CHAPTER TWO
Disclaimer: J.K. ROWLING owns the Harry Potter world.
Monday, 2nd September 1990
When Reyna awoke on Monday, she saw that she was the first. Delilah and Gianna were sleeping peacefully, the latter with light snores as she shifted. Reyna glanced at her watch. Seven. Two hours till classes started.
She sat in her bed as the events of last night came back at her. She shouldn't have answered like that. It was bound to get her unwanted attention. She sighed; with the way things would have gone anyway, attention would have come to her anyway.
Her thoughts wandered to her father. Last she had seen him was a month ago, and she still missed him. Being in care, her father hadn't really been able to be there for Reyna and Rylan. Jasira had taken them when they were five. They had been curious at meeting him, and shy, but their father was the best man she knew. She smiled as she thought of him. Her father hadn't really known what to think when he was told that Jasira and the kids were living in Africa, quite a long way from Britain. He kept on saying that something must be missing and not everything was at it was, Rylan agreed with him, but Jasira and Reyna were less sure. They didn't know what had happened, just that if Jasira were to have stayed in Britain, then they would be personally targeted by Voldemort.
Her mum was one of the people who knew Tom Riddle almost as well as Dumbledore. She had been the one who had destroyed three of his horcruxes out of four. They weren't sure if he had made more or not, but Jasira thought he most likely did.
Reyna and Rylan had been born in Britain, rooms from where her father had been kept. Few people knew they existed, most of her extended family hadn't known Jasira was pregnant when she had left. Reyna's heart twisted for her mum, who had tried to keep her family safe from Voldemort, and after losing her friend, her mum had been devastated.
Reyna rolled to her side as she let out another sigh. She'd better get a move on if she wanted to be early.
Reyna gathered her school materials and headed to the washroom. She washed her face with water, and paused as she took in her appearance. Long gone was the waist length wavy black hair she had proud of. Now it was replaced with a light brown that she thought didn't quite suit her. It was well below her shoulders and was thankfully thick.
Her mum had assured them that it could be reversed easily and their real hair wouldn't be at all damaged. Her own hair had been turned a rich almond brown, which Reyna thought suited her well. Reyna was disappointed though at having to change her eye colour. Her mum had said brown was quite common in Africa and since they would say Africa was where they lived, then it was efficient that brown was the colour. At first Jasira hadn't wanted for her eyes to change at all but Reyna had been stubborn since she knew that everyone would make a connection unless her colour changed.
Reyna touched her cheekbones, which had no freckles. She smiled. No one could recognize her at all. Reyna Cade. With a shrug, she got ready quickly, letting the water soothe her before exiting the bathroom.
She saw that Delilah was already awake and the dark haired gave her a lazy smile as Reyna emerged, fully dressed and ready," Early riser?" asked Delilah as she swung her feet off the bed.
Reyna simply nodded and glanced at Gianna," Should we wake her?"
"Better, we need to go up together," replied Delilah," unless, of course, you want to go alone."
Reyna faced her, eyes narrowed," What's the matter with you, Delilah? Do you have a problem?"
Delilah raised a single eyebrow," I think it's the other way around, actually."
"You might want to expand on that," said Reyna quietly.
Delilah was silent before she said coolly," I'm from a dark family. It's not exactly a secret what my father did to one of the light sides. It's not my fault if I'm related to him, you know. Besides, I didn't even meet him. He died two years after I was born."
Reyna's jaw was clenched as she said," Why are you telling me this?"
"I think it's obvious. You're judging me based on the family name I carry. I see how you talk to Gianna. She's from a light family, and so are you," Delilah's eyes were filled with a kind of longing Reyna didn't quite fathom.
Her eyes softened as she asked," Are you proud of your family, Delilah?"
Delilah looked away," You said it yourself: not every Slytherin is dark. I can never escape my family, my father did what he thought was right, but I don't support his actions."
"You support Dumbledore?" asked Reyna, her voice neutral, though her eyes were curious.
"My position as of now is neutral. I'm eleven, not seventeen, I don't know who's bad and who's good. Unlike those idiots," here she jerked her head to the door, indicating the other students," the war is far from over."
