Chapter 14 Reunion
The words on the paper blurred into obscurity as Eve fixed her gaze upon them, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She felt elation, tinged with a hint of sadness, knowing that only one more full day remained before she had to go back to school. Although she had hoped to spend that day with her parents, her grandfather required her presence at this moment.
The task of devising a plan to reach the castle without relying on the train overwhelmed Eve. She was at a loss; she didn't even know the location of the castle within the United Kingdom. "Can I have a moment alone, Albus?" she uttered, her voice sounding somewhat distant to her own ears.
With a hesitant nod, Albus exited the room, intuitively sensing that Eve required some solitude to process the newly acquired information. "Come find me when you're ready," he offered from the doorway before quietly disappearing.
Burying her face in her hands, Eve sank into contemplation, her mind racing with thoughts about her next course of action. Feeling her breath quicken, she realized the need for fresh air.
She made her way to the window as darkness settled outside, and the streetlight cast a soft, yellow glow upon the cars below. That's when she caught sight of a grey tabby cat, fixated on her from the street below. Her brow furrowed in perplexity, and she gazed at the cat, blinking several times to confirm that it wasn't a mere figment of her imagination.
The cat stealthily roamed across the street, momentarily vanishing from Eve's view. Just as she continued her search, the doorbell rang, sending a jolt of surprise through her. She strained to listen to the muffled voices downstairs, where a conversation was unfolding. Initially, the sounds were indistinct, but then she heard her name called from below. Harry's voice penetrated the floorboards, announcing, "Eve, there's someone here to see you."
Eve sprang into action with a sudden burst of speed, making her way downstairs. Her face bore a look of shock as she laid eyes on the unexpected visitor, none other than Headmistress McGonagall. In a voice quivering with uncertainty, she asked, "Headmistress, what brings you here?"
McGonagall offered the little girl a warm smile. "I've come to retrieve you, my dear. How else did you think you'd make your way to Hogwarts?" Eve's jaw dropped in amazement; it was as if the Headmistress had read her thoughts and appeared in an instant. After swallowing her shock, she hurriedly grabbed her coat, hanging nearby, and slipped on her boots. "Ready," she beamed, her excitement evident.
Ginny interjected into the conversation, "Will Eve be staying at Hogwarts, or will she be returning for the last day?" McGonagall tapped her finger against her lips thoughtfully and then replied, "It would be best if she stayed at Hogwarts. There's no need for a long train ride. I'll have her belongings sent for tomorrow. Now, we should be on our way." She extended her hand for Eve to take.
As Eve took the Headmistress's hand, she was swiftly pulled through a tiny hole, experiencing Apparition once again, much like the time she had won the maze on Halloween. They both materialized with a faint popping noise.
After several blinks, the surroundings came into focus. Before her stood the large door to the infirmary. Without hesitation, she released herself from the Headmistress's grip and pushed the heavy doors open. She sprinted into the infirmary, tears welling in her eyes, her movement fluid and familiar as she steered herself to her grandfather's bedside.
Robert was seated in bed, engaged in conversation with Madam Pomfrey, when the infirmary doors swung open, and the echoing sound of hurried footsteps on the stone floor reached their ears. Craning his neck around the privacy screen, he broke into a warm smile upon seeing his granddaughter dashing toward him.
"Whoa, slow down, sweetheart," he teased, reaching out to her, "You'll end up in here next if you slip!" The little girl responded to his jest with a joyous leap, landing on the bed, her arms wrapping tightly around his neck.
Madam Pomfrey gently rested her hand on Robert's shoulder, offering a reassuring smile, and then discreetly stepped away, allowing them some privacy. Robert whispered softly to Eve, his arms enfolding her. "Hey, kiddo, did you miss me?" he asked, his voice filled with tenderness. In response, Eve tried to speak but found her sobs overtaking her words.
They remained in this comforting embrace for a minute, allowing Eve to release her tightly held emotions. Eventually, Robert carefully pried her fingers apart, granting them both some space to breathe. With a gentle touch, he wiped her tear-stained cheek and inquired, "Are you okay?"
