Most of the train ride had been pleasant enough. Draco offered his thanks and went out the door, saying something about putting some Gryffindors in their place. Rhea, guessing at who he meant, wished him luck. Most of the time she spent talking to Susan and Hannah, the discussion ranged from haircare (Hannah kept asking about Rhea's unusual hair colour) to what electives they were all taking. Susan, Hannah and Rhea were taking Runes together, while Susan and Rhea were taking Dueling and Arithmancy, Hannah was taking Divination and Muggle Studies. Rhea admitted she was going to be taking NEWT Healing, as she already qualified for the course.
When Luna mentioned she would like to take Care of Magical Creatures, Rhea asked about the Wrackspurts she had mentioned earlier. Neither Hannah nor Susan seemed interested. In fact… they seemed to not believe the magical creatures Luna mentioned existed. But something felt off to Rhea. Some of the descriptions matched a memory. Rhea's hands cupped Luna's face, earning an eep out of Luna's mouth. Later Hannah and Susan would bug her about how close she brought her face to Luna's, who had been blushing up a storm. Rhea would admit much later that she might have gotten carried away. But her eyes never left Luna's. Deep in Luna's silvery eyes, she could see something familiar yet different. It reminded her of Mom and her… "Oh!"
Rhea pulled back and smiled at a deep red Luna. "You have Fae Sight." Luna's blush went down as Susan coughed, "And what is Fae Sight?" Rhea tapped her chin, "Do you know what Mage Sight is?" Susan thought for a second, "I've heard Auntie mention it. The best Curse-breakers and Wardmasters have it. It lets you see ambient magic that is otherwise invisible." Rhea nodded, "Technically they can see all magic that tends to be hidden, with a few exceptions. I have Mage Sight and I had to learn how to turn it off because it can get overwhelming. The older Ancestral Homes like my Dad's can be quite painful to the untrained." She then looked at Luna. "Fae Sight is similar, but it's tied to the specific magic of the Fae. An example would be your typical house elf. They could clean a room completely out of sight of normal mages but those with Fae Sight can still see them even when hidden."
Rhea sat back, "Fae come in all shapes and sizes. What Luna calls a Wrackspurt could be a type of fae insect that tends to feed on magic. Considering we magicals tend to leak out magic, especially when angry, scared or confused, it makes sense that they would follow certain people." Rhea focused on her Death Magic, slowly bringing it to the surface and wrapping herself in it. Susan and Hannah seemed to shudder for a second, but Rhea's eyes were on Luna. "Any Wrackspurts on me now?" Luna squinted at her and gasped, "They're gone." She looks at Susan and Hannah, "You two have a few but they seem to be as far away from Rhea as possible." Rhea laughed and hid her magic, the cabin seemingly getting warmer.
"That confirms it. My family magic isn't exactly pleasant for most people. Apparently, the Fae agree. Since I will be in Ravenclaw and have some practice with Mage Sight, I can try and teach you to control it… if you want to." Rhea looked at a beaming Luna who nodded. Susan and Hannah started to ask Luna some questions, now that they knew she wasn't making stuff up. Much of what Luna mentioned matched her reading on Fae… except for the Nargles. Fae don't mind stealing, but they do it to challenge others. To prove they are better. For a Fae to steal and not reveal themselves…that doesn't sound like a Fae. It sounds like something a… kid would do. Before she could ask Luna, however, the train stopped abruptly. They could hear the students nearby complain. Rhea felt them then.
Rhea can never forget the cold of the grave. It's with her whenever she uses Death Magic. It buries itself deep in her bones on Samhain. The Peverell Grimoires had been able to explain a lot of what Rhea now recognized as traces of Death Magic. The Dementors were like Thestrals and Grim, though each species holds its own mysterious connection to Death. They were all Death's creatures, though the Dementors couldn't hide from magicals in the Veil as the Grim could, their presence was always there, magical person or not. Regardless, they were on the train looking for her cousin and Rhea had made a promise to herself. She would look after her family, no matter what. She stood up and waited, telling the others to stay behind her. In the dim light of the sun passing through clouds and rain, a dark shape stood behind the pane of glass. A long, bony hand reached out and pulled the door open. The girls behind her started to whimper. Rhea began to feel the effects, as she refused to shield herself against them.
There weren't any images, voices or memories this time, but the feelings… those lingered. They would always linger. The pain across her back, the sensation of blood dripping slowly across her body, staining her nightwear red. The feel of her skin is tight, unwilling to yield under her scabbed scars. How those same often opened up as her fingers bled from the thorny plants, the hot summer sun burning its own reminder into her skin. The feel of uneven skin on her arm as broken bones would leave her useless and helpless, stuck waiting until her hand could grip something, anything again. They hadn't cared that she was unable to use an arm. She learned to use both. A blessing and a curse. Worst of all was the feeling between her legs. The weight of a man on her, forcing himself upon her. How he wouldn't care if she was hurting, would even delight himself when she screamed in pain or groaned in agony. Her face would be swollen from his hands many times after he had his way with her, leaving her unable to speak. Not that she could have spoken, even if she had wanted to speak. Her throat would either be hoarse or her jaw would be hurt. She had been practically mute by the time she was found.
