Anything that rings a bell belongs to JK Rowling
Italian to English translations:
"Ti voglio bene, piccola Principessa" : "I love you, little princess"
"Ti voglio bene fratello mio." : "I love you, my brother."
"Nipote" : "Grandchild
"Nonno": Grandfather
Chapter Six: Giorgio and Fernandez
Ky left the dungeons elated. Thank heavens she did turn out to be a natural at potions. Good ol' Descartes never fails, 'I think therefore I am.'
She was about to walk up the stairs to the Entrance Hall when she heard the sound of running water. That was strange; it was the dungeons after all. She walked to the end of the corridor. There was nothing there. But she could still hear the noise. She leaned her head against the nearest wall and the sound of liquid rang clearer. This was beginning to bother her. She started tapping against the stone, it was hollow.
She aimed her wand at it, trying the spells Flitwick taught her this afternoon, "Alohomora". Nada. "Revelio". Nothing.
She ran her hand over the brick again, looking for maybe a handle or something. Then she thought of Diagon Alley. And how you had to hit the bricks with your wand in a certain order. She 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. She inspected the wall from top to bottom. And there near the floor she saw it. A small serpentine engraving.
It looked familiar…
Still lost in thought she walked into the Great Hall. It was practically empty, save the table they sat at for breakfast. She could see Lenzo chattering away to Flitwick. And that's when it caught her eye. The snake crest was right here in the great hall. She 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."
She looked up at Nonno, he was good at sneaking up on people. She was fine with it though, she 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. You'll reside in your house common rooms during school term. 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 a week 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."
Ky looked at him defiantly, "And why not?"
"Well Salazar had a knack for keeping his secrets that are best left hidden, just so. 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."
She looked at him, slightly awestruck. How did he already know about the deal she 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?"
Ky turned around and looked at the stern lady.
"Why Zia Minnie, whatever would give you such a thought?" The transfiguration mistress raised her eyebrows at the name 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 her an exasperated look, and then turned to Nonno, "Good luck with this one." And walked 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."
Linus didn't reply and walked up to Nonno. Lenzo approached 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. Ky felt like this was all staged. But why? Ahh, it dawned on her, they were testing them. She looked up at Nonno. He winked at her. Well, if this was a test on how well she'd fare with her grandfather, they'll Dumbledore it.
"Anyway, I got this from him." Lenzo gestured at Nonno and Ky sighed, they both refused to acknowledge him, referring to him rather rudely as him or the Old Man, Nonno didn't seem bothered but it annoyed Ky. She tilted her head in surprise at the parchment her brother passed to her, "If you write on yours, it will show up on mine." Lenzo gestured at a sheet in his hand, "Sort of like texting, which is far superior but there's no reception here. Anyway, 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. Ky 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.
It suddenly dawned on her what they were doing. This wasn't a test for Nonno, it was a test for her. Fourteen years of having Linus and Lenzo to depend on for everything and in less than a month she was going to be alone. He was trying to ease her into the transition.
Oh Linus, always over-thinking things.
"I know what you're doing Linus, 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 part. "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'll check the Parchment all the time, so if you need anything at all…anything. Don't hesitate. I love you, kiddo. Try not to burn the castle down."
Ky looked up at Lenzo. He was never one for words; she 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 will 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 Kyrianna. It may seem like too little, too late, but when you have lived for as long as I have you will 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, averting his eyes to try and not let Nonno's kind words affect him too much. Linus turned and looked at Ky, using this as an excuse to ignore the 'emotional' display, he wasn't a fan of those. He knelt down, rummaging in a bag he just enlarged.
"Now, I packed all your stuff that I thought you might need. Electronics don't work here so unfortunately your new PlayStation, 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 packed a few blankets as well…I know everything is heated by magic but on the off 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." Ky leaned closer to her brother, dropping her voice, "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 voglio bene, piccola Principessa."
"Ti voglio bene fratello mio." He kissed Ky's forehead and turned to their grandfather.
"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, Linus. 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 their brother. Ky looked up at her grandfather,
"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."