Reyna grinned at her, the first smile since coming in Slytherin," Well, let's put our family issues aside then. Now, you're just Delilah and I'm just Reyna."
Delilah gave her a small smile ad nodded," We'd better wake Gianna up. I don't want Snape on my head the first day."
"Oi, Gianna! Snape wants you in his office," Reyna said, poking her housemate.
Gianna shot up, her eyes wide," What'd I do?"
"You missed the first lesson," said Delilah dryly.
Gianna's eyes were wide as she looked at them," What's the time?"
"Twenty minutes to eight," answered Reyna with a grin.
Gianna glared at them," Liars, you could've just told me to wake up!"
"Would you have woken up?" said Reyna, looking amused.
Gianna thought about it before grinning and shaking her head," Get a move on, Delilah, I'm starving."
Thirty minutes later and they left their dormitory, talking in low tones about the lessons. They didn't see any other first years as they left the common room. It was mostly empty anyway, the only students being seventh years and a few fifth years.
"Any of you know the way to the Hall?" asked Gianna.
"Reckon it's straight," shrugged Delilah.
"We're in the dungeons, all we have to do is go straight, and then take a right once we've passed three classroom doors. After that it's a simple route of going straight again," said Reyna.
The two looked at her dubiously and Delilah demanded," How do you know that?"
"I was with you when we headed to the common room yesterday," said Reyna, eyes looking amused at their dumbfounded expression.
"C'mon, least that could happen is we get late and a detention on the first day," said Gianna, and dragged the two of them where Reyna had said.
On their way they met up with two first year Slytherin boys who were looking slightly scared and they stood talking to each other. The boy with dark hair cleared his throat and said nervously," Hi, are you going to the Hall for breakfast?"
"Yeah, you lost?" said Gianna cheerfully.
He nodded and said," Zachary Royston."
His friend, a blonde, said," Graham Ralphs."
The girls quickly introduced themselves, before letting Reyna lead the way to the Hall. She was right. Each route was exactly the way she had said it would be. The downside though, was that they were a bit late. Only half an hour was left till lessons started.
Reyna waved away her new friends as her eyes scanned the Gryffindor table and caught sight of a familiar brown haired boy. She looked steadily at Rylan as her brother grinned at her and beckoned her forward. Ignoring the disgusted and scowling looks from her housemates, Reyna made her way to Rylan but didn't sit down.
"What did you do, Reyn?" Rylan asked, heaving a playful sigh at her.
Reyna gave him a grin," Nothing that wouldn't happen later."
"I thought you might say that," said Rylan with a rueful look.
Reyna glanced at the students around her brother but said nothing," We'll be having classes together first thing today."
"Yeah, transfiguration. Sit together?" Rylan asked with a smile.
Reyna nodded," Wouldn't think of anyone else."
"These are my friends, by the way," added Rylan suddenly, gesturing at two boys and girls around him as Reyna made to leave.
His sister gave him a look before giving the people around him friendly smiles and said," I'd best be going. I didn't exactly give them a good first impression last night."
Rylan looked worried," Take care of yourself."
Reyna winked," You know I always do."
The students were giving her curious looks and some Gryffindors were looking hostile. Rylan rolled his eyes and waved her off with a muttered," Snape's frowning at you."
Reyna didn't reply as she moved towards her friends and sat down, ignoring their apprehensive looks.
"That's your brother, right?" asked Zachary hesitantly.
Reyna glanced at him and nodded," Rylan."
Just as she was sipping her tea a shadow fell on all of them and Marcus Flint and Lorene Bole sat down directly in front of Reyna.
"Cade," said Flint with no hint of a smile.
"Yes, Flint?" said Reyna politely, reaching for a kipper. Next to her Delilah snorted.
"I think the rules weren't quite made clear yesterday," he continued with a glower, remembering the words she had told him.
Reyna could see Rylan looking at her anxiously but she ignored him," I understood all of them, Flint, unless new rules were added?"
"That cheek will backfire on you someday, Cade," he glowered and Lorene took over, likely sensing an argument forming.
