CHAPTER THREE
Disclaimer: J.K. ROWLING owns the Harry Potter world.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: James Potter is Jasira Sergey's cousin through their mothers. Euphemia Potter is Melinda Culbert's cousin. I wanted Harry to be related to someone on James' side so I made him cousins with Reyna and Rylan.
By twelve, everything was already in place. Jasira had moved back in her old room, and Reyna and Rylan had gotten the two guestrooms across the hall. Jasira exited the bathroom from her room and made her way to Rylan's. She needed to make sure everything was good for her kids when they got home for the holidays. Jasira quickly applied her glamour and put on her round glasses that made her eyes turn hazel.
When she entered the room, she saw a boy, who looked about ten jumping on the bed. Messy black hair and brilliant emerald green eyes hidden behind glasses, Jasira had no doubt as to who he was. Despite herself, a grin formed on her face as she cleared her throat.
The boy froze as he turned towards the door with a guilty expression. When he saw it wasn't Lily or James, or his grandparents, he said nervously," Sorry, I didn't know you were here."
Jasira, or rather, since she was back in her glamour, Felicity, smiled at him and he relaxed," I came here to make sure everything was in order for my son."
Harry's face brightened," Is he here?" then he looked guiltily at the ruined bed and got off sheepishly," sorry 'bout that," he mumbled.
Felicity waved her hand and the bed made itself.
Harry looked at her in awe," You can do it without a wand!"
Felicity grinned," Cool huh? Do you know anyone else who can do wandless magic, Harry?"
Harry gave her an odd look," How'd you know my name?"
Felicity didn't let her smile slip as she said," Your grandmother mentioned you so I figured since you're the only boy then you must be Harry."
Harry nodded, then crossed his arms," If you know mine then I get to know yours."
Felicity raised an eyebrow at his demand and he blushed," Please," he added.
She nodded," Better. I'm Felicity Cade, a good friend of your grandmother's."
Harry moved forward to shake her hand and said," Harry Potter."
Jasira beamed. Course he was.
Seeming unperturbed by her oddly enthusiastic behaviour, Harry shook his head," Mum can do a few spells but she always gets sad and stops."
Felicity frowned," Why's that?"
Harry gave a shrug," Dunno, dad says it's because her best friend, my godmother and aunt, taught her the tricks behind and she always gets sad because of her."
Felicity looked away from the boy's intense gaze as she asked softly," Do you want to meet your godmother, Harry?"
Harry hesitated," I guess. I mean, I've heard stories of her, and her power and all, but she left, and I don't know if she even loves me to come back."
Felicity's eyes stung at his words and she ducked her head. Harry didn't seem to notice as he continued," I mean, everyone else's godmothers are there for them, but mine isn't for me. I want to meet her, to yell at her for leaving me to get scolded by mum for stealing candies from the kitchen"-(Felicity let out a small laugh) "but I want to hug her and tell her I'm proud she's my godmother."
"You think she doesn't love you, Harry?" Felicity said quietly, her face expressionless.
Harry looked up with the innocence only a child had as he said matter of factly," Well, if she loved me she'd be here for me, wouldn't she? But maybe she has a reason, maybe she was wronged and that's why she left." He sighed.
"I think she loves you, Harry, she's family, family always love each other," said Felicity seriously.
"Wish I could say the same for Nat. He always follows me around," he complained.
Felicity didn't need to ask who Nat was. She felt a huge grin form on her face as she thought of Nathan Potter. The name was enough to make her happy for the rest of the day. She'd always hoped the next Potter boy would get that name.
"Well, my little siblings followed me around, but that didn't stop me from loving them," said Felicity with a smile.
Harry considered this," Nat is quite cool," he gave another shrug and moved towards the door as a woman's voice called," Harry? Harry dear, lunch is ready."
Harry turned to her with a grin and said," That's mum! Come on, I want to introduce you to her."
Felicity didn't respond and Harry frowned, looking puzzled," What's wrong? Don't you want to meet my mum? She can be a bit scary but she's brilliant."
Felicity forced a smile and let the boy lead the way to her best friend. Her whole body posture spoke of stiffness as the descended the stairs and Harry dragged her to the living room," Mum! This is Felicity Cade. She's a friend of Grandma."
Lily Potter looked up with a smile and Felicity felt herself stiffen. Her friend hadn't changed much. She was still quite pretty, with her dark red hair and fair skin, her emerald eyes shining just like her son's, but there was something in her that Felicity felt was missing. There was no recognition as the slim redhead stood up with a warm smile and Felicity felt a sort of hurt at the back of her brain that she couldn't quit pinpoint on.
"So that's who I heard you talking to, Harry," said Lily with a smile. Felicity felt herself weaken at her best friend's voice. She hadn't heard it for over ten years.
"Lily Potter," said Lily, extending a hand towards her.
Felicity managed a stiff smile that didn't quite reach her eyes," Felicity Cade," she muttered, and quickly dropped her hand. She ignored the other woman's curious look and instead turned to her own mum, Melinda who was watching with no expression.
"Mrs Culbert, I'll just get going then," said Felicity politely.
"Aren't you staying?" asked Harry looking disappointed.
"Staying?" Lily echoed in surprise.
Felicity said nothing, and when it was apparent that the brunette would barely even glance at the redhead for fear of her emotions being revealed, Melinda spoke up," Yes, Felicity's an old friend and she wanted a place to stay," (Felicity couldn't help the small glare she gave her mum and the way she phrased it but with the practiced ease of a mother, Melinda ignored it),"-so Darrell and I welcomed her here."
"Oh," said Lily in a small voice," but isn't this her place? I mean, would she even want someone staying here?" she asked cautiously.
Felicity looked at her in surprise, not knowing that her friend would actually care.
Melinda chuckled and said dryly," I'm absolutely sure she'd give her full consent at Felicity being here. After all, they do know each other."
Was her mum trying to expose her? Thought Felicity exasperatedly, ignoring her mum's gleam and she quickly said before Lily could ask anymore," I'll be going then."