Ky looked up at him and for the first time she 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'tknowhim. Ky felt quite privileged that he was showing a little bit of himself to her. He then smiled down at her, "Best we say goodnight here, or you'd be late for Astronomy. I can't have my own nipote 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.
"But then…." Ky 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.
She 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 will be late. Aurora doesn't appreciate tardiness."
He smiled, the twinkle sparkling in his eyes and his face conveying that he shall speak no more about his adventures on Astronomy Tower…yet…
His eyes placated her that one day he would tell her…one day, but not today, and Ky smiled back at him easily, there was no hurry.
None at all.
They had their whole lives to swap secrets; she bounded up the stairs and towards the Tower with enthusiasm, physically displaying her excitement at the prospect of sharing a future with this man…
Her Nonno.
-x-x-x-
There are many peculiar things that Harry encountered on his vacations at The Burrow. There's the clock that doesn't tell time but instead reads the location of family members, and there's the mirror that talks. But nothing prepared him for what he saw on Friday morning.
Snape exited the fireplace, dusting himself off. Breakfast was halted, all eyes on him, but he didn't seem to bother, he was too busy muttering to himself about infantile muggle games, and cursed children.
Their eyes were averted from the strange sight as the fireplace flashed green for a second time, and out walkedthatgirl. She was carrying a tall glass of beer of some kind. She smiled at the table and launched herself at Mrs Weasley, handing the glass to Snape who looked like he was trying to make her explode on the spot.
"Ooooh Mrs Weasley. I'm so honoured to meet you. I'm Ky." She stuck out her hand at a surprised Mrs Weasley, who took her hand cautiously, confused.
"A pleasure. Erm…are you here to see someone in particular. Has something gone wrong at the school, Severus?"
Snape glowered in confusion, "No, I'm here to deliver Miss Thornton for her…" He stopped and glared at the girl. "You said you sent an owl. You said that you checked…. Salazar help me. We're leaving. I'm sorry for the intrusion Molly". He backed away to the fireplace.
"Now now Sensei, don't go and melt your cauldron. I was going to send a letter to Mi yesterday, but then I forgot. But then I remembered this morning, and then I thought 'wouldn't it be better to surprise them instead.'"
"Hope this ends with 'then I jumped off a cliff.' Apologies again Molly. Albus was under the impression that she wrote and notified you of her visit. He obviously forgets that his grandchild seems to have been raised by wolves and lacks any sort of decorum that is needed to function in polite society."
Mrs Weasley raised her eyebrows; Harry was still confused as to who were 'Sensei' and 'Mi'. The girl just laughed, and Harry concentrated on his breakfast, trying not to be too distracted by that sound.
"Ignore Sensei, he's just upset that he lost the game of rock-paper-scissors to Zia Minnie and had the privilege of being my escort. And when I say escort, I mean the kind that accompanies one for protection, not the dirty kind you got going on with Madam Rosmerta"
Ron burst out laughing at this and Snape looked like he was about to burst a vein. He walked back towards the fireplace and when he attempted to get some floo powder from his pocket, he suddenly realised the drink in his hand.
"And where on earth did you get this drink!"
"Funny story that, when you said Burrow, I thought you said Borrow. I ended up in a wizarding pub in Borrowton, so I brought you a drink, because I'm nice and caring like that."
"No, it's because you know it's inevitable, your annoying presence is going to drive me to alcoholism and you're just giving me a head start." Snape gulped down the ale and left without saying another word.
Ky turned, beaming at the table. They all stared back, speechless. Ron was still laughing at the whole conversation with Snape, Hermione was looking at the girl slightly amused in a very un-Hermione way. Ky just insulted a teacher, Harry would expect at the very least a frown. Ginny looked confused; with another expression he couldn't identify. But before anyone could say anything, Ky squealed.
"Good Godric it's you two!" She said this running up to Fred and George, who seemed to have just got out of bed. She launched herself at The Twins, giving them surprise hugs. Something flared within Harry for a second, but it died down just as quick. "You're Fred and George Weasley!"
"Only on Mondays through Fridays. On weekends we're Giorgio and Fernandez. Twice the fun, twice the party, and twice the packag…"
"Fred!"
