Chapter 10 Wolf in sheep's clothing
Moving as quiet as they possibly could Eve and Dotty moved through the empty castle, sticking to the shadows when they could, their journey to the headmistress's quarters would be a long one.
The headmistress's office, perched atop the castle on the 7th floor, beckoned them. While the path ahead appeared clear, lurking dangers such as Filch, and the wandering ghosts could pounce at any turn. After a few minutes of cautious steps, they reached the main tower, where the ever-shifting staircases resided. Eve couldn't help but let out a low grumble as she set eyes on the staircases.
Dotty's hushed voice barely carried as she whispered, "I've never been to the headmistress's office before. Which way do we go?" She cupped her hand around her mouth, ensuring her words were intended only for Eve's ears. Eve exuded confidence as she replied, "This way. Just stick close to me. We can't afford to get separated on these tricky staircases." Dotty extended her hand, a silent plea for Eve to take it and guide her on their journey.
Eve grasped Dotty's hand and led her onto the first staircase, her hope riding on it turning right, which was the correct way. "Of course," Eve muttered under her breath, frustration palpable as she smacked the stone banister. The staircase, however, twisted to the left, leading the girls in the opposite direction they needed to go.
Opting not to remain on the unpredictable staircase, which could transition in a matter of seconds or drag on for hours before turning, they decided to step onto a small platform. Here, they patiently waited for the next staircase to align and take them further up the tower.
During their wait, Eve took the opportunity to survey her surroundings. She found herself on an unfamiliar platform, and while she guessed it might be the third floor, uncertainty lingered. This floor appeared unique; unlike the others, it featured only a solitary door. Typically, other levels had entire corridors connected to the platforms, but this one was distinct. As she continued to explore, her gaze fell upon a massive painting hanging vertically on the stone wall.
Within the confines of the painting, a man clad in gleaming armour leaned against a massive tree. his appearance suggested that he was in deep, peaceful slumber, Eve took note to remain quiet.
Eve's excitement surged as she spotted a staircase slowly swinging their way, just a few more seconds until they could continue their ascent. However, their moment was interrupted when a peculiar grunting noise emanated from Dotty. Eve swiftly turned her head toward her friend, and her eyes widened. She whispered urgently, "I told you to get rid of that thing. What is he doing here, right now?" She strained to keep her voice as hushed as possible.
"I didn't know he was here. He must have crawled into my robes last night when I took them off," Dotty confessed, gazing down at her tiny companion with a tinge of sadness, fully aware that she needed to part with him soon.
The pygmy dragon gazed up at its surrogate mother, its large yellow eyes blinking. Dotty could almost swear she saw a smile forming on his little lips.
"He's going to give us away. We have to let him go right now," Eve urged, taking a step closer to Dotty with an outstretched hand, attempting to relieve her of the tiny dragon.
As the approaching hand neared, the dragon sensed a threat. Fearing separation from his mother, he lunged forward, extending his head as much as possible, and latched onto one of Eve's fingers with his sharp teeth, piercing her skin and drawing a small trickle of blood.
"OW!" Eve exclaimed, her cry of pain escaping without any attempt to stifle it. In an instant, the man sleeping in the painting jolted fully awake. His eyes locked onto the two students who had ventured out of bed, and he bellowed, "Students, out of bed!" before leaping out of the painting and vanishing in an instant.
Dotty emitted a small squeal as she hastily tucked the dragon back into her robe pocket. "Quick, we have to run!" she urged, her voice trembling with fear.
"Hold on, I have an idea," Eve said, pointing her uninjured hand at the painting. A faint, golden glow played on her fingertips as the golden energy floated towards the painting. But to her dismay, nothing happened. She turned her hand counterclockwise, baffled, and muttered, "Why doesn't it work?"
Dotty's eyes darted around, and she quickly noticed other figures inside the paintings beginning to stir and take notice of the two girls, their expressions filled with dread.
"Run!" Eve's shout echoed as the staircase finally connected with their platform. Both girls scrambled up the stone staircase, their fingers clutching the banister as their feet propelled them forward. With a hurried glance backward down the staircases, Eve noticed torchlight casting an eerie glow in the corridor below. Someone was approaching.
At the top of the staircase, the platform they now found themselves on had two points where stairs could connect, but none were available. In a panic, both girls searched their surroundings. Meanwhile, the approaching torchbearer came to a halt, and a pair of beady eyes belonging to Filch peered up into the darkness where the girls stood. The light cast upon them was too faint for him to discern their identities.
"I know you're there. Let's not make this any harder than it has to be. Come down now, and the punishment won't be as severe," he snarled, a sinister grin crossing his face as he envisioned the curfew breakers being locked up in the dungeons, subject to the same harsh punishments as in the good old days.
Both girls exchanged a silent nod, their unspoken agreement solidifying their decision not to turn themselves in. "He's getting closer," Dotty fretfully noted, her hands anxiously finding their way to her mouth, where she nervously began biting her nails. "What do we do?" she implored.
A sudden revelation struck Eve. She stepped to the edge of the platform where the staircase would eventually join, pointing one hand at the connecting staircase, a glimmer of hope gleaming in her eyes.
Eve had never attempted to reverse such a hefty object before, and she could feel the strain as her magic grappled with her will. She thrust her bleeding hand behind the first one, recalling her grandfather doing the same to increase power. As she did, she felt a surge of power coursing through her. The ground below trembled slightly, and the dust on the platform quivered around Eve's feet.
With a counterclockwise twist of her hands, the staircase began to slowly, but surely, move backward in time, connecting to multiple platforms except theirs. "Hurry up, he's getting closer," Dotty urged as she glanced down the staircases at the approaching Filch. But her attention was soon drawn back to her friend. She couldn't tear her eyes away from Eve's, which were now glowing with a faint golden hue, wisps of magic radiating from them. In that moment, Eve looked almost ethereal.
"It's almost here; get ready," Eve said, her voice filled with the pain, caused by the immense strain she was enduring. At last, the staircase slammed into their platform. Eve maintained her magical hold on it for a few more seconds, providing them with enough time to scramble onto it before it departed once more.
Stepping onto the staircase, it swung to the right, connecting them to the 6th floor. Eve slumped against the banister, her strength drained, and her head spinning from exhaustion. She clung tightly to the stone railing, fearful of slipping and plummeting to the bottom of the tower.
Observing Eve's sluggish state, Dotty knelt down and slid her shoulder under Eve's armpit, helping her back to her feet and urging her onward to the 6th floor. Once they reached the platform, the staircase swiftly moved on, leaving them stranded once more without a means of escape.
"How much further is it?" Dotty asked, her voice tinged with urgency as her eyes darted around, searching for any sign of Filch.
"One more floor to go," Eve replied, pointing to the platform situated above and to the left of them. Despite her weakened state, she surveyed their surroundings and spotted the staircase they required. Even in her drained condition, Eve remained resolute in her determination to keep them from getting caught, pushing forward to the platform's edge. She extended her hand once more, her vision blurring slightly as she strained to focus on the staircase they needed.
Eve wobbled, her magical energy flickering in her palms. She released one hand and pressed it against her temple, her legs beginning to give out and causing her to stumble forward.
"EVE!" Dotty cried out, making a desperate attempt to grab her friend, but it was too late. Eve had slipped off the platform, hurtling headfirst into the darkness below.
Faster and faster, she plummeted, narrowly missing each revolving staircase by mere inches, like threading a needle. Her best friend's desperate screams of "EVE!" echoed in the distance, growing more distant with each passing moment. The darkness closed in around her as she continued her endless descent, until finally, it fully enveloped her.
