Chapter 7: memories forgotten; memories made.
Saturday morning had arrived at last, and as Eve stretched, the room's automated lights bathed everything in a bright glow. She reached out to her phone and checked the time – 7:00 AM. With a contented smile, she murmured, "I think I can squeeze in another hour of sleep," and settled back down, pulling the covers over herself for an additional hour of rest.
Eve woke up feeling completely rejuvenated, the additional hour of sleep having made a world of difference to her mood, which was now quite excellent. As she lay there, she visualized how her day would unfold. She planned to spend the morning and afternoon exploring the castle and its grounds, and in the evening, she had a scheduled meeting with "X" from the Department of Mysteries for a test and examination.
Eve reached out for her phone on the bedside table, bringing it a few inches from her face. She'd meant to call her mum back yesterday, but with everything happening and her falling asleep early, she hadn't found the time. Now, convinced her mum would be awake, she dialled the number.
The phone buzzed next to her ear as it rang. Eve twirled a strand of tangled hair in her free hand, waiting for her mother's voice to emerge on the other end of the line.
"EVE!" Her mother's voice came through with such enthusiasm that Eve had to quickly pull the phone away from her ear, the volume taking her by surprise.
"Mum! Are you trying to deafen me? It's way too early for that volume," Eve chided in a playful tone.
"Apologies, my dear. I couldn't contain my excitement; I've missed you terribly. Can you forgive my slight overzealousness?" She paused, letting the rhetorical question hang in the air. "I was actually hoping for your call yesterday, so when I saw your name on my phone this morning, I got a tad carried away," Mrs. Warren chuckled.
"I was going to call yesterday, but my school stuff and hanging out with my friends took over," Eve said, peering at Dotty's bed. She couldn't help but giggle – Dotty was still snoozing and snoring away.
Mrs. Warren's voice turned serious, and she asked, "How's everything else been since we last talked on Thursday?" Eve sensed her mother was trying to see if she was still being teased or excluded.
"Yeah, everything's good. My seven other roommates and I had a great bonding night recently; it was so nice. Honestly, Mom, I'm doing well, and I'd let you know if I wasn't," Eve assured.
"That's fantastic, sweetheart. I had a feeling that once that initial barrier was down, everyone would warm up to you," Mrs. Warren said with a brief pause. She then shouted something in the background away from the phone.
""Your brother wanted to have a quick chat with you. Here you go, Sebastian."
Eve deliberately let out an audible sigh as the phone was handed over, though she was actually looking forward to speaking with her brother.
Noticing the despondent sigh from Eve, Sebastian said "I promise I'm not that insufferable," Sebastian laughed. "So, what have you been up to, little sis?"
"So much stuff!" Her voice was brimming with excitement. "I've been learning spells, making friends, and exploring the castle. I even learned a spell that can repair broken things, so the next time you break your phone, you can pay me to fix it for you," Eve giggled, still twirling her hair with her free hand.
"No way am I going to pay you for anything; I'd rather pay someone else double," Sebastian joked. "But in all seriousness, I'm really glad to hear you're having a great time. It's just not the same without you around. There's no one to pick on," he added, with a small chuckle to hide his underlying sadness.
"I miss you too, bro. Don't worry, when I'm back, I'll make sure I'm always around you, because I know how much you miss me," Eve said, her smile shining through the phone.
"And I haven't forgotten about my piglet-transforming spell for you if you annoy me," she added with a hint of seriousness before bursting into laughter.
"Whatever, here's Mum again. Bye, loser," he replied with a touch of affection in his voice.
"You two are always bickering with each other. I wish you'd get along better," Mrs. Warren remarked.
"That is us getting along, Mum. It's just a sibling thing." Quickly changing the subject, she said "What have you been up to? I'm sure you have more free time now that you don't have to walk me to school in the mornings," Eve inquired.
"My mornings have been quite relaxed now that I don't have to walk you to school; it's been rather nice," Mrs. Warren admitted. "I've also kept myself busy this week. I reached out to Mr. Cinders for some information about your grandpa, Robert Sinclaire, and he was more than happy to help. After a few days, he sent me a letter along with a bunch of books that contained references to him."
Mrs Warren was astonished to have received some much information on Her father. Her few memories of him had painted a picture of a rather dull and reserved man.
"I had actually forgotten this, but his birthday is the same as yours, February 29th. It's quite remarkable, isn't it, that you share your birthday with your grandpa?" Her smile faded as she paused before speaking once more.
"Your grandpa wasn't exactly the most law-abiding individual. He was a bank robber! According to these books, he managed to pull off over 150 heists at various wizarding banks, slipping in and out undetected every time."
Eve gasped in disbelief. She couldn't fathom that her grandpa had been a criminal. Perhaps Celeia had been right; her family seemed to have a history of dark wizards and witches.
"He was referred to as the modern-day Robin Hood," Mrs. Warren explained, a hint of pride in her voice, "stealing large sums of money, and then, the very next day, making sizeable donations to homeless shelters and food banks."