Eve nodded quickly, attempting to articulate her feelings through her quivering voice. "Yes... I'm so happy you're awake... I thought I'd never get to talk to you again... it was so scary," she shared, her words littered with deep breaths to steady herself.
Robert gently lowered Eve to the ground and stood up, a wide smile gracing his features. "I feel absolutely fantastic, better than I have in the last 35 years," he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with newfound Vigor. "I can sense every ounce of my magic has returned to me, just like that very first day when I received my wand." He paused for a moment, pondering the matter at hand. "Speaking of which," he continued, scratching his head as he contemplated how to acquire a new wand.
A gentle cough echoed from the infirmary entrance, drawing the attention of those present. Headmistress McGonagall made her way towards them, a slender, long box tucked neatly under her arm. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop on your conversation, but there are some advantages to being an Animagus," she remarked with a hint of a smile. She paused, extending the box towards Robert. "I had a new wand made for Eve, and one for you as well."
Robert eagerly lifted the lid of the box, revealing an exact replica of the wand Eve had received, with the only difference being the wood, which was now a pristine white instead of dark brown. As he took the wand from its decorative container, an instant and powerful connection formed with his own magic, creating an exhilarating and invigorating sensation.
"How?" Robert inquired, examining the wand, his question open-ended. Headmistress McGonagall knew precisely what he was questioning and responded, "Temporideer hair. That's the core of the wand, an extremely rare and challenging material to acquire. But when you're the headmistress of the most prestigious wizarding school in the world, you tend to establish some well-connected connections." She concluded her explanation with a proud smile.
Eve tilted her head to the side, her curious gaze fixed on her grandfather's wand. "What's a temporideer?" she inquired, her attention then shifting to the headmistress.
McGonagall explained, "The temporideer is an exceedingly rare creature, the only known being with a unique connection to time itself. They've remained hidden for a very long time, thanks to their ability to foresee the future, which allows them to evade poachers and undesirables. However, from time to time, a small amount of their hair is discovered when they come into contact with branches or trees, which then allows for the creation of wands like the ones both of you possess."
Robert and Eve were both taken aback by the extraordinary rarity of their wands. Eve carefully retrieved her wand from within her coat sleeve, gazing at it with eyes filled with wonder. "Thank you, Headmistress, for this incredible gift," she said, her voice brimming with gratitude. "If you don't mind, I've been confined for two weeks, and I'm eager to stretch my legs." Robert said, McGonagall smiled and graciously stepped aside, granting Robert and Eve the freedom to pass by.
After showing her grandfather around the deserted castle for the rest of the evening and discussing everything that had occurred since their escape from the void, they eventually found themselves settled in the Slytherin common room, cozily positioned in front of the fireplace. Eve regarded her grandfather with curiosity and asked, "Grandpa, did you attend Hogwarts?" Her head tilted in an inquisitive manner.
Robert surveyed the room, appreciating its grandeur. "No," he replied, gesturing to the surroundings, "I attended a magical school called Durmstrang. We didn't have anything as splendid as this." He cast a cursory glance around the room. "My school was stern and cold, but it provided a rigorous education with no room for distractions." A wistful smile graced his lips as he reminisced about his teenage years.
As he delved into his memories, his thoughts eventually settled on the person who meant everything to him – "Jodie," he whispered.
"Would you like to visit your parents before school begins?" This question caught Eve off guard, and her response was hesitant, a subtle tremor in her demeanour that didn't go unnoticed by Robert. "You don't?" he inquired cautiously.
"No, no, I do want to," Eve assured, her initial surprise wearing off. "Your question just caught me off guard. But how would we find them and get to them? I have no idea where they could be," she nervously voiced her concerns.
Robert pushed himself to his feet, straightened his waistcoat, and offered a reassuring smile to the young girl with purple hair. "It's quite simple. When your mother was born, and I found myself responsible for her, I never wanted to lose her. So, I had a magical trace placed on her that allows me to locate her no matter where in the world she is." Robert closed his eyes, then darted his gaze behind his eyelids, left and then right.
Upon opening his eyes, he declared, "She's in Wales. Let's go," extending his hand for his granddaughter to grasp.