Eve's consciousness wavered, and she couldn't discern whether she had blacked out or entered some strange afterlife. Everything appeared shrouded in darkness and devoid of life to her eyes. She felt weightless, as if suspended in mid-air.
"Am I dead?" she whispered, her voice echoing multiple times and growing in magnitude until the noise became deafening. In response, Eve clamped her hands over her ears to suppress the cacophony.
Then, suddenly, the silence returned, filling the still air once more. However, one sound remained: a faint pair of footsteps that could be heard in the distance.
"Welcome, my child," Hera's voice lingered in the air, its insidious presence snaking its way past Eve's fingers, implanting its unsettling influence deep into her ear canal. Eve shook her head in an attempt to expel the voice from her mind, but it proved to be a futile endeavour.
The footsteps drew nearer, and a voice, calm yet commanding, reassured Eve, "Do not fear me. I mean you no harm. I simply wish to have a conversation, mother to daughter."
She paused for a moment, and her tone sharpened as she continued, "I brought you here and saved your life. The least you could do is thank me by listening to what I have to say."
Eve reluctantly removed her hands from her ears, her gaze darting in every direction, attempting to pinpoint the source of the approaching footsteps.
Summoning her courage, Eve declared with unwavering conviction, "I am not your daughter!" The footsteps came to an abrupt halt, and Eve's breath caught in her throat, realizing that she had struck a nerve.
From the inky darkness, the enigmatic figure of Hera materialized swiftly. She stood a hair's breadth from Eve, her piercing golden eyes delving deep into her soul. As Eve gazed into those luminous orbs, her entire eleven years seemed to cascade through her mind like a flipbook, memories flickering in rapid succession until they had completed their cycle. A million different emotions hit her at once, causing her mind to open and become impressionable.
Eve remained suspended in mid-air as Hera circled her, her grotesque form concealed beneath a billowing dark robe that seamlessly merged with the surrounding void, making it appear as though the void itself was an extension of her being.
"You are my daughter, my magic courses through your veins," Hera proclaimed. "I've had many daughters and sons throughout the ages, but you... you, my child, are the only one I have encountered here. There must be a purpose behind it, and I admit, I made a mistake earlier. I did not intend to appear hostile toward you."
Hera paused; her words carefully chosen. "You see, I've been in this place for so long that I lose my mind at times," she admitted. "I wish to apologize to you." Her face displayed a hint of contortion, and the words seemed somewhat difficult for her to utter. "I'm sorry."
Eve's expression was a mix of confusion and fear. The woman before her was behaving in a vastly different manner than before, leaving Eve with a sense that something was amiss.
"You mentioned that you brought me here. How?" Eve inquired, hoping that Hera's newfound willingness to talk would extend to answering questions.
Hera's lips curved into a smile. "Well, ever since I intertwined my mind with yours, I've had a connection to your world. I can feel and see everything you've experienced since then. And tonight, in your weakened state, brought about by my..." She corrected herself, "...your magic, I was able to grasp hold of your soul and pull you into this void."
Satisfied with the answer, Eve nodded. "But why?" As she posed this question, she suddenly felt her weight return, and she descended to her feet. Hera ceased her circling and stood still, her enchanting face gazing back at Eve. Once more, her lips curved into a hypnotic smile.
"That's simple. I believe we got off on the wrong foot, and I'd like to make it up to you," Hera explained. She rested one skeletal hand on her chin and tilted her head, letting her long black hair fall loose from her hood. "For starters, I saved your life. That must earn me some favour, wouldn't you agree?"
Eve shook her head, struggling to fully comprehend what she had just heard. "Saved my life? What do you mean?"
Hera moved closer and continued, "When you slipped from that platform, I had to take quick action. In your weakened state, I managed to use our connection to draw enough power to propel you back in time just enough to land back on the platform. I assume that, at this very moment, your... 'lovebird' is weeping over your unconscious body, waiting for your soul to return, which it will after our conversation." She smiled once again. "You... You controlled me?"
Hera shook her head. "Control is a strong word. I simply gave your body the nudge it needed to access the magic. I can't influence your actions." Feeling somewhat relieved, Eve relaxed her shoulders slightly, letting her guard down just a bit, although something still felt off.
A heavy silence settled between them, and Eve's mind raced with thoughts. Her eyes widened as her inner voice whispered, 'If she knows everything I know, she must know about the attempt to save Grandpa.'
Hera finally spoke up. "I think it's a wonderful idea to save my grandpa. Speaking of, I haven't seen him in a while. In fact, I'm not sure where he's gone. I haven't seen him since the last time the three of us met." Hera raised a bony finger to her mouth, feigning a perplexed expression.
Once more, a silence gripped their conversation, as Eve refrained from thinking, aware that Hera knew her thoughts.
"You are much more powerful than you know, Evelyn," Hera finally spoke to break the silence. "When you blended your magic with anger, you felt strong, didn't you? Like you could accomplish anything. That power is what you need to unleash. Once harnessed and controlled, you would be unstoppable. No one would ever stand in your way again."
Hera began to recite a litany of all the instances in which someone had mocked or belittled Eve because she was different.
Eve's gaze dropped to the floor as a torrent of memories flooded her mind, reminding her of all the times she had been bullied. For a fleeting moment, she pondered Hera's words, wondering if perhaps there was some truth to them, if she needed to embrace her anger.
However, she swiftly shook her head, dispelling those thoughts. The unsettling feeling that the red magic left her with was something she wasn't willing to entertain.
"I'm a lot like you. I, too, was shunned for being different," Hera explained. "Let me show you." She stretched out her hand and placed it on Eve's head before any protest could escape.
Eve's mind was suddenly inundated with a memory that did not belong to her, but rather, one of Hera's.
Eve blinked several times as the room slowly came into focus. Before her eyes was a dimly lit chamber, its stone walls covered in condensation. The floor was littered with dirt, and then she noticed it – a heavy iron chain wrapped around Hera's ankle, shackling her to the wall. It was evident that she was a prisoner.
The room's barred door creaked open, allowing a tall, white, bald man with a robust black beard to step inside. He wore a warm grin as he greeted Hera, who appeared to be around 16 or 17 years old. Her dishevelled appearance, matted hair, and gaunt frame made it clear that she hadn't been treated well during her captivity.
The man spoke in a soft, soothing tone, providing some comfort to Hera. "Your father has sent me in for the last time. He believes this next procedure will cure you, and my services will no longer be needed," he explained. He let out a deep sigh, shaking his head. "I've repeatedly told him that this won't cure you, but instead, it will only further harm you, much like all the other procedures before."
Seating himself beside Hera, he pulled a slender piece of wood from his waistband and waved it delicately through the air. A small bucket filled with water materialized and landed at their side. Without a moment's hesitation, Hera's skeletal form lunged for the water, lapping it up with an almost feral thirst.
Witnessing Hera degrade herself in such a manner was far from befitting a princess. Her father, the King of England, had imprisoned her since she had exhibited magical abilities at the tender age of two. For fifteen long years, she had been confined to this dismal cell.
The man hung his head low as Hera drained the last of the water. With a wave of his wand, he made the bucket disappear. Pushing himself to his feet, he strode across the cramped cell. He turned back to gaze at the girl he had tutored and cared for all those years, unsure if he would ever see her alive again.
Holding back tears, he whispered, "Goodbye, Hera. If you survive this, I will find you. I promise." Without turning back to see her one last time, he exited the cell. He knew that if he looked back, he wouldn't be able to leave.
After the man departed Hera lay on the cold floor, face down, whimpering like a dog. Portraying what she believed to be a chained-up beast discarded and unwanted.