Eve, initially taken aback, spoke up, "I panicked for a second; I thought Grandpa was a bad guy. But he's actually a hero, taking from the rich and giving to the poor."
Mrs. Warren, still with a measured tone, added, "He was indeed a criminal, sweetheart, even though he had noble intentions. What he did was still wrong. But there's more to the story." She cleared her throat before continuing.
"In his final bank heist, he was spotted by a dozen security guards who gave chase," Mrs. Warren continued. "Remarkably, your grandpa somehow navigated his way around a dragon that was housed inside Gringotts Bank. Sadly, eleven of the security guards weren't as fortunate, and the one who survived was left with severe burns."
Eve gasped, the vivid and distressing image in her mind making her voice tremble as she asked, "What happened to Grandpa?"
Mrs. Warren replied solemnly, "Nothing happened to him. He was never seen again. The last person to ever see him was the security guard. According to this book, he has spent the last 35 years at a hospital called St. Mungo's, residing in the Janus Thickey Ward for the mentally disturbed."
She paused, her thoughts racing as she contemplated whether to share the next piece of information with Eve. After a moment of reflection, she decided she couldn't withhold this from her daughter any longer. "Sweetheart, please try not to be upset, but there's something more. Your grandpa has been missing for a long time and is presumed to be dead."
Eve was left speechless, disbelief gripping her as she clamped her hand over her mouth in an attempt to stifle her sobs. She had only recently discovered that her grandpa was a wizard, and now, to learn that he was most likely dead, cut her to the core.
Mrs. Warren, regret heavy in her voice, tried to console her daughter, saying, "It's okay, sweetheart. I shouldn't have brought it up. I didn't mean to upset you."
With a quivering, desperate tone, Mrs. Warren repeated, "Eve, are you there?"
Overwhelmed by her emotions, Eve abruptly ended the call, the phone clattering across the room in her distress, smashing against the wall. She rushed into the bathroom and locked herself in one of the stalls. Sitting on the toilet lid, she buried her face in her lap, her arms wrapped around her knees, and sobbed uncontrollably.
Dotty was awakened by the sound of sobbing, which jolted her from her deep sleep. As she groggily opened her tired eyes, a loud crash reverberated through the room. Alarmed, she sat up and watched as Eve darted into the bathroom.
Reacting quickly, Dotty got out of bed. She noticed the phone on the floor and picked it up. She approached the bathroom, guided by the sound of Eve's tears, echoing from behind the stall door.
A gentle knock on the bathroom door was accompanied by a soft voice, "Eve, is everything okay?"
Eve's sobs continued, rendering her unable to form words as a hard lump remained lodged in her throat.
Dotty's reassuring response came, "I'm right here if you need me. I'm not going anywhere." She sat down outside the stall door, her back leaning against it, silently offering her support.
For a few minutes, a heavy silence enveloped the bathroom, punctuated only by the sound of Eve's unrelenting sobs. The other six girls watched with sombre expressions, their curiosity piqued, trying to discern what was happening.
A brief, reassuring nod from Dotty quelled their curiosity, prompting them to disperse, respecting the need for privacy.
"He's gone... why did I have to find out... it was better before, before I knew he existed," Eve uttered through sobs, her voice quivering with despair between each word.
Dotty, her heart aching for her friend, tried to ask gently, "Who's gone? Eve, please, I want to help you through this."
Through the thin stall door, Eve's voice trembled as she said, "My... My... Grandpa Robert..." More agonizing sobs followed, and Dotty's own heart sank for her friend, utterly devastated by her pain.
"They said he was such a good man, like a modern-day Robin Hood," Eve cried out, her hands clutching her head in anguish. She leaned forward, rocking back and forth on the toilet. "Why did he have to leave us?"
Eve had never known the weight of loss before, and this news pressed down on her heart with a crushing force. Her grandfather, who had entered her life so unexpectedly, had departed just as swiftly. The realization that she would never get the chance to meet him tore her heart asunder.
A powerful force surged from within Eve, beginning in her chest and coursing its way up to her shoulders. It pushed her against the wall, her hands locked onto the sides of her head, unable to release as the energy flowed through her fingertips and into her mind.
This energy felt like it was delving deep into her consciousness, hunting for specific memories. Once it found what it sought, they slowly slipped out of her mind being forgotten entirely. Eve's hands fell limp at her sides, her eyes growing heavy as she slipped into unconsciousness.
Meanwhile, Headmistress McGonagall was savouring a tranquil morning tea, holding her exquisite white and red teacup. She was just about to set it back onto the saucer when her bangle vibrated, sending a jolt of surprise through her. "So soon?" she blurted out, her mind racing to recall the connection shared between her bangle and Eve's.
In an instant, she pinpointed the general location, and without hesitation, she Apparated as close as she possibly could.
Upon her arrival in the Slytherin bathrooms, Headmistress McGonagall swiftly scanned the vicinity, her heart pounding with apprehension as she searched for any sign of Eve. Her eyes soon fell upon a girl slouched against the stall door; her voice caught in her throat as she anticipated the worst.