"Stay for lunch," said Melinda, her voice holding the authority that had made a young Jasira obey.
Felicity hesitated before shaking her head," Really, I wouldn't want to trouble."
"Nonsense," said Melinda briskly and got up. Even though she was in her late sixties, the woman was still strong and firm," You'll stay. I cooked enough for five."
Felicity gave up arguing and, ignoring Lily's now openly curious look and Harry's oblivious one, she marched to the kitchen to help set the table. She may be an adult and a mother herself, but her mum was still in charge, and Felicity couldn't love her more.
When the Slytherins and Gryffindors sat down in the cold, Potions classroom, Snape, much like the other professors started out by roll call. There was no expression in his voice as he said each name, but only a pause that Reyna thought she might have imagined when he called her and Rylan's name.
When he was done, he looked at them with expressionless eyes. Black, but this time, Reyna could see a slight warmth to it that had never been there in the books. Perhaps it was because of her mum's friendship with him. Or because Lily Evans was still alive in this world. Whatever the case, Reyna was happy to see he was atleast somewhat happy, even if he didn't show it.
"You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion making," he began. Reyna already knew what he would say that, as her mum had narrated a few parts from the books to her and Rylan. Indeed, she saw that he spoke in barely more than a whisper, but they caught every word-like Professor McGonagall, Snape had the gift of keeping a class quiet without effort. "As there is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses…I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death-if you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach."
Rylan let out a snort of laughter and Reyna bowed her head to keep from laughing herself. She'd always found Snape's choice of words hilarious, and her twin was no better.
There was a deep silence as Snap advanced on Rylan, who merely looked quite happy to be chosen," Cade, was it?" he said in a silky tone.
Rylan grinned, making the students except for Reyna look disbelievingly at him," Rylan Cade, sir."
Snape sneered," And what, Mr Cade, do you find funny from my speech? Ten points will be taken from Gryffindor if you do not come up with a good answer."
Rylan, much like Reyna was never good at controlling what came from his mouth as he said," Just the fact that you called us dunderheads sir."
Reyna shook her head but couldn't help the smile as Snape looked dangerously at Rylan," 10 points from Gryffindor for wasting five minutes of our stupid time with your useless talk."
Reyna scowled slightly. He was unfair to Gryffindors.
"Since you seem to find my lesson a joke, tell me the difference between monkshood and wolfs bane," he snapped at her brother.
Rylan cocked an eyebrow as he said coolly," there's not much difference: monkshood and wolfs bane are the same plant, which also goes by the name aconite."
Snape looked at him in annoyance and snapped out," Where would I look if were to be finding a bezoar?"
"In the stomach of a goat," replied Rylan with another grin. Luckily for him, he wasn't the type to answer more than what he was asked, unlike his sister.
Snape sneered," Think you're good enough for answering two questions correctly? Walter!"
A brown haired boy jumped behind Rylan, looking terrified at being called to attention. Unlike Rylan though, he didn't smile at the Potions professor, whose lips curled as he said," Mention three ingredients used in the cure for boils."
Walter shook his head, looking desperately at Rylan, whose mouth was firmly shut," I don't know, sir."
"As I thought. Perhaps being in Gryffindor makes you want to slack off," said Snape with a mocking look.
"That's not fair, sir, Rylan answered your questions well and he's a Gryffindor," said Reyna quietly.
The class was deadly silent as they looked back and forth from professor to student, wondering if Snape would punish his own student. It was, after all, common knowledge that he favored his house.
Reyna stood firm and defiant as Snape turned to her slowly. Honestly, he wasn't that scary. They should see her mum when she was furious.
"You are not here to teach me how to discipline my students, Cade!" snapped Snape," As it is, perhaps you can tell me the three ingredients used in cure for boils?"
Glancing at her brother, who nodded slightly, Reyna said calmly," Snake fangs, dried nettles, and horned slugs."
Snape stared at her before waving his wand. The class held their breath and breathed a sigh of relief when instructions appeared on the board.
"Thirty minutes," he barked," begin."
Luckily for the Cade twins, their mum had allowed them to practice Potion brewing under her eye and since both parents had excelled in the art, so did the children. By the end of the lesson, both Rylan and Reyna's potions were a clear blue, exactly the way in the book.
"Ten points to Slytherin for correct potion brewing, Miss Cade," said Snape, a grudging smile on his face. He passed Rylan without another look even though his was perfect as well. When Snape's back was turned, Rylan turned to Reyna with a small grin and mouthed, if he knew who we were.
Reyna nodded and fully agreed. Both their parents had been good friends with Severus Snape, and they knew for a fact that his father had been the first friend Snape had made in Slytherin, and their mother the firs to show him who he was.
The professor eyed Delilah's light blue potion approvingly and sneered at some of the Gryffindor girls, who were frantically trying to stir quickly. By the end of the lesson, Gryffindor had lost twenty, and Slytherin had earned twenty.
"You've got cheek, Reyna," said Gianna admiringly.
"You should have been a Gryffindor," agreed Zachary.
"Yeah, why aren't you in Gryffindor?" asked Enoch.
Reyna raised an eyebrow," Would you like me to leave?"
"Hell no, with the amount of points you're earning Slytherin, we'll be able to win the House Cup no problem," grinned Delilah.
"Yeah, what's your secret, Cade?" called a Slytherin girl Reyna didn't know," I mean, you must be cheating, no one ever gets everything right on their first try. What did you do?"
Reyna's eye narrowed," And you are?" she said slightly rudely.
"My apologies," the girl mocked," Vaisey, Annalise Vaisey."
"Well, Vaisey, I can assure you that I have no secret. You'll find that studying is the only means to success," said Reyna neutrally. She didn't recognize the name, so she had no idea whether or not her family was dark.
Vaisey snorted," You must think we're thick if you expect us to believe that."
"No, just plain stupid," snapped Delilah.
Vaisey sniffed at her and turned on her heel dragging the other girl with her.
They stared after her before making their way to the Slytherin common room. Reyna led them to the stretch of blank wall confidently and Gianna said the password.