Even in her hell, she had found peace. It had always come on the roughest nights. These moments were when all other thoughts simply vanished. She could forget her broken arms, her bleeding back, her empty stomach and her torn insides. She could forget she existed in a house that delighted in her pain and suffering. She would even forget the cupboard under the stairs. She would forget the names she had; Girl, Freak. Other names too, but not worth repeating. Mom had been mad when she did. She even forgot she was supposed to be called Halley. She had liked that name at first when her first teacher spoke it. She came to hate it as even speaking it made her nights worse. In her peace filled nights, she would simply be herself. A thought, a moment. Nothing more. She would always wake up though. She had hated waking up. Not because of the cold, that had always felt like home. Like peace. The cold never really lasted and it wasn't until she had her Mom that she finally stopped wishing for those moments of peace. Peace had been replaced by happiness, the cold of her peace by the warmth of her mother's love.
She knew what that cold in her memories was now. She was sure her mom knew too. They only spoke of it once after the first Samhain, when the cold filled the houses and streets nearby. That was when she learned what had been with her every moment of her previous life. She didn't mind it but others did. Most people did. It's why they hated the Dementors. The cold was always there, a constant reminder. The cold of the grave. The Veil's eternal and unforgettable proof. No one who lived wanted to be reminded of death. She had once upon a time, but not now. Now she had a reason to live. The cold was peace to her, but she will always clamour for the warmth. The cold, however, would never be a source of pain for her. The Dementors, a source of pain and fear for all Wixen of Great Britain simply could not harm her. She was, like them, tied to death after all.
"Creatures of death that walk amongst the living, you will restrain your aura in the presence of the innocent. Only the vile and depraved deserve your touch." Her strange language cut through the still air and the cold withdrew from the children behind her. "Mistress." That one word made Rhea's head spin. These creatures not only recognized her…they also saw her as superior. This… could work. "I know the one you hunt. She is a child of my House. You will tell the others. Her soul must face MY judgement first. If you find her, restrain her for the other wand wavers to hold. Or seek to inform me without harming another. Now go. The one you seek isn't here." The creature bowed to her. "As you wish, Mistress." The cold followed the creature out. Within moments the train was moving again. "And I thought Potter speaking Parseltongue was creepy." Rhea groaned.
She spent the rest of the ride explaining that she had inherited the magical language from an ancestor, that it was not dark magic but grey and that yes, it sounded creepy. They did appreciate that Rhea had asked the Dementors not to get too overzealous around the innocent, so that definitely earned her some goodwill again. She stepped off the train and joined the girls in the carriage leading to the castle. After she and Luna spent some time petting the Thestral, who kept licking at Rhea's hand, making Rhea giggle. Once at the castle she bade the others farewell and moved towards where Sirius had mentioned McGonagall would wait for her and the first years. She smiled as she saw a cat waiting at the centre of the room, carrying too much magic to be familiar.
She bent down and petted the cat, getting it to purr. "Sorry to burst your bubble, professor, but I have been with my dad for 3 years now, much of which he spent as a dog. I know how to spot an Animagus the moment I see them." The cat grew still under her touch and proceeded to swipe at her hand with her paw, getting a chuckle out of Rhea. A fully human McGonagall huffed at her. "I sincerely hope your father decided not to teach you how to become an Animagus." Silence filled the chamber and Rhea smiled at the professor's dawning face of horror. "Oh, he did teach me, professor. I simply decided to use the meditation method instead of the potion. A much slower process but ultimately more rewarding. Dad places me as an Animagus by the end of 5th year. Mom places me at the Yule Break of 4th year. Either way, no animagus from me for about 2 more years."
The Scottish woman just stared at her. "The absence of your own opinion on when you believe you will become an Animagus doesn't fill me with confidence." McGonagall shook her head, "When you enter the adjoining Chamber with the first years please remain behind. You are welcome to wait outside of the Great Hall until the doors open again. Your father spoke highly of you and your scores are at the top of your year group. Please, don't make me regret this." Rhea smiled, "Not to worry professor, any pranks on my part will be in my 7th year. Wouldn't want you to put the blame on Dad." Rhea walked towards the wall as Hagrid brought the first years up. Seeing a few of the kids are wet and most are shivering, Rhea approaches them and silently casts drying and warming spells, which earn her thankful looks from both the students and the Deputy Headmistress.
While she waits with the kids she cuts off their weird ideas on the Sorting, simply telling them to focus on the things they value most and to enjoy themselves. This is their night. The ghosts enter the chamber and have their fun scaring and playing with the little kids until they spot her. Rhea feeds them a bit of her magic, which seems to ease their concerns. The ghost of a young woman with dark hair and wearing a silvery dress keeps stealing glances at her. Alone at last Rhea lets her magic connect with the castle's but frowns at what she finds. The castle is unhappy. The wards are an absolute mess that would make Aunt Catherine faint, especially after her reaction to Grimmauld's wards. As Lady Ravenclaw, she had a lot of work to do.
