The apartment was small. Tiny, in fact, but Lottie didn't mind. She could never do with a big empty manor, where the chill and dark run rampant and the echoes seep into your very bones. Small, yes, and quaint. It was filled with mismatched furniture she'd collected over the years from charity shops, the books she had worn down, and the mouse she found and had kept in an old birdcage. She loved it.
She had built a home, or rather, a new one. It had been five years since she moved to England; one day she would go back, or would she? She knew she wouldn't. What would be the point, she had mused? But a mocking tone had replied 'the point is that of a dagger—it would hurt.'
Though not as much as leaving her apartment, her home, when a new landlord purchased the building and raised the rent. Thankfully, her friend Tonks had taken her in temporarily. She had sold her furniture, and the rest of her things she had stored in a few bags that were modified with the extension charm. Tonks' house was nice and warm and bright. Lottie lay on the sofa lost in thought.
The man had said something yesterday, though Lottie couldn't remember what. So she paced the room. The man was thin and tall; he had towered over her. His hair and accompanying beard reached his navel, his beard tucked neatly into his belt. What had he said? Mr. Double—no, Mr. Dumbledore. The image of a tomato-red robe floated in Lottie's vision; she laid her fingertips to her brow. Think, think... What was it?
And you, Miss Frost? ... I feel you would prove quite useful ... Excellent! Our first meeting will begin tomorrow—meeting. That she should be dressed for. She searched in her bag, drawing out a sunflower-yellow skirt and a black bell-sleeve top. Heading to the bathroom, she got into her clothes, knocking her hairbrush off the sink vanity. "Oh—" There was a knock at the door.
"Any day now, Frost."
Lottie picked up her wand and waved it toward the door. There was a bemused scoff.
"And that's why I never wear skirts."
"Why, because you'd step on the hem?" Lottie said as she untucked her skirt from her undergarments.
Tonks snorted. "You ready then?"
"Hmm… Wait— no. Okay, now I'm ready." She smirked.
Tonks walked into the tiny bathroom, grabbed Lottie's arm, and disapparated.
The air was muggy and still when they arrived. As they trudged up the road, Lottie took note of the gothic buildings lining it; they were silent, sitting on the dusty path. Not like the red brick buildings back—A frown creased her brow, Lottie hurried her step, cursing her short legs. Then she spotted a woman walking out of a building, weaving and wobbling. A hand reached around Lottie's arm, forcing her to move again.
"Up here is where I went to school—Hogwarts. Too bad you didn't go, Charley. Er, self-taught, you said?"
"Yes. Well, in between my regular studies."
"Ah, right, muggle school. How did you manage to not jinx anyone?" She teased.
"Why Tonks, are you implying that I have a temper?"
"No, not at all, Charley," She said, "Speaking of temper, Abbott from Magical Accidents and Catastrophes…."
They were greeted by a man who can only be described as a gothic scarecrow. Lottie paid the man little mind as her eyes moved to the castle; they were fixed. Grey stone set against the pale grey clouds, it loomed upon the sky, a shadow of itself. He scowled, trudging along the path, up to the castle with Tonks and Lottie behind him.
At the door, the hunched man let them in, mumbling something akin to 'have all day.'
"Dumbledore'll see you in his office, but you know right where that is, don't you?" He snarled at Tonks. "Well acquainted, I'm sure." Then he shuffled off in the direction of the headmaster's office.
"Chocolate frogs," he said to the gargoyle, then he turned, pushing past the two women.
Finally, they arrived at Dumbledore's office.
"Ah, Tonks, Frost, come in." The door swung open, revealing a large ornate room; Dumbledore sat behind his desk. He adopted a smile, though his brilliant blue eyes held none of their usual sparkle. "Good afternoon, I hope," he said, motioning to two chairs laid out in front of him.
"Afternoon, Mr. Dumbledore."
"Dumbledore," Tonks said.
"I trust by your arrival you accept my terms? Excellent." His eyes strayed to the door as it opened and closed. "Severus," Dumbledore said, his eyes briefly meeting Snape's. "This is Tonks and Miss Frost." He motioned to each.
Snape stopped beside the desk, his black cloak swishing around him. The man's dark eyes flitted to each woman, then back to Dumbledore, awaiting a command.
"Professor," he said formally, though there was a flicker of annoyance in his eyes.
Dumbledore went on. "As you are both aware, these are precarious times, and regretfully, we need to take certain measures. Therefore, I have asked Professor Snape, who is skilled in Legilimency, to examine your minds. Then I can reveal the true location of our headquarters."
"And what will he be looking for?" Tonks asked.
"Given these times," Snape interjected, his lips curling slightly, "I'd think the purpose evident."
Tonks' jaw tightened, and she sat up in her chair. Dumbledore cut in, raising a hand. "It is paramount that we ensure our new members are free from outside influence. It would not do for us to repeat the first war. Now, Snape, if you will."