"Great, atleast we didn't spend the first day lost," grinned Delilah as they entered.
"Speak for yourself," grumbled Zachary.
"Where to sit?" whispered Gianna.
Enoch stared at her," Why are you whispering?"
Reyna would also like to know that as she stared at her friend. Gianna shrugged," We need to find a permanent spot for the next six years."
"How about there?" asked Delilah, pointing at a place in the corner of the room.
Reyna glanced at it," It would look like we're planning something."
They gave her bemused looks," Planning something? It's just a corner."
"Corners are usually places when you want to talk in secret," explained Reyna. She scanned the common room, noting that most students were there. Her eyes settled to a table and sofas next to the fire place and she brightened," How about there?"
"Warm and cosy, I agree," decided Gianna.
"S'long as we sit," nodded Zachary.
Delilah gave a loud sigh but consented," Let's go then. Don't want Vaisey there claiming we stole her property," she gave a roll of her eyes but marched them to the fireplace.
Reyna followed, looking amused as they sat down. Immediately, she started on her homework, ignoring Gianna and Zachary's protests of relaxing first and stress later.
After lunch with Lily, Harry and her mum, Felicity headed up to her room so she could gather the papers needed for her qualification as an Auror. When she pushed open the door, however, she found Lily seated on the bed, her head in her arms.
Felicity cleared her throat, raising a single eyebrow when the redhead looked up," Can I help you?" she said politely, ignoring the small voice in her head telling her to remove the glamour and embrace her friend.
Lily blinked at her and slowly got up. Felicity saw that she looked incredibly sad and she kept on wringing her hands together, a habit she had learned meant that Lily was nervous or upset.
"Sorry, but this is where my friend used to stay. It was her room," said Lily, her voice soft as her eyes ran around the room. Her emerald green eyes narrowed as she turned to Felicity, and there was a slight hard tone as she said," May I ask what you are doing in here?"
"This is my room as of today. Mrs Culbert was nice enough to put me here," said Felicity coolly.
Lily's eyebrows rose," I would have thought you'd get the guest rooms," she said, a questioning tone in her voice.
"They're for my children," said Felicity quietly, leaving the door slightly open as she headed to her desk.
"Will they be staying here as well?" inquired Lily.
Despite herself, Felicity's smiled as her two children crossed her mind. She adored them, and the thought that they weren't in the same room as her was weird. Felicity nodded in answer to Lily's question and said," Twins, boy and girl."
Her eyes caught sight of Lily in the mirror, and she saw the witch was smiling," That's wonderful to hear. What are their names?"
Felicity hesitated, after all Lily was godmother of one, even though she didn't know it. Her voice was slightly guilty as she said," Reyna and Rylan."
She didn't have to turn to hear the beam in her friend's voice," They're beautiful names."
Felicity smiled, her voice proud as she said," Thank you."
There was silence before Lily said awkwardly," What house are they in? I'm sorry, I know I'm prying but something about you makes me want to know more. And I expect we'll be seeing more of each other," she added, a slight apologetic note to her voice.
The smile slipped from Felicity's face as she straightened, holding the file in her hands and turned to her once best friend," It's alright," she said stiffly," Reyna's in Slytherin and Rylan's in Gryffindor."
She was surprised to hear Lily give a laugh," It's quite unusual for twins to be sorted into different houses, let alone two opposing houses as those."
"Yes, well, my children are unusual," said Felicity quietly.
"I'll be going for a while. There are places I need to visit," she said as a way of saying goodbye.
Lily got up as well, nodding. Felicity could tell her friend wanted to ask where but she was holding back.
Before Felicity left the room, though, Lily reached out to touch her arm. The contact made Felicity flinch and retract it quickly.
"I'm sorry, Felicity. I feel as though you're not quite comfortable around me as you are with Harry and Melinda," said Lily. There was a slight tone of confusion in her voice.
Felicity was quiet before saying," My apologies, Lady Potter, but I don't take well on first impressions. I'm rather…shy, perhaps is the word."
Lily shot her a look and said slowly," It's just Lily, Lady Potter's only for formal occasions, and I've never been one for politics."
Felicity inclined her head," If you wish, then. It was nice talking to you," she left hurriedly, mentally cursing herself for the way she had dealt with the situation.
Thankfully though, Harry and her mum were not in the living room, and Felicity took in a handful of floo powder and said clearly, hoping what she was about to do was right," Ministry of Magic."
Felicity opened her eyes as she felt her feet touch the grate. She landed gracefully and got out. Her eyes scanned the Ministry, and she noted that it hadn't changed much.
Wizards bustled around, talking in murmurs as they passed her without a glance. There was the statue there, and to her disgust, a large banner of Cornelius Fudge hung in the air. She resisted the urge to remove it and instead headed in the direction where she remembered the toilets were.
She did, after all, need to make sure her disguise was still in order. The Ministry as well highly trained officials were, and she was taking no chances of being revealed.
The polished marble floor shone as she moved quickly past the witches and wizards, her eyes staring straight ahead and not making eye contact. She caught snippets of conversation as she passed by:
"Hurry, hurry, Malfoy'll have our head if we're late again!"
"-need to get this to the DMLE before they get out of control again," muttered a middle aged wizard clutching a stack of parchments.
"-Auror Moody said to be there as soon as lunch was over," called a lady, looking harassed as three wizards passed by her, demanding to get to the lift.
"Lord Nott, wait please!"
Felicity didn't see anyone she knew personally, be it a friend, schoolmate or enemy, but she noted that the environment wasn't quite as friendly as when Voldemort wouldn't have been there, though it held none of the tense atmosphere it ought to have.
Felicity took a left when she reached a corner, and was pleased to see that the toilets were indeed there. She entered the one on the left, glad that it was empty save for an old witch who was washing her hands and checking her reflection.
Felicity pretended to check her file once more, waiting impatiently for the witch to finish. After a minutes of extensive washing and checking to make sure her reflection was well, the witch walked to the door, not giving a second look to the brunette busy with her files.
