A/C: Did you know that a true Quarantine is forty days long? Welcome, everyone, to the fanfictional quarantine!
November 9
November 10
November 11
"Almost midnight," Rusalka murmured, half-asleep, rising from bed. "Let's go before we're late." Others shuffled out of bed, grabbing their things and making their way to the door.
"...You guys go on without me."
The trio looked over at Melissa, who didn't even bother to open her eyes despite waking from the evening nap. Amy smirked at the sight. "Come on, sleepy head, you can rest after class."
"Mm-Mm. I'm not going to Astronomy anymore."
"What?" That shook Jacqueline awake. "You can't stop going! If you don't go to class, you'll fail your O.W.L.s!"
Melissa awoke, staring at them with dead eyes. "Then I'll fail my O.W.L.s."
And they knew, deep down, she was serious.
November 12
November 13
November 14
"So are you just going to avoid going outside for the rest of your life?"
"Yep!"
"...Alright, then."
November 15
November 16
November 17
November 18
November 19
Jacinth yawned wide. The ripple caused a wave, reaching far enough that Melissa was yawning as she took her seat for breakfast. "Hawhhh! Mm, that's contagious, you know."
"Mm, don't care. Too tired to think."
"Stupid astronomy class," Cassius muttered. "Who cares about a bunch of stars?"
Some people muttered in answer or in agreement, while Domonkos added. "At least it is almost the weekend."
"Yeah," Melissa gave a dopey grin and raised a cup in sleepy cheer. "T.G.I.F!"
Her body stopped her before she could take the sip.
A brief, tired stare-down happened between Melissa and the cup of water. When enough faculties registered the smell of a threat, she turned to the others with a grin. "You know what? Fifteen's old enough. Hey, House Elves! Can I get a coffee, please?"
A tray of coffee, milk, and sugar appeared on the table.
"Thank you!"
November 20
November 21
Standing in a private corner of the kitchens, half of VATIC stared wide-eyed at the pile of moulds around Bennett's workstation.
Dean whistled at the sight. "Wow! That's a lot of chocolates you're working with! You're really putting your all into it this year, aren't you?"
Melissa shrugged, focusing on the current batch to make sure it has the right consistency for the experiment. "Doesn't hurt to have a few different samples. The more the merrier, if you ask me."
November 22
November 23
November 24
November 25
"The young snake strikes the skwaass"
"Skwaass?"
"Skw- Vole?"
"I think so. That sounds better."
Melissa blinked dumbly at the not-so-hidden whisperings of Malfoy, Greengrass, and Davis from a couch near the fireplace. "Do I even want to know?"
Greengrass and Malfoy jumped on hearing her voice. Greengrass in particular went pale and fumbled for words to say, while Malfoy just glared nervously. Davis, in all surprise, was the least perturbed as she answered, "Potter and Finch-Fletchley have been giving us lessons."
The purebloods were shocked at the cavalier answer, which is dumb. Honestly, it's a miracle they hadn't been caught yet, even if the common room was nearly empty right now.
"Huh. Okay then. Strike often, hatchlings. If you don't grow strong, bigger snakes will eat you."
They blinked in confusion, and Malfoy gave a sullen frown. "What does that mean?"
How cute. A puff of laughing air escaped her nose before she said the first part again and replied, "Keep practicing, kids."
November 26
November 27
"Okay, this is getting ridiculous," Adrian huffed from his side of the breakfast table. "Even if it's not our team, it's still quidditch. You have to come!"
Melissa snorted a laugh. "Mm, no I don't!"
"Come on! How long are you going to keep holing yourself up in the castle?"
"For as long as wizards continue to not care about the safety of their children."
Adrian rolled his eyes. "You're being dramatic. The dementors are guarding the edge of the school, they're not gonna be at the match."
"Heh, wanna bet?"
He narrowed his eyes, looking mistrustful. Then, elbows on the table, his hand rocked a pointed finger in her direction. "You know what, fine. Seven sickles says that you're being unreasonably worried, and after today we're going on a flight around the school to get you over your fear."
"I'm not flying outside."
"Above the castle itself, not the grounds," he insisted. "If any trouble happens we can fly right back inside."
Melissa practically growled into a groan. She tried to rebuff the bet, but others started joining in with encouraging remarks to get her to go outside.
Her patience wore thin. "FINE! Fine! But I'm still not going today. Prove to me that it's safe, and I'll give it a try."
"Finally!"
A few hours later, her dorm-mates walked into the common room while she was working on an essay. "So, how was the game?"