The doors to the Great Hall open and Rhea can spot the students divided along four massive tables. They hardly cover half the space. McGonagall's voice made her focus on the Sorting again. "Our next student spent the last two years homeschooled due to family matters. She tested as the highest scorer for the end of year exams in both first and second year courses. So please welcome our newest 3rd year, Miss Rhea Black." Rhea walked steadily forward, Occlumency held as strong as possible. She could hear a few words as she walked to the front; "The heiress?" … "She really looks like a pureblood"… "Her hair is so pretty"… "Bet you she's a slimy snake." As soon as she sat on the chair and the hat was placed on her head, she could feel the magic try and connect to her. I can't sort you if you don't lower your barriers. Rhea shrugged, As long as you remember your oaths and they remain safely in place, Laris. She could feel the Hat grow still at his name. My oaths remain from the time the Founders shaped me. They are unbroken. Rhea opens her barriers but keeps them ready against sudden attacks.
Ah, it has been long since two of your lines graced these halls aware of your heritage. While Godric, Salazar and Helga's lines ceded their influence and authority, yours remains whole and even strengthened. Hogwarts will have great need of you in the following years. While we both know where you will reside, let me see what more there is in you. You have lived through a hell like no other and conquered many of your demons. Godric would have welcomed you at his side. Your loyalty to the family that loved you is as feverish as a Dragon's need to protect its young. Helga would have loved to see you care and nurture her badgers. Your eyes never go still, your ears ever listening. You would use all opportunities available to you. Salazar would weep at seeing you in another's house. But your mind isn't driven by ambition, courage or loyalty. All these are tempered by your knowledge and its pursuit excites you. Rowena would be proud to see you in - "RAVENCLAW!" Do give Helena a kick in the ass for me, Necromancer. She has wallowed in her own self pity long enough. Rhea laughed Gladly. See you about, Laris.
Rhea reverently returns the hat to McGonagall as the Eagles cheer for their new member. Rhea, her tie now matching the house colours, walks a bit and sits down next to Luna, making many of the older Ravenclaws look at her oddly. She looks to the staff table and can see two… no, make that three people besides Dumbledore who might be a problem. Severus Snape had refused Lucius' invitation to have his Dark Mark removed. He mentioned that he needed it to keep his cover at Hogwarts from the two who claim to be his Master. Meaning he could take her relationship with her Dad as a means of cementing his cover. Remus Lupin had made his bed with Dumbledore and Potter, and Sirius had made his position on the werewolf clear. The announcement of his condition during the feast drew many whispers and discussions, regardless of Dumbledore's empty assurances. Rhea could feel many eyes on her as she ate. No, the biggest problem for her was the Muggle Studies teacher.
Sure, she wasn't taking the class, not that she even needed it, and would therefore not have any reason to be near her. But that didn't mean their paths could not cross. That she would likely seek her out to help James mend fences with Sirius. So Rhea needed to keep herself as far away from Lily Evans-Potter before her rage drove her to quite literally strip her soul from her body. She knew she could do it. She refused to test it, but she did learn how to grasp a soul and bind it in place, the ultimate form of paralysis. Laris had told the truth, most of her demons were gone. She only had a bone to pick with Dumbledore, which she delegated to her dad (he was having too much fun), James Potter (he is lucky that as Head Auror he won't have a reason to be near her) and Lily bloody Potter. So Rhea controlled her magic and ate her meal, trying her best to keep her thoughts away from murder. Now if only thoughts of Susan's hair and Luna's lips could also vacate her mind, she could claim a measure of peace.
After the Feast, she followed the other Ravenclaws to their common room and listened to Professor Flitwick welcome the first years to the House before he turned towards her. "Miss Black, a moment of your time. As I mentioned to the first year students, our dorm rooms are for two students each. This does present an issue when we get an uneven number of students in a year. Currently, Miss Lovegood is the only student without an assigned roommate. I assume, based on your seating arrangement at the feast, that you wouldn't have an issue sharing a room with her, yes?"
Rhea shook her head, "Not at all sir, though I am wondering as to your policy for warding one's trunk in their rooms with intent wards and a stunning defence." Flitwick looks at Rhea carefully, "Usually I would say that they would be discouraged, but your specifications make me wonder what it is you are expecting to find." Rhea smiled, "Well, I had a pleasant conversation with Luna on the train, where I properly diagnosed her with Fae Sight, something Hogwarts should have checked on her arrival at school. Many of the creatures she names have a Fae counterpart and I was able to categorize them. All except one. To Luna, Nargles seem to be a mischievous bunch of thieves who steal her things. She would later find said items scattered through Hogwarts. No Fae will steal without being spotted, as there is no sport if their challenge is ignored and no Fae would discard a stolen item, as they are all known to be hoarders. The behaviour is completely against Fae nature… but entirely consistent with children bullying other children." Rhea lets her words sink into the mind of her Head of House. He sighed, "If you keep the ward to stunning only, with no other debilitating physical or mental effects, then I see no issue if you apply it to Miss Lovegood's trunk. Should it trigger, please inform me at your earliest opportunity."
