CHAPTER FOUR

Disclaimer: J.K. ROWLING owns the Harry Potter world.

Tuesday, 3rd September 1990

There was a noticeboard in the Gryffindor common room the next day as Rylan and his friends got down from the dormitory.

"Brilliant," groaned Colt Walter, a Gryffindor first year as they peered up the board," Flying lessons with the Slytherins."

"What's wrong with that? Slytherin's alright," said Rylan, his voice slightly defensive as he turned to Colt.

There were exaggerated gasps from behind and identical voices spoke:

"Well, well, a Gryffindor supporting a snake," started the twin on the right.

The twin on the left raised both eyebrows," Quite unheard of, wouldn't you agree, Gred?"

"Absolutely unfathomable, Feorge," agreed George.

"Fred, George, lovely to meet you," Rylan drawled with a grin.

The twins looked positively delighted at having been recognised and swung one hand each on Rylan's shoulder," A fan! Finally, someone who appreciates us," cried Fred, dabbing his eyes with an imaginary handkerchief.

"Yes, what can we do for you, our humble servant?" said George solemnly with a bow of his head.

Colt and David Ralphs looked a bit alarmed but Rylan merely grinned wider," The name's Rylan."

"Well, Rylan- "started Fred.

"Why is a lion like you- "continued George.

"Siding with a bunch of slimy snakes- "Fred resumed.

"Instead of hexing the living daylights out of them?" finished George seriously.

Rylan sighed," My sister's in Slytherin, and they're not all bad."

"Ah, sisterly love," nodded Fred approvingly.

"Might she be the one who stood up to Slimy Snape yesterday?" said George, face scrunched up.

Rylan grinned," that's Reyna."

Despite themselves, the twins looked impressed," Nobody's ever stood up to Snape before, let alone one from his own house," said Fred thoughtfully.

"She even managed to answer the questions correctly," added Colt, wanting to be a part of the conversation.

Fred's eyebrows shot up," Smart and bold, she should have been in Gryffindor. It's waste of her talent."

"Tell that to her," muttered Rylan fondly.

There was a shout from across the common room and the twins hurriedly said," Got to go. Lee's a bit cranky whenever we stay up here too long."

With that they left the first years, causing the three boys to look in bemusement with each other," Well, they're certainly weird," commented David.

"Not weird, just cool," Rylan said. They were, after all, the Weasley Twins.

"Back to flying lessons. Have either of you flown before?" Colt said anxiously.

"'Course, flying's the best thing out there," said Rylan with a serious expression.

"I've never touched a broom. I prefer my feet on the ground thanks," said David with a slight scowl.

"Seems like you're the only one to have flown," said Colt glumly," I'll probably make a fool of myself in front of the Slytherins."

"They won't laugh," said Rylan comfortingly as they exited the common room.

David snorted," Your sister and her friends might not, but Vaisey seems intent on making our lives hell."

Rylan winced," That's probably true."

At breakfast Rylan was just about to start loading his plate when the male arrived. Their mum's owl, Aurum, flew straight towards Rylan, dropped a letter down on his plate, and flew to Reyna, who grinned at the way the owl affectionately pecked at her finger.

With a scowl that their mum's owl liked Reyna more, Rylan opened the letter eagerly and skimmed through it.

Dear Rye,

Is everything well? No detentions yet? No being rude to teachers? Please tell me you've laid off the pranks a bit (though if you didn't, tell me you didn't get caught).

Is Reyna alright there? I want you to tell me, since all she'll say is her usual 'Fine'. Everything is here is normal as can be, I'll be going to visit your father later today, after the training. By the way, for the holidays everything's ready. You'll be staying in my house, the one I inherited from my parents.

I was there yesterday and an old friend visited, with my godson. I can't stop smiling, Rye. He's quite cute and exactly as described! Alright, you're probably rolling your eyes and grumbling, I'm expecting a letter saying that you feel replaced.