Something flickered in Snape's dark eyes as he hesitated, then he moved two steps standing in front of Lottie; with his wand raised he looked into her eyes. "Legilimens."
It was a strange, eerie feeling. Unwelcome. Lottie's brows furrowed, and she concentrated on the feeling. She had never felt the presence of another in her mind, only the zestful hum of her own. Snape's presence was inscrutable. There was no light, nor wave of contempt, not a sound, not a feeling. He was completely, eerily, silent.
The presence paused at the edge before making a move, then it was searching, images moving in a blur. -Yesterday when Dumbledore met with her and Tonks, Two weeks ago at the grocers, last year when she…- Then the presence was gone.
Lottie found herself staring at what would have been the man's chest, had he not moved on to Tonks. Her eyes were fixed on the spot. She hadn't noticed Snape had finished examining Tonks and stepped aside until Dumbledore broke the silence by clearing his throat.
"Welcome to the Order of the Phoenix. And now, for the location, where we will be headed momentarily. First, I must say that the headquarters is protected by the Fidelius Charm, which means only those who the secret keeper tells will be able to find it. Knowing it, the information can only be freely given." He sat silent a moment before getting up, his eyes straying to Snape, whose head was turned towards the door.
"That is one heck of a charm," Lottie said, meeting Dumbledore's eyes.
Dumbledore smiled in response. "The headquarters are located at number twelve, Grimmauld Place."
"I take it security measures are in place, so what will we be doing then?" Tonks asked.
"I think it prudent to expand on some of the security measures. Lottie, you are to go with Severus to finish the protection spells," said Dumbledore, ignoring the jerk of Snape's head as he turned back to face him. "And Tonks, you are to help me escort the heir back to his abode."
Pushing off the chair with both hands, Tonks swiftly got up. "Ready when you are, Dumbledore."
Offering her his arm, Dumbledore and Tonks disapparated with a soft pop.
Lottie rose too, though she stood there. Oh dear. Snape disapparated with a small crack. Reluctantly, Lottie followed him.
The black dissolved into grey and the hum had been replaced with the metallic beat of traffic. They had landed next to a wrought iron fence opposite the apartment where Snape was already striding, irritation written on his face.
Lottie hurried to catch up.
At the doorstep, 11 and 13 parted, revealing number 12. Lottie followed the tails of Snape's billowing cloak; upon entering he flicked his wand sending light into the fixtures. Then he rounded on Lottie, causing her to almost knock into him.
"So," he said, regarding her with a calculating look. "Dumbledore thinks you have some sort of protection charm to add, though why I do not know, I have already secured this wretched place. By all means, go ahead then."
Lottie snorted. Okay. In one quick moment she had the door open, a pouch in one hand, and with the other she sprinkled fine blue dust onto the doorstep. "Alright, done." With that, she shut the door and the heat out.
Snape's nostrils flared. "How perfectly not wasteful of my time."
"No, no, I mean with the door open." She smiled, cheeks dimpling. "Now for the spell." Lottie drew out her wand (a plain stick by all accounts) with a delicate sweep she waved it in front of the door.
"Alright, you can get back to your complaining now. I'm done with the door."
"Splendid."
"Well, are you going to give me a tour or something?"
"First you insult me, now you ask for a tour…"
"Sorry, I was under the impression you were in charge here."
"So you insult me…"
"Now we're 1 for 1. I take it earlier has slipped your mind?" Lottie frowned, a creeping feeling washing over her.
Her heart was beating a little too fast. She felt uneasy then she put a hand on the wall; it was empty. The whole house seemed to be whispering low, quiet, a tune that spoke of ill will; it was a cautious hum radiating in a cool, sleek manner. It was not to be trusted; she knew it. Moving deeper into the hall, it became indecipherable, the knot in her stomach untwisting. But she had felt it, or had she?
Lottie moved down the hall in a tentative step. It was peaceful. She continued down the hall, unaware of where Snape was, and all she felt was the same cool indifference. She was not one to be fooled; she was determined to find it. Rounding the corner, doorways came into view, and Lottie made her way over to one, but she stopped at the closed door; a prickly, mocking tone radiated from it. She sighed heavily, unable to even lift her arm to the door, so there she stood transfixed. Startled, she turned around as Snape had spoken.
"What are you doing? We don't have time for your sightseeing."
Her heartbeat in her ears, she was unable to respond.
"Well?" He said.
He started to leave, Lottie grabbed his hand, and he jerked his hand out of her grasp. She noticed he had wiped the hand at his side against his coat.
"Don't you feel it?"
"What?" He snapped.
"It's… unsettling."
Snape paused. "If this is too much for you… Perhaps I shall finish this?"