Safe to say that Rhea successfully convinced Luna to apply the ward to the trunk and showed her how to charge it. She also got Luna to add her blood to the enchantments on Luna's necklace. The little blonde would never have any trouble with her mom's pendant.
The first week at Hogwarts had been a mixed bag for Rhea. Sure, much of her coursework was ridiculously easy to do, so much so that she did most of her work wandlessly. She really didn't understand why so many of the students looked stunned by it. A wand is a foci, not the real source of magic. British magicals were weird. She had been happy to see her schedule full of classes with Hufflepuff as she ended up having some nice conversations with Susan and Hannah, even if the latter was more focused on gossip and appearance. Yes, her black hair now had natural bronze highlights and wasn't a mess to brush. How was this so important? Of course, she would put it in a braid when it was necessary. Like in potions.
The moment Snape did his attendance check, she knew she had to have a private conversation with him. No one saying her family name with that much venom in their voice should be of the opinion that she wouldn't do something about it. However, she had to settle for asking the man to have a meeting in his office. She wasn't going to miss her classes over one man's schoolyard feud. Even if History was dreadfully boring. She was going to let Binns have one more week. If the extra Death Magic she was feeding him wasn't enough to get him to teach properly, a visit from a Necromancer with the ability to exorcise him should settle the matter. One way or the other.
Defence Against the Dark Arts had been more annoying than anything. Lupin clearly knew his stuff and tried to make the class interesting. For everyone but her. His blatant favouritism towards Gryffindor was appalling to see, especially when directed at his godson, Henry Potter. It was clear that Potter, and Longbottom, had received some instruction outside of school if the level of skill in the other students is anything to go by, but rather than helping his housemates, he just refused to pass it along. He just basked in the praise heaped on him and left everyone else struggling. He really was a prat. She hated that the duelling class was co-taught by Lupin and Flitwick, though she hoped Flitwick's professionalism kept Lupin in line. At least that class met at a less regular schedule.
She did feel sorry for Flitwick though. One week in term Ravenclaw was already in the negative for House Points. Of course, the only people the eagles could blame were themselves. How did they think allowing six students, one being a Prefect for a second time, to repeatedly bully a first year, now second year girl, wouldn't get them in trouble with the diminutive professor? Hell, his Goblin lineage was easy enough to see if you knew what to look for, so of course he himself was subject to bullying when he was a kid. Of course, he was going to blow a gasket! Rhea smiled at the memory of the Professor walking into her dorm room on Monday night.
"Miss Black, why are there six students slumped in front of Miss Lovegood's trunk?" Rhe had simply cocked her head at the professor, "I imagine for the exact reason we stipulated when you gave me permission to ward the trunk." Flitwick pulled off his glasses, rubbed his eyes and went to check the trunk. With a few waves of his wand, he squeaked. He squeaked! Rhea had to share that memory with her dad! "Miss Black, this ward is far more complex than the one we discussed!" Rhea shrugged, "Your last instructions had been and I quote, "... no other debilitating physical or mental effects." This one does qualify. Sure, it has a setting that upon stunning a target placed them under a notice-me-not charm and a targeted confundus with the aim of making a person temporarily forget if they entered the room alone or not, but nothing that could hurt them or impede their ability to leave should they have no ulterior motive for being here. The intent based ward wouldn't trigger anything if the person didn't mean to steal an item from within said trunk. I didn't even put a good concealment spell on the ward so you can verify what I just said."
Flitwick did a few more waves of his wand and sighed. "I suppose I did set the restrictions and you followed them to the letter, if not the intention. I assume you waited to be certain there were no other people bullying Miss Lovegood left in the dorms?" Rhea smiled, "I imagine there are a few more, but these were the first to try it and they did it in mass. I'm hoping your punishments act as a proper deterrent. If not, the ward won't be going anywhere." Flitwick just looked at her, "You best be on your way, Miss Black." Rhea turned to leave but remembered something, "Out of curiosity, how would you like me to address you in private, Profesor? Via wizard tradition or Goblin?" Her head of House closed his eyes and Rhea could tell he was counting. "Wizarding Tradition, Miss Black." Rhea smiled and switched to Goblin Speech, " Of course, Champion Wand Waver. " He squeaked again!