Seriously though, I hope everything's well there, you didn't meet anyone we know, did you? I know you know how to handle yourself, and I won't stop you if you want to be closer to your family.

Also, I applied for the Auror program yesterday, as I told you I would and I start training today. By the way, make sure you pay Reyna up for your betting, I know you thought I wouldn't get a year for training and would end up with the usual three, but you forget who your mum is. I'm quite hurt, tears are rolling down my face at the thought of it.

Anyway, to prove myself I had to duel one of the Aurors Moody thought was one of the best. Can you guess who it is? If you guessed Irena, then you're right.

She was just as I remembered, and no one suspected it was me-atleast, well, I hope not. Anyway Irena was tough of course, but that's only because I knew her fighting style and she didn't know mine. She looked surprised that I hadn't fallen already, and all I can say is, she's definitely improved. Can you guess who won? And I hope you'll guess correctly this time, Rye.

If you guessed me then you're correct, hopefully twice. I got accepted and sometime next year I'll sit for the exams. Wish me luck I'll do well.

Before I forget, make sure that you and Queen stay on top of your studies, as well as dueling. I won't have you slacking off, though I'm sure you won't anyway. If you don't have a good place to go then try the Come and Go Room, I'm absolutely sure no one knows about that, and if they do then it's not used often.

Remember, be discrete and don't lower your guard. Death eater children are still about, not everything's as friendly here as it may seem, unfortunately. Take care of each other and don't show your abilities too much lest they become suspicious.

Also, write a letter to your grandparents, will you? Both of them, and have fun, make pranks and be top in your studies. I'll give your love to your father as usual.

Stay safe,

Mum.

Rylan smiled as he finished reading the letter, which was written in muggle pen. His mum would always prefer pens to quills. A troubled look crossed his face as he thought of his mum in the Auror program. Most of their family were Aurors, and some family friends. The thought of their mum working in such close conditions made him uneasy.

She could protect herself alright, but he thought of her getting hurt the second time made him grit his teeth. He remembered his father's words that they had to dig deeper first before jumping to conclusions and Rylan's anger dissipated.

"Letter from home?" Colt interrupted his thoughts, gesturing at the parchment.

Rylan nodded distractedly," Yeah, mum sent it."

"Looks long," remarked David as he sat finishing his boiled egg.

A smile tugged at Rylan's lips," Mum was always one to write long letters."

He blinked as Aurum landed in front of him with a note. He glanced at Reyna and saw one eyebrow raised at him and he stared at the note before taking it and reading.

Meet you on the Seventh Floor after lunch. Free period for both, right? By the way, my letter's already with Argentum, I sent it off yesterday, I know you have a letter with you for mum, send it with Aurum, as she's probably expecting reply soon.

See you in Potions later.

Queen.

Rylan shook his head at how well his sister knew him and opened his bag quickly, took the parchments for his mum and handed it to Aurum, who dipped his beak into his goblet for a quick drink, looked at him with serious eyes before taking off.

"It's a beautiful owl," said Katie Bell, watching Aurum fly smoothly. The turquoise gold coloured owl really was a sight, and it was no wonder his mum had been attracted to it.

Rylan glanced at her," Thanks, her name's Aurum."

"Gold," translated Colt.

Rylan nodded, finished off his breakfast and they headed off to Herbology with the Hufflepuffs.

All through the day, her letter from her mum had Reyna anxious.

Be safe, there are always death eater children on the lookout.

Despite herself, Reyna couldn't help the look she gave Delilah before shaking her head firmly. Her friend wasn't like that. It was enough proof when the morning mail came and Delilah's exclamation about the attack on a village the day before. It eased Reyna's worry slightly, but Delilah was a Rosier, and if there was a family her mum disliked it was the Rosier family.

What would her mum say if she was close friends with a Rosier? Reyna was so absorbed in her thoughts she didn't hear Flitwick's squeak," Miss Cade, would you like to demonstrate the levitation charm for us?"