Hurrying over, she gently shook the young girl, who awoke with wide, startled eyes. "Headmistress, what are you doing in the Slytherin bathrooms?" she inquired, her fear evident.
"Is everyone alright? Where is Eve?" Headmistress McGonagall inquired urgently, her gaze darting around in concern.
Dotty looked at the Headmistress with a deeply puzzled expression and said, "Eve's in this stall," pointing her thumb over her shoulder. "She was crying, but I haven't heard a sound from her in a couple of minutes."
With swift determination, Headmistress McGonagall dashed forward, effortlessly moving Dotty aside with a flick of her wand. She then aimed it at the lock of the stall and uttered, "Alohomora." The door swung open, revealing an unconscious Eve slumped on the toilet lid.
"Reverve," Headmistress McGonagall cast the spell, and in an instant, Eve's eyes fluttered open. She was taken aback and shocked upon seeing who stood in front of her. "Headmistress!" Eve squeaked in a high-pitched voice.
"Are you all right, dear? You're not hurt, are you?" Eve inquired, placing her hand over her heart as it raced in her chest. The surprise of encountering her headmistress inside her bathroom stall was truly startling.
"I'm perfectly fine, thank you. But, Headmistress, why are you in my bathroom stall?" Eve inquired, her tone carrying a touch of authority.
"Your magical signature suddenly surged, or so I believed when the bangle vibrated. I arrived as swiftly as I could and discovered you unconscious in the exact spot where you are now. What do you remember?" Headmistress McGonagall inquired as she stepped out of the stall, allowing Eve to do the same.
Dotty shifted closer to the white sinks, creating some additional space for them to converse.
"The last thing I remember is walking into this stall because I needed to use the restroom. I don't recall my magic spiking; nothing like what happened last time has happened," Eve explained, using her hands to gesture around the small space.
"Very peculiar," Headmistress McGonagall remarked before turning her attention to Dotty. Towering over her, she inquired, "You mentioned she was crying in the stall. What else transpired?"
Fearing the consequences, Dotty recalled the events leading up to the present moment. She recounted the phone hitting the wall, which had woken her up, and informed the headmistress about Eve's discovery of her grandpa Robert's passing and her reference to him as Robin Hood.
Headmistress McGonagall adjusted her glasses, pushing them up her nose as she attentively absorbed all the information conveyed by Dotty. She then turned her attention back to a bewildered Eve.
"Is all of this true?" she inquired with a firm, unwavering tone.
""I don't even have a Grandpa Robert; I have Papa Jim and Nana Joy, and that's it. My mum's side of the family is no longer here, and I've never met any of them," Eve asserted confidently.
Dotty gazed at her friend with wide eyes. "I'm so confused. A moment ago, you were in tears over your Grandpa Robert's passing, and now you're saying you have no recollection of him ever existing."
"I think someone must have spiked your pumpkin juice, because none of that ever happened. I just went to the restroom, that's it," Eve declared.
Headmistress McGonagall regarded both girls with a perplexed expression. Something peculiar had clearly occurred, and she suspected it might be linked to Eve's magical ability. Her bangle wouldn't deceive her, she thought.
"Come with me, Miss Warren. We need to reschedule our urgent meeting before things escalate," Headmistress McGonagall urged, tapping her wand on the side and gesturing for Eve to stand beside her.
"I have to get dressed first. I'm still in my pyjamas. I won't be long," Eve hurried into the bedroom, leaving Dotty and the headmistress in a momentary silence.
"Headmistress, I'm really puzzled by what's happening. Just moments ago, she was absolutely distraught, claiming that her grandpa had passed away. I assumed it was from a phone call, as her phone was thrown against the wall and it's now broken," Dotty explained, extending the damaged phone to the headmistress for inspection.
Headmistress McGonagall accepted the offered phone and placed her wand against it, reciting the incantation, "Reparo." In an instant, the phone was magically repaired and lit up in her hand. She then glanced toward the bedroom, where she could see Eve rummaging through her chest for some clothes.
"Distract her if she comes this way, please, Miss Trupe," Dotty saluted with her hand to her head, then stomped her foot. "Yes, Headmistress!"
Unlocking the phone, she deftly navigated to the phone app and noticed five missed calls from 'Mum'. With a quick glance back into the room to ensure it was safe to call, she walked around the corner, where the showers provided some concealment, and pressed the dial button.
The phone rang, and a soft-spoken woman answered on the other end. "Eve, is everything okay? You rushed off before I could talk to you," she inquired.
"Hello, Mrs. Warren. This is Headmistress McGonagall of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. I'm calling you from your daughter's phone because time is of the essence. I apologize for my informal manner. May I proceed?" She paused, waiting for the baffled woman to grant her consent.
Mrs. Warren's hands trembled, her mind racing through every dire scenario that might prompt the headmistress to call from her own child's phone. "Is Eve okay?" she asked, her voice quivering with apprehension.
"Yes, Eve is perfectly fine," Headmistress McGonagall reassured her. "Can you tell me what your last conversation was about with Eve? It's important."