"But I don't think I'm allowed to leave the castle. What if Headmistress McGonagall finds out?" Eve's voice trembled with uncertainty.
Robert winked mischievously, saying, "I never was one for rules." A sly smirk curved his lips, and Eve couldn't help but giggle. She took his hand, and together, they stealthily exited the front entrance and bypassed the anti-Apparition wards.
"Have you ever Apparated before?" Robert inquired. Eve nodded, and in an instant, they both disappeared, reappearing in Conwy, Wales.
As they landed, a loud pop echoed through the street, triggering a car alarm. In a seamless motion, Robert waved his new wand, instantly silencing the blaring alarm. His eyes widened in amazement as he regarded the wand, giving it an appreciative nod.
Raising his gaze to the charming bed and breakfast that stood before him, his heart quickened its pace. His breath caught in his throat, and his legs felt as if they had turned numb and heavy.
Pausing for a moment, Eve eagerly tugged on his hand, urging him forward. "What's wrong, Grandpa?" she inquired, her words tinged with concern.
Robert took a deep breath, regaining his composure. He squeezed Eve's hand tightly as they crossed the dark, dimly lit road and arrived at the bright red door with a small, rounded window at the top. After a few simple knocks on the door, they waited, and the passage of time felt like an eternity until they finally heard movement from the other side.
A soft, gentle voice floated through the air, saying, "One second, I'm coming. Hold on." The sound of rustling and a key turning in the lock filled the silence, and the door slowly creaked open. As the two figures emerged into her sight, Jodie gasped and let out a joyful squeal. Overwhelmed by a torrent of emotions, she dropped to her knees, tears flowing freely from her eyes, her throat choked with feelings that words could not adequately convey.
Jodie wrapped her arms tightly around her child, her gaze locked on her father. His smile and appearance remained unchanged from when she was just six years old. Slowly rising from her kneeling position, she came eye level with Robert, her words stumbling out, "Dad... is that really you?" Her eyes welled up with fresh tears.
"It's really me," Robert whispered, his own tears brimming in his eyes. Without hesitation, he pulled her into a tight embrace as his sobs built in his throat, rendering him incapable of saying anything more. The overwhelming sadness of their long separation hung heavily in the air.
Tears welled up in Jodie's eyes as she struggled to find her voice. "I can't believe you're here," she said, her words filled with a mixture of joy and disbelief. "I never thought I would see you again. But when Eve told me she had found you..." Her voice trailed off, and she sniffled as the enormity of the moment sank in. "I never thought I'd see you again," she repeated, her voice quivering with emotion.
Their hug seemed to last for an eternity, as Robert tried to make up for the 35 years of missed hugs in this single embrace. He had no intention of letting his daughter go again anytime soon. Slowly, they separated, and Jodie chuckled, "How do I look twice as old as you, Dad?"
Robert joined in her chuckle and said, "There's so much to explain. Shall we go inside and put the kettle on?" Both Eve and Jodie nodded in agreement. Jodie, taking Eve's hand and squeezing it tightly, led them all into the kitchen. "We should keep our voices down; everyone else is sleeping. We can introduce you to them tomorrow," Jodie directed her words to Robert with a welcoming smile.
Robert and Eve shared with Jodie every detail of the events that had transpired over the past few weeks. Robert then delved into an intricate narrative of his mysterious journey, the long hours away from home, and every memory, no matter how intricate or complex, was laid out before her like the pages of a book. Robert was determined not to keep anything from Jodie any longer. She was his life, and nearly losing it had given him a profound sense of clarity about what truly mattered to him.
Jodie led Eve to an empty bedroom and lovingly tucked her into bed for the night. Before Jodie even had a chance to rise from the bedside after planting a gentle kiss on Eve's forehead, her daughter was fast asleep, lost in dreams.
Pausing to watch her peacefully slumbering child, Jodie whispered, "I love you," and then made her way back to the doorway. She returned to the kitchen to continue her heartwarming conversation with her father, the two of them staying up together into the early hours of the next morning, cherishing their long-awaited reunion.
