This is my second FanFic, and it is based upon an original character - taking place during The Half-Blood Prince. Obviously, any characters/plot events that belong to JKR's awesome imagination aren't mine, and please make sure that you've read books 1-6 to avoid spoilers. Anyway, I really hope you enjoy the story, and please leave all comments, questions, concerns in the feedback thread - I really love hearing from readers! Thanks everyone!
One: Departure
She was standing on platform 9 ¾, her arms around her boyfriend and his around her. People were bustling all about, and she had only five minutes left before the train left. “What am I going to do without you until Christmas?” she asked, her head resting on his chest.
He kissed her head, “Well, there’s always Hosmeade…” she looked up at his grinning face.
“What about Quidditch? Won’t you have practice? You are first Keeper, now…” she asked, trying not to be too hopeful.
He shrugged and grinned again, making her knees weak, “Well, I might have asked off for Hogsmeade days…”
She raised her eyebrows at him, “How do you know Hogsmeade days?”
“I just so happen to know a few friends at Hogwarts and the Ministry… I am a very important man, you know.” He said, jokingly arrogant.
The whistle blew three times, and she kissed him. “I didn’t even hear the four-minute bell.”
“You know, I could always just Apparate you into Hogsmeade in a few hours…” he said, rather slyly.
“Yeah, you could, but you have practice later.” She kissed him again.
He sighed and smacked his forehead, “Damn, I forgot!”
The whistle blew twice. “Okay, I really have to go now.” She said, trying to convince herself. He started to whine like a hurt puppy, and she kissed him again. “I’ll see you in a few months, Oliver, I love you.”
“I love you, too.” They kissed final time, and she turned towards the Hogwarts Express as the whistle blew. “I’ll see you soon!” He yelled as she entered the train, and waved goodbye.
* * * * * *
She had found a carriage all to herself towards the end of the train, and she was sitting with her back against wall so her feet were crossed next to the window on the bench seat as well. She had Through the Looking Glass propped up on her knees and was reading in peace until the train jolted and the door to the compartment ‘banged’ open. She sighed and pointed her wand at the door to close it…
“Sorry, but there aren’t any other compartments!” a timid voice said.
She looked up, “Oh, sorry Neville – I thought the door just came open.” Neville continued into the compartment, and she put her wand away and turned back to her book.
She shook her long, chocolate brown hair, which fell smoothly about her face, and promptly hid herself behind her book again. She didn’t notice Neville, nor his companion Luna, sit on the opposite bench, and she definitely did not see yet another Gryffindor standing next to her bench, “Ahm, Sean?” She wasn’t paying the slightest attention to anything except Lewis Carroll. “Sean?!” a male voice said loudly.
“Hmm?” She looked up at Harry Potter, her deep green eyes checking him up and down behind a few loose strands of hair. Harry looked at her legs, as if to wordlessly ask her to move them. “Oh! Sorry.” She pulled her legs closer to her and sat in a cross-legged slouch, then ran her hands through her hair and continued to read.
“You know, I’ve never read that.” Harry told her, rather boldly.
Sean looked up. “Really? It was a gift my first year; I read it at the beginning of every year.”
“Don’t you get tired of it?” He asked, a forced calm in his voice, though she wasn’t quite sure why.
She laughed softly. “You would think, but I always find something new to love about it. It’s like an annual reminder of why it’s my favorite book.”
“That’s cool… I guess.” Harry shrugged, and Sean laughed gently again. “So, how was your summer?” She could now hear Luna and Neville discussing the latest issue of the Quibbler across from them.
Sean shrugged, and her gray Beatles tee lifted as she did so to show a sliver of stomach for just a moment. “It was alright, same as ever. You?”
Harry smiled at her. “Same as ever. OWLs weren’t too bad.”
Sean rolled her eyes. “Speak for yourself – I’m sure that Trelawney was behind my Divination grade… after the whole crystal-balls-turning-into-oranges-when-touched-incident.”
Harry furrowed his brow. “Wait, that was you? I thought Fred and George were behind that one?!”
She grinned. “Every prank at Hogwarts cannot possibly be done by two boys...” She said slyly.
Harry grinned back at her. “Okay, so you did the crystal balls… who turned Snape’s robes pink?”
Sean flipped her hair sarcastically, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Harry laughed as the compartment door slid open again, and Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger stepped inside. “Well, you’ll be glad to know that Malfoy wasn’t in the prefects’ carriage.” Hermione said loudly through a sigh (much to Sean’s annoyance) as she sat next to Luna, and Ron sat in between Harry and Sean, who pulled her knees in further as she resumed reading the book in her lap.
“Doesn’t surprise me. I’m sure he thought it rather tame after the… power he had with the Inquisitorial Squad…” Harry said darkly, “But I wonder why he gave up the little power he had…” Sean’s ears perked up at the dramatic change in Harry’s tone.
Hermione coughed slightly, “Er, Harry, we can talk about this later.” She said, darting her eyes from Sean to Harry. Sean fought a laugh and grinned at Hermione.
“Wait, you don’t like Draco Malfoy!” Sean sat up with fake concern on her face, turning to Harry, “I had no idea! I mean, all that time with the DA and all you did was talk about how nice he was!” She rolled her eyes and sat back. She saw Harry grin, and Ron’s face began to turn red as he tried to keep himself from laughing.
“Well, if I remember correctly, you weren’t with the DA when we fought the Death Eaters at the Ministry.” Hermione said frankly, and Sean was taken aback by her almost-bragging, acerbic tone.
She sighed, closed her book, and turned to Hermione. “You’re right, I wasn’t there – I was being a lazy git in the hospital wing pretending to have broken four ribs and a broken arm.” Sean’s tone changed from sarcastic to annoyed as she continued, “You know, if I could have walked I would have been there, and it’s not like I don’t know what happened.”
Hermione’s eyes flinched in concern, and Ron said lazily, “Fred and George.”
“Oh, right.” Hermione said simply, and Sean assumed she didn’t have anything else to say since she turned to talk to Luna.
Ron turned to Sean, “Anyway, how have you been? What are you going to do now that George and Fred’ve graduated… of sorts?” he asked, trying to ignore the little tiff between her and Hermione.
Ron spoke awkwardly, much as he always did when he talked to Sean; she was quite aware of Ron’s curiosity of his older brothers’ relationship with her. Just as Harry, Ron, and Hermione had always been together, so had Sean, George, and Fred (and the occasional Lee Jordan); while Ron and his friends always seemed to get into some sort of danger, Sean and her friends were always in some kind of trouble.
“They’re not the only friends I have, just my best friends,” Sean answered matter-of-factly, “and there’s always something to do.” She finished with a sly grin.
Suddenly, the compartment door ‘banged’ open again. Everyone turned to see yet another Gryffindor sixth year poking his head into the compartment. “Hi, er, everyone…” he said uneasily as he looked around, and then turned directly to Sean, “Hey Shaw, can I have a word?”
Sean rolled her eyes and folded her book, mumbling “Sure” as she rose from her seat. She followed Seamus Finnigan out of the carriage and closed the door softly behind her, but not before she heard Luna Lovegood comment airily,
“I thought she was dating Oliver Wood…”
Sean rolled her eyes and followed Seamus down the hall, towards the very end of the compartments. They finally stopped at the very last one, which was empty save a few bags and a caged tawny owl. Seamus held out his hand to allow Sean inside first, and she sighed before entering. Seamus followed quickly, and closed the door behind him. “So, what is this about?” Sean asked frankly.
“It’s about Oliver Wood – I saw you two on the platform… in front of everyone…” he said hotly, his neck and face turning pink.
“That’s none of your business, Shea.” Sean said loudly, only afterwards remembering how the noise carries from the compartments down the hallway.
“What do you mean ‘none of my business’? Of course it’s my business! You’re out of your mind to think it’s not!” Seamus responded angrily.
“I’m sorry, Shea, but it’s a little too late for all this.” Sean was trying to be calm, but her voice was full of suppressed anger.
“What does that mean, ‘too late’? It’s not like there’s a limited amount of time here, Shaw!” Seamus yelled, and Sean winced as she thought she saw a shadow outside the cabin.
Still, she had a hard time containing her pent-up frustrations. “Yes there is!” Sean’s voice had finally risen to a shout, “And you know what, Shea, the time we did have to make this work is over, okay? This just isn’t worth it anymore, and you’ve made that explicitly clear over the last few years.”
The door to the cabin slid open and Sean stepped out, but was stopped when Seamus reached out and grabbed her by the wrist and spun her around to face him; Seamus stepped out of the compartment and pulled Sean closer. “You can’t just get rid of me – I’m not disposable.” Seamus said strongly, but Sean heard the sadness in his voice.
Sean put her hand on his, “Now you know how it feels.” She pulled her wrist from his grip and managed a weak smile. “Maybe one day we’ll get to a place where it’s not so hard, but I just can’t be who you want me to be right now. You’ve got to let me get over this on my own time.” She was trying to be soothing, but she couldn’t conceal the angry undertones in her voice.
Seamus’ face fell and he sighed heavily. “I guess I really screwed up, huh? Does Oliver even know about me?”
Sean took a step back and leaned against the wall as she crossed her arms over her chest. “No, but Fred and George do. That’s more than you can say of your friends.” She scoffed at him.
“So is that why Fred and George don’t like me?” Sean shrugged, and he continued, “Well, do you think we can at least be friends?” Seamus was almost pleading.
Sean sighed and smiled, despite herself, “Not right now… I need time, Shea! You really don’t get how badly you hurt me, and you were supposed to be one of the people on my side! I never said anything because I thought it was what you wanted, but it’s not fair to me.”
“I know! That’s why I’m trying to make amends here!” Seamus raised his voice, and Sean looked around to make sure they weren’t being watched.
Satisfied they were alone, she continued, “I appreciate that, I really do, but I don’t know how to stop being mad at you. I let you deal with your rubbish, let me deal with mine.” Sean was the one pleading now.
Seamus sighed again. “Fine” he said simply and harshly, and he stalked off angrily towards the other end of the hall. Sean ran her fingers through her hair, and set her head back against the wall and exhaled deeply. She walked back into the compartment and began to look around, making sure she hadn’t dropped anything, when another voice startled her.
“Hey, Sean. Have you seen the trolley?” Harry said coolly.
Sean jumped and put her hand to her chest. “Harry! What are you doing?!” Sean blinked, trying to control the fear she felt in her eyes.
“Oh, I was just looking for the trolley… I, er, fancied some Chocolate Frogs.” Harry said quickly.
Sean ran her hand through her hair again and looked at her watch. “Well, I don’t think they’ve started with that now – we’ve only been on for about an hour.”
“Right, well, back to the compartment, then?” Harry suggested awkwardly.
Sean nodded, “Sure.” She tugged on the bottom of her shirt and stepped out of the compartment, took a deep breath, and walked with Harry down the hall back to their original cabin.
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Full Version: The Half - Blood Changeling
Two & Three are together because Two was just too short. anyhow, i hope you enjoy it!
Two: Meals and Reveals
Sean was trying to block out the tense silence of the compartment by absorbing herself in her book, but the conversation she just had was throbbing in her brain. Suddenly, the compartment door ‘banged’ open a second time, and everyone turned to see a small Hufflepuff with three folded notes in his hand. “Harry Potter, Neville Longbottom, and Sean Kiernan?” he asked.
“Yes?” Sean, Neville and Harry spoke together, and the boy handed them each a note.
“What is it?” Ron asked.
Sean looked up and her eyes met Harry’s, who answered “We’re invited to eat lunch with Professor Slughorn in his compartment.”
Ron grabbed the invitation from Harry’s hand. “Why haven’t I been invited then?”
“I don’t know, but I bet he wants ‘the Boy Who Lived’ there.” Harry scoffed, and Sean was once again intrigued by his tone. She didn’t know much about Harry, other than what she had seen in Dumbledore’s Army and on the Quidditch Pitch, but she always found herself intrigued by him.
“So then why do Neville and Sean get to go?” Ron whined. Sean leaned across the compartment and smacked him with her invitation. “Ow! That hurt!”
“Good.” She said, and she laughed quietly.
Harry stood up. “Well, we should probably get going.” He held out his hand to help Sean up. Sean pushed herself off the bench seat instead, put her book in her back jeans pocket, and followed Harry out the door into the hallway, Neville right behind her. “So… what do you suppose this is about?” Harry asked
Sean had her hands in her pockets and was watching her feet as she walked. “Call it a sixth sense, but I suppose it’s about having lunch.” She laughed easily.
“Have you met Slughorn yet?” Neville asked.
“Nope.” Sean picked her head up and shook her hair out of her face.
“I don’t know why he invited me…” Neville said, somewhat fearfully.
“Right… well, I… er… wanted to let you know that I’ve been made Quidditch captain for this year.” Harry sputtered to Sean.
“Congratulations. I’m assuming that you’ll be deciding whether or not I have a fifth season as a Chaser, then?” Sean was confused at the sudden unease in Harry’s voice, especially after they were speaking so comfortably earlier.
“Of course you’re going to be on the team again! You and Katie are the best Chasers in Gryffindor!” Harry blurted out suddenly, and rather loudly.
Sean ran her fingers through her hair and shrugged her shoulders. “Well, of course we are. Glad to see you’re on the bandwagon.” She said jokingly, and they both stopped as they reached the compartment door. “Well, after you.” Sean said through a sigh.
Harry opened the door and entered into the compartment, and Sean and Neville followed quickly. There were about six pairs of eyes staring up at her, of few of whom she knew and most she didn’t. She was scanning the room when he saw a seventh year Gryffindor who had something of a history with herself and her friends. She sat next to him, and on her other side was a young girl with familiar flaming red hair. Sean smiled at her, and saw Harry and Neville sit on the other side of the girl out of the corner of her eye.
“Hi, Ginny. What’s up?” Harry said to the girl.
Ginny shrugged. “I was innocently using the Bat-Bogey Hex, and instead of getting detention I ended up with an invitation to lunch with a professor I’ve never heard of.” She half-whispered.
Sean smiled to herself at Ginny’s words, and Harry opened his mouth to respond, but he was cut off by a low, booming voice. “Well, I think we can begin now! I see you all made it – welcome, welcome.” The rotund man nodded to his confused guests. “I am Professor Slughorn, and I wanted to take the opportunity to meet with a few students before the year began. I hope we are all to become good friends!” The man smiled widely, and Sean raised her eyebrows in disbelief, then let herself slip into a daze as Professor Slughorn began to interrogate the scared-looking third year next to him.
“That’s an interesting point, Cormac. Now, Ms. Kiernan, I wonder if you are of any relation to Max Kiernan?” Sean shook herself slightly – she hadn’t been paying attention.
“I’m sorry, sir, can you repeat that?” Sean said as falsely-polite as she could.
Professor Slughorn smiled, and Sean fought the urge to shudder. “I was just wondering if you were related to Max Kiernan.”
Sean was shocked, but answered the professor nonetheless, “Yes, he’s my father.”
“Splendid! You know, most pure-blooded wizards, such as myself, find following the muggle news pointless, but I say that the muggle Ministry affects the Ministry of Magic much more than most believe.” Slughorn winked at her, and she felt herself go pale. “Now, your father’s entering what year as Prime Minister?”
Sean felt like she was about to heave, but still managed a quiet, “Sixth.”
Slughorn clapped his hands together in approval. “Splendid! Now, Ms. Kiernan, for your father’s sake – I hope you stay out of those scandals the papers can’t seem to get enough of.” He said in a joking manner, though Sean was beside herself in embarrassment. Slughorn moved on to question Ginny, and Sean saw Harry lean backwards to speak to her behind Ginny’s back.
“Minister Kiernan is your father?” Harry whispered, his face in a state of shock.
“I don’t like to talk about it.” Sean barely mumbled.
Sean hung her head, no longer listening as Slughorn spoke to Ginny, Harry (which he took an exceptionally long time to interrogate), Neville, and finally a Slytherin she didn’t know. She had made sure that none of her schoolmates, except Fred and George were aware of her father’s position in the muggle world; she hadn’t even told Oliver until a year into their relationship. What felt like only moments later, Sean started as those around her began to rise and head for the door. Sean shook herself and refocused as she rose and followed Cormac McLaggen into the hallway.
Sean was mildly aware of Harry walking next to her. “Your father is the Prime Minister of England,” Harry said bluntly, and Sean flinched at the word ‘minister’, “why didn’t you tell anyone?”
Sean rolled her eyes, “One, I did tell someone – just not you. Two, it’s my business. Three, I don’t like to talk about it. Do you need any more reasons?”
“You’re father is the most powerful politician in Britain! How did I not know this?” Harry scratched his head.
“Easy there, Poirot. It’s not like Kiernan’s an uncommon name.” Sean said sadly. She sighed heavily, until Harry suddenly had a hard time containing his laughter.
She felt him lean towards her, “Did you know McLaggen’s robes have pink hearts with ‘Mrs. Severus Snape’ all over them?” he whispered.
Sean looked at the back of Cormac McLaggen as if she’d never seen him before. “Huh. Would you look at that… if you tell him I’ll hex you” Sean’s face didn’t crack, but Harry’s broke into a wide grin.
Sean couldn’t help herself, and grinned back.
Three: Toilet Humor
Sean was softly cursing as she sat in the last men’s room stall in between saying the incantations for several cleaning spells. After a few minutes, satisfied that every toilet was now as germ-free as possible, Sean took out a small, corked vial full of a dark blue liquid. She sighed, unsure of herself, and stood over the toilet, then checked to make sure the stall door was open.
Sean closed her eyes, said a brief prayer, and threw the potion into the toilet bowl and bolted out of the stall; she had barely ran out of the bathroom door when a large ‘boom’ sounded behind her – signaling the intended explosion. Sean checked the empty hallway once again, and dashed back into the bathroom. She waved her hands in front of her to try and disperse some of the smoke and coughed, then checked the floor and smiled to see her treasure lying on the floor a few feet away. She grabbed her prize and shoved it in the back of her jeans (which she still had on under her robes), and rushed out of the door yet again.
Unfortunately, she was not alone this time; in front of Sean’s feet was Mrs. Norris, caretaker Argus Filch’s narc-cat. “Damn.” Sean said through a sigh, as soft, quick footsteps sounded at the near end of the hall. Sean inhaled deeply, then took off running towards the far end of the hallway; she rounded the corner and began to make her way towards Gryffindor Tower, sprinting the entire way. She raced up a flight of stairs, and was only a few turns and one more flight of stairs away from salvation, when she ran into someone.
“Ow! Hey!” he exclaimed as they both tumbled to the floor.
Sean quickly got to her feet and saw the student she had fallen into. “Harry!” Footsteps began to echo somewhere close.
“Sean! What’s going on? Why weren’t you at the start-of-term feast?” She helped him to his feet and he began to wipe off his robes.
Sean checked behind Harry to make sure they were still alone. “I was with you the whole time.”
“What?” Harry asked, obviously confused.
Sean tugged on his arm and began walking with him at an easy pace towards the Tower. “No matter what, I was with you the whole time – okay?”
“Okay…” Harry furrowed his brows at her, and Sean opened her mouth to explain when they turned the corner and almost bumped into another person.
“Hello, Kiernan.” Argus Filch was blocking their way, a disgusting grin on his face as Mrs. Norris purred around his feet.
“Filch.” Sean said simply.
“Had any visits to the third floor recently?” He asked, the grin fading from his face.
Sean furrowed her eyebrows and cocked her head, “Ahm, no… I was at the start-of-term feast with everyone else.”
Filch glared at her. “Liar.”
“No, really, she was with me the whole time. She even let me finish her pudding.” Harry said suddenly, and Sean fought a smirk.
Filch leaned in towards them, “One day, Kiernan… one day you’ll mess up and I’ll be able to put you in detention – and I promise to make it as interesting as possible.”
“It’s my understanding that you have to break a rule to be put in detention, and I swear, on Mrs. Norris, that I’ve never broken any school rule. I mean, I’m sure someone as witty and bright as yourself would have been able to give me detention at least once over the past five years if I had.” Sean smiled sweetly.
Filch straightened his back (as much as he could), knowing he was defeated, “I’m watching you, Kiernan.” He turned and walked away, trying to muster as much dignity as possible.
Sean and Harry walked back to Gryffindor Tower without speaking, until they were finally standing in the common room alone – they both burst out laughing. “What did you do?” Harry asked in between heaves of laughter.
“Allegedly, Harry, what did I allegedly do…” Sean grinned and lifted up her robes, and pulled out her hard-earned prize from the back of her pants.
Harry took it from her, “A toilet seat? Why on earth did you risk, at the very least, detention for a toilet seat?”
Sean shrugged and smiled, “Fred and George have always wanted a Hogwarts toilet seat, but they never got one while they were here. I figured it would make a nice store-warming gift.”
Harry laughed, “I’m sure they’ll enjoy it.”
“Thanks for the cover – I owe you one.” Sean smiled and turned to go up the stairs to her dormitory, “Oh, you might want to avoid the men’s bathroom in the Transfiguration hallway for a while.”
“Why did you take it from the men’s room, anyway?” Harry asked.
Sean started up the staircase and looked over her shoulder at him, “It’s only a prank if you don’t inconvenience yourself.”
* * * * * *
Sean was sitting at the Gryffindor table, ignoring her oatmeal as Harry retold toilet-seat-chase to Ron. “Why didn’t you tell me this last night?” Ron asked in between laughs.
“I wasn’t sure I could tell you – I wanted to make sure it was okay with Sean.” Harry said honestly, and he looked to his side to her.
Sean shrugged. “Like I care, it’s not like Filch can prove anything.”
Ron laughed again. “You’re brilliant, Sean. Now I know why Fred and George were so keen on you.”
He said it innocently enough, but it still made her uncomfortable. The relationship she kept with the twins was a strong, earnest friendship, but Sean, George, and Fred were never too far from a touchy subject that eventually makes its way into all male-female relationships – especially if the males are extremely competitive twin brothers. Sean smiled and ran her hand through her hair, when loud hooting sounded overhead.
“Time for mail…” Harry said lazily as owls of every color flew above them. Amidst the mass of brown, black, and white, a particularly large black eagle owl swooped down towards them. Sean, immediately recognizing the owl, put her head in her hands and bit her lip to stop herself from screaming. “Er, Sean? I think it’s for you…” Harry’s voice.
Sean picked up her head and smiled sadly. “Hello, Herodotus. How’s Dad?” she asked sarcastically, and the owl held out his right leg for her to unwrap a rolled package, while keeping the package on his left leg for another recipient; Sean could only assume who it was for.
Sean heard Harry gasp. “Don’t tell me the Prime Minister is a wizard?” he asked in shock.
“No, but he insisted on getting an owl so he could get to me whenever he pleased.” Sean sighed. She untied the package addressed to her, pat Herodotus on the head, and he hopped further down the table as she began to unroll the brown-paper package.
“Good morning, everyone.” Sean looked up to see Hermione smiling brightly at her.
“’Morning.” Sean managed, while everyone else said a proper ‘hello’. She took off the brown paper of her now-flattened package, and saw a note from her father:
From the Prime Minister’s desk:
Sean,
I recall having a serious discussion about the choices you are making with your life before you left for school, and I am extremely displeased to see your lack of regard for my wishes. We will discuss this matter further as soon as I am able to take leave of my office and come to your school – your headmaster is already aware of my intended visit. In the mean time, keep your grades up and do not engage in any further scandals that warrant my attention. I am very disappointed in you.
Your Father,
The Prime Minister of England
Sean’s heart sank as she read the letter, and she tossed it aside to look at the magazine that lay beneath it. She sighed to see a large photograph of herself and Oliver at King’s Cross Station only a day before. She opened the magazine and began to read:
PRIME MINISTER’S DAUGHTER CAUGHT WITH PRIME HUNK!
Max Kiernan’s daughter, Sean, caught on camera snogging a new beau, but who is he? Sources close to Sean report her new ‘friend’ to be a foreign dancer, who Sean met while on summer tour with the Royal Ballet Academy. This man is the latest interest for the exceptionally beautiful sixteen year old, after being tied to several university footballers, a teen actor from EastEnders, and even Prince William! The Minister’s office denies any connection between Sean and her rumored boyfriends, but they can’t deny this one – pictures don’t lie! This scandal comes at a rough time for the Prime Minister…
Sean had read enough. It seemed like every young man she had shaken hands with was now a supposed ‘boyfriend’. And Prince William?! He was two years younger than she was! Gross. Sean sighed and pushed the magazine away from herself in disgust. I am only sixteen, she thought despairingly, I am only sixteen and I’ve been in the gossip papers for three years! She sighed and rubbed her forehead, hoping that her father’s threat to visit her at school was just that, when she heard a voice behind her, “Sean.” She looked up to see Seamus standing behind her, his face contorted in anger - and a magazine crumpled in his tightly balled right hand.
She got up from her seat, not noticing Ron sneaking the magazine (with the letter inside the cover) into his lap, and held her palms up. “Not now, Shea.” Sean saw Professor McGonagall slowly heading their way as she was passing out schedules; she turned to walk out of the Great Hall as quickly and discreetly as possible.
Seamus, however, had different ideas, and he grabbed her by the wrist again. Sean turned to face him in disbelief, “I said not now. We’ve already had this conversation, now let me go.” Sean whispered angrily, suddenly very aware of the surrounding faces turning to watch them.
“I just want to know what you were thinking.” Seamus spat at her, “First, you embarrass yourself, and now you’ve embarrassed all of us.”
“Excuse me for not thinking of you when I kissed my boyfriend.” Sean wasn’t expecting her voice to come out so loud, but maybe it was because the noise in the Great Hall was subsiding. She lowered her voice, “Come on, you don’t want to do this here.” She put her hand on his, trying to loosen his grasp on her wrist, but he didn’t let go.
“You are so selfish – you only think about yourself!” Seamus yelled at her, and now they were surrounded by silence.
“Let go of me, Shea.” Sean whispered.
“Do you care about anyone besides your self?”
Sean wrestled her arm free. “Yes! I care about my friends! I care about my boyfriend! And I don’t know why you’ve decided to act like it, but you are not him. So get out of my life and stay out!” Sean yelled back, and she walked purposefully out of the Great Hall.
She walked until she reached the staircase and then ran to the owlery, where she searched for her own owl. “Archimedes?” A large, white eagle owl swooped down and landed near her, and Sean smiled. She reached into her robes and pulled out a scrap piece of parchment and a click-pen. She scribbled down,
I need you. Three Broomsticks, 10:00. Please be there, S
and she rolled it up and tied it to Archimedes’ leg. “Fred and George, as fast as you can.” She said soothingly, and Archimedes hooted softly before flying off into the morning sunshine. Sean sighed heavily and smiled, despite herself; at least now she had some rule-breaking to look forward to.
Hope you enjoyed it! Review!
Two: Meals and Reveals
Sean was trying to block out the tense silence of the compartment by absorbing herself in her book, but the conversation she just had was throbbing in her brain. Suddenly, the compartment door ‘banged’ open a second time, and everyone turned to see a small Hufflepuff with three folded notes in his hand. “Harry Potter, Neville Longbottom, and Sean Kiernan?” he asked.
“Yes?” Sean, Neville and Harry spoke together, and the boy handed them each a note.
“What is it?” Ron asked.
Sean looked up and her eyes met Harry’s, who answered “We’re invited to eat lunch with Professor Slughorn in his compartment.”
Ron grabbed the invitation from Harry’s hand. “Why haven’t I been invited then?”
“I don’t know, but I bet he wants ‘the Boy Who Lived’ there.” Harry scoffed, and Sean was once again intrigued by his tone. She didn’t know much about Harry, other than what she had seen in Dumbledore’s Army and on the Quidditch Pitch, but she always found herself intrigued by him.
“So then why do Neville and Sean get to go?” Ron whined. Sean leaned across the compartment and smacked him with her invitation. “Ow! That hurt!”
“Good.” She said, and she laughed quietly.
Harry stood up. “Well, we should probably get going.” He held out his hand to help Sean up. Sean pushed herself off the bench seat instead, put her book in her back jeans pocket, and followed Harry out the door into the hallway, Neville right behind her. “So… what do you suppose this is about?” Harry asked
Sean had her hands in her pockets and was watching her feet as she walked. “Call it a sixth sense, but I suppose it’s about having lunch.” She laughed easily.
“Have you met Slughorn yet?” Neville asked.
“Nope.” Sean picked her head up and shook her hair out of her face.
“I don’t know why he invited me…” Neville said, somewhat fearfully.
“Right… well, I… er… wanted to let you know that I’ve been made Quidditch captain for this year.” Harry sputtered to Sean.
“Congratulations. I’m assuming that you’ll be deciding whether or not I have a fifth season as a Chaser, then?” Sean was confused at the sudden unease in Harry’s voice, especially after they were speaking so comfortably earlier.
“Of course you’re going to be on the team again! You and Katie are the best Chasers in Gryffindor!” Harry blurted out suddenly, and rather loudly.
Sean ran her fingers through her hair and shrugged her shoulders. “Well, of course we are. Glad to see you’re on the bandwagon.” She said jokingly, and they both stopped as they reached the compartment door. “Well, after you.” Sean said through a sigh.
Harry opened the door and entered into the compartment, and Sean and Neville followed quickly. There were about six pairs of eyes staring up at her, of few of whom she knew and most she didn’t. She was scanning the room when he saw a seventh year Gryffindor who had something of a history with herself and her friends. She sat next to him, and on her other side was a young girl with familiar flaming red hair. Sean smiled at her, and saw Harry and Neville sit on the other side of the girl out of the corner of her eye.
“Hi, Ginny. What’s up?” Harry said to the girl.
Ginny shrugged. “I was innocently using the Bat-Bogey Hex, and instead of getting detention I ended up with an invitation to lunch with a professor I’ve never heard of.” She half-whispered.
Sean smiled to herself at Ginny’s words, and Harry opened his mouth to respond, but he was cut off by a low, booming voice. “Well, I think we can begin now! I see you all made it – welcome, welcome.” The rotund man nodded to his confused guests. “I am Professor Slughorn, and I wanted to take the opportunity to meet with a few students before the year began. I hope we are all to become good friends!” The man smiled widely, and Sean raised her eyebrows in disbelief, then let herself slip into a daze as Professor Slughorn began to interrogate the scared-looking third year next to him.
“That’s an interesting point, Cormac. Now, Ms. Kiernan, I wonder if you are of any relation to Max Kiernan?” Sean shook herself slightly – she hadn’t been paying attention.
“I’m sorry, sir, can you repeat that?” Sean said as falsely-polite as she could.
Professor Slughorn smiled, and Sean fought the urge to shudder. “I was just wondering if you were related to Max Kiernan.”
Sean was shocked, but answered the professor nonetheless, “Yes, he’s my father.”
“Splendid! You know, most pure-blooded wizards, such as myself, find following the muggle news pointless, but I say that the muggle Ministry affects the Ministry of Magic much more than most believe.” Slughorn winked at her, and she felt herself go pale. “Now, your father’s entering what year as Prime Minister?”
Sean felt like she was about to heave, but still managed a quiet, “Sixth.”
Slughorn clapped his hands together in approval. “Splendid! Now, Ms. Kiernan, for your father’s sake – I hope you stay out of those scandals the papers can’t seem to get enough of.” He said in a joking manner, though Sean was beside herself in embarrassment. Slughorn moved on to question Ginny, and Sean saw Harry lean backwards to speak to her behind Ginny’s back.
“Minister Kiernan is your father?” Harry whispered, his face in a state of shock.
“I don’t like to talk about it.” Sean barely mumbled.
Sean hung her head, no longer listening as Slughorn spoke to Ginny, Harry (which he took an exceptionally long time to interrogate), Neville, and finally a Slytherin she didn’t know. She had made sure that none of her schoolmates, except Fred and George were aware of her father’s position in the muggle world; she hadn’t even told Oliver until a year into their relationship. What felt like only moments later, Sean started as those around her began to rise and head for the door. Sean shook herself and refocused as she rose and followed Cormac McLaggen into the hallway.
Sean was mildly aware of Harry walking next to her. “Your father is the Prime Minister of England,” Harry said bluntly, and Sean flinched at the word ‘minister’, “why didn’t you tell anyone?”
Sean rolled her eyes, “One, I did tell someone – just not you. Two, it’s my business. Three, I don’t like to talk about it. Do you need any more reasons?”
“You’re father is the most powerful politician in Britain! How did I not know this?” Harry scratched his head.
“Easy there, Poirot. It’s not like Kiernan’s an uncommon name.” Sean said sadly. She sighed heavily, until Harry suddenly had a hard time containing his laughter.
She felt him lean towards her, “Did you know McLaggen’s robes have pink hearts with ‘Mrs. Severus Snape’ all over them?” he whispered.
Sean looked at the back of Cormac McLaggen as if she’d never seen him before. “Huh. Would you look at that… if you tell him I’ll hex you” Sean’s face didn’t crack, but Harry’s broke into a wide grin.
Sean couldn’t help herself, and grinned back.
Three: Toilet Humor
Sean was softly cursing as she sat in the last men’s room stall in between saying the incantations for several cleaning spells. After a few minutes, satisfied that every toilet was now as germ-free as possible, Sean took out a small, corked vial full of a dark blue liquid. She sighed, unsure of herself, and stood over the toilet, then checked to make sure the stall door was open.
Sean closed her eyes, said a brief prayer, and threw the potion into the toilet bowl and bolted out of the stall; she had barely ran out of the bathroom door when a large ‘boom’ sounded behind her – signaling the intended explosion. Sean checked the empty hallway once again, and dashed back into the bathroom. She waved her hands in front of her to try and disperse some of the smoke and coughed, then checked the floor and smiled to see her treasure lying on the floor a few feet away. She grabbed her prize and shoved it in the back of her jeans (which she still had on under her robes), and rushed out of the door yet again.
Unfortunately, she was not alone this time; in front of Sean’s feet was Mrs. Norris, caretaker Argus Filch’s narc-cat. “Damn.” Sean said through a sigh, as soft, quick footsteps sounded at the near end of the hall. Sean inhaled deeply, then took off running towards the far end of the hallway; she rounded the corner and began to make her way towards Gryffindor Tower, sprinting the entire way. She raced up a flight of stairs, and was only a few turns and one more flight of stairs away from salvation, when she ran into someone.
“Ow! Hey!” he exclaimed as they both tumbled to the floor.
Sean quickly got to her feet and saw the student she had fallen into. “Harry!” Footsteps began to echo somewhere close.
“Sean! What’s going on? Why weren’t you at the start-of-term feast?” She helped him to his feet and he began to wipe off his robes.
Sean checked behind Harry to make sure they were still alone. “I was with you the whole time.”
“What?” Harry asked, obviously confused.
Sean tugged on his arm and began walking with him at an easy pace towards the Tower. “No matter what, I was with you the whole time – okay?”
“Okay…” Harry furrowed his brows at her, and Sean opened her mouth to explain when they turned the corner and almost bumped into another person.
“Hello, Kiernan.” Argus Filch was blocking their way, a disgusting grin on his face as Mrs. Norris purred around his feet.
“Filch.” Sean said simply.
“Had any visits to the third floor recently?” He asked, the grin fading from his face.
Sean furrowed her eyebrows and cocked her head, “Ahm, no… I was at the start-of-term feast with everyone else.”
Filch glared at her. “Liar.”
“No, really, she was with me the whole time. She even let me finish her pudding.” Harry said suddenly, and Sean fought a smirk.
Filch leaned in towards them, “One day, Kiernan… one day you’ll mess up and I’ll be able to put you in detention – and I promise to make it as interesting as possible.”
“It’s my understanding that you have to break a rule to be put in detention, and I swear, on Mrs. Norris, that I’ve never broken any school rule. I mean, I’m sure someone as witty and bright as yourself would have been able to give me detention at least once over the past five years if I had.” Sean smiled sweetly.
Filch straightened his back (as much as he could), knowing he was defeated, “I’m watching you, Kiernan.” He turned and walked away, trying to muster as much dignity as possible.
Sean and Harry walked back to Gryffindor Tower without speaking, until they were finally standing in the common room alone – they both burst out laughing. “What did you do?” Harry asked in between heaves of laughter.
“Allegedly, Harry, what did I allegedly do…” Sean grinned and lifted up her robes, and pulled out her hard-earned prize from the back of her pants.
Harry took it from her, “A toilet seat? Why on earth did you risk, at the very least, detention for a toilet seat?”
Sean shrugged and smiled, “Fred and George have always wanted a Hogwarts toilet seat, but they never got one while they were here. I figured it would make a nice store-warming gift.”
Harry laughed, “I’m sure they’ll enjoy it.”
“Thanks for the cover – I owe you one.” Sean smiled and turned to go up the stairs to her dormitory, “Oh, you might want to avoid the men’s bathroom in the Transfiguration hallway for a while.”
“Why did you take it from the men’s room, anyway?” Harry asked.
Sean started up the staircase and looked over her shoulder at him, “It’s only a prank if you don’t inconvenience yourself.”
* * * * * *
Sean was sitting at the Gryffindor table, ignoring her oatmeal as Harry retold toilet-seat-chase to Ron. “Why didn’t you tell me this last night?” Ron asked in between laughs.
“I wasn’t sure I could tell you – I wanted to make sure it was okay with Sean.” Harry said honestly, and he looked to his side to her.
Sean shrugged. “Like I care, it’s not like Filch can prove anything.”
Ron laughed again. “You’re brilliant, Sean. Now I know why Fred and George were so keen on you.”
He said it innocently enough, but it still made her uncomfortable. The relationship she kept with the twins was a strong, earnest friendship, but Sean, George, and Fred were never too far from a touchy subject that eventually makes its way into all male-female relationships – especially if the males are extremely competitive twin brothers. Sean smiled and ran her hand through her hair, when loud hooting sounded overhead.
“Time for mail…” Harry said lazily as owls of every color flew above them. Amidst the mass of brown, black, and white, a particularly large black eagle owl swooped down towards them. Sean, immediately recognizing the owl, put her head in her hands and bit her lip to stop herself from screaming. “Er, Sean? I think it’s for you…” Harry’s voice.
Sean picked up her head and smiled sadly. “Hello, Herodotus. How’s Dad?” she asked sarcastically, and the owl held out his right leg for her to unwrap a rolled package, while keeping the package on his left leg for another recipient; Sean could only assume who it was for.
Sean heard Harry gasp. “Don’t tell me the Prime Minister is a wizard?” he asked in shock.
“No, but he insisted on getting an owl so he could get to me whenever he pleased.” Sean sighed. She untied the package addressed to her, pat Herodotus on the head, and he hopped further down the table as she began to unroll the brown-paper package.