Everyone sniggered as Reyna blinked, before looking at the quill in front of her and taking out her wand.

Willing the quill to start floating gently, Reyna said, with a flick of her wand and a swishing move," Wingardium Leviosa," her voice was clear, and her 'gar' was nice and long.

Sure enough, the quill started floating gently as Reyna watched it, no expression. Flitwick beamed at her and clapped," Excellent, excellent! 10 points to Slytherin. Everyone, please proceed with the incantation before starting."

"No surprise there, what is it, the fortieth points you've earned Slytherin so far?" said Zachary with a grin.

"It's actually the fiftieth, she earned one in Astronomy yesterday as well," said Delilah with a teasing look.

Reyna grinned abashedly but didn't respond.

When Charms ended, with a pile of homework on their backs, they headed to Herbology with the Ravenclaws. Reyna found herself next to Delilah, and two first year Ravens.

"Hi, I'm Cho Chang," said the one with long dark hair and shiny eyes. She looked shy as she peeked up at them and it took a minute for it to click as to why she was so shy and her eyes kept on darting to Delilah.

The girl next to her, who Reyna guessed to be Marietta Edgecombe, nudged Cho, and nodded at Delilah, not bothering to hide her distrust.

Delilah, spotting the look narrowed her eyes," Got a problem, Edgecombe?"

"Nothing of your concern, Rosier," said Edgecombe coolly before turning to Reyna," Cade."

Reyna nodded politely," Reyna S-Cade, I don't think we've been properly introduced," she said smoothly. Dang. She'd almost said her real name. Luckily though, none of them caught her slip and they simply nodded.

"You already know me," nodded Delilah, completely ignoring Marietta and speaking to Cho.

"Uh, yeah, Delilah, right?" Cho said nervously.

"We don't bite you know. Just because we're Slytherins doesn't mean we're naturally mean," said Reyna quietly.

Marietta scoffed," Maybe, but we all know how you have it in for the others."

Delilah's eyes narrowed dangerously," Watch it, Edgecombe, she wasn't talking to you."

"Marietta, calm down," Reyna heard Cho mutter and she sighed mentally. It was tough enough in Slytherin without the Ravenclaws adding to her pile.

For the rest of the lessons, they spoke normally, with Marietta only contributing to talking with Cho or Reyna, but outright ignoring Delilah.

Felicity was in Training Room 1, where Moody would be testing her on her aiming before else. They were alone except for Kingsley, who was helping Moody with Felicity's training.

"Al right, Cade, you've showed your skill in dueling yesterday, let's see you start with aiming. You have to hit the target directly in those red spots, you miss, the spell backfires on you and you see the consequences, you hit and it disappears," Moody said gruffly, gesturing at the rectangular shaped objects floating in midair. Sure enough, there was a tiny red spot directly in the middle where her spell would have to hit.

"What spell should I use?" asked Felicity, an inward smirk as she remembered that this was one of the training sessions Moody had given her back then, and she had passed it with little effort, though it had taken more than three before Moody could be fully satisfied.

"That's for you to find out," Moody answered, and paused as though waiting for a protest, when it didn't come, he gestured at Kingsley," Shacklebolt will be marking down your progress. At the latest it will take you roughly an hour to finish all fifty, less than that you move to your next part. Understand?"

Felicity nodded, glancing at Shacklebolt who winked at her before returning to his parchments.

"Begin," Moody said, waving his hand and limping over to one of the chairs to sit and watch her with his hawk like gaze.

Like before, Felicity's wand wasn't visible except to herself as she thought over the spells to use. She settled on stupefy, since it would cause one damage and was the easiest. Her task was to only vanish them after all.

Felicity eyed the wand furthest from her on her left and pointed the tip of her wand directly where she thought it would hit. She was about to say the spell before stopping. The angle wasn't quite right. If she were to shoot now then it would hit the other side, not the red circle.