Eve's last day before returning to school was a joyous one, filled with precious moments spent with her family. They explored Conwy and its majestic castle, and she eagerly caught her dad and brother up on everything that had happened, except for the more perilous parts; she didn't want to burden them with undue worry.
As the day slowly drew to a close, the impending departure for Hogwarts weighed on her heart. With tearful farewells, she bid adieu to her family. Her grandfather, who had transported her back to Hogwarts, was also preparing to return to Chester with the rest of her family, marking the end of their cherished time together for now.
Once they arrived at the castle gate with a soft pop, Eve's arms wrapped tightly around her grandpa in a warm embrace. She wished for more time with him and her family, but the constraints of time wouldn't allow it. An idea flashed in her mind, and she hesitated before asking, "Grandpa, could we spend a few more days together..." Her voice trailed off as she sought the right words.
He gently shook his head and said, "I know what you're about to ask, and the answer is no. I'm sorry, my dear, but we shouldn't exploit our unique magic. Time follows its own course and taking advantage of it for a few extra moments together before you return to school would be a disservice to time itself." He flashed a reassuring smile, hoping to ease her sadness.
Eve squeezed her grandfather a little tighter, swallowing her disappointment, before gently pulling away and walking into the school grounds. With just one final night's sleep before the new term began, Eve could only imagine the exciting and adventurous experiences that awaited her and her friends in the upcoming term.
January 4th, 2018
Eve woke up in a silent and empty bedroom, finding it surreal to have slept in her common room with no one else around. However, she knew this solitude wouldn't last long. Glancing at her phone, she noted the time: 9:00 AM. In just a few hours, the Hogwarts Express would depart from London, bringing all her friends to the castle. Her smile broadened as she thought about reuniting with them.
Eve couldn't help but wonder if Albus was upset with her for leaving suddenly without an explanation. She trusted that Mr. and Mrs. Potter would have informed him, but she still hoped that he understood her reasons.
Eve took her time getting ready, luxuriating in the solitude of her surroundings. She indulged in an extra-long shower and lounged on her bed, wrapped in a towel, immersing herself in a bit of reading about her upcoming classwork. As the hours passed, she decided that she didn't want to be lazy any longer and proceeded to get dressed before making her way to the common room.
In the common room, she spotted Professor Inkwood rearranging a few items. Eve approached him from behind and greeted him with a cheerful "Hello, Professor!" Her sudden presence startled him, causing him to jump and nearly drop a vase he was adjusting. He placed his hand over his heart and, still slightly taken aback, asked, "Mrs. Warren! You startled me. I didn't expect any students to be here until this evening. Why are you here?"
Eve clasped her hands together and offered a shy response to the question. "Sorry, Professor, I didn't mean to scare you. Headmistress McGonagall brought me back two days ago to visit my grandpa, who woke up, and I've been here since then instead of heading back to London just to return."
"That's wonderful news about your grandfather," Professor Inkwood acknowledged with a warm smile. "Funny that I ran into you, actually. I was planning to talk to you this evening about starting your Occlumency lessons right away, given the long gap since your last session. But since you're here, would you like to have one now?" he asked, his tone inviting and encouraging.
Shrugging her shoulders, Eve replied, "I don't have anything else to do right now. Sure, why not." The pair moved over to the sofas, making themselves comfortable before they began. With a determined nod, Eve signalled her readiness. She closed her eyes, mentally preparing herself for the mental exercise, clearing away any extraneous thoughts and focusing on the task at hand.
"Legilimens," Professor Inkwood uttered, his wand pointed at the young student sitting before him. In an instant, his consciousness was transported into the child's mind without any resistance. He couldn't help but tut to himself, realizing that the decision to pause the lessons for an extended period had been a mistake, as the progress they had made had seemingly unravelled.
It was then that he began to realize he was not inside a memory but was instead surrounded by an all-encompassing darkness. Whichever direction he turned, there was nothing but the void. "Evelyn!" he shouted in a state of panic. Spinning on the spot, he called out again, his voice echoing into the abyss.