Felicity made sure no one was there and headed to the mirror. Rectangular and quite plain look, the mirror was quite big, and Felicity peered at her reflection critically.
She wore dark green robes that suited her light skin and were presentable. Her dark brown hair was twisted up in a neat bun in the back of her head, and round glasses framed her eyes-now hazel. Her face didn't look in resemblance to Jasira Culbert at all. Her nose was longer, and her face rounder. Felicity shook her head in distaste, magic was cool, of course it was being the Harry Potter fan she was, but that didn't mean altering her face was something she enjoyed.
When she spoke, she didn't have Jasira's cool voice, Felicity had made sure her voice was slightly quieter than Jasira. She had altered it carefully and had been pleased when Lily hadn't recognized it, firmly telling herself that she was not disappointed that her former best friend didn't realize it was her.
All in all, Felicity didn't think that anyone would compare her to the legendary Jasira Culbert. She still was a bit cautious, after all, she made sure the spells were reversible the minute she had cast them. Felicity took out her wand, examining it.
Of course, she had the same wand as Jasira, which in itself was a worry. The Marauders, not to mention anyone who'd seen her wand would immediately know this was Jasira Culbert's wand. In an effort to disguise it, Felicity had covered her wand with a wand holster.
Technically, wand holsters were only supposed to make it easier to summon one's wand, but the one Felicity had could hide the wand in the holster without the wand being seen. She was fairly sure that she wouldn't have to give her wand to any of the Aurors for inspection, that wasn't part of the procedure at all.
She was a bit nervous about Moody though. The Auror had, after all, been to one to teach her dueling for self-protection when she had been in third year. Her father had taken over after that, but Moody knew the way Jasira fought.
Which was why Felicity had worked to change her dueling style over the years. She was unpredictable in a duel, able to change stances quickly and smoothly. Moody wouldn't know that, just as he wouldn't know that she was under a disguise. She doubted he could see past a glamour that much she was sure of.
Invisibility cloaks yes, Polyjuice and glamours she was sure he couldn't. So that wouldn't be a problem. Just as she was about to leave, the door opened and two witches entered, loudly giggling as the door closed behind them.
"Did you see that smile on his face as he looked at me," the dark haired, curly witch giggled, batting her eyelashes.
"Come now, Bertha, you know he's married," admonished the blonde slyly.
Felicity threw them an irritated look as Bertha, whom she suspected was Bertha Jorkins, gave a loud snort," Please, that idiot of a McKinnon just got him because he was in a desperate mood."
Felicity froze. Where they talking about Sirius and Marlene?
"You know he wouldn't leave her," the blonde said with a shake of her head.
Bertha's face was sly as she said," You think he'd object to a love potion?"
Felicity couldn't help the gasp of disbelief that escaped her and the words were out before she could stop them," That's incredibly stupid of you," she scoffed.
Their eyes narrowed, evidently noticing her for the first time and the blonde sniffed," What we do or do not do is none of your concern."
"And eavesdropping on private conversations is quite rude," added Bertha.
Felicity rolled her eyes," I'll leave you to it then. I trust you know the punishments of even daring to harm a member of the Wizengamot," she said as she strolled past them, not caring of their reactions.
Felicity felt a strange emotion in her chest as she made her way to the golden gates, hesitating before going to the desk at the left, where a badly-shaven wizard in peacock brown robes looked up as they approached and put down his Daily Prophet.
"Good Afternoon," said Felicity with a polite smile.
"'Afternoon," the wizard grunted, before asking," Purpose?" said the wizard.
"I'm here for the Aurors," answered Felicity.
"You a visitor?" he asked, eyeing her suspiciously.
Felicity hesitated before shaking her head," I'm looking to see Auror Moody for the Auror program."
He looked surprised," How old are you? The Auror program starts 'soon as you finish Hogwarts."
Felicity shrugged," I'll still qualify, there's nothing in the rules about age."
The wizard eyed her and Felicity looked back calmly. Finally, he muttered," Step over here."
Looking unconcerned, Felicity walked closer to him and the wizard held up a long golden rod, thin and flexible as a car aerial, and passed it up and down Felicity's front back.
Felicity knew it was simply checking for unauthorized materials, and seeing as she had none, it was fine with her. Nevertheless, she still breathed a sigh of relief when it was over, and couldn't help the frown that crossed her face when he said," Wand."
"Why?" asked Felicity," I'm not a visitor, and you've already checked to make sure I had no unauthorized materials on me."
The wizard narrowed his eyes, and said in a slow voice," Standard procedure Miss, sure you understand."
Felicity shook her head," Not till you tell me why my wand is so important."
Looking irritated," It's for security reasons. You hand in your wand and go."
Felicity opened her mouth to argue before closing it and grudgingly pulling out her wand. He snatched it before she could change her mind and dropped it onto a brass instrument. Felicity had seen it before, she had, after all, done this twelve years ago.
The wizard tore off the parchment that came and read," Eleven and a half inches, dragon heartstring, been in use for seventeen years. That correct?"
Felicity nodded stiffly and accepted her wand back. The wizard had not blinked an eye at the thought that that was the same description and Jasira Sergey's wand, minus the years.
"Wasn't so hard, now, was it?" he said, rolling his eyes at her.
Felicity said nothing and after murmuring a thank you, left, stirring away from the crowd of Ministry officials. She made her way through the gates into a smaller hall beyond, where atleast twenty lifts stood behind wrought golden grilles.
With a great jangling and clattering a lift descended in front of them; the golden grille slid back and Felicity stepped into the lift with the wizard and witches. Luckily, there was enough space for them, and she kept a firm hold on one of the chains to avoid falling into anybody.
She braced herself as the gates closed with a crash and the lift ascended slowly and a cool female voice said," Level Seven, Department of Magical Games and Sports, incorporating the British and Irish Quidditch League Headquarters, Official Gobstones Club and Ludicrous Parents Office."
The lift doors opened, and the wizard that had stood calmly now exited, disappearing down the corridor.