Mrs. Warren hesitated for a moment, but the prospect of this information aiding her daughter prompted her to reveal it. "I told Eve about her grandpa, Robert Sinclaire. We had recently discovered that he was a wizard, so I sought help to research his background. It turns out he had quite a colourful past. When I informed Eve that he hadn't been seen in 35 years and was presumed dead, she started to cry and hung up on me."
A tense silence enveloped the conversation. Mrs. Warren's voice grew serious and stern as she demanded, "What has happened to my daughter? Where is she?"
Headmistress McGonagall responded calmly, "Your daughter is presently preparing for a meeting with an esteemed and highly skilled tutor. You see, your daughter possesses an extremely rare magical gift that she cannot yet control. However, with some guidance, she will be all right. I'd like to discuss this with you face to face at some point."
"Of course, we can arrange that, but promise me one thing: keep my baby safe," Mrs. Warren's voice conveyed both sternness and a mother's heartfelt concern.
"I promise. Goodbye, Mrs. Warren. I hope to see you soon," Headmistress McGonagall said before ending the call without waiting for a reply. She then strolled back over to Dotty, handing her the phone just before Eve turned around. The three of them shared a heartfelt smile.
"Ready?" The headmistresses said
Eve nodded and replied, "Yes, it's a shame we have to do this so early. I had plans to explore this morning, but that can wait until later." She hurried over to stand beside the Headmistress, and as their hands touched, a quiet pop resonated from their Apparition.
They arrived in the same office she had visited just the day before. It remained as grand as ever, a tall circular room adorned with numerous paintings mounted high on the walls. Two more circular rooms ascended toward the back of the office.
Eve's attention shifted toward the fireplace where the Headmistress was standing. She tossed some green powder into the flames, causing them to instantly turn green. As she leaned her face forward into the flames, Eve grimaced in confusion, uncertain about what was transpiring.
Headmistress McGonagall engaged in a one-sided conversation with her head submerged in the flames. Moments later, she withdrew, her person unscathed by the fire. Eve gasped in astonishment and whispered, "How?"
The headmistress chuckled gently. "Oh, dear, those are Floo flames. They are used in the magical world to transport oneself to another location. It's perfectly safe," she explained with a warm smile as she settled into her seat behind the desk.
With a wave of her wand, a chair materialized next to Eve. She had been expecting company. Suddenly, the green flames reignited, and a man dressed in a deep grey cloak and black attire emerged from the fireplace. Eve observed that the hood shrouded his face in a hazy darkness, making it impossible to discern any details.
The unidentified man scanned the room, assessing it for any potential threats. Once he was satisfied that everything was as it should be, he accepted the offered seat. His magical aura exuded strength and an underlying air of danger, which made Eve nervous. Her legs bounced involuntarily, but she quickly placed a hand on her knee to hide her nervousness.
"Minerva," the hooded man stated, his voice a low growl.
"X," Headmistress McGonagall responded, the single letter rolling off her tongue. Eve found it difficult to decipher her tone.
"Shall we proceed? I am a busy man, and I must remind you that this is a highly sensitive and secretive situation. I will ask that no one other than yourself and the child be present."
"I understand. Take my hand, and we shall begin," Headmistress McGonagall instructed.
Both Eve and X took her hand, and in an instant, they were transported to a plain hallway somewhere within the castle. The only notable feature was a tapestry depicting a short man attempting to teach eight trolls to ballet dance.
The three of them stood before a featureless wall, and Eve felt her nerves rising as they remained perfectly still. She wasn't sure what was supposed to happen. Then, abruptly, a large oak door with metal fastenings protruded from the blank wall.
Pushing the door open, the three of them entered a spacious room. Three columns lined each side, a padded floor occupied the centre, and bright lights illuminated the space. Not a single window could be seen.
"Where are we, Headmistress?" Eve asked, her mouth agape, taking in the wonder of the moment.
"We're in the Room of Requirement," Headmistress McGonagall replied. "It's a space that can be tailored to the user's needs, within certain limits, of course." She smiled as she took a seat in the only chair in the room, a leather wingback chair.
The hooded man in grey circled the padded floor and nodded. "This will do. Child, come here and draw your wand," he instructed, his voice devoid of emotion.
Eve followed his command, drawing her wand and moving to the centre of the padded floor. The man pointed his sleek black wand at his free hand, and, seemingly out of thin air, conjured an orb-shaped object with an hourglass at its centre.
The man circled around Eve, holding the object at arm's length, while Eve remained perfectly still, unsure of what was happening. The sand within the hourglass shifted up and down violently as he moved it closer to her, only to settle as he pulled it away.
With a flick of his wrist, he made the object vanish. Without a word, he twirled his wand in hand, conjuring a beautiful pale blue hawk that shot forth from his wand. Its ethereal texture hung in the air for a moment before both the man and the hawk nodded in unison. The hawk flew through the air and disappeared as it collided with the solid stone wall.
Eve's curiosity got the better of her, and she spoke before thinking. "What was that all about?" she asked, her voice trembling with fear, as the hooded man had an intimidating presence.