"Welcome to my prison, Professor," Eve explained calmly. "I managed to transform my fear of the void into a mental space within my mind, a place to trap unwanted intruders. Thanks to my unique magic, I can retain an intruder's consciousness here for as long as I desire. Ever since I was free of Hera's connection, my mind has grown sharper and stronger. I believe I've kept the best aspects of her and discarded the worst. This little trick was a courtesy of her mind."
The sound of clapping echoed through the dark void. "Bravo, Mrs. Warren," Professor Inkwood's voice resonated. "It appears you won't be needing any additional lessons from me. I'm genuinely impressed. In all my years of teaching, I've never witnessed such an exceptional display. Thank you for demonstrating that a student can excel and conquer whatever challenges they face." Professor Inkwood's pride was evident as the darkness receded, and the familiar sight of the Slytherin common room gradually came back into focus.
The small girl with purple hair sat before him, wearing a bright, beaming smile. "I apologize for tricking you, Professor, but I wanted to demonstrate just how clear my mind has become since Hera's departure. I had no way of knowing which of her abilities would linger once she was gone. I have yet to explore all the potential benefits," she confessed with an air of excitement.
As Professor Inkwood stood up, he slapped his leg in delight. "That's fantastic!" he exclaimed. "I can't wait to see what you're truly capable of." As he was about to move off, he paused "Say, I'm feeling a bit peckish. Would you care to join me in the Great Hall for a spot of lunch? I'm sure all the other teachers are there, and they'd be more than delighted to welcome you back."
Eve made her way to the Great Hall at a leisurely pace. When she arrived, she was invited to sit at the teacher's table on the stage. However, she required a booster seat to be able to see the food properly. Though slightly embarrassed, Eve tucked into her meal with enthusiasm. As she glanced over, she noticed Professor Flitwick, who also had his own booster seat, and she couldn't help but let out an unexpected giggle at the sight of both of them. In response, he offered a warm smile, sharing in the light-hearted moment.
Eve spent a couple of hours catching up with the teachers, regaling them with tales of the presents she had received and the exciting experiences of her Christmas break. She was particularly fond of her new wand, which she passed around for the faculty to admire, and they all marvelled at its craftsmanship before returning it to the young girl.
When the distinctive chimes of the bell tower clock rang out, signalling 4 PM, it indicated that the Hogwarts Express would be arriving in just one hour. Initially, Eve had planned to wait in the Great Hall for her friends, but Professor Inkwood and Professor Flitwick suggested that she join them in welcoming the students. They exited the school grounds and made their way to the stables, where the thestrals and carriages were kept. As Eve stepped into the stables, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease around the creatures, her last encounter with one being quite frightening.
Feeling emboldened by her newfound lease on life, Eve extended a timid hand toward the thestral's muzzle. The creature, in response, slowly lowered its head to meet the child's hand. The skin beneath her fingers was rough, leathery, and surprisingly cold to the touch. As Eve continued to pet its head, she could sense the gentle nature of the thestral. A smile gradually spread across her face.
"You aren't so scary, are you?" she whispered to the thestral. In response, the creature nuzzled her as if it understood her words. Eve couldn't help but gush with delight as she rested her chin atop the creature's head, forging an unexpected connection with the once-feared being.
"We should get a move on; the students should be arriving soon," Professor Flitwick remarked, deftly navigating the stable to avoid the thestrals' droppings. After magically attaching all the carriages to the thestrals, the two professors and one student climbed into their respective carriage, ready to lead the convoy from the castle to the Hogsmeade train station.
A short trip later, they arrived at the station just as the Hogwarts Express came into view, its steam billowing from the front stacks and its high-pitched whistle echoing across the Scottish countryside.
Eve stood on the platform; her eyes fixed on the slowly approaching train. She eagerly awaited the moment the doors would swing open, and her friends would rush out. However, as the students began to pour out of the train, she lost sight of the door, the sea of people in front of her blocking her view.
Amidst the hustle and bustle, she heard the distinctive voice of Rose piercing through the noise. "Albus Potter, you are the most clueless person I've ever met. Clearly, the Holyhead Harpies are the superior team, and I don't even like Quidditch, so that's really saying something. The Falcons are just trash." Determined, Eve ran in the direction of the shouting, pushing past a few other students until she finally locked eyes with her friends.