Adrian plopped onto the adjacent couch. His nose wedged into the palms of his steeped hands. "I hate it when you're right." He angled his head to look at her. "Did you know it would happen?"
"No. I just know that they're soul-sucking monsters that attacked me every time I had a happy thought; and you guys just offered them a whole stadium full of excited children. Scratch that, the Ministry full of grown-ass wizards just offered them a stadium full of excited children." She took a deep breath. No need to rant at another child/victim. "Is everybody safe, at least?"
"Yeah. Most are shaken but alright. Though a few dementors tried to take a swipe at Potter and Chang while they were going for the snitch. Luckily they were close enough to the Professors' box at the time, so the dementors were chased off quickly. I've never seen the Headmaster look so angry before."
"Well someone ought to be. There's some chocolate under that lid. You and the others should take some," she gestured to the tray on a nearby table. While he went for the tray, she flipped a page from her reference book. "By the way, you owe me seven sickles."
November 28
November 29
November 30
December 1
December 2
This morning's post had a new wave of distaste. Not for the overpowering scent of cologne on one of the letters, but for the words it contained.
"Everything alright?"
"...Lockhart's new book is coming out on the 17th. He's inviting me to the book signing over the holidays and wants to chat next Hogsmeade weekend."
"That'll be the 18th," Amy said. "Are you able to go?"
"Able, sure. But will I? No."
Overhearing the conversation, Garrick interjected. "If I may, his book is the one you mentioned, yes? About what happened?" She nodded. "Then it's not a matter of wanting to go. This is about making sure you two are on the same page and presenting a united front to the press."
"...Same page. Heh. Pun intended?"
Garrick scowled. "Don't change the subject. You have to go to this meeting, Melissa. You know the risks should your stories not match up."
"...I guess." She thought it over and gave a sigh of defeat. "Fine. When you're right, you're right. I'll write him a reply." I'm sure he can come to the school, instead. I'll ask Dumbledore about it.
December 3
December 4
December 5
"Did you know some people do chocolate spas where they exfoliate or bathe in chocolate?"
"...You're imagining doing that right now, aren't you?"
"Bitch, I might be!"
"Heh! Huh… If only you had a room for such a requirement."
"...Harry, you are a genius!"
December 6
Rusalka gave a judgemental sniff as Melissa walked into their dorm for the night. "Circe, Bennett, you smell like chocolate worse than usual."
A tired yet happy smile answered her, "I'm having a great night, Ru. Don't ruin this for me."
The trio of dorm-mates gave each other a confused look, but ultimately obliged for the sake of hope and sanity.
December 7
December 8
December 9
"Our end term exams are next week. Are you sure about missing Astronomy again?"
"At this point, I'm probably going to get O's in most of my classes. I can survive a couple failed exams."
"...If you say so."
December 10
December 11
December 12
December 13
December 14
"Drum roll, please!"
A pair of hands hit against the desks of the abandoned classroom as the group began to sing. "Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Jacqueline! Happy birthday to you!"
She blew out the candles and smiled wide as the others cheered. "Wow! This cake is beautiful! The kitchen elves really outdid themselves. Thank you all so much!"
Melissa glanced over at her invited guest, Lucy Yarbough, who looked nervously bashful as she muttered "Actually, um…"
The words puttered to silence, so Melissa filled in. "Credit goes to Yarbough. She baked it herself."
"Did you really?" Jacqueline gasped. She looked over the white frosted cake, decorated with white and purple pansies with a critical eye. "That's incredible, Yarbough! You really are an artist. I can't wait to try it!"
Lucy beamed at the praise. "Thank you, Pierce! I hope you like it."
"Yeah!" Adrian grinned. "Let's cut this cake! Slices, all around!"
December 15
December 16
December 17
December 18
Melissa stood at the doorway as groups of excited school children bounded out to Hogsmeade. Beside her, Amy rolled her eyes. "I can't believe you convinced Lockhart to meet here instead of just going to him."
"He had no complaints. I'd say it's a great compromise."
"If you say so; but will you be okay tomorrow? You did sign up to go home, didn't you?"
"Yeah," she said with a groan, "but better being near them once for a chance to be home than giving them three chances at me in 24 hours."
Amy gave a huff of a laugh. "If you say so."
Coming up beside them were Domonkos and Eloise, arm-in-arm. "They'll be fine. I hope your meeting goes well, Melissa. We'll see you later."
"See you!"
Two minutes later Jacqueline came around, muttering over a shopping list in her hand.
"Christmas gifts?"