Through her corporeal eyes, Eve gazed down upon the distressed girl. A deep well of pity and sadness stirred within her as she observed Hera's pitiable state. In that moment, a powerful desire surged within Eve to help Hera, to liberate her from the chains that bound her, and to spirit her away to a place of safety, away from the suffering she had endured from such a tender age.
Eve realized that her own suffering paled in comparison to the torment she was witnessing. Kneeling down, she tried to run her fingers through the girl's hair to provide comfort, but they passed right through Hera's head. Feeling a bit disheartened, Eve decided to sit against the wall, contemplating when this distressing memory would finally end.
Time became a disorienting blur as the memory fluctuated, at times speeding up and at others slowing down, guided by Hera's intention to show Eve certain significant moments.
It had been days since the tall man had entered her cell, and since then, no one had come to visit her. There was no food, no water—nothing. Hera was compelled to fend for herself. She resorted to licking the mossy, damp stones for water, and for sustenance, she had to catch the rats that nibbled at her skin as she slept.
The way she caught them was a sight to behold. Eve watched as a small black rat scurried across the room, only to be halted in its tracks and slowly drawn toward Hera, her hand clenched into a fist. "She's using wandless magic," Eve gasped. She realized that while she could perform wandless magic with her time manipulation abilities, what Hera was doing was different—it was real magic, without the need for a wand.
When the rat reached Hera, she swiftly dispatched it, tossing the useless bones aside. She then wiped the blood from her face with a ragged piece of clothing she had torn off to use as a makeshift napkin.
Hera sat motionless for hours, conserving what little energy she had left. She contemplated her situation; she could easily give up and let death embrace her, but that would only serve to make her father happy. And he, she believed, deserved no happiness. A wicked smirk briefly danced upon her lips as she revelled in the thought of her father suffering.
More time passed in a blurry haze until the cell door swung open. The ember glow from a torch flickered off the shiny rocks, held by a man dressed in all black. His face was obscured by a leathery hood, with only his mouth visible, twisted into a wide, malevolent grin.
The man menacingly advanced across the room, and as he unshackled Hera, she didn't put up any resistance. Instead, she remained utterly motionless, her face bearing a despondent look. It was clear to Eve that this was a recurring nightmare for Hera; she seemed to go numb when the man laid his hands on her.
As Eve's vision came back into focus, she found herself standing on the outside of the cell. The door creaked open, and with a tight grip on her hair, Hera was brutally yanked out, bearing a fresh collection of marks and bruises on her already pale skin. The man dragged her down a dank sewer tunnel, and Eve hastily followed after them both, a growing sense of distress enveloping her.
After a lengthy walk, the man led them into a room through a set of heavy wooden double doors. Upon entering, he callously flung Hera onto the unyielding stone floor and announced, "The wench of a daughter you requested, my liege." He offered a slight bow, casting a malevolent grin at the downed girl before making a hasty exit from the room.
"Place her on the holding stand, let's be done with this. I have more important things to attend to," a regal voice commanded, catching Eve's attention. She turned her gaze toward the speaker and saw a man with curly brown hair, a full mustache, and a crown perched atop his head, nestled within his curls. He stood at an average height, with a slightly stocky build.
Another man quickly responded, "Yes, my liege." This man, in contrast, was pale and slender, his sunken cheekbones starkly prominent on his face. He hurried over and lifted Hera's exhausted body onto a cross-like contraption, securing her arms and legs in leather bindings and tightening them.
The regal gentleman paced impatiently as he spoke, "Are you certain this time it will cure her? All the previous attempts have failed and only left her worse off." The skinny man responded with unwavering confidence, "Of course, my liege. I've been refining my technique, and I am certain this will work."
"Very well, get on with it," the king waved his hand in a nonchalant manner.
The slender man moved over to a wooden table adorned with various metal tools. He ran his fingers over them, considering which instrument of torment to employ first. His hand eventually settled on a long metal rod with a small hook at the end. He picked up this tool and promptly returned to Hera.
"This will only hurt a little bit," he sneered as he spoke. The man slowly lifted the hooked rod toward Hera's nose, the hook creeping its way inside. Hera trembled as the foreign tool invaded her body. "Settle down!" the man holding the tool snapped.
The end of the tool gradually became narrower as it delved deeper into her nasal passage. Hera's eyes began to water, and she felt utterly helpless and defeated. Suddenly, a sharp, stabbing pain shot through her as the metal hook seized something and yanked it downward, causing her head to jerk forward with the force.
As a minuscule part of her brain disconnected, Hera felt something trigger within her. She had always been a placid girl, but now, a hunger surged inside her—an insatiable thirst for death. Whispers filled her ears, urging her on, "Kill them, they deserve it," they hissed. "Do it!"
The man eventually removed the rod from Hera's nose, and a trickle of blood followed its exit. Attached to the end of the tool was a small piece of pink flesh. "Did it work?" the king inquired. The other man nodded, his head held high as he waved the rod triumphantly in the air, proud of his accomplishment.
His proud expression suddenly contorted into one of agony and pain when a metal tool from the table flew into his shoulder blade from behind. He reached back to feel the metal object and let out a bloodcurdling scream, his eyes darting around the room, scanning for another assailant. However, his gaze didn't complete its circuit around the room; it came to a halt on the girl restrained to the contraption.
Her countenance was one of pure malevolence, with her black hair hanging over her face and her lips curved into a wicked grin. Her eyes appeared bloodshot and raw. Before the man could react, Hera's other hand clenched into a fist, causing her magic to erupt. The leather binding that held her snapped, and she dropped to the floor.
Both men's faces contorted in shock at what they had just witnessed. With the swiftness of lightning, Hera summoned her magic once more. She seized control of a sharp blade from the table and sent it hurtling across the room, cleanly severing the man's head from his frail body.
The gruesome sight of his servant's decapitation jolted the king into action. He spun around and lunged for the door, only to have it suddenly slam shut. His futile attempts to pull the handle proved in vain, as the door remained securely locked.
Hera stepped over the lifeless, headless body of the skinny man, and her bare feet made a sickening squelching noise as she stepped into the pool of blood that had formed. As she approached her father, she spoke with a chilling tone, "I've waited so long for this moment, Father. Thank you for finally setting me free." With a wicked smirk, she raised her hands, clenching them into fists, and pulled them apart.
Both of the king's arms slowly separated from his body, blood splattering across the door and floor. His screams echoed off the walls and ceiling. Eve turned her head away from the gruesome scene, unable to stomach the horrific sight, feeling as if she might vomit if she were capable of doing so.
Eve's vision started to blur once more as time sped up around her, this time at a much faster pace. Hera made the choice to share one more memory with Eve, one of her daughter's death. She omitted crucial context that would paint herself in a less than favourable light, presenting a skewed version of events to Eve.
Eve's vision sharpened, and she found herself standing in the middle of a cobbled medieval street, surrounded by centuries-old buildings on both sides. The night sky above was aglow with an eerie orange and red hue, and a putrid odour of burning wood and flesh assaulted her senses, causing her to scrunch up her face in disgust.
In the distance, a loud commotion caught her attention. As she moved toward the clamour, she glimpsed two figures dressed in dark robes sprinting in her direction. Following behind them, a stampede of brightly clad wizards and witches, numbering around 50 to 60, surged forward, their voices echoing through the night, shouting chilling phrases like "Kill the heathens!" and "Burn them!" while hastily pursuing the figures.
Eve sprinted as fast as her petite legs could carry her, distancing herself from the frenzied mob in pursuit of the two figures. She turned into a side street, only to realize it led to a dead-end, where two female witches stood trapped, their panic evident.
It was then that Eve recognized one of the witches; it was Hera. Hera appeared to be a bit older, possibly in her early twenties. In one hand, she held a wand, while in the other, she wielded a familiar red, glowing energy.