Eventually, her meeting with Snape came up. His office sat right next to the potions lab and was just as dark and gloomy. "You wished to see me, Black ?" Rhea just stared at him, as she willed privacy charms to cover the entire room. "Potions Master Snape. I am not in Slytherin and I am not afraid to admit I inherited a certain bluntness for answers from BOTH my parents, so I will get to the point. I am aware of your meeting with Lord Malfoy and your decision and reason behind keeping a certain tattoo. I am aware of the low and vile expectations both of your masters have with regard to your behaviour towards certain members of the student body. I am not going to address your behaviour to the others, they can fight their own battles. I will address your problems with me." Rhea took a deep breath.
"My father confessed his deepest regret to me. He regretted bringing danger to your life and Lupin's, all out of a misguided sense of self-righteousness. He has expressed a willingness to mend matters with you, sir, but you must be willing to participate as well. As to your behaviour towards me, I don't expect you to suddenly proclaim me as your top student or to award me perfect grades, even if my work deserves said mark. If you wish to create the illusion of punishing me for my father's sins, I would be more than willing to aid you in preparing more difficult potions. You can claim you are trying to get me to fail by intentionally making me take on higher difficulty brewing and you are welcome to deduct points or grades for my failures. But don't insult my intelligence or my proficiency with a cauldron."
Rhea could tell he was surprised with her words, and that a few times he wanted to interrupt, but he ultimately chose to listen. Her offer of more difficult potions seems to be of interest to him. "You sir have my respect as the youngest Potions master in England in a century. My mother may not have much claim to fame, but she also achieved an early potions mastery and has retained her skills in the matter. She personally instructed me for four years in the fine art of potioneering and I won't let the work ethic she instilled in me be lost due to a charade you must uphold for your own reasons. So, how do you wish to proceed, Potions Master?"
Snape stared into her eyes and the gentle brush of a passive Legilimency scan smashed right into her barriers. "If you're concerned about my ability to keep my end of the charade, I can assure you, the Headmaster himself would suffer a brain haemorrhage long before my Occlumency defences bulk." Snape lowered his eyes and sighed. "Your suggestion has merit and would serve well in both the matter of continuing hostility between me and your family. I will place a night's detention on you for this meeting, so as to keep up appearances, and on said detention, I will test your skill with a cauldron. I will then assign you potions that will test your capability and your grade will be reflected in these rather than your yearmate's work. You may go now." Rhea bowed and left the dungeons.
Fillius Flitwick took a seat at the staff table and waited for the rest of the staff to arrive as he pondered what to say about his House's current state. The six students he found in Miss Lovegood and Miss Black's dorm room had quickly changed their tune when he made it clear how the ward worked. There was no need for Veritaserum or anything, the proof was tied to the trap, which was Miss Black's intention all along. There was no doubt his newest 3rd year was a proper Ravenclaw, as her written work and casting in class showed that she not only studied the subject but sought to master it. Of course, the fact that she favoured wandless magic didn't hide how deeply committed she was to magic. He had spoken with her about using her wand and she had agreed to do so in matters that required concentration. When prodded further she merely mentioned that her magical affinities tie closely to wandless magic and she refuses to diminish her capacity. He couldn't exactly fault her for that.
Eventually, the staff table was full and Albus began the discussion, beginning with the 1st years and then moving upwards. When they got to 3rd year, Albus decided to get specific. This particular year of students seems to attract too much of his attention. Lupin was the first to speak about them, "So far I have been doing some review work, covering material from last year. Most, with a few notable exceptions, weren't able to keep up with the expected level of education. I have assigned some remedial lessons to them to get them back up to standards. I also found a bogart in one of the other staff rooms and intend to use it to test everyone on its counter spell."
Albus nodded his head, "Good, good. And about these students that did well, I imagine Mr Potter and his friends are among them?" Remus beamed, "Mr Potter, Mr Longbottom and Miss Granger all passed, while Mr Weasley needs a bit more remedial work to be at the expected level." Remus seemed to be ready to continue when Pomona Sprout spoke up, "... and in the other Houses, any other 3rd years up to standard?" Remus seemed to catch himself and blushed in embarrassment, at least up until the last name he mentioned, "in Hufflepuff, Miss Bones, Miss Abbott, Mr Smith and Miss Perks all did well and won't need any remedial lessons. The same can be said of Mr Malfoy, Mr Nott, Miss Greengrass and Mr Zabini in Slytherin, though Miss Davis needs only a little remedial work. As for the Ravenclaws, none need to complete remedial work, though it did appear that most needed some last minute pointers to complete the evaluation."
McGonagall looks at him questioningly, "Explain." Remus sighed. "There seemed to be some difficulty with their casting of the disarming spell until Miss Black went to each of her fellow Ravenclaws and explained a few things. All Ravenclaws were then able to cast it successfully, though their aim could use improvement." Albus looked at Remus, "I take it Miss Black had no difficulties." Remus seemed to say his next words begrudgingly, "None, though I had her repeat the spell after she refrained from using a verbal incantation the first time." Albus turned to the rest of the staff, "Has Miss Black been difficult in her other courses?" McGonagall actually seemed to be offended. "Certainly not. While Miss Black's magical skills are certainly impressive, she spends most of the time explaining the finer points to her fellow students who have difficulty in the subject. While she clearly favours her House, I have seen her helping Miss Bones, Miss Abbott and Miss Perks in my own class, all of whom have shown improvement in their work for it."