Jacqueline nodded. "I'm trying to map out the best route to buying everything in a timely fashion. Oh! Do you need anything while I'm shopping? I can get things from your own list, if you'd like?"
"Huh. I suppose it wouldn't hurt, as long as it's not anything out of the way." She peered over Jacqueline's list, focusing more on the list of locations than on the objects themselves. She mentioned some items that she thought could be found in a couple of shops. She actively avoided comment when a thumb blocked an item listed beside the music shop. Though another shop confused her. "Dogweed and Deathcap? Buying gifts for yourself?" she laughed.
Jacqueline gave an embarrassed chuckle. "It's not just for me. I'm going to look for flowers for Yarbough. Something she can use for her work, as a thank you for the other day."
"Aww, that's a good idea! Huh, I wonder…"
"About what?"
"Nothing," Melissa shook her head. "I think that's everything I need. Thanks, Jacqueline. Just let me know what I owe you when you get back."
In the meantime, I better write a quick letter to Dogweed and Deathcap about their rates for bulk-buying. And then… a little chat with our resident charlatan.
"Professor Lockhart! So good to see you again!" Melissa cheered at the man's arrival.
"It's delightful to see you, too, Miss Bennett; and all of my wonderful students here. I had to sign several autographs on the way here."
"No doubt. You've been missed," she flattered. "Oh! Allow me to introduce you to our current Defence Professor. Professor Torreror-Ramirez, meet Gilderoy Lockhart - dark creature hunter extraordinaire! Professor Lockhart, I'm pleased to introduce Luisa Torreror-Ramirez, Captain of Los Caballeros de la Espada y la Cadena in Spain. I'm sure you've heard of them."
"It rings a bell…" he said with a falter. "Oh! Yes! I exchanged owls with a member of that group some time ago. Quite a friendly chap, as I recall."
Luisa held a fixed smile. "I'm happy to hear that. I have the defence classroom set up for our meeting. If you'll come this way."
Lockhart gave a confused blink. "Our meeting?"
Luisa's smile was almost predatory. "The Headmaster insists that meetings within the school be supervised by a chaperone. Especially with that escaped convict on the loose. I'm sure you understand, Mister Lockhart."
"I- well- yes, I suppose there's no harm in that."
"Wonderful. If you could lead the way, I'm sure you remember the way to the classroom?"
"Of course!" He scrambled his feet forward towards the stairs.
Out of his view, Luisa gave Melissa a careful look and gestured towards Lockhart. Melissa didn't need the reminder. She knows not to leave her back exposed to Lockhart. Even her front, really. Which is why Luisa agreed to take part in this meeting. When they arrived at the classroom, Luisa activated some privacy wards on the door and quietly cast a few other security measures without Lockhart knowing.
"Ah, it feels like returning to an old friend!" Lockhart gestured towards the classroom. "A little barren compared to last year, but I suppose that can't be helped without my personal touch."
"Yes. I've been told you and I have… different ways of teaching," said Luisa.
"Indeed. If you'd like some tips, you can read all about it in my next book. Ah, speaking of which…" He shuffled through his satchel until he pulled out a book and held it out for Melissa. "Here we are! Your very own copy of Discourse with Devils- already signed, of course, as fitting for my little helper."
Melissa numbly reached for the book, muttering, "Thank you, Professor." Taking the book, she looked over the cover. Below the title stood a dashing image of Lockhart, his wand out and aimed at a glowing, sharply-angular face with a malicious-looking eye hovering over the edge of the right-side of the cover. Behind Lockhart, at a distance on the left-hand side of the cover, a shadowy figure with yellow eyes peered at him through the darkness of a tunnel.
She felt a chill on seeing the first monster. Though it was partially obscured, and her own memory was erased, some part of her instinctively knew it was Bill Cipher leering down in the image. The second, at least, was disingenuous enough from Lucifer's blue eyes to remind her of the false nature of this book.
"So… guess we should talk about how this book is laid out."
As it was, Discourse with Devils proved to be a very different sort of book. Since it takes place in a school full of local witnesses, Lockhart couldn't jump straight into nonsense and exaggerations. Instead it started on the actual lessons he did and character profiles of students and teachers he found made interesting muses or were relevant to the overall "story". The former was a bit of a laugh since half of his lessons were actually role-play scenarios more fitting to a D&D session than to real life survival. Laughable, but entertaining all the same.
That's not to say it stayed that way. …You know, it's funny, Melissa hadn't considered it until now, but they never went on record saying that Harry "slayed" Slytherin's Monster. Dumbledore had hushed it up, after all. So, instead, Lockhart himself "found the chamber entrance" near a wall where Creevey was attacked and dealt with the monster himself. By dealt with, he meant talking to the monster about its evil ways and getting it to repent.