The witch beside Hera bore a striking resemblance, likely a younger family member, perhaps 18 or 19 years old. Eve's observations were abruptly interrupted by the younger woman's voice.
"Mum, what do we do? We're surrounded, outnumbered, and Thadius can't make it to us in time," her voice laced with concern.
Hera turned to her daughter and reassured her, saying, "Stay behind me, everything will be okay. Just stay behind me." She locked eyes with her daughter, infusing her words with a hint of confidence.
The mob's voices grew louder and more agitated, and suddenly, they turned the corner. Without hesitation, spells began to fly, each emitting different colours—blue, green, red, yellow. The variety of spells made it impossible for Eve to discern their effects, but it hardly mattered, as none of them struck their targets. Just before the spells reached the two women, Hera raised her hand, the red magic pulsating in her palm. She lowered her arm, clenching her hand into a fist, and time itself seemed to freeze, halting the spells in mid-air.
With her other hand, Hera twirled her wand, unleashing a rapid succession of spells. Her movements were like lightning, and with each incantation, another member of the mob fell, their screams resonating through the narrow streets.
Eve overheard a few members of the mob who had been trailing behind the front lines. "We can't stop her!" one man exclaimed. Another voice chimed in, "If we can't go for the head, go for the knees. Take out her daughter; that will lower her guard enough for us to strike." The group of five nodded in agreement and stealthily entered one of the houses that lined the dead-end street.
The battle raged on as more spells were exchanged between Hera and the ever-growing mob. Additional wizards and witches continued to join the fray, overwhelming the scene. Eve watched in awe as Hera showcased her incredible skill. Her movements were graceful and fluid, and her spell work was both precise and deadly. She seemed like a one-woman army, and Eve couldn't help but agree with the man who had mentioned that she was truly unstoppable.
A loud slamming sound suddenly drew Eve's attention upward, toward a second-story window that had been thrown open. A blood-red bolt of energy shot out from the window, aimed directly at Hera's daughter. This time, the spell found its mark. Hera, distracted by the overwhelming mob, was unable to react in time to prevent the attack.
Hera heard her daughter's scream, and as she held her red-glowing hand in the direction of the mob to prevent any spells from reaching them, she turned to witness the trail of a spell leaving the second-story window. With a quick glance at her daughter, she could see that Andromeda was in a dire condition. "Andromeda!" Hera screamed, levelling her wand at the building. A thunderous blast struck the structure, reducing it to pieces and eliminating everyone inside.
Hera quickly turned her attention back to her daughter, sinking to her knees as she cast a protective shield around them both. Andromeda's coughs grew weaker, her young face ashen and frail.
Andromeda whispered through her fading breaths, "Mum, I'm so cold..." Hera's voice trembled with sorrow, "No, my love, you're going to be okay. I'm here with you. Please, don't leave me. I can't bear to lose you..." But just moments later, Andromeda's heart ceased to beat, and her once vibrant eyes dimmed, leaving Hera cradling her lifeless form in her arms.
As the protective shield started to crack under the relentless magical assault of the mob, Hera gazed into her daughter's lifeless eyes, brushing a frozen tear aside with a trembling hand. "Don't worry, my sweet Andromeda," she whispered, her voice heavy with grief. "Mother will fix this." With that, she placed a hand on herself, and a faint golden glow enveloped her. In an instant, both mother and daughter disappeared from the tragic scene.
The memory began to fade, and a tear welled up in Eve's eye. The emotions from that memory struck her harder than she had anticipated. Witnessing a mother lose the most precious thing in the world to her was a heart-wrenching experience she wished she didn't have to relive.
Eve's eyes gradually came into focus, and she found herself back in the black void, standing before Hera. The woman before her was an exact replica of the one she had seen in those painful memories, unchanged by time.
"I'm truly sorry about your daughter," Eve whispered, her tone filled with genuine sympathy. Hera simply nodded in acknowledgment of her heartfelt words.
Hera sensed the sadness emanating from Eve's thoughts, and she couldn't help but feel satisfied with how her plan to manipulate and deceive Eve was unfolding.
She responded, "Thank you. Now that you've witnessed how people like us, who are different, are treated, I want you to reflect on everything you've seen and heard. The next time we meet, you'll have an important decision to make."
"But" Eve began, only to be interrupted by Hera, who cautioned her, "You can't make any rash decisions. You need time to process it all." Hera approached Eve, gently placing a hand on her shoulder and leaning down to whisper in her ear, "It's time to go back." Hera's hand began to glow with a golden light, and in an instant, Eve found herself back on the platform with a distraught Dotty beside her.
"Ouch, you're hurting my hand," Eve exclaimed as she felt a sharp pressure from her friend, who hadn't yet noticed her eyes open. "EVE!" Dotty embraced her best friend tightly and said, "I thought I'd lost you when you... when you fell over that edge." She grew quiet, her head hanging low. "What happened? I think I blacked out." Eve didn't want to delve into everything that had just transpired in the void, as there was no time. "You fell over the edge, and a few seconds later, you came flying back up. I grabbed you and pulled you down. You were out cold for maybe a minute or two."
Eve nodded, uncertain about what else to say. "Where's Filch?" she inquired, attempting to peer over the edge. Dotty replied, "I'm not sure, but he hasn't reached us yet. The stairs must be doing us a Favor for a change." As she spoke, another set of stairs rotated around and connected to their platform, granting them access to the seventh and final floor.
Both girls rose to their feet and dashed up the last flight of stairs before it had a chance to change. Upon reaching the platform, a long hallway stretched out before them, lined with multiple doors on either side.
Dotty inquired, "Which way now?" With a confident gesture, Eve responded, "This way, follow me." They proceeded down the hallway, taking a right at the fork, and continued along another corridor.
When they reached the end of the hallway, they encountered a massive gargoyle statue inside a cylindrical tower. Eve appeared a bit worried and confessed, "You need a password, but I don't know it," her hands tucked inside her sleeves as anxiety filled her.
Dotty paced back and forth, muttering, "Think, think, think." Then, with a sudden revelation, she shouted, which startled Eve.
Dotty hurried to the base of the gargoyle and began shouting "Headmistresses!" repeatedly, hoping to be heard.
To their astonishment, the gargoyle started to turn slowly, and as it did, a staircase emerged from the floor, spiralling upwards. Climbing the steep staircase, the girls arrived outside a large oak door. Dotty moved to knock, but the door had already started to open.
Stealthily entering the room, Eve and Dotty found themselves in the first circular chamber, anticipating a meeting with the headmistresses. A young woman, unfamiliar to Dotty, entered the room through a side door and settled behind the headmistress's desk. She remarked, "Ladies, do you know what time it is? What could possibly bring you here at this unearthly hour?" Her words were tinged with a hint of bitterness.
"We're here to find the headmistresses. Are you, her secretary?" Dotty inquired, her brow furrowing with confusion. Both the headmistresses and Eve exchanged a knowing glance, but Dotty couldn't quite grasp the unspoken communication.
"What's happening here? Am I missing something?" Dotty vented her frustration by stomping her foot, prompting a soft, quiet giggle from Eve. "This is the headmistresses. She, um, had a time-related mishap yesterday," Eve explained, briefly averting her gaze from the headmistresses. She still felt a touch of embarrassment for losing her temper and control earlier.
"That is correct, Miss Warren, though it was an accident, I am still grateful. I haven't felt this young... well, in 50 years," she breathed out a chuckle. "I think I might stay like this; everything feels so wonderful once again." She rose from her seat, strolling around the desk and lightly hopping up to perch on the edge. "Why are you ladies here in my office? Out with it, I want to get back to bed."