"Look, Cade, you're new, we get it, but you've got to know that as Slytherins there are some things that you need to follow," she said briskly.
Reyna waited before saying," Like?"
"Like not going out of the way talking to a bunch of Gryffindors!" snapped Flint with a scowl.
Reyna's mouth thinned as she said coldly," The Gryffindor just happens to be my brother, and Snape never said anything about not talking to Gryffindors. All you said was that Gryffindors are known to target Slytherins, and Slytherins are known to fight back. As it is, my brother is unlikely to hex me and I am unlikely to retaliate."
They looked taken aback as they stared at her before Flint said, looking somewhat more calm," Are you looking to make Slytherins look soft?"
Reyna inclined her head as though considering before saying," I'm planning to change the reputation of House Slytherin in the next six years."
"Is that so, Miss Cade?" said a silky voice behind Reyna and the girl didn't react. She was glad that her dad had taught her sensing auras, lest she would have been surprised.
Therefore, she turned round slowly and nodded," Yes, Professor Snape," she said firmly.
The people in the vicinity were silent as they stared at the new first year and the most feared professor in Hogwarts. They breathed a sigh of relief when Snape merely said," Your timetables for the day. Do not be late for any lesson."
Reyna glanced at it and saw she was right. Transfiguration was first, and it was with the Gryffindors. Flint and Lorene said no more and merely got up to leave.
Delilah let out a low whistle," Damn Cade, you're going to make things interesting."
Reyna gave a wry smile," I think life at Hogwarts will always be interesting."
"Aren't you worried?" Enoch Thomas spoke up.
Reyna shook her head," I meant what I said. I've had enough of Slytherin being hated simply because the people here think it's full of dark wizards."
"It's going to be tough," said Gianna quietly.
Reyna finished the last of her tea before standing," it was never going to be easy in the first place."
Reyna sat next to Rylan in Transfiguration as they waited patiently for everyone to take a seat.
"What'd Snape tell you?" muttered Rylan as the door closed.
"Later, don't fancy getting in trouble with Minnie," Reyna answered with the corner of her mouth.
Rylan's lips twitched at the nickname of their uncle as McGonagall walked to the front of the class and started," Good morning, class."
She paused as the class answered her before starting with the attendance. The names were read quickly and briskly and once she was done, she turned to them in a no nonsense tone and said," Transfiguration is some of the most complex and dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts. Anyone messing around in my class will leave and not come back. You have been warned."
Rylan and Reyna grinned at that and McGonagall turned to the two of them," Is something funny?"
They shook their heads simultaneously and McGonagall continued, eyeing the two of them," We shall start with the basics since you are all first year students. For the first part of the lessons, we will be learning the Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration, before moving on towards turning your matches into needles…"
Reyna and Rylan took careful notes as she spoke, the words appearing on the blackboard. The class was quiet and attentive, having taken her threat seriously.
When the time came for them to be turning their matches into needles, McGonagall said," I do not expect anyone of you to be able to succeed at their first try. As I mentioned, Transfiguration is difficult, and needs concentration. I will be passing round to see if anyone needs help and to correct any mistakes. Royston, give out three matches to everyone, please."
"Reckon we should impress her?" muttered Rylan with a grin. The two had, of course, tried the spell with their mum's wand at the age of nine. They couldn't get it till their third try but they had succeeded.
"Show off," grinned Reyna before saying quietly," Let's do it. After all, mum did surprise the whole class on her first day."
"And I wonder why you weren't in Gryffindor," Rylan shook his head with a grin.
"I was supposed to go there, but I wanted Slytherin," confided Reyna as Zachary handed them their matches.
"Goal in mind?" whispered Rylan.
Reyna nodded," I intend to succeed."
"I know you will," muttered Rylan.
Reyna paused as they both took out their wands, hers was poplar, dragon heartstring, pliant, 11 inches.
"I'll bet I can turn them faster than you, sis," challenged Rylan.
Reyna smirked," Oh? Let's do it then."
Looking determined, Rylan turned to his matchstick and remembered their mother's instructions.