Felicity waited patiently for the lift to reach Level Two, with the witches all exiting on Level Six. When Level Five reached and Felicity was alone, several aeroplanes swooped into the lift. She stared at them, bemused as she remembered that the same thing had happened when Harry was going in for trial.
Her stomach was a nervous wreck when they reached Level Two," Level Two, Department of Magical Law Enforcement, including the Improper Use of Magic Office, Auror Headquarters and Wizengamot Administration Services."
Forcing herself to put on a mask of calm, Felicity stepped off the lift into a corridor lined with doors. She passed a window through which sunlight was streaming and glanced outside. It would be a good day in Hogwarts for her children.
Thinking of her kids made her relax slightly and she turned a corner, happy that she still remembered her way around. She walked through a pair of heavy oak doors and emerged in a cluttered open area divided into cubicles, which was buzzing with talk, murmurs and laughter. A lopsided sign on the nearest cubicle read: Auror Headquarters.
Felicity nearly froze when she caught sight of familiar brown, shoulder length hair belonging to Sirius Black. His back was turned to her so she couldn't see his expression. It took every ounce of effort she possessed to not move and leave right then.
Her eyes instead, with a slight longing feeling, examined the place.
The Aurors had covered their cubicle walls with everything from pictures of wanted wizards and photographs of their families, to posters of their favourite Quidditch teams and articles from the Daily Prophet. Felicity glimpsed a picture of an attack on a village with several wounded and some dead. Her heart twisted and she force herself to look away. A black robed man was busy writing something in his quill, and further along, Felicity saw Remus Lupin talking to Kingsley Shacklebolt.
She ducked to hide the smile that played on her lips. Atleast her persuasion and near threat to Umbridge had ensured the law of Magical Creatures not getting any jobs was cancelled. Remus Lupin was an Auror, and if what was said was correct, a damn good one at that.
She nearly jumped when a voice said kindly behind her," Can I help you?"
Felicity tensed and turned slowly. Standing in front of her, very much free of insanity and her once close friend, was Alice Longbottom. It took a minute for Felicity to register that she was yet to answer and she said, stumbling slightly," Uh, I'm looking for Auror Moody."
Alice looked a bit confused but nodded," He's in his office. Come on, I'll show you the way."
Smiling at the brunette witch, she turned left and began to walk past some of the cubicles, calling out an occasional greeting while Felicity looked determinedly on the ground. Her friend hadn't changed much. She still had the same blonde hair, though now it was shorter, shoulder length and in a professional ponytail. Alice walked confidently and her blue eyes were sharp and attentive as she led Felicity past the cubicles, took a right, and turned a corner before stopping.
She gestured at the sign that said Head Auror: Rufus Scrimgeour," Scrimgeour's the head of the Auror Force, but Alastor's the Head of training. You should be alright from here."
Felicity looked up and nodded," Thanks," she muttered.
Alice gave her a bright smile," Don't mention it. I'm Alice Longbottom by the way," she said, holding out her arm.
Much like she had done with Lily, Felicity shook it briefly before letting go and saying," Felicity Cade."
Alice nodded, hesitating before saying," If I may, what exactly do you want Moody for? I mean, he doesn't often get a lot of visitors."
"I'm here to join the Auror force," she said shortly.
Alice eyed her," That's new, the last applicants were over two months ago. Perhaps we missed your name?" she said slowly.
Felicity shook her head," No, I'm from abroad. I'm actually interested since I just moved to Britain."
Alice chuckled," It's going to be difficult, especially since you must've had different lessons from us. All the same, good luck. Moody's a bit of a handful," she said with a wink.
Merlin, Felicity had forgotten how friendly her blonde friend was. Forcing a smile, she nodded and after a quick goodbye, Alice left to join her coworkers.
Felicity watched her go, before turning to the door and knocking. A voice inside barked," Enter!" she resisted the urge to smile at her once mentor's voice and instead opened it cautiously.
Inside, only two wizards occupied the room. One, heavily scarred, and wearing a brilliant electric blue socket eyes, with a broken leg and missing half a chunk of nose, was Alastor Moody, looking at her suspiciously as she peered in.
The other, dark brown hair with yellow eyes and a scarred lip, tall and thin was Rufus Scrimgeour. Felicity didn't know much about Scrimgeour except that he was a skilled wizard with a wand. That was obvious. You had to be really talented to be Head Auror.
"Are you going to stand there all day?" Moody growled at her," get in and close the damn door."
With a hidden grin, Felicity entered and closed it softly before turning to them," I was told that the Head Auror was in charge of new applicants for the Auror program," she stated, looking at them with no expression.
"Who asks?" growled Moody, blue eye swinging brilliantly from where Felicity stood.
"I did, and I got an answer," replied Felicity with a quirked eyebrow.
Moody visibly bristled and was about to snap before Rufus spoke, his voice low as he chuckled," Miss…?"
"Felicity Cade," said Felicity.
"Yes, Miss Cade, you are correct, Rufus Scrimgeour, Head of the Auror Force, Moody here was just planning the arrival of the new applicants, as Head of Training. What would you want with us?" said Rufus, looking politely at her.
"Sit down," said Moody with a grumble, gesturing at the chair next to him.
With little hesitation Felicity cautiously sat on the chair, before speaking," I'm looking to join the Auror force," she waited for the disbelief and surprise on their faces, and she wasn't surprised when they looked doubtfully at her.
"How old are you?" questioned Scrimgeour.
Moody was surprisingly quiet and waited for an answer," I'll be thirty-one this November," said Felicity.
"Thirty-one," breathed Moody, turning both eyes to her," We can't accept you, Cade. New applicants come as soon as they finish Hogwarts."
"And since when has age become a major factor in becoming an Auror?" demanded Felicity.
"Miss Cade, why exactly now? Why not years back after you finished your education?" inquired Scrimgeour, brow furrowed.
"I'm from abroad, I just moved to Britain two months ago. Being an Auror sounded interesting to me," shrugged Felicity, hoping for a reaction. She'd known it wouldn't be easy after all.