“Good morning, everyone.” Sean looked up to see Hermione smiling brightly at her.
“’Morning.” Sean managed, while everyone else said a proper ‘hello’. She took off the brown paper of her now-flattened package, and saw a note from her father:
From the Prime Minister’s desk:
Sean,
I recall having a serious discussion about the choices you are making with your life before you left for school, and I am extremely displeased to see your lack of regard for my wishes. We will discuss this matter further as soon as I am able to take leave of my office and come to your school – your headmaster is already aware of my intended visit. In the mean time, keep your grades up and do not engage in any further scandals that warrant my attention. I am very disappointed in you.
Your Father,
The Prime Minister of England
Sean’s heart sank as she read the letter, and she tossed it aside to look at the magazine that lay beneath it. She sighed to see a large photograph of herself and Oliver at King’s Cross Station only a day before. She opened the magazine and began to read:
PRIME MINISTER’S DAUGHTER CAUGHT WITH PRIME HUNK!
Max Kiernan’s daughter, Sean, caught on camera snogging a new beau, but who is he? Sources close to Sean report her new ‘friend’ to be a foreign dancer, who Sean met while on summer tour with the Royal Ballet Academy. This man is the latest interest for the exceptionally beautiful sixteen year old, after being tied to several university footballers, a teen actor from EastEnders, and even Prince William! The Minister’s office denies any connection between Sean and her rumored boyfriends, but they can’t deny this one – pictures don’t lie! This scandal comes at a rough time for the Prime Minister…
Sean had read enough. It seemed like every young man she had shaken hands with was now a supposed ‘boyfriend’. And Prince William?! He was two years younger than she was! Gross. Sean sighed and pushed the magazine away from herself in disgust. I am only sixteen, she thought despairingly, I am only sixteen and I’ve been in the gossip papers for three years! She sighed and rubbed her forehead, hoping that her father’s threat to visit her at school was just that, when she heard a voice behind her, “Sean.” She looked up to see Seamus standing behind her, his face contorted in anger - and a magazine crumpled in his tightly balled right hand.
She got up from her seat, not noticing Ron sneaking the magazine (with the letter inside the cover) into his lap, and held her palms up. “Not now, Shea.” Sean saw Professor McGonagall slowly heading their way as she was passing out schedules; she turned to walk out of the Great Hall as quickly and discreetly as possible.
Seamus, however, had different ideas, and he grabbed her by the wrist again. Sean turned to face him in disbelief, “I said not now. We’ve already had this conversation, now let me go.” Sean whispered angrily, suddenly very aware of the surrounding faces turning to watch them.
“I just want to know what you were thinking.” Seamus spat at her, “First, you embarrass yourself, and now you’ve embarrassed all of us.”
“Excuse me for not thinking of you when I kissed my boyfriend.” Sean wasn’t expecting her voice to come out so loud, but maybe it was because the noise in the Great Hall was subsiding. She lowered her voice, “Come on, you don’t want to do this here.” She put her hand on his, trying to loosen his grasp on her wrist, but he didn’t let go.
“You are so selfish – you only think about yourself!” Seamus yelled at her, and now they were surrounded by silence.
“Let go of me, Shea.” Sean whispered.
“Do you care about anyone besides your self?”
Sean wrestled her arm free. “Yes! I care about my friends! I care about my boyfriend! And I don’t know why you’ve decided to act like it, but you are not him. So get out of my life and stay out!” Sean yelled back, and she walked purposefully out of the Great Hall.
She walked until she reached the staircase and then ran to the owlery, where she searched for her own owl. “Archimedes?” A large, white eagle owl swooped down and landed near her, and Sean smiled. She reached into her robes and pulled out a scrap piece of parchment and a click-pen. She scribbled down,
I need you. Three Broomsticks, 10:00. Please be there, S
and she rolled it up and tied it to Archimedes’ leg. “Fred and George, as fast as you can.” She said soothingly, and Archimedes hooted softly before flying off into the morning sunshine. Sean sighed heavily and smiled, despite herself; at least now she had some rule-breaking to look forward to.
Hope you enjoyed it! Review!
Four: Seen and Unseen
Sean was tiptoeing through the one-eyed witch passageway, her dark emerald cloak billowing around her and her lit wand illuminating the way. She stopped yet again, cursing herself inside. There is nothing behind you, you were not followed, get a grip, Sean, she thought harshly. Sean had already stopped several times, her ears playing tricks on her; she sighed and checked her watch – 9:43. She pulled her cloak closed and continued on, her sneakers softly thudding on the dirt beneath her.
Almost ten minutes later, Sean arrived at the wooden ladder that lead to Honeydukes cellar, and she climbed it quickly. She pushed the floorboard above her up just a few inches so she could check around her; satisfied she was alone, she pushed the board aside and crawled out into the cellar. The room was dim, even with her wand lit, and she climbed to staircase cautiously – the owners slept in a loft just above the store, and she was not about to wake them. She made her way to the front door, and whispered “Alohomora” as she pointed her wand to the door lock. She grinned as the lock ‘clicked’ open, and opened the door swiftly to escape into the main street of Hogsmeade.
Sean walked quickly towards the Three Broomsticks pub; stopping just outside, Sean furrowed her eyebrows and let her right forefinger twitch as she concentrated on her hair. She removed the hood of her cloak and let down her pony tail so her long hair fell onto her shoulders, and she smiled to see the desired fire-red color visible even in the darkness of night. Sean mumbled an incantation as she pointed to her baggy jeans and Ramones tee shirt, and then straightened her ‘new’ green-starred black robes and entered the pub.
For such a late hour, the pub was still bustling about – possibly in the early stages of winding down. Sean scanned the room, and smiled brightly when she saw a head of similarly-shaded hair at a small table in the back of the room. She walked determinedly towards him and sat down opposite him. “Thanks for coming, George.”
“Well, it’s not like I’ve got a life or anything.” He smiled at her. “You look good as a redhead.”
“How’s the store? Is Fred okay? How’s your mum?” Sean asked in a lowered voice.
George grinned at her. “Fred is stuck at the store, otherwise he’d be here – and you don’t want to hear about the store or my crazy mum. Now, what’s wrong – you sounded really upset.” George’s grin subsided into concern.
“You got upset from ‘I need you’? Wow, that’s impressive.” George grinned half-heartedly and shrugged. “To be honest, I just really needed you guys. My dad is having a schizo-attack, my brother has gone off the deep end, and if this keeps up I’m going to lose it – and it’s only the first day.” Sean sighed, trying to catch her breath.
“Whoa. Well, let’s start with your brother – what’s he done?” George asked earnestly.
Sean ran her hands through her colored hair. “He’s just completely mental! He talked to me yesterday on the train, and went on this rant about how we should be a better a family and better siblings – it was extremely depressing.”
“Wait – Seamus said this? Seamus Finnigan, the Irish idiot?” George asked in disbelief.
Sean winced as she thought she heard the unused chair on her left creak, and she lowered her voice. “Half-Irish, and I am too. And yes, he did say it. He just went on about how he was sorry and we need to be a closer family – it was really weird.” Sean said frankly.
George’s mouth was gaping at her. “No kidding! I thought he was the one who didn’t want anyone to know you were related whatsoever! Blimey, what did you say?”
Sean laughed sadly. “I told him off, really. I said I wasn’t done being mad at him after everything, and honestly I’m not.” She folded her arms and shrugged.
“You don’t have to be – he was a royal git to you, and you don’t owe him anything.” George said in a fierce whisper.
“Yeah, well, it gets worse. We were practically yelling at each other on the train, but at least no one heard. This morning, he yelled at me in the Great Hall in front of everyone.”
George furrowed his eyebrows. “Why? I mean, you had already hashed it all out?”
Sean sighed. “That’s what I thought. Well, my dad sent me a horrible post this morning and threatened to come to school, and I’m pretty sure he sent something to Seamus asking him to keep an eye on me. You know, it’s completely absurd that he trusts my brother over me, especially since I’m the one that lived with him for the past thirteen years. He and Seamus barely had a relationship until a few years ago, and Shea still lives with Mum in Ireland!” Sean scoffed. “Anyway, Seamus came up to me and just lost it in front of everyone – he made himself look like a jealous boyfriend or something, it’s quite perverted when you think about it.”
“Damn. What did you do to miff your dad?”
Sean bit her lip, she wanted to tell him – but was worried about his potential reaction. “There was a picture in a magazine of Oliver and I at King’s Cross yesterday.”
George grinned, “What kind of picture?”
“The kind you take when you’re saying ‘goodbye’ to your boyfriend.” Sean said as she glared at George.
George smiled, “Sean and Oliver sitting on a broom, S-N-O-G-G-I-N-G.” he mocked in a sing-song voice.
Sean smiled, “This is why I don’t talk to you about my boyfriends.”
“Are you kidding? It is my right as a best friend to take the mickey out of you… You’re dating your former Quidditch captain – it’s like some muggle soap opera!” Sean raised an eyebrow at him, and he answered simply “Dad – he used to drag us to the pub in the muggle village to watch the television.”
“Well, I’m glad you think it’s funny – but the gossip papers think its news. Hence why my father’s so furious.”
“And Seamus.” George offered.
Sean glared at him. “You aren’t helping, you know.” She smiled miserably. “I just want to know why I am so damn popular all of a sudden!”
“Well, you are the muggle Prime Minister’s daughter, the prettiest girl at Hogwarts, and you have superb taste in friends.” George said, straightening himself up.
“Unfortunately, thank you, and yeah right. This year is already incredibly wretched, and you and Fred aren’t even there to get into trouble with me!”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa – get into trouble with you? Please, you’ve never had a single detention.” He said through a grin.
“Which reminds me, this is for you…” Sean pulled a shrunken toilet seat and a small vial out of her pocket. “Just pour this on it and it’ll return to its normal size.”
George stared at it as if it were the Holy Grail. “You are my hero.”
Sean laughed. “I know, I know… Thanks for listening to me complain, I don't know what I'm going to do without you or Fred this year." She sighed and ran her hands through her hair, "Now, tell me what's happening with the store?"
Sean and George continued to talk and joke over the next hour, until Sean finally admitted that she would require atleast a few hours of sleep before the next day.
George smiled at her. “Well, if you have any more annoying-twin problems, send me a post – I have plenty of experience.”
They stood and hugged good-bye. “That’s probably because you are the annoying twin.” Sean said through a grin, and she left the pub feeling much better than when she arrived. She pulled up the hood of her cloak as she began walking towards Honeydukes, and let her forefinger twitch again as she concentrated on returning her hair back to its natural dark brown color.
She stopped in front of the store entrance and checked around to make sure she was alone. Satisfied, Sean opened the still-unlocked door and entered quietly, then locked the door behind her and moved swiftly down the stairs to the cellar. Sean muttered a counter-spell as she pointed her wand to her robes, and smiled as she straightened her black Ramones tee shirt. She bent down to lift the trap door that led to the passageway, when she heard the door open upstairs. Sean froze in position, and racked her memory; I locked the door, right? I know I locked the door… I always lock the door! Sean cursed softly, and her eyes widened in fear as she heard the floorboards creaking above her. Oh God, they’re moving towards the stairs…
Sean leapt into the passageway and pointed her wand towards the trap door, closing it as she whispered “Colloportus!” She waited at the base of the ladder, her heart racing as she breathed heavily. The creaking of the floorboards had reached the cellar, and it was coming closer to the trapdoor; Sean began to back away slowly from the ladder, her eyes fixed on the door above her. She froze as the creaking stopped, praying that whoever it was had left, but the trapdoor glowed suddenly and began to lift open - and Sean turned and took off running.
The trapdoor shut rather loudly, and Sean heard someone land on the dirt floor. “Sean! Wait!” a male voice yelled out to her, and it definitely wasn't George. Yeah, right, Sean thought to herself and she pushed on, now worrying about how she was going to run the entire length of the passageway, get in Hogwarts and back the Gryffindor Tower without being caught. Sean looked over her shoulder to see if she could spot her pursuer, when she tripped and fell to the floor.
Sean cursed loudly, and tore off her cloak and tossed it aside, then got to her feet as quickly as possible and resumed running. There was a new breeze on her left knee, and Sean realized that her jeans had ripped there, and a steady flow of blood was now gushing down her leg. Sean faltered, and hit the dirt floor again – panicking as the steps of her pursuer were thudding ever-closer. There were two choices obvious to her: stop the blood pouring from her knee or stop the person chasing her; Sean raised her lit wand to see who was trailing her, but he still wasn’t visible even though he must be close, now. She took a chance and yelled “Locomotor Mortis!” in the direction of the footsteps.
“AH!” A loud yell resounded in the pathway, and she heard a loud ‘thud’ not far from her – signaling she had locked the legs of her invisible target. Sean pulled herself up into a sitting position and pulled her left knee towards her. She suddenly felt very dizzy, but shook it off and pointed her wand at her knee, mumbling the incantation “Auguamenti” to produce a jet of water to clean the wound.
“Sean! SEAN!” the male voice yelled again, but she didn’t respond.
Instead, she continued to tend to her wound by mumbling “Ferula”, and a large, white bandage magically appeared and wrapped itself around her knee.
“Sean! Let me up!” Sean sighed and relit her wand to look down the pathway again to find her would-be captor. However, she only saw a pair of locked legs from the thigh-down. Sean let out an involuntary yelp and tried to stand, but fell back to the floor.
“What the bloody hell are you?” She yelled at the legs.
“It’s Harry!”
Sean lifted her wand again and saw her classmate suddenly revealed as if removing an invisible sheet. She let out a sigh of relief and pointed her wand at his legs. “Finite. Why are you following me?”
Harry scrambled to his feet. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you… I saw you leaving on… I… er…”
“Marauders’ Map.” Sean finished for him.
“Right.” Harry said, relieved. “I was, um, just curious about why you were wandering the ground at night, and I figured if you got into any trouble I could help… like yesterday.”
Sean smiled, despite herself. “Firstly, you only helped because you got in the way.” She laughed softly. “And I don’t need a babysitter.” An awkward silence fell between them, until Sean finally asked the question that had been on her mind since she realized she was being trailed, “So you heard everything, huh?”
Harry moved to sit next to her on the ground. “Er, yeah. I’m sorry.”
Sean laughed. “No you’re not, you’re just sorry you got caught.”
She saw Harry grin weakly, and he addressed the elephant now in the room… or rather, pathway. “So Seamus Finnigan is your brother?”
“Twin brother, actually.” Sean let her head fall back. “Don’t hold it against me, okay?”
Harry smiled. “Got it… and I won’t tell anyone.”
“Thanks. Any other questions?”
“That about sums them up.” Harry said through a grin.
Sean grinned back, “Well, now that you know my deepest, darkest secrets,” she said, falsely dramatic, “I consider you a friend, and friends don’t stalk each other, alright?”
“That would be terribly unfriendly of me.” Harry laughed. “Ready to get out of here?” Harry got up and helped her to her feet. “Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked as he looked at all the blood on her jeans and soaking into the dirt around her.
“Thanks, but I’ll be fine.” Sean said, trying to convince herself, as well. She hobbled to rest of the way with one arm around Harry’s shoulders, until they finally reached the ladder that led back into Hogwarts.
Once inside the school, Sean and Harry moved even slower as they crept quietly through the halls. Finally, the reached the Gryffindor common room. “Thanks, Harry.” Sean said through pants as she made her way up the stairwell to the girls’ dorms.
“Don’t mention it.” Harry smiled and headed towards his own dorms. Sean reached her dorm room and pushed the door open, then sighed in relief to hear her dorm-mates sleeping. She fell on top of her bed and stared at the canopy above her, maybe this year won’t be so bad was the last thing she thought before she fell asleep.
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Sean was tiptoeing through the one-eyed witch passageway, her dark emerald cloak billowing around her and her lit wand illuminating the way. She stopped yet again, cursing herself inside. There is nothing behind you, you were not followed, get a grip, Sean, she thought harshly. Sean had already stopped several times, her ears playing tricks on her; she sighed and checked her watch – 9:43. She pulled her cloak closed and continued on, her sneakers softly thudding on the dirt beneath her.
Almost ten minutes later, Sean arrived at the wooden ladder that lead to Honeydukes cellar, and she climbed it quickly. She pushed the floorboard above her up just a few inches so she could check around her; satisfied she was alone, she pushed the board aside and crawled out into the cellar. The room was dim, even with her wand lit, and she climbed to staircase cautiously – the owners slept in a loft just above the store, and she was not about to wake them. She made her way to the front door, and whispered “Alohomora” as she pointed her wand to the door lock. She grinned as the lock ‘clicked’ open, and opened the door swiftly to escape into the main street of Hogsmeade.
Sean walked quickly towards the Three Broomsticks pub; stopping just outside, Sean furrowed her eyebrows and let her right forefinger twitch as she concentrated on her hair. She removed the hood of her cloak and let down her pony tail so her long hair fell onto her shoulders, and she smiled to see the desired fire-red color visible even in the darkness of night. Sean mumbled an incantation as she pointed to her baggy jeans and Ramones tee shirt, and then straightened her ‘new’ green-starred black robes and entered the pub.
For such a late hour, the pub was still bustling about – possibly in the early stages of winding down. Sean scanned the room, and smiled brightly when she saw a head of similarly-shaded hair at a small table in the back of the room. She walked determinedly towards him and sat down opposite him. “Thanks for coming, George.”
“Well, it’s not like I’ve got a life or anything.” He smiled at her. “You look good as a redhead.”
“How’s the store? Is Fred okay? How’s your mum?” Sean asked in a lowered voice.
George grinned at her. “Fred is stuck at the store, otherwise he’d be here – and you don’t want to hear about the store or my crazy mum. Now, what’s wrong – you sounded really upset.” George’s grin subsided into concern.
“You got upset from ‘I need you’? Wow, that’s impressive.” George grinned half-heartedly and shrugged. “To be honest, I just really needed you guys. My dad is having a schizo-attack, my brother has gone off the deep end, and if this keeps up I’m going to lose it – and it’s only the first day.” Sean sighed, trying to catch her breath.
“Whoa. Well, let’s start with your brother – what’s he done?” George asked earnestly.
Sean ran her hands through her colored hair. “He’s just completely mental! He talked to me yesterday on the train, and went on this rant about how we should be a better a family and better siblings – it was extremely depressing.”
“Wait – Seamus said this? Seamus Finnigan, the Irish idiot?” George asked in disbelief.
Sean winced as she thought she heard the unused chair on her left creak, and she lowered her voice. “Half-Irish, and I am too. And yes, he did say it. He just went on about how he was sorry and we need to be a closer family – it was really weird.” Sean said frankly.
George’s mouth was gaping at her. “No kidding! I thought he was the one who didn’t want anyone to know you were related whatsoever! Blimey, what did you say?”
Sean laughed sadly. “I told him off, really. I said I wasn’t done being mad at him after everything, and honestly I’m not.” She folded her arms and shrugged.
“You don’t have to be – he was a royal git to you, and you don’t owe him anything.” George said in a fierce whisper.
“Yeah, well, it gets worse. We were practically yelling at each other on the train, but at least no one heard. This morning, he yelled at me in the Great Hall in front of everyone.”
George furrowed his eyebrows. “Why? I mean, you had already hashed it all out?”
Sean sighed. “That’s what I thought. Well, my dad sent me a horrible post this morning and threatened to come to school, and I’m pretty sure he sent something to Seamus asking him to keep an eye on me. You know, it’s completely absurd that he trusts my brother over me, especially since I’m the one that lived with him for the past thirteen years. He and Seamus barely had a relationship until a few years ago, and Shea still lives with Mum in Ireland!” Sean scoffed. “Anyway, Seamus came up to me and just lost it in front of everyone – he made himself look like a jealous boyfriend or something, it’s quite perverted when you think about it.”
“Damn. What did you do to miff your dad?”
Sean bit her lip, she wanted to tell him – but was worried about his potential reaction. “There was a picture in a magazine of Oliver and I at King’s Cross yesterday.”
George grinned, “What kind of picture?”
“The kind you take when you’re saying ‘goodbye’ to your boyfriend.” Sean said as she glared at George.
George smiled, “Sean and Oliver sitting on a broom, S-N-O-G-G-I-N-G.” he mocked in a sing-song voice.
Sean smiled, “This is why I don’t talk to you about my boyfriends.”
“Are you kidding? It is my right as a best friend to take the mickey out of you… You’re dating your former Quidditch captain – it’s like some muggle soap opera!” Sean raised an eyebrow at him, and he answered simply “Dad – he used to drag us to the pub in the muggle village to watch the television.”
“Well, I’m glad you think it’s funny – but the gossip papers think its news. Hence why my father’s so furious.”
“And Seamus.” George offered.
Sean glared at him. “You aren’t helping, you know.” She smiled miserably. “I just want to know why I am so damn popular all of a sudden!”
“Well, you are the muggle Prime Minister’s daughter, the prettiest girl at Hogwarts, and you have superb taste in friends.” George said, straightening himself up.
“Unfortunately, thank you, and yeah right. This year is already incredibly wretched, and you and Fred aren’t even there to get into trouble with me!”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa – get into trouble with you? Please, you’ve never had a single detention.” He said through a grin.
“Which reminds me, this is for you…” Sean pulled a shrunken toilet seat and a small vial out of her pocket. “Just pour this on it and it’ll return to its normal size.”
George stared at it as if it were the Holy Grail. “You are my hero.”
Sean laughed. “I know, I know… Thanks for listening to me complain, I don't know what I'm going to do without you or Fred this year." She sighed and ran her hands through her hair, "Now, tell me what's happening with the store?"
Sean and George continued to talk and joke over the next hour, until Sean finally admitted that she would require atleast a few hours of sleep before the next day.
George smiled at her. “Well, if you have any more annoying-twin problems, send me a post – I have plenty of experience.”
They stood and hugged good-bye. “That’s probably because you are the annoying twin.” Sean said through a grin, and she left the pub feeling much better than when she arrived. She pulled up the hood of her cloak as she began walking towards Honeydukes, and let her forefinger twitch again as she concentrated on returning her hair back to its natural dark brown color.
She stopped in front of the store entrance and checked around to make sure she was alone. Satisfied, Sean opened the still-unlocked door and entered quietly, then locked the door behind her and moved swiftly down the stairs to the cellar. Sean muttered a counter-spell as she pointed her wand to her robes, and smiled as she straightened her black Ramones tee shirt. She bent down to lift the trap door that led to the passageway, when she heard the door open upstairs. Sean froze in position, and racked her memory; I locked the door, right? I know I locked the door… I always lock the door! Sean cursed softly, and her eyes widened in fear as she heard the floorboards creaking above her. Oh God, they’re moving towards the stairs…
Sean leapt into the passageway and pointed her wand towards the trap door, closing it as she whispered “Colloportus!” She waited at the base of the ladder, her heart racing as she breathed heavily. The creaking of the floorboards had reached the cellar, and it was coming closer to the trapdoor; Sean began to back away slowly from the ladder, her eyes fixed on the door above her. She froze as the creaking stopped, praying that whoever it was had left, but the trapdoor glowed suddenly and began to lift open - and Sean turned and took off running.
The trapdoor shut rather loudly, and Sean heard someone land on the dirt floor. “Sean! Wait!” a male voice yelled out to her, and it definitely wasn't George. Yeah, right, Sean thought to herself and she pushed on, now worrying about how she was going to run the entire length of the passageway, get in Hogwarts and back the Gryffindor Tower without being caught. Sean looked over her shoulder to see if she could spot her pursuer, when she tripped and fell to the floor.
Sean cursed loudly, and tore off her cloak and tossed it aside, then got to her feet as quickly as possible and resumed running. There was a new breeze on her left knee, and Sean realized that her jeans had ripped there, and a steady flow of blood was now gushing down her leg. Sean faltered, and hit the dirt floor again – panicking as the steps of her pursuer were thudding ever-closer. There were two choices obvious to her: stop the blood pouring from her knee or stop the person chasing her; Sean raised her lit wand to see who was trailing her, but he still wasn’t visible even though he must be close, now. She took a chance and yelled “Locomotor Mortis!” in the direction of the footsteps.
“AH!” A loud yell resounded in the pathway, and she heard a loud ‘thud’ not far from her – signaling she had locked the legs of her invisible target. Sean pulled herself up into a sitting position and pulled her left knee towards her. She suddenly felt very dizzy, but shook it off and pointed her wand at her knee, mumbling the incantation “Auguamenti” to produce a jet of water to clean the wound.
“Sean! SEAN!” the male voice yelled again, but she didn’t respond.
Instead, she continued to tend to her wound by mumbling “Ferula”, and a large, white bandage magically appeared and wrapped itself around her knee.
“Sean! Let me up!” Sean sighed and relit her wand to look down the pathway again to find her would-be captor. However, she only saw a pair of locked legs from the thigh-down. Sean let out an involuntary yelp and tried to stand, but fell back to the floor.
“What the bloody hell are you?” She yelled at the legs.
“It’s Harry!”
Sean lifted her wand again and saw her classmate suddenly revealed as if removing an invisible sheet. She let out a sigh of relief and pointed her wand at his legs. “Finite. Why are you following me?”
Harry scrambled to his feet. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you… I saw you leaving on… I… er…”
“Marauders’ Map.” Sean finished for him.
“Right.” Harry said, relieved. “I was, um, just curious about why you were wandering the ground at night, and I figured if you got into any trouble I could help… like yesterday.”
Sean smiled, despite herself. “Firstly, you only helped because you got in the way.” She laughed softly. “And I don’t need a babysitter.” An awkward silence fell between them, until Sean finally asked the question that had been on her mind since she realized she was being trailed, “So you heard everything, huh?”
Harry moved to sit next to her on the ground. “Er, yeah. I’m sorry.”
Sean laughed. “No you’re not, you’re just sorry you got caught.”
She saw Harry grin weakly, and he addressed the elephant now in the room… or rather, pathway. “So Seamus Finnigan is your brother?”
“Twin brother, actually.” Sean let her head fall back. “Don’t hold it against me, okay?”
Harry smiled. “Got it… and I won’t tell anyone.”
“Thanks. Any other questions?”
“That about sums them up.” Harry said through a grin.
Sean grinned back, “Well, now that you know my deepest, darkest secrets,” she said, falsely dramatic, “I consider you a friend, and friends don’t stalk each other, alright?”
“That would be terribly unfriendly of me.” Harry laughed. “Ready to get out of here?” Harry got up and helped her to her feet. “Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked as he looked at all the blood on her jeans and soaking into the dirt around her.
“Thanks, but I’ll be fine.” Sean said, trying to convince herself, as well. She hobbled to rest of the way with one arm around Harry’s shoulders, until they finally reached the ladder that led back into Hogwarts.
Once inside the school, Sean and Harry moved even slower as they crept quietly through the halls. Finally, the reached the Gryffindor common room. “Thanks, Harry.” Sean said through pants as she made her way up the stairwell to the girls’ dorms.
“Don’t mention it.” Harry smiled and headed towards his own dorms. Sean reached her dorm room and pushed the door open, then sighed in relief to hear her dorm-mates sleeping. She fell on top of her bed and stared at the canopy above her, maybe this year won’t be so bad was the last thing she thought before she fell asleep.
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Five: Potions and Professors
“Merlin’s beard!” a high-pitched voice screamed, and Sean woke with a start.
“What, what is it?” she asked as she sat straight up in her bed and her eyes squinted in the bright morning light.
Sean started as Lavender Brown rushed towards her. “There’s blood everywhere! Are you okay?!” she asked loudly. Sean rolled her eyes as she heard Hermione and Parvati stir in their beds.
“Mm, what’s going on?” Parvati questioned sleepily as she rubbed her eyes.
Lavender grabbed and tugged on Sean’s sleeve. “Come on, we’ve go to get you to the hospital wing!”
Sean opened her mouth to respond, but Hermione cut her off. “Oh my gosh, what happened?” Hermione and Parvati soon joined Lavender at her bedside.
“Nothing… I just tripped on the stairs last night, I’m fine – really.” Sean urged, but there was a shakiness in her voice – not from worry, but anxiety that her dorm-mates were suddenly giving her so much attention. Sean had spent a lot of her time at Hogwarts devising new ways to avoid or divert attention from herself, hence why she was so good at evading detention.
“Sean, I really think you should go to the hospital wing.” Hermione said earnestly.
“Really, I’m alright.” Sean said as she climbed out of bed, surprisingly grateful that these girls were taking such an interest in her (despite the awkward attention) even though they had never really been friends. Sean stood up and took a few paces back and forth with ease. “See?” She then took her wand from the bedside table and pointed it at her jeans and then her bedspread, cleaning them with a nonverbal spell. “I appreciate your concern, but I’m alright.” Sean said softly and she moved towards her dresser to pull out robes for the day.
“Well, if you’re sure then… if you feel dizzy or anything, go see Madam Pomfrey, okay?” Hermione said apprehensively.
“Thank you, I will.” Sean turned with her robes in her hands and smiled.
* * * * * *
Sean was resting her chin in her right hand, letting herself slip into a daydream as the rest of the class worked on finishing Snape’s start-of-term test – something he claimed would “…weed out those unfit for NEWT level Defense.” Sean finished quite quickly, as usual, and was dozing off into a haze.
Suddenly, Sean’s eyes shut tight quickly and she felt a rush of air, no - she saw a scene rushing by her as if speeding down a highway… wait, both. The rushing stopped, and the view left was bleak and forbidding… fog covered a gloomy field (was it a field?)… early evening but the sun was hidden… some sort of hallowed ground… there was a ceremony about to be performed…
Sean felt herself float closer towards the ‘center’ of the field where a large cauldron rested, stewing and bubbling. She didn’t need to look inside the cauldron to know what it contained, and a vermillion bubble of the potion burst on the surface, confirming what she somehow knew. Sean suddenly noticed the shadows that surrounded the cauldron, creating a crude circle, though she knew they had always been there. She felt herself float about the scene, when a disturbing, high-pitched voice pierced the soft air…
“With this allegiance, I am renewed.” One of the shadows walked forwards to the cauldron and waved their wand, making a chalice appear in their other, open hand. They lifted the sleeve of their robes and dipped the cup into the cauldron, raised it to their lips, and took a very long drink. They lowered the intricate cup and tapped it with their wand, making it disappear in midair. “You have served me well, you shall be rewarded in due time.” The voice said eerily, and just as she had rushed into the scene, Sean felt herself rushing backwards out of it. This time, however, she noticed the changing colors from a hazy green to stone gray as they passed her, and felt herself slow down as she slipped back into her body.
Unfortunately, her body was not as she left it, and Sean opened her eyes to be eye-level to one of the classroom chandeliers. Sean swallowed hard and looked down, where she saw Professor Snape and her classmates staring at her from below. Sean crossed her feet as quickly as possible, cursing the mandatory skirt in the dress code. For someone suspended fifteen feet in the air, Sean was surprisingly calm.
Snape glared at her. “I don’t know what you took, but come down this instant.”
Sean furrowed her eyebrows in confusion, then rolled her eyes as she realized bloody hell, he thinks this is some sort of trick from Fred and George’s shop. Sean opened her mouth to retort sarcastically, but she wasn’t given the chance – a horrible-tasting vermillion liquid spilled from her lips that hadn’t been there before, and Sean put her hands to her chin to stop it from flowing out of her. She was just a bit too slow, when two drops left her chin and fell onto the desk below her, and the sizzling noise she heard made her assume it had burnt two holes in the wood.
The liquid was pouring out of her mouth faster and faster with no sign of any origin, and Sean began to choke on the smell and taste of it. She couldn’t stop it from falling anymore, and it began to spill downwards in drips and droplets, making the neck of her robes begin to smolder. Her classmates below her were starting to gasp and a few of the girls screamed, when she felt a tug on her trainers and she began to slowly descend. Sean looked down to see Snape pointing his wand at her, his face pale with anxiety, and she finally reached the ground again. The desk in front of her looked half-eaten away from the liquid that had fallen onto it, and Snape grabbed a large, spare cauldron from a stack a few feet away and placed it under her face. “You, get Madam Pomfrey.” Sean didn’t look to see who “you” was, but bent forward and moved her hands to let the liquid spew forth into the cauldron.
It was as if she had opened flood gates as the liquid splashed into the cauldron, which didn’t burn as it filled higher and higher. The minutes passed slowly, until the silver cauldron was brimming with the liquid, and it began to slow from her mouth. The liquid stopped with a few final drops, and Sean wiped her mouth with her sleeve – which singed with the remaining liquid on her chin. She fell onto her knees in exhaustion as the classroom doors burst open, and she felt a hand on her shoulder. “What happened, Severus?” a voice asked fearfully; it wasn’t Madam Pomfrey, but Professor McGonagall.
“She floated up and lingered in the air for almost ten minutes, and then suddenly began to emit this.”
She saw his finger point to the cauldron. Professor McGonagall said something, but Sean didn’t hear as Madam Pomfrey whispered in her ear “Let’s get you to the hospital wing.”
Sean rose shakily to her feet and allowed the hazy figure of Madam Pomfrey and someone else lead her out as Professor McGonagall and Snape continued to discuss what just happened; she barely registered the gasps and whispers of her classmates as she left the classroom. Sean felt herself slip in and out of consciousness as her feet fumbled beneath her, but someone grabbed her under the arm and put her arm over their shoulder, carrying most of her weight through the corridors...
Sean woke quickly and sat up, putting her hands to her mouth to make sure nothing was ‘leaking’. She sighed in relief as she just felt her skin, Thank God it was only a dream. Sean turned to get off her bed, when she froze – this was not her bed; she searched around the room and sighed again, this time in frustration, as she realized she was in the hospital wing.
“Kiernan! Lay back down, you shouldn’t be up!” Madam Pomfrey came rushing to the side of her cot, seemingly out of nowhere. Sean rolled her eyes and complied, at least she wasn’t in class anymore. “Here, take this.” The nurse poured a thin, blue liquid into a glass from a bottle that read ‘ANTI-POISON: For common accidental ingestions’. Sean took a long swig of the blueberry-flavored medicine before speaking.
“What did I take?” she asked Madam Pomfrey.
The nurse gave her a look of confusion. “I was hoping you could tell me.”
Sean shrugged. “I honestly don’t remember taking anything, I swear.”
“Well, whatever you took remains to be identified. Do you know what came out of you?” Madam Pomfrey asked, and Sean realized that she wasn’t being rhetorical – she was sincerely asking from lack of knowledge.
Sean furrowed her eyebrows and opened her mouth the answer, but was cut off. “What did you take?”
Sean didn’t need to look up to know the slithery, angry voice talking to her, but she did anyway. “Nothing.”
Madam Pomfrey excused herself and left as Snape edged closer to her, and Sean swung her legs over the side of the bed to stand up and meet him almost eye-level. “Don’t lie to me, Kiernan, that potion you threw up all over my classroom didn’t just appear out of thin air. Where did you get it?”
Potion? Sean thought, but she didn’t waver as she glared back at Snape, less than a foot away. His glass eyes began to grow even darker as she looked into them, and she suddenly pictured herself in Snape’s classroom, then rushing towards the field again – Sean closed her eyes and growled. “No”.
“What did you say?” Snape asked, shocked.
Sean opened her eyes and narrowed them into Snape’s, “I. Said. No.” She grinned at him, “That’s breaking and entering.” Sean inhaled suddenly and looked down as she felt a cold pain on her cheek, as if a ghost had slapped her across the face.
“Why, you little…” Sean was still looking downwards as Snape raised his arm to show the back of his hand, and she pulled back away from him as he brought it down and missed her face by only a few centimeters. She brought her eyes up meet his yet again, and opened her mouth to spit a few more clever remarks (it was only the second day of class – there was no way she could lose that many points for Gryffindor), when she suddenly felt whoozy and stumbled backwards.
Sean barely registered the click-clacks of Madam Pomfrey’s shoes as she rushed towards her and forced her to sit on her cot. “My goodness, child, what happened to your face?” Madam Pomfrey asked, stunned. Sean didn’t respond, but she could feel her cheek getting hotter – like someone had touched an old bruise there. Madam Pomfrey spun around, “Severus, you didn’t!” she exclaimed loudly.
Snape simply stared at her. “I didn’t.”
“Well, if you didn’t then where did the hand-shaped mark on her cheek come from?” Madam Pomfrey asked frankly.
Sean winced as a cold hand grabbed her face by the chin, hard, and turned it to the side. “What the…” Snape pulled her chin back so she was facing him, “WHAT DID YOU TAKE?” he yelled at her.
Sean never got the chance to answer as her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she passed out.
Please Review!
“Merlin’s beard!” a high-pitched voice screamed, and Sean woke with a start.
“What, what is it?” she asked as she sat straight up in her bed and her eyes squinted in the bright morning light.
Sean started as Lavender Brown rushed towards her. “There’s blood everywhere! Are you okay?!” she asked loudly. Sean rolled her eyes as she heard Hermione and Parvati stir in their beds.
“Mm, what’s going on?” Parvati questioned sleepily as she rubbed her eyes.
Lavender grabbed and tugged on Sean’s sleeve. “Come on, we’ve go to get you to the hospital wing!”
Sean opened her mouth to respond, but Hermione cut her off. “Oh my gosh, what happened?” Hermione and Parvati soon joined Lavender at her bedside.
“Nothing… I just tripped on the stairs last night, I’m fine – really.” Sean urged, but there was a shakiness in her voice – not from worry, but anxiety that her dorm-mates were suddenly giving her so much attention. Sean had spent a lot of her time at Hogwarts devising new ways to avoid or divert attention from herself, hence why she was so good at evading detention.
“Sean, I really think you should go to the hospital wing.” Hermione said earnestly.
“Really, I’m alright.” Sean said as she climbed out of bed, surprisingly grateful that these girls were taking such an interest in her (despite the awkward attention) even though they had never really been friends. Sean stood up and took a few paces back and forth with ease. “See?” She then took her wand from the bedside table and pointed it at her jeans and then her bedspread, cleaning them with a nonverbal spell. “I appreciate your concern, but I’m alright.” Sean said softly and she moved towards her dresser to pull out robes for the day.
“Well, if you’re sure then… if you feel dizzy or anything, go see Madam Pomfrey, okay?” Hermione said apprehensively.
“Thank you, I will.” Sean turned with her robes in her hands and smiled.
* * * * * *
Sean was resting her chin in her right hand, letting herself slip into a daydream as the rest of the class worked on finishing Snape’s start-of-term test – something he claimed would “…weed out those unfit for NEWT level Defense.” Sean finished quite quickly, as usual, and was dozing off into a haze.