Concentrate. Just picture it in your mind slowly changing. Remember to mean it when you say the incantation. Don't let the doubt creep in.
"Acutus!" he said, smiling in satisfaction as it morphed into a thin, white pin needle. He proceeded to the other two quickly and turned triumphantly to his sister-only to see her leaning casually on her chair with a small smirk.
"You were saying, little brother?" she said in a mock confused voice.
Rylan scowled," And you call me a show off. Don't call me little brother," he added.
"But you are," said Reyna innocently.
"By five minutes," scowled Rylan, still grumpy.
"Might I assume you have completed the work then, Mr and Ms. Cade?" McGonagall asked with a disapproving look at them talking.
She looked shocked as they gestured at their shining needles. Her lips pursed and she looked at them suspiciously. The rest of the class were gaping at them, their matchsticks barely needles.
"It is quite a feat, especially on your first try," McGonagall said finally," have you been practicing?"
They hesitated and since Reyna didn't look like she was going to say anything, Rylan said," We've read and practiced the incantation and wand movements, professor."
McGonagall nodded," 10 points to Gryffindor and Slytherin."
They grinned at each other and McGonagall gave them a rare smile before assigning them homework.
For Reyna, most of the lessons were quite easy for her. She managed to pay attention to Binns drone on about Wizarding wars, wondering when he would start about the war with Voldemort, all the while ignoring Gianna's scowls and light complaints about the lesson.
"Just fall asleep already! It's not as though he'd notice," snapped Enoch with a scowl at her.
Reyna ignored them, glad that atleast Delilah was also writing down notes. Two hours of history of magic on the first day was enough to make a person beg for Snape's Potions lesson. Reyna couldn't wait for that.
Zachary was busy practicing his transfiguration, since majority had failed with the exception of Reyna and Rylan. Delilah had managed only one of them and she had been quite proud of her feat.
"How do you do it, Reyna?" said Zachary, looking exasperatedly at his matchstick after repeatedly prodding it with his wand.
"You're concentrating too much," murmured Reyna, not taking her eyes off Binns," the key is too simply imagine it changing slowly in your mind's eye. The magic is not in the wand, you can't wave it and expect something will happen without yourself there to urge it."
She paused to erase something before turning fully to Zachary," just believe it will happen and concentrate in you."
"You just said he's concentrating too much," pointed out Gianna.
"I said too much, you have to concentrate but not to the extent that you exhaust yourself," said Reyna patiently.
"Would you all shut it? Some of us are trying to listen," hissed a Ravenclaw behind them.
Delilah rolled her eyes," We're minding our business. It's not as if we're shouting."
He gave them a small glare but continued with his notes. Reyna tapped Zachary's matchstick saying," Go on. Just imagine and will it."
Zachary looked doubtful but obeyed. He closed his eyes and muttered the incantation. Enoch grinned as it changed into a thin needle.
"You did it mate!" he said, slapping his friend on the arm.
"It's still brown," said Gianna, examining it.
"But it's a stick," said Zachary happily, adding," Thanks Reyna."
Reyna nodded and continued with her note taking. Delilah moved closer and whispered," Who taught you that theory?"
Reyna smiled fondly," My mum. She always knew how to make something simpler."
"Knew? Is she-did she die?" said Delilah hesitantly.
Reyna whipped her head to look at her and she shrank back, looking alarmed.
"What-no, no, mum's still alive. I didn't mean it that way," said Reyna with a laugh, though it had a nervous sound to it.
"Oh, that's good. She must be a smart witch," nodded Delilah.
Reyna smiled. If only you knew, she thought.
Felicity Cade straightened up as she landed in her house's fireplace. She knew for a fact the only people home were her parents, Lucy and Matthew.
Her small sister, now in her late twenties came hurrying into the living room, looking hesitantly at the brunette woman standing in her older sister's living room. she cleared her throat," May I help you?"
The witch rolled her eyes," Honestly Lu, you don't know your own sister?" she teased.