Sprout and Sinastra both cover Rhea's proper performance in their courses, though they make it clear she doesn't favour the classes with them. It's when it gets to Runes and Potions that the discussion turns interesting to Flitwick. Professor Bathsheda Babbling was practically giddy. "I have had to find her some more difficult runes to work with. She has already mastered both Elder Futhark and Younger Futhark and has a good grasp of Ancient Greek and Egyptian Hieroglyphics. I was only able to stump her with Mesopotamian Cuneiform. For now, I have her working on the former two but I imagine she will be capable of taking her Runes NEWT in 2 years!" Everyone then turned to Snape who seemed to have been struggling with what to say. "Miss Black's skill with a cauldron seems to be adequate. I did give her a detention for cheek and she will likely be seated separately. If she is anything like her father I expect a few melted cauldrons, if not outright explosions. I will not be endangering any other student by seating them next to her."
Fillius is surprised. Severus may have sounded like his typical self, especially when he lambasts Mr. Potter and his potions skills (or lack thereof) yet Fillius swears that he was covering for something. Fillius does notice everyone looking at him, expecting his own assessment. "Miss Black, as far as I can see, is exceptional at charms. I have no problem with her silent casting and like with Lupin and Minerva, I have seen her come to her fellow students' aid and help them improve their casting. All of them do. I am pleased to hear about her performance in my class and look forward to seeing her progress. I am particularly curious about your assessment of her, Poppy."
A good portion of the staff looks over at Madam Pomfrey, who looks a little sheepish. Albus seems confused, "Has Miss Black been admitted to the Hospital Wing already?" McGonagall looks giddy and Pompfrey looks insulted. "I believe that Professor Flitwick is referring to the fact that Miss Black is currently studying Healing under me, Headmaster. She is the only student who took the elective." Albus looked like he choked on one of his lemon drops. Perhaps he did. "Miss Black is a 3rd year student and the Healing elective is NEWT level. It is unwise to..." Pomfrey raised her voice and spoke over him, "Miss Black has both a Ministry and an ICW certification of having completed the Early Healers evaluation. She is capable of taking Advanced Healing and is on her way to becoming the youngest certified healer since Grindelwald's War." Albus visibly flinched at the mention of Grindelwald's name.
Pomfrey continued, "I can assure you, Headmaster, I personally evaluated her in our first session. Her diagnostic charms are thorough and her attention to detail is perfect for a Healer. Had she been a certified Healer in the last war, Alastor Moody himself would likely have had fewer scars marring his body. I look forward to seeing her as she practices on the lesser injuries one can often find in my Hospital Wing. But if you'd prefer to keep her from learning properly, I can at least keep her from healing Mr. Potter when he inevitably graces me with his company." Fillius smiled. His newest student was indeed someone to look after if even Poppy takes a liking to her. His good mood only soured when he had to explain the massive point drop his house suffered. Pomona looked giddy at the thought her badgers could break ahead and snatch the House Cup.
"Is this seat taken?" Draco was about to refuse out of principle, as he knew he was now at the age when many of his father's acquaintances would be approaching him with possible courtships, pushing their daughters practically in his lap (Pansy Parkinson was already making a nuisance of herself), when he turned and saw… his cousin, Rhea. Draco genuinely smiles, "Not at all, cousin. Please, join us for lunch." Rhea nodded and sat down with all the grace of a proper Heiress. His mom would be proud. "As my only close family member in Slytherin, would you do the honour of introducing me to your classmates?"
Draco nodded and began, "The gentleman to my left is Theodore Nott, Heir of House Nott, the one sitting opposite of him is Blaise Zabini, Heir of House Zabini, the lovely ladies in front of you are Heiress Daphne Greengrass of House Greengrass on the left and Tracy Davis, of House Davis on the right." Rhea bowed her head, "A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I would personally have liked to share more classes with you, but the schedule seems to put Slytherin House and Gryffindor House together more often than not." A smattering of complaints about the matter filled the table as she served herself some food.
Rhea turned to Nott, who was looking at her carefully, "Heir Nott, was your Grandfather's meeting with my Dad productive? I was aware of it but was too distracted by my preparations for Hogwarts to ask my Dad how it went." Nott actually beamed at her, "Grandfather was quite pleased with it and has spoken with Lord Black and Lord Malfoy since. I believe he even shared some of his experiences with Lord Arcturus Black with your father." Rhea smiled fondly, "Please pass on my gratitude to your Grandfather. My dad hardly got to meet Great Grandfather Arcturus and sharing such memories with him must have meant a lot to him." Nott nodded and returned to his plate as Rhea asked Draco about how he was enjoying his electives and if he was looking forward to the duelling class.