Suddenly, Sean’s eyes shut tight quickly and she felt a rush of air, no - she saw a scene rushing by her as if speeding down a highway… wait, both. The rushing stopped, and the view left was bleak and forbidding… fog covered a gloomy field (was it a field?)… early evening but the sun was hidden… some sort of hallowed ground… there was a ceremony about to be performed…
Sean felt herself float closer towards the ‘center’ of the field where a large cauldron rested, stewing and bubbling. She didn’t need to look inside the cauldron to know what it contained, and a vermillion bubble of the potion burst on the surface, confirming what she somehow knew. Sean suddenly noticed the shadows that surrounded the cauldron, creating a crude circle, though she knew they had always been there. She felt herself float about the scene, when a disturbing, high-pitched voice pierced the soft air…
“With this allegiance, I am renewed.” One of the shadows walked forwards to the cauldron and waved their wand, making a chalice appear in their other, open hand. They lifted the sleeve of their robes and dipped the cup into the cauldron, raised it to their lips, and took a very long drink. They lowered the intricate cup and tapped it with their wand, making it disappear in midair. “You have served me well, you shall be rewarded in due time.” The voice said eerily, and just as she had rushed into the scene, Sean felt herself rushing backwards out of it. This time, however, she noticed the changing colors from a hazy green to stone gray as they passed her, and felt herself slow down as she slipped back into her body.
Unfortunately, her body was not as she left it, and Sean opened her eyes to be eye-level to one of the classroom chandeliers. Sean swallowed hard and looked down, where she saw Professor Snape and her classmates staring at her from below. Sean crossed her feet as quickly as possible, cursing the mandatory skirt in the dress code. For someone suspended fifteen feet in the air, Sean was surprisingly calm.
Snape glared at her. “I don’t know what you took, but come down this instant.”
Sean furrowed her eyebrows in confusion, then rolled her eyes as she realized bloody hell, he thinks this is some sort of trick from Fred and George’s shop. Sean opened her mouth to retort sarcastically, but she wasn’t given the chance – a horrible-tasting vermillion liquid spilled from her lips that hadn’t been there before, and Sean put her hands to her chin to stop it from flowing out of her. She was just a bit too slow, when two drops left her chin and fell onto the desk below her, and the sizzling noise she heard made her assume it had burnt two holes in the wood.
The liquid was pouring out of her mouth faster and faster with no sign of any origin, and Sean began to choke on the smell and taste of it. She couldn’t stop it from falling anymore, and it began to spill downwards in drips and droplets, making the neck of her robes begin to smolder. Her classmates below her were starting to gasp and a few of the girls screamed, when she felt a tug on her trainers and she began to slowly descend. Sean looked down to see Snape pointing his wand at her, his face pale with anxiety, and she finally reached the ground again. The desk in front of her looked half-eaten away from the liquid that had fallen onto it, and Snape grabbed a large, spare cauldron from a stack a few feet away and placed it under her face. “You, get Madam Pomfrey.” Sean didn’t look to see who “you” was, but bent forward and moved her hands to let the liquid spew forth into the cauldron.
It was as if she had opened flood gates as the liquid splashed into the cauldron, which didn’t burn as it filled higher and higher. The minutes passed slowly, until the silver cauldron was brimming with the liquid, and it began to slow from her mouth. The liquid stopped with a few final drops, and Sean wiped her mouth with her sleeve – which singed with the remaining liquid on her chin. She fell onto her knees in exhaustion as the classroom doors burst open, and she felt a hand on her shoulder. “What happened, Severus?” a voice asked fearfully; it wasn’t Madam Pomfrey, but Professor McGonagall.
“She floated up and lingered in the air for almost ten minutes, and then suddenly began to emit this.”
She saw his finger point to the cauldron. Professor McGonagall said something, but Sean didn’t hear as Madam Pomfrey whispered in her ear “Let’s get you to the hospital wing.”
Sean rose shakily to her feet and allowed the hazy figure of Madam Pomfrey and someone else lead her out as Professor McGonagall and Snape continued to discuss what just happened; she barely registered the gasps and whispers of her classmates as she left the classroom. Sean felt herself slip in and out of consciousness as her feet fumbled beneath her, but someone grabbed her under the arm and put her arm over their shoulder, carrying most of her weight through the corridors...
Sean woke quickly and sat up, putting her hands to her mouth to make sure nothing was ‘leaking’. She sighed in relief as she just felt her skin, Thank God it was only a dream. Sean turned to get off her bed, when she froze – this was not her bed; she searched around the room and sighed again, this time in frustration, as she realized she was in the hospital wing.
“Kiernan! Lay back down, you shouldn’t be up!” Madam Pomfrey came rushing to the side of her cot, seemingly out of nowhere. Sean rolled her eyes and complied, at least she wasn’t in class anymore. “Here, take this.” The nurse poured a thin, blue liquid into a glass from a bottle that read ‘ANTI-POISON: For common accidental ingestions’. Sean took a long swig of the blueberry-flavored medicine before speaking.
“What did I take?” she asked Madam Pomfrey.
The nurse gave her a look of confusion. “I was hoping you could tell me.”
Sean shrugged. “I honestly don’t remember taking anything, I swear.”
“Well, whatever you took remains to be identified. Do you know what came out of you?” Madam Pomfrey asked, and Sean realized that she wasn’t being rhetorical – she was sincerely asking from lack of knowledge.
Sean furrowed her eyebrows and opened her mouth the answer, but was cut off. “What did you take?”
Sean didn’t need to look up to know the slithery, angry voice talking to her, but she did anyway. “Nothing.”
Madam Pomfrey excused herself and left as Snape edged closer to her, and Sean swung her legs over the side of the bed to stand up and meet him almost eye-level. “Don’t lie to me, Kiernan, that potion you threw up all over my classroom didn’t just appear out of thin air. Where did you get it?”
Potion? Sean thought, but she didn’t waver as she glared back at Snape, less than a foot away. His glass eyes began to grow even darker as she looked into them, and she suddenly pictured herself in Snape’s classroom, then rushing towards the field again – Sean closed her eyes and growled. “No”.
“What did you say?” Snape asked, shocked.
Sean opened her eyes and narrowed them into Snape’s, “I. Said. No.” She grinned at him, “That’s breaking and entering.” Sean inhaled suddenly and looked down as she felt a cold pain on her cheek, as if a ghost had slapped her across the face.
“Why, you little…” Sean was still looking downwards as Snape raised his arm to show the back of his hand, and she pulled back away from him as he brought it down and missed her face by only a few centimeters. She brought her eyes up meet his yet again, and opened her mouth to spit a few more clever remarks (it was only the second day of class – there was no way she could lose that many points for Gryffindor), when she suddenly felt whoozy and stumbled backwards.
Sean barely registered the click-clacks of Madam Pomfrey’s shoes as she rushed towards her and forced her to sit on her cot. “My goodness, child, what happened to your face?” Madam Pomfrey asked, stunned. Sean didn’t respond, but she could feel her cheek getting hotter – like someone had touched an old bruise there. Madam Pomfrey spun around, “Severus, you didn’t!” she exclaimed loudly.
Snape simply stared at her. “I didn’t.”
“Well, if you didn’t then where did the hand-shaped mark on her cheek come from?” Madam Pomfrey asked frankly.
Sean winced as a cold hand grabbed her face by the chin, hard, and turned it to the side. “What the…” Snape pulled her chin back so she was facing him, “WHAT DID YOU TAKE?” he yelled at her.
Sean never got the chance to answer as her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she passed out.
Please Review!
Six: Dances and Dragons
It had been two weeks since Sean had been released from the hospital wing (just the day after the ‘incident’), and it had also been two weeks since the gossip about her all started. Rumors were flying all over the school about the big ‘break up’ between Sean and Seamus, including one that involved Seamus poisoning her in Defense Against the Dark Arts. After almost starting out with a good school year, Sean had become more introverted than ever with all the attention on her. And to top it all off, her hair had changed to a mousey-brown color to match her sullen demeanor (which had thankfully lessened the number of propositions she had begun to receive in the wake of the ‘break up’ from some of the Hogwarts boys).
Unfortunately, the students around her weren’t the only ones giving out strange looks, but the teachers had started to stare at her funny as well. Professor Snape had the same old grimace he always had for her, but now Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, Slughorn, and Sprout were all throwing her dodgy looks these days. It was almost unbearable to Sean, after spending her career at Hogwarts trying to slip under the radar, and her miserable mood worsened even more as she began to get frequent, painful migraines (she refused to go see Madam Pomfrey). Needless to say, it was the second time in her life Sean actually wished she was at her father’s home instead of Hogwarts.
Sean was sitting on the floor of the Library, propped up against one of the many massive bookshelves trying desperately to focus on her book, When Nothing Else Works: Rare Magical Maladies and their Cures, instead of the arguing she heard on the other side of the bookcase.
“You really should turn that book in…”
“You’re just mad that someone’s done better than you in potions…”
“I’m just saying that we don’t know who owned this book and maybe…”
“Shh! Keep your voices down!”
It had carried on and on like this, and Sean had enough; she slammed her book closed and got up from the floor and went to the other side of the bookcase. She was slightly shocked to see Harry, Hermione, and Ron arguing (seeing as they always seemed the best of friends), but didn’t really care at the moment. “If you don’t shut it, I will transfigure each of you into birds so you can squawk at each other appropriately.” Sean had caught them all off-guard, and opened her mouth to add another sarcastic comment, when yet another migraine hit her like a cement truck. “Ah!” Sean closed her eyes tightly, dropped her book, and put her hand to her forehead; her mind was throbbing and it felt like her skull was going to explode from the pressure. She could her voices and knew it was Harry, Ron, and Hermione asking if she was alright, but speaking seemed impossible as the tension it might cause to her head would rupture her brain. Sean opened her eyes ever-so-slightly and squinted as she turned and headed out of the Library, stumbling every few steps.
Once out of the Library the pressure in Sean’s head lessened, but the throbbing continued, and she made her way up the closest stairway towards the seventh floor. Finally, she passed the portrait of Barnabas the Barmy and began to pace in front of a blank wall, focusing all her mind on what she needed: I need a place to relax, I need a place to relax, I need a place to relax. Sean stopped pacing and looked at the wall, then sighed in relief to see a large door that had appeared out of nowhere and entered the room it opened into swiftly.
Sean’s room of relaxation didn’t contain any comfy couches or calming draughts, but rather a wood paneled floor, a mirrored wall, and a waist-high, wall-length bar. Sean smiled as the throbbing in her head turned into prickling, and she took off her school robes and mumbled “Novo vestis” as she pointed her wand to her uniform skirt, blouse, and boring shoes. She exhaled deeply and grinned as she looked up in the mirror and saw the new black spaghetti-strap tank, black dance gauchos, and black pointe shoes, then stuck her wand in the ribbons from her shoes that laced up her mid-calf and put her dull brown hair into a ponytail.
She stretched for just a few minutes, but she danced for hours. Sean never felt better than she did when she was dancing, even though it pained her to admit that it was her father who forced her into classes when she was only three; apparently, every perfect politician’s daughter must be enrolled in ballet, gymnastics, and etiquette classes. While she enjoyed gymnastics and did her best to get kicked out of etiquette classes (which she did, at age nine), ballet was the only thing to stick – probably the only real gift her father ever gave her.
After several hours of working on performances from her summer internship with the Royal Ballet and making up her own choreography, Sean thought to herself I need a place to sit, and fell backwards into a comfy armchair. She smiled at her sweaty reflection in the mirror, especially since the chocolate brown color of her hair seemed to have returned. Sean shook her hair loose from her ponytail holder and pushed herself out of her chair, then turned in châinés until she reached the door. She said a silent ‘thank you’ to the Room of Requirement, and then headed off for Gryffindor Tower.
Sean hummed as she walked towards the Tower, and reached it quickly (as it was located on the same floor). She stopped in front of the portrait of the Fat Lady and said “Antipodean Opaleye” with a smile.
The Fat Lady stared at her awkwardly. “What?”
Sean’s smile faded. “Antipodean Opaleye?” she said again, wracking her brain to make sure that was the right password.
“Sorry, dear, that’s not the password.” The Fat Lady said with a frown, shaking her head at Sean as if she was slightly mad.
Sean opened her mouth to argue when a firm voice spoke first, “Ms. Kiernan! What are you doing out here, it’s almost curfew?!”
“Sorry, Professor, apparently I’ve forgotten the password.” Sean shrugged.
Professor McGonagall was eyeing her up and down, no doubt chastising her wardrobe in her mind, when she sighed, “Well lucky for you I’ve come to change it.” She turned to the Fat Lady, “Madam, the new password will be ‘Antipodean Opaleye’, understood?”
Sean just shrugged again, brushing it off, but the Fat Lady gawked at Professor McGonagall, “Is this some sort of joke? Just because I’m a portrait doesn’t mean I don’t have feelings, you know!”
Professor McGonagall furrowed her eyebrows in confusion, “I’m sorry, Lady, I can’t say I understand your frustration…”
“She just said the password was ‘Antipodean Opaleye’, but it wasn’t! I mean, it is now, but it was ‘Chinese Fireball’ not two minutes ago!” The Fat Lady pointed an accusatory finger at Sean.
Sean didn’t think too much of the situation (perhaps she was experiencing déjà vu), but Professor McGonagall gave her the oddest look, both calculating and confused. “Ms. Kiernan, how did you know the password was going to change?”
“I didn’t, I already thought it was ‘Antipodean Opaleye’.” Sean was getting annoyed – all she wanted to do was go to sleep, but now her head had begun to throb.
Professor McGonagall spoke slowly in a soft tone, “You didn’t see me coming and just guess wildly?”
Sean’s vision began to blur as her head throbbed harder, and she backed away from Professor McGonagall towards the stairs. “No! It’s always been ‘Antipodean Opaleye’!” She wasn’t expecting herself to yell, but there was a loud noise coming from somewhere…
“There’s no need to shout, Ms. Kiernan.” McGonagall said authoritatively. “Now, perhaps you paid my office a visit earlier?”
Sean couldn’t hear her anymore, nor could she see her as her entire field of vision was blurred together. “Ugh…” Sean gasped and recoiled as she felt a punch in her stomach. She stumbled back, her foot slipping on the landing, and felt her body turn to fall down the stairs, but nothing more afterwards.
Instead, Sean was rushing forward again towards an unknown location, and finally stopped in a massive, yet dimly lit office. There were two men, one much older than the other, standing and arguing intensely…
“The Ministry needs your support, Dumbledore!” the younger man yelled.
“You seem to be doing fine without me, I daresay your arrest quotient has risen several percent.” The other man spoke firmly with a raised voice, but didn’t yell back.
“Don’t punish me for Cornelius’ mistakes – you’ll punish us all.” The younger man looked rather like a lion, and he spoke in near-growls.
The older man sighed. “I’m afraid that you have tied my hands with your foolish and irrational actions.”
The rest of the conversation was lost to Sean, however, as a sharp pain shot up her leg. She screamed in agony, but no noise was made in the office; instead, she began the rush backwards out of the scene and landed back in her body at the bottom of a staircase.
Sean gripped her right thigh and bit her lip as the flood of pain filled her up, and she realized that she could feel her tibia sticking through her muscle and skin tissue. Tears starting leaking from the corners of her eyes, and she opened them to look for someone, anyone nearby. Wait, wasn’t McGonagall just here? Where the hell did she go? Sean tried to yell out for help, but all she could manage was a yelp of anguish. Where the hell was McGonagall? Sean pushed herself up and away from the staircase with her hands and unbroken leg, dragging her right leg down the last few steps.
She was panting heavily and put her hand up to run it through her hair when she screamed; her hand looked as if it had died, all blackened and withered down to the bones. Sean screamed over and over again as she stared at her hand in a state of shock, she didn’t even hear someone come out of the portrait hole and down the staircase towards her.
“Sean? Sean! What happened?!”
She looked up to see Harry Potter’s face white with concern. “My hand! My hand!” she yelled at him.
Harry had been staring at the white bone poking out of her leg, but now brought his gaze to the hand she clutched in her lap. The little bit of color left in his face drained. “Oh my God, we have to get you to Madam Pomfrey…” he whispered in alarm. Harry pointed his wand at Sean’s leg and muttered “Ferula”.
“AH!” Sean yelped, followed by quite a few obscenities.
“I’m sorry,” Harry exclaimed, “but you have to get to the hospital wing!” Harry moved around to the other side of Sean, put one hand underneath her knees (with her unbroken leg closest to him) and the other behind her back, and hoisted her up with a grunt. Sean let her head fall on his shoulder as she cradled her dead hand and continued to fight back tears.
Blood was still streaming down her leg as Harry stepped off a final staircase onto the second floor when Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey came rushing out of the hospital wing towards them. “Potter! My goodness…” Professor McGonagall began.
Sean’s eyes were closed, but she continued to listen as Harry cut the Professor off, “I heard a scream from the dormitory and when I went to see what it was I found her at the bottom of the staircase.” He caught up to Madam Pomfrey and McGonagall and they continued to the hospital wing quickly, “Her right leg is badly broken and there’s something wrong with her hand, it looks like… like Dumbledore’s hand…” he finished quietly.
Sean didn’t understand what was going on, and the voices around her began to slur into inaudible phrases. She felt herself be placed gently onto a scratchy bed, and opened her eyes to a squint, “…my hand…” was all she could manage before she succumbed to darkness.
Dun, dun, duuun!
It had been two weeks since Sean had been released from the hospital wing (just the day after the ‘incident’), and it had also been two weeks since the gossip about her all started. Rumors were flying all over the school about the big ‘break up’ between Sean and Seamus, including one that involved Seamus poisoning her in Defense Against the Dark Arts. After almost starting out with a good school year, Sean had become more introverted than ever with all the attention on her. And to top it all off, her hair had changed to a mousey-brown color to match her sullen demeanor (which had thankfully lessened the number of propositions she had begun to receive in the wake of the ‘break up’ from some of the Hogwarts boys).
Unfortunately, the students around her weren’t the only ones giving out strange looks, but the teachers had started to stare at her funny as well. Professor Snape had the same old grimace he always had for her, but now Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, Slughorn, and Sprout were all throwing her dodgy looks these days. It was almost unbearable to Sean, after spending her career at Hogwarts trying to slip under the radar, and her miserable mood worsened even more as she began to get frequent, painful migraines (she refused to go see Madam Pomfrey). Needless to say, it was the second time in her life Sean actually wished she was at her father’s home instead of Hogwarts.
Sean was sitting on the floor of the Library, propped up against one of the many massive bookshelves trying desperately to focus on her book, When Nothing Else Works: Rare Magical Maladies and their Cures, instead of the arguing she heard on the other side of the bookcase.
“You really should turn that book in…”
“You’re just mad that someone’s done better than you in potions…”
“I’m just saying that we don’t know who owned this book and maybe…”
“Shh! Keep your voices down!”
It had carried on and on like this, and Sean had enough; she slammed her book closed and got up from the floor and went to the other side of the bookcase. She was slightly shocked to see Harry, Hermione, and Ron arguing (seeing as they always seemed the best of friends), but didn’t really care at the moment. “If you don’t shut it, I will transfigure each of you into birds so you can squawk at each other appropriately.” Sean had caught them all off-guard, and opened her mouth to add another sarcastic comment, when yet another migraine hit her like a cement truck. “Ah!” Sean closed her eyes tightly, dropped her book, and put her hand to her forehead; her mind was throbbing and it felt like her skull was going to explode from the pressure. She could her voices and knew it was Harry, Ron, and Hermione asking if she was alright, but speaking seemed impossible as the tension it might cause to her head would rupture her brain. Sean opened her eyes ever-so-slightly and squinted as she turned and headed out of the Library, stumbling every few steps.
Once out of the Library the pressure in Sean’s head lessened, but the throbbing continued, and she made her way up the closest stairway towards the seventh floor. Finally, she passed the portrait of Barnabas the Barmy and began to pace in front of a blank wall, focusing all her mind on what she needed: I need a place to relax, I need a place to relax, I need a place to relax. Sean stopped pacing and looked at the wall, then sighed in relief to see a large door that had appeared out of nowhere and entered the room it opened into swiftly.
Sean’s room of relaxation didn’t contain any comfy couches or calming draughts, but rather a wood paneled floor, a mirrored wall, and a waist-high, wall-length bar. Sean smiled as the throbbing in her head turned into prickling, and she took off her school robes and mumbled “Novo vestis” as she pointed her wand to her uniform skirt, blouse, and boring shoes. She exhaled deeply and grinned as she looked up in the mirror and saw the new black spaghetti-strap tank, black dance gauchos, and black pointe shoes, then stuck her wand in the ribbons from her shoes that laced up her mid-calf and put her dull brown hair into a ponytail.
She stretched for just a few minutes, but she danced for hours. Sean never felt better than she did when she was dancing, even though it pained her to admit that it was her father who forced her into classes when she was only three; apparently, every perfect politician’s daughter must be enrolled in ballet, gymnastics, and etiquette classes. While she enjoyed gymnastics and did her best to get kicked out of etiquette classes (which she did, at age nine), ballet was the only thing to stick – probably the only real gift her father ever gave her.
After several hours of working on performances from her summer internship with the Royal Ballet and making up her own choreography, Sean thought to herself I need a place to sit, and fell backwards into a comfy armchair. She smiled at her sweaty reflection in the mirror, especially since the chocolate brown color of her hair seemed to have returned. Sean shook her hair loose from her ponytail holder and pushed herself out of her chair, then turned in châinés until she reached the door. She said a silent ‘thank you’ to the Room of Requirement, and then headed off for Gryffindor Tower.
Sean hummed as she walked towards the Tower, and reached it quickly (as it was located on the same floor). She stopped in front of the portrait of the Fat Lady and said “Antipodean Opaleye” with a smile.
The Fat Lady stared at her awkwardly. “What?”
Sean’s smile faded. “Antipodean Opaleye?” she said again, wracking her brain to make sure that was the right password.
“Sorry, dear, that’s not the password.” The Fat Lady said with a frown, shaking her head at Sean as if she was slightly mad.
Sean opened her mouth to argue when a firm voice spoke first, “Ms. Kiernan! What are you doing out here, it’s almost curfew?!”
“Sorry, Professor, apparently I’ve forgotten the password.” Sean shrugged.
Professor McGonagall was eyeing her up and down, no doubt chastising her wardrobe in her mind, when she sighed, “Well lucky for you I’ve come to change it.” She turned to the Fat Lady, “Madam, the new password will be ‘Antipodean Opaleye’, understood?”
Sean just shrugged again, brushing it off, but the Fat Lady gawked at Professor McGonagall, “Is this some sort of joke? Just because I’m a portrait doesn’t mean I don’t have feelings, you know!”
Professor McGonagall furrowed her eyebrows in confusion, “I’m sorry, Lady, I can’t say I understand your frustration…”
“She just said the password was ‘Antipodean Opaleye’, but it wasn’t! I mean, it is now, but it was ‘Chinese Fireball’ not two minutes ago!” The Fat Lady pointed an accusatory finger at Sean.
Sean didn’t think too much of the situation (perhaps she was experiencing déjà vu), but Professor McGonagall gave her the oddest look, both calculating and confused. “Ms. Kiernan, how did you know the password was going to change?”
“I didn’t, I already thought it was ‘Antipodean Opaleye’.” Sean was getting annoyed – all she wanted to do was go to sleep, but now her head had begun to throb.
Professor McGonagall spoke slowly in a soft tone, “You didn’t see me coming and just guess wildly?”
Sean’s vision began to blur as her head throbbed harder, and she backed away from Professor McGonagall towards the stairs. “No! It’s always been ‘Antipodean Opaleye’!” She wasn’t expecting herself to yell, but there was a loud noise coming from somewhere…
“There’s no need to shout, Ms. Kiernan.” McGonagall said authoritatively. “Now, perhaps you paid my office a visit earlier?”
Sean couldn’t hear her anymore, nor could she see her as her entire field of vision was blurred together. “Ugh…” Sean gasped and recoiled as she felt a punch in her stomach. She stumbled back, her foot slipping on the landing, and felt her body turn to fall down the stairs, but nothing more afterwards.
Instead, Sean was rushing forward again towards an unknown location, and finally stopped in a massive, yet dimly lit office. There were two men, one much older than the other, standing and arguing intensely…
“The Ministry needs your support, Dumbledore!” the younger man yelled.
“You seem to be doing fine without me, I daresay your arrest quotient has risen several percent.” The other man spoke firmly with a raised voice, but didn’t yell back.
“Don’t punish me for Cornelius’ mistakes – you’ll punish us all.” The younger man looked rather like a lion, and he spoke in near-growls.
The older man sighed. “I’m afraid that you have tied my hands with your foolish and irrational actions.”
The rest of the conversation was lost to Sean, however, as a sharp pain shot up her leg. She screamed in agony, but no noise was made in the office; instead, she began the rush backwards out of the scene and landed back in her body at the bottom of a staircase.
Sean gripped her right thigh and bit her lip as the flood of pain filled her up, and she realized that she could feel her tibia sticking through her muscle and skin tissue. Tears starting leaking from the corners of her eyes, and she opened them to look for someone, anyone nearby. Wait, wasn’t McGonagall just here? Where the hell did she go? Sean tried to yell out for help, but all she could manage was a yelp of anguish. Where the hell was McGonagall? Sean pushed herself up and away from the staircase with her hands and unbroken leg, dragging her right leg down the last few steps.
She was panting heavily and put her hand up to run it through her hair when she screamed; her hand looked as if it had died, all blackened and withered down to the bones. Sean screamed over and over again as she stared at her hand in a state of shock, she didn’t even hear someone come out of the portrait hole and down the staircase towards her.
“Sean? Sean! What happened?!”
She looked up to see Harry Potter’s face white with concern. “My hand! My hand!” she yelled at him.
Harry had been staring at the white bone poking out of her leg, but now brought his gaze to the hand she clutched in her lap. The little bit of color left in his face drained. “Oh my God, we have to get you to Madam Pomfrey…” he whispered in alarm. Harry pointed his wand at Sean’s leg and muttered “Ferula”.
“AH!” Sean yelped, followed by quite a few obscenities.
“I’m sorry,” Harry exclaimed, “but you have to get to the hospital wing!” Harry moved around to the other side of Sean, put one hand underneath her knees (with her unbroken leg closest to him) and the other behind her back, and hoisted her up with a grunt. Sean let her head fall on his shoulder as she cradled her dead hand and continued to fight back tears.
Blood was still streaming down her leg as Harry stepped off a final staircase onto the second floor when Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey came rushing out of the hospital wing towards them. “Potter! My goodness…” Professor McGonagall began.
Sean’s eyes were closed, but she continued to listen as Harry cut the Professor off, “I heard a scream from the dormitory and when I went to see what it was I found her at the bottom of the staircase.” He caught up to Madam Pomfrey and McGonagall and they continued to the hospital wing quickly, “Her right leg is badly broken and there’s something wrong with her hand, it looks like… like Dumbledore’s hand…” he finished quietly.
Sean didn’t understand what was going on, and the voices around her began to slur into inaudible phrases. She felt herself be placed gently onto a scratchy bed, and opened her eyes to a squint, “…my hand…” was all she could manage before she succumbed to darkness.
Dun, dun, duuun!
Seven: Dumbledore and Divination
Sean awoke in a daze with a groan, and began to open her eyes slowly to adjust to the sunlight she felt bathing her skin. Sean’s eyes flittered opened for a moment and closed again, and then shot open when she realized that she wasn’t alone. She pushed herself up awkwardly and rubbed her eyes as she thought to herself Father Christmas isn’t real, Father Christmas isn’t real…It’s not even December…is it?…
“Good morning, Sean.”
Sean opened her eyes again. “Good morning, Professor Dumbledore.” She responded uncomfortably.
He was sitting on the cot next to hers in the hospital wing (Here again? she thought), his sparkling blue eyes smiling at her. “How are you feeling?”
“Fine.” Sean hoped that her tousled hair hid her involuntary eye-roll.
Professor Dumbledore shook back his long sleeves and folded his hands calmly. “Are you sure?”
Sean glanced to his hands and realized that one of them was severely burned and blackened, to the point where it looked almost dead… Sean’s eyes widened with sudden realization, and she stared at Dumbledore’s withered hand as she balled her own hands to feel soft, smooth skin. Please, oh, please be normal she thought as she glanced to her right hand and then her left; Sean sighed in relief to see her both her hands completely in tack... though she wasn’t entirely sure why they shouldn’t be anyway.
“Anything you’d like to tell me?” Professor Dumbledore asked with a smile in his voice.
She was still staring at her hands as she spoke apprehensively, “Ahm, sir? How exactly… W-What exactly happened to your hand?”
Sean finally looked into his face and was thankful he bore no anger in his eyes. “Oh, this?” Dumbledore asked calmly as he brought his dead hand up and seemed to admire it in the sunlight, “I’m afraid that my reflexes just aren’t what they used to be, old age and all.” He put his hand back down and covered it with his sleeve, “What exactly happened to your leg?”
“Ahm…” Sean stared at her legs, and realized that one was bound in a fabric cast. The events of the previous night began to flood over her, and she remembered seeing one of the very large bones in her leg sticking out of her skin, Dumbledore and another man in an office, an argument, the portrait, the Room of Requirement… Sean shook herself slightly and thought of the first thing that came to mind, “I fell? I-I fell.” Damn. She had meant to say it as a fact, not a guess. In truth, Sean wasn’t entirely sure most of last night’s events were real.
“Where?” Dumbledore was still smiling.
Sean bit her bottom lip as she strained to remember, or at least pretend to remember while she made up a story that wouldn’t get her into trouble. “I tripped… as I was going to the common room. I’m rather clumsy sometimes.” Sean gave the headmaster a weak smile.
“Hm.” Professor Dumbledore rubbed his beard, “You know, Sean, I’ve been watching you play Quidditch going on five years now, you’re one of the best Chasers Hogwarts has seen in recent years… I’ve never seen you so much as drop a ball unprovoked.” Sean opened her mouth to answer, but she couldn’t seem to think of anything and closed it rather quickly. “Tell me, Sean, what do you know about your mother?”
Sean stared at Dumbledore in shock for a moment, aghast that he would ask such a personal question. “Not much, sir.” Her tone was audaciously cold and brash.
Dumbledore’s tone, however, softened as he continued, “What do you know about her?”
She turned her head away and exhaled deeply, then stared at her hands as she spoke. “Cathleen Finnigan… O’Riordan before she married my father. She didn’t tell him she was a witch, not even after my brother and I were born. My father found out after I accidentally turned the cat into a potted plant after it scratched me when I was two years old; they divorced and my father took custody of me, changed our last name, and my mother took my brother. She sends me a birthday card every year, and the last time I saw her was for two weeks when my father was on his honeymoon with my stepmum – I was eight years old.” Sean sighed angrily, but there was a definite sadness in her voice.
“Is that all?” Professor Dumbledore asked, almost accusatory.
“She’s Irish.” Sean grunted.
Dumbledore smiled sadly. “Do you happen to know anything about your mother’s family or history?”
Sean raised her eyebrows in confusion. “Not particularly…”
“Hm.” Dumbledore surmised with a shrug, and he rose from the cot and left the hospital wing, leaving Sean with yet another migraine.
* * * * * *
“So you’re sure you’re alright?” Harry asked for the umpteenth time.
Sean sighed heavily. “Yes, Harry.”
Harry held out his palms apologetically. “Sorry, I’m just worried – we haven’t even started the Quidditch season yet and you’ve already been to the hospital wing twice!”
Sean grinned. “Hey, it’s not my fault I get fouled twice as much as the rest of the team – except you.”
Harry laughed. “We probably hold the joint-record for number of nights spent with Madam Pomfrey.” Sean and Harry both shuddered, then laughed simultaneously; they were, however, immediately hushed by Madam Pince.
Sean kept her eyes on the passing librarian as she whispered to Harry, “So, tell me again why we have to write eight inches on a charm we already know how to do?”
Harry rolled his eyes, “Because Flitwick has suddenly become a sadist. He keeps going on and on about the Auguamenti Charm and how it’ll be on out NEWTs, but half the class has already performed it! Move on, already…” he sighed.
Sean grunted her agreement, and they continued to pour over Achievements in Charming, when their studying was suddenly interrupted only moments later as Professor McGonagall appeared around the corner.
“Ah, there you are Ms. Kiernan. I would like a word, please come with me.” Professor McGonagall said with a sigh of relief.
Sean wrinkled her forehead in confusion and looked to Harry, who returned her sentiments, then put her book, parchment, and quill in her bag and slung it over her shoulder as she stood. She had to almost jog to keep up with McGonagall’s quick, determined footsteps all the way down to the first floor, especially with the sense of dread that seemed to settle in her stomach as she followed Professor McGonagall into her office.
“Ms. Kiernan, please have a seat.” McGonagall motioned to an armchair in front of her desk as she took her own place behind it. Sean slid into the chair and let her bag fall off her shoulder onto the floor, while trying to figure out what she could possibly be in trouble for. On the other side of the desk, Professor McGonagall let out a long sigh, drawing Sean’s eyes towards her. “How are you feeling?”
McGonagall’s tone was unusually warm and concerned, and it threw Sean off. “Er… fine, thanks?”
“Is everything well at home?” McGonagall folded her hands as she peered at Sean.
Sean fought the urge to roll her eyes. “Yes, ma’am, everything is under control.”
“Good, good…” Professor McGonagall removed one of her hands from the desktop and Sean heard a drawer open and close, and McGonagall placed a large, rather old, book upon the desk. “It is the Headmaster’s wish that you begin to take Divination as part of your schedule.” She said frankly, and with a fairly sour tone.
“Ahm… what?” Sean furrowed her eyebrows and let her mouth stay agape.
“Seeing as how you did not take Divination previously, nor the OWL for Divination, you will begin private lessons with Firenze.”
Sean smiled in polite confusion. “I-I’m sorry… what?” she asked again, still disbelieving.
Professor McGonagall folded her hands under her chin. “You do not have to enter the Divination sequence if you do not want to, but both the Headmaster and I believe these lessons with Firenze will be… beneficial to your education at Hogwarts.”
“I don’t suppose you could tell me how these lessons would be beneficial?” Sean asked with a polite, somewhat impudent, smile.
“That is currently unnecessary to disclose.” McGonagall said through pursed lips.
Sean shook her head and looked down. “I’m sorry, but with all due respect, I have to decline.”
“Excuse me?” That was obviously not the response McGonagall was looking for, from her aggrieved tone.
“To be frank, Professor, Divination is such a faulty branch of magic that I can’t imagine a situation in which it would be useful to know. Blindly peering into the future is done by those who are afraid of what it may hold, and I don’t fancy myself one of those people.” She ran a hand through her hair and shrugged matter-of-factly.
Professor McGonagall, however, seemed to smile ever-so-slightly. “Interesting point, Ms. Kiernan, but what about the prophecies made by Seers?”
Sean leaned forward to argue her position, “For every prophecy that’s come true, there are hundreds that have not. And as for ‘Seers’, well, it’s just another way to classify yourself in the wizarding caste system, isn’t it?”
There was a definite gleam in Professor McGonagall’s eyes (was it pride?) as she sat back in her chair and folded her hands over her lap. “Please explain.”
“It’s just a revolting hierarchy system, really. Purebloods, then half-bloods, then muggle borns. After that, there are all these other labels that can raise or lower your blood-status, like being a Seer or a werewolf or what-have-you.” Sean sat back in her own chair, mentally exhausted by her racing thoughts.
Professor McGonagall smiled. “I have a proposal you, Kiernan: I will let you decide whether or not you take Divination lessons, but only after you read this book. Agreed?”
Sean hid her grin, she felt she had won. “Agreed.”
McGonagall nodded, “Good. You have until Halloween to read this book and inform me of your decision. Have a good day, Kiernan.”
Sean stood and removed the book from Professor McGonagall’s desk without a glance to its cover, grabbed her bag and left with the exhilaration of victory.
Please review!
Sean awoke in a daze with a groan, and began to open her eyes slowly to adjust to the sunlight she felt bathing her skin. Sean’s eyes flittered opened for a moment and closed again, and then shot open when she realized that she wasn’t alone. She pushed herself up awkwardly and rubbed her eyes as she thought to herself Father Christmas isn’t real, Father Christmas isn’t real…It’s not even December…is it?…
“Good morning, Sean.”
Sean opened her eyes again. “Good morning, Professor Dumbledore.” She responded uncomfortably.
He was sitting on the cot next to hers in the hospital wing (Here again? she thought), his sparkling blue eyes smiling at her. “How are you feeling?”
“Fine.” Sean hoped that her tousled hair hid her involuntary eye-roll.
Professor Dumbledore shook back his long sleeves and folded his hands calmly. “Are you sure?”
Sean glanced to his hands and realized that one of them was severely burned and blackened, to the point where it looked almost dead… Sean’s eyes widened with sudden realization, and she stared at Dumbledore’s withered hand as she balled her own hands to feel soft, smooth skin. Please, oh, please be normal she thought as she glanced to her right hand and then her left; Sean sighed in relief to see her both her hands completely in tack... though she wasn’t entirely sure why they shouldn’t be anyway.
“Anything you’d like to tell me?” Professor Dumbledore asked with a smile in his voice.
She was still staring at her hands as she spoke apprehensively, “Ahm, sir? How exactly… W-What exactly happened to your hand?”
Sean finally looked into his face and was thankful he bore no anger in his eyes. “Oh, this?” Dumbledore asked calmly as he brought his dead hand up and seemed to admire it in the sunlight, “I’m afraid that my reflexes just aren’t what they used to be, old age and all.” He put his hand back down and covered it with his sleeve, “What exactly happened to your leg?”
“Ahm…” Sean stared at her legs, and realized that one was bound in a fabric cast. The events of the previous night began to flood over her, and she remembered seeing one of the very large bones in her leg sticking out of her skin, Dumbledore and another man in an office, an argument, the portrait, the Room of Requirement… Sean shook herself slightly and thought of the first thing that came to mind, “I fell? I-I fell.” Damn. She had meant to say it as a fact, not a guess. In truth, Sean wasn’t entirely sure most of last night’s events were real.
“Where?” Dumbledore was still smiling.
Sean bit her bottom lip as she strained to remember, or at least pretend to remember while she made up a story that wouldn’t get her into trouble. “I tripped… as I was going to the common room. I’m rather clumsy sometimes.” Sean gave the headmaster a weak smile.
“Hm.” Professor Dumbledore rubbed his beard, “You know, Sean, I’ve been watching you play Quidditch going on five years now, you’re one of the best Chasers Hogwarts has seen in recent years… I’ve never seen you so much as drop a ball unprovoked.” Sean opened her mouth to answer, but she couldn’t seem to think of anything and closed it rather quickly. “Tell me, Sean, what do you know about your mother?”