"I was simply conducting a test to ascertain if the essence of time resides within you, using the device I held earlier. Did you observe the sand's reaction, how it fluctuated as the device approached you?" the man inquired in a more formal tone, to which Eve nodded.
"This signifies that you indeed possess the gift of time. I've been studying time magic for decades, and I've never encountered a wizard or witch who can harness and stabilize it as you do," the man explained.
Eve glanced back at her headmistress, who nodded, indicating that it was okay to ask another question.
"Will you be able to tell me why I'm different, why I have this gift? No one in my family has it," Eve asked curiously.
The man's mood had significantly improved, his voice now sounding excited rather than low and emotionless. "In due time, there is much to discover. We'll take it one step at a time, as this is uncharted territory."
"What can you tell me about these events involving your time magic? Your headmistress wrote to me briefly, but I would appreciate a firsthand account of what happened. Please, do not leave any details out," the hooded man inquired with haste.
Eve proceeded to recount all the events she had experienced due to her unique time manipulation magic. The hooded figure remained silent as he absorbed the information being provided. He nodded a few times along the way, indicating to Eve that this man understood some of the extraordinary occurrences that had transpired.
"That is truly remarkable. From my understanding, your magic is triggered by intense emotional moments, such as sadness, anger, and happiness. I would like to test this theory and figure out a way to control and harness it, if possible. That will be our primary goal during our sessions together," the hooded man explained.
Eve gulped and replied, "I can only promise to try. I'm excited about learning more about my gift."
Headmistress McGonagall waved over the Ministry worker for a private conversation. The worker approached her seated position, and without a second thought, he erected a privacy bubble with one fluid swish of his wand.
"What is it, Minerva? I'm busy, can't you see?" his tone was laced with annoyance.
"Yes, I can see you are busy, but this is important. There is one more incident that Eve has not informed you of. I myself am not fully aware of it, only speculating," Headmistress McGonagall paused, awaiting a response from X. When he didn't respond, she continued.
"Earlier today, I received an urgent alert about a sudden surge in Eve's unique magical abilities. Upon my arrival, I was confronted with two conflicting accounts of the events. Both girls insisted that their recollections were accurate.
Additionally, I interviewed Eve's mother, the last person Eve had spoken to, and she confirmed the other girl's version of the story. It led me to the conclusion that Eve, in some mysterious manner, may have employed her extraordinary gift to erase her own memories.
X gazed into her eyes, convinced of her honesty. He contemplated for a moment and then nodded in agreement. "I have no doubt she did. I can sense the distinct magic still lingering around her. Erasing an entire collection of memories associated with a specific subject is no small feat—even the most skilled magic users would struggle. The Ministry might have some intriguing plans for Eve once she comes of age."
Minerva's visage underwent a remarkable transformation, shifting from an expressionless countenance to one consumed by fury. "You shall not entertain such notions. She will not become a mere tool or weapon for the Ministry; she is a living, breathing human being!" Her words resonated with a deafening intensity as she yelled, thrusting a pointed finger perilously close to his face.
Eve observed the silent exchange between the two adults, shielded from their words by a privacy bubble. It became evident that the conversation was far from harmonious, as her headmistress gesticulated vehemently, expressing her discontent. The hooded man, on the other hand, appeared to yield to her arguments, his demeanour changing from confidence to humbled in an instant.
"When she becomes of age, she can decide for herself. I won't allow my students to be conscripted into the Aurora Force at the age of 11!" She snapped with unwavering determination.
X was familiar with Minerva's resolve and recognized a lost cause when he saw one; this was one of those moments. He lowered his head in resignation as he deactivated his privacy bubble. After taking a deep breath, he straightened up and walked back to Eve.
"Alright, let's get started. We'll be delving into your emotions and how they impact your magic. For instance, consider how your outcomes differ when you're angry compared to when you're happy or sad," X explained.
Eve wore a determined expression, her readiness evident. Reflecting on the occasions when her magic surged, she tried to recollect the precise emotions that accompanied those moments.
"Alright, Eve, I'd like you to give it a shot. Try to take me back in time to where I was just 10 seconds ago," he instructed as he took a few strides to his left and halted. "Now, think of the happiest memory you can recall and then describe what you sense happening within you."
Eve comprehended her task, shutting her eyes to concentrate on her dearest memory. It was a Christmas day, marked by a snowstorm that had plunged their home into darkness, compelling them to rely on candlelight. The ambiance had a magical quality, with the scent of hot chocolate brewing on the stove and the turkey roasting in the oven. The family huddled together under blankets to ward off the cold. Gifts were exchanged, hot chocolate was sipped, and dinner was devoured. It was a moment of unparalleled happiness in her life.
As the warmth of happiness tingled within her, she harnessed this newfound energy. When Eve opened her eyes, the dull grey of her gaze had transformed into a fiery, golden hue. She fixed her gaze on the hooded man, her determination channelling her will to return him to the exact spot he had initially stood in before taking those steps.