Instantly, a flurry of squeals and laughter erupted as Eve and Rose ran toward each other, locking in a tight, joyous hug. Albus and Scorpius couldn't resist the fun and joined in, forming a warm, close-knit group hug. Initially hesitant, Dotty was soon ushered in by Eve, who reached for her arm and pulled her into the heartwarming embrace.
The group boarded an available carriage and settled in for the journey back to the castle. As the cold evening air chilled the surroundings, Albus instinctively wrapped his arm around Eve's shoulder, pulling her closer to him to share warmth. In a hushed tone, he inquired, "Mum mentioned that Headmistress McGonagall came to get you. What was that about?"
Eve, snuggled up to Albus, answered in a quiet voice, her arms encircling his waist, "I went to see my grandpa, and then we visited my family for my last day. It was amazing, Albus, truly amazing."
Across the carriage, Dotty couldn't hide her feelings of jealousy. She knew that the way she and Eve had parted ways wasn't ideal, and she understood that a romantic connection between them was unlikely. Still, it didn't stop her from feeling upset as she watched Albus and Eve cuddling. To distract herself, she decided to shift the conversation to her recent trip to the Bahamas, explaining how uneventful it had been. She recounted the awkward moments of her mother attempting to flirt with the cabana boys, and concluded her story with a remark, "It was truly mortifying."
"It sounds better than my Christmas," Scorpius chimed in, his voice tinged with a touch of bitterness. "Imagine spending two weeks with two parents who won't talk to each other and start fighting over you." He began to say something more but opted to go silent, his hand held by Rose, who offered a reassuring look.
Feeling a little uncomfortable after Scorpius's comment, Eve decided to change the subject. "Is everyone ready to get back to school? I, for one, am looking forward to it. This term is going to be problem-free," she said with confidence. Dotty, unable to contain her laughter, placed a hand over her lips to stifle it and then remarked, "With you around, that's doubtful." Her laughter burst forth moments later.
Frustrated, Eve folded her arms and shot a glare at her best friend. "Well, we shall see," she retorted, but Dotty's smile was infectious, and it didn't take long for Eve's scowl to crumble into a smile. She laughed at herself, unable to stay mad for long.
A little while later, they arrived at the castle. After disembarking from the carriages, all the students filed into the Great Hall for the start-of-term dinner and briefing. As Eve took her seat at the Slytherin table, she glanced around the hall, her gaze falling upon many familiar faces from Albus's family, though none of them were in Slytherin. They represented the other three houses. She spotted Victoire sitting at the Ravenclaw table, her long blonde hair tied up into a tight bun. Victoire was surrounded by other students, and it was evident that she was the central point of attention, given her popularity.
Her attention was swiftly drawn to the front of the hall as Headmistress McGonagall prepared to deliver her speech. "Welcome back, students. I hope you all had a fantastic winter break and are now eager to resume your studies," she began. "For the fifth and seventh-year students, your OWLs and NEWTs will be taken this term, so please prepare yourselves accordingly. If you require any assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to me or any of your teachers." She paused, allowing the students to settle down, and continued, "Furthermore, I would like your help in welcoming our new Potions teacher, Professor Thorne."
A hesitant round of applause echoed around the Great Hall as a tall man with salt and pepper hair stood up. He was adorned in a long, dark green and brown robe that gracefully draped over his slender frame. He reached up and scratched his neatly trimmed goatee, his slightly discoloured, pale white and green hand drawing attention.
Eve overheard a few of the older Slytherin girls fawning over the new Potions professor's handsome appearance, suggesting that he could "stir their potions" anytime he wanted. She wasn't quite sure what that meant. Headmistress McGonagall concluded her speech, allowing everyone to begin their meal as the food materialized in front of them. Having eaten a substantial amount earlier, Eve wasn't as hungry as everyone else and chose to spend her time observing the hall instead.