Sean stared at Dumbledore in shock for a moment, aghast that he would ask such a personal question. “Not much, sir.” Her tone was audaciously cold and brash.
Dumbledore’s tone, however, softened as he continued, “What do you know about her?”
She turned her head away and exhaled deeply, then stared at her hands as she spoke. “Cathleen Finnigan… O’Riordan before she married my father. She didn’t tell him she was a witch, not even after my brother and I were born. My father found out after I accidentally turned the cat into a potted plant after it scratched me when I was two years old; they divorced and my father took custody of me, changed our last name, and my mother took my brother. She sends me a birthday card every year, and the last time I saw her was for two weeks when my father was on his honeymoon with my stepmum – I was eight years old.” Sean sighed angrily, but there was a definite sadness in her voice.
“Is that all?” Professor Dumbledore asked, almost accusatory.
“She’s Irish.” Sean grunted.
Dumbledore smiled sadly. “Do you happen to know anything about your mother’s family or history?”
Sean raised her eyebrows in confusion. “Not particularly…”
“Hm.” Dumbledore surmised with a shrug, and he rose from the cot and left the hospital wing, leaving Sean with yet another migraine.
* * * * * *
“So you’re sure you’re alright?” Harry asked for the umpteenth time.
Sean sighed heavily. “Yes, Harry.”
Harry held out his palms apologetically. “Sorry, I’m just worried – we haven’t even started the Quidditch season yet and you’ve already been to the hospital wing twice!”
Sean grinned. “Hey, it’s not my fault I get fouled twice as much as the rest of the team – except you.”
Harry laughed. “We probably hold the joint-record for number of nights spent with Madam Pomfrey.” Sean and Harry both shuddered, then laughed simultaneously; they were, however, immediately hushed by Madam Pince.
Sean kept her eyes on the passing librarian as she whispered to Harry, “So, tell me again why we have to write eight inches on a charm we already know how to do?”
Harry rolled his eyes, “Because Flitwick has suddenly become a sadist. He keeps going on and on about the Auguamenti Charm and how it’ll be on out NEWTs, but half the class has already performed it! Move on, already…” he sighed.
Sean grunted her agreement, and they continued to pour over Achievements in Charming, when their studying was suddenly interrupted only moments later as Professor McGonagall appeared around the corner.
“Ah, there you are Ms. Kiernan. I would like a word, please come with me.” Professor McGonagall said with a sigh of relief.
Sean wrinkled her forehead in confusion and looked to Harry, who returned her sentiments, then put her book, parchment, and quill in her bag and slung it over her shoulder as she stood. She had to almost jog to keep up with McGonagall’s quick, determined footsteps all the way down to the first floor, especially with the sense of dread that seemed to settle in her stomach as she followed Professor McGonagall into her office.
“Ms. Kiernan, please have a seat.” McGonagall motioned to an armchair in front of her desk as she took her own place behind it. Sean slid into the chair and let her bag fall off her shoulder onto the floor, while trying to figure out what she could possibly be in trouble for. On the other side of the desk, Professor McGonagall let out a long sigh, drawing Sean’s eyes towards her. “How are you feeling?”
McGonagall’s tone was unusually warm and concerned, and it threw Sean off. “Er… fine, thanks?”
“Is everything well at home?” McGonagall folded her hands as she peered at Sean.
Sean fought the urge to roll her eyes. “Yes, ma’am, everything is under control.”
“Good, good…” Professor McGonagall removed one of her hands from the desktop and Sean heard a drawer open and close, and McGonagall placed a large, rather old, book upon the desk. “It is the Headmaster’s wish that you begin to take Divination as part of your schedule.” She said frankly, and with a fairly sour tone.
“Ahm… what?” Sean furrowed her eyebrows and let her mouth stay agape.
“Seeing as how you did not take Divination previously, nor the OWL for Divination, you will begin private lessons with Firenze.”
Sean smiled in polite confusion. “I-I’m sorry… what?” she asked again, still disbelieving.
Professor McGonagall folded her hands under her chin. “You do not have to enter the Divination sequence if you do not want to, but both the Headmaster and I believe these lessons with Firenze will be… beneficial to your education at Hogwarts.”
“I don’t suppose you could tell me how these lessons would be beneficial?” Sean asked with a polite, somewhat impudent, smile.
“That is currently unnecessary to disclose.” McGonagall said through pursed lips.
Sean shook her head and looked down. “I’m sorry, but with all due respect, I have to decline.”
“Excuse me?” That was obviously not the response McGonagall was looking for, from her aggrieved tone.
“To be frank, Professor, Divination is such a faulty branch of magic that I can’t imagine a situation in which it would be useful to know. Blindly peering into the future is done by those who are afraid of what it may hold, and I don’t fancy myself one of those people.” She ran a hand through her hair and shrugged matter-of-factly.
Professor McGonagall, however, seemed to smile ever-so-slightly. “Interesting point, Ms. Kiernan, but what about the prophecies made by Seers?”
Sean leaned forward to argue her position, “For every prophecy that’s come true, there are hundreds that have not. And as for ‘Seers’, well, it’s just another way to classify yourself in the wizarding caste system, isn’t it?”
There was a definite gleam in Professor McGonagall’s eyes (was it pride?) as she sat back in her chair and folded her hands over her lap. “Please explain.”
“It’s just a revolting hierarchy system, really. Purebloods, then half-bloods, then muggle borns. After that, there are all these other labels that can raise or lower your blood-status, like being a Seer or a werewolf or what-have-you.” Sean sat back in her own chair, mentally exhausted by her racing thoughts.
Professor McGonagall smiled. “I have a proposal you, Kiernan: I will let you decide whether or not you take Divination lessons, but only after you read this book. Agreed?”
Sean hid her grin, she felt she had won. “Agreed.”
McGonagall nodded, “Good. You have until Halloween to read this book and inform me of your decision. Have a good day, Kiernan.”
Sean stood and removed the book from Professor McGonagall’s desk without a glance to its cover, grabbed her bag and left with the exhilaration of victory.
Please review!
Eight: Prowls and Prophecies
September faded slowly into October, and Sean had been doing everything in her power to neglect the book given to her by Professor McGonagall, which she finally discovered was entitled Decoding Divination: Prophecies on Prophesizing. Now, lying awake at 12:07 in the early Thursday morning in her dark dormitory, listening to the sounds of her sleeping housemates, Sean found her eyes constantly fixating on the large, brown, leather-bound book atop her bedside table.
Sean sighed as she sat up and reached for her wand, frustrated by the curiosity that her father said would be her undoing. She muttered “Lumos” to light her wand, and pulled the heavy book onto her lap. Sean brushed off the dusty cover and opened the book to read the table of contents:
One: Definition of a Prophecy …1
Two: The Importance of Prophecies …57
Three: Prophecies of the Past …142
Four: Modern Prophecies …273
Five: Prophecies About Prophecies …506
Sean stopped after reading the title of chapter five and laughed softly to herself. Prophecies about prophecies, really? Some people will believe anything. She flipped to page 506 and began reading:
There are some uncommon prophecies made by exceptional Seers that foretell the future of the noble art of Divination itself. These predictions often tell of a shift or change that alters the perceptive or external world of Divination. For instance, celebrated Seer Cassandra Trelawney foretold the popularity of prophecies would be so immense that “only a great force shall hold them” in 1872, and the Hall of Prophecy in the Ministry of Magic Department of Mysteries was created only fifteen years later. However, there have been rare, extraordinary prophecies that prognosticate of a change that will alter the art of Seeing itself. The most widely known of these “Monument Prophecies” was given by Delina Ellsberry in 1745, and foretells of a witch or wizard with amazing Sight:
Sean froze as an icy chill shot through her spine. Is this some sort of sick joke? What is McGonagall playing at? Sean shook herself, Don’t be ridiculous, she chastised. You don’t even believe in Divination, and you’re certainly not significant enough to have a prophecy made about you. Sean closed the book softly and slid it back onto the bedside table, glaring at it suspiciously as if it had offended her. She rubbed her eyes with her palms and tossed the covers aside as she slid out of bed, then pulled on a ragged pair of jeans and a tee-shirt with the banner “Oasis” across the front. Sean stepped into her trainers and grabbed her still-lit wand and headed out of the dormitory.
The hallways were quiet and still, just how she liked them. Sean had begun to wander the Hogwarts halls as a first year, tiptoeing in and out of the shadows, and had only been caught once – by a poltergeist named Peeves. Much to her relief, however, Peeves was easily bribed, and the two struck up a certain friendship of circumstance. Now, Sean was following her feet as they led her down into the Dungeons, when her floating friend bobbed alongside. “Hello, Peeves.”
“Hullo, Keirnan. What brings you to the Dungeons this time of night?”
“Boredom and a bout of insomnia. You?” Sean asked softly as she began to rummage in her pockets.
“If you must know, I was feeling wonesome…” Peeves said with a whimper.
Sean rolled her eyes. “Right. Here you go,” and she tossed a bar of Cadbury’s chocolate into the air, which Peeves scooped up immediately.
“Ah, I knew you wouldn’t forget ol’ Peevsie…” he said with delight. “Are you sure this man, Cadbury, isn’t a wizard?”
“Positive. Now, the run down, if you please?”
“Certainly. Filch is in the Library, Snape is by the Astronomy Tower, McGonagall is by the Great Hall, and Flitwick is heading towards his office – he’s about to get off duty.” Peeves said with a salute.
Sean half-smiled. “Thank, Peeves.”
Peeves gave her a grand bow, “Until next time…” and he was off.
Sean stopped with a sigh, her chest suddenly becoming tight. Figuring it was the heavy air of the Dungeons, she turned and made her way for the staircase up towards the heavy, front doors of Hogwarts. She turned off her wand as the cool, October air swept over her and her chest loosened. She headed for the Forbidden Forest, going out of her way around the Greenhouses. The air smelled sweet, a scent that traveled on the wind – possibly from the kitchens preparing for breakfast, and Sean smiled serenely.
She entered the Forest just past the gamekeeper’s home, stopping only when the growth overhead hid the moon’s glow. Sean was slightly apprehensive as she wandered through the underbrush looking for a ‘decent’ tree; though she had entered the Forbidden Forest many times, this was her first venture without George and Fred. After a short walk, Sean finally reached the perfect tree and she began to climb high up into its branches, then laid down to rest on the thickest, tallest branch to gaze at the sky overhead when her eyelids began to droop threateningly.
* * * * * *
Sean woke with a start as an owl hooted loudly nearby, and put one hand to her racing heart and checked the time with the other – 3:52. She sat up and took note of her surroundings, making sure to thoroughly scan the Forest floor before scaling down the tree. She jumped from the lowest branch and landed in a crouch, the twigs and leaves beneath her feet devastating all stealth. Sean remained still and strained her eyes and ears for any signs of movement nearby, while praying she was alone. Something crunched from behind as a chill ran through her spine and she pulled out her wand quickly - whatever was moving in the Forest was growing closer.
“Welcome.” It was a male voice, but unlike any she had ever heard before – it was deep and lucid, but not entirely human…
Sean stood slowly and turned around, keeping her wand by her side, and inhaled sharply as she took in the sight of the half-man, half-horse. “I’m sorry…” she managed feebly.
“For what?” The centaur was a beautiful silver dapple color and broad-chested; his tone was surprising gentle for his stern face.
“I didn’t mean to… to trespass…” Sean guessed frantically, trying to keep her voice calm and take a step back - though her feet seemed frozen.
The centaur frowned at her. “You are more clever than most humans, Changeling.” The fear suddenly left her and she felt her mouth gape. “You are surprised I know what you are?” he asked, obviously offended.
Sean paused to choose her words carefully, “I did not know that it was easily… recognized.”
He frowned again. “Most of your kind are indistinguishable from one another. However, you are not so transposable...” He paused in thought, then looked upwards to the sky and continued, “We have expected you for many years now.” As he spoke, Sean saw more shadows move from behind him into the moonlight, so she was now facing a herd of centaurs.
“I don’t understand…” Sean said after a pregnant silence.
The first centaur looked down to her again. “I know. I am Magorian, leader of our herd. It is not our way to reveal the secrets of the stars to your kind, but we are of the same purpose. Do not contest what is to come, Changeling, or you shall weaken us all. You are the key to the future of our purpose.” The centaur bowed his head ever-so-slightly and turned with the rest of his herd to leave.
Sean stared at his swishing tail for a few moments, bemused and shocked, before calling out, “Wait! What are you talking about?!” but the centaurs had already disappeared into the darkness of the Forbidden Forest.
Her heart pounding in her chest, Sean ran from the Forest – all sense of secrecy lost. Her footsteps thudded and crunched in the undergrowth until she finally reached the Forest’s end and the safety of Hogwarts grounds, and fell to her hands and knees. Sean was panting and her head was pounding, This isn’t real… you’re having a nightmare… wake up, Sean… wake up! The pounding in her head turned into throbbing, so much so that she wasn’t aware of the lights or the smoke coming from the groundskeeper’s home almost twenty yards away.
There was no rushing this time, but a mind-splitting spinning that brought Sean to a large stadium with an odd, floating veil moving about the middle. Screams and shouts ricocheted off the walls as the flashes of curses flew all around her, but there was something wrong with the place… nothing was moving at full speed – everything was in slow motion… Sean turned as a crazed woman with dark, wild eyes hurled a curse at a vaguely-familiar man, who then fell into the veil and seemingly disappeared. She didn’t understand what was happening or why, but she felt like her heart was breaking when the spinning began again and she was wrenched back into reality.
“Wha’ in tha blue blazes?” she heard a gruff voice yell as heavy footsteps thudded closer. “Merlin’s beard – ‘s a student!” Tree trunk-sized arms lifted her gently from the ground and carried her swiftly through the night, the wind caused by his running rushing over her face. Sean wanted to open her eyes but her body felt completely numb – like her muscles had turned to water. To her continued horror, her right forefinger began to twitch on its own, and she felt her hair that had fallen on her arms and neck begin to recede back into her skull and, of all things, her forehead buzz.
The man carrying her began to pant as Sean felt him move up steps, and they continued to move swiftly as she felt candlelight warm her skin. They slowed as another voice called out, reverberating in what must be the castle walls, “Hagrid! What on earth…?” a female voice called.
The gruff voice carrying her huffed, “S’a student, professor… saw ‘em writhin’ on the ground outside me hut.”
The female voice spoke closer now, “What? This can’t be… where are his glasses? Those can’t be his clothes…” she gasped.
There was a pause, then the gruff voice again, “But I… I coulda swore it was a girl! It can’ be Harry!”
The voices seemed to be distant now, and Sean felt her consciousness begin to slip away. No, she thought with all her might, “No!” The voices around her were suddenly silent as her right forefinger began to twitch again, and she felt her scalp and forehead begin to itch.
“Dumbledore just arrived – we’ll take her to his office immediately.” The female voice was full of concerned determination.
They began to move again, booming footsteps and staccato click-clacks echoing all around. After a short journey, they came to a stop and the female voice exclaimed “Ice Mice” for whatever reason, which was followed by a lurching and grinding noise accompanied by the sensation of riding an ascending escalator. The sensation and noise ended at once, and the creak of a door let Sean know they had entered a room. The man with the gruff voice laid her gently in a comfy armchair, her lower legs dangling over the armrest.
A new voice spoke now, deep and soothing, “Sean, can you hear me?”
She wasn’t sure if she wanted to respond, or if she even could, still not entirely sure where she was. She weighed her few options, and went with her safest bet; she didn’t respond, but focused all her energy into opening her eyes. The soft candlelight of the office (since she could now see where she was) was calming, and understanding seemed to flood over her as if she was waking from a dream.
Professor Dumbledore smiled at her. “Good.” He looked past her, “Thank you Minerva, Hagrid; I will take it from here.” The door behind her opened and closed, and Dumbledore turned his gaze back to Sean. “How is your day going?”
If she had any working muscles, Sean supposed she would be shaking with suppressed laughter. As it was, she did not – and she merely stared blankly at the Headmaster. Dumbledore kept the sage smile upon his face as he continued without her response, “I must ask you again if there is anything you wish to tell me.”
Sean was suddenly angry, enraged at the Headmaster; she wanted to scream at him, lay him out, though this was only their second one-on-one conversation. Her muscles began to buzz auspiciously, filling her with renewed energy and awareness. She pushed herself out of the armchair with surprising ease and grace and glared at Professor Dumbledore, “No.”
He sighed dejectedly. “Once again, are you sure?”
Her thoughts and emotions crashed together like waves, what is happening to me? The wrath she had felt at the Headmaster turned abruptly inward, and Sean felt furiously ashamed – this can’t be his fault. She took a deep breath and cast her eyes down to address Professor Dumbledore, “Thank you for your concern, Professor, but everything is under control.”
Dumbledore smiled sadly, “Fickle thing, control.”
Comments, questions, reviews!
September faded slowly into October, and Sean had been doing everything in her power to neglect the book given to her by Professor McGonagall, which she finally discovered was entitled Decoding Divination: Prophecies on Prophesizing. Now, lying awake at 12:07 in the early Thursday morning in her dark dormitory, listening to the sounds of her sleeping housemates, Sean found her eyes constantly fixating on the large, brown, leather-bound book atop her bedside table.
Sean sighed as she sat up and reached for her wand, frustrated by the curiosity that her father said would be her undoing. She muttered “Lumos” to light her wand, and pulled the heavy book onto her lap. Sean brushed off the dusty cover and opened the book to read the table of contents:
One: Definition of a Prophecy …1
Two: The Importance of Prophecies …57
Three: Prophecies of the Past …142
Four: Modern Prophecies …273
Five: Prophecies About Prophecies …506
Sean stopped after reading the title of chapter five and laughed softly to herself. Prophecies about prophecies, really? Some people will believe anything. She flipped to page 506 and began reading:
There are some uncommon prophecies made by exceptional Seers that foretell the future of the noble art of Divination itself. These predictions often tell of a shift or change that alters the perceptive or external world of Divination. For instance, celebrated Seer Cassandra Trelawney foretold the popularity of prophecies would be so immense that “only a great force shall hold them” in 1872, and the Hall of Prophecy in the Ministry of Magic Department of Mysteries was created only fifteen years later. However, there have been rare, extraordinary prophecies that prognosticate of a change that will alter the art of Seeing itself. The most widely known of these “Monument Prophecies” was given by Delina Ellsberry in 1745, and foretells of a witch or wizard with amazing Sight:
A child shall be birthed from secrecy, a changeling twin… they will See farther and more clear than all who came before… they shall have Sight beyond time and space… forever desired and forever feared… the key to end a great war…
Sean froze as an icy chill shot through her spine. Is this some sort of sick joke? What is McGonagall playing at? Sean shook herself, Don’t be ridiculous, she chastised. You don’t even believe in Divination, and you’re certainly not significant enough to have a prophecy made about you. Sean closed the book softly and slid it back onto the bedside table, glaring at it suspiciously as if it had offended her. She rubbed her eyes with her palms and tossed the covers aside as she slid out of bed, then pulled on a ragged pair of jeans and a tee-shirt with the banner “Oasis” across the front. Sean stepped into her trainers and grabbed her still-lit wand and headed out of the dormitory.
The hallways were quiet and still, just how she liked them. Sean had begun to wander the Hogwarts halls as a first year, tiptoeing in and out of the shadows, and had only been caught once – by a poltergeist named Peeves. Much to her relief, however, Peeves was easily bribed, and the two struck up a certain friendship of circumstance. Now, Sean was following her feet as they led her down into the Dungeons, when her floating friend bobbed alongside. “Hello, Peeves.”
“Hullo, Keirnan. What brings you to the Dungeons this time of night?”
“Boredom and a bout of insomnia. You?” Sean asked softly as she began to rummage in her pockets.
“If you must know, I was feeling wonesome…” Peeves said with a whimper.
Sean rolled her eyes. “Right. Here you go,” and she tossed a bar of Cadbury’s chocolate into the air, which Peeves scooped up immediately.
“Ah, I knew you wouldn’t forget ol’ Peevsie…” he said with delight. “Are you sure this man, Cadbury, isn’t a wizard?”
“Positive. Now, the run down, if you please?”
“Certainly. Filch is in the Library, Snape is by the Astronomy Tower, McGonagall is by the Great Hall, and Flitwick is heading towards his office – he’s about to get off duty.” Peeves said with a salute.
Sean half-smiled. “Thank, Peeves.”
Peeves gave her a grand bow, “Until next time…” and he was off.
Sean stopped with a sigh, her chest suddenly becoming tight. Figuring it was the heavy air of the Dungeons, she turned and made her way for the staircase up towards the heavy, front doors of Hogwarts. She turned off her wand as the cool, October air swept over her and her chest loosened. She headed for the Forbidden Forest, going out of her way around the Greenhouses. The air smelled sweet, a scent that traveled on the wind – possibly from the kitchens preparing for breakfast, and Sean smiled serenely.
She entered the Forest just past the gamekeeper’s home, stopping only when the growth overhead hid the moon’s glow. Sean was slightly apprehensive as she wandered through the underbrush looking for a ‘decent’ tree; though she had entered the Forbidden Forest many times, this was her first venture without George and Fred. After a short walk, Sean finally reached the perfect tree and she began to climb high up into its branches, then laid down to rest on the thickest, tallest branch to gaze at the sky overhead when her eyelids began to droop threateningly.
* * * * * *
Sean woke with a start as an owl hooted loudly nearby, and put one hand to her racing heart and checked the time with the other – 3:52. She sat up and took note of her surroundings, making sure to thoroughly scan the Forest floor before scaling down the tree. She jumped from the lowest branch and landed in a crouch, the twigs and leaves beneath her feet devastating all stealth. Sean remained still and strained her eyes and ears for any signs of movement nearby, while praying she was alone. Something crunched from behind as a chill ran through her spine and she pulled out her wand quickly - whatever was moving in the Forest was growing closer.
“Welcome.” It was a male voice, but unlike any she had ever heard before – it was deep and lucid, but not entirely human…
Sean stood slowly and turned around, keeping her wand by her side, and inhaled sharply as she took in the sight of the half-man, half-horse. “I’m sorry…” she managed feebly.
“For what?” The centaur was a beautiful silver dapple color and broad-chested; his tone was surprising gentle for his stern face.
“I didn’t mean to… to trespass…” Sean guessed frantically, trying to keep her voice calm and take a step back - though her feet seemed frozen.
The centaur frowned at her. “You are more clever than most humans, Changeling.” The fear suddenly left her and she felt her mouth gape. “You are surprised I know what you are?” he asked, obviously offended.
Sean paused to choose her words carefully, “I did not know that it was easily… recognized.”
He frowned again. “Most of your kind are indistinguishable from one another. However, you are not so transposable...” He paused in thought, then looked upwards to the sky and continued, “We have expected you for many years now.” As he spoke, Sean saw more shadows move from behind him into the moonlight, so she was now facing a herd of centaurs.
“I don’t understand…” Sean said after a pregnant silence.
The first centaur looked down to her again. “I know. I am Magorian, leader of our herd. It is not our way to reveal the secrets of the stars to your kind, but we are of the same purpose. Do not contest what is to come, Changeling, or you shall weaken us all. You are the key to the future of our purpose.” The centaur bowed his head ever-so-slightly and turned with the rest of his herd to leave.
Sean stared at his swishing tail for a few moments, bemused and shocked, before calling out, “Wait! What are you talking about?!” but the centaurs had already disappeared into the darkness of the Forbidden Forest.
Her heart pounding in her chest, Sean ran from the Forest – all sense of secrecy lost. Her footsteps thudded and crunched in the undergrowth until she finally reached the Forest’s end and the safety of Hogwarts grounds, and fell to her hands and knees. Sean was panting and her head was pounding, This isn’t real… you’re having a nightmare… wake up, Sean… wake up! The pounding in her head turned into throbbing, so much so that she wasn’t aware of the lights or the smoke coming from the groundskeeper’s home almost twenty yards away.
There was no rushing this time, but a mind-splitting spinning that brought Sean to a large stadium with an odd, floating veil moving about the middle. Screams and shouts ricocheted off the walls as the flashes of curses flew all around her, but there was something wrong with the place… nothing was moving at full speed – everything was in slow motion… Sean turned as a crazed woman with dark, wild eyes hurled a curse at a vaguely-familiar man, who then fell into the veil and seemingly disappeared. She didn’t understand what was happening or why, but she felt like her heart was breaking when the spinning began again and she was wrenched back into reality.
“Wha’ in tha blue blazes?” she heard a gruff voice yell as heavy footsteps thudded closer. “Merlin’s beard – ‘s a student!” Tree trunk-sized arms lifted her gently from the ground and carried her swiftly through the night, the wind caused by his running rushing over her face. Sean wanted to open her eyes but her body felt completely numb – like her muscles had turned to water. To her continued horror, her right forefinger began to twitch on its own, and she felt her hair that had fallen on her arms and neck begin to recede back into her skull and, of all things, her forehead buzz.
The man carrying her began to pant as Sean felt him move up steps, and they continued to move swiftly as she felt candlelight warm her skin. They slowed as another voice called out, reverberating in what must be the castle walls, “Hagrid! What on earth…?” a female voice called.
The gruff voice carrying her huffed, “S’a student, professor… saw ‘em writhin’ on the ground outside me hut.”
The female voice spoke closer now, “What? This can’t be… where are his glasses? Those can’t be his clothes…” she gasped.
There was a pause, then the gruff voice again, “But I… I coulda swore it was a girl! It can’ be Harry!”
The voices seemed to be distant now, and Sean felt her consciousness begin to slip away. No, she thought with all her might, “No!” The voices around her were suddenly silent as her right forefinger began to twitch again, and she felt her scalp and forehead begin to itch.
“Dumbledore just arrived – we’ll take her to his office immediately.” The female voice was full of concerned determination.
They began to move again, booming footsteps and staccato click-clacks echoing all around. After a short journey, they came to a stop and the female voice exclaimed “Ice Mice” for whatever reason, which was followed by a lurching and grinding noise accompanied by the sensation of riding an ascending escalator. The sensation and noise ended at once, and the creak of a door let Sean know they had entered a room. The man with the gruff voice laid her gently in a comfy armchair, her lower legs dangling over the armrest.
A new voice spoke now, deep and soothing, “Sean, can you hear me?”
She wasn’t sure if she wanted to respond, or if she even could, still not entirely sure where she was. She weighed her few options, and went with her safest bet; she didn’t respond, but focused all her energy into opening her eyes. The soft candlelight of the office (since she could now see where she was) was calming, and understanding seemed to flood over her as if she was waking from a dream.
Professor Dumbledore smiled at her. “Good.” He looked past her, “Thank you Minerva, Hagrid; I will take it from here.” The door behind her opened and closed, and Dumbledore turned his gaze back to Sean. “How is your day going?”
If she had any working muscles, Sean supposed she would be shaking with suppressed laughter. As it was, she did not – and she merely stared blankly at the Headmaster. Dumbledore kept the sage smile upon his face as he continued without her response, “I must ask you again if there is anything you wish to tell me.”
Sean was suddenly angry, enraged at the Headmaster; she wanted to scream at him, lay him out, though this was only their second one-on-one conversation. Her muscles began to buzz auspiciously, filling her with renewed energy and awareness. She pushed herself out of the armchair with surprising ease and grace and glared at Professor Dumbledore, “No.”
He sighed dejectedly. “Once again, are you sure?”
Her thoughts and emotions crashed together like waves, what is happening to me? The wrath she had felt at the Headmaster turned abruptly inward, and Sean felt furiously ashamed – this can’t be his fault. She took a deep breath and cast her eyes down to address Professor Dumbledore, “Thank you for your concern, Professor, but everything is under control.”
Dumbledore smiled sadly, “Fickle thing, control.”
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Nine: Friends and Splits
Sean sequestered herself in the library over the next week, save for Quidditch practice, class, hygiene, and (unless she forgot) sleep. She finished Decoding Divination within a matter of hours, and then poured over every divination book she could get her hands on. Unfortunately, not a single one of them offered any more clues as to what was happening. On the other hand, her limited human contact significantly decreased the number of migraines she was having, and she hadn’t gone back to the hospital wing.
Late Friday evening, Sean trudged up to the Gryffindor common room, her feet heavy with yet another unsuccessful library raid, when she noticed a sign posting for the first time...
Hogsmeade Trip: Saturday October 17, 10:00. Third Years and Up, with Permission Slips ONLY!
Sean checked her watch - it was 12:34 in the morning on October 17. She growled softly and took the stairs up to the dormitory two at a time, then fell into bed fully clothed to get as much sleep as possible.
* * * * *
The reflection in the mirror smiled back at her, and Sean sighed in satisfaction before leaving the Three Broomsticks pub and heading back out into the chilly high street of Hogsmeade Village. She wasn’t headed anywhere in particular, but she walked with a determined air about her – shoulders back, hands in her pockets, and her head up. She was considering turning into Honeydukes sweet shop (she had a craving for Ice Mice recently), when someone called out to her and she spun around to search for a particular face.
“Hey, Sean!” Harry said, jogging slightly to catch up.
Sean’s face fell. “Oh, hi Harry.”
He frowned at her, “Well, it’s nice to see you, too.”
She laughed softly, “Sorry, I was hoping to meet someone here… I thought you were him.”
Harry’s face and neck seemed to tense up, and Ron and Hermione soon joined his side. “Hi, Sean. Waiting for Fred and George?” Ron asked.
“What?” Sean replied with surprise.
“Didn’t they tell you they were coming? They mailed me weeks ago asking when the first Hogsmeade trip was scheduled.” Ron said bluntly, and Harry sighed as his eyebrows relaxed.
“Well, we wanted it to be a surprise, you git.” A voice said casually from behind her, and Sean smiled as she turned to see her best friends grinning wildly at her.
“You came all this way just for me?” she asked with an equally mischievous grin.
Fred waved a hand in the air nonchalantly, “’Course not, we’re looking to set up a franchise here… especially since Zonko’s seems to have left…”
“I feel loved.” Sean said sardonically, still grinning.
George put his arm around her shoulders, “Well… I suggested we make the trip up here months ago, but Fred threw a hissy fit and insisted we wait until we could visit you.” He winked at Sean dramatically, and Fred punched him in the arm so hard George fell into Sean – his other arm landing near her waist. “Uh… sorry…” George apologized quietly, and he moved quickly away from her.
An awkward silence fell over the group, broken after a few tense moments by Fred, “Ahm, shall we grab a few butterbeers, then?”
“Sounds great.” Hermione said quickly, with Harry and Ron nodding beside her.
The six friends headed back down the high street towards the pub. “How’re things at the shop?” Sean asked Fred as she nudged him with her elbow.
He opened his mouth to respond, but his voice was drowned out by Sean’s yelp – someone had grabbed her around the waist from behind and swung her in circles. The arms around her released and she spun to face him, her face changing quickly from outrage to exhilaration. “Oliver!” she exclaimed in disbelief, and she ran back into his arms, threw her own around his neck, and kissed him furiously.
They broke apart, Sean still lifted in the air with his arms around her waist, “I missed you, too.” Oliver said coolly.
“Ah-hem…” George coughed suddenly, and Oliver released Sean and they moved a few feet apart.
“Oh, sorry! Oliver, you remember Fred, George and Harry?” Fred and George grunted noncommittally, but Harry shook his hand. “And this is Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, they’re in my year.” Both Ron and Hermione also shook his hand.
“Nice to meet you two. How’s Quidditch going so far, Harry? Sean told me you’re the new captain…” Oliver said with a smile as he put one arm around Sean’s waist.
Harry’s jaw twitched for a moment. “Not bad, Ron’s Keeper and his sister Ginny is our other Chaser, and we’ve got some pretty decent Beaters this year.”
“Good as the twins, here?” Oliver said with a grin towards Fred and George, which they didn’t return.
Harry shrugged dejectedly, “Only time will tell.”
“Right, well, it was good seeing you again, Harry, Fred, George. And nice to meet you, Hermione and Ron.” Oliver said quickly, and he tugged on Sean’s waist to break apart from the group.
Sean glanced at Oliver and bit her lip, then slid from his grasp to give Fred and George goodbyes. “Thanks for coming to see me, I’ve missed you both so much.”
Fred pulled her into a tight hug, “Keep giving Filch hell for us.” he said with a grin.
George did the same, “And if you need any more ammunition, send us a post.”
Sean laughed and waved goodbye to her old and new friends, then turned to walk with Oliver – who replaced his arm around her waist and kissed her. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed you.” He said softly.
She flushed, even in the bitter wind, “Probably as much as I’ve missed you.”
They walked in what Sean believed to be comfortable silence for a few more minutes, until Oliver sighed heavily, “You know, I’m not so sure about Fred and George…” he said warily.
Sean jerked, taken aback. “What do you mean? They’re my best friends...”
“Yeah, well, I think they’ve got more than friendship on their minds, to be perfectly honest.” He replied with a snarl.
She gaped at her boyfriend. “Oliver, we’ve had this conversation a hundred times! You and I have been together for almost two years, I can’t imagine being with anyone else!”
Oliver’s voice was eerily angry, “But that doesn’t mean they can’t! It’s so obvious, Sean! They were both practically drooling over you!”
His sudden anger was shocking, almost scary, “Fred and George and I are not interested in each other – we had our own conversation years ago about this.” Sean said authoritatively.
“But didn’t you talk about it because Fred asked you out?” Oliver asked accusingly.
Sean half-shrugged, “Well, yes but –“
He threw his hands up in the air, “You’re so naïve, Sean! You think just because you talked about it once that everything’s just fine and dandy? You are so…” he stopped himself.
She glared at him angrily. “So what, Oliver?”
“So sixteen.” He sighed.
Sean had enough. “So I suppose you think I’m immature, then? Because I have faith in my friends? Because I’m not paranoid? I can’t believe you’re bringing this whole thing up, yet again, after I’ve assured you over and over that I love you?! You’re right, I must be the immature person in this relationship because I’m not the one that has to be constantly reassured every five minutes! Jeez, Oliver – I thought we were past this!”
Oliver’s expression was hard and stony. “I guess not.”
“Everything has been going so well; this is coming out of nowhere!” Sean pleaded.
He pursed his lips at her and folded his arms across his chest. “You invited them to meet you in Hogsmeade when I told you I was coming – you invited your best friends on our date!” he yelled.
Sean almost laughed at the absurdity of it all. “They wanted to surprise me, Oliver, I didn’t know they were coming.” She was speaking calmly, despite the incredulity she felt.
“I don’t know if I can believe that.” Oliver said bluntly.
This time Sean did laugh, “You believe what you want to believe, but if you can’t trust me then I don’t know if this is going to work.”
Oliver half-gasped. “Fine, if that’s how you want it…”
“That’s not how I want it!” Sean yelled, “It’s what you’re choosing! We’ve been together for so long and I love you, but if you can’t trust me anymore then maybe you don’t really love me!”
“That’s not fair.” He snarled.
“See how it feels? The problems we have aren’t my friends; it’s your insecurity – and I’m tired of having a relationship with your jealousy instead of you.” Sean felt tears forming behind her eyes and forced them back as she turned away from him back down the high street.
“Fine!” she heard Oliver yell from behind her, followed by the small ‘pop’ of his Apparition.
Sean walked quickly to the Three Broomsticks and headed directly for the bathroom, pushed open the swinging door and leaned on one of the sinks. What just happened? That stupid jerk! Two years… two years! I ought to curse him into the next millennium! She felt sick and looked up at her reflection in the distressed mirror, not altogether surprised that her hair had turned a sickly green color. Sean cursed under her breath and dashed out of the bathroom, almost knocking over Katie Bell, and then back outside where she plopped down on a bench.
“Hey, are you okay?” Sean looked up to see Harry sitting down next to her.
“What is wrong with you?” She almost yelled at Harry.
He started and pulled back from her ever-so-slightly, “Wh-what?”
“Men. Boys.” She grumbled, “There’s something wrong with the lot of you.”
Harry sighed in relief, “Something happen with Oliver, I take it?”
“Two years, two years! And the lousy, jealous arse doesn’t even trust me! Well, good riddance…” Sean looked up at Harry’s concerned face, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to take that out on you.” The tears were forming again, and Sean concentrated on her twitching forefinger to keep herself from crying.
“I didn’t know you were a metamorphmagus.” Harry said randomly, yet softly.
Sean looked at him again and laughed, despite herself. “I’ve never been that big into advertising.”
He nudged her with his shoulder and grinned, “Come on, let’s go back to the castle and nick some food from the kitchens.”
They both stood and began to walk the path back up to Hogwarts, and were soon joined by Ron and Hermione. Ron opened his mouth to say something, but was cut off by the voices ahead of them drifting on the wind…
“It’s none of your business, Leanne.” Sean recognized Katie Bell’s voice.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea!” The girl named Leanne replied back as she tried to pull something from Katie’s grasp.
Katie gasped and rose suddenly in the air, and Sean froze in horror as she screamed and began writhing in the air. Sean, Harry, Hermione, and Ron all rushed forward to help Leanne pull her down, and Katie crashed to the ground – still writhing uncontrollably.
“I’ll get help.” Harry said quickly, and he raced off towards the school while Sean watched her fellow Chaser thrash about in agony.
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Sean sequestered herself in the library over the next week, save for Quidditch practice, class, hygiene, and (unless she forgot) sleep. She finished Decoding Divination within a matter of hours, and then poured over every divination book she could get her hands on. Unfortunately, not a single one of them offered any more clues as to what was happening. On the other hand, her limited human contact significantly decreased the number of migraines she was having, and she hadn’t gone back to the hospital wing.
Late Friday evening, Sean trudged up to the Gryffindor common room, her feet heavy with yet another unsuccessful library raid, when she noticed a sign posting for the first time...
Hogsmeade Trip: Saturday October 17, 10:00. Third Years and Up, with Permission Slips ONLY!
Sean checked her watch - it was 12:34 in the morning on October 17. She growled softly and took the stairs up to the dormitory two at a time, then fell into bed fully clothed to get as much sleep as possible.
* * * * *
The reflection in the mirror smiled back at her, and Sean sighed in satisfaction before leaving the Three Broomsticks pub and heading back out into the chilly high street of Hogsmeade Village. She wasn’t headed anywhere in particular, but she walked with a determined air about her – shoulders back, hands in her pockets, and her head up. She was considering turning into Honeydukes sweet shop (she had a craving for Ice Mice recently), when someone called out to her and she spun around to search for a particular face.
“Hey, Sean!” Harry said, jogging slightly to catch up.
Sean’s face fell. “Oh, hi Harry.”