She fixated on this thought, letting it replay continuously in her mind—the vision of the hooded man reappearing in his original spot. Then, as if by her sheer will, it happened. She witnessed the hooded man retracing his steps, his words echoing backward as well.
When he reached the intended spot, Eve released her hold over the man. The moment he was no longer under her influence, he resumed his speech and continued walking forward, repeating precisely as he had moments earlier.
Headmistress McGonagall rose from her chair in astonishment at the spectacle she had just witnessed. "Blimey, I can't believe what I've just seen," she uttered, her hand covering her mouth as she moved closer.
"What did you just witness?" X inquired. He halted abruptly as realization dawned on him. "You did it, didn't you?" He paused, adding, "Now, that is intriguing. You two saw it happen and remember both before and after, while I do not recall walking over there and stopping." He gestured to the intended spot.
"Not only did you transport me back in time, but you also rewound my memories," he explained, pulling out a red leather notebook and beginning to jot down notes. He remained engrossed in this task for five minutes. Once he finished, he glanced back at Eve. Her golden eyes had reverted to their natural grey as she gazed back at him.
"I believe that's enough for today. We've made substantial progress, and I don't want to overexert you. There's so much to explore, and we can take our time," the hooded man said with evident excitement in his voice.
"Minerva, it's been a pleasure. I'll see you again next Saturday for further training," he directed his words at Eve.
"Thank you for today, Mr. X. I'm eagerly looking forward to our next session. Understanding my magic is of utmost importance to me," she added with a serious tone.
After their farewells, Mr. X was granted permission to depart via a fireplace within the room. Headmistress McGonagall then guided Eve back to the Great Hall, where they each assumed their respective seats. Eve took her place at the long tables, and Headmistress McGonagall seated herself at the head table.
Having breakfast, a bit later than her usual routine, Eve had momentarily forgotten just how hungry she was, the morning's excitement overshadowing her hunger.
As she rapidly consumed the food laid out before her, Eve's eagerness to explore the castle and its surroundings grew. She was determined not to waste a single second today.
Eve glanced around the Great Hall, searching for her friends. She didn't mind exploring on her own but was open to including them if she spotted them.
Not finding her friends in her initial scan, she pushed herself up from her seat and leisurely walked out of the Great Hall. Turning left, she ascended a grand staircase that led to a rectangular tower.
Moving staircases, twisting and shifting, sprawled out before her, while an abundance of paintings adorned the towering walls, ranging from massive masterpieces to smaller artworks.
Eve paused for a moment, captivated by a large painting depicting four horsemen galloping towards the painting's edge. In an instant, they disappeared upon reaching the edge, only to reappear moments later in the adjacent painting.
Although this wasn't a new experience for Eve, she still found it enjoyable. She gazed upward, feeling a slight unease at the multitude of shifting staircases. She had never been fond of them, as they always seemed to lead her to places, she didn't want to go.
Eve unrolled the enchanted parchment that James had entrusted to her. With a tap of her wand, she activated the word 'astronomy,' and a sparkling golden trail shot up the winding staircases, ascending higher and higher.
Starting her exploration from the castle's very pinnacle seemed like an excellent way to begin, and she intended to work her way down from there.
As she took her initial steps onto the staircase, it promptly shifted beneath her feet. In frustration, Eve slapped the stone banister, scolding the inanimate object, "Why won't you ever go where I want to go?" she vented her frustration.
Her golden trail, now readjusting to the new course forced upon her, prompted her to pick up the pace. "No time to waste," she muttered, running up the next flight of steps.
Upward she ascended, climbing the tower's heights. Upon reaching the pinnacle, she strolled across an enclosed walkway suspended in the air, bridging the gap between the main tower and the astronomy tower.
Something caught her attention in her peripheral vision. Turning to investigate, she noticed that the pane glass windows held magically animated figures within them.
Approaching a window adorned with a large red bird, it trilled with excitement, evoking a giggle from Eve. She extended her hand and gently rested her palm against the cool glass. In response, the large bird trilled once more and raised its head, revealing its vibrant plumage. Eve interpreted this as an invitation and began to stroke the glass bird trapped in the window.
The bird's glass feathers shimmered, transitioning between shades of red, orange, yellow, and brown as it chirped with delight. Its presence held a soothing quality that washed over Eve, causing her heart rate to gradually slow down.
With a slow, deep breath, she withdrew her hand from the window, wearing a smile as the bird took flight, gradually diminishing in size within the glass pane as it soared into the distance. Content with her newfound friend, Eve continued her stroll along the hallway.
Upon entering the cylindrical astronomy tower, Eve was greeted by a breathtaking sight. A sweeping spiral staircase clung to the tower's edge, while the remainder of the floor was occupied by a classroom. She cautiously pushed open the classroom door, hoping to find it unoccupied.
Inside, she was relieved to discover that the room was indeed empty. She took a moment to soak in the surroundings: a circular room with a domed ceiling adorned with a depiction of the night sky, complete with every star constellation. Two half-moon-shaped, lengthy desks were positioned in the centre of the room.