Eve spotted Rose across the hall, engaged in a conversation with a few of her cousins, including James. As their gazes met, she waved to her friend, who waved back in response. However, Rose then blew a kiss, which seemed a bit strange. When Eve turned to her left, she realized that the blown kiss was meant for Scorpius, who was also waving to Rose. Feeling slightly embarrassed by the situation, Eve moved backward, nearly falling off the bench. Albus's quick reflexes saved her from toppling over.
She shook her head, her cheeks flushing bright red, and said to Albus, "Thank you," while giving him a swift kiss on the cheek. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a twinge of emotion cross Dotty's face. Concerned for her friend, Eve asked, "Are you okay, Dotty?" Dotty replied, "Yes, of course, I'm okay," but she pushed her plate away and stood up, marching off in a huff.
"What's her problem? Was she acting strange on the train?" Eve turned to Albus and inquired. He responded, "She was quieter than usual, but other than that, not really. I'm not sure what her problem is. She's your best friend..." He shrugged while taking a bite of a crunchy potato.
Eve slumped back into her chair; her mind consumed with thoughts of what could be causing Dotty to act standoffish toward her. Nothing immediately came to mind, but the possibility that Dotty might still be harbouring romantic feelings for her crossed her thoughts.
"I'll be right back. You can have my food; I'm not that hungry," Eve said to Albus, who was already enjoying her meal, before she stood up from her seat. With a slight giggle, Eve followed the path Dotty had taken.
Rounding the corner to the entrance of the great hall, Eve found Dotty slumped against the wall, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Dotty, what's wrong?" Eve said, rushing over to her friend and kneeling down beside her. Dotty lifted her head to meet Eve's gaze. "What's wrong?" she spat, her voice trembling. "You ask me what's wrong like you don't know, really?"
Eve stared at her with a blank expression. "I promise you; I don't know why you're crying..." she paused, looking back towards the great hall. "Is it because of me and Albus?" Her look was one of confusion.
"You know it is, what we shared on the train before winter break, and don't deny it because I know you felt the same as I did. And then to flaunt your man right in front of me, have you no shame?" Dotty's words flicked off her tongue furiously, her sadness turned to anger.
Eve shifted her weight backward as the shock of the comment took her aback. "What do you mean? We didn't share anything on the train." Dotty's face sank, fresh tears welling in her eyes at her best friend's words. "Woah, I can't believe you," Dotty pushed herself off the ground and started to walk away. Eve quickly grabbed Dotty's wrist, preventing her from walking off. "Explain to me what happened because I don't know what you are talking about."
Before Dotty could disengage, her raw emotions inadvertently resonated with Eve, and Eve's unique time magic surged, whisking them both back in time to the moment when Eve had closed the door and lowered the blinds in the vacant compartment. They now found themselves standing in the hallway, completely bewildered.
"What the heck?" Dotty exclaimed, utterly taken aback by the sudden time warp.
Eve, gasping for breath, stammered, "I think we've travelled back in time. I'm so sorry, I didn't mean for this to happen."
In response to Eve's revelation, Dotty swiftly produced her wand, aiming it at the glass and wooden door, and chanted, "Visus murum." The door instantly turned translucent, granting Eve a view of both her past self and Dotty's past self-engaged in conversation.
"You said you don't remember well, watch." Dotty instructed; her voice devoid of emotion.
As Eve observed, a sharp pain began to gnaw at her mind; she couldn't recall any of these events. She whispered to the present Dotty, "Why don't I remember any of this?" In response, her friend shot her a pointed look and gestured first to her hands, then to her head, implying, "I think you wiped your own memory."
Both girls swiftly redirected their focus to the room as the Dotty within it passionately kissed Eve. Soon after, an argument erupted, and Dotty began to make her way towards the door.
"Quick, hide! I went that way; come over here," Dotty urged Eve, who had started moving in the wrong direction. The Dotty from the past exited the carriage, her eyes still damp from tears, and sprinted down the hallway, disappearing into another compartment.
The two girls cautiously returned to their position by the translucent wall, eager to observe the unfolding events.
Observing Eve slump against the window and collapse onto the floor was heart-wrenching for Dotty. Witnessing her best friend in as much agony as she had felt in that very moment was utterly crushing. Dotty couldn't bear to watch any longer as Eve raised her glowing hands, preparing to erase her memory of that painful experience. "Take me back," she murmured in a hushed tone to Eve, who was fixated on her past self with a perplexed expression.
