Chapter 11: The one where Linus learns to let go.

Disclaimer: I am just a mere visitor in the sublime world constructed by J.K Rowling. Anything that rings a bell is hers.

Zia is aunt in Italian.

Ti amo piccola Principessa- I love you little princess.

Te amo, hermano mio- I love you, big brother.

Nieta – granddaughter

Chapter 10

I left the dungeons elated. Thank heavens I did turn out to be a natural at potions. Good ol' Descartes never fails me, "I think therefore I am."

I was about to walk up the stairs to go to the Entrance Hall when I heard the sound of running water. That was strange; it was the dungeon after all. I walked to the end of the corridor. There was nothing there. But I could still hear the noise. I leaned my head against the wall of the corridor, and I could hear the sound of the water running clearer. This was beginning to bother me. I started tapping against the stone, it was hollow.

I aimed my wand at it, "Alohomora". Nada. "Revelio". Nothing.

I ran my hand over the brick again, looking for maybe a handle or something. Then I thought of Diagon Alley. And how you had to hit the bricks with your wand in a certain order. I started tapping random bricks but either the pattern didn't work, or this just wasn't how you got the wall to open. If it could open. I inspected the wall from top to bottom. And there in the bottom I saw it. A small serpentine engraving. It looked familiar though…

Still lost in thought I walked into the Great Hall. It was practically empty, save the table we sat at for breakfast. I could see Lenzo chattering away to Flitwick. And that's when it caught my eye. The snake shape was right here in the great hall. I walked up to the four empty hourglasses and stared at the emblems above it.

"Slytherin. That's the name of the house you're looking at. Here at Hogwarts, we have four schoolhouses. You'll be sorted into one on your first day."

I looked up at Nonno, he was good at sneaking up on people. I was fine with it though, I liked surprises. "How do they decide which house you'd be in? A test? Wait no, don't tell me, I want to be surprised. What house were you in?"

"Gryffindor, the one in scarlet. Depending on what house you're placed in, that's where you will reside. You will take classes with your housemates. Are you nervous? About school."

"Not in the least bit. I don't care what house I end up in. As long as I get to stay in this castle. Speaking of which, I need you to Dumbledore something for me."

He laughed, "I wasn't made aware of the fact that I was now a verb."

"Well consider yourself notified. There's this wall down in the dungeons and I just know it's a door to somewhere. The thing is, I can't find the trick switch, and I tried the basic spells. That sign is engraved on it."

"Ahhhh, been here two days and already found a Slytherin hide out. It's probably an old room of some sort of Salazar Slytherin's, the founder of Slytherin house. Though I don't advise you to open it, not that you could."

I looked at him defiantly, "And why not?"

"Well Salazar had a knack for keeping secrets that are best left hidden. But I'll make you a deal, since you seem so fond of them. Find a way to open it, and I'll accompany you to make sure you're not stumbling on another one of Salazar's secret chambers."

I looked at him, slightly awestruck. How did he already know about the deal I made with Sev; it happened minutes ago.

"And between you and me, Severus does have an aversion for boiled carrots; don't let him tell you otherwise."

"And beetroot. And asparagus, actually he dislikes all vegetables. You're not trying to prank him are you, Miss Thornton?"

I turned around and looked at the stern lady.

"Why Zia Minnie, whatever would give you such a thought?" She raised her eyebrows at what I called her but made no complaint. "And please, it's Ky. If that's too common for you, how about you pick something else, I give you creative license."

She gave me a look. She turned to Nonno, "Good luck with this one." And started to walk away.

"I wouldn't be telling him that Zia, you know they say it takes a village to raise a child."

"And just one well aimed curse to put one down."

"Ahh Sensei, I was wondering when your shining personality was going to show up. And Linus too! It's like two for one day at the sallow disposition fair."

He didn't reply to me though and went to the table. Linus walked up to Nonno. Lenzo approached us as well. Everybody had the good sense to busy themselves with dinner.

"Len and I won't be around for a while. I'm heading back to New York, business stuff. And Len is going to France to liaise with the Paris branch. Are you going to be ok with this?"

"Sure, I have to catch up with work anyway. Do you guys have to leave so soon… we just…"

"Unfortunately, we do Ky. But you're going to be in safe hands." The statement trailed off like a question towards the end. I felt like this was all staged. But why. Ahh, it dawned on me. This was a test. I looked up at Nonno. He winked at me. Well, if this was a test on how well I fare with Nonno, we'll Dumbledore it.

"Anyway, you still have that parchment right. France isn't far at all. Filius has taught me a lot today. Apparition should be a breeze."'

Trust Lenzo to catch up on wizard transportation the quickest. I looked up at Linus, he had a funny expression on his face, like he was trying to stomach something that just didn't want to go down. I realised what he was doing. This wasn't a test for Nonno, it was a test for me. Fourteen years of having Linus and Lenzo to depend on for everything and in less than a month I was going to be alone. He was trying to ease me into the transition. Oh Linus, always over-thinking things.