At the very heart of the room sat an intriguing device—a golden sphere encircled by multiple freely-spinning rings. Eve couldn't quite purpose of this contraption, and she didn't want to risk inadvertently damaging it by touching it.
Having taken in the room's entirety, she departed as quietly as she had entered. She then embarked on the ascent of the spiral staircase, seemingly climbing for an eternity before finally reaching the summit. Stepping out onto a circular platform, she found herself beneath a dome-shaped roof, supported by slender stone pillars that allowed ample open space for stargazing.
Numerous telescopes were positioned along the platform's rim, each one pointing in a distinct direction. The panoramic view was nothing short of breathtaking, offering a 360-degree spectacle. To the east, she beheld the majestic white-capped mountains; to the west, the tranquil black lake stretched out before her; a sprawling village lay to the north, while sweeping valleys unfurled to the south.
Eve absorbed the breathtaking panorama, and the moment enveloped her with a sense of comfort and joy. She couldn't help but feel as if she were living in a real-life fairy tale, and being here was like a dream come true.
In a playful moment of silliness, she stretched her arms as wide as they would go and twirled on the spot. The entire world seemed to race around her as she spun, round and round she went. The dizziness started to take its toll, and as she attempted to halt her spin, a peculiar force took over. It surged back and forth from one arm to the other, accelerating with each pass.
She abruptly came to a full stop, her eyes widening as the sky overhead transitioned from day to night and back to day, in a mesmerizing cycle that repeated for a few minutes. The world around her became a blur, everything passing by at lightning speed while she remained perfectly still.
She felt powerless to halt the energy coursing through her, as it continued to transport her back in time, farther and farther into the past. It was an uncertain journey, and she had no way of gauging how far back she had gone.
Desperation gripped her, and in a sudden, dizzying moment, she cried out, "STOP!" The world stopped spinning abruptly and gradually came to a halt.
Eve crumpled to her knees, retching and expelling her entire breakfast in one agonizing moment. She felt profoundly weak, her arms trembling, and her eyes darted around the blurry and hazy surroundings. Her vision hadn't fully adjusted yet, leaving her disoriented.
The first thing that struck Eve was the realization that it was nighttime, a stark contrast to the daytime when she had felt the energy surge through her. As she scanned her surroundings, she noticed that everything remained identical to how it had been before; nothing had changed expect the white capped mountains were no longer white with snow.
A faint popping sound and footsteps emanated from the other side of the circular platform. It was an exceptionally dark night, obscuring whatever or whoever was on the other side from her view. She crouched low, concealed in the shadows, an unsettling sensation gnawing at her gut.
Eve's ears picked up on two distinct male voices, one young and the other older. The pair strolled closer to the railing, now bathed in the gentle glow of moonlight, which revealed their features more clearly.
Before her, Eve saw two men. One was a dishevelled young boy, possibly 16 or 17 years old, with messy black hair and glasses. His clothing was dirty and tattered, and there was a hint of familiarity about his appearance, although she couldn't quite place him. The other man, in stark contrast, was significantly older with white hair and a white beard. He sported smaller glasses and wore an attire that exuded regal elegance.
Their conversation came to an abrupt halt when the older man turned his head, peering into the darkness. "We're not alone, Harry," he whispered urgently. "Duck down and don't emerge, no matter what unfolds. Stay silent, stay concealed." The younger male, Harry, nodded in understanding and promptly complied with the instructions.
The older man moved closer, approaching the vicinity where Eve was concealed. She instinctively attempted to retreat, putting as much distance as she could between them until her back pressed against the wall. She felt like a trapped animal with no escape route. Fear gripped her tightly.
The older man halted his advance and spoke in a gentle tone, "You can come out now; I know you're there." He extended his hand with his palm upturned, a welcoming gesture.
Eve felt her fear dissipate from her body, replaced by an aura of trust emanating from the man.
A petite feminine hand emerged from the shadows and accepted the proffered hand. Before him, a small girl with purple hair stood, her eyes displaying a sense of bewilderment, her hand trembling slightly. He didn't recognize this young girl.
"It's alright, little one," he said softly. "What brings you up here at this late hour? Shouldn't you be in bed?"
Eve gazed at the bearded man, her expression one of puzzlement. She wasn't certain of his identity or what authority he held, but his inquiry about her well-being gave her the impression he might be a professor. In response to his question, she simply nodded.
The man scrutinized her features with a quizzical gaze. He was confident in his knowledge of all the students at his school, but this girl did not appear to be one of them. "What is your name, child?" he inquired in a soothing tone. "My name is Albus Dumbledore." He spoke with an inviting calmness, keenly aware of the fear and tension that seemed to hang in the air.
Eve stammered as she spoke, her voice trembling. "Evelyn Warren," she managed to say, confirming his earlier suspicions that she was not a student at Hogwarts. "May I ask how you arrived here on this June evening?"
Eve's eyes widened with worry. It was summertime, and the idea that she might have been transported back to before the start of the school year was too disconcerting. "Surely not, that would be three months. That's too far back," her thoughts spilled out as muttered words from her lips without her conscious intent.