Lucy looked at her in confusion before she brightened and ran to hug her," Jas! Wonderful to see you again. Though may I ask, why're you here? You came two months ago, and said you wouldn't be able to come for another three months."
"Tell you later. Mum, dad?" inquired Felicity.
"In the kitchen with Matthew. Come on, the rest won't come," said Lucy, a slight hard tone in her voice as she led her sister to the kitchen.
The occupants in the kitchen stood up as the newcomer entered.
"It's Jas, everyone, under a disguise," announced Lucy.
Melinda Culbert smiled at her daughter and opened her arms. With a smile, Felicity Cade walked over to her now sixty-seven-year-old mum, before moving to her dad and brother.
"What brings you here, Jas?" Darrell asked, as his daughter ate a biscuit comfortably.
"Actually, It's Felicity Cade, now," she said quietly.
Matthew's eyes narrowed," Explain."
Felicity sighed and removed the glamour, revealing her true self. Rich black hair above the elbow and dark brown eyes. Her fair skin looked healthy, but there were tired lines on her face as though she was overworking. In her place stood Jasira Sergey.
"Reyna and Rylan have had to go to Hogwarts," said Jasira, not elaborating since they could all figure it out from there.
Melinda made a noise of understanding," Disguise then?"
Jasira nodded," Reyna picked the name Cade, Rylan chose Felicity."
"And no one suspects a thing?" questioned Darrell.
"As far as I know," said Jasira with a weary look.
Lucy gave a small sigh," Jas, please, you're back in England. Can't you atleast make an effort to meet the rest? Sam and Alex want to about you. Nobody knows you even have kids for merlin's sake!"
"There are others who know of my children's existence," said Jasira tightly.
Lucy rounded on her mum," Mum, tell her! Twelve years is a ridiculously long amount of time."
Melinda sighed and turned pleading eyes on her daughter," Jasira, please, atleast let Sam and Alex know you're still here."
Jasira faltered before the image of her husband, lying motionless on the bed crossed her mind. She clenched her teeth, forcing the anger down and shook her head stubbornly," Sam is too close to her, and she knew what they'd do. As for Alex, it's better off if he doesn't know yet, it would put House Culbert in more danger."
"Since when do you care about politics?" said Matthew bitterly.
Jasira's eyes flashed," Since the day I was threatened, the day everything fell apart. Don't even try to put yourself in my shoes, Matt. You don't know how hard it is for me to wake up every single day with- "Jasira took a deep breath and closed her eyes.
Melinda reached for her daughter's hand and squeezed it gently," I'm sorry, Jas," she said softly.
"How are Reyna and Rylan?" asked Darrell when Jasira didn't reply.
A smile crossed the woman's face as she thought of her kids," Fine. Rylan's in Gryffindor, no surprise there, Reyna's in Slytherin."
"Slytherin?" asked Lucy in surprise.
"Always knew she had it in her," chuckled Matthew.
Jasira shook her head," Actually, she was supposed to have been in Gryffindor, but she wanted Slytherin. I think she has a goal."
Melinda's eyebrows shot up," What's my granddaughter up to?"
Jasira grinned," Nothing she can't handle, mum. Before she left, Reyna told me she wanted to change Slytherin, she was tired of everyone thinking it was a bad house. With all the fan fictions she read, she wanted to show them the true Slytherin, beyond the dark one."
Matthew whistled," Tough one, but I've a feeling she'll succeed."
"She's my daughter, course she will," Jasira said slyly.
"Oh! I almost forgot. Harry will be coming over later for a visit with Lily," said Melinda with a fond smile.
Jasira stiffened at the mention of her nephew and Darrell noticed it," Do you who his godmother is, Jas?"
When Jasira shook her head slowly, Lucy said softly," They made you godmother, with Sirius godfather, as you know obviously. Lily, she wouldn't let anyone else get the role. They knew the things you did to ensure the safety of the Potters, Jas, and they could never thank you enough."
"Every single one of them regrets it, that night. The Weasleys, they liked you, and they were devastated, Sirius and Marlene, not to mention Dimitri and the Longbottoms, Remus and of course, the Potters, they were mad, I think they still are, but they miss you, Jas, they miss you so damn much," said Matthew, his voice a bit desperate.