Dotty nudged Eve forward to begin explaining. Eve's arms hung low, her hands entwined, and she swayed shyly, uncertain about where to start her story. She swallowed hard before speaking, "After our lesson, I saw someone suspiciously moving around in the shadows, so I decided to follow them." Eve continued to recount the events that had transpired, with Headmistress McGonagall gasping at the appropriate moments, her eyes nearly bulging from her head. It almost seemed as though stress wrinkles were reappearing on her face.
Headmistress McGonagall's face turned pale as she hadn't anticipated one of her own teachers capable of Professor Rute's actions. "You ladies had every right to wake me up. I will escort you back to your common room immediately, and I'll address this problem without delay."
At that moment, the door swung open, and Filch burst in, exclaiming, "Students out of bed, Ma'am!" He narrowed his eyes as he scrutinized the two girls, but his jaw dropped as he gazed up at the headmistress, clearly baffled by her appearance, which seemed to defy logic.
"You blithering idiot, I am well aware of the students out of bed. I will personally take them back to the Slytherin common room right away," she snapped, ushering the girls out of the room and instructing them to head to the bottom of the stairs. Before descending herself, she addressed Filch, "Call the Ministry; we require some Aurors. Also, wake Professor Inkwood; we'll need his assistance."
Filch stood at attention and saluted. "Right away, Ma'am!" He rushed out of the room and dashed down the stairs, whizzing past the girls. The headmistress descended the stairs more slowly after him, remarking, "Right, let's get you girls back to bed. Let the grown-ups sort out this mess." She offered them a small smile.
Guiding Dotty and Eve back to their common room, Eve couldn't help but notice the headmistress appeared somewhat uneasy. It was the first time she had seen her confident demeanour falter, and it felt unusual. After bidding farewell to the girls, she left them to return to their rooms. As she made her way to the castle's entrance to await the Aurors she had requested for backup.
Outside the gates that led into Hogwarts, the Headmistress stood, her arms wrapped around herself as she shivered in the cold morning air that seemed to seep into her very bones. She retrieved her wand and cast a warming charm, immediately feeling a sense of relief. Several more minutes passed until the distinct pops of Apparition announced the arrival of four Aurors. Among them, a dark-skinned man with white makeup around his eyes approached the Headmistress.
"I was informed you required magical law enforcement's help?" he inquired, his accent thick and foreign. McGonagall nodded in response. "Yes, we have a criminal on our teaching staff who may resist when apprehended. I can provide all the evidence once she's in custody. There's no time to waste." The man nodded and gestured for the Headmistress to lead the way.
The group of five made their way through the Hogwarts grounds and into the castle, eventually reaching the staff quarters. A few early-rising students couldn't help but turn their heads at the unusual procession, and whispers began to spread among them as they tried to guess what was happening.
Pushing open the door to the staff living quarters, the Headmistress was relieved to find Professor Inkwood waiting diligently for them. "You called for me, Headmistress?" he inquired, raising an eyebrow in her direction. It wasn't often he was summoned, especially this early in the morning.
"Yes, I did, Dane. Your expertise in dark magic is required; we have a criminal in our midst," she stated, pausing to see if Dane had anything to add. He remained silent. "Professor Rute," she added with a hint of disgust.
"I believe you, Headmistress. You wouldn't say so if you weren't 100% confident. How dangerous is she? Will she go quietly?" McGonagall shook her head slowly. "She is very dangerous, and I believe she will put up a fight. So be on your guard; anything could happen."
With those words, everyone nodded in agreement, readying themselves for any eventuality.
Prior to proceeding any further, the dark-skinned Ministry official halted their group. He waved his wand around each of their feet, casting a silencing charm to muffle their steps. "We may proceed," he said in a hushed tone.
As they arrived outside Professor Rute's bedroom, they attempted to listen through the door, but no sounds penetrated its wooden barrier. Filled with confidence and readiness, the four Aurors breached the door with a quick blasting curse, instantly flooding into the room. The moment they set foot inside, a dense black fog enveloped them, obscuring their vision completely.
"Avada Kedavra!" A green bolt of light combined with the inky black fog, illuminating the surface of the fog with a sickly green hue for a brief moment. A thud echoed as one of the Aurors fell. "Where is she?" another one called out. "Ri..." His words abruptly ceased as a cutting curse severed his head, sending it rolling across the floor until it hit Professor Inkwood's foot.
With frustration at their failed attempt to apprehend Professor Rute, Professor Inkwood grounded his wand, murmuring an incantation. The thick black fog was drawn into his wand, revealing the entire room and the chaos that had unfolded. The two remaining Aurors and two professors now gazed at Professor Rute, who was now clearly visible, her skin adorned with a thick, shimmering, diamond-like material.
"She's immune to magic!" one of the Aurors shouted in alarm as his binding hex harmlessly bounced off her.
Professor Rute shifted to the offensive, delving deep into the dark arts, and unleashed a frenzied storm of curses and hexes, forcing the others to hastily raise protective shields. In the chaos, another Auror fell prey to a sinister blood-boiling curse. It rebounded off the floor, striking from beneath his shield. He screamed in agonizing pain and collapsed, reduced to a deflated, crumpled form on the ground.
McGonagall scanned the room, desperately seeking an idea as her weakening shield left her exposed. Then, a spark of inspiration struck her. She knew that she was immune to magical bindings, but transfigured bindings could potentially do the job. In a bold move reminiscent of her spirited youth, she abandoned her shield and rolled across the ground, narrowly avoiding a blasting curse.
With her wand aimed at the metal grates of the fireplace, she willed them into action. The grates soared across the room and swiftly wrapped around the witch's arms, wrenching them behind her back and forcing her to drop her wand. The dark-skinned man approached and delivered three punches to her face, his hand bleeding from contact with the diamond-like material. "That was for Edward, Martin and Felipe. You monster," he spat in disgust.
"Headmistress, will you and Professor Inkwood please accompany me to the holding cell in the Ministry? I would appreciate the backup, as this one is as dangerous as they come, my three former colleagues can vouch for that." Both professors nodded in agreement.
Grasping both of the men restraining Professor Rute, she Apparated them directly to the Ministry with a resounding pop, the strenuous battle taking its toll on her. The noisy disturbance in the bedroom had awakened most of the school, with hushed conversations spreading like wildfire. The stories circulating ranged from wild exaggerations to completely inaccurate accounts, but none of them captured the true events that had unfolded.
When Eve woke up, the common room was teeming with excitement. She quickly donned her uniform and ventured into the bustling main area. There, she was immediately accosted by classmates she had never really spoken to before, all eagerly recounting the incredible fight that had erupted in the staff quarters.
Keen to keep a low profile and escape the clamour of the more exuberant students, she made her way toward her three close friends, who had gathered in a quieter corner of the common room. As she approached, Albus stood up and enveloped her in a warm, tight hug. "Dotty filled us in on what happened to you. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!" he exclaimed, his voice loud and concerned. He then pulled her into another heartfelt hug. "I'm just so glad you're okay." With a gentle pat on her shoulder, he let her take a seat.
Scorpius greeted her with a quick, relieved smile and a friendly wave. "I'm glad you're okay. I was really worried, and I know the others were too," he admitted, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. Wanting to change the subject before anyone noticed his blushing expression he said. "It's crazy, isn't it? I heard someone say that Professor Rute turned into a dragon and tore a hole in the side of the castle, trying to fly away."
Dotty couldn't contain her laughter, hunching over in a fit of giggles. "That's absurd. Even the most skilled Animagus can't transform into a dragon. There's so much false information going around. I don't think anyone really knows what happened yet." The group of friends nodded in agreement.
Eve, eager to move past the bizarre rumours and enjoy a semblance of normalcy, chimed in, "So, what's our plan for the day, guys? I could really use a regular, ordinary day, please."