"What mum, you got to accept us for who we are. If entertaining the more delicate sex is our calling, so be it."
"Yeah mum. Don't stifle our creative juic…"
"George."
Everybody laughed at the last part. Not as hard as Ky though. Her long dark hair was flying all over the place; her cheeks had a light blush to it.
There was that flare in Harry's tummy again.
"Nonno said very few times in life does the legend meet one's expectations. But I take my hat off to you, you Sirs are the legends that I expected."
"Well, your Nonno obviously has not met us yet." Fred smiled down at her. Was he flirting with her? Thankfully, Hermione interjected.
"Nonno is grandfather in Italian. And you know her grandfather really well actually, seeing as he had to sign many a letter of complaint to your parents."
"And every single letter well deserved if I might say so myself. I snuck into Filch's office yesterday, and I could not put the book on you two down! How did you manage to spike the Slytherins' pumpkin juice with Tearjerker Potion and then put Sneeze dust all over their napkins! They must have been crying and sneezing all over the place. That was legend!"
"Ahh good old second year. Did you read about the time that me and Fred..."
"As interesting as I'm sure your little anecdote is Fred," Mrs Weasley interrupted, obviously trying to be polite for the guest. "Ky, was it? Severus said that your grandfather sent you here for…"
"Oh yes, I got a little star struck and forgot." She gave Fred and George another smile.
Flare.
"Well actually I was the one that suggested the visit. Mi wrote to me offering her help with preparing for exams." She looked at Hermione, ahh, that's 'Mi'…when did they get close enough for nicknames…also when did Hermione write to Ky?
Harry glared at his bushy haired best friend, he spent the last week fretting over whether he'd ever see Ky again and Hermione was sending her letters!
"When did you write to her?" Harry whispered to Hermione.
"McGonagall wrote to me a few days ago asking if I would mind lending her some of my notes." Hermione looked extremely smug, "And I responded that I'd also be happy to tutor her if need be. She seems alright, right?"
Harry thought Ky was more than alright, but he wasn't going to tell Hermione that.
"Are you okay?" She looked at him, concerned.
"I'm fine." He muttered, annoyed. He suppose it wasn't her fault, he didn't tell her he had been so surly recently because he thought Ky had been gone for good.
"Say no more love. Right, you lot, Hermione and Ky need their peace to get some work done."
"Actually, Harry and Ron should stay. You know many hands and all that."
Harry would make a useless tutor, seeing as his education always took the back seat to his constant impending doom. When everyone left the room, Hermione started,
"Well, I've got some of my old assignments upstairs; I'll just go and get it."
"No, that's not necessary. I've already done most of the assignments and stuff. I'm not here about work. I'm actually here to see Harry. I need his mouth."
"What?" Harry looked at her, avoiding Ron's eyes, equal parts embarrassed and confused. Ky burst out laughing.
"You are too easy. But seriously, I do need your mouth. You're a parselmouth aren't you? At least that's what Nearly Headless Nick said. I need you teach me how to say 'open sesame' or something like that in parseltongue. I found this wall, well I'm pretty sure it's a door, and I really want to get it open. And then I saw the Slytherin emblem on it, and then I did some research and found out he was a parselmouth. Then I tried learning it but of course that's apparently impossible but Nick said you can speak it, and I figured you could teach me just the one phrase."
"I don't know, the last time…"
"I know chamber of secrets, basilisk, possessed Weasley and all that. It's amazing what the ghosts know. But Nonno said that if I can get it opened, he'll accompany me. You should probably teach me how to say 'close' as well then."
Ky was looking at Harry, her big eyes hopeful. He probably would have taught her it even if it was the Chamber of Secrets she was trying to open.
Merlin, he was losing it.
"I can't promise you it would work. I haven't tried teaching anyone and I'm not sure that I can."
She nodded enthusiastically up at him. A wide smile on her face. His heart sped up.
This girl was trouble.
And for once Harry wasn't upset that trouble always seemed to find him.
A/N: Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed the chapter! What do you think of Harry - I'm trying not to make him too OOC, but also just canon Harry with a massive crush - hopefully that is coming across - let me know if you think it's not!