"Eve?" Dotty prodded her friend, attempting to break her trance.
"Yes, sorry, what?" Eve responded, clearly disoriented. "Take us back now. I don't think it's a good idea to hang around here." Eve nodded, placing her hands on Dotty's wrists. She concentrated on the specific time and location she wanted to return to, and the golden energy within her surged and ebbed like a tidal wave.
With the briefest of blinks, they found themselves back in the hallways outside the great hall. "Evelyn," Dotty uttered, her words devoid of emotion. "Take my memory. I can't bear to live with these feelings any longer. They hurt too much."
Eve held Dotty's hand; her voice filled with concern. "Are you sure? I can't put them back once they are gone." Dotty gave a hesitant nod, her head hung low, reluctant to meet her best friend's gaze.
Recognizing Dotty's sincerity, Eve released a heavy sigh. She didn't relish the idea of rewinding her friend's memories, but she also couldn't bear to witness her friend in such agony over something beyond their control.
Eve positioned one hand on Dotty's head and the other on her own. As she prepared to take her friend's memory, she was determined not to retain any recollection of the train incident or the act of erasing Dotty's memories. Her focus was solely on rewinding the fleeting memories between Dotty and herself, driven by her desire to preserve their friendship and avoid starting from scratch.
After enduring a gruelling few moments, both girls lost consciousness and slumped to the ground. They woke up a couple of minutes later, feeling dizzy and disoriented. As they got to their feet, they couldn't help but wonder why they were in the hallway and not in the great hall with everyone else.
"Oh, good, you found Dotty. Is everything okay, girls?" Scorpius inquired. Both girls exchanged perplexed glances and responded, "I suppose so, yeah?" as they took their seats across from each other. Albus affectionately wrapped his arm around Eve and pulled her in for a kiss.
Dotty, unfazed by the display of affection, even offered a smile. "Aww, you guys make such a cute couple," she remarked, her eyes lifting briefly, catching the attention of Lady Winter. Lady Winter blushed and hastily averted her gaze, as did Dotty her cheeks flushed red and a huge grin on her face.
Scorpius, astutely observing the situation, couldn't contain his surprise. "Are you...?" he blurted out. Dotty replied with a simple nod, saying nothing more.
The dinner didn't drag on much longer, with students gradually getting up and making their way toward their respective common rooms to unwind before the next school day. The group of four also decided to head to their common room, but not before Rose made a sudden move. She rushed over and snatched Scorpius away, declaring, "I'll bring him back later, I promise," before dashing off, pulling Scorpius along by his collar.
"And then there were three," Albus quipped, attempting to inject a touch of spookiness into the moment. Eve playfully slapped his arm and tutted. They continued down the corridor, rounded the corner, descended the marbled staircase, and arrived at the entrance to the common room.
Feeling the exhaustion from their extended train journey, both Dotty and Albus decided it was best to head to bed early, leaving Eve on her own.
She settled by the grand ornate window, offering a view of the tranquil black lake. There, she watched as small creatures swam up to the glass, twirled around, and then darted away—an amusing sight that kept her occupied for some time. Just as she was preparing to rise from her seat, a loud, piercing noise invaded her thoughts.
"The hourglass."
Once more, the visions surged to the forefront of her mind: an hourglass in a dim, empty room, illuminated by a singular source of light. The words repeated relentlessly, screeching in her ears, "The hourglass." Eve recoiled into her chair, clutching her ears, which seemed as though they might be bleeding.
As abruptly as it had begun, the piercing noise came to an abrupt end, leaving the world around her in an eerie silence. Eve swiftly withdrew her hands from her ears, checking to see if there were any traces of blood, but there were none.
Confused and dazed, Eve made her way to her bedroom, where she climbed into bed and lowered her head onto the pillow. Her thoughts refused to let her rest. Who was attempting to communicate with her, and why was the hourglass so significant? She resolved that when she met with Charlie next week, she would have to inquire about the hourglass. If anyone had knowledge about it, it would be him.