Melissa stared at Lockhart.
"Of course, I couldn't quite make out what manner of creature it was since it hid in the dark corners of the Chamber. I suspect she's the lovechild of a gorgon and a naga, as her gaze petrifies but doesn't turn people to stone; but also has snake-like slithering qualities, considering how she moved about from place to place."
Melissa stared on.
"Not to mention, as I said, it's intelligent enough to be capable of speech. Once I got her to see the error of her ways, she promised to no longer attack muggleborns, and act as a guardian to all of the children at Hogwarts instead of just whomever the Heir thinks is worthy of magic."
And stared-
"With that success, I naturally informed Dumbledore of the situation. He feared retaliation from the Heir, as no one yet knew who it was. So I agreed with his plan to keep mum about the whole thing, and instructed the Monster to inform me of the next time the Heir tried to use her for evil."
And stared-
"Of course, since young Harry managed to acquire that vile book, my plan was unfortunately thwarted for the time being-"
"Sorry- Professor- who gave you this idea about Slytherin's Monster?"
The question stopped him cold. The colour drained from his face as he stumbled into an answer. "Ah, well, you see, no one has mentioned the Monster since that boy was attacked, so-"
"Professor," the words came stern, "we are having this meeting for a reason. Her existence is confidential. So I need to know who told you about her so that we can run interference on anyone who'll try to get in the way about this book's authenticity."
"...An excellent point." Still pale, he wiped his brow with a decorative handkerchief. "Fortunately, I learned of the Monster from our… mutual acquaintance."
Melissa stared on, unimpressed and unanswered.
"From our meeting in Azkaban."
"...Ah."
"Considering the Monster's role in the climax of the story, it makes sense to introduce her early on in the book; with, of course, my plea for her assistance in fighting the demon. It gives the Monster a chance to show good faith in her promise to protect the school; and, of course, fit with the rumours that went around the school at the time of Hufflepuff's Monster."
Several blinks passed, followed by a small, amused smile. "He told you to do that, didn't he?"
"It-... he may have suggested a few ideas. Though, obviously my words are my words. Said so himself that I have a talent for the written word-"
"Right, right, I get that," she waved him off. "Sorry, this is all just… unexpected." Then it hit her. "The yellow eyes on the cover! It's Caireen, isn't it? Slytherin's Monster?"
Lockhart went agog. "So it does have a name! I should write to the publisher at once and make that correction!"
"If he didn't tell you her name, it's probably with good reason," Melissa countered. "Better to leave things as is. Besides, the publishers might ask questions if you suddenly have a new detail as important as the monster's name."
The words filtered through his mind. "Hmm, I suppose there's a benefit to that. Keeps the monster mysterious, too."
"Makes sense." Looking back at the cover, she returned to the initial train of thought. "So, if that's the monster, and that's the demon… Hmm, and here I thought 'Discourse with Devils' was going to be a more literal name."
"Oh," Lockhart suddenly turned up the smile, "I think you'll find I address it quite nicely! After all, we couldn't let you walk free while still-possessed." More like while charged with murder. "To cover that, you spent your pretrial time in a heavily warded room where I worked to exorcise the last Demon. Which, to every reader's shock, will be the big-man himself!"
"And that's… good?"
"Well, with time comes discourse, of course," he said with a wink. "I added some interesting allegories of goodness, wickedness, his first role as an angel and later as a punisher of the wicked rather than- you know- the usual talk."
"Well it's not in-accurate."
Lockhart suddenly looked nervous. "He's not still in there, is he?" He pointed at her as he asked.
"No."
"I made sure of that," Luisa added.
Lockhart jumped, having apparently forgotten her imposing presence. "You did?!"
"I would not suffer such a creature on a child, no matter his… origin." Her eyes flicked to Melissa accusingly. "He left willingly. It made my work easy to remove his presence completely from her subconscious; and I am teaching her and Mister Potter occlumency to better protect their minds from such intrusions in the future."
The news made the wizard visibly wilt in relief. "I'm glad to hear that. That is- of course- no offense meant, Miss Bennett!"
She gave him a reassuring smile. "None taken. Mind you, I am curious as to how you spun my association with him. Rumours abound, after all."
"Quite. Let me find that part. I think you'll appreciate the prose of it." He flipped through to the latter quarter of the book. "Here we are! It's a touch fantastical, but I know you'll just love it!"