She shifted slightly and pointed her wand on the right side of her, and angle that to the untrained eye would be as though it wouldn't hit its mark. "Stupefy," she said softly, watching as the red light shot from her wand and straight to the object.

As she thought, it hit the circle and immediately it vanished upon contact. With a satisfied nod, she set to work. Felicity enjoyed every minute the spell hit its mark, and winced when only one out of fifty didn't hit the mark. She knew what Moody meant about consequences. The object exploded and she ducked as the spell came her way, nearly touching her. What did touch her though was the cut that erupted from her forearm and she hissed.

She hated cutting spells.

However, her time was up, and quickly, Felicity muttered a healing charm on her arm and vanishing the blood just as Moody and Kingsley approached.

Kingsley was looking delighted as he said," Forty-nine out fifty, hit the mark at the first try by use of the stunning spell. Time was exactly thirty minutes."

Moody nodded," Not bad, Cade. Atleast we know aiming's your fort. You'll still be having four more sessions before your exam to make sure up to scratch."

Felicity nodded," What next?"

They shot her amused looks," You don't want to take a break?" inquired Kingsley.

Felicity looked a bit confused," We just started. Why would I want a break?"

Kingsley chuckled," She's a tough one sir."

Moody let out a dry smile," I told you she'd be a handful."

"I'm right here you know," said Felicity with a shake of her head.

They both ignored her.

"Next up is physical defense, before we move on to concealment and disguises," said Kingsley, scanning the parchment.

"Go back to the headquarters to your assigned desk, Cade. There are things I need to take care of," nodded Moody.

Without another word Felicity followed Kingsley back to the Auror Headquarters silently. It was when they were rounding a corner when Kingsley spoke," Nobody's ever hit a mark so well in their first training session."

"It's not my first. This is just practice for me, nothing new," replied Felicity.

"Oh? And where did you learn to aim like that?" asked Kingsley with a bemused expression.

"If you played chaser then you'd know how to aim," sad Felicity, then added as she tucked a strand of brown hair behind her ear," It's also thanks to the mentors as well."

"They must've been great teachers," commented Kingsley.

Felicity let out a wry smile," You have no idea."

When Felicity and Kingsley reached the Headquarters, Kingsley said quietly," I'll come get you as soon as Moody gives the signal. Take it as a break."

Felicity nodded, stiffening as she felt the familiar vibration inside her robe pocket. Quickly turning away, the brunette headed to the corner of the large room where her cubicle stood. It was, most unfortunately for her, next to Remus' cubicle. She wondered why he didn't get an office like the other Aurors, though, granted, his cubicle was larger than the rest.

He wasn't there and the room was filled with Aurors she knew from her time as Jasira, but as Felicity she couldn't talk to them as freely. Making her way quickly to her cubicle, she sat down, her head bowed. She cast a wandless silencing charm and took out the phone from her pocket.

A smile crossed her lips as she looked at it. It wasn't one of the new models from her world, the one where the Harry Potter books was just a story. She quickly put in the password in her phone and went into the app she had installed to tell her what she had to do. Luckily for her, few wizards actually knew how to use phones so she had an advantage.

She clicked the app and her eyes scanned it.

The Lovegoods.

Felicity's brow furrowed. What about the Lovegoods? She had made sure she was reminded of anything she might have to do in the Wizarding World to ensure some deaths were avoided. But what did the Lovegoods…

Her heart sank.

"My mum. She died when I was nine."

Felicity had never felt such dread as she remembered Luna Lovegood's words, her sad tone as she thought about her mother. She made quick calculations in her head. Harry was ten, and since Luna was a year younger then that would mean Luna was nine.

Felicity cursed. So far she hadn't heard of any Love good incident happening so she might not be too late. She quickly checked the time. It was almost twelve. Somehow her instinct told Felicity to go to Ottery St Catchpole right then.