He frowned at her, “Well, it’s nice to see you, too.”
She laughed softly, “Sorry, I was hoping to meet someone here… I thought you were him.”
Harry’s face and neck seemed to tense up, and Ron and Hermione soon joined his side. “Hi, Sean. Waiting for Fred and George?” Ron asked.
“What?” Sean replied with surprise.
“Didn’t they tell you they were coming? They mailed me weeks ago asking when the first Hogsmeade trip was scheduled.” Ron said bluntly, and Harry sighed as his eyebrows relaxed.
“Well, we wanted it to be a surprise, you git.” A voice said casually from behind her, and Sean smiled as she turned to see her best friends grinning wildly at her.
“You came all this way just for me?” she asked with an equally mischievous grin.
Fred waved a hand in the air nonchalantly, “’Course not, we’re looking to set up a franchise here… especially since Zonko’s seems to have left…”
“I feel loved.” Sean said sardonically, still grinning.
George put his arm around her shoulders, “Well… I suggested we make the trip up here months ago, but Fred threw a hissy fit and insisted we wait until we could visit you.” He winked at Sean dramatically, and Fred punched him in the arm so hard George fell into Sean – his other arm landing near her waist. “Uh… sorry…” George apologized quietly, and he moved quickly away from her.
An awkward silence fell over the group, broken after a few tense moments by Fred, “Ahm, shall we grab a few butterbeers, then?”
“Sounds great.” Hermione said quickly, with Harry and Ron nodding beside her.
The six friends headed back down the high street towards the pub. “How’re things at the shop?” Sean asked Fred as she nudged him with her elbow.
He opened his mouth to respond, but his voice was drowned out by Sean’s yelp – someone had grabbed her around the waist from behind and swung her in circles. The arms around her released and she spun to face him, her face changing quickly from outrage to exhilaration. “Oliver!” she exclaimed in disbelief, and she ran back into his arms, threw her own around his neck, and kissed him furiously.
They broke apart, Sean still lifted in the air with his arms around her waist, “I missed you, too.” Oliver said coolly.
“Ah-hem…” George coughed suddenly, and Oliver released Sean and they moved a few feet apart.
“Oh, sorry! Oliver, you remember Fred, George and Harry?” Fred and George grunted noncommittally, but Harry shook his hand. “And this is Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, they’re in my year.” Both Ron and Hermione also shook his hand.
“Nice to meet you two. How’s Quidditch going so far, Harry? Sean told me you’re the new captain…” Oliver said with a smile as he put one arm around Sean’s waist.
Harry’s jaw twitched for a moment. “Not bad, Ron’s Keeper and his sister Ginny is our other Chaser, and we’ve got some pretty decent Beaters this year.”
“Good as the twins, here?” Oliver said with a grin towards Fred and George, which they didn’t return.
Harry shrugged dejectedly, “Only time will tell.”
“Right, well, it was good seeing you again, Harry, Fred, George. And nice to meet you, Hermione and Ron.” Oliver said quickly, and he tugged on Sean’s waist to break apart from the group.
Sean glanced at Oliver and bit her lip, then slid from his grasp to give Fred and George goodbyes. “Thanks for coming to see me, I’ve missed you both so much.”
Fred pulled her into a tight hug, “Keep giving Filch hell for us.” he said with a grin.
George did the same, “And if you need any more ammunition, send us a post.”
Sean laughed and waved goodbye to her old and new friends, then turned to walk with Oliver – who replaced his arm around her waist and kissed her. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed you.” He said softly.
She flushed, even in the bitter wind, “Probably as much as I’ve missed you.”
They walked in what Sean believed to be comfortable silence for a few more minutes, until Oliver sighed heavily, “You know, I’m not so sure about Fred and George…” he said warily.
Sean jerked, taken aback. “What do you mean? They’re my best friends...”
“Yeah, well, I think they’ve got more than friendship on their minds, to be perfectly honest.” He replied with a snarl.
She gaped at her boyfriend. “Oliver, we’ve had this conversation a hundred times! You and I have been together for almost two years, I can’t imagine being with anyone else!”
Oliver’s voice was eerily angry, “But that doesn’t mean they can’t! It’s so obvious, Sean! They were both practically drooling over you!”
His sudden anger was shocking, almost scary, “Fred and George and I are not interested in each other – we had our own conversation years ago about this.” Sean said authoritatively.
“But didn’t you talk about it because Fred asked you out?” Oliver asked accusingly.
Sean half-shrugged, “Well, yes but –“
He threw his hands up in the air, “You’re so naïve, Sean! You think just because you talked about it once that everything’s just fine and dandy? You are so…” he stopped himself.
She glared at him angrily. “So what, Oliver?”
“So sixteen.” He sighed.
Sean had enough. “So I suppose you think I’m immature, then? Because I have faith in my friends? Because I’m not paranoid? I can’t believe you’re bringing this whole thing up, yet again, after I’ve assured you over and over that I love you?! You’re right, I must be the immature person in this relationship because I’m not the one that has to be constantly reassured every five minutes! Jeez, Oliver – I thought we were past this!”
Oliver’s expression was hard and stony. “I guess not.”
“Everything has been going so well; this is coming out of nowhere!” Sean pleaded.
He pursed his lips at her and folded his arms across his chest. “You invited them to meet you in Hogsmeade when I told you I was coming – you invited your best friends on our date!” he yelled.
Sean almost laughed at the absurdity of it all. “They wanted to surprise me, Oliver, I didn’t know they were coming.” She was speaking calmly, despite the incredulity she felt.
“I don’t know if I can believe that.” Oliver said bluntly.
This time Sean did laugh, “You believe what you want to believe, but if you can’t trust me then I don’t know if this is going to work.”
Oliver half-gasped. “Fine, if that’s how you want it…”
“That’s not how I want it!” Sean yelled, “It’s what you’re choosing! We’ve been together for so long and I love you, but if you can’t trust me anymore then maybe you don’t really love me!”
“That’s not fair.” He snarled.
“See how it feels? The problems we have aren’t my friends; it’s your insecurity – and I’m tired of having a relationship with your jealousy instead of you.” Sean felt tears forming behind her eyes and forced them back as she turned away from him back down the high street.
“Fine!” she heard Oliver yell from behind her, followed by the small ‘pop’ of his Apparition.
Sean walked quickly to the Three Broomsticks and headed directly for the bathroom, pushed open the swinging door and leaned on one of the sinks. What just happened? That stupid jerk! Two years… two years! I ought to curse him into the next millennium! She felt sick and looked up at her reflection in the distressed mirror, not altogether surprised that her hair had turned a sickly green color. Sean cursed under her breath and dashed out of the bathroom, almost knocking over Katie Bell, and then back outside where she plopped down on a bench.
“Hey, are you okay?” Sean looked up to see Harry sitting down next to her.
“What is wrong with you?” She almost yelled at Harry.
He started and pulled back from her ever-so-slightly, “Wh-what?”
“Men. Boys.” She grumbled, “There’s something wrong with the lot of you.”
Harry sighed in relief, “Something happen with Oliver, I take it?”
“Two years, two years! And the lousy, jealous arse doesn’t even trust me! Well, good riddance…” Sean looked up at Harry’s concerned face, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to take that out on you.” The tears were forming again, and Sean concentrated on her twitching forefinger to keep herself from crying.
“I didn’t know you were a metamorphmagus.” Harry said randomly, yet softly.
Sean looked at him again and laughed, despite herself. “I’ve never been that big into advertising.”
He nudged her with his shoulder and grinned, “Come on, let’s go back to the castle and nick some food from the kitchens.”
They both stood and began to walk the path back up to Hogwarts, and were soon joined by Ron and Hermione. Ron opened his mouth to say something, but was cut off by the voices ahead of them drifting on the wind…
“It’s none of your business, Leanne.” Sean recognized Katie Bell’s voice.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea!” The girl named Leanne replied back as she tried to pull something from Katie’s grasp.
Katie gasped and rose suddenly in the air, and Sean froze in horror as she screamed and began writhing in the air. Sean, Harry, Hermione, and Ron all rushed forward to help Leanne pull her down, and Katie crashed to the ground – still writhing uncontrollably.
“I’ll get help.” Harry said quickly, and he raced off towards the school while Sean watched her fellow Chaser thrash about in agony.
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Thanks to Loony for your awesome reviews! I know it's a little on the short side, but there's some background information to cover... eleven will be longer I promise... 
Ten: Literary Enlightenments
The news of Katie’s accident spread like wildfire throughout the school by the next morning, and when Sean and Harry had gone to try and visit her in the hospital wing they discovered that she had been transferred to St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. “I hope she’s okay.” Sean said desperately.
Harry put a hand awkwardly on her shoulder. “Everything will be fine, try not to worry.”
Sean managed a weak smile, “Yeah…” She sighed deeply, “So what are you going to do about Quidditch?”
They began to walk away from the hospital wing, “I dunno... I was thinking about Dean Thomas, he flew really well at trials.” Harry shrugged.
“We have to win this match – I don’t think I could bear it if Malfoy beat us.” She grimaced, “I have half a mind to think that he cursed Katie to help Slytherin win.” Harry coughed suddenly, startling her. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Do you really think Malfoy had something to do with it?” Harry’s voice was almost hopeful.
“I wouldn’t be surprised, wasn’t his father a Death Eater?”
Excitement flooded Harry’s face, “Exactly!” He stopped and eyed her suspiciously, “What… what do you know about Voldemort?”
Sean shrugged, unconcerned with his use of the name 'Voldemort', “I guess what everyone else knows. I don’t read the Prophet, so just what I’ve heard.”
Harry checked up and down the hallway, then took Sean by the elbow and led her up the closest staircase. “Follow me.” They continued up another staircase to the fourth floor, and then ducked into the library and found a quiet corner. “Sorry, I just didn’t want to be overheard.”
“S’alright… slightly paranoid, but whatever.” Sean grinned.
Harry smiled before continuing. “I think that Draco Malfoy replaced his father as a Death Eater, and is trying to carry out a mission for Voldemort at Hogwarts.” He spoke intensely, as if pleading with her to believe him.
Sean didn’t flinch or back away, but simply asked “Why are you telling me this?”
“You’re my friend, I trust you.”
Sean smiled. “Why do you think Draco replaced his father?”
She listened for hours as Harry divulged all kinds of theories and experiences regarding the Lord Voldemort and the current war. To her own surprise Sean was never shocked or fearful, but rather powerfully intrigued, not to mention grateful for Harry’s trust in her. It was nice to sit quietly and listen to her friend, no pretenses or hidden agendas – just a friend lending an ear.
“…but Ron and Hermione think I’m just being paranoid about Malfoy.” Harry finished with a scowl.
“From what you’ve been telling me, Voldemort would probably relish in the idea of replacing Lucius Malfoy with Draco – we all know Malfoy failed him at the Ministry, and I’m sure Voldemort thinks it’d be hilarious if his son died while trying to redeem him… You’re not being paranoid, you’re just trying to be prepared.”
Harry smiled gratefully at her, then looked at his watch suddenly. “I forgot – I have a meeting with Dumbledore. If you want, I can walk you back to Gryffindor Tower…”
“That’s alright, I wanted to check for something here anyway. I’ll see you later.” Harry got up from their corner and exited the library quickly. Sean waited until he was out of sight, and moved swiftly and silently towards the back of the library. Madam Pince was hovering over the entrance to the Restricted Section, and Sean sent a jinx off to the Herbology section of the library, causing a disturbance and sending the librarian trailing after the noise.
Sean had been itching to get into the Restricted Section of the library after exhausting the rest of its resources on Divination, and now she had her chance – Sean opened the door silently and stole inside in a flash. She crouched beneath the door and checked her watch, it was nearing 8:00, which meant she had two hours to get back to Gryffindor Tower before curfew.
She began creeping up and down the rows and rows of books searching for anything remotely related to Divination, but she was becoming quickly frustrated. After an hour of hunting, she had only found a handful of books – and none were helpful. “Come on… gimme something, anything…” she whispered as she turned into the second-to-last row. Her eye scanned the shelves up and down, and finally rested on the spine of a black book with the words “Divine Prospecte” written in faded gold lettering. Sean pulled the book off the shelf and sat down to scour its contents as rapidly as possible.
Two hours later (one hour past curfew), Sean was still reading “Divine Prospecte” even though it had little help to offer her. On the other hand, it was an incredibly interesting encyclopedia of influential Seers, and Sean could definitely see why it was in the Restricted Section - since most of the Seers mentioned either succumbed to horrific fates or made disturbing prophecies. She had just finished reading about Christophe Oneille being drawn and quartered for predicting the death of a French prince, when she turned the page and had to stop herself from gasping; the page was simple titled “O’Riordan”, and had a list of about fifteen men, their birth and death dates, and their relation to the O’Riordan family.
Sean ran her fingers over the letters, only recognizing the last name – Kennan O’Riordan, her mother’s father whom she had met only once. She flipped a few more pages and began to read under the freshly-inked heading “Kennan O’Riordan, 1902 – 1994”:
Grandson of Ian O’Riordan, grandson of Seamus O’Riordan, grandson of… (Sean skipped ahead a few paragraphs) Kennan O’Riordan is most famous for his prediction in 1932 of the downfall of the dark wizard Grindelwald (1945). His other prophecies, while relevant to contemporary society, never gained the same notoriety as that of 1932. It is rumored that Kennan had Empathic episodes in which he could experience the emotions of those around him, though there has never been a ‘true Empath’ on record – in the O’Riordan family or otherwise. Kennan married Perpetua Fancourt (inventor of the lunascope) in 1942, and produced three children: Fergus (1954), Liam (1957), and Cathleen (1958). It is expected that at least one of Kennan’s children will produce a son, who will continue the tradition of Sight in every male, third generation of the O’Riordan family.
Sean flipped a few more pages and scanned the index, but she couldn’t find anything else on “Empaths”. She groaned rather loudly, momentarily forgetting where she was, then replaced the book on the shelf and pushed herself off the floor. She crept out of the now-darkened library and made her way up the closest staircase, her mind throbbing with what she had just read. If she believed in Divination, which she still didn’t, this “Empath” thing sounded all too real…
Oh, give a rest, she thought harshly, this is all stupid and you know it. Besides, the book said that only the men were Seers, not the women… Like Seamus could ever be a Seer… Ugh, get a grip, Sean! “Norwegian Ridgeback.” She said to the portrait of the Fat Lady, which swung open and she entered the Gryffindor common room. She took the stairs up to her dormitory two at-a-time, and opened the door to hear hushed giggles. Lavender was sitting with Parvati on her bed, whispering and giggling while Hermione slept in the next bed.
“Where’ve you been?” Lavender asked concernedly.
Sean flopped onto her bed, “Library - lost track of time. Everything okay?”
Parvati giggled, “Beware a redheaded man!” she whispered meaningfully, and Lavender joined in her laughter.
“Tell me about it.” Sean mumbled, and fell back onto her pillow – instantly asleep.
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Ten: Literary Enlightenments
The news of Katie’s accident spread like wildfire throughout the school by the next morning, and when Sean and Harry had gone to try and visit her in the hospital wing they discovered that she had been transferred to St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. “I hope she’s okay.” Sean said desperately.
Harry put a hand awkwardly on her shoulder. “Everything will be fine, try not to worry.”
Sean managed a weak smile, “Yeah…” She sighed deeply, “So what are you going to do about Quidditch?”
They began to walk away from the hospital wing, “I dunno... I was thinking about Dean Thomas, he flew really well at trials.” Harry shrugged.
“We have to win this match – I don’t think I could bear it if Malfoy beat us.” She grimaced, “I have half a mind to think that he cursed Katie to help Slytherin win.” Harry coughed suddenly, startling her. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Do you really think Malfoy had something to do with it?” Harry’s voice was almost hopeful.
“I wouldn’t be surprised, wasn’t his father a Death Eater?”
Excitement flooded Harry’s face, “Exactly!” He stopped and eyed her suspiciously, “What… what do you know about Voldemort?”
Sean shrugged, unconcerned with his use of the name 'Voldemort', “I guess what everyone else knows. I don’t read the Prophet, so just what I’ve heard.”
Harry checked up and down the hallway, then took Sean by the elbow and led her up the closest staircase. “Follow me.” They continued up another staircase to the fourth floor, and then ducked into the library and found a quiet corner. “Sorry, I just didn’t want to be overheard.”
“S’alright… slightly paranoid, but whatever.” Sean grinned.
Harry smiled before continuing. “I think that Draco Malfoy replaced his father as a Death Eater, and is trying to carry out a mission for Voldemort at Hogwarts.” He spoke intensely, as if pleading with her to believe him.
Sean didn’t flinch or back away, but simply asked “Why are you telling me this?”
“You’re my friend, I trust you.”
Sean smiled. “Why do you think Draco replaced his father?”
She listened for hours as Harry divulged all kinds of theories and experiences regarding the Lord Voldemort and the current war. To her own surprise Sean was never shocked or fearful, but rather powerfully intrigued, not to mention grateful for Harry’s trust in her. It was nice to sit quietly and listen to her friend, no pretenses or hidden agendas – just a friend lending an ear.
“…but Ron and Hermione think I’m just being paranoid about Malfoy.” Harry finished with a scowl.
“From what you’ve been telling me, Voldemort would probably relish in the idea of replacing Lucius Malfoy with Draco – we all know Malfoy failed him at the Ministry, and I’m sure Voldemort thinks it’d be hilarious if his son died while trying to redeem him… You’re not being paranoid, you’re just trying to be prepared.”
Harry smiled gratefully at her, then looked at his watch suddenly. “I forgot – I have a meeting with Dumbledore. If you want, I can walk you back to Gryffindor Tower…”
“That’s alright, I wanted to check for something here anyway. I’ll see you later.” Harry got up from their corner and exited the library quickly. Sean waited until he was out of sight, and moved swiftly and silently towards the back of the library. Madam Pince was hovering over the entrance to the Restricted Section, and Sean sent a jinx off to the Herbology section of the library, causing a disturbance and sending the librarian trailing after the noise.
Sean had been itching to get into the Restricted Section of the library after exhausting the rest of its resources on Divination, and now she had her chance – Sean opened the door silently and stole inside in a flash. She crouched beneath the door and checked her watch, it was nearing 8:00, which meant she had two hours to get back to Gryffindor Tower before curfew.
She began creeping up and down the rows and rows of books searching for anything remotely related to Divination, but she was becoming quickly frustrated. After an hour of hunting, she had only found a handful of books – and none were helpful. “Come on… gimme something, anything…” she whispered as she turned into the second-to-last row. Her eye scanned the shelves up and down, and finally rested on the spine of a black book with the words “Divine Prospecte” written in faded gold lettering. Sean pulled the book off the shelf and sat down to scour its contents as rapidly as possible.
Two hours later (one hour past curfew), Sean was still reading “Divine Prospecte” even though it had little help to offer her. On the other hand, it was an incredibly interesting encyclopedia of influential Seers, and Sean could definitely see why it was in the Restricted Section - since most of the Seers mentioned either succumbed to horrific fates or made disturbing prophecies. She had just finished reading about Christophe Oneille being drawn and quartered for predicting the death of a French prince, when she turned the page and had to stop herself from gasping; the page was simple titled “O’Riordan”, and had a list of about fifteen men, their birth and death dates, and their relation to the O’Riordan family.
Sean ran her fingers over the letters, only recognizing the last name – Kennan O’Riordan, her mother’s father whom she had met only once. She flipped a few more pages and began to read under the freshly-inked heading “Kennan O’Riordan, 1902 – 1994”:
Grandson of Ian O’Riordan, grandson of Seamus O’Riordan, grandson of… (Sean skipped ahead a few paragraphs) Kennan O’Riordan is most famous for his prediction in 1932 of the downfall of the dark wizard Grindelwald (1945). His other prophecies, while relevant to contemporary society, never gained the same notoriety as that of 1932. It is rumored that Kennan had Empathic episodes in which he could experience the emotions of those around him, though there has never been a ‘true Empath’ on record – in the O’Riordan family or otherwise. Kennan married Perpetua Fancourt (inventor of the lunascope) in 1942, and produced three children: Fergus (1954), Liam (1957), and Cathleen (1958). It is expected that at least one of Kennan’s children will produce a son, who will continue the tradition of Sight in every male, third generation of the O’Riordan family.
Sean flipped a few more pages and scanned the index, but she couldn’t find anything else on “Empaths”. She groaned rather loudly, momentarily forgetting where she was, then replaced the book on the shelf and pushed herself off the floor. She crept out of the now-darkened library and made her way up the closest staircase, her mind throbbing with what she had just read. If she believed in Divination, which she still didn’t, this “Empath” thing sounded all too real…
Oh, give a rest, she thought harshly, this is all stupid and you know it. Besides, the book said that only the men were Seers, not the women… Like Seamus could ever be a Seer… Ugh, get a grip, Sean! “Norwegian Ridgeback.” She said to the portrait of the Fat Lady, which swung open and she entered the Gryffindor common room. She took the stairs up to her dormitory two at-a-time, and opened the door to hear hushed giggles. Lavender was sitting with Parvati on her bed, whispering and giggling while Hermione slept in the next bed.
“Where’ve you been?” Lavender asked concernedly.
Sean flopped onto her bed, “Library - lost track of time. Everything okay?”
Parvati giggled, “Beware a redheaded man!” she whispered meaningfully, and Lavender joined in her laughter.
“Tell me about it.” Sean mumbled, and fell back onto her pillow – instantly asleep.
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Eleven: The Centaur and the Chaser
The next few days passed quickly as the Slytherin-Gryffindor match loomed ever-closer. Sean felt like she was walking around in a daze ever since her discovery in the Restricted Section, so much so that she barely noticed the usual hazing of Quidditch players that had erupted all over the school. The worst of it all happened to Dean Thomas, though, who was catching flack not only from Slytherins – but Gryffindors who questioned Harry’s appointment of yet another sixth year to the team.
Sean was curled up in the corner of the common room, oblivious to the pre-match chatter around her as she drew in her sketch pad.
“How can you stand it?”
Dean Thomas startled her, making her inadvertently draw a pencil line across her sketch of a dancer. “What?”
Dean put his head in his hands, “All the talk… It’s maddening!”
Sean closed her sketch pad and leaned forward towards him, “It’ll all be over tomorrow, Dean, try not to let it get to you.” She said as soothingly as possible.
“That’s what Ginny said, but she’s just as nervous as I am!” He sighed heavily and sat back in his chair.
“Look, Dean, let them say whatever they want today, because tomorrow we’re going to shut them all up when we beat Slytherin into next week.” She said with a grin, which Dean returned.
“Yeah… yeah, you’re right. Thanks, I think I’ll go share that with Ginny…” He said with a smile, and he got up to move across the common room.
Sean followed his suit and vacated her seat, making her way up the staircase to her dormitory when Hermione bumped into her. “Oh, sorry Hermione – I didn’t see you coming.” Sean laughed.
Hermione looked flustered, but managed to mumble “S’okay.”
“Are you sure you’re alright?” Sean asked softly.
“Yeah, m’fine.” Hermione said toughly, and she pushed her way past Sean towards the common room.
Sean shook it off and went up to the dorm, and wasn’t entirely surprised to see Lavender and Parvati giggling wildly in between whispers. “Do I even want to know what you’re up to?” Sean asked as she sat down on her bed.
“Probably not…” Parvati sniggered. “Are you ready for the match tomorrow?”
“’Course.” Sean said with a grin.
“How’s the rest of the team?” Lavender asked, suddenly serious.
Sean raised her eyebrows, “Ahm, Dean and Ginny are a bit nervous, haven’t spoken to Peakes and Coote, Harry seems fine, and Ron’s beside himself.”
“What do you mean?” Lavender looked at her intensely.
“He usually kind of… loses it before a match, but he almost always pulls it together.” Sean shrugged.
Lavender’s face had gone white with worry, “Are you sure he’ll be okay?”
Sean half-laughed, “No, but why do you care so much?”
Parvati bit her lip to stop herself from laughing while Lavender flushed bright pink, “No reason!” she said quickly, and she and Parvati went back to whispering.
Sean laughed to herself as she slid under her comforter and passed out.
* * * * * *
“Well, I’ve always thought Quidditch was a bit barbaric, really… but it is a good workout…” Ron was telling her, looking awfully smug and, well, muscular. “I like to throw the Quaffle around while listening to Celestina Warbeck, she’s my favorite singer.” Sean was swooning over him while he smiled and winked at her, then put one arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. “But I bet she’s not as good as you are…” he whispered, and then his lips were on hers…
Sean sat straight up in her bed panting, her eyes wide in mingled fear and disgust. She threw her covers off and jumped out of bed, looking around to make sure of where she was… Oh, thank God – it was only a nightmare, a horrible, horrible nightmare… Sean sighed in relief and checked her watch – it was 6:00 in the morning, so she decided to just stay awake. She moved to her trunk and pulled out her Quidditch robes, boots, and Nimbus 2001 and headed for the door when she saw Lavender out of the corner of her eye, smiling blissfully in her sleep.
Sean shuddered, then laughed softly to herself as she left the dorm for the bathroom. She made it halfway down the stairs before stopping suddenly as realization washed over her – why the hell was she having Lavender Brown’s dreams? She paused for a few more moments, resolving her mind on what to do next, then headed for the bathroom to change quickly.
Her feet were softly thudding on the grounds as the sun began rising overhead, and she squeezed the broom in her hand as she remembered the Quidditch match just a few hours away. She passed the groundskeeper’s hut, still dark and quiet in the early morning, and entered the Forbidden Forest without reluctance or hesitation.
Her ponytail bounced back and forth as she walked determinedly inward, unsure of just how far she needed to go in order to achieve her purpose. After about ten minutes, Sean slowed her pace and pulled out her wand with her free hand, “Magorian?” she called out anxiously. She didn’t have to wait long, as the crackling of leaves and branches sounded behind her.
Sean turned and bowed her head, “I’m sorry for calling upon you like this, but I need some information a-and I know you can help.”
The silver dapple centaur stepped into the light towards her. “We do not help humans.”
Sean bowed again, “I understand.” She opened her mouth to say something else, but thought better of it.
Magorian stepped closer again. “What troubles you, Changeling?” he asked softly, a dramatic change from his previous tone.
“I think something may be… may be wrong with me, and I wanted to request your insight.” She spoke slowly, choosing her words carefully.
Magorian put his hands behind his back and bowed his head slightly, “Speak.”
Sean relaxed her shoulders. “It appears that there may be a tradition of Seers in my mother’s family, and--”
“Human Sight is nothing but trickery and guesswork.” Magorian cut her off angrily.
“I agree,” Sean said, her voice strengthening, “but I’ve also been having these… episode-type-things when I can’t control my emotions, or actions even… and just this morning I had someone else’s dream.” She finished, exasperated.
Magorian’s face remained hard for a few more moments, but then broke into a subtle smile. “You are growing, Changeling.”
She didn’t know what to say; she knew the centaurs would be vague, but this was beyond irritating. Sean thought quickly, then turned her head and looked up at the sky through the trees above, “The stars are clouded to me.” She said, trying to sound airy yet intense.
Sean saw Magorian’s head turn to the sky as well, “In time, you will see clearly, young Changeling.” She had done it – his tone was warm and gentle as he continued, “You feel not always as your own, much as you shall See in the future.” He turned his face back to her, “You are becoming prepared for your purpose.”
She knew he was done explaining from the finality of his tone, and she turned to him, “Thank you, Magorian.”
The centaur moved right in front of her and placed a hand on her shoulder, “You are welcome among the centaurs, Changeling.”
Sean smiled and bowed again, “I am honored.”
Magorian turned and walked deeper into the Forest, and Sean waited until he was gone from sight before heading back to the Castle. She walked for a few minutes, then made sure she was out of range of the groundskeeper’s home before jumping on her broom and zooming over to the Quidditch pitch.
She was just under half an hour early before the teams arrived, and she took the time to fly around the pitch and check the conditions; it was a great day for flying and a perfect day for Quidditch. Sean made another turn around the goals and saw six gold-and-scarlet figures walking onto the pitch and touched down a few feet away.
“What are you doing here so early?” Harry yelled to her.
Sean shrugged, continuing to walk towards them, “Just checking out the pitch, the weather’s perfect today.”
“Guess what else? Vaisey and Malfoy can’t play!” Ron beamed at her, looking oddly confident.
“Well that sucks.” Sean grinned, “I was looking forward to handing Malfoy’s arse to him in person.”
Harry grinned at her, “Come on, let’s warm up.” The whole team took a few turns around the pitch before heading into the changing rooms, where they heard the thunderous crowd begin to take their seats in the stadium. Harry stood up to begin his pre-match speech, but Sean looked away and forced herself to close her ears; she had never been able to listen to Captain speeches, not even Oliver’s ‘pep talks’ – they always made her anxious when she was usually so calm. Finally, her teammates around her stood and made their way back to the stadium, and Sean followed quickly.
The crowd in the stands roared as the seven gold-and-scarlet players moved to the center of the pitch to meet the seven silver-and-green players. Harry and the new Slytherin Captain, Urquhart, shook hands, and everyone kicked off the ground hard as Madam Hooch blew her whistle. The Quaffle was up, immediately seized by Urquhart who streaked towards Gryffindor’s goals; Sean and Dean flanked him on either side and Dean made a failed attempt to steal the Quaffle. Sean pulled in closer to him, but had to break away quickly as a Bludger soared just past her ear; Urquhart threw the Quaffle at the highest hoop, and Sean turned just in time to see Ron make a spectacular save by the tips of his gloves.
She let out a yell and rose on her broom to receive the Quaffle as Ron threw it to her. Sean sped down the pitch zooming in and out of silver-and-green robes, looped a Bludger, faked left, threw the ball, and scored! She flew lower and saw the substitute Chaser (whom she didn’t know) grab the Quaffle and turn to Gryffindor’s end, and she grinned and leaned into her broom to fly towards him. Sean flew into and blocked his path, making him yelp as he stopped suddenly, and she flew right into him – grabbing the Quaffle as he fumbled to stay on his broom.
She tucked the Quaffle under one arm and continued towards the Slytherin goals when Ginny yelled out her name. Sean looked up and saw a Bludger whizzing right towards the arm gripping her broom, and she released it instinctually and pulled back; the Bludger missed but Sean was still flying at high speeds without any grip on the broom, and she felt herself begin to slide off to the side. She pulled the Quaffle in closer and tried to grab the handle of her broom, but it was too late – she crossed her legs and squeezed her thighs together as she fell off the top of her broom.
Sean was now upside on her broom, yet somehow still flying towards the goal posts. She tried to grab the handle of her broomstick, but the weight of the Quaffle and her odd position were throwing off her balance and perception. Peakes and Coote flew beside her yelling things she couldn’t make out, but they thankfully kept the Slytherin team away from her, Peakes making an amazing hit of a Bludger right at the Keeper. She didn’t know how she was going to throw the ball through the hoop accurately, but had a wild idea; she tucked her elbows in as her broom rose in the air, and let go of her broom at the precise moment – falling right through the goal.
Sean yelled in triumph, but her exhilaration faded fast as she realized the problem she forgot about – she was now speeding towards the ground below without any means of stopping. She let go of the Quaffle and fumbled in her robes to find her wand, the crowd screaming louder as the ground became closer. In a matter of seconds, Sean pulled out her wand and screamed “ACCIO NIMBUS 2001!” as she pointed it in the air. She searched the sky in panic, finally seeing a black streak zooming towards her. Sean put her wand in her mouth and held out her hands, and somehow managed to barely grip the speeding broom less than twenty feet from the ground.
Another scream escaped her gritted teeth as Sean felt her shoulders ripped from their sockets, and her broom began to lower and slow down. A few feet from the ground, Sean released the broom and her wand and tumbled over and over, finally stopping near the center of the pitch. The pain was excruciating, and she grit her teeth to keep herself from screaming when someone landed next to her on the ground and put a hand on her shoulder. It was Madam Hooch, and Sean screamed in agony until she lifted her hand, then closed her eyes tightly as a few tears began to leak from the corners.
All she wanted was to get the hell off the pitch, but she was flooded by a sudden sense of fear and dread. Sean opened her eyes to calm herself down, but she was even more terrified by what she saw – she was looking down at herself and her abnormally limp arms, as if sitting over her own body. Sean felt herself scream and saw her own mouth open as it left her lips, though her eyes were closed. She still felt her head on the grass but she also felt herself kneeling on the grass over her body, and she felt her arm rise and point a wand at her limp shoulders.
The pain began to subside in her arms, but the horror rose in her as the Sean-on-the-ground’s hair began to recede back into her head and lighten to a grayish color. The rest of the features on her face began to change, her nose lengthening, her ears shortening, her face widening – the kneeling-Sean gasped as the Sean-on-the-ground was suddenly a dead ringer for Madam Hooch. A few more unknown persons joined the kneeling-Sean next to Sean-on-the-ground/Madam Hooch and gasped collectively, but it was just all too much. Sean screamed “HELP!” as loudly as she could (which wasn’t all-too-effective since the crowd roared, signaling a score), and Sean-on-the-ground/Madam Hooch’s mouth opened and closed though her eyes were still shut.
Magorian’s words suddenly came rushing back to her, You feel not always as your own, much as you shall See in the future… That was it – it was Madam Hooch’s fear she had felt, and then somehow projected herself into Madam Hooch’s body… At this realization, Sean felt herself be pulled back together, as if slamming into a wall; she opened her eyes and saw Madam Hooch, Professor McGonagall, and Snape all staring down at her – and all white with concern. Her forefinger began to twitch and Sean inhaled and exhaled deeply, trying to get rid everything that had just happened.
The crowd erupted overhead, meaning the match had ended, and Sean knew it was just a matter of seconds before the rest of her team would be upon her. She tried to push herself up from the ground, but her limbs were not responding – her muscles had turned to water. Sure enough, she saw Harry, Ron, Peakes, Dean, and Coote standing over her within a few moments, Harry’s voice asking “What’s wrong with her, Madam Hooch?”
Madam Hooch didn’t respond, but swallowed hard and looked to Professor McGonagall, who pulled out her wand and Sean felt a piece of cloth suddenly separate herself from the ground. Those kneeling around her stood as the stretcher holding her lifted and began to float towards the stadium exit, flanked by the three Professors and five Gryffindor players (six when Ginny joined them after flattening the commentator). Sean closed her eyes as they continued moving, only reopening them after the noises of the crowd had died away and the footsteps of her ‘guard’ began to reverberate inside the Castle.
Harry was on her right, holding onto the side of the stretcher as they made their way up the staircase to the first floor. “Did we win?” Sean said feebly as her muscles began tingling.
Harry turned to look down at her, “Are you okay?” he asked in a hushed, concerned voice.
Sean grinned weakly, “Stupidity never goes unrewarded. Did we win?”
Harry grinned back at her, “Yeah, we won.”
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, “Good.” Fatigue washed over her, and Sean let herself slip into sleep.
Thanks so much to Lancelot and Loony for their reviews!
The next few days passed quickly as the Slytherin-Gryffindor match loomed ever-closer. Sean felt like she was walking around in a daze ever since her discovery in the Restricted Section, so much so that she barely noticed the usual hazing of Quidditch players that had erupted all over the school. The worst of it all happened to Dean Thomas, though, who was catching flack not only from Slytherins – but Gryffindors who questioned Harry’s appointment of yet another sixth year to the team.
Sean was curled up in the corner of the common room, oblivious to the pre-match chatter around her as she drew in her sketch pad.
“How can you stand it?”
Dean Thomas startled her, making her inadvertently draw a pencil line across her sketch of a dancer. “What?”
Dean put his head in his hands, “All the talk… It’s maddening!”
Sean closed her sketch pad and leaned forward towards him, “It’ll all be over tomorrow, Dean, try not to let it get to you.” She said as soothingly as possible.
“That’s what Ginny said, but she’s just as nervous as I am!” He sighed heavily and sat back in his chair.
“Look, Dean, let them say whatever they want today, because tomorrow we’re going to shut them all up when we beat Slytherin into next week.” She said with a grin, which Dean returned.
“Yeah… yeah, you’re right. Thanks, I think I’ll go share that with Ginny…” He said with a smile, and he got up to move across the common room.
Sean followed his suit and vacated her seat, making her way up the staircase to her dormitory when Hermione bumped into her. “Oh, sorry Hermione – I didn’t see you coming.” Sean laughed.
Hermione looked flustered, but managed to mumble “S’okay.”
“Are you sure you’re alright?” Sean asked softly.
“Yeah, m’fine.” Hermione said toughly, and she pushed her way past Sean towards the common room.
Sean shook it off and went up to the dorm, and wasn’t entirely surprised to see Lavender and Parvati giggling wildly in between whispers. “Do I even want to know what you’re up to?” Sean asked as she sat down on her bed.
“Probably not…” Parvati sniggered. “Are you ready for the match tomorrow?”
“’Course.” Sean said with a grin.
“How’s the rest of the team?” Lavender asked, suddenly serious.
Sean raised her eyebrows, “Ahm, Dean and Ginny are a bit nervous, haven’t spoken to Peakes and Coote, Harry seems fine, and Ron’s beside himself.”
“What do you mean?” Lavender looked at her intensely.
“He usually kind of… loses it before a match, but he almost always pulls it together.” Sean shrugged.
Lavender’s face had gone white with worry, “Are you sure he’ll be okay?”
Sean half-laughed, “No, but why do you care so much?”
Parvati bit her lip to stop herself from laughing while Lavender flushed bright pink, “No reason!” she said quickly, and she and Parvati went back to whispering.
Sean laughed to herself as she slid under her comforter and passed out.
* * * * * *
“Well, I’ve always thought Quidditch was a bit barbaric, really… but it is a good workout…” Ron was telling her, looking awfully smug and, well, muscular. “I like to throw the Quaffle around while listening to Celestina Warbeck, she’s my favorite singer.” Sean was swooning over him while he smiled and winked at her, then put one arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. “But I bet she’s not as good as you are…” he whispered, and then his lips were on hers…
Sean sat straight up in her bed panting, her eyes wide in mingled fear and disgust. She threw her covers off and jumped out of bed, looking around to make sure of where she was… Oh, thank God – it was only a nightmare, a horrible, horrible nightmare… Sean sighed in relief and checked her watch – it was 6:00 in the morning, so she decided to just stay awake. She moved to her trunk and pulled out her Quidditch robes, boots, and Nimbus 2001 and headed for the door when she saw Lavender out of the corner of her eye, smiling blissfully in her sleep.