Scorpius suggested, "I heard there's going to be a breakfast or lunch hosted later where the headmistress will give a speech about the morning's incident. We could head to that now if you want?" He addressed his question directly to Eve.
As they rose from their seats, Eve couldn't help but wonder, 'Is he asking me out on a date?' She quickly dismissed the thought, telling herself, 'No, don't be silly. He was asking everyone.' She nodded in response to his question, and the group of four made their way to leave the common room together.
The group stepped into the grandeur of the great hall, the clock showing 8 a.m. on Sunday, October 31st. Halloween had cast its spell on the hall, adorning it with eerie decorations: cobwebs draped the walls and ceiling, enchanted bats fluttered overhead, and the occasional ghost would materialize from the floor, startling unsuspecting students. The room, while spooky, seemed somewhat underwhelming in the daylight. The true ominous charm would only reveal itself later, once darkness blanketed the castle this evening.
Spotting a solitary red-haired girl, Albus and Dotty hurried over to join her. Eve and Scorpius were hesitant at first but made a conscious effort to remain social. Eve released a deep breath and took a seat, aware that she would eventually need to have a conversation with Rose about the issues between them. She wasn't looking forward to that discussion.
"How's everyone been? I haven't seen you guys in a few days," Rose inquired, gently setting her spoon into her cereal bowl. Albus took it upon himself to answer the question on behalf of the group, noticing Eve and Scorpius seemed somewhat hesitant to speak. "I think everyone is doing well overall... except for Eve," he stated, his expression carrying a touch of sadness as he turned to look at her.
"Oh, what's happened?" Rose tilted her head, her keen perception picking up on the standoffish aura surrounding Eve. She was taken aback by Eve's demeanour, and concern laced her follow-up question, "Are you okay?"
Eve, her anger simmering just beneath the surface, met Rose's gaze. She was reminded of Charlie's advice to remain calm, which helped her keep her composure. Pushing herself away from the table with her palms, she fixed her gaze on Rose. "We need to talk," her words were stark and serious.
Rose initially wondered what they could have to discuss, but as she glanced at Scorpius, who appeared nervous, she knew that the conversation was about him.
Eve and Rose walked over to a vacant spot at a separate table, away from the other students. They settled down across from each other, and Eve took a deep, drawn-out breath, inhaling and exhaling to calm herself. The situation had stirred up unexpected emotions in her, and she couldn't quite fathom why it bothered her so much. Perhaps it was the fact that the first boy who had ever shown genuine interest in her had been taken away by someone she considered a close friend.
After the girls left the table, Albus and Dotty exchanged their observations. "That was weird," Albus and Dotty both remarked, and Dotty quickly chimed in, "Jinx!" They both burst into laughter. "Great minds think alike," Albus quipped, tapping his temple with a finger and sharing a smile with Dotty, although her gaze seemed fixed on Scorpius.
"You're looking awfully guilty. Spill the beans. What's going on?" Dotty prodded him playfully, poking her finger in his direction. Scorpius had felt the mounting stress and pressure ever since he had seen Eve that morning, and it was as if he was a volcano about to erupt. "I kissed Rose, and then I told Eve, and now both of them hate me," he blurted out his words in a rapid, nervous manner, leaving both Albus and Dotty bewildered. "You did what?" Dotty asked, implying that she hadn't caught his words.
With a calmer approach, Scorpius explained, "Rose kissed me at the Quidditch game three weeks ago, which is why things have been strange between us. And yesterday, I told Eve about it, and she didn't take it well."
Albus shook his head, his tone serious. "Mate, that was pretty foolish. I'd suggest you figure out what you want and muster the courage to make a decision. You can't keep playing them both like this; it's not fair to either of them." Scorpius cast his eyes down at his plate of food, knowing deep down that Albus was right. It was time to stop stringing both of them along.
Lost in thought, Scorpius aimlessly pushed his eggs around his plate, breaking the silence that had settled over their table. "I think I'm done with both of them," he admitted, a tinge of resolution in his voice. "It's better this way if we all go back to being just friends."
Dotty placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, understanding that it wasn't the decision he had hoped for but felt he needed to make. "It's okay. Things will work themselves out if it's meant to be," she reassured him with a warm smile, and he returned the smile with gratitude.
A pang of jealousy flitted across Albus's face as Dotty touched Scorpius's shoulder, but he quickly suppressed it. He was well aware that pursuing her wouldn't change the fact that they wouldn't work as a couple. Instead, he put on a warm smile for both his friends, relieved that a sense of harmony was returning to their group.
His attention returned to the two girls on the other table. In a soft whisper, he added, "I hope they can resolve their issues too."
Rose, unafraid of confrontation, spoke first. "If this is about Scorpius, you can have him. He's a real jerk—kissing me and then ghosting me. The nerve of him!" She crossed her arms, attempting to convey a tough demeanour, but her eyes revealed a fleeting flicker of pain despite her words.
Eve, perceptive to Rose's emotions, adjusted her words accordingly. "I thought I wanted him, but I think I just wanted to feel wanted for once. I've never experienced that before, and when he showed interest, I let my jealousy get the best of me," she admitted, allowing her words to linger. "When I heard about you kissing him, I was furious. I felt betrayed. You knew I had some feelings for him, but you went ahead with it, disregarding my emotions."
She paused again, her tone softer. "But I ignored your feelings too. You really like him, don't you?"
Tears welled up in Rose's eyes, her tough exterior crumbling. She nodded, her lip quivering as she confessed, "He... He means so much to me. I can't give him up. Please understand, Eve. There's something about him that I'm drawn to."
Eve reached across the table and took Rose's trembling hand. "I understand, and I won't stand in the way of you two," she assured her. With that, she climbed onto the bench and over the table to give her friend a hug.
"Miss Warren, get down from that table!" Professor Flitwick's high-pitched voice rang across the hall. "Sorry, sir," she replied meekly. After making her way to the other side of the table, she shared a heartfelt hug with Rose. They held each other for a few moments before Rose, still sniffling, broke the tension with a soft chuckle. "I can't believe we were fighting over a boy," she mused.
Albus couldn't suppress his smile as he observed the two girls returning to their table, walking arm in arm. "I think they managed to make up," he nudged Scorpius, who raised his head to see the heartening sight. At that moment, Scorpius's sombre mood began to lift. He had resolved to remain friends with both of them, but if Dotty's words rang true 'Things will work themselves out if it's meant to be' his plans might falter slightly.
The girls were welcomed back to the table by beaming smiles from Albus and Dotty, while Scorpius offered a smaller, more reserved one. "Aww, you guys, we're a family again," Dotty remarked, lifting her cup of pumpkin juice, waiting for everyone else to join her in a toast. "Cheers to a big, happy family once again."
Rose, curious and playful, asked, "If we're a family, who are the parents, and who are the kids?"
Dotty chimed in with a chuckle, "It's quite obvious, isn't it? I'm the mom, and Albus is the dad. Eve is the quiet middle child, Scorpius is the mischievous youngest child, and you, Rose, are the assertive, bossy older sibling who doesn't get much attention anymore." Her teasing was met with a piece of sausage being flung at her by Rose, who grumbled, "My point proven." Dotty said as Laughter erupted around the table as they enjoyed the humorous exchange.
Their laughter was suddenly interrupted by a loud tapping noise. Headmistress McGonagall stood up, holding her wand, which she used to amplify her voice. She wore a dark green leather hood, concealing her rejuvenated appearance. "Is this thing on?" she asked, tapping her wand. "Please settle down... Settle down now," she urged, attempting to calm the excited crowd in the great hall.