She hesitated though. She had a chance to save a person's life, some of her friends from school. Would she take it? Did she want to change the future?

She ignored the thoughts and instead looked around the office, ignoring the looks she was getting. To her annoyance, she didn't spot Kingsley, which meant he was somewhere outside.

"Where's Kingsley?" she asked a passing Auror, not really knowing the name.

The Auror looked startled and stuttered," He-he's in Potter's office. Down the corridor to your left."

Muttering her thanks Felicity quickly exited the office, following the instructions and reaching before a door that said, Auror James Potter.

She knocked and didn't wait for a reply before poking her head.

"Oi, wait for a reply before opening," barked James, raising eyebrows at her.

Felicity ignored him and, catching sight of Kingsley next to Remus and Sirius said urgently," Tell Moody I won't be here for a while. There's something I need to take care of."

Kingsley frowned," Cade, you aren't allowed to leave without a legitimate reason."

"It's an emergency," said Felicity shortly.

"You'll get in trouble with Moody for leaving without letting him know," warned Remus.

Felicity felt her temper lose hold," I am letting him know. Kingsley, please tell him I'll be here but not in time for the training. Whatever punishment he comes up with can wait."

With that she left the office, wanting to find a floo but knowing she'd have to go to the atrium. Catching the nearest lift, Felicity waited impatiently for it to go down to the atrium. Her nerves were high and she didn't think she'd be able to stop herself from snapping at anyone who tried to stop her.

As soon as the lift doors opened, she bolted, moving past the witches and wizards in a rush, ignoring their protests as she muttered apologies. It seemed like hours before she reached the fireplace, and she still had to wait for the queue to lessen.

By then her dread had increased and she was positive that she would be too late. She looked around frantically, and, seeing a floo that was empty, darted in before anyone else could. She grabbed the handful of lo powder and said clearly," Culbert residence."

She appeared back in her house, where she quickly passed through the living room, not seeing her mum anywhere she made her way outside the door, yanked it open and ran to the apparition point. With a pop the brunette disapparated, appearing just outside the wards in Ottery St Catchpole.

Felicity took a minute to remove the glamour from herself so they could not associate either of the two characters before taking off at a sprint from the direction of the burrow, since the Lovegoods stayed on the opposite side. Her wand was in her hand before she realized she had summoned it, and Jasira, now back in her own self, reached the large door quickly.

She thanked God for her ability to keep up with her training and she knocked loudly, sharply and insistently.

When the door opened and Xenophilius Lovegood opened the door, Jasira said," Is Pandora here, Xeno?"

The father of one blinked at her, mouth open slightly as he stared at the witch who had been missing for over twelve years. Jasira wasn't in any patient mood and she said," Xeno? Is Pandora in?"

The man finally came to his senses and nodded slowly," Yes, Pandora is in her study with Luna. If I may, what are you doing here?" he said.

Jasira gave him a brief smile," I'm sorry, but I really need to see Pando-"

There was a cry of," MUM!" and Jasira pushed past him and sprinted to where her friend was. She opened the door and without think, shouted," DEFENDO MALEDICTIONES!"

The room was filled with a blinding brilliant sea blue light, which blinded them and the explosion as well. The explosion, which had almost hit Pandora Lovegood, was absorbed by Jasira's shield charm, one that she had invented to absorb all explosions no matter how big.

It drained her as she continued to stand there, her shield absorbing whatever Pandora had been doing and causing her to stumble. After exactly three minutes, the smoke that had formed was dissipating and Jasira's shield evaporated.

Jasira felt drained and barely registered the hands that pushed past her into the room. She stumbled to the fireplace back to the room, grabbed the floo powder just as the door was smashed open and Aurors as well as dark robed men entered the house.

Jasira's dark eyes linked with James's hazel ones, and she didn't give her cousin time to react as she whispered," Culbert Residence," and was gone in a whirl of flames.