Chapter 19
Flashback:
Amelia, with her heart still racing from the adrenaline rush of the intense duel with Stone, started making her way back home. As she walked, she was lost in thought, replaying the fight in her mind. However, before she could reach the castle entrance, she felt a strange sensation, and a shiver ran down her spine, causing her to stop abruptly.
Curiosity getting the better of her, she turned around and saw the barn owl she had been conversing with earlier. Only it was no longer a bird - it had morphed into a human form. Amelia was stunned, and her eyes widened in disbelief as she tried to understand what was happening. As she gawked at the figure, she slowly began to recognize the face. Madam Diggory had transformed before her eyes. Shocked and perplexed, Amelia's jaw dropped as she struggled to comprehend the situation.
Amelia spotted Madam Diggory across the yard and called out to her. But instead of entering the building, Amelia returned to her original spot. Madam Diggory was caught off guard when she saw Snape catching her in the middle of transforming from her animagus form. A look of shock crept onto her face as she realized that she had been caught.
"Good evening, Ms. Snape," Madam Diggory greeted her.
Amelia was surprised to see that Madam Diggory was an animagus. She blurted out, "You're an animagus!"
Madam Diggory replied, "Yes, not many people know that. Please keep this information to yourself."
Amelia saw this as a potential opportunity to learn something new. She asked, "Can you teach me how to become an animagus?"
"Becoming an animagus is an extremely tedious task," Delphi explained. "It requires a lot of dedication and hard work. I highly doubt a first year like yourself can perform such advanced magic. You need to have a deep understanding of magic before attempting to become an animagus."
"I am the daughter of Hermione Snape, formerly known as Hermione Granger and Severus Snape. My parents are highly skilled and intelligent people known for their expertise in their respective fields. I, too, possess the ability to learn anything proficiently and have inherited their exceptional talents," she said with great confidence, holding her head high.
Madam Diggory lifted her eyebrow with curiosity, impressed by the young girl's confidence. "This could work in my favor. I can gain her trust," she thought to herself.
"I have never witnessed a student at Hogwarts successfully master the art of becoming an animagus. However, if you succeed in this endeavor, what would your parents think if they caught you transforming?" Madam Diggory asked, intrigued.
"They would be probably upset at first, but they'll come around. As they have always encouraged me to pursue my passions and interests. In fact, my mother successfully created a Polyjuice potion in her second year, although she accidentally turned herself into a cat," she replied with a chuckle, reminiscing about the memory.
Madam Diggory nodded in understanding, impressed by the young girl's determination and ambition. She knew this could be a valuable asset to her and decided to keep a close eye on her progress.
"It may be possible for Professor McGonagall to teach you."
"She won't teach me, she'll say its not in the curriculum. " She asked her. There is a moment's pause. Which undoubtedly gave her an answer.
"You're not." She commented.
"What if I accidentally tell my parents that you are an animagus and apparently an unregistered animagus to boot? Since you asked me not to speak of it. If I say so myself, I believe that would cause you a whole world of trouble. Would you teach me to keep my mouth shut?" Amelia asked.
"Are you blackmailing me, Ms. Snape?" Madam Diggory questioned. The look on Amelia's face told all.
"I might be." She softly giggled to herself.
"How very Slytherin of you."
"I am my father's daughter."
"That you are. Very well, it'll have to be after curfew. Meet me in my office on Friday. If you get caught, I will deny it. Do you understand?" Delphi stated.
End of Flashback
Friday, November 23rd
Amelia was full of excitement as she headed to her appointment with the Quidditch professor. Unfortunately, the meeting had to be postponed due to her recent accident. Despite this setback, Amelia was determined to attend the rescheduled lesson. She arrived at the professor's office on time, eager to learn the secrets of becoming an animagus. As she approached the door, her heart raced with anticipation. She could hardly contain her excitement as she pushed open the creaky door and stepped inside. The room was filled with the scent of old books and magical artifacts, and the professor's desk was cluttered with various quills, ink pots, and parchments.
Amelia closed the door behind her, shutting out the noise. She took a deep breath and crossed the threshold, feeling a sense of calm washing over her. She knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and was determined to make the most of it.
Madam Diggory descended the spiral staircase from her office and warmly welcomed Amelia Snape, "Good evening, Ms. Snape." Amelia replied with equal courtesy, "Good evening, Madam Diggory."
Madam Diggory inquired if Amelia had any difficulty getting there without getting caught. Amelia replied that she had used the Disillusionment Charm, which made her invisible to human eyes.
Madam Diggory then began explaining that becoming an animagus was a challenging task that required an immense amount of skill and dedication. She provided a more detailed explanation of an animagus, citing examples of famous animagi in wizarding history. She also explained the risks involved in the process and cautioned Amelia that it should not be taken lightly. Amelia listened attentively as Madam Diggory paced up and down with her hands behind her back. She absorbed all the information and showed her knowledge by confidently answering Madam Diggory's questions.
Madam Diggory concluded the conversation by emphasizing the importance of discipline and focus in becoming an animagus. Amelia left the room feeling satisfied with the detailed explanation and ready to take on the challenge. Madam Diggory peered down at the young student with a hint of skepticism in her eyes.
"You are only a first-year, Ms. Snape," she began, her voice laced with doubt. "However, considering your father is one of the most renowned potion makers in all of England, I would be shocked if he hadn't already taught you anything before coming to Hogwarts."
The young student shifted nervously from side to side. "He has taught me quite a bit over the last two years," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I watched him brew potions from the moment I could walk and understand 'not to touch anything' in his lab. I find the subject fascinating."
Madam Diggory's expression softened a bit. "Excellent," she said, nodding approvingly. "If that's the case, you should be able to transform successfully before the year ends." She paused, noticing another student in the room, Amelia, grabbing a piece of parchment and a quill to take notes.
"Once you are finished writing down the instructions and the history of animagi, you are free to go for the evening. This is a lot to process, and we are only just beginning." Madam Diggory explained.
"Yes, Madam Diggory." She replied. Once she was finished, she looked at the clock on the wall. 'Holy cow, its 12am.' Amelia thought to herself. She finished up with her notes and once the ink dried she placed them in her nap sack.
"Have a good rest of your night, Madam Diggory. Thank you again." Amelia smiled at her. She gave her a curt nod.
"You as well."
A/N: Here's another chapter! I'm on a roll eh?! Hope you liked it! This is the beginning of Delphi's and Stefan's plan. Who'll know what will happen? R&R please! Thanks a bunch!