Moody's eyes narrowed," Think it's a game, do you, girl? Well, there's a war outside this building, and if interesting's the only thing you've got then you wouldn't survive five minutes outside," he growled with a scowl.
"I can assure you that I'm quite adept at dueling," said Felicity coolly.
"What stage are you in, then?" said Scrimgeour, looking doubtful.
"Stage 8. I was trained by experts, and I practiced," answered Felicity, her head high. It was a known fact that Stage 9 was the highest but 8 was pretty good.
Moody snorted," You'd have to be a known duelist to say that," there was a slight sneer in his voice.
Felicity narrowed her eyes," You want me to prove to you Moody?"
Now the sneer was well in as he snapped," You don't just walk in here claiming to be good with a wand when you barely know a thing about the war outside."
Felicity kept a firm hold of her temper as she said quietly, her lips thinning," I know enough about the war to know that it's no joke. Deaths and attacks everywhere. If you're going to turn away help that comes your way then you're going to lose."
She turned to Scrimgeour," Thirty one may be a bit late to join, but age isn't everything. I have the necessary files to show my grades. Either you accept me or I leave."
Scrimgeour looked taken aback at her bluntness before saying," I would like the files," holding out his hand.
Without another word, and point out ignoring the glower on Moody's face, Felicity handed him the shrunken files, resized them with a subtle use of her wand and sat back.
Her file was the same as Jasira Culbert's, but she had changed the names only. Hogwarts was still visible, and it was stated clearly that she had been home schooled and had come to Britain to do her OWLS and NEWTS before leaving to Africa again. Her description was in as well, and since Felicity Cade was not an animagus, she had no of any guilt. After all, Jasira was the animagus, not Felicity.
Her grades were excellent, with O's in everything and an E in Herbology in her OWLS, otherwise she had excelled in school. Felicity was proud of that. She'd worked really hard to get those grades and had been full to burst when she saw straight O's in her results.
Scrimgeour put down the files and gave them to Moody, who looked through them suspiciously before putting them down.
"What I don't get, is why you did exams in Britain yet lived in Africa most of your life," said Scrimgeour. There was polite suspicion behind the low voice, and Felicity wasn't really concerned.
"My parents were from Britain, and they wanted me to do OWLS and NEWTS here in case I decided to come back. Britain is my homeland," she added as she explained.
"Atleast you've got the brains of an Auror," grumbled Moody, gesturing at the shiny O's in her results.
"Yes, quite rare to see someone get full marks in all their exams," agreed Scrimgeour.
Felicity shrugged," Your decision?"
Moody and Scrimgeour exchanged looks, and Scrimgeour said," All the files look to be correct, precise information and background, acquired results…however, you must note that simply because you are much older than our would be candidates, if you were to start training, you'd have three years to complete."
Felicity shook her head slowly," I'm sorry, sir, but I won't spend three years in training of things I already know."
"Look here, you can't-"started Moody with a snarl but Felicity shook her head stubbornly," I'm serious, everything you're going to teach I already know of. It's only the exams that I have yet to take. But the practical part, concealment ad disguises, tracking and poisons, I know them."
Scrimgeour narrowed his eyes," What exactly are you saying?"
"That the most I'll spend in training is a year. Wasting three years doing things I already know is not something I'll agree to," said Felicity, her arms crossed.
Moody scoffed," You'll have to prove to us that you know all those."
"I can. We can start the practical as soon as you want. If you see me knowing everything in the practical part, succeeding in each task, then I get to do the exam by the end of the year. Unsatisfied with my results, albeit with a good reason, then I'll take the three years you want," stated Felicity, a hard look on her face.
There was silence as Moody hissed," What you expect us to do is favoritism."
Felicity shook her head again," The age difference is proof I'm qualified, and it's not favoritism if you see I'm right. How would the new trainees feel if someone who knew everything was training with them again? Especially a person who is more than a decade older."
Rufus chuckled," She has us there, Moody. Cade, before we agree, you need to prove that you have what it takes."
"Name it," said Felicity, a challenge in her voice.
Moody slammed a fist to the table and the two jumped," You say you're good with dueling. We'll give you one of our best to duel with, with all the Aurors watching. If you can take her down, you start training tomorrow," he said with a grim look.
"Who do you suggest, then?" said Felicity with a slight smirk.
"We'll soon see if you're smirking after. Call in Irena McKinnon," said Moody, mirroring her smirk.
Felicity felt the smirk slip off her face at the thought of facing her sister in law again, and there was fury in her as she thought about her.
Moody grinned," Finally realizing your mistake?"
Felicity's voice was even as she said," Call in whoever you want."
Rufus himself was looking intrigued and he raised his wand, paused as he said," Ms Cade, McKinnon's a fierce opponent, very few have won against her."
Felicity had to control her breathing at the mention of her, the woman she'd slammed twelve years ago for what she had done and she said tightly," Call her please."
A shower of sparks flew from the end of Scrimgeour's wand and shot straight to the door before disappearing. A minute later, there was a knock before the door opened.
"You called, Head Auror?" a feminine voice spoke with a questioning look.
Felicity didn't turn. Her anger had calmed somewhat enough for her to stand along with the man as Scrimgeour said," McKinnon, we have a new applicant. To prove herself, we've requested you to duel against her. As she says, if she wins, she starts training tomorrow."
Irena's voice was incredulous as she said," Duel against me? Why aren't the other applicants being tested as well?"
"Because, smarty here wants a one year training, unlike the others. She loses, she does three, she wins, and she does one. Understood?" snapped Moody.
Felicity felt Irena nod once," Where?"
"Training room 3. Gather everyone there," said Moody shortly.
Once the door was clicked shut Scrimgeour turned to her," Good luck. I'll be there shortly. Moody go with her."
Moody led them past through the door, limping with his good leg as he grunted. He didn't speak a word to her as he led them past the cubicles, where the Aurors were now leaving to go to Room 3. They threw her strange and almost pitying looks as she passed them. With ease, Felicity ignored them and followed quietly.