Sean shuddered, then laughed softly to herself as she left the dorm for the bathroom. She made it halfway down the stairs before stopping suddenly as realization washed over her – why the hell was she having Lavender Brown’s dreams? She paused for a few more moments, resolving her mind on what to do next, then headed for the bathroom to change quickly.
Her feet were softly thudding on the grounds as the sun began rising overhead, and she squeezed the broom in her hand as she remembered the Quidditch match just a few hours away. She passed the groundskeeper’s hut, still dark and quiet in the early morning, and entered the Forbidden Forest without reluctance or hesitation.
Her ponytail bounced back and forth as she walked determinedly inward, unsure of just how far she needed to go in order to achieve her purpose. After about ten minutes, Sean slowed her pace and pulled out her wand with her free hand, “Magorian?” she called out anxiously. She didn’t have to wait long, as the crackling of leaves and branches sounded behind her.
Sean turned and bowed her head, “I’m sorry for calling upon you like this, but I need some information a-and I know you can help.”
The silver dapple centaur stepped into the light towards her. “We do not help humans.”
Sean bowed again, “I understand.” She opened her mouth to say something else, but thought better of it.
Magorian stepped closer again. “What troubles you, Changeling?” he asked softly, a dramatic change from his previous tone.
“I think something may be… may be wrong with me, and I wanted to request your insight.” She spoke slowly, choosing her words carefully.
Magorian put his hands behind his back and bowed his head slightly, “Speak.”
Sean relaxed her shoulders. “It appears that there may be a tradition of Seers in my mother’s family, and--”
“Human Sight is nothing but trickery and guesswork.” Magorian cut her off angrily.
“I agree,” Sean said, her voice strengthening, “but I’ve also been having these… episode-type-things when I can’t control my emotions, or actions even… and just this morning I had someone else’s dream.” She finished, exasperated.
Magorian’s face remained hard for a few more moments, but then broke into a subtle smile. “You are growing, Changeling.”
She didn’t know what to say; she knew the centaurs would be vague, but this was beyond irritating. Sean thought quickly, then turned her head and looked up at the sky through the trees above, “The stars are clouded to me.” She said, trying to sound airy yet intense.
Sean saw Magorian’s head turn to the sky as well, “In time, you will see clearly, young Changeling.” She had done it – his tone was warm and gentle as he continued, “You feel not always as your own, much as you shall See in the future.” He turned his face back to her, “You are becoming prepared for your purpose.”
She knew he was done explaining from the finality of his tone, and she turned to him, “Thank you, Magorian.”
The centaur moved right in front of her and placed a hand on her shoulder, “You are welcome among the centaurs, Changeling.”
Sean smiled and bowed again, “I am honored.”
Magorian turned and walked deeper into the Forest, and Sean waited until he was gone from sight before heading back to the Castle. She walked for a few minutes, then made sure she was out of range of the groundskeeper’s home before jumping on her broom and zooming over to the Quidditch pitch.
She was just under half an hour early before the teams arrived, and she took the time to fly around the pitch and check the conditions; it was a great day for flying and a perfect day for Quidditch. Sean made another turn around the goals and saw six gold-and-scarlet figures walking onto the pitch and touched down a few feet away.
“What are you doing here so early?” Harry yelled to her.
Sean shrugged, continuing to walk towards them, “Just checking out the pitch, the weather’s perfect today.”
“Guess what else? Vaisey and Malfoy can’t play!” Ron beamed at her, looking oddly confident.
“Well that sucks.” Sean grinned, “I was looking forward to handing Malfoy’s arse to him in person.”
Harry grinned at her, “Come on, let’s warm up.” The whole team took a few turns around the pitch before heading into the changing rooms, where they heard the thunderous crowd begin to take their seats in the stadium. Harry stood up to begin his pre-match speech, but Sean looked away and forced herself to close her ears; she had never been able to listen to Captain speeches, not even Oliver’s ‘pep talks’ – they always made her anxious when she was usually so calm. Finally, her teammates around her stood and made their way back to the stadium, and Sean followed quickly.
The crowd in the stands roared as the seven gold-and-scarlet players moved to the center of the pitch to meet the seven silver-and-green players. Harry and the new Slytherin Captain, Urquhart, shook hands, and everyone kicked off the ground hard as Madam Hooch blew her whistle. The Quaffle was up, immediately seized by Urquhart who streaked towards Gryffindor’s goals; Sean and Dean flanked him on either side and Dean made a failed attempt to steal the Quaffle. Sean pulled in closer to him, but had to break away quickly as a Bludger soared just past her ear; Urquhart threw the Quaffle at the highest hoop, and Sean turned just in time to see Ron make a spectacular save by the tips of his gloves.
She let out a yell and rose on her broom to receive the Quaffle as Ron threw it to her. Sean sped down the pitch zooming in and out of silver-and-green robes, looped a Bludger, faked left, threw the ball, and scored! She flew lower and saw the substitute Chaser (whom she didn’t know) grab the Quaffle and turn to Gryffindor’s end, and she grinned and leaned into her broom to fly towards him. Sean flew into and blocked his path, making him yelp as he stopped suddenly, and she flew right into him – grabbing the Quaffle as he fumbled to stay on his broom.
She tucked the Quaffle under one arm and continued towards the Slytherin goals when Ginny yelled out her name. Sean looked up and saw a Bludger whizzing right towards the arm gripping her broom, and she released it instinctually and pulled back; the Bludger missed but Sean was still flying at high speeds without any grip on the broom, and she felt herself begin to slide off to the side. She pulled the Quaffle in closer and tried to grab the handle of her broom, but it was too late – she crossed her legs and squeezed her thighs together as she fell off the top of her broom.
Sean was now upside on her broom, yet somehow still flying towards the goal posts. She tried to grab the handle of her broomstick, but the weight of the Quaffle and her odd position were throwing off her balance and perception. Peakes and Coote flew beside her yelling things she couldn’t make out, but they thankfully kept the Slytherin team away from her, Peakes making an amazing hit of a Bludger right at the Keeper. She didn’t know how she was going to throw the ball through the hoop accurately, but had a wild idea; she tucked her elbows in as her broom rose in the air, and let go of her broom at the precise moment – falling right through the goal.
Sean yelled in triumph, but her exhilaration faded fast as she realized the problem she forgot about – she was now speeding towards the ground below without any means of stopping. She let go of the Quaffle and fumbled in her robes to find her wand, the crowd screaming louder as the ground became closer. In a matter of seconds, Sean pulled out her wand and screamed “ACCIO NIMBUS 2001!” as she pointed it in the air. She searched the sky in panic, finally seeing a black streak zooming towards her. Sean put her wand in her mouth and held out her hands, and somehow managed to barely grip the speeding broom less than twenty feet from the ground.
Another scream escaped her gritted teeth as Sean felt her shoulders ripped from their sockets, and her broom began to lower and slow down. A few feet from the ground, Sean released the broom and her wand and tumbled over and over, finally stopping near the center of the pitch. The pain was excruciating, and she grit her teeth to keep herself from screaming when someone landed next to her on the ground and put a hand on her shoulder. It was Madam Hooch, and Sean screamed in agony until she lifted her hand, then closed her eyes tightly as a few tears began to leak from the corners.
All she wanted was to get the hell off the pitch, but she was flooded by a sudden sense of fear and dread. Sean opened her eyes to calm herself down, but she was even more terrified by what she saw – she was looking down at herself and her abnormally limp arms, as if sitting over her own body. Sean felt herself scream and saw her own mouth open as it left her lips, though her eyes were closed. She still felt her head on the grass but she also felt herself kneeling on the grass over her body, and she felt her arm rise and point a wand at her limp shoulders.
The pain began to subside in her arms, but the horror rose in her as the Sean-on-the-ground’s hair began to recede back into her head and lighten to a grayish color. The rest of the features on her face began to change, her nose lengthening, her ears shortening, her face widening – the kneeling-Sean gasped as the Sean-on-the-ground was suddenly a dead ringer for Madam Hooch. A few more unknown persons joined the kneeling-Sean next to Sean-on-the-ground/Madam Hooch and gasped collectively, but it was just all too much. Sean screamed “HELP!” as loudly as she could (which wasn’t all-too-effective since the crowd roared, signaling a score), and Sean-on-the-ground/Madam Hooch’s mouth opened and closed though her eyes were still shut.
Magorian’s words suddenly came rushing back to her, You feel not always as your own, much as you shall See in the future… That was it – it was Madam Hooch’s fear she had felt, and then somehow projected herself into Madam Hooch’s body… At this realization, Sean felt herself be pulled back together, as if slamming into a wall; she opened her eyes and saw Madam Hooch, Professor McGonagall, and Snape all staring down at her – and all white with concern. Her forefinger began to twitch and Sean inhaled and exhaled deeply, trying to get rid everything that had just happened.
The crowd erupted overhead, meaning the match had ended, and Sean knew it was just a matter of seconds before the rest of her team would be upon her. She tried to push herself up from the ground, but her limbs were not responding – her muscles had turned to water. Sure enough, she saw Harry, Ron, Peakes, Dean, and Coote standing over her within a few moments, Harry’s voice asking “What’s wrong with her, Madam Hooch?”
Madam Hooch didn’t respond, but swallowed hard and looked to Professor McGonagall, who pulled out her wand and Sean felt a piece of cloth suddenly separate herself from the ground. Those kneeling around her stood as the stretcher holding her lifted and began to float towards the stadium exit, flanked by the three Professors and five Gryffindor players (six when Ginny joined them after flattening the commentator). Sean closed her eyes as they continued moving, only reopening them after the noises of the crowd had died away and the footsteps of her ‘guard’ began to reverberate inside the Castle.
Harry was on her right, holding onto the side of the stretcher as they made their way up the staircase to the first floor. “Did we win?” Sean said feebly as her muscles began tingling.
Harry turned to look down at her, “Are you okay?” he asked in a hushed, concerned voice.
Sean grinned weakly, “Stupidity never goes unrewarded. Did we win?”
Harry grinned back at her, “Yeah, we won.”
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, “Good.” Fatigue washed over her, and Sean let herself slip into sleep.
Thanks so much to Lancelot and Loony for their reviews!
Twelve: Decisions and Invitations
Sean woke up slowly from a dreamless sleep, though she didn’t open her eyes right away… Please, please, please! she thought, silently praying she wasn’t in the hospital wing. She opened her eyes slowly and looked around her, “Damn!” she exclaimed loudly as she pushed herself to a sitting position. The hospital wing was dark and Sean groped around her for her watch and wand, finally grasping them from the bedside table. She lit her wind silently and pulled on her watch to check the time – it was nearing eight o’clock, and her stomach grumbled at the realization that dinner would be over.
She tossed the covers aside and sat up with her legs over the side of the bed, then stretched and yawned rather loudly before jumping off the bed onto the cold, stone floor. Sean was no longer in her Quidditch robes, but rather her racerback tank and board shorts she always wore underneath them, and she sighed as she looked under her bed for shoes. Unfortunately, the only shoes she found already had feet in them, and she stood up right away to face their owner.
“Kiernan.” Professor Snape said with a sneer. “How are you feeling this Sunday evening?”
“Sunday?” Sean said before she could stop herself.
“Yes. It appears that your body is not responding at all well to the potion you are taking.” Snape smiled deviously at her, and she fought a shudder and refused to respond. “Tell me, Kiernan, what made you think you would get away with it?” Sean stood her ground as Snape made his way around the bed towards her, “Did you think I wouldn’t know what Polyjuice Potion looks like when taken?”
At this, Sean couldn’t help herself and laughed. “Polyjuice Potion? Really? That’s the best you could come up with?”
Snape glowered at her, “A poorly made Polyjuice Potion, but still one nevertheless.”
There was an anger Sean didn’t recognize building in her as she returned his scowl, and she fought to suppress it. “I don’t need Polyjuice Potion to fool you.”
“Don’t. Play. Games. With. Me. Kiernan.” He said through gritted teeth, “Confess what you did, and the punishment might not be so severe.” Snape’s pallid face was flushed with resentment.
She should not give in to the temptation, but Sean was having an extremely hard time resisting the desire to prove Snape wrong. He was always unjustly cruel to her, for no reason (other than Sean could see) than she never cowered to him. She forced her index finger still and kept her ground, refusing to let him have any little victory. “I have not done anything to warrant your inquisition.” Sean said, surprisingly calm, and she felt the unbidden anger start to fade.
Snape furrowed his eyebrows and paused, as if looking for the proper retort, when another voice interrupted the conversation, “Kiernan! You’re awake!” Professor McGonagall strode into hospital wing with Madam Pomfrey by her side.
“I have asked Kiernan to confess to her use of the Polyjuice Potion, Minerva, but she will not heed my request.” Snape said coolly.
Madam Pomfrey went right around Snape and began to go over Sean with her wand, “I don’t think she’s taken any potion, Severus – if anything she’s had a bad reaction to… undue stress.”
Sean grinned at Madam Pomfrey’s words, especially when Snape made a face like he had swallowed a bowl of old lemons. Professor McGonagall stepped in between Snape and Sean, “Thank you for your concern, Severus, but since she is in my house I shall continue with the questioning from here.”
“As you wish.” Snape said stiffly, and he swept from the room like an overgrown bat.
“How are you feeling?” Madam Pomfrey asked sweetly.
Sean straightened her top, “Fine – really.”
“Poppy, could you excuse us for a moment?” Professor McGonagall asked, and Madam Pomfrey made a small bow and left for her office. “Are you sure you’re alright, then?” McGonagall asked as she turned to Sean.
Sean sat on the end of her hospital bed and crossed her legs, “Yes, ma’am – I’m just a bit hungry.”
Professor McGonagall waved her comment away, “We can get you something from the kitchens in a moment. Now, the reason I wanted to talk to you…”
McGonagall hesitated and Sean continued for her, “It’s because it’s nearing Halloween.” She said the words before thinking about them, but she knew she was right.
“That’s correct.” McGonagall replied, rather curtly.
“Professor, I appreciate your wishes and those of the Headmaster, but I do not want to take Divination lessons, with Firenze or otherwise.” Sean had a hard time looking at Professor McGonagall as she spoke, whose face was full of indignation.
“You’ve read the book I gave you? All of it?” She asked in disbelief.
Sean sighed, “Several times, and every other book on Divination I could get my hands on. I just don’t think it’s wise to make decisions based on coincidence.”
“Coincidence! Dear child…” McGonagall started, but Sean boldly stopped her by putting a hand up.
“The prophecies in the books I’ve read are all very dramatic, but they only hold water when you put faith in them – and I’m not going to do that. My life is what I choose to make of it, and I don’t need some prophecy directing my choices because I am not strong enough to take responsibility of my own decisions.” She had been afraid to have this discussion with McGonagall, but now that she was in the middle of it – she felt strong and determined.
“I can respect your reasoning,” McGonagall replied with a faint smile, “but don’t you find it a bit odd that all these ‘coincidences’ are happening to you?”
“I’m not…” important, special Sean thought in her head, but she didn’t say it, “I’m too… It’s just too much.”
“Fair enough.” McGonagall said with a sigh, and she folded her arms in an authoritative sort of way, “I expect you to return my book tomorrow. Now, you may go down to the kitchens and get some dinner before returning to your dormitory.”
She turned to leave the hospital wing, but Sean stopped her, “But Professor, I don’t know where the kitchens are…” she said with a grin, which Professor McGonagall faintly returned.
* * * * * *
October faded into December, quickly bypassing November. The Christmas decorations were already besieging the castle, with the usual twelve giant Christmas trees and burst of holly, mistletoe, and baubles everywhere. Sean had not had any more episodes since the last Quidditch match, and her headaches were even dwindling – something she attributed to her newfound lack of curiosity. Something else had also become a welcome surprise, a closer affinity and friendship with Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley.
Most of all, Sean had truly come to appreciate her new bond with Hermione, who had been somewhat distressed lately with the random and overt relationship between her would-be boyfriend Ron and their dorm-mate, Lavender Brown. They discussed Hermione and Ron’s relationship, Sean and the twins’ friendship, Sean’s former relationship with Oliver, Hermione’s former relationship with the Quidditch player Viktor Krum, and basically what was wrong with teenage boys in general. Sean had never had girls as friends before, and now she truly understood what she had been missing.
“You’re a lifesaver, Hermione; I could have never discussed this with Fred or George, every time I tried they always made fun of me.” Sean whispered as they waited for their turn in Transfiguration; their class had started on human transfigurations, and they were taking turns using mirrors.
“I know! I can’t talk to Ron about any of this because… well, because he’s Ron, and I don’t want to put Harry in the middle any more than he already is. I talk to Ginny every now and then, but Ron’s her brother – it’s a little weird.” Hermione whispered back with a shrug.
“I can imagine. I could never talk to her about Fred or George, it would be like breaking some kind of code.” Sean and Hermione shuddered together and then suppressed laughter with a glare from Professor McGonagall.
Sean and Hermione waited in bored silence for the next few minutes while Harry and Dean Thomas used the mirrors they were waiting for, until Hermione started shaking. “What is it?” Sean said in alarm before realizing Hermione was laughing and pointing to another student. Sean turned around to see where she was pointing, and saw a head of red hair staring into a mirror with a large handlebar mustache. Sean clasped her hand over her mouth and turned around to stop herself from laughing, but Hermione couldn’t contain herself – she was almost crying she was sniggering so hard.
Unfortunately, the rest of the class heard Hermione’s giggles and looked around to find what was so hysterical, and soon joined in the laughter. Sean forced herself to stop laughing as Professor McGonagall made her way over to Ron to undo his moustache, “Come on, Hermione, leave him alone – it’s enough.” She whispered, barely maintaining a straight face.
Hermione inhaled and exhaled deeply, then switched places with Harry to have a turn at the mirror. “That was unnecessary.” Harry said crossly to Sean as he folded his arms over his chest.
Sean laughed shortly, “You’re just mad ‘cause you know its funny, and I would have laughed just as hard at you if you looked like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.”
Harry put his hand to his mouth and suppressed a laugh, “Stop, you’ll get me in trouble!” he whispered.
“I did it!” Hermione exclaimed suddenly, ending their conversation, and they both looked up to see Hermione sporting two blonde eyebrows.
“Congratulations.” Sean said with a smile, but it was drowned out by a loud voice across the room…
“Ooh, Professor! Look at me, look at me! Did I get any points for Gryffindor?” Ron mocked loudly and, unfortunately, rather accurately as he jumped up and down with his hand in the air, causing Lavender and Parvati to have fits of giggles.
Hermione’s eyes were previously shining with triumph, but now were gleaming with the hint of embarrassed tears. She returned her eyebrows back to their normal brown color and took her seat, while Sean and Harry exchanged worried glances. Sean moved to sit next to Hermione and comfort her, but Professor McGonagall was quickly upon her group to check their progress.
“Well, let’s see how much progress you’ve made, shall we?” McGonagall asked, obviously unaware of the last few uproars in her classroom. This disregard for lack of order in her class was unusual, and Sean got the definite feeling that Professor McGonagall was distracted. Nonetheless, her group still had to display what they had accomplished during the class period, and Dean went first by accidentally turning one of his eyes, instead of his eyebrows, orange.
“Good try, Mr. Thomas, but you need more concentration. Mr. Potter?” Dean left to find a free mirror to fix his eye and Harry went next, turning both his eyebrows yellow, but only being able to return one back to its original color. Sean turned away and bit her lip to stop herself from laughing, until McGonagall called her name. “And Ms. Kiernan – something a bit harder, if you don’t mind. I believe you have an unfair advantage in this subject.”
The smiled was wiped from Sean’s face and she suppressed an eye roll as Harry folded his arms again and grinned at her. She sighed and let her forefinger twitch as she closed her eyes and concentrated, opening them after a few moments and looking at herself in the mirror. She smiled to see her short, messy, black hair; her wider nose; her thick, black eyebrows; her rounder face, and a lightning-shaped scar in the middle of her forehead. She turned back to Harry, the grin completely vanished from his face, and stuck out her tongue at him.
The class bell rang before Professor McGonagall could evaluate her, and Harry leaned into Sean to whisper as the rest of the class began to bustle about to head to their respective next classes, “I look really weird in a skirt.” Harry said with a grin, and Sean laughed as her finger began to twitch, returning her to her natural state. They both moved back to their table to gather their things, when Sean noticed Hermione’s absence among her forgotten belongings.
She looked at Harry knowingly, who returned her gaze. “I’ll get Hermione, you get her things.” She said quickly, and she swung her book bag over her shoulder and headed for the nearest girls’ bathroom among the crowd of students.
Sean ducked into the lavatory and knew she had found the right place as heaves and sobs echoed from one of the stalls. “Hermione? I know you’re in there, please come out…” she asked soothingly.
To her surprise, Hermione unlocked the stall and walked towards the sink to wash her face. “I’m s-sorry, Sean. I j-just… h-hate it w-when people make f-fun of me for t-trying to do w-well.” She said, still sobbing.
Sean patted her softly on the back, “Come on, Hermione – this is Ronald Weasley we’re talking about; don’t let him get to you.”
Hermione blew her nose furiously, “Ugh! H-he just has it s-so easy, you know?”
“Yeah, he doesn’t have to deal with Parvati and Lavender as dorm-mates.” Sean grimaced.
Thankfully Hermione laughed, and Sean convinced her to leave the bathroom just as Harry was coming towards them with Hermione’s things.
“Oh, thank you, Harry. Right, well… see you later.” Hermione said quickly, turning away so Harry wouldn’t see her blotchy face, and she left them in the hallway.
“Is she alright?” Harry asked as they began to walk towards Gryffindor Tower together.
Sean smiled vaguely, “Yeah, just frustrated. It doesn’t help that neither of them know how to communicate with each other.”
Harry nodded meaningfully, “You’re telling me, I’ve had to deal with this since first year!”
“Oh, would you like some cheese for that whine?” Sean laughed, and Harry gave her an annoyed look before joining in.
“It’s just so damn tiresome watching those two, because you know they really just want to be together.” Harry said, exasperated.
“True, but you can’t force people to be honest, or decent for that matter.” Sean sighed, “I was really hoping that Ron would get over himself in time for Slughorn’s party tomorrow, though, Hermione really wanted to go with him.”
“Yeah…” Harry said, suddenly awkward. “Ahm, Sean?”
“Hm?”
“I was just wondering, if you haven’t already been asked… or you don’t have any other plans or anything… if maybe you wanted to come with me to the party? I mean, only as friends, of course, but still?” Harry’s face was flushed slightly pink.
Sean grinned, “Was that some sort of an invitation?” she said, keeping him in misery a little longer.
“Well, yeah…”
“If you must know, I have already been asked…” Harry’s face fell, “but I did turn them down… Sure I’ll go, as friends.” She finished with a smile.
Just then, Peeves the Poltergeist came swooping upon them. “Potty and… Kiernan?” he sneered with shock.
“How much is this going to cost, Peeves?” Sean said wearily.
“What are you…” Harry began, but Peeves cut him off –
“Two, the ones with nuts this time.” He said, looking like a greedy mobster bobbing up and down in the hallway.
“Done.” Sean pulled her bag around and fished inside for her usual bribes, pulling out two Cadbury’s chocolate bars with almonds. “There.” She said, tossing them into the air.
Peeves bowed solemnly and floated away, while Harry stared at her, dumbstruck. “How did you do that?”
“Just about everyone has their price, Harry, especially the… lower life forms.”
Harry grinned at her, “I need to invest in the chocolate business.”
Please review!
Sean woke up slowly from a dreamless sleep, though she didn’t open her eyes right away… Please, please, please! she thought, silently praying she wasn’t in the hospital wing. She opened her eyes slowly and looked around her, “Damn!” she exclaimed loudly as she pushed herself to a sitting position. The hospital wing was dark and Sean groped around her for her watch and wand, finally grasping them from the bedside table. She lit her wind silently and pulled on her watch to check the time – it was nearing eight o’clock, and her stomach grumbled at the realization that dinner would be over.
She tossed the covers aside and sat up with her legs over the side of the bed, then stretched and yawned rather loudly before jumping off the bed onto the cold, stone floor. Sean was no longer in her Quidditch robes, but rather her racerback tank and board shorts she always wore underneath them, and she sighed as she looked under her bed for shoes. Unfortunately, the only shoes she found already had feet in them, and she stood up right away to face their owner.
“Kiernan.” Professor Snape said with a sneer. “How are you feeling this Sunday evening?”
“Sunday?” Sean said before she could stop herself.
“Yes. It appears that your body is not responding at all well to the potion you are taking.” Snape smiled deviously at her, and she fought a shudder and refused to respond. “Tell me, Kiernan, what made you think you would get away with it?” Sean stood her ground as Snape made his way around the bed towards her, “Did you think I wouldn’t know what Polyjuice Potion looks like when taken?”
At this, Sean couldn’t help herself and laughed. “Polyjuice Potion? Really? That’s the best you could come up with?”
Snape glowered at her, “A poorly made Polyjuice Potion, but still one nevertheless.”
There was an anger Sean didn’t recognize building in her as she returned his scowl, and she fought to suppress it. “I don’t need Polyjuice Potion to fool you.”
“Don’t. Play. Games. With. Me. Kiernan.” He said through gritted teeth, “Confess what you did, and the punishment might not be so severe.” Snape’s pallid face was flushed with resentment.
She should not give in to the temptation, but Sean was having an extremely hard time resisting the desire to prove Snape wrong. He was always unjustly cruel to her, for no reason (other than Sean could see) than she never cowered to him. She forced her index finger still and kept her ground, refusing to let him have any little victory. “I have not done anything to warrant your inquisition.” Sean said, surprisingly calm, and she felt the unbidden anger start to fade.
Snape furrowed his eyebrows and paused, as if looking for the proper retort, when another voice interrupted the conversation, “Kiernan! You’re awake!” Professor McGonagall strode into hospital wing with Madam Pomfrey by her side.
“I have asked Kiernan to confess to her use of the Polyjuice Potion, Minerva, but she will not heed my request.” Snape said coolly.
Madam Pomfrey went right around Snape and began to go over Sean with her wand, “I don’t think she’s taken any potion, Severus – if anything she’s had a bad reaction to… undue stress.”
Sean grinned at Madam Pomfrey’s words, especially when Snape made a face like he had swallowed a bowl of old lemons. Professor McGonagall stepped in between Snape and Sean, “Thank you for your concern, Severus, but since she is in my house I shall continue with the questioning from here.”
“As you wish.” Snape said stiffly, and he swept from the room like an overgrown bat.
“How are you feeling?” Madam Pomfrey asked sweetly.
Sean straightened her top, “Fine – really.”
“Poppy, could you excuse us for a moment?” Professor McGonagall asked, and Madam Pomfrey made a small bow and left for her office. “Are you sure you’re alright, then?” McGonagall asked as she turned to Sean.
Sean sat on the end of her hospital bed and crossed her legs, “Yes, ma’am – I’m just a bit hungry.”
Professor McGonagall waved her comment away, “We can get you something from the kitchens in a moment. Now, the reason I wanted to talk to you…”
McGonagall hesitated and Sean continued for her, “It’s because it’s nearing Halloween.” She said the words before thinking about them, but she knew she was right.
“That’s correct.” McGonagall replied, rather curtly.
“Professor, I appreciate your wishes and those of the Headmaster, but I do not want to take Divination lessons, with Firenze or otherwise.” Sean had a hard time looking at Professor McGonagall as she spoke, whose face was full of indignation.
“You’ve read the book I gave you? All of it?” She asked in disbelief.
Sean sighed, “Several times, and every other book on Divination I could get my hands on. I just don’t think it’s wise to make decisions based on coincidence.”
“Coincidence! Dear child…” McGonagall started, but Sean boldly stopped her by putting a hand up.
“The prophecies in the books I’ve read are all very dramatic, but they only hold water when you put faith in them – and I’m not going to do that. My life is what I choose to make of it, and I don’t need some prophecy directing my choices because I am not strong enough to take responsibility of my own decisions.” She had been afraid to have this discussion with McGonagall, but now that she was in the middle of it – she felt strong and determined.
“I can respect your reasoning,” McGonagall replied with a faint smile, “but don’t you find it a bit odd that all these ‘coincidences’ are happening to you?”
“I’m not…” important, special Sean thought in her head, but she didn’t say it, “I’m too… It’s just too much.”
“Fair enough.” McGonagall said with a sigh, and she folded her arms in an authoritative sort of way, “I expect you to return my book tomorrow. Now, you may go down to the kitchens and get some dinner before returning to your dormitory.”
She turned to leave the hospital wing, but Sean stopped her, “But Professor, I don’t know where the kitchens are…” she said with a grin, which Professor McGonagall faintly returned.
* * * * * *
October faded into December, quickly bypassing November. The Christmas decorations were already besieging the castle, with the usual twelve giant Christmas trees and burst of holly, mistletoe, and baubles everywhere. Sean had not had any more episodes since the last Quidditch match, and her headaches were even dwindling – something she attributed to her newfound lack of curiosity. Something else had also become a welcome surprise, a closer affinity and friendship with Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley.
Most of all, Sean had truly come to appreciate her new bond with Hermione, who had been somewhat distressed lately with the random and overt relationship between her would-be boyfriend Ron and their dorm-mate, Lavender Brown. They discussed Hermione and Ron’s relationship, Sean and the twins’ friendship, Sean’s former relationship with Oliver, Hermione’s former relationship with the Quidditch player Viktor Krum, and basically what was wrong with teenage boys in general. Sean had never had girls as friends before, and now she truly understood what she had been missing.
“You’re a lifesaver, Hermione; I could have never discussed this with Fred or George, every time I tried they always made fun of me.” Sean whispered as they waited for their turn in Transfiguration; their class had started on human transfigurations, and they were taking turns using mirrors.
“I know! I can’t talk to Ron about any of this because… well, because he’s Ron, and I don’t want to put Harry in the middle any more than he already is. I talk to Ginny every now and then, but Ron’s her brother – it’s a little weird.” Hermione whispered back with a shrug.
“I can imagine. I could never talk to her about Fred or George, it would be like breaking some kind of code.” Sean and Hermione shuddered together and then suppressed laughter with a glare from Professor McGonagall.
Sean and Hermione waited in bored silence for the next few minutes while Harry and Dean Thomas used the mirrors they were waiting for, until Hermione started shaking. “What is it?” Sean said in alarm before realizing Hermione was laughing and pointing to another student. Sean turned around to see where she was pointing, and saw a head of red hair staring into a mirror with a large handlebar mustache. Sean clasped her hand over her mouth and turned around to stop herself from laughing, but Hermione couldn’t contain herself – she was almost crying she was sniggering so hard.
Unfortunately, the rest of the class heard Hermione’s giggles and looked around to find what was so hysterical, and soon joined in the laughter. Sean forced herself to stop laughing as Professor McGonagall made her way over to Ron to undo his moustache, “Come on, Hermione, leave him alone – it’s enough.” She whispered, barely maintaining a straight face.
Hermione inhaled and exhaled deeply, then switched places with Harry to have a turn at the mirror. “That was unnecessary.” Harry said crossly to Sean as he folded his arms over his chest.
Sean laughed shortly, “You’re just mad ‘cause you know its funny, and I would have laughed just as hard at you if you looked like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.”
Harry put his hand to his mouth and suppressed a laugh, “Stop, you’ll get me in trouble!” he whispered.
“I did it!” Hermione exclaimed suddenly, ending their conversation, and they both looked up to see Hermione sporting two blonde eyebrows.
“Congratulations.” Sean said with a smile, but it was drowned out by a loud voice across the room…
“Ooh, Professor! Look at me, look at me! Did I get any points for Gryffindor?” Ron mocked loudly and, unfortunately, rather accurately as he jumped up and down with his hand in the air, causing Lavender and Parvati to have fits of giggles.
Hermione’s eyes were previously shining with triumph, but now were gleaming with the hint of embarrassed tears. She returned her eyebrows back to their normal brown color and took her seat, while Sean and Harry exchanged worried glances. Sean moved to sit next to Hermione and comfort her, but Professor McGonagall was quickly upon her group to check their progress.
“Well, let’s see how much progress you’ve made, shall we?” McGonagall asked, obviously unaware of the last few uproars in her classroom. This disregard for lack of order in her class was unusual, and Sean got the definite feeling that Professor McGonagall was distracted. Nonetheless, her group still had to display what they had accomplished during the class period, and Dean went first by accidentally turning one of his eyes, instead of his eyebrows, orange.
“Good try, Mr. Thomas, but you need more concentration. Mr. Potter?” Dean left to find a free mirror to fix his eye and Harry went next, turning both his eyebrows yellow, but only being able to return one back to its original color. Sean turned away and bit her lip to stop herself from laughing, until McGonagall called her name. “And Ms. Kiernan – something a bit harder, if you don’t mind. I believe you have an unfair advantage in this subject.”
The smiled was wiped from Sean’s face and she suppressed an eye roll as Harry folded his arms again and grinned at her. She sighed and let her forefinger twitch as she closed her eyes and concentrated, opening them after a few moments and looking at herself in the mirror. She smiled to see her short, messy, black hair; her wider nose; her thick, black eyebrows; her rounder face, and a lightning-shaped scar in the middle of her forehead. She turned back to Harry, the grin completely vanished from his face, and stuck out her tongue at him.
The class bell rang before Professor McGonagall could evaluate her, and Harry leaned into Sean to whisper as the rest of the class began to bustle about to head to their respective next classes, “I look really weird in a skirt.” Harry said with a grin, and Sean laughed as her finger began to twitch, returning her to her natural state. They both moved back to their table to gather their things, when Sean noticed Hermione’s absence among her forgotten belongings.
She looked at Harry knowingly, who returned her gaze. “I’ll get Hermione, you get her things.” She said quickly, and she swung her book bag over her shoulder and headed for the nearest girls’ bathroom among the crowd of students.
Sean ducked into the lavatory and knew she had found the right place as heaves and sobs echoed from one of the stalls. “Hermione? I know you’re in there, please come out…” she asked soothingly.
To her surprise, Hermione unlocked the stall and walked towards the sink to wash her face. “I’m s-sorry, Sean. I j-just… h-hate it w-when people make f-fun of me for t-trying to do w-well.” She said, still sobbing.
Sean patted her softly on the back, “Come on, Hermione – this is Ronald Weasley we’re talking about; don’t let him get to you.”
Hermione blew her nose furiously, “Ugh! H-he just has it s-so easy, you know?”
“Yeah, he doesn’t have to deal with Parvati and Lavender as dorm-mates.” Sean grimaced.
Thankfully Hermione laughed, and Sean convinced her to leave the bathroom just as Harry was coming towards them with Hermione’s things.
“Oh, thank you, Harry. Right, well… see you later.” Hermione said quickly, turning away so Harry wouldn’t see her blotchy face, and she left them in the hallway.
“Is she alright?” Harry asked as they began to walk towards Gryffindor Tower together.
Sean smiled vaguely, “Yeah, just frustrated. It doesn’t help that neither of them know how to communicate with each other.”
Harry nodded meaningfully, “You’re telling me, I’ve had to deal with this since first year!”
“Oh, would you like some cheese for that whine?” Sean laughed, and Harry gave her an annoyed look before joining in.
“It’s just so damn tiresome watching those two, because you know they really just want to be together.” Harry said, exasperated.
“True, but you can’t force people to be honest, or decent for that matter.” Sean sighed, “I was really hoping that Ron would get over himself in time for Slughorn’s party tomorrow, though, Hermione really wanted to go with him.”
“Yeah…” Harry said, suddenly awkward. “Ahm, Sean?”
“Hm?”
“I was just wondering, if you haven’t already been asked… or you don’t have any other plans or anything… if maybe you wanted to come with me to the party? I mean, only as friends, of course, but still?” Harry’s face was flushed slightly pink.
Sean grinned, “Was that some sort of an invitation?” she said, keeping him in misery a little longer.
“Well, yeah…”
“If you must know, I have already been asked…” Harry’s face fell, “but I did turn them down… Sure I’ll go, as friends.” She finished with a smile.
Just then, Peeves the Poltergeist came swooping upon them. “Potty and… Kiernan?” he sneered with shock.
“How much is this going to cost, Peeves?” Sean said wearily.
“What are you…” Harry began, but Peeves cut him off –
“Two, the ones with nuts this time.” He said, looking like a greedy mobster bobbing up and down in the hallway.
“Done.” Sean pulled her bag around and fished inside for her usual bribes, pulling out two Cadbury’s chocolate bars with almonds. “There.” She said, tossing them into the air.
Peeves bowed solemnly and floated away, while Harry stared at her, dumbstruck. “How did you do that?”
“Just about everyone has their price, Harry, especially the… lower life forms.”
Harry grinned at her, “I need to invest in the chocolate business.”
Please review!
Once again, awesome thanks to Loony and Lance. This chapter is a bit on the short side, but I just couldn't put fourteen in with it... you'll understand when I put it up! 
Hope you like it!
Thirteen: Appreciation
Even without Peeves’ advertising, the news that Sean and Harry were going to Slughorn’s party together had spread across the entire school by dinnertime the next evening. Unfortunately for Sean, this meant all kinds of angry, resentful looks from classmates of all houses, and she entered the Great Hall with Hermione to meet Harry and Ron for dinner feeling slightly harassed.
“I swear, I think Romilda Vane is going to poison me. You should’ve seen the look she gave me earlier.” Sean said bleakly as they made their way towards the Gryffindor table.
Hermione, however, seemed preoccupied with something else. “So Cormac McLaggen is worse than Zacharias Smith, right?” she asked randomly.
“Wh-what? What are you talking about? Who’s Zacharias Smith?” Sean asked, slightly startled.
Hermione began to whisper as they drew closer to Harry and Ron, “You know, the Hufflepuff from the D.A… he was also the commentator at last match…?”
“I don’t listen to the commentators, but I can’t imagine someone worse than McLaggen – that guy’s a righteous basta—“ Hermione shushed her as they reached their friends.
“Hey Sean, Hermione.” Harry said loudly as the girls took their seats opposite the boys, and Sean had the distinct feeling that Harry and Ron had stopped their previous discussion in light of present company.
Hermione opened her mouth to respond, but Lavender and Parvati had just arrived – Lavender squeezed herself in between Ron and Harry and immediately flung her arms around him. Both Harry and Parvati rolled their eyes in unison and Sean forced herself to talk to keep herself from laughing, “So Parvati, are you parents still considering taking you out of school?”
“Padma and I have talked them out of it for the time being, and thankfully nothing else has really happened since the whole Katie thing…” She sighed, then turned to face Hermione as if she hadn’t seen her before. “Hi, Hermione!”
Both Hermione and Parvati seemed to light up, and Sean and Harry exchanged confused glances as Hermione answered her, “Hi, Parvati! Are you going to Slughorn’s party tonight?”
