. "There was an incident, and I ended up back in the void, the place I told you about when we got my wand, remember?" A pause filled the airwaves. "Yes, I remember. Go on."
"So, I met with that nice man again, and he told me some new information about the scary lady, and then she showed up out of nowhere again. But I managed to get away, just like last time," she said, her voice quivering as she turned onto her back, watching the stars glimmer.
"That must have been so scary for you, sweetheart. Your dad and I are so glad you're okay. What else have you been up to? How are your lessons?" Another slight pause, "Uh, yeah, lessons are going well. I'm learning all sorts of stuff. One of my professors made a bunch of mice twirl around by controlling them with his mind."
Eve could feel her mother smiling through the phone. "That's wonderful, sweetie. Have you managed to make any friends yet?" Mrs. Warren asked with bated breath.
Eve nodded, even though she knew she couldn't be seen. "Yup, I've made a bunch of friends. Remember the two boys from the train station? Well, those two, and then I met a few more people along the way. They're awesome!"
"That's fantastic. Oh, hold on one second." Eve could hear muffled talk through the phone. "Your Dad said he loves you lots and is so glad you're having a great time."
Eve felt a heavy lump in her chest upon hearing the words 'great time.' She found herself lost in thought, realizing that, despite the many positive aspects of Hogwarts, the other students weren't any different from those at her previous school. With a trembling hand, she wiped away a tear rolling down her cheek. A deep pit settled in her stomach, spreading upward to her chest. She made an effort to stifle her crying so her mother wouldn't hear. "Sweetheart, are you still there?" Another long pause followed. "Mummy…"
Eve rolled onto her side once more and allowed her tears to flow freely, crying into her pillow. "Sweetheart, what's wrong? Mum's here," her mother said, her voice laced with concern, and Eve could hear the sadness in her tone as well.
"The other kids are making fun of me and avoiding me. I can't cope with it, everything is failing apart around me. I lost my temper today, and I nearly hurt someone. Mummy I don't know if I can do this…... I don't know what to do." She wailed over the phone.
Her mother paused for a few moments before replying, "Those other children are jealous of how amazing you are, sweetie. Don't pay them any attention; they aren't worthy of it. You hold your head up high and be the bigger lady. Stick to your friends; they will keep you on track and safe," she said with a motherly love in her voice.
Eve sniffled one more time as her tears started to subside. "Thank you, Mum. I knew you would know what to say," she said, her voice regaining some of its usual cheer.
"You are welcome, sweetheart. Anytime you start to feel like that again, do not hesitate to call," Mrs. Warren said with a comforting tone. "Yes, Mum, I promise. I've got to go. I love you."
"Before you go, I wanted to tell you that I've been looking up some information on your grandfather, and I've found something interesting. But it can wait for another time. You go and enjoy the rest of your evening. I love you too."
They both waited a moment holding the comfortable silence before Eve hung up the phone and gently placed it back on the nightstand. She then curled up under her duvet, her heart a bit lighter after talking to her mother. She had no desire to engage with anyone or anything for the remainder of the day. With her green curtains drawn back to let in the faint evening light, she went to sleep earlier than usual, hoping that tomorrow would bring a brighter and happier day.