The Aurors made way for Moody to pass through, murmuring things Felicity couldn't hear. The brunette couldn't see any of her old friends so she assumed they had gone ahead. Since Felicity knew which training room it was, she didn't waste much time staring around.
In a matter of minutes they reached a door labelled 'Auror Training Room 3.' Moody paused before opening and said quietly to her," Back down now, Cade. McKinnon's sharp, she knows how to read an opponent well. Got top marks in her exams as well."
Felicity merely nodded," Thanks for the heads up, but I haven't had competition in years. It'd be good to see just how good she is."
Despite himself, Moody let out a snort of amusement and opened the door," Don't say I didn't warn you."
Moody was about to enter when Felicity suddenly blurted," Wait!"
With an irritated look, Moody turned behind," What is it? If you've changed your mind then-"
But Felicity merely shook her head and closed her eyes. She'd been so stupid! Nearly entering the training room with her own aura would have made her caught as soon as possible. She concentrated on her aura, deep inside her mind, falling easily. Her nine layers, with a difficulty that took five years to master, now changed in her insistence to seven layers, with only gold, light red and blue. It didn't look entirely fake, the power was certainly there, but to others, it was like an illusion, seeming real to them. Felicity could change it back anytime, just not then or later. Irena knew how to read auras like every other Sergey.
"If you're done with your meditation girl, let's get moving. I didn't come here so I could watch you do some calming sessions," hissed Moody, glaring at her.
"OK, I'm good," said Felicity with a nod when she opened her eyes.
Giving her a grumbling look, he entered the room fully, and just in time since the other Aurors were a few feet away from them. Felicity entered the room, remembering the last time she'd trained here fondly.
It was quite big, not as big as the Great Hall but big enough to hold around two hundred people comfortably. Of course, in dueling areas it had to be like this, you couldn't have stray spells unnecessarily.
There were already people inside, all Aurors, wearing casual robes and sitting on the chairs for any guests or audience. They looked with curiosity at her, some with smirks, and others with doubtful expressions. There was a circular fence like thing that indicated the dueling area.
Moody nodded towards there," That's where you'll be facing her. There are dueling robes to change in, unless you want to duel in those."
Felicity glanced down at her causal robes," I'm good. After all, in a real fight you won't get a chance to choose your dressing style."
Moody smiled with grudging approval," Good. Get into the ring and start preparing. Scrimgeour will have to come before you start."
With a nod, Felicity walked with as much calm as she could, her face holding no expression as the Aurors stared at her. She could feel her old friend's eyes on her as well, and resisted the urge to scan for them.
The ring was smooth, and on even ground, so you couldn't lose your footing by mistake. As she carefully made her way to the middle, where it was quite big for her alone since Irena was busy watching her and murmuring to the Aurors around her. Her back was straight and her gaze was on the wall above the Aurors.
Felicity knew quite well that Irena knew wandless magic, and that her fighting style could be unpredictable at times. But she had fought with her as well, in practice and for fun, so she knew what hers was, even though Irena didn't know Felicity's. She was deep in thought and looked up when the door opened and Scrimgeour walked in.
Irena Sergey studied her opponent carefully, noting the way her hair was out of the way so as not to distract her. Her stance was not casual per se, but it wasn't stiff and ready either. There was something about her that screamed at Irena to be careful, but she didn't know what.
"She doesn't look like much," Marlene Black said, also looking at her.
"Don't underestimate her. Appearances are often deceiving," murmured Remus behind the blonde.
"Moony's right. Why do you think she's dueling anyway? Training started last month," said James, a puzzled look on his face.
"Moody said that she wanted to train for only a year, as opposed to doing it for three," said Irena distractedly.
"Who does she think she is? Being an Auror is no easy feat, she'd have to be really skilled," said Sirius incredulously.
"That's what I said," said Irena," but Moody said that if she wins against me then she can do the one year if she wants. She loses she does three."
"Good luck. She'll definitely need it," said Frank Longbottom with a grin.
"And why do you say that, Frank?" said Irena innocently.
Alice rolled her eyes," You're a tough one, Rena. There must be a reason for Moody to have chosen you."
"If you ask me I'll bet he doesn't want her to win," muttered Kingsley, having overheard their conversation.
They didn't have a chance to reply when the doors opened and Rufus Scrimgeour walked in.
Irena got up from where she was sitting and slowly made her way into the ring, looking at the brunette witch's sharp eyes and posture. If Irena didn't know better, it was as if the witch didn't like Irena. But that was impossible, they didn't even know each other.
Felicity's eyes never left the green-blue eyes of the brown haired witch across her. Those eyes. The same as-no, don't get distracted now. Ignore and focus. She turned her attention instead to Scrimgeour who was now talking.
"Alright everyone, listen up. Miss Felicity Cade is about to face a test that will tell us whether or not she is qualified enough to join the Auror Program in less than three years," he raised his hand to quieten the shocked gasps around the room.
"She had convinced Moody and me that if she wins against Auror McKinnon that she will complete her training in less than a year. If she loses, then it is back to three years," he continued.
"But sir, isn't that a bit unfair for the other applicants who wish to join the program?" a curly haired man spoke up from behind Felicity.
"As I said, Miss Cade is not like the applicants. The reason for having you all here is to ensure that you see if she is qualified or not," Scrimgeour said calmly.
There was still grumbling and inquisitive looks but Moody stepped forward, growling," Rules are clear. No dark spells. No favoring. No deliberate maiming. You get your opponent's wand for more than five seconds you're the winner."
When it was silent and only the two witches were eying each other, Moody barked," Begin!"
No spell was shot as they studied. Felicity's wand was hidden in her robe to the viewers, but it was actually accessible with the right angle. She crouched slightly, noting that Irena was simply still in her stance.
Felicity smirked. It seemed like her dear opponent hadn't changed much after all. A minute passed before a whoosh so fast came straight at Felicity. The brunette let it be merely millimeters from her before she moved aside.