"Three months is too far back," Albus said, his mind grappling with the enigma presented by this peculiar appearance of the girl.
Eve, sensing a trustworthiness in the man, began to explain the peculiar events that had brought her to this night. "Just a few moments ago, it was September, and now it's June. I can't comprehend how I've travelled so far back. This has never happened before. I have only moved someone a few seconds back. This can't be real."
Albus's curiosity was greatly piqued. He wondered if he was in the presence of someone who possessed time magic. His thoughts briefly wandered to his personal interests, 'She could be a valuable asset to me. I must keep her close and study her magic. She might hold the key to reuniting with Ariana.' He thought to himself
"If my understanding is correct, you have travelled through time by three months, and I can confirm that it is the 30th of June, 1997," he spoke, and at those words, Eve's face turned a ghostly white. She stammered, "1997?" her expression growing despondent, her eyes seeming to fixate on nothing in particular.
"Yes, that is correct, 1997. What year were you expecting it to be?" Albus inquired, but Eve remained silent, her thoughts racing at an incredible pace. What had she done? How had this happened? Why here, why now? Overwhelmed, she dropped to her knees, her lip trembling, her mind in a foggy mess. Another startling realization surfaced and escaped her lips in a quivering whisper, "I haven't been born yet." Emotions overwhelmed her, and she began to cry, her own feelings turning against her.
Albus gently pulled the weeping girl into his embrace, and with a wave of his hand, conjured a small handkerchief out of thin air, handing it to the distraught girl. Through her sobs, she managed to say, "2017." Albus was not easily surprised, but that one sentence left him utterly shocked. Twenty years – this girl had travelled through time. It seemed impossible, but the evidence was right before him, and she had no reason to lie.
This young girl held such immense importance that her safety was paramount; she was so valuable that the mere thought of her falling into Voldemort's clutches filled him with an overwhelming, protective instinct.
At that moment, he detected the sound of several hasty footsteps echoing from the hallway below. Remaining composed, he addressed Eve with determination, "Remain downstairs and concealed. They must not discover you. Under no circumstances should you emerge." His voice exuded resoluteness and sternness. From the depths of his sleeve, he withdrew a distinctive, lengthy wand, softly uttering an incantation too faint for Eve to discern.
As her body turned translucent, a sensation of weightlessness enveloped her, and she descended through the floor. It was an otherworldly experience as the wooden planks passed over her head. Swiftly, she solidified, gently alighting on the floor below.
The dishevelled-haired boy fixed her with a wild, sidelong gaze, lifting a finger to his lips in a hushed signal, signifying her to remain silent. He had overheard the entire conversation between Eve and Albus, and he recognized that this girl posed no threat to him.
Both of them remained utterly motionless as a group of assailants, their laughter and loud conversations filling the upper reaches of the astronomy tower, made their entrance. A brief exchange unfolded, and it was evident that the situation was not favouring Albus. "Avada kedavra" a pained voice spoke an outburst of green light illuminated every surface for a moment before gradually fading away.
The man with whom she had been conversing just moments before was struck in the chest by the malevolent green spell. His body went limp, and he staggered backward, tumbling over the railing. She couldn't help but feel a deep sadness, fearing that he was now lost, whether from the curse or the tragic fall.
She and Harry locked eyes, his gaze brimming with tears. He made a feeble attempt to reach for his wand, but Eve gently rested a placating hand on his trembling forearm and shook her head, her eyes shifting upward to convey the grim reality that they were vastly outnumbered. The unspoken sorrow hung heavy between them.
Harry appeared utterly defeated, the flame of his fighting spirit extinguished. Recognizing his despair, Eve drew nearer to the slightly older boy and embraced him tightly. In that sorrowful moment, they both found solace in the warmth of their embrace, a much-needed comfort for them both.
As swiftly as they had arrived, the group departed, leaving behind an unsettling sight: a peculiar symbol etched into the sky. It depicted a skull with a serpent emerging from its gaping mouth. A shiver of dread coursed through Eve, and an unsettling fear crept up her spine, causing every hair on her body to stand on end.
Engrossed by the eerie symbol, Eve momentarily diverted her gaze from Harry. It was only when the sound of rapid footsteps reached her ears that she swiftly turned, realizing that Harry had chased after the departing group.
Eve tried to follow Harry, but an inexplicable force held her back. She sensed something penetrating her mind, and a voice, low and ancient, reverberated within her consciousness, saying, "This is not your battle, you do not belong." As the voice resonated, her eyes ignited with a brilliant golden glow, and the world around her began to spin in a surreal, slow-motion ballet, only to accelerate as minutes rushed by.
A powerful force sent her sprawling to the ground, and a sense of déjà vu enveloped Eve as the day appeared eerily reminiscent of the one, she had left earlier. Clutching her head in distress, the voice continued to echo in her mind. She lay there, her head spinning violently, until her eyes rolled back into her head, and she succumbed to unconsciousness.