Lottie scrunched her eyebrows, then taking the handle of the door, she opened it, stepping into the dining hall. The dim room had a stale scent. She waved her wand, causing the candles to ignite. There was a portrait above the sideboard; it was of a family of four, and she walked up to it.
"Finish what? You said you were done."
Bristling, Snape stopped in the middle of the dining hall. "There are other things that need attending to here." He fixed the cuff of his jacket. "Besides, Dumbledore ordered me to stay until he arrives."
She took out more of her blue powder and sprinkled some of it on the floor. Snape narrowed his eyes as he looked at her, but Lottie was too busy to pay attention; she retraced her steps back to the hall. She followed the hall until it led to a wide set staircase, following it to the first floor; a few steps creaked, and dust was ruffled. Snape followed her.
"Must you sprinkle that everywhere? This place is filthy enough as is." He said impatiently, his voice echoing in the hall. "Well?"
She turned around, eyes narrowed at him. I thought he was busy? "As you said, plenty of things to do." She gave him a wry smile.
His hand tightened on the railing as he studied her, a mixture of curiosity and simmering anger in his eyes, his lips thinned.
"This is ground Moon-Cast Shrub; it's to balance out all these unsettling feelings."
Snape scoffed, standing up to his full height. "That is supposed to protect this place?"
She turned her back on him, heading up the stairs. Muttering, Snape fled down the stairs.
This had led to a hallway where the bedrooms started; Lottie headed down the hall. It was impassive, the hall, as Lottie made her way to a bedroom, then she came upon the last room beside the next staircase, and she felt it again. Standing at the threshold, she stared into the room, her breath caught; she had no words. The air was heavy and warm, but it emanated a cruel, mocking hatred. Pain. The room was in pain.
Lottie couldn't take it, so she retreated down the hall, and recollecting her thoughts she headed to the next level, which contained more bedrooms and a bathroom. Though her stomach had settled, she sprinkled a little dust in a corner of each room; eventually, she reached the attic, whereupon seeing it was full of things, she sprinkled some dust at the entrance. She made her way back down the stairs, walking as close to the opposite side of the hall of the drawing room as she could get. Back down the hall she went, back down the stairs to where Snape had been, but he wasn't there.
She noticed a door tucked away beside the staircase, which she now descended. Down here the air was chill and musty. At the bottom was an open entranceway. Lottie's shoes clacked on the stone floor as she made her way into the kitchen. Here Snape stood behind the long table, arms crossed, looking at the floor even as Lottie entered the room.
Crossing the room, she again took out the pouch containing the blue dust, which she sprinkled into the corner. At this Snape roused, a look of skepticism on his face, and recrossed his arms drawing in his cloak. Lottie smiled.
"What are you looking to accomplish with that dust?"
"I told you—it's unsettling."
"By that you mean?"
"The house."
"Right… As I have already said, I have taken care of the fortifications of this place and have, in fact, taken care of a boggart in the pantry. So lucky for you, there is no need for your service." His lips wore a self-satisfied smile as he spoke.
"Oh, so you've taken care of it?"
"Yes, as I just stated."
Lottie had moved from the corner of the room to the old cook stove placed against the back wall and began examining it.
"No, the feeling of impending doom." She turned around to face him.
"What on earth are you talking about?"
"You don't feel it?"
"This is ridiculous."
Undaunted, Lottie made her way over to the hutch across from the end of the lengthy kitchen table; it was adorned with carvings that matched the dinnerware, and she examined them methodically. Eyes narrowed, Snape huffed, and went back upstairs, his shoes clacking on the floor. Lottie went up the narrow staircase, to find Snape in the dining hall.
Footsteps could be heard, then Tonks appeared in the doorway , followed by a slightly shaken man. He was starved and thin, but he had a curious grin on his face. Well, that was until he spotted Snape, and his face acquired a steely glare.
"Well, if it isn't the escapee," Snape said.
"What is he doing here?" He shot at Tonks.
"More importantly," Snape cut in, "where is Dumbledore?"
"Right here, Severus." All eyes shifted to Dumbledore. "Now then, I must be going. Would you stay and teach our new members the Patronus charm?"
Snape stiffened; drawing in a breath, he said, "I have other… business."
"Ah," Dumbledore said, a spark of comprehension in his eyes.
"Patronus charm?" Lottie looked around at Dumbledore.
"For communication. There is a way to send a message through them. Our owls may be intercepted."
"Excuse me, Mr. Dumbledore, but couldn't a Patronus arrive at the wrong time? If a person were in unknown company, that may be worse than a letter."
His weary eyes studied her. "Possibly. Perhaps we need multiple methods of communication."
"If you had some sort of container, a bottle or something, that everyone wore so letters could be directly transported to the person…" She looked off into the distance.
"How would we transport them?"
She gave him a blank look. That was a stupid idea, now everyone's staring at you.
"Well, this bears thinking on, if only I had the time," Dumbledore said, stirring. "Afternoon all." With that, he left the apartment.