Rhea eventually turned to Daphne, "How about you Heiress Greengrass? How are you enjoying the electives? I do want to apologize for any extra work my father brought to you. As Neutrals serving together in both the Wizengamot and the Board of Governors, I hear they have been spending a lot of work hours together. My apologies to your mother, Lady Greengrass, if this has made him spend more time away from home than she would have liked." Daphne gave her an expressionless look before she giggled. Everyone at the table looked at her with quiet surprise. "The sentiment is appreciated and I would be more than happy to share it with my mother. My father has made no complaints yet about his new work hours and has actually been pleased with the changes yours has brought to the Wizengamot and the Board. Perhaps we should organize a get together for our families?"
"The House of Black would be happy to arrange a get together with the House of Greengrass. However please be aware we have plans for a get together this Yule Recess to meet with the rest of our family as well as House Malfoy. Perhaps over Easter Break? The get together with the Prasinos Family on Yule will be quite exhausting as is and we would like to have a quiet time for the rest of Yule. Are you alright, Heir Zabini?" Everyone nearby turned to Blaise Zabini as he seemed to have spit out the pumpkin juice he had been drinking. He took out a handkerchief and cleaned his face before cleaning the table in front of him with his wand. "My apologies, Heiress Black. Did you say you were having a get together with the Prasinos Family?"
Rhea looked at him, "Of course. They are my mother's family. Mom kind of went off on her own and now they want to make sure all is good with us by meeting once a year. This is our first Yule with them and I can't wait to see the Chateau in winter." Rhea's eyes grew unfocused for a second, "Oh Heir Zabini, have you heard from your Grandfather, Lord Zabini in Italy? Grandma Seraphina was having a chat with him last time she owled me and I forgot to ask. Did the negotiations go well?" Blaise looked at her with an odd expression. Rhea wasn't sure what that was. It did remind her of something though. "Uhm, from what I hear everything went great. Mom was actually quite happy with Grandfather's last letter." Rhea beamed, "Oh I am so glad. Grandma was so interested in getting what she asked of your Grandfather. She had been working some long hours getting the details right." Rhea spotted Susan and Hannah waving her down. "My apologies for cutting this short but I have a prior engagement. A good afternoon to you all ladies, gentlemen, cousin." The entire table watched her leave.
Draco was about to comment on Blaise's eyes staying glued to his cousin until she left the Great Hall but was interrupted by the panicked expression on his face. "Draco, talk to the other Year Heads, Prefects and to Gemma. We need a House Gathering tonight!" Draco looked at him as if he had gone crazy, "Blaise, what exactly is so important that we need to call the entire house for?" He watched Blaise write a quick letter that he pocketed, probably to take to the Owlery. "Draco, House Slytherin needs to declare your cousin "off limits," completely. If something happens and one of the upper years is responsible, we will all be up shit's creek." The entire table near him was looking at Blaise as if he was insane. Blaise looked around and frowned. "Do none of you know about the Prasinos Family?" Everyone shakes their head except Draco. "I know Uncle Sirius is courting Rhea's mother and that she is a Prasinos and that they are a Magical family from the Continent. That's about it."
Blaise looked even more panicked. "Ok, we need to send letters home. Have them all contact Lord Malfoy and my mother! I don't want to imagine what could happen if something were to happen." Draco snapped, "Blaise, stop panicking and tell us why the Prasinos are so important." Blaise sighed, "The Prasino's family is old. Stupid old. Ancient Greece type of old. The family is mostly well liked and quiet and everyone just sort of writes them off. Like the Hufflepuffs. But every once in a while something happens, a member of the family gets hurt or killed and shit happens. The last time it happened it was 15 years ago. Two German Magical Families my Grandfather had dealings with vanished. No ruins, no vaults, no corpses, no trace. And the old Families refuse to talk about it. They will only ever say, "If you see a Prasinos, ignore them, if you meet a Prasinos, make friends. But under no circumstances are you to insult, hurt or kill a Prasinos." So please, stop asking me about this, send the letters home and get everyone on the same page. Rhea Black is to stay safe. Hell, make her an honorary Slytherin if you have to. Just for the love of all Magic, don't piss off her Family!"
"You know, I thought Uncle Sirius was supposed to be a good guy. Went to Azkaban because of a mistake and all. I didn't think he and his family would turn out to be friends with Death Eaters. Guess he actually deserved it." Rhea had been around insults before. Dudley had enjoyed insulting her for everything under the sun. Rhea won't even touch the rest of the Dursleys. She knew insults well enough. But the cold feeling that settled in her bones, the sharpening of her hearing and the darkening of her vision? That was new. She didn't like it. Not. One. Bit.