"Children, stop squabbling. The headmistress is speaking," Dotty chimed in with a mischievous grin aimed at Albus, who returned it with a pair of rosy red cheeks and a soft smile.
Headmistress McGonagall resumed speaking, her tone commanding the hall's attention. "There are two topics I would like to address this morning with you." She allowed the chatter to subside before continuing. "First, I was the victim of some strange magic yesterday, and as a result, I have significantly decreased in age." As she uttered these words, she removed her hood, revealing her auburn locks cascading below her shoulders. The students responded with a collective gasp, some even rubbing their eyes in disbelief at the youthful headmistress standing before them.
"Settle down, there's something else I wish to discuss," Headmistress McGonagall waited patiently for the noise to subside. "As I'm sure some of you are aware, there was quite the commotion this morning in the staff quarters. I won't go into details, but I can tell you that Professor Rute will no longer be teaching at Hogwarts and is on her way to Azkaban." The announcement sparked hushed whispers and gossip among the students. Over the noise, McGonagall concluded her speech, "With that being said, we are down one Potions professor. So, to the delight of everyone, I'm sure, Potions lessons are postponed until further notice."
The Great Hall erupted with thunderous cheers. "YES!" one student screamed so loudly that it sounded as though they had just won the Quidditch World Cup.
While most students celebrated, Albus slumped in his chair, not sharing in the others' joy. "I liked Potions. This sucks," he muttered, folding his arms and sulking. Eve scooted over to him with a wide smile. "Oh, cheer up, you sourpuss. I'm sure you can kiss the next Potions professors butt," she teased, wiggling her eyebrows playfully.
"Albus Potter does not kiss anyone's behind" he retorted, standing up.
"I beg to differ," Eve said with a giggle, leaping from her chair and darting down the hall. Albus quickly chased after her, shouting, "You little!" as he clenched his fist and shook it in the air.
Dotty chimed in, "Gotta love family," a smile on her face as the three others at the table got up and followed the exuberant pair to their next adventure.
Eve glanced back, noticing Albus was still hot on her heels. She quickened her step, but Albus was gaining ground, his natural athleticism working in his favour. Eager to level the playing field a bit, she observed that the hallway they were racing through was devoid of students. Delving into her mind, she retrieved a specific memory to fuel her magic. The memory of this current moment brought her warmth as the magic surged through her body, culminating in her palms.
She spun around swiftly, directing both of her hands at Albus, intending to send him back 10 seconds and regain a comfortable lead. However, something unexpected occurred. The magic struck Albus, but instead of achieving the desired effect, it rebounded and hit Eve. The magic surged into her mind, clouding her vision as she collapsed to the floor with eyes glazed over in white. Everything around her faded for a brief moment.
As her eyes fluttered open once more, she found herself gazing at a magnificent structure in the background. It was an old and regal building, constructed from white marble with elegant blue accents, stretching across a vast distance. Eve's eyes continued to explore her surroundings. Before her lay a meticulously manicured garden adorned with intricate hedge patterns, a breathtaking sight. The setting sun casting a warm glow, its light reflecting off a nearby lake.
A familiar but strangely unfamiliar voice spoke from behind her. "Evelyn, come and watch this sunset with me. It's nearly as beautiful as you," it said. Eve turned to see to whom the charming voice belonged.
"Albus!" she exclaimed, her heart racing. Before her stood a dashing young man, roughly 17-18 years old. He had the beginnings of stubble forming on his chin, his hair neatly styled with the sides shaved, and his piercing green eyes were adorned with a warm smile. His hand reached out to touch her hand, as she was pulled closer to him, she noticed that she, too, had matured and carried extra weight. Looking down and gasping at her older more matured body.
"Is this the future" she whispered to herself. "What was that?" Albus inquired. "oh, just that I'm so happy right now" she gulped.
They both sat on a step beneath a grassy archway, their eyes fixed on the sunset over the lake. The sun's rays painted the sky in shades of orange as they gently cascaded across the horizon. Albus leaned closer, caressing her cheek with his thumb, and looked deeply into her grey eyes.
"I love you, Evelyn Warren," he declared, sending her heart racing. The butterflies in her stomach fluttered as the overwhelming feeling washed over her, her temperature rising and her heartbeat quickening.
Their heads drew nearer, his lips puckering, and she followed suit, leaning in for what could have been her first kiss with Albus, or perhaps the hundredth. The lines between reality and fantasy blurred, leaving her uncertain whether this was a glimpse of the future or a dream.
Just milliseconds before their lips met, it all faded away. She was pulled through what felt like a tiny hole, and her reality as an 11-year-old student at Hogwarts rushed back to her.
Albus came running over to Eve, concern etched on his face. He crouched down beside her as she lay sprawled on the ground. Her head throbbed, and she couldn't be certain whether it was due to the vision or hitting her head on the floor. "My head," she said, reaching up to rub the back of her head.
"What happened to you? All of a sudden, I saw this golden, ethereal energy flying towards me. It hit me and then flew back towards you, sending you straight to the ground. What was that?"
Eve gazed into those piercing emerald eyes, the vivid vision still lingering in her mind. Albus looked so handsome, mature, and comforting. Unable to resist, she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into a tender kiss. His lips felt soft and moist, their perfect size perfectly complementing hers.
The kiss only lasted a second or two, but for Eve, it felt like a lifetime. It was just as she had imagined in her vision before it was abruptly cut short. When they separated, Eve's arms remained wrapped around his neck, and their eyes locked onto each other.
Breaking the silence, Albus spoke, "Well, that was unexpected. Thank you."
Eve couldn't help but smile. She was taken aback but in a delightful way. She realized she wasn't the only one who had thanked someone for their first kiss together. Her arms gradually unwrapped from his neck as she lay on the ground, trying to contain her giggles, which she was failing at.
"What's so funny? Was it that bad?" Albus asked, standing up and crossing his arms.
Eve couldn't stop giggling. "No... no, it wasn't bad. It's because you thanked me," she giggled again.
Albus threw his hands up in mock exasperation. "Most confusing kiss ever!" he declared.
Eve's voice trailed up to meet Albus's ears "A little help", he looked down to see her hand extending towards him. Accepting her hand, he helped her up just as their other three friends rounded the corner.
Eve whispered to Albus quickly "don't tell them about the kiss, we can talk about it later."
"Did you fall down or something?" Scorpius quipped with a sly smirk.
Eve, still slightly out of breath, responded, "Yeah, I ran too fast and tripped over. I almost got away, too."
Albus muttered under his breathe "Not even close" he smiled fondly at Eve the kiss playing on his mind which elicited an even bigger smile.
Rose, ever impatient, marched past them both. "Come on, we have so many fun things to do today, and we're wasting time!" With no desire to incur Rose's wrath, they all hurried to catch up with her.
For the remainder of Halloween day, the group of five participated in various activities set up around the school, all themed around Halloween.
The group headed to the lawn within the castle grounds for their first Halloween event, ominously named "Attack of the Troll." Albus couldn't resist pointing out that it was here because of his father, who had once famously stuck his wand up a troll's nose on Halloween night.
Eve couldn't help but find the story a bit unbelievable; after all, what first-year wizard could take on a fully grown mountain troll? "Speaking of your dad," she began, "did he ever get back to you about the letter you sent a few weeks ago?" Eve asked Albus while they were waiting for their turn to play the event.
Albus replied, "Actually, yes, he did. I just forgot to mention it. His darn owl took over a week to get here. Here, I've got the letter with me." Albus swiftly produced a piece of paper with a flick of his wand, handing it to Eve.