There was a crash.
"Stupid junk," said Tonks. She was making her way out of the dining room. "Let's get Buckbeak settled."
With a glance at Snape, Sirius followed her.
Snape was silent a moment as Lottie observed him, oblivious to the world. His eyes were focused on an ornate frame, thoughts elsewhere, shifting through the files in his mind. Then he decided upon something that snapped him back into the present, and he left.
Alone, Lottie picked the vase up that Tonks' had knocked over and set it on the table. Then she headed downstairs toward the sound of voices.
Tonks and Sirius had gone into the kitchen.
"—nuts… Or some flour," Sirius offered, walking out from the pantry, a small bag in his hand.
Tonks narrowed her eyes at him. "Yeah. Doubt that. Didn't get good grades in Care of Magical Creatures did you? I'll have to get him some rats, or would he prefer ferrets?"
"Rats, males. They're larger," he said absently, setting down the bag of nuts. There was a creak on the floor; Sirius looked up, his eyes met Lottie's, and he broke into a small smile. "Hufflepuff, I see." He gestured to her clothes.
This place really needs a mature Moon-Cast Shrub. Lottie felt herself flush; she looked at Sirius, vaguely aware that he had spoken.
"Right, we haven't been introduced; it's Sirius, Sirius Black." He held her gaze.
"Oh, uh, Lottie," she flinched as Tonks slammed a cupboard too loud.
"Oops!" She wheeled around, starting towards the door. "I'd better get those rats, be back soon. I'll see ya back home, Charley." She bounded up the basement steps.
"This place is a mess, look at all this dust!" Sirius remarked, shaking his head.
Lottie's shoulders slumped as she looked about the room. "Need some help cleaning it?" Her insides were still twisting from the door slam.
"No, thanks for the offer. I'm sure you'd rather be getting back to… Tonks' place?"
"Yeah." She had crossed her arms, hugging herself.
Sirius turned back to her, concerned at the look on her face. "Ah, you two in a fight?" He wore a puzzled expression.
"No," she said, her voice barely more than a whisper, a slight strain crept into her voice. It's just not home.
Sirius frowned, took a step toward her, then changing his mind, he gestured vaguely around the kitchen. "I don't have anything to offer you, except some water."
No. Tears started down Lottie's face, and she turned her face away, a heat prickling her neck. "I'm sorry!" She started for the stairs.
Sirius caught her by the arm, his expression softened with alarm. "What on earth are you sorry about? Are you alright? It was Snape, wasn't it?"
Lottie gave him a puzzled expression, wiping tears away. "No. I'm sorry," she repeated, her voice trembling.
"My landlord put my rent up, and I had to leave. I couldn't afford it; now I'm staying in Tonks' living room," she blurted out. Why did I just say that? Tears were streaming down her face again, and she crossed her arms, twisting the ruffle of her bell sleeve.
He stepped back, a look of understanding in his eyes. "Uprooted, don't I know the feeling." He shook his head, brown curls framing his face. "Been there long, have you?"
Lottie was looking elsewhere but at him, she nodded her head, unable to speak.
Sirius studied her while they stood in silence, well, almost silence, as Buckbeak's hooves clicked on the floor above. He walked over to the large table in the center of the room, brushing dirt from the surface, and with a grin, he turned back to Lottie. "Stay here." He tried to meet her eyes, but she looked back at the floor.
"I—No, I couldn't put you out." Or Tonks, for that matter.
He let out a bark of laughter. "Put me out? There are plenty of rooms in this place."
Lottie exhaled, finally meeting his eye. "No, thank you. It's just temporary."
"Fine, you can temporarily stay here," he said, placing a hand on the back of a chair. "As you can see, this place is in a state, but it's got rooms. Plenty. It's better than a sofa, isn't it? It's no trouble, really."
Her brow furrowed, she opened her mouth to speak, but Sirius cut her off.
"Hey, if you want, you can help me with some of this dusting." He gave her a warm smile.
Why do I have to open my mouth? Lottie had stopped crying, and she felt calm; a warm sensation despite the cool basement, a comfort to the tension in her body. To stay in this house? Not near that room, no. But she couldn't feel it down here, nor had she felt it on the other levels of the house… She was warm; her neck prickled again. Darn her for getting into these situations, she frowned at herself. Then she caught movement as Sirius shifted on the spot, which brought her attention back.
"Okay," she said in an almost questioning lift to her voice.
"Great!" His eyes sparkled as he looked at her, then they strayed to the basement door, a loud sound crackling above. "Seems Buckbeak's broken something… Or Tonks' back," he said with a mischievous grin on his face; he headed for the stairs.
Lottie watched him go, expecting the sense of dread to return, but she still felt calm. He does seem nice. She fixed the creases of her bell sleeve, and she headed up the stairs.