"I know what you're doing Li, but it's not necessary. Come September I'll be ready to handle life without having you guys around all the time. I don't need this little transition thing you're trying to pull. We should really be spending the most time we could together before term starts. I'll miss you incredibly of course, but you don't have to worry about me."

"I'm not worried about you Ky. I mean of course I worry about you, but I know you're in capable hands..."He sounded like he was trying to convince himself at the last statement. "But this transition isn't for you. It's for me. And Lenzo...We're so used to having to look out for you and hold your hand through things. I think we have to learn to let go, otherwise come first September we'll be all kinds of messed up."

"And by let go, he means loosen the grip a bit. You know you can't get rid of us that easily. And I still have that parchment thing, so if you need anything at all…anything. Don't hesitate. I love you, kiddo. Try not to burn the castle down."

I looked at Lenzo. He was never one for words; I ran up and hugged him tight. They were right, life was going to be completely different. He let go and walked up to Nonno.

"Good luck with her Old Man. You're going to need it. You think that Grindelwald was a fighter, just try telling her she can't do something, and no number of flashy spells would save you."

"Thank you Lenzo. Have a safe journey, write when you reach Paris. Do not forget that my guardianship doesn't reign over just Ky. It may seem like too little, too late, but when you have lived for as long as I have you would see that a moment can last a millennium, and years fly by in seconds. Let me have my moment to be a grandfather to a grandson, for I have been robbed of too many seconds."

Lenzo nodded. Linus turned and looked at me, turning away from the display. He was kneeling down in front of me.

"Now, I packed all your stuff that I thought you might need. Electronics don't work here so unfortunately your PS3, and your laptop will be back home. If you need anything, just ask. I left a pouch of money as well. But I'll be back to take you school shopping, and I packed a few snacks that I'm sure they don't sell here. I know how you get when you don't have your Pringles. I know your Lava Lamp won't work here but it just seemed weird picturing you asleep without it. I know it gets pretty cold over here, so I sent a few blankets as well…I know everything is heated by magic but on the odd chance that I don't know, there's a magic surge and all the magic goes off for the night, I don't want you freezing to death. And I…"

"Linus, I'll be fine. Have more faith in Nonno, you honestly think he'll let me freeze to death. Why do you doubt him so much?"

"I don't doubt him. The fact that I am leaving my most precious prized psychotic possession in his hands is proof of that. I know Len was joking, but seriously. Don't burn the Castle down. Ti amo piccola Principessa."

"Te amo, hermano mio." He kissed my forehead and went to Nonno.

"Thank you for your hospitality. If anything arises, big or small, don't be afraid to let me know. I sent a letter to the ministry and asked for a floo to be set up in my home. Seems your name carries quite a lot of weight around here."

"Almost as much weight as you seem to take on your shoulders, Quilinus. I may seem like an old man, but I have the strength to share the burden, if you let me?"

Linus didn't answer, nor shook his hand like Lenzo did. He just gave a small nod and walked away with Lenzo. I looked up at Nonno,

"Don't worry about Linus. He'll come around; he's quite set in his ways and doesn't take to change easily. Ignore those looks he gives you; I don't know whether you noticed…"

"Oh, I have noticed Kyrianna, nobody is as familiar with that look as I. I just wish he would see that I am just as disappointed in myself that I did not find you three sooner."

I looked up at him and for the first time I saw his age. This man was good at hiding his feelings with flamboyant phrases and eccentricity. The whole world knew Albus Dumbledore, knew of his merit and his bravery, but they didn't know him. I felt privileged that he was showing a little of himself to me. He then smiled down at me, "Best we start on dinner otherwise you'd be late for Astronomy. I can't have my own nieta being tardy."

"Ahhhh astronomy is boring, I'd much rather have another go at transfiguration."

"Ahhhh Kyrianna, that is where you are wrong. I had some of my best Hogwarts days spent up on Astronomy Tower."

"Really? I didn't peg you as the type to like Astronomy class?"

"Who said anything about astronomy class?" He smiled and started walking ahead of me.

"But then…." I gasped, "Nonno! You sly dog you."

"Now now, young one, get your mind out of the gutters."

"So, are you saying that I am wrong?"

"Yes, that is precisely what I am saying." He chuckled softly.

I frowned in response, "But you said you weren't attending class, if you weren't attending class then the assumption would be-"

"The assumption would be that you should run along now, or else you would be late. Aurora doesn't appreciate tardiness."

He smiled, the twinkle sparkling in his eye and his face silently saying that he shall speak no more about his adventures on Astronomy Tower…yet…His eyes placated me that one day he would tell me…one day, but not today, and I smiled back easily, there was no hurry. None at all. We had our whole lives to swap secrets; I bounded up the stairs and towards the Tower with enthusiasm, physically displaying my inner excitement at the prospect of sharing a future with this man…my Nonno.

Happy reading. Reviews appreciated.

Kalina