Jasira bowed her head and shook it slightly," Irena?" she whispered.
There was silence," Every day, she goes to him every single day and whispers her apologies," said Lucy quietly.
"They know you won't forgive them easily, Jas, but they want to meet you. Heck, they don't even know where you were all this time!" said Darrell.
Jasira smiled faintly," I always knew how to hide."
"You always knew how to protect," corrected Melinda gently.
Jasira nodded," We need to end this war, I'm tired of hiding. My children need to be free. Perhaps with time I'll come back."
Lucy nodded sadly," We thought you might say that."
"About the war, Jas, there was a prophecy in 1981," said Darrell, voice reluctant.
Jasira's head snapped up as her eyes widened," No, please, not that…" she whispered.
But they shook their heads and she breathed a sigh of relief," I'm afraid this time the family isn't the Potters nor the Longbottoms."
Jasira stood rigid as Matthew continued with the next words," I think it's our family, Jas, or, more accurately, your family."
"Who has it?" said Jasira quietly.
"Dumbledore," replied Darrell.
Jasira shook her head," I can't go back yet, dad, it's too soon."
"But Jas, you said so yourself you want to end this war," protested Matthew.
"Believe me, the time's not yet. It's 1990, something's telling me Voldemort can't be killed yet," Jasira said grimly.
"More?" said Lucy fearfully.
"My dear sister, there were always more," said Jasira with a sigh, then added to their expectant looks," I don't know yet, I've been away for a while."
"Yet you seem to know quite a lot in Britain," pointed out Darrell dryly.
"I need to be on top of things," answered Jasira, pouring herself a glass of water.
"Where will you be staying?" asked Melinda.
"About that, this house was given to me, right?" Jasira looked at them for confirmation.
"We have our own cottage but if you want to officially live here than-"started Darrell but Jasira interrupted," Don't be ridiculous dad. It's as much my house as it is yours. No, I was thinking perhaps the kids and I could move here. They'll get to be near you."
Lucy's face brightened," Does that mean you'll be in for family dinners?" she said hopefully.
Jasira gave her a look," Don't get excited Lu. I know that the only reason people are coming here is because of mum and dad. They don't know that I'm in Britain at all and I plan on letting it stay that way till I see it's safe. "
Lucy nodded glumly, aware that Jasira was in big sister mode and there was no arguing with her.
"I'm sorry, Jas," said Melinda abruptly.
"What for mum?" asked Jasira in surprise.
"You wouldn't have wanted anyone to even enter here, would you?" said Melinda with a sad look.
Jasira said nothing and Darrell continued," We didn't want to let dust collect so we decided that we'd be here till you returned. And since your back, it would only be proper if we left."
"Reyn and Rye have seen you since they were born, so they know their grandparents, however, they've lived with me only and I want them to be familiar with the rest of you as well," said Jasira, her back to them.
"If that's what you want then," said Darrell, but there was a hint of relief and pride in his voice.
"Jas, are you going to get a job?" asked Matthew.
Jasira smiled wryly," I've been self-employed for quite a while, worked in Britain for two years before leaving, and now I'm back again. Of course I'll get a job. I've invented loads of protective spells over the years, but with how things are going, I'm going to apply for Auror training."
"That'll be easy," chuckled Lucy.
Jasira shook her head," Actually, I'll have to prove myself. At age thirty one, it's unheard to start Auror training."
"But you've already completed it!" frowned Matthew.
"They don't know that," pointed out Melinda," Jas is right. She's going to have to prove herself first."
"I'll bet she's got a plan already," grinned Darrell.
Jasira flashed a grin at her dad," I plan on wowing them."
"Uh, Jas, you do know who the Head of the Auror force is, right?" said Matthew hesitantly.
Jasira sobered," I know who it is, and he's actually head of one of the departments, not the whole one."
"Trust you to know that," said Lucy with a shake of her head.
"What time do you go?" inquired Melinda.
"Later this afternoon. I want to move in first and get ready before leaving," answered Jasira.