They two girls leaned in the table towards each other, Parvati grinning from ear to ear as she replied “Nah, I wasn’t invited… I would’ve loved to go, though. You’re going, aren’t you?”
Harry and Sean were looking from Hermione to Parvati like they were watching a tennis match. “Oh, yes. I’m meeting Cormac at eight and –“
Several sounds happened at once: Sean’s disbelieving grunt, Harry’s awkward laugh, Parvati’s squeal, and a noise like an un-sucking plunger. Parvati continued the conversation as if she hadn’t heard anything, “Wait, Cormac McLaggen? That handsome seventh year who almost became Quidditch Keeper? Are you going out with him, then?
Hermione’s grin widened, “Yes, didn’t you know?” She giggled about an octave higher than normal, and Harry and Sean gave each other incredulous looks.
“Wow, that’s great Hermione. You must really like your Quidditch players – first Krum, then McLaggen…” Parvati said with an all-too-knowing smile.
“I only like really good Quidditch players,” Hermione emphasized before continuing, “Well, I have to go get ready for the party…” She waved goodbye enthusiastically and left the Great Hall without a bite of food. Lavender moved to sit next to Parvati, and the two put their heads together to discuss this new gossip while Ron was left looking oddly vacant.
Harry, however, leaned forwards over the table and whispered to Sean, “Did you have anything to do with this?”
Sean wanted to slap him, “Trust me, I had no idea… If I did, I would’ve done everything possible to stop it.” They both sat back and pondered what had just happened for a few more minutes until Sean leaned in towards Harry, “I’m gonna go check on Hermione…” she murmured quietly, and rose from the table.
Harry rose as well and straightened his robes awkwardly, “Do-you-wanna-meet-me-in-the-common-room?” he said suddenly - and rather hastily.
“Sure. Ahm, eight fifteen?” She replied as she bit her bottom lip.
He smiled in relief, “Eight fifteen.” Sean returned his smile and headed for the Gryffindor common room to interrogate - and potentially berate Hermione before getting ready, walking in double-step to get there as fast as possible.
Sean reached her dorm room quickly and burst into the room – startling her friend, “What the bloody hell was that?” She wasn’t yelling, but her voice was definitely raised.
The look of surprise faded from Hermione’s face to be replaced with triumph. “Well, he asked me and I thought it might annoy Ron more than Zacharias – he did ask me as well.”
Sean sat down on the end of her bed and gaped at Hermione, who was sitting next to her bedside table – a makeshift vanity, “One: you never told me they asked you, and two: Ron is not dating Lavender just to aggravate you; I think he might actually like her.” She made sure to say the last part softly and as non-threateningly as she could.
Hermione’s face hardened. “Well, what’s done is done. Maybe I actually like Cormac…” she offered with slight arrogance.
Sean gagged in reflex to Hermione’s comment. “You can’t possibly be serious, Hermione…” she sighed heavily and put up her hands in defeat, “Well, I guess it’s like you said – what’s done is done. Just remember, when its all over tonight, it was your decision.” To her surprise, Hermione’s eyes began to swell with tears and she put her head in her hands. “Oh, God. Hermione, I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to make you cry…” Sean rushed to her friend’s side, unsure of what she said wrong – or what to do next.
Hermione picked her head up and brushed away the wet tear trail on her cheek. “No, no – you’re right. I’m just so sick of Ron! I want him to feel as bad as he made me feel, but then I feel bad for wanting to make him feel bad for making me feel bad and it’s just so stupid and I am really sick of Lavender!” she ranted, followed by deep breathing.
Sean was a little stunned; she had never really gotten along with girls, and as much as she liked Hermione – she had no idea how to deal with a crying friend. “Ahm, just try not to worry about it too much… Even the thickest boys usually have a way of coming round, I mean – look at George.”
To her great relief, Hermione laughed. “I suppose you’re right. Shall we get ready then?” she asked with a sigh.
“Only because we must.” Sean said with a smirk, which Hermione thankfully returned.
The next few hours passed all-too-quickly as the two friends got ready for the Christmas party, trying on and transfiguring entirely too many outfits. Hermione finally settled on a mid-calf-length black skirt and a cowl neck, emerald green sweater, whereas Sean chose a brown, flared skirt just above the knee (borrowed from Hermione) and a cashmere, heather gray sweater that fell just past her shoulders (a gift from her stepmother).
At seven fifty-five, Hermione pranced out of the dorm room – positively beaming and looking quite beautiful with her light brown curls bouncing behind her. Sean smiled to herself as the door closed softly behind her friend, truly grateful for having a female confidant after momentarily regretting it earlier during their mild dispute. She moved to the mirror and wondered if she needed to change anything (seeing as she was incredibly uncomfortable looking so feminine outside of her school uniform), and let her finger twitch as she changed her eye color from deep green to a light purple-gray. She checked herself one more time, ran her hand through her long, chocolate brown hair, looked at her watch, and stole from the room with a grin.
Sean took the stairs down to the common room slowly, though her heart was beating quite loudly. There was a rather abnormally large amount of chatter coming from the common room, especially since most students were usually in their dorms packing for the trip home for the holidays the next day. Surprisingly, Sean actually felt a bit nervous as she entered the common room, remembering that this was her first ‘date’ since breaking up with Oliver almost three months ago. At least it’s not a real date, she thought soothingly to herself, and she scanned to room looking for a head of messy, jet black hair. She smiled brightly after side-stepping a few people, including Ginny Weasley who gave her a ‘thumbs up’ and ginned, finally seeing Harry’s back leaning against a wall close to the portrait hole while talking to Ron.
She bit her bottom lip and grinned as she approached, and Ron noticed her before Harry. “Whoa.”
“Astute as ever, Ron.” Sean said with a smirk, and she turned to greet Harry – who was looking unexpectedly dashing in black slacks and a matching black blazer with a white button-up beneath.
“Wow, Sean… you look beautiful.” Harry said breathlessly, but he didn’t smile. “Did you do something to your eyes?” he asked suddenly.
Sean was taken aback, “Ahm, yeah…”
Harry grinned and leaned in to whisper in her ear, “No offense, but I like them better when they’re green.”
She flushed and turned away, during which time she caught Romilda Vane giving her a scathing look, as well as quite a few other Gryffindor girls. She ran a hand through her hair and turned back to Harry, now seeming amazingly tall (despite her high heels), “Shall we go then?” Harry smiled and held out his arm for her to take as the went through the portrait hole, Sean letting her finger twitch as her eyes returned to their natural color.
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Hope you like it!Thirteen: Appreciation
Even without Peeves’ advertising, the news that Sean and Harry were going to Slughorn’s party together had spread across the entire school by dinnertime the next evening. Unfortunately for Sean, this meant all kinds of angry, resentful looks from classmates of all houses, and she entered the Great Hall with Hermione to meet Harry and Ron for dinner feeling slightly harassed.
“I swear, I think Romilda Vane is going to poison me. You should’ve seen the look she gave me earlier.” Sean said bleakly as they made their way towards the Gryffindor table.
Hermione, however, seemed preoccupied with something else. “So Cormac McLaggen is worse than Zacharias Smith, right?” she asked randomly.
“Wh-what? What are you talking about? Who’s Zacharias Smith?” Sean asked, slightly startled.
Hermione began to whisper as they drew closer to Harry and Ron, “You know, the Hufflepuff from the D.A… he was also the commentator at last match…?”
“I don’t listen to the commentators, but I can’t imagine someone worse than McLaggen – that guy’s a righteous basta—“ Hermione shushed her as they reached their friends.
“Hey Sean, Hermione.” Harry said loudly as the girls took their seats opposite the boys, and Sean had the distinct feeling that Harry and Ron had stopped their previous discussion in light of present company.
Hermione opened her mouth to respond, but Lavender and Parvati had just arrived – Lavender squeezed herself in between Ron and Harry and immediately flung her arms around him. Both Harry and Parvati rolled their eyes in unison and Sean forced herself to talk to keep herself from laughing, “So Parvati, are you parents still considering taking you out of school?”
“Padma and I have talked them out of it for the time being, and thankfully nothing else has really happened since the whole Katie thing…” She sighed, then turned to face Hermione as if she hadn’t seen her before. “Hi, Hermione!”
Both Hermione and Parvati seemed to light up, and Sean and Harry exchanged confused glances as Hermione answered her, “Hi, Parvati! Are you going to Slughorn’s party tonight?”
They two girls leaned in the table towards each other, Parvati grinning from ear to ear as she replied “Nah, I wasn’t invited… I would’ve loved to go, though. You’re going, aren’t you?”
Harry and Sean were looking from Hermione to Parvati like they were watching a tennis match. “Oh, yes. I’m meeting Cormac at eight and –“
Several sounds happened at once: Sean’s disbelieving grunt, Harry’s awkward laugh, Parvati’s squeal, and a noise like an un-sucking plunger. Parvati continued the conversation as if she hadn’t heard anything, “Wait, Cormac McLaggen? That handsome seventh year who almost became Quidditch Keeper? Are you going out with him, then?
Hermione’s grin widened, “Yes, didn’t you know?” She giggled about an octave higher than normal, and Harry and Sean gave each other incredulous looks.
“Wow, that’s great Hermione. You must really like your Quidditch players – first Krum, then McLaggen…” Parvati said with an all-too-knowing smile.
“I only like really good Quidditch players,” Hermione emphasized before continuing, “Well, I have to go get ready for the party…” She waved goodbye enthusiastically and left the Great Hall without a bite of food. Lavender moved to sit next to Parvati, and the two put their heads together to discuss this new gossip while Ron was left looking oddly vacant.
Harry, however, leaned forwards over the table and whispered to Sean, “Did you have anything to do with this?”
Sean wanted to slap him, “Trust me, I had no idea… If I did, I would’ve done everything possible to stop it.” They both sat back and pondered what had just happened for a few more minutes until Sean leaned in towards Harry, “I’m gonna go check on Hermione…” she murmured quietly, and rose from the table.
Harry rose as well and straightened his robes awkwardly, “Do-you-wanna-meet-me-in-the-common-room?” he said suddenly - and rather hastily.
“Sure. Ahm, eight fifteen?” She replied as she bit her bottom lip.
He smiled in relief, “Eight fifteen.” Sean returned his smile and headed for the Gryffindor common room to interrogate - and potentially berate Hermione before getting ready, walking in double-step to get there as fast as possible.
Sean reached her dorm room quickly and burst into the room – startling her friend, “What the bloody hell was that?” She wasn’t yelling, but her voice was definitely raised.
The look of surprise faded from Hermione’s face to be replaced with triumph. “Well, he asked me and I thought it might annoy Ron more than Zacharias – he did ask me as well.”
Sean sat down on the end of her bed and gaped at Hermione, who was sitting next to her bedside table – a makeshift vanity, “One: you never told me they asked you, and two: Ron is not dating Lavender just to aggravate you; I think he might actually like her.” She made sure to say the last part softly and as non-threateningly as she could.
Hermione’s face hardened. “Well, what’s done is done. Maybe I actually like Cormac…” she offered with slight arrogance.
Sean gagged in reflex to Hermione’s comment. “You can’t possibly be serious, Hermione…” she sighed heavily and put up her hands in defeat, “Well, I guess it’s like you said – what’s done is done. Just remember, when its all over tonight, it was your decision.” To her surprise, Hermione’s eyes began to swell with tears and she put her head in her hands. “Oh, God. Hermione, I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to make you cry…” Sean rushed to her friend’s side, unsure of what she said wrong – or what to do next.
Hermione picked her head up and brushed away the wet tear trail on her cheek. “No, no – you’re right. I’m just so sick of Ron! I want him to feel as bad as he made me feel, but then I feel bad for wanting to make him feel bad for making me feel bad and it’s just so stupid and I am really sick of Lavender!” she ranted, followed by deep breathing.
Sean was a little stunned; she had never really gotten along with girls, and as much as she liked Hermione – she had no idea how to deal with a crying friend. “Ahm, just try not to worry about it too much… Even the thickest boys usually have a way of coming round, I mean – look at George.”
To her great relief, Hermione laughed. “I suppose you’re right. Shall we get ready then?” she asked with a sigh.
“Only because we must.” Sean said with a smirk, which Hermione thankfully returned.
The next few hours passed all-too-quickly as the two friends got ready for the Christmas party, trying on and transfiguring entirely too many outfits. Hermione finally settled on a mid-calf-length black skirt and a cowl neck, emerald green sweater, whereas Sean chose a brown, flared skirt just above the knee (borrowed from Hermione) and a cashmere, heather gray sweater that fell just past her shoulders (a gift from her stepmother).
At seven fifty-five, Hermione pranced out of the dorm room – positively beaming and looking quite beautiful with her light brown curls bouncing behind her. Sean smiled to herself as the door closed softly behind her friend, truly grateful for having a female confidant after momentarily regretting it earlier during their mild dispute. She moved to the mirror and wondered if she needed to change anything (seeing as she was incredibly uncomfortable looking so feminine outside of her school uniform), and let her finger twitch as she changed her eye color from deep green to a light purple-gray. She checked herself one more time, ran her hand through her long, chocolate brown hair, looked at her watch, and stole from the room with a grin.
Sean took the stairs down to the common room slowly, though her heart was beating quite loudly. There was a rather abnormally large amount of chatter coming from the common room, especially since most students were usually in their dorms packing for the trip home for the holidays the next day. Surprisingly, Sean actually felt a bit nervous as she entered the common room, remembering that this was her first ‘date’ since breaking up with Oliver almost three months ago. At least it’s not a real date, she thought soothingly to herself, and she scanned to room looking for a head of messy, jet black hair. She smiled brightly after side-stepping a few people, including Ginny Weasley who gave her a ‘thumbs up’ and ginned, finally seeing Harry’s back leaning against a wall close to the portrait hole while talking to Ron.
She bit her bottom lip and grinned as she approached, and Ron noticed her before Harry. “Whoa.”
“Astute as ever, Ron.” Sean said with a smirk, and she turned to greet Harry – who was looking unexpectedly dashing in black slacks and a matching black blazer with a white button-up beneath.
“Wow, Sean… you look beautiful.” Harry said breathlessly, but he didn’t smile. “Did you do something to your eyes?” he asked suddenly.
Sean was taken aback, “Ahm, yeah…”
Harry grinned and leaned in to whisper in her ear, “No offense, but I like them better when they’re green.”
She flushed and turned away, during which time she caught Romilda Vane giving her a scathing look, as well as quite a few other Gryffindor girls. She ran a hand through her hair and turned back to Harry, now seeming amazingly tall (despite her high heels), “Shall we go then?” Harry smiled and held out his arm for her to take as the went through the portrait hole, Sean letting her finger twitch as her eyes returned to their natural color.
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Fourteen: Stay Calm
They walked with a slightly uncomfortable air about them to Slughorn’s office, but maintained an easy conversation. “Apparently there’s supposed to be a vampire coming to this thing tonight.” Harry said.
“Well, I figured Snape was going to be there…” Sean joked, and they both laughed as the rest of their conversation died away as the sounds of music, laughter, and boisterous conversation grew louder as they approached the Potions Master’s office.
Sean had never been in this office (by 'pure chance', according to Snape), but she was astounded by the sheer vastness of the cave-like study and assumed it was magically expanded. There were emerald, crimson, and gold draperies hanging everywhere, giving it the feel of a posh tent party with all the house elves scampering among the crowd carrying heavy trays. It was quite hard to hear over all the noise, especially since some sort of band or singing seemed to be coming from right next to them. Harry turned and smiled at her, then took her by the wrist and pulled her further in the throng, away from the door and the booming music.
Harry had just stopped and turned to say something to her, when a deep voice bellowed “Harry, m’boy!” Both Harry and Sean turned around to see Professor Slughorn grinning wildly, wearing a horrible smoking jacket that made him look rather outdated. “Sean, so glad you could make it as well! Come now, there’s so many people I’d like you to meet!” Slughorn spoke to both Sean and Harry, but she had the distinct feeling he was much more excited to introduce Harry to his well-connected friends. Slughorn threw an arm over Harry’s shoulders to guide him, and Harry in turn grabbed Sean’s wrist again to drag her along with him.
Sean barely listened to Slughorn as he introduced Harry (he seemed to have forgotten Sean was there) to some writer named Worple, and she made sure to edge as far away as possible from his pale friend, Sanguini. She was gazing around the crowded study idly when she saw a head of bushy brown hair bounce away towards two young wizards, possibly musicians. She tugged on Harry’s arm and whispered to him, “Hey, I think I see Hermione.”
“…I’ve just seen a friend of mine, sorry.” Harry said firmly to Slughorn and Worple, and Sean pulled him in the direction of Hermione.
“Hermione! Hermione!” She yelled into the crowd.
“Sean, Harry! There you are, thank goodness!” Hermione sighed.
“What happened to you?” Harry asked bluntly, and Sean elbowed him in the side for asking such a rude question, but nonetheless wondered why she looked like she had just lost a fight with a lawnmower.
“Oh, I’ve just escaped – I mean, I’ve just left Cormac… you know, mistletoe.” She added with a disgusted look to Sean.
Sean tried her very best not to laugh, “Hey, it was your decision.”
“Ugh, don’t remind me.” Hermione grimaced, “Let’s go, I don’t want him to catch up with me… and we should be able to see him coming he’s so bloody tall.”
Sean was thankful that the noise of the crowd hid both her and Harry’s laughs as they followed Hermione further into the mob of partygoers. They finally stopped when they reached a small table closer to the exit, but on the opposite side of the room from the performing band. Sean grabbed three bottles of butterbeer from a passing house elf, and Harry leaned in towards Hermione, “You’re not planning to tell Ron you interfered at Keeper tryouts, are you?”
Sean gasped in shock, “Hermione, you didn’t!”
Hermione crossed her arms indignantly, “Yes I did; would you rather have Cormac as your Keeper? And no, Harry, I’m not going to tell him – I wouldn’t stoop to that level.”
Sean laughed out loud, “Brilliant, Hermione. Honestly, I am in your debt.”
Hermione grinned, but it was soon wiped from her face by Harry’s comment, “I mean, if you can ask out McLaggen… I just don’t want Ron falling apart all over again before the next match.”
“Quidditch! Is that all you two think about? Cormac has yet too ask me one question about myself, but all I’ve had to hear for the past half hour is ‘Quaffle-this’ and ‘Bludger-that’ and – oh no, here he comes!” Hermione let out a small shriek and vanished into the crowd, right as a huffing-and-puffing McLaggen pushed his way to the table.
“Seen Hermione?” he asked gruffly, addressing Harry and definitely not Sean.
Sean, however, answered him anyway, “Yeah, she said you were a bad snog and high-tailed it out of here.”
McLaggen gave her a nasty glare before disappearing himself back into the rest of the party. Harry flushed from contained laughter, “Sean! Why’d you tell him that?”
She shrugged and grinned, “He thinks I’m being sarcastic, and it’s not like I lied.”
“Trying to get out my little meetings, Ms. Kiernan?” a loud voice asked through a laugh, and Slughorn soon appeared next to Harry.
Sean forced herself not to roll her eyes, “Oh no, sir! Harry and I are on the same Quidditch team, and the meetings are usually scheduled during practice times.”
“Should’ve known!” Slughorn boomed. “You know, Harry, they say that you’ve been keeping the House Cup from Slytherin for a few years now. I daresay I miss seeing it in my office – why, I haven’t had that cup since Severus, here, was a student of mine –” To her horror, Slughorn threw out an arm and seemed to scoop Snape out of thin air. “Stop skulking and come join us, Severus!”
The look of Snape’s face told Sean it was the furthest thing from his mind, glowering down his hook nose at both her and Harry. Slughorn opened his mouth to bellow about the House Cup again, when Argus Filch came stumbling up towards them – dragging (to Sean’s great delight) Draco Malfoy by the ear.
“Professor Slughorn,” wheezed Filch, his eyes alight with the triumph of capture, “I found the Malfoy boy lurking in an upstairs corridor; he claims to have been invited to your party but he didn’t have an invitation with him…”
Malfoy wrestled himself free from Filch’s grasp, “All right, I wasn’t invited!” he confessed angrily. “I was trying to gate-crash, happy?”
Sean suppressed a laugh at the sheer delight written all over Filch’s face as he continued, “No, I’m not! Nighttime prowling’s not allowed without permission, so you’re in trouble, eh?”
Slughorn waved a large hand containing a flagon of mead to cease their argument, “That’s all right, Argus. It is Christmas, after all… We’ll let it slide this time, and you can stay, Draco.”
The glee in Filch’s eyes drained as Malfoy thanked Slughorn, though Malfoy himself seemed rather unhappy… Sean glanced to Harry and they exchanged confused looks, meaning they both had just witnessed the same odd event.
“Come with me, Draco.” Snape said suddenly and harshly.
Slughorn hiccoughed, “Now, Severus, it is Christmas…”
Snape’s jaw tensed, “As his Head of House, I shall decide how lenient, or otherwise, to be, despite the holiday. Follow me, Draco.” He finished curtly, and they made their way quickly towards the exit.
Harry suddenly grabbed her sleeve and tugged on it, “Sorry, Professor, we’ve just seen our friend again.” He pulled her towards the exit, maneuvering amazingly swiftly through the crowd.
“Harry, what’s wrong?” Sean asked as they left the office, leaving the booming noises behind them.
“Something’s up with Malfoy and Snape, did you see it?” He spoke rapidly and in hushed tones as they continued their hurried pace.
“Well, yeah, but I think they’ll notice if we’re following them…” Sean pointed out, finding it rather odd that Harry hadn’t noticed this problem.
“Here.” Harry pulled a large, silvery cloth from his pocket and threw it over them both, then took her by the wrist and continued moving.
“Is this what I think it is?” Sean gasped, disbelieving that any student actually owned an Invisibility Cloak… and also insanely jealous that she didn’t have one of her own.
Harry glanced back and grinned as they followed the sound of Snape and Malfoy’s footsteps, “Yeah, it was my dad’s.”
“Wicked.” They hurried down the corridor for a few more minutes before Sean pulled back, “Harry, we forgot Hermione!”
He looked at her, aghast she was making them stop, “Sean, she can take care of herself…”
“She’s probably wandering around looking for us while trying to avoid McLaggen, and she’s going to be plenty cross… You go on, I’m going to make sure she’s okay and then I’ll come find you, alright?” Sean smiled weakly as Harry released her wrist and she ran back down the corridor and into Slughorn’s office.
She bobbed up and down in the crowd for a few minutes, trying to spot Hermione over the many unfamiliar heads, when she saw a short table seemingly floating towards her and had an idea. She bent down low to speak to the house elf hidden underneath the tray, “Excuse me, but has there been a young lady, er, talking to you this evening?”
The house elf’s rosy face went hard, “Besides you?”
Sean bit her lip, “Brown hair, a little shorter than I am… talking about… liberation?”
The house elf’s eyes went wide, and Sean knew she had hit the jackpot. “She’s naughty, she is. Good thing she left and ---”
Sean didn’t hear anything else, but mumbled a ‘thank you’ and left the party once more. Well, now she can’t be mad at me for leaving she thought hopefully as she pulled off her high heels and tore down the corridor looking for Harry. She turned a corner and heard loud, stomping footsteps, which didn’t make any sense because Harry was trying to remain hidden under his Invisibility Cloak… She turned another corner and barely missed bumping into Draco Malfoy, who came storming past her.
“Excuse you,” Sean mumbled under her breath as she turned back into the corridor, half-jogging close to the torch lit walls. There was one classroom door open just a few feet ahead, and Sean grinned as she thought she had found Harry. Unfortunately, someone else came out of the classroom and walked directly into her, making her stumble backwards.
“Kiernan! What do you think you’re doing here?” Snape scowled at her.
“Looking for a friend, not that it’s any of your business…” She spat back at him, unknown anger rising from deep in her stomach.
Snape’s eyes widened in realization and he moved closer to her as he whispered “Potter’s here then, in his Invisibility Cloak?”
Sean stepped back and let out a bark of a laugh, “No, you dimwit – I meant Hermione.”
The small amount of color in Snape’s face drained as his chest swelled with fury. “What did you call me?!”
Something was gnashing and clawing around in Sean’s stomach, making her insides burn. She didn’t know where it was coming from or why, but for some reason it made her incredibly audacious… and incredibly stupid. “I called you a ‘dimwit’, but it hardly does you justice…” The words seethed out of her before she had time to even register what she was saying. Though Snape’s face was livid, Sean was surprisingly unafraid… almost happy she had made him so angry.
“Detention, Kiernan. And you’ll be spending it with me.” He said through gritted teeth.
That had done it – whatever was desperate to escape Sean erupted out of her as she threw the shoes out her hand and yelled, “You. Foul. Little. Scum! You ungrateful brat! It is by my hand that you are still alive, you good-for-nothing child!” Her voice was scratchy and deep, very much unlike her normal, even tone, but she didn’t even notice. Snape’s eyes had gone wide with fear, giving her fuel as she continued. “You have no idea, do you – you piece of filth?! Who I am, what I’ve done… You owe me your life, you little witch!” Snape seemed to be cowering to her, even becoming shorter…
She didn’t notice her limbs lengthening, her nose growing, her hair turning black and shortening… Her consciousness of herself seemed to be caged when the monster that had been inside of her escaped, and she spat forth more and more rage and hatred at Snape. “You are nothing but a petulant child, and I’ll be damned if I let you get the best of me! You think just because you’re some muggle minister’s daughter that you’re entitled?!” Her words didn’t make any sense, but she didn’t care; nothing seemed as important as berating her adversary…
Sean screamed more insults at the professor, until she felt an excruciating burning sensation on her left forearm and shrieked in pain as she clasped her right hand to it. The pain made her eyes water and she stumbled backwards, this time recognizing the familiar feeling associated with her transformation. Her dark hair shot past her shoulders to fall gracefully about her chest and she crinkled her nose as it shrunk, though the burning sensation remained. Exhaustion began to wash over her as the monster inside subsided, satisfied at its brief release for the time being, and Sean fell to her knees – still grasping her left forearm. She dug her fingernails into the soft fabric and tore down, then tossed the half-sleeve aside as she looked to her exposed arm… and the terrifying symbol now emblazoned upon it.
Her eyes widened in fear and she looked up to Snape’s petrified face, suddenly realizing what he was. “Oh, God…” she barely mumbled, her kelly green eyes fixated upon Snape’s white face.
She felt someone fall almost into her, and turned to see Harry’s pale face staring at her forearm. “Sean, oh my God, are you okay?” he asked through pants, then put his arms around her and helped her back to her feet.
Sean continued to stare at Snape, who still remained silent, as she whispered to Harry, “We have to get out of here…” She was exhausted beyond anything she’d ever felt before, but she knew she had to run. Sean turned and grabbed Harry’s arm and ran as fast as she could, around the corner… up the first set of stairs they came to… down another corridor… She wasn’t exactly sure where she was leading them, but her feet seemed to know the right way to go – stopping only when they reached a large stone gargoyle. “I don’t know the password.” She huffed to Harry.
“Acid Pops.” He said quietly, his face still pale. The stone gargoyle leapt aside and they jumped onto the staircase hidden behind, slowly spiraling upwards.
Sean pounded on the Headmaster’s office door, one hand still grasping Harry. To her surprise, Professor Dumbledore answered the door rather quickly, “Sean, Harry, what brings you to my office this late hour?” he asked with a smile.
Sean held up her forearm, still bearing the black skull with a snake protruding from its mouth, “Snape is a Death Eater.”
Dumbledore sighed heavily and moved to allow Sean and Harry to enter the office. “Please refer to Professor Snape as such, Sean.”
She gaped at him, flabbergasted, “He’s a bloody Death Eater! I don’t think I have to call him ‘professor’ anymore…”
“Yes you do.” Dumbledore said with a raised voice, immediately silencing her. He motioned for both her and Harry to take their seats in front of his desk while he took his own. “Professor Snape is no longer an active Death Eater…”
“Yes he is! His Mark is fresh and he threatened me, I’m telling you –”
“Enough!” Dumbledore cut her off as he rose from his seat. Sean was taken aback, unable to understand why he wasn’t the least bit concerned that a Death Eater was roaming the school at this very moment… The monster in her stomach began to growl again… Dumbledore turned to Harry, “What happened, Harry?”
“I-I was in my Invisibility Cloak watching… Sean accidentally bumped into Professor Snape and he asked her what she was doing, so she called him a ‘dimwit’…” Harry kept talking as Dumbledore nodded every now and then, but the growls emanating from inside her drowned out all external noise.
Minutes, maybe hours passed as Harry and Dumbledore spoke inaudibly. Sean glanced to her forearm, and felt a slight sensation of relief to see the Dark Mark had disappeared. When she looked up, Dumbledore was moving to the door and opened it to welcome a still-white Snape. Sean’s insides burned with rage, Why the hell was he still here? Shouldn’t he be in Azkaban by now? She stood and backed away from Dumbledore and Snape, the growling subsiding so she could hear them speak. “There’s something you need to understand, Sean…” Dumbledore said softly.
“I am working for the Order of the Phoenix, undercover, as a Death Eater.” Snape said blankly, if not slightly embarrassed.
Harry stood up and sighed. “He is in the Order, Sean,” he said pleadingly, though there was doubt in his voice.
Sean backed farther away from the three men staring at her, that clawing feeling returning to her. “What the bloody hell is going on?” she growled, disbelieving. The Headmaster opened his mouth to respond, but Sean screamed as her head seemed to split open, silencing him. She put her hands to her head and fell to her knees, her hands randomly tingling, then looked up and found a mirror across the room telling her what was happening – her hair was changing colors rapidly; lilac, chartreuse, gold, green, blue, black, silver, yellow, white, crimson red all washing the previously color away.
Harry moved to kneel beside her, but Snape grabbed him and pulled him away from her. Sean screamed again as her bones felt like they were breaking all over her body, and Snape had to struggle to keep Harry restrained as he yelled her name. The monster was out again, making her scream “LET ME GO! LET ME GO! LET ME GO!” over and over.
Dumbledore yelled something at Snape, who then aimed his wand at Harry and stupefied him with a blast of red light. Sean screamed again, then began mumbling (loudly) to herself “STAY CALM… STAY CALM…” repeatedly. She fell to her side, her hands gripping her head so tightly that her fingernails began to draw blood in her teal, yellow, scarlet, orange hair. “GET HARRY OUT! GET HARRY OUT!” the monster made her shout, and she felt her arm move down to the hem of her skirt and withdraw her wand completely on its own. As soon as she gripped her wand fully, her hands stopped shaking and her wand began to buzz. Within seconds, the entire room was engulfed in a blinding blue light, accompanied by the sounds of shattering glass. As the blue light faded almost minutes later, Sean felt her body go limp while her consciousness slipped away…
Aw, dang!
They walked with a slightly uncomfortable air about them to Slughorn’s office, but maintained an easy conversation. “Apparently there’s supposed to be a vampire coming to this thing tonight.” Harry said.
“Well, I figured Snape was going to be there…” Sean joked, and they both laughed as the rest of their conversation died away as the sounds of music, laughter, and boisterous conversation grew louder as they approached the Potions Master’s office.
Sean had never been in this office (by 'pure chance', according to Snape), but she was astounded by the sheer vastness of the cave-like study and assumed it was magically expanded. There were emerald, crimson, and gold draperies hanging everywhere, giving it the feel of a posh tent party with all the house elves scampering among the crowd carrying heavy trays. It was quite hard to hear over all the noise, especially since some sort of band or singing seemed to be coming from right next to them. Harry turned and smiled at her, then took her by the wrist and pulled her further in the throng, away from the door and the booming music.
Harry had just stopped and turned to say something to her, when a deep voice bellowed “Harry, m’boy!” Both Harry and Sean turned around to see Professor Slughorn grinning wildly, wearing a horrible smoking jacket that made him look rather outdated. “Sean, so glad you could make it as well! Come now, there’s so many people I’d like you to meet!” Slughorn spoke to both Sean and Harry, but she had the distinct feeling he was much more excited to introduce Harry to his well-connected friends. Slughorn threw an arm over Harry’s shoulders to guide him, and Harry in turn grabbed Sean’s wrist again to drag her along with him.
Sean barely listened to Slughorn as he introduced Harry (he seemed to have forgotten Sean was there) to some writer named Worple, and she made sure to edge as far away as possible from his pale friend, Sanguini. She was gazing around the crowded study idly when she saw a head of bushy brown hair bounce away towards two young wizards, possibly musicians. She tugged on Harry’s arm and whispered to him, “Hey, I think I see Hermione.”
“…I’ve just seen a friend of mine, sorry.” Harry said firmly to Slughorn and Worple, and Sean pulled him in the direction of Hermione.
“Hermione! Hermione!” She yelled into the crowd.
“Sean, Harry! There you are, thank goodness!” Hermione sighed.
“What happened to you?” Harry asked bluntly, and Sean elbowed him in the side for asking such a rude question, but nonetheless wondered why she looked like she had just lost a fight with a lawnmower.
“Oh, I’ve just escaped – I mean, I’ve just left Cormac… you know, mistletoe.” She added with a disgusted look to Sean.
Sean tried her very best not to laugh, “Hey, it was your decision.”
“Ugh, don’t remind me.” Hermione grimaced, “Let’s go, I don’t want him to catch up with me… and we should be able to see him coming he’s so bloody tall.”
Sean was thankful that the noise of the crowd hid both her and Harry’s laughs as they followed Hermione further into the mob of partygoers. They finally stopped when they reached a small table closer to the exit, but on the opposite side of the room from the performing band. Sean grabbed three bottles of butterbeer from a passing house elf, and Harry leaned in towards Hermione, “You’re not planning to tell Ron you interfered at Keeper tryouts, are you?”
Sean gasped in shock, “Hermione, you didn’t!”
Hermione crossed her arms indignantly, “Yes I did; would you rather have Cormac as your Keeper? And no, Harry, I’m not going to tell him – I wouldn’t stoop to that level.”
Sean laughed out loud, “Brilliant, Hermione. Honestly, I am in your debt.”
Hermione grinned, but it was soon wiped from her face by Harry’s comment, “I mean, if you can ask out McLaggen… I just don’t want Ron falling apart all over again before the next match.”
“Quidditch! Is that all you two think about? Cormac has yet too ask me one question about myself, but all I’ve had to hear for the past half hour is ‘Quaffle-this’ and ‘Bludger-that’ and – oh no, here he comes!” Hermione let out a small shriek and vanished into the crowd, right as a huffing-and-puffing McLaggen pushed his way to the table.
“Seen Hermione?” he asked gruffly, addressing Harry and definitely not Sean.
Sean, however, answered him anyway, “Yeah, she said you were a bad snog and high-tailed it out of here.”
McLaggen gave her a nasty glare before disappearing himself back into the rest of the party. Harry flushed from contained laughter, “Sean! Why’d you tell him that?”
She shrugged and grinned, “He thinks I’m being sarcastic, and it’s not like I lied.”
“Trying to get out my little meetings, Ms. Kiernan?” a loud voice asked through a laugh, and Slughorn soon appeared next to Harry.
Sean forced herself not to roll her eyes, “Oh no, sir! Harry and I are on the same Quidditch team, and the meetings are usually scheduled during practice times.”
“Should’ve known!” Slughorn boomed. “You know, Harry, they say that you’ve been keeping the House Cup from Slytherin for a few years now. I daresay I miss seeing it in my office – why, I haven’t had that cup since Severus, here, was a student of mine –” To her horror, Slughorn threw out an arm and seemed to scoop Snape out of thin air. “Stop skulking and come join us, Severus!”
The look of Snape’s face told Sean it was the furthest thing from his mind, glowering down his hook nose at both her and Harry. Slughorn opened his mouth to bellow about the House Cup again, when Argus Filch came stumbling up towards them – dragging (to Sean’s great delight) Draco Malfoy by the ear.
“Professor Slughorn,” wheezed Filch, his eyes alight with the triumph of capture, “I found the Malfoy boy lurking in an upstairs corridor; he claims to have been invited to your party but he didn’t have an invitation with him…”
Malfoy wrestled himself free from Filch’s grasp, “All right, I wasn’t invited!” he confessed angrily. “I was trying to gate-crash, happy?”
Sean suppressed a laugh at the sheer delight written all over Filch’s face as he continued, “No, I’m not! Nighttime prowling’s not allowed without permission, so you’re in trouble, eh?”
Slughorn waved a large hand containing a flagon of mead to cease their argument, “That’s all right, Argus. It is Christmas, after all… We’ll let it slide this time, and you can stay, Draco.”
The glee in Filch’s eyes drained as Malfoy thanked Slughorn, though Malfoy himself seemed rather unhappy… Sean glanced to Harry and they exchanged confused looks, meaning they both had just witnessed the same odd event.
“Come with me, Draco.” Snape said suddenly and harshly.
Slughorn hiccoughed, “Now, Severus, it is Christmas…”
Snape’s jaw tensed, “As his Head of House, I shall decide how lenient, or otherwise, to be, despite the holiday. Follow me, Draco.” He finished curtly, and they made their way quickly towards the exit.
Harry suddenly grabbed her sleeve and tugged on it, “Sorry, Professor, we’ve just seen our friend again.” He pulled her towards the exit, maneuvering amazingly swiftly through the crowd.
“Harry, what’s wrong?” Sean asked as they left the office, leaving the booming noises behind them.
“Something’s up with Malfoy and Snape, did you see it?” He spoke rapidly and in hushed tones as they continued their hurried pace.
“Well, yeah, but I think they’ll notice if we’re following them…” Sean pointed out, finding it rather odd that Harry hadn’t noticed this problem.
“Here.” Harry pulled a large, silvery cloth from his pocket and threw it over them both, then took her by the wrist and continued moving.
“Is this what I think it is?” Sean gasped, disbelieving that any student actually owned an Invisibility Cloak… and also insanely jealous that she didn’t have one of her own.
Harry glanced back and grinned as they followed the sound of Snape and Malfoy’s footsteps, “Yeah, it was my dad’s.”
“Wicked.” They hurried down the corridor for a few more minutes before Sean pulled back, “Harry, we forgot Hermione!”
He looked at her, aghast she was making them stop, “Sean, she can take care of herself…”
“She’s probably wandering around looking for us while trying to avoid McLaggen, and she’s going to be plenty cross… You go on, I’m going to make sure she’s okay and then I’ll come find you, alright?” Sean smiled weakly as Harry released her wrist and she ran back down the corridor and into Slughorn’s office.
She bobbed up and down in the crowd for a few minutes, trying to spot Hermione over the many unfamiliar heads, when she saw a short table seemingly floating towards her and had an idea. She bent down low to speak to the house elf hidden underneath the tray, “Excuse me, but has there been a young lady, er, talking to you this evening?”