"Don't sweat it, Henry. I bet you she misled the Hat like her Dad did. Both are Snakes hiding in other Houses. Bet you that's how they know who to hurt and how." The feeling in her stomach grew colder. Another voice cut in, "That doesn't sound right, Ron. The Hat is old, I'd doubt anyone could just fool it. Besides, she seems nice. She even spends time with Luna and Sally. Just because she sat with her cousin for lunch doesn't mean she's as bad as Malfoy." The cold feeling simmers down until the voices return. "Come of it, Hermione, you see the way she walks around and talks to others. Even Remus doesn't like her. Said she smelled wrong. If a werewolf tells you there is something wrong with someone, then it can't be a good thing." The feeling spreads across her body, her legs feel heavy and her fingers… why can't she feel her fingers?
"Ron's right Mione. You heard how they made Remus admit he was a werewolf. He will be stuck in a cage with Snape come the full moon. Even with wolfsbane being used! Bet you Sirius is the reason Bellatrix got out. He must have told her how. Now Black's here at Hogwarts, so she can help her Psychotic Aunt get in. We need to keep an eye on her before she gets one of the other students hurt. Ron, maybe we can ask your brothers about-"
CRACK
A few of the girls screamed as a loud noise shook the Library. Everyone's eyes though were fixed on the candlestick in front of Henry Potter. What had once been Pewter and wax was now a jagged stick of warped metal and ash. Even Madam Price was shocked. Rhea was shocked. She hadn't willed that to happen. Yet it did. She didn't have to act surprised when she hunched over to Susan, Hannah and Sally. "Maybe we should head for our common rooms. Let Madam Price figure out what happened." They all nodded. Much of the library emptied out. Once she was alone, she disillusioned herself and silenced her footsteps. She wanted to go to Ravenclaw Tower and sleep, maybe call mom and dad. But the magic in her veins wanted to be let out. She needed to let it out.
"This way, quickly." She looked up and saw Helena. Her translucent body seemed to grow more opaque as Rhea followed her. They reach the 7th Floor. "Walk back and forward in front of this wall. Think of a safe place to release your magic without anyone noticing. Quickly." Rhea did as instructed and a door appeared. She walked in and watched the Ghost of her Ancestor's Daughter physically close the door. She might as well be physical. Maybe she was. "The room is safe, you cannot hurt me. Let it out. The magic, the rage. Let it out now!" And so she did.
The scream of rage out her mouth would have chilled anyone's blood. The living didn't feel anything but the castle grew colder. But the Dead knew the Children of Death knew. The Dementors grew agitated, the Thestral neighed and stomped the ground. A lone howl was heard in the forest. A black owl headed for her Mistresses' Room to await her return. For a single moment, the Room of Requirement was beyond the reach of anything. Only Death. The rats, bugs and creatures in the Room of Hidden Things all dropped dead. A Diadem, tainted by a man's poor attempt at immortality, was cleansed of any trace of a soul. The Silence in the Room of Requirement was finally broken as a song spoken in Old English echoed across the chamber.
Rhea opened her eyes, her heart feeling warm as the last lyrics of the Old English song ended in Helena's lips. Helena in life had been beautiful. Despite the centuries, Rhea could see the family resemblance between them. She looked like how Rhea thought she might have looked before the Blood adoption. She went to speak and her voice cracked. Helena chuckled. "Typsy!" A house elf popped into the room, "Yes Miss … Mistress Helena! How?" Helena cuts her off, "How is the young girl in front of me, who is probably in need of water? She might need something for her throat but best to wait on that. This will probably be temporary. You are to keep what has happened to me and about the girl's gift from being spoken or revealed to the Headmaster. The Ghosts already know and understand. The Portraits cannot be made to comply with the will of Hogwarts. Make sure the elves know and bring her the water. Warm and cold." The elf looks at the girl, her eyes as big as possible. "Typsy understand. Elves will know and not speak. Keep the new Mistress safe!" A pop and the elf is gone.
" How did you know? About me and I guess about the ring I carry? " Helena looks down and blinks, "An interesting idea, switching to the language of Death." Typsy places the water pitchers next to Helena and a cup. She lets Rhea drink from the warm water first. "As for you, all ghosts could feel your gift. Your giving us a trace of your magic was much appreciated. And your warning of Binns will likely sink in tonight. Those of Death's realm will not have missed your rage as it thundered through the Veil. As for the ring...," Helena stares into the distance, "You are like her. My aunt. She was a Necromancer too but hid it from all. Probably for the best. They would have hunted her harder if they knew. She had a child and loved and cared for her before the hunting parties grew close. My mother raised my cousin after my death and made her Heiress to all that was hers. The rest is lost to time. A thousand lives, a thousand births, a thousand dreams. All leading to you, Rhea of Ravenclaw."
Rhea smiled. "Pleasure to meet you, Helena of Ravenclaw. By the way, Laris sends his love and asked me to kick your ass. While I feel like I could currently, how about we just say I did and call it settled?" Helena laughed, a beautiful sound unheard in millennia. Rhea swore she would find a way to record it. It was too beautiful to be lost to time once more. A soul whose life ended far too soon connects with one made old by the horrors of the living, and in a night shaken when death visited the world but for a second, normality is restored all too soon.