She looked at Irena but saw no expression. Still Felicity didn't send a spell her way. Still in her crouch, her eyes sharpened at the way Irena's wand was held in her hand. It was loose, easy enough for a disarming charm but Felicity knew that was exactly what Irena was expecting.
When no other spell came her way, Felicity let out a sigh and flicked her wrist. A jet of purple light came at Irena but the brown haired witch simply ducked and threw a spell of her own. Finally, Felicity thought with an internal smile.
The spell didn't quite reach her when Felicity side stepped it and threw three spells in quick succession at her. Irena didn't let even one touch her as she conjured up a shield. Felicity took this opportunity to dart quickly, closing the first few paces as more spells erupted from her wand.
Again, Irena's shield did not falter. Faking a pause as though tired, Felicity stopped casting and jumped backwards when a spell hit the ground merely moments from where she had been. Irena threw five spells at her, watching with a resolute face as Felicity simply ducked the first two, side stepped the third, and conjured a shield for the other two.
That was when the battle become fierce. Both witches threw spell after spell, and none of them hit their mark. Irena's face was betraying her surprise as she fought and Felicity took a small advantage to that. She was tired of ducking the spells that came at her, so instead, she pointed her wand above Irena, muttered a spell as it went up.
Distracted for only three seconds was enough for Felicity to transfigure a couch out of thin air, enough to duck down, letting the spells fly above her.
She resisted the urge to turn invisible, knowing that Moody wouldn't agree to that sort of method. Felicity decided to change her style for a bit. She pointed her wand to her left and transfigured another couch, before pointing to the right and doing the same. There was confusion as the Aurors wondered what she was doing.
Wondering that herself, Felicity rolled to the left of the couch she was under, not knowing where Irena would be. She cried out when a spell touched her forehead, making boils spurt forth.
Pushing down the feeling of anger, Felicity got up boldly, conjuring a shield charm to absorb all the ten spells thrown at her by Irena McKinnon. A whistle came from behind as Felicity summoned the couch to her right, a powerful Accio that caused shouts around the room as it came straight towards Irena and Felicity.
Looking alarmed, Irena was distracted and Felicity took her chance to shoot the knock back jinx towards Irena quickly before she turned to the fast approaching sofa and muttering the shrinking charm. She ducked as it hit the pole and turned back to shoot the body binding curse at the brown haired woman. Stiff as a board and taken by surprise, Irena fell backward, her wand falling to her side.
Quickly, Felicity summoned Irena's wand and was about to catch it when it suddenly zoomed back to its owner's own hand. Grinning, Irena stood up and shot a curse at Felicity, who didn't even look surprised at the wandless ability.
There were claps around and whistles as the Aurors muttered and shouted. Deciding to end this quickly, Felicity threw a spell only she knew-since she'd invented it, after all. It caused Irena to lose her footing suddenly as the spell was directed at the ground. Distracted, Irena stumbled and Felicity muttered the disarming charm, catching the wand this time and holding it firmly.
With a last try, Irena waved her hand to mutter a spell but Felicity firmly shot the silencing charm at her. Knowing that Irena could also do nonverbal magic, Felicity merely turned to Moody," I believe five seconds are up," she said smoothly, a slight mocking tone in her voice.
There was a deep silence before clapping erupted from around the room. Felicity maintained a calm façade and threw Irena's wand back at her, while also removing the silencing charm. She saw the woman sported a stunned look herself, and a grudging respect was in her smile as she caught her wand.
"You're in, Cade. If you can handle the workload that is," said Moody with an approving nod.
"Congratulations, Miss Cade," said Scrimgeour gruffly, before adding," Come to my office so we can work out your schedule."
Felicity inclined her head and made to leave the ring when Alice was suddenly in front of her," Wait, Felicity! That was…wow, I've never seen someone face Irena so calmly," she said in an awed voice.
"Let alone win," added Frank with a grin.
Felicity shifted, avoiding their eyes as she said," Yeah, well, there's always a first."
"That there is," said Irena, coming to stand next to her.
The Aurors were starting to come as well, offering their congratulations and awe. Uncomfortable and not really knowing how to respond, she was glad when James suddenly shouted," Oi you lot! Give her some space."
The people reluctantly started to disperse, still shooting her looks as they left, talking loudly.
"Where did you learn to fight like that?" asked Sirius looking curious.
"I simply practice," said Felicity, then mentally winced.
Those were the exact same words she's said the first time he'd asked her years back. Sure enough, something unrecognizable flashed in his eyes before he turned away.
"Yeah well, Sirius Black," he muttered.
"I know," answered Felicity, then to their raised eyebrows said shortly," You're the Lord Black."
With that, she left them, making her way out of the training room as fast as she dared. Unwilling tears came at her eyes but she forced them away.
No.
She wasn't at fault.
They were the ones who made a mess. Furiously rubbing her eyes, Felicity made her way to Scrimgeour's office.
"She reminds me of Jas," said Remus softly.
The name caused them to duck their heads, almost in shame and James said firmly," Don't, Remus."
Unbidden tears had come to Alice's eyes," We can't hide forever James."
Irena had turned their back on them as Sirius said bitterly," She's hiding from us."
"With good reason," Frank said, before continuing gently," She has every right to be away. What we did…I wouldn't want to even see us."
"Twelve years," whispered Irena suddenly.
They all turned to look at her. Out of all of them, she had taken to Jasira's departure the hardest.
"I didn't think she'd be away for so long," continued Irena, looking at the ground.
"Where do you think she is?" said James abruptly.
"We've searched for her in Britain, as well as outside, if she's heard us than she's not coming," said Remus, a weary tone to his voice.
"Aidan…he promised us to take care of her. We don't even know if she's alive for Merlin's sake!" Sirius cried, running a hand through his hair.
They all flinched at the name and James snapped," Don't say that. It's Jasira, of course she's still alive."
"Do you think…do you think perhaps she has and we just don't know?" Alice was hopeful as she looked at them.
Frank squeezed her hand gently," We all wish that, Alice, but it's unlikely. Someone would have known."
They didn't leave the room for a couple of minutes, and when they did, it was in a subdued manner.