Melissa took the book back and read over the page. It was in mid conversation, with Lucifer giving reference to some earlier talk where Lockhart had insulted him for possessing her. This time, Lockhart was… sympathetic wasn't the right word, but understanding- for some reason. Lockhart then commented that he couldn't understand why, with all his power, would Lucifer willingly subject a part of himself to a child in the first place when the "ritual" happened.
"Because it was inevitable."
Ominous. That didn't seem like something she'd want Lucifer to say. What was he playing at? She read on as Lockhart prodded him to elaborate.
"Fifteen years ago one of my minions reported an angelic disturbance on Earth. Angels come and go, doing whatever it is their 'Master' bids them. However, this report was unusual. Three angels were holding a meeting in secret. One of them, my minion identified, was Azrael.
"One angel on Earth is inconsequential; two angels, a curiosity, but three-" the Devil purred, "and one of them being Azrael, the angel of death? That, my friend, is a plot!"
I stepped closer, intrigued, and with- dare I say- a touch of fear in my heart as the angel was named. "What sort of plot?"
"Human intervention of historical proportions," he answered. "My agent witnessed Azrael deliver a bundled package- one human soul- with instructions on which human couple the other two were to bless it into life."
"Bless it into life?" I asked. "As in, make a baby?"
"Of course. God has angels bless children into existence on occasion; but it's always one angel's task. Never two. Naturally I was curious, and decided to investigate it myself."
"And what did you find?"
"Our other two plotters. Raziel, angel of magic and secrets; and Jeremiel, angel of prophecy and visions. Both stood above a sleeping couple with hands over the woman's womb, lighting it with a heavenly glow. Once they placed the soul inside, they infused the child with a blessing. Their words were high and clear."
"May you be blessed with memories of late,
"May you be blessed with memories of fate,
"May you be blessed with tale and time,
"May you be blessed with song and rhyme,
"May you be blessed with human enchantment,
"May you be blessed with hidden commandment,
"Lord, Our Father, bless this child and the soul within,
"To be your reaper against the defiler's sin."
Melissa had to pause. She read over that prayer with utter bewilderment. So, rather than just being a stupid kid with a seer gift, this story has her set up as… what? A prophet? A saint? Geez, when Lucifer made that deal to protect her reputation, Lockhart didn't fuck around! This is hardcore. Hardcore and intimidating. Still, it can't get any crazier, right?
"The blessing had several mysteries to it, natural with Raziel being around; but Jeremiel's blessings were straightforward enough to comprehend. A child blessed with prophecy, a useful tool to any who knows how to wield it. Having that considered, once Raziel and Jeremiel departed for the Silver City, I decided to make an impression on the new child."
I bristled at the implication. "You would curse an innocent, unborn child?!"
The Devil laughed at my outrage. "Curse? Me?" His mocking voice made a strange, growling sound, and he fixed into a grin. "My pitifully righteous wizard, you wound me! I merely made an introduction with the soul. A mild nudge in the right direction, so that we could meet properly once the girl was born and ready.
I understood his meaning at once. "You mean you used a compulsion on her, you fiend!" The temptation to activate the punishing jinx was strong, but I resisted if only out of mercy and to hear the rest of his confession.
"So dramatic, Gilderoy! What's a mild compulsion compared to delivering a plotted child onto an unsuspecting couple?"
"You said so yourself that she's a blessing."
"She's a tool," the Devil scoffed, "you think Angels and God genuinely care about individual humans? Ha! Look around, Gilderoy, I've done more for that girl in months than her heavenly masters have done in a lifetime!"
Melissa scoffed, thinking, And we are officially in Infernal Rant territory. She closed the book after a few more passing barbs were exchanged. It answered her question, she didn't need to read any more of it.
"Well, that's… something." She looked up at Lockhart. He looked eager, as if waiting on a verdict. Well, what can she say? The book was released yesterday! Had Lockhart waited until after this meeting she could have opted to make changes. Instead, they're passed the point of no return. "Are you confident the public will buy this?"
"A masterpiece like this? It will be a bestseller, I guarantee it!"
Not what I meant, but… whatever. What other choice do I have? "Hopefully." She made a note of the topics and each person they'll need to talk to about these literary 'revelations'. Ginny, the Twins, Creevey, Dumbledore, Harry, the Parselmouth Puffs, …so many loose ends. But it'll have to be done, and be done by the end of today, or else! "Let's continue, shall we?"
A/C: Links are evil on this site, but if you go onto pinterest with this addition (.ca instead of .com) the picture is a good showing of the kind of cake Lucy made: .ca/pin/573505333793494373/