Eve quickly scanned through the letter, skipping the sentimental parts about missing Albus and James and the request for them to stop fighting all the time. She was eager to find the section she was looking for. Finally, her eyes landed on the relevant passage: "Regarding your question about meeting a purple-haired girl the night Dumbledore passed away, I can confirm that is correct. She was indeed there that night. She spoke to Dumbledore moments before he died and prevented me from making a rash decision. Please convey my gratitude to Evelyn for me. It's the strangest feeling; I was sitting and watching football on TV when, all of a sudden, my head started to hurt, and a new memory popped into my mind, as if someone had slipped it in there and left. It's mind-boggling that I met an 11-year-old in 1997 and then again in 2017, and she is still the same age. Do keep me posted on how she's getting on; she's a very intriguing individual."
Eve felt a sense of astonishment after reading the letter, and she handed it back to Albus. Harry's vivid recollection of her had caught her by surprise. It was as if her presence in the past had seamlessly woven into the existing timeline, dispelling any notion of branching timelines, as some movies often suggested. This revelation provided her with an answer to one of her lingering questions about time travel. Whatever actions she took in the past directly influenced the present, making it a continuous, interconnected reality.
Professor Mercer interrupted her thoughts and asked, "You, child, you're next. Do you know how to play this event?" He didn't even look at Eve as he spoke but instead at another female professor Eve had yet to meet. "Umm, no, what do I have to do?" With a frustrated expression, as if he didn't want to be there, he explained, "It's simple, really. Enter the maze and make your way to the bathroom before the troll catches you."
Eve shuffled her feet, feeling her anxiety heighten, and asked, "It's not a real troll, is it?" Professor Mercer chuckled, "Wouldn't that be fantastic if it was? The fun we would have. No, little one, it's just Professor Inkwood dressed up as a troll, so don't hex him too much." He gave her a wink before ushering her into the maze.
The maze was crafted from enchanted wooden boards that perfectly mimicked the Hogwarts hallways, creating a convincingly realistic setting. Eve proceeded cautiously, trying to make as little noise as possible. In the distance, she could hear grunting noises followed by a small scream, and she thought, "That must be Dotty getting caught."
Sticking close to the walls and keeping a low profile, Eve pressed on. After five minutes inside the maze, there was still no sign of the troll. Feeling somewhat confident, Eve decided to pick up the pace. However, her confidence was short-lived. As she sprinted to the next corner, a loud grunting noise reached her ears, and she turned around to find a comical-looking troll charging toward her. Its floppy head and wavy arms, along with a foam club, nearly made Eve burst into laughter, but she held it in, not wanting to get caught. With quick thinking, she dodged out of the troll's way and sprinted on, the troll in comical pursuit.
"Think, Eve, think. What spells do I know that could stop him?" She pondered as she quickly considered her options. Digging her heels into the ground, she pivoted and drew her wand from her sleeve. With a swift motion, she aimed it at the approaching troll and shouted, "Flipendo!" A light blue beam shot from her wand, but her hasty aim caused it to miss the troll and instead struck his club, sending it flying in the opposite direction down the hallway.
For a brief moment, the troll stood there, appearing utterly dumbfounded. Then, he turned and ran after his club, creating a window of opportunity for Eve to put some distance between them and slip away into the shadows. She made a series of quick turns, weaving through the maze-like hallways, until she had successfully lost the troll. Finally, a soft light shone from under a nearby doorway. Cautiously, she approached it and opened the door, revealing a perfect replica of the bathrooms on the first floor near the dungeons.
As she stepped into the room, fireworks erupted above her head, and she felt a magical tug that transported her out of the maze. She reappeared outside, swaying slightly as her stomach somersaulted from the teleportation experience.
Only Eve managed to successfully navigate the maze event, and she couldn't resist gloating to her friends as they moved on to the next activity. The day progressed from morning to afternoon as they enjoyed a variety of events. They participated in bobbing for apples, a pumpkin patch dash, a whimsical game of pin the legs on the spider, a genuinely terrifying haunted house far scarier than any muggle haunted house Eve had ever experienced, and a broom racecourse around the outskirts of the forbidden forest.
Albus and Scorpius, in particular, became quite competitive during the broom race event. They both attempted it multiple times, vying to achieve the best time. Albus fell just short of first place, with only a few seconds separating him from the top spot. After five attempts, he reluctantly conceded to the superior flyer.
As the day drew to a close, the broom race concluded with Albus taken aback by the surprising winner, Lady Winter. He had never seen her fly before, but she showcased exceptional skills, earning her first place and the accompanying trophy. While they were walking back to their respective common rooms, Eve couldn't help but notice the subtle wink Lady Winter gave Dotty. She made a mental note to discuss this with her best friend later. The Slytherins said their goodbyes to Rose and began their journey back to their own common room.
Eve pulled Albus aside, guiding him to a quiet corner in the common room, away from the other students who were winding down as nightfall approached. She took the initiative to start the conversation. "We should talk about what happened earlier," Eve said, her voice steady. Albus, his brown hair lightly swaying with each nod of his head, agreed.
Eve pondered whether she should reveal the vision she had experienced, but the uncertainty of its potential consequences made her hesitate. She decided to keep that part a secret for now. Instead, she began, "I'm sure you're wondering why I kissed you in the first place, right?" Albus nodded once more, curiosity evident in his eyes. "Yes, I am wondering that."
Gathering her thoughts, Eve continued, "When Rose and I talked, I realized that it wasn't Scorpius I liked, but the attention he was giving me. And then it got me thinking, everything I like about him, I also like about you." She watched Albus closely as her words settled in, noticing his uncharacteristic nervousness.
"But there's something more," she added. "I get this funny feeling in my tummy when I look in your direction something akin to butterflies. It's been growing steadily since that first meeting in Ollivanders, and I had to know if it was a fleeting feeling or something spark worthy so that's why I kissed you today." Albus's nervousness seemed to grow. "Was it a good kiss?" he inquired, his voice cracking slightly. Eve couldn't help but flash a toothy smile. "Yes, as far as kisses go, I believe it was good. I don't have anything to compare it to, but yes, it was good." She decided to keep the truth to herself for now, not mentioning that Dotty's kiss had actually been better.
Albus leaned forward, stealing a quick look to his left to ensure the coast was clear. With a confident yet gentle move, he placed his hand under Eve's chin, drawing her slightly closer to him. Their lips engaged in a more intense battle, their passion igniting like wildfire as Albus took charge, guiding their mouths in a fiery dance. As they reluctantly pulled apart, a tiny droplet of saliva clung to Eve's lip, which she quickly wiped away, feeling slightly embarrassed. But Albus didn't care about appearances at that moment; he was on cloud nine, having just shared a second kiss with Evelyn Warren.
"That was..." he began, his voice momentarily failing him. "Woah," he finally managed to say. Eve couldn't help but giggle at his modest choice of words. Playfully tapping him on the nose, she stood up. "I'm heading to bed. I'll see you in the morning," she said, her eyes filled with affection.
Before she could depart, Albus swiftly reached out, grabbing her hand. She turned to him, curious. "Are we telling everyone about this or is it a secret?" he whispered.
After a brief pause, Eve carefully considered her response. "For now, let's keep it a secret. I don't want it to appear as though I'm flaunting a new relationship in Rose's face, especially when she and Scorpius are going through a rough patch. I don't think that would be fair to her," she explained with a hint of regret in her voice. She sighed, wishing she didn't have to hide anything from her friends, but she believed it was the right decision at this point. Albus nodded in agreement, fully comprehending Eve's reasoning.
He gently released her hand, watching as she walked off towards her room. A few minutes later, he also made his way to his bed. As he lay there, Albus reflected on the fantastic day they'd had. He looked forward to the future with a bright smile, feeling that things were truly falling into place, and he experienced a sense of completeness he hadn't felt before.