The house elf’s rosy face went hard, “Besides you?”
Sean bit her lip, “Brown hair, a little shorter than I am… talking about… liberation?”
The house elf’s eyes went wide, and Sean knew she had hit the jackpot. “She’s naughty, she is. Good thing she left and ---”
Sean didn’t hear anything else, but mumbled a ‘thank you’ and left the party once more. Well, now she can’t be mad at me for leaving she thought hopefully as she pulled off her high heels and tore down the corridor looking for Harry. She turned a corner and heard loud, stomping footsteps, which didn’t make any sense because Harry was trying to remain hidden under his Invisibility Cloak… She turned another corner and barely missed bumping into Draco Malfoy, who came storming past her.
“Excuse you,” Sean mumbled under her breath as she turned back into the corridor, half-jogging close to the torch lit walls. There was one classroom door open just a few feet ahead, and Sean grinned as she thought she had found Harry. Unfortunately, someone else came out of the classroom and walked directly into her, making her stumble backwards.
“Kiernan! What do you think you’re doing here?” Snape scowled at her.
“Looking for a friend, not that it’s any of your business…” She spat back at him, unknown anger rising from deep in her stomach.
Snape’s eyes widened in realization and he moved closer to her as he whispered “Potter’s here then, in his Invisibility Cloak?”
Sean stepped back and let out a bark of a laugh, “No, you dimwit – I meant Hermione.”
The small amount of color in Snape’s face drained as his chest swelled with fury. “What did you call me?!”
Something was gnashing and clawing around in Sean’s stomach, making her insides burn. She didn’t know where it was coming from or why, but for some reason it made her incredibly audacious… and incredibly stupid. “I called you a ‘dimwit’, but it hardly does you justice…” The words seethed out of her before she had time to even register what she was saying. Though Snape’s face was livid, Sean was surprisingly unafraid… almost happy she had made him so angry.
“Detention, Kiernan. And you’ll be spending it with me.” He said through gritted teeth.
That had done it – whatever was desperate to escape Sean erupted out of her as she threw the shoes out her hand and yelled, “You. Foul. Little. Scum! You ungrateful brat! It is by my hand that you are still alive, you good-for-nothing child!” Her voice was scratchy and deep, very much unlike her normal, even tone, but she didn’t even notice. Snape’s eyes had gone wide with fear, giving her fuel as she continued. “You have no idea, do you – you piece of filth?! Who I am, what I’ve done… You owe me your life, you little witch!” Snape seemed to be cowering to her, even becoming shorter…
She didn’t notice her limbs lengthening, her nose growing, her hair turning black and shortening… Her consciousness of herself seemed to be caged when the monster that had been inside of her escaped, and she spat forth more and more rage and hatred at Snape. “You are nothing but a petulant child, and I’ll be damned if I let you get the best of me! You think just because you’re some muggle minister’s daughter that you’re entitled?!” Her words didn’t make any sense, but she didn’t care; nothing seemed as important as berating her adversary…
Sean screamed more insults at the professor, until she felt an excruciating burning sensation on her left forearm and shrieked in pain as she clasped her right hand to it. The pain made her eyes water and she stumbled backwards, this time recognizing the familiar feeling associated with her transformation. Her dark hair shot past her shoulders to fall gracefully about her chest and she crinkled her nose as it shrunk, though the burning sensation remained. Exhaustion began to wash over her as the monster inside subsided, satisfied at its brief release for the time being, and Sean fell to her knees – still grasping her left forearm. She dug her fingernails into the soft fabric and tore down, then tossed the half-sleeve aside as she looked to her exposed arm… and the terrifying symbol now emblazoned upon it.
Her eyes widened in fear and she looked up to Snape’s petrified face, suddenly realizing what he was. “Oh, God…” she barely mumbled, her kelly green eyes fixated upon Snape’s white face.
She felt someone fall almost into her, and turned to see Harry’s pale face staring at her forearm. “Sean, oh my God, are you okay?” he asked through pants, then put his arms around her and helped her back to her feet.
Sean continued to stare at Snape, who still remained silent, as she whispered to Harry, “We have to get out of here…” She was exhausted beyond anything she’d ever felt before, but she knew she had to run. Sean turned and grabbed Harry’s arm and ran as fast as she could, around the corner… up the first set of stairs they came to… down another corridor… She wasn’t exactly sure where she was leading them, but her feet seemed to know the right way to go – stopping only when they reached a large stone gargoyle. “I don’t know the password.” She huffed to Harry.
“Acid Pops.” He said quietly, his face still pale. The stone gargoyle leapt aside and they jumped onto the staircase hidden behind, slowly spiraling upwards.
Sean pounded on the Headmaster’s office door, one hand still grasping Harry. To her surprise, Professor Dumbledore answered the door rather quickly, “Sean, Harry, what brings you to my office this late hour?” he asked with a smile.
Sean held up her forearm, still bearing the black skull with a snake protruding from its mouth, “Snape is a Death Eater.”
Dumbledore sighed heavily and moved to allow Sean and Harry to enter the office. “Please refer to Professor Snape as such, Sean.”
She gaped at him, flabbergasted, “He’s a bloody Death Eater! I don’t think I have to call him ‘professor’ anymore…”
“Yes you do.” Dumbledore said with a raised voice, immediately silencing her. He motioned for both her and Harry to take their seats in front of his desk while he took his own. “Professor Snape is no longer an active Death Eater…”
“Yes he is! His Mark is fresh and he threatened me, I’m telling you –”
“Enough!” Dumbledore cut her off as he rose from his seat. Sean was taken aback, unable to understand why he wasn’t the least bit concerned that a Death Eater was roaming the school at this very moment… The monster in her stomach began to growl again… Dumbledore turned to Harry, “What happened, Harry?”
“I-I was in my Invisibility Cloak watching… Sean accidentally bumped into Professor Snape and he asked her what she was doing, so she called him a ‘dimwit’…” Harry kept talking as Dumbledore nodded every now and then, but the growls emanating from inside her drowned out all external noise.
Minutes, maybe hours passed as Harry and Dumbledore spoke inaudibly. Sean glanced to her forearm, and felt a slight sensation of relief to see the Dark Mark had disappeared. When she looked up, Dumbledore was moving to the door and opened it to welcome a still-white Snape. Sean’s insides burned with rage, Why the hell was he still here? Shouldn’t he be in Azkaban by now? She stood and backed away from Dumbledore and Snape, the growling subsiding so she could hear them speak. “There’s something you need to understand, Sean…” Dumbledore said softly.
“I am working for the Order of the Phoenix, undercover, as a Death Eater.” Snape said blankly, if not slightly embarrassed.
Harry stood up and sighed. “He is in the Order, Sean,” he said pleadingly, though there was doubt in his voice.
Sean backed farther away from the three men staring at her, that clawing feeling returning to her. “What the bloody hell is going on?” she growled, disbelieving. The Headmaster opened his mouth to respond, but Sean screamed as her head seemed to split open, silencing him. She put her hands to her head and fell to her knees, her hands randomly tingling, then looked up and found a mirror across the room telling her what was happening – her hair was changing colors rapidly; lilac, chartreuse, gold, green, blue, black, silver, yellow, white, crimson red all washing the previously color away.
Harry moved to kneel beside her, but Snape grabbed him and pulled him away from her. Sean screamed again as her bones felt like they were breaking all over her body, and Snape had to struggle to keep Harry restrained as he yelled her name. The monster was out again, making her scream “LET ME GO! LET ME GO! LET ME GO!” over and over.
Dumbledore yelled something at Snape, who then aimed his wand at Harry and stupefied him with a blast of red light. Sean screamed again, then began mumbling (loudly) to herself “STAY CALM… STAY CALM…” repeatedly. She fell to her side, her hands gripping her head so tightly that her fingernails began to draw blood in her teal, yellow, scarlet, orange hair. “GET HARRY OUT! GET HARRY OUT!” the monster made her shout, and she felt her arm move down to the hem of her skirt and withdraw her wand completely on its own. As soon as she gripped her wand fully, her hands stopped shaking and her wand began to buzz. Within seconds, the entire room was engulfed in a blinding blue light, accompanied by the sounds of shattering glass. As the blue light faded almost minutes later, Sean felt her body go limp while her consciousness slipped away…
Aw, dang!
Fifteen: Explanations
Sean had never felt worse in her life than she did right now, sitting up on a cot in St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries – the Minister of Magic on one side of her bed and her Headmaster on the other, waiting for her father’s arrival. Minister Scrimgeour was cracking his knuckles in the chair on her right in between sending her reproachful glances; she had never met this Minister, but his predecessor had escorted her (along with a few Aurors) himself to her first day at Hogwarts. Perhaps this was one of the reasons Seamus always pretended they were strangers, maybe it was some latent jealousy that she had been awarded to her father’s custody instead of him.
Her wandering thoughts stopped abruptly as the private hospital room door ‘banged’ open to announce her father’s appearance, as well as that of the two Aurors guarding him. The bigger of the two Aurors closed the door behind her father and drew the blinds while Minister Scrimgeour and Professor Dumbledore both stood and approached him. Scrimgeour stuck out a hand to shake that of Max Kiernan, but he put a hand up to stop him. “Just tell me what she’s done now.” He said coldly, his green eyes boring into hers.
“Ahm, it seems there was an incident at her school yesterday evening, Minister Kiernan.” Scrimgeour said in his gruff tone.
“Yes, I’ve been informed as much. Exactly what did she do?” her father asked, and Sean let her head fall as she looked away.
“Shacklebolt, Williamson, Minister Scrimgeour, if you would be so kind as to wait outside.” Dumbledore said softly.
Sean smiled grimly as her father let out a noncommittal grunt – he probably didn’t want to lose his bodyguards, but he would never reveal such weakness in front of the ‘Other Minister’ as he liked to call him – nor would he like to be left in the presence of only his daughter and a ‘crackpot old codger’ like Dumbledore for a buffer.
“Dumbledore –” Scrimgeour began.
The Headmaster cut him off, “This is a private, family matter, Minister. I am sure both Minister Kiernan and Sean are grateful for your concern, but I refuse to discuss a student’s private matters with anyone except those who need to know.” Scrimgeour made a sour face, but followed the Aurors Williamson and Shacklebolt out of the room nonetheless.
“Minister Kiernan, would you like to have a seat?” Dumbledore asked kindly.
Max didn’t move, and Sean wasn’t altogether surprised. “What did she do?” he asked again, cold as ever.
Dumbledore sighed calmly, “It appears that your daughter is an Empath, Minister.”
Sean inhaled suddenly and looked up to gaze at her Headmaster in disbelief, too stunned to say anything. Max Kiernan, however, was more confused than anything else, “What did you call her?”
Dumbledore placed a hand on the railings of her hospital cot and continued, “An Empath. They were rumored to be rare Seers, who could not only predict the future but experience and use the emotions of those around them to See in the present. They were only rumors, however, until your daughter. It seems she is the first of her kind.”
A horrible feeling began in Sean’s stomach, and she momentarily feared it was the same monster sensation she had experienced the previous evening – and wasn’t altogether comforted when she realized it was vomit. She swallowed hard and forced her stomach contents to stay where they were as Dumbledore paused to take a deep breath before continuing.
“Furthermore, seeing as Sean is also a Metamorphmagus, when she has Empathic episodes she takes on the emotional and physical characteristics of whomever she is experiencing.”
Sean looked at Dumbledore pleadingly, praying it was some sort of sick joke, before turning to her father – who appeared to share her urge to vomit. “A Seer…” he mumbled in desperation. “Like Catherine’s father?”
She gasped audibly and clapped a hand to her mouth, she had never heard her father say her mother’s name in memory, and he had never displayed any sort of comprehension of the magical world.
Dumbledore continued as if he hadn’t heard her, “Yes, like Kennan O’Riordan.”
“What about Seamus? Is he an Empath… or a metamorph-thing?”
“No, Seamus is a perfectly normal wizard – he is completely safe.” The Headmaster spoke sadly, though his blue eyes still twinkled.
Her father shifted his weight and crossed his arms. “Safe? Sean isn’t safe?”
“As long as she remains in the grounds of Hogwarts, I believe she is protected. However, if Lord Voldemort were to learn of her powers, I’m afraid to say that her life and liberty would be in great prejudice.” Dumbledore sighed as if it was almost painful to explain, “Because Sean is able to See in the present, she has the ability to eavesdrop and, to be frank, spy on anyone, anywhere. For instance, if you were to think of your son while Sean was having an Empathic experience, she could actually visualize him in her mind and tell you exactly what he was doing or saying.”
“Like Hagrid thinking of Harry…” Sean spoke for the first time, her voice cracking from lack of use, remembering her ‘episode’ outside the groundskeeper’s hut. “Or Professor McGonagall thinking about you.”
Dumbledore smiled sadly at her, “Or Professor Snape worrying about his duties as a member of the Order.”
“So what happened?” Max Kiernan asked suddenly, and rather loudly. “What happened to her last night?”
“Sean’s abilities are… somewhat suppressed, both Empathic and metamorphic. She has had to live a life of secrecy and concealment since birth…”
“Don’t you dare accuse me –” her father began, but Dumbledore spoke over him.
“Do you deny that your ex-wife hid her genealogy from you until Sean’s accidental outburst as a toddler? Or that you yourself attempted to force her to live as a muggle, punishing her if her hair somehow changed colors without explanation?” Max Kiernan seemed to crumble, though he remained standing. “Because Sean’s extraordinary gifts have been censored, the use of her talents is unintentional and often unwanted – forcing her to lose control of the situation rather rapidly. Last night, Sean was confronted by a set of circumstances that caused her to experience the frustration of another wizard at Hogwarts. Unfortunately, the situation was so intense and required so much magical ability that Sean had an outburst-of-sorts, during which time she accidentally tapped into her suppressed magical skills.”
The air in the white hospital room was tense and static as uncomfortable silence enveloped them all. Sean fought the urge to laugh, cry, and retch all at once, and concentrated on making her breathing steady. The silence was interrupted abruptly by Max Kiernan, “So what is a metamorph-thing?” he asked quietly – still not looking at his daughter.
Dumbledore frowned slightly, “They are rare witches or wizards born with the ability to change appearance at will. Sean’s abilities as an Empath and a Metamorphmagus are independent of one another, and as she learns to control her talents she should not change appearance during an Empathic experience.”
“I suppose you want me to pay for extra lessons so she can learn to control these ‘talents’, then?” Max said, his arrogance and audacity returning swiftly.
“I will offer lessons to Sean for the next term, and it is her decision to accept or refuse them. They will not require any fee.” Dumbledore said angrily, and Sean shivered as his blue eyes bore into her father.
Max Kiernan coughed uncomfortably, then straightened his jacket and looked at his daughter for the first time. “Come, Sean – it’s time to go.”
She slipped off the end of the cot and gave Professor Dumbledore an apologetic smile for her father’s rudeness before following Max Kiernan into the hallway.
* * * * * *
Sean was gripping George’s letter tightly in her hand as she knocked softly on her father’s study door only days later. Max Kiernan’s cold, harsh voice drifted under the doorway, “Enter.” She turned the doorknob slowly and approached her father’s desk boldly.
“Good morning, Father. I have a request.”
Her father spun his large, wingback chair to face her. “What is it?” he asked sharply. She stared into his kelly green eyes, briefly wondering why they were so different. In fact, if it weren’t for their similar appearance, Sean would question whether or not she had been adopted. Sean was her father’s daughter in appearance, whereas Seamus was his mother’s son. She often speculated if the judge had placed both herself and Seamus in their respective custodies because they looked so similar to one parent, but remembered how both her parents contested the split-custody decision year after year – both pleading for sole custody of both twins. It was only after the last appeal (when she was five) did her father give up and relocate them to his hometown in England and change their last name, distancing himself as far as possible from his ex-wife and ‘her kind’.
Sean supposed that the only reason he really despised the magical community was because it reminded him so much of his ex-wife and her deception. If she was honest with herself, Sean admitted that her father had a right to be angry and maybe even a little jealous. Still, Max Kiernan unfairly denied any existence of the magical world and enforced extremely limited contact with Cathleen Finnigan (who kept her married name to be spiteful more than anything else) and the son she was raising to be a wizard. His daughter, the daughter of the future Prime Minister of England, was going to be the perfect politician’s daughter – groomed specifically for his career. Indeed, Max used the connections of his wealthy parents to dive into the strictly normal world of politics, and rose to popularity significantly rapidly.
The world Sean knew as a child was extremely confusing, her mother telling her she was a witch with special powers every chance she got while her father claimed Cathleen Finnigan was a crazed lunatic. Finally, when Sean received her Hogwarts letter right around her eleventh birthday, her father had reached the breaking point. He unloaded onto her, yelling at her and blaming her for ruining his marriage (he was already remarried) and his chances as Prime Minister (he was to be elected only a few weeks later). Scared, Sean wrote to her brother whom she had been rather close with, though they mainly communicated through letters and the rare phone call, telling him what happened. A few days later, her mother showed up on the Kiernan Manor doorstep, threatening her father with all sorts of horrible-sounding curses unless he allowed her daughter to go to Hogwarts and accept her ‘birthright’.
After her parents’ last meeting, Max Kiernan never spoke to Sean to same way. He often ignored her presence or used excuses to get out of the house when she was home. She often wondered if he felt betrayed by her, but anger and resentment drowned any pity she may have felt for her father. Worst of all, Max seemed to have a renewed desire to be a presence in his son’s life as the twins turned thirteen, and often used contact with Seamus to spy on Sean and try to control her from a distance. Of this last development, Sean’s concern for her brother being used as a tool was overshadowed by her own sense of entrapment and betrayal by the men in her family. The one shining beacon of hope in Kiernan Manor was the possibility that her father would give her almost anything she asked for (though she rarely did), especially if it got her away from her perfectly normal half-siblings, two year old twins Mariah and Malcolm (lest she contaminate them).
“Well, what is it?” Max grumbled at her.
“I know it’s Christmas Eve, but my friends have invited me to their home for tonight… as well as the rest of the holidays. They’ll make sure I return to Hogwarts safely – their father works at the other Ministry. I’d like permission to go.” Sean said through a sigh.
Her father stood and looked down his nose at her, “What are their names?”
She ran her empty hand through her hair and fought a grin, “Fran and Georgia. They’re twins, in my year.”
Max rubbed a hand through his own messy, chocolate brown hair and sighed. “Fine, but they have to come and get you. No magic.”
Sean smiled politely, “Thank you, father.” She turned to leave, but stopped when her father called her name.
“Sean – take your presents.”
She walked back to his desk and took two envelopes from his hand. “Thank you, father. Happy Christmas.” She left his office swiftly and ran all the way to her room on the third floor, shutting the door behind her and falling onto her bed as she unraveled the crumpled letter from George and grabbed a click-pen.
Pick me up as soon as you can, but try not to use magic (sorry). Really, don’t worry – I’m fine. Can’t wait to see you both, S.
She re-folded the letter and moved off the bed to unlock her white eagle owl’s cage. “Wake up, Archimedes, I have a letter for you.” Archimedes ruffled his feathers and hopped out onto his post and held out his leg so she could tie the letter to it. “Take this to Fred and George as fast as you can, then head to the Burrow and I’ll be there soon.” She said soothingly as she pet him, and he hooted softly as he flew out the open window into the distance.
Sean walked back to her bed and flopped back onto her stomach as she grabbed the two unopened envelopes. The first was a nice letter from her grandparents and a banker’s receipt for another ten thousand pounds deposited into her trust fund, the second was a goblin receipt with an unfamiliar signature next to her father’s printed name for another ten thousand galleons in her Gringotts vault. As much as she wanted to, Sean couldn’t be too angry at her father for his usual gift. At least he actually went to Gringotts… he’s trying to be helpful, Sean she told herself, then pushed herself off her bed and began to repack the few things that had left her trunk since her arrival in anticipation of her trip to the Burrow.
Review, please!
Sean had never felt worse in her life than she did right now, sitting up on a cot in St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries – the Minister of Magic on one side of her bed and her Headmaster on the other, waiting for her father’s arrival. Minister Scrimgeour was cracking his knuckles in the chair on her right in between sending her reproachful glances; she had never met this Minister, but his predecessor had escorted her (along with a few Aurors) himself to her first day at Hogwarts. Perhaps this was one of the reasons Seamus always pretended they were strangers, maybe it was some latent jealousy that she had been awarded to her father’s custody instead of him.
Her wandering thoughts stopped abruptly as the private hospital room door ‘banged’ open to announce her father’s appearance, as well as that of the two Aurors guarding him. The bigger of the two Aurors closed the door behind her father and drew the blinds while Minister Scrimgeour and Professor Dumbledore both stood and approached him. Scrimgeour stuck out a hand to shake that of Max Kiernan, but he put a hand up to stop him. “Just tell me what she’s done now.” He said coldly, his green eyes boring into hers.
“Ahm, it seems there was an incident at her school yesterday evening, Minister Kiernan.” Scrimgeour said in his gruff tone.
“Yes, I’ve been informed as much. Exactly what did she do?” her father asked, and Sean let her head fall as she looked away.
“Shacklebolt, Williamson, Minister Scrimgeour, if you would be so kind as to wait outside.” Dumbledore said softly.
Sean smiled grimly as her father let out a noncommittal grunt – he probably didn’t want to lose his bodyguards, but he would never reveal such weakness in front of the ‘Other Minister’ as he liked to call him – nor would he like to be left in the presence of only his daughter and a ‘crackpot old codger’ like Dumbledore for a buffer.
“Dumbledore –” Scrimgeour began.
The Headmaster cut him off, “This is a private, family matter, Minister. I am sure both Minister Kiernan and Sean are grateful for your concern, but I refuse to discuss a student’s private matters with anyone except those who need to know.” Scrimgeour made a sour face, but followed the Aurors Williamson and Shacklebolt out of the room nonetheless.
“Minister Kiernan, would you like to have a seat?” Dumbledore asked kindly.
Max didn’t move, and Sean wasn’t altogether surprised. “What did she do?” he asked again, cold as ever.
Dumbledore sighed calmly, “It appears that your daughter is an Empath, Minister.”
Sean inhaled suddenly and looked up to gaze at her Headmaster in disbelief, too stunned to say anything. Max Kiernan, however, was more confused than anything else, “What did you call her?”
Dumbledore placed a hand on the railings of her hospital cot and continued, “An Empath. They were rumored to be rare Seers, who could not only predict the future but experience and use the emotions of those around them to See in the present. They were only rumors, however, until your daughter. It seems she is the first of her kind.”
A horrible feeling began in Sean’s stomach, and she momentarily feared it was the same monster sensation she had experienced the previous evening – and wasn’t altogether comforted when she realized it was vomit. She swallowed hard and forced her stomach contents to stay where they were as Dumbledore paused to take a deep breath before continuing.
“Furthermore, seeing as Sean is also a Metamorphmagus, when she has Empathic episodes she takes on the emotional and physical characteristics of whomever she is experiencing.”
Sean looked at Dumbledore pleadingly, praying it was some sort of sick joke, before turning to her father – who appeared to share her urge to vomit. “A Seer…” he mumbled in desperation. “Like Catherine’s father?”
She gasped audibly and clapped a hand to her mouth, she had never heard her father say her mother’s name in memory, and he had never displayed any sort of comprehension of the magical world.
Dumbledore continued as if he hadn’t heard her, “Yes, like Kennan O’Riordan.”
“What about Seamus? Is he an Empath… or a metamorph-thing?”
“No, Seamus is a perfectly normal wizard – he is completely safe.” The Headmaster spoke sadly, though his blue eyes still twinkled.
Her father shifted his weight and crossed his arms. “Safe? Sean isn’t safe?”
“As long as she remains in the grounds of Hogwarts, I believe she is protected. However, if Lord Voldemort were to learn of her powers, I’m afraid to say that her life and liberty would be in great prejudice.” Dumbledore sighed as if it was almost painful to explain, “Because Sean is able to See in the present, she has the ability to eavesdrop and, to be frank, spy on anyone, anywhere. For instance, if you were to think of your son while Sean was having an Empathic experience, she could actually visualize him in her mind and tell you exactly what he was doing or saying.”
“Like Hagrid thinking of Harry…” Sean spoke for the first time, her voice cracking from lack of use, remembering her ‘episode’ outside the groundskeeper’s hut. “Or Professor McGonagall thinking about you.”
Dumbledore smiled sadly at her, “Or Professor Snape worrying about his duties as a member of the Order.”
“So what happened?” Max Kiernan asked suddenly, and rather loudly. “What happened to her last night?”
“Sean’s abilities are… somewhat suppressed, both Empathic and metamorphic. She has had to live a life of secrecy and concealment since birth…”
“Don’t you dare accuse me –” her father began, but Dumbledore spoke over him.
“Do you deny that your ex-wife hid her genealogy from you until Sean’s accidental outburst as a toddler? Or that you yourself attempted to force her to live as a muggle, punishing her if her hair somehow changed colors without explanation?” Max Kiernan seemed to crumble, though he remained standing. “Because Sean’s extraordinary gifts have been censored, the use of her talents is unintentional and often unwanted – forcing her to lose control of the situation rather rapidly. Last night, Sean was confronted by a set of circumstances that caused her to experience the frustration of another wizard at Hogwarts. Unfortunately, the situation was so intense and required so much magical ability that Sean had an outburst-of-sorts, during which time she accidentally tapped into her suppressed magical skills.”
The air in the white hospital room was tense and static as uncomfortable silence enveloped them all. Sean fought the urge to laugh, cry, and retch all at once, and concentrated on making her breathing steady. The silence was interrupted abruptly by Max Kiernan, “So what is a metamorph-thing?” he asked quietly – still not looking at his daughter.
Dumbledore frowned slightly, “They are rare witches or wizards born with the ability to change appearance at will. Sean’s abilities as an Empath and a Metamorphmagus are independent of one another, and as she learns to control her talents she should not change appearance during an Empathic experience.”
“I suppose you want me to pay for extra lessons so she can learn to control these ‘talents’, then?” Max said, his arrogance and audacity returning swiftly.
“I will offer lessons to Sean for the next term, and it is her decision to accept or refuse them. They will not require any fee.” Dumbledore said angrily, and Sean shivered as his blue eyes bore into her father.
Max Kiernan coughed uncomfortably, then straightened his jacket and looked at his daughter for the first time. “Come, Sean – it’s time to go.”
She slipped off the end of the cot and gave Professor Dumbledore an apologetic smile for her father’s rudeness before following Max Kiernan into the hallway.
* * * * * *
Sean was gripping George’s letter tightly in her hand as she knocked softly on her father’s study door only days later. Max Kiernan’s cold, harsh voice drifted under the doorway, “Enter.” She turned the doorknob slowly and approached her father’s desk boldly.
“Good morning, Father. I have a request.”
Her father spun his large, wingback chair to face her. “What is it?” he asked sharply. She stared into his kelly green eyes, briefly wondering why they were so different. In fact, if it weren’t for their similar appearance, Sean would question whether or not she had been adopted. Sean was her father’s daughter in appearance, whereas Seamus was his mother’s son. She often speculated if the judge had placed both herself and Seamus in their respective custodies because they looked so similar to one parent, but remembered how both her parents contested the split-custody decision year after year – both pleading for sole custody of both twins. It was only after the last appeal (when she was five) did her father give up and relocate them to his hometown in England and change their last name, distancing himself as far as possible from his ex-wife and ‘her kind’.
Sean supposed that the only reason he really despised the magical community was because it reminded him so much of his ex-wife and her deception. If she was honest with herself, Sean admitted that her father had a right to be angry and maybe even a little jealous. Still, Max Kiernan unfairly denied any existence of the magical world and enforced extremely limited contact with Cathleen Finnigan (who kept her married name to be spiteful more than anything else) and the son she was raising to be a wizard. His daughter, the daughter of the future Prime Minister of England, was going to be the perfect politician’s daughter – groomed specifically for his career. Indeed, Max used the connections of his wealthy parents to dive into the strictly normal world of politics, and rose to popularity significantly rapidly.
The world Sean knew as a child was extremely confusing, her mother telling her she was a witch with special powers every chance she got while her father claimed Cathleen Finnigan was a crazed lunatic. Finally, when Sean received her Hogwarts letter right around her eleventh birthday, her father had reached the breaking point. He unloaded onto her, yelling at her and blaming her for ruining his marriage (he was already remarried) and his chances as Prime Minister (he was to be elected only a few weeks later). Scared, Sean wrote to her brother whom she had been rather close with, though they mainly communicated through letters and the rare phone call, telling him what happened. A few days later, her mother showed up on the Kiernan Manor doorstep, threatening her father with all sorts of horrible-sounding curses unless he allowed her daughter to go to Hogwarts and accept her ‘birthright’.
After her parents’ last meeting, Max Kiernan never spoke to Sean to same way. He often ignored her presence or used excuses to get out of the house when she was home. She often wondered if he felt betrayed by her, but anger and resentment drowned any pity she may have felt for her father. Worst of all, Max seemed to have a renewed desire to be a presence in his son’s life as the twins turned thirteen, and often used contact with Seamus to spy on Sean and try to control her from a distance. Of this last development, Sean’s concern for her brother being used as a tool was overshadowed by her own sense of entrapment and betrayal by the men in her family. The one shining beacon of hope in Kiernan Manor was the possibility that her father would give her almost anything she asked for (though she rarely did), especially if it got her away from her perfectly normal half-siblings, two year old twins Mariah and Malcolm (lest she contaminate them).
“Well, what is it?” Max grumbled at her.
“I know it’s Christmas Eve, but my friends have invited me to their home for tonight… as well as the rest of the holidays. They’ll make sure I return to Hogwarts safely – their father works at the other Ministry. I’d like permission to go.” Sean said through a sigh.
Her father stood and looked down his nose at her, “What are their names?”
She ran her empty hand through her hair and fought a grin, “Fran and Georgia. They’re twins, in my year.”
Max rubbed a hand through his own messy, chocolate brown hair and sighed. “Fine, but they have to come and get you. No magic.”
Sean smiled politely, “Thank you, father.” She turned to leave, but stopped when her father called her name.
“Sean – take your presents.”
She walked back to his desk and took two envelopes from his hand. “Thank you, father. Happy Christmas.” She left his office swiftly and ran all the way to her room on the third floor, shutting the door behind her and falling onto her bed as she unraveled the crumpled letter from George and grabbed a click-pen.
Pick me up as soon as you can, but try not to use magic (sorry). Really, don’t worry – I’m fine. Can’t wait to see you both, S.
She re-folded the letter and moved off the bed to unlock her white eagle owl’s cage. “Wake up, Archimedes, I have a letter for you.” Archimedes ruffled his feathers and hopped out onto his post and held out his leg so she could tie the letter to it. “Take this to Fred and George as fast as you can, then head to the Burrow and I’ll be there soon.” She said soothingly as she pet him, and he hooted softly as he flew out the open window into the distance.
Sean walked back to her bed and flopped back onto her stomach as she grabbed the two unopened envelopes. The first was a nice letter from her grandparents and a banker’s receipt for another ten thousand pounds deposited into her trust fund, the second was a goblin receipt with an unfamiliar signature next to her father’s printed name for another ten thousand galleons in her Gringotts vault. As much as she wanted to, Sean couldn’t be too angry at her father for his usual gift. At least he actually went to Gringotts… he’s trying to be helpful, Sean she told herself, then pushed herself off her bed and began to repack the few things that had left her trunk since her arrival in anticipation of her trip to the Burrow.
Review, please!
Sixteen: Complications and Politicians
Several hours later, Sean had left Kiernan Manor and was resting on one of the Weasley twin’s magically expanded beds next to George while Fred went to chat up a girl in one of the muggle shops in the next town. “He’s just an angry, bitter man.” Sean sighed; they were discussing Max Kiernan and his general lack of parenting skills.
“He’s your father, Sean, he’s not supposed to let that stuff out on you.” George said soothingly.
She pulled a pillow to herself and put it under her head and part of her chest, so it looked like she was hugging it as she lay on her stomach. “Unfortunately it’s not that simple… I think he wants to be a better father, but just doesn’t really know how. I mean, he did send Shacklebolt to Diagon Alley for my Christmas present… that’s something… But he tries so hard to control me when I’m not at home, and ignores me when I am…” Sean sighed again as George patted her hand softly. “George, don’t do that.”
He removed his hand quickly. “What?” he asked nervously.
“You don’t have to worry about me like that, I’m alright.” She had said the words before really thinking about them, but now that she did Sean realized there was a definite sense of worry emanating from the man on her right. “Wait a second…” She removed her hand from under the pillow and placed it over George’s chest to feel his heart beat, and she suddenly felt an overwhelming sadness. “George,” she began softly, “What’s wrong…”
Both Sean and George started as the bedroom door burst open to reveal a grinning Fred, his cheeks flushed from returning in the snowy winter wind. “Hey, I –” he started, but stopped when he saw his brother and best friend laying on their sides facing each other, Sean’s hand upon George’s chest.
“Fred, come ‘ere!” Sean said, barely registering the tense air that entered the room with him. Fred walked over to the bed and flopped down on Sean’s left and she rolled over to face him, then placed a hand over his chest. “Check this out…” She closed her eyes and focused on draining herself of all emotion, when she suddenly felt a very specific kind of excitement. “Oh my God…”
“What?” Fred and George said together, concerned.
Sean rolled over back to her right to face George, “He snogged her! He snogged the girl in the muggle shop!”
They both burst out laughing, but Fred was not amused. “Hey, how did you… That’s not fair!”
“Oh, this is so cool - I’m going to get you back for nearly two years of teasing… you are both so screwed…” Sean laughed, despite both twins’ indignation.
“Whoa, Sean…” Fred said suddenly.
“What?” She asked, still grinning.
He rolled over to his other side, then came back and handed her a mirror. She wasn’t entirely surprised to see her hair had turned the exact same shade as that of her best friends’, nor the freckles that seemed to pop up on the apples of her cheeks. “Well, I guess it’s like Dumbledore said – I’ve got to learn how to control it, or something.”
“George?” a hidden voice asked behind the doorway, and Harry entered the bedroom somewhat anxiously.
George pushed himself up and rested on his right forearm, “What’s up, Harry?”
“Your mum’s looking for you.” He said, suddenly forlorn looking.
“Bloody hell…” George muttered as he leapt off the bed and followed Harry from the room.
In the silence that ensued, Sean sighed and made herself comfortable as she and Fred lay on their backs, staring at the ceiling. “So, was she a good snog?” Sean grinned as she turned to Fred.
Fred punched her softly in the arm, “Oh, shut up.”
She pushed herself onto her forearms, “What?! I don’t think so – after all the cheek I got for being with Oliver --” Her smile faded as her thoughts crashed to a stop – she still thought about him from time-to-time, but it was the first time she had said his name out loud since the break-up.
Fred copied her motions and sat up on his forearms. “Sean? You okay?”
Sean shook herself slightly. “M’fine. Just… just thinking…”
He sighed deeply, “I thought you were over him.”
His statement took her by surprise. “I never said that… I mean, I am – I’m not in love with him anymore… but it still sucks. I just wish we had ended it on better terms.” She sighed and slid her arms out from under her to lie on her back again, pulling her knees up.
“So you don’t love him anymore?” Fred asked softly, his eyes staring into his own chest.
She shrugged, “Well, not like that but –” Her sentence was cut-off as Fred turned into her, his chest on top of hers, and placed a hand on her cheek as he put his lips to hers.
She didn’t know what to do – let him kiss her, push him off, protest, kiss him back… it happened so fast and her eyes had closed of their own accord. After what may have been days, she forced herself to put her free hand on his chest and gently push him; he broke apart from her and whispered “What is it?” in the kindest tone she had ever heard him use. It was almost enough to make her want him to kiss her again, almost…
“Fred, I—” Sean began, but she was cut off yet again by a small ‘bang’ coming from the doorway. They both angled themselves to see the cause of the noise (Fred’s hand somehow moving from her cheek to her waist as he did so) and Sean’s eyes widened in horror as George stood in the doorway - his face livid as his body shook with anger and fear, and his right hand tightly gripping the wand that had issued the ‘bang’ (as well as the red sparks rolling around on the floor).
Sean thought for a terrible moment that he was going to curse them both into the next millennium, but instead he turned and dashed from the room. “George!” she yelled at his back, pushing the stunned Fred off her as she left the bed and moved to follow him.
“Sean!?” Fred said in surprise, his alarm mingled with resentment.
She turned back to him for a moment, glanced at the doorway again, then gave Fred a fleeting, apologetic look before biting her bottom lip as she ran out the door after George.
* * * * * *
Following the worst Christmas Eve was the most depressing Christmas Day ever; both George and Fred weren’t talking to her, and even Harry seemed randomly distant. In fact, Sean found herself spending most of Christmas Day with Ron, especially since Harry’s distance appeared to apply to him as well. “Thanks again for the book, Sean.” Ron said, turning Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus over in his hands.
“I know you’re not much of a bookworm, but trust me when I say you need it.” She grinned weakly. “And thanks for the Ice Mice, Ron – I’ve had a craving for them for a while.”
“No problem.” Ron responded with a wide smile. They walked one-after-another down the winding staircase for Christmas dinner, an event Sean was not looking forward to, when Ron asked suddenly, “Is everything okay?”
Sean stopped and turned to look up at him (since he was a few steps behind her), “Why do you ask?”
“You’re hair… it’s been like that all day, was it on purpose?” he asked anxiously.
She looked down to see the hair that had fallen in front of her shoulders a watery, almost translucent blue. Sean tried to muster the energy to change it back, but he finger remained obstinately still. “Yeah, I meant for it to change.” She sighed, then turned to go back towards the kitchen.
“Sean!” Mrs. Weasley exclaimed suddenly, sweeping her into a hug. “Where’ve you been all day? I’ve been wanting to thank you for my present!”
She smiled feebly and shrugged, “It was nothing Molly, really… you and Arthur have put me up so many times… And thank you for my sweater.” Sean held out the bottom of her scarlet sweater with a golden Gryffindor lion worked upon the front.
Mrs. Weasley beamed at her, “It’s our pleasure, dear. Thank you again for the Impenetrable Spray – it’ll come in handy when the boys get a little too rough! But sweetheart, what’ve you done to your hair?” She asked as she ushered her into a seat in between George and Harry, and directly across from Fred.
“Nothing, really… just a potion gone awry.” Sean laughed weakly.
“My goodness, this can’t be Sean Kiernan?” a barely-familiar voice asked from beside Harry.
She turned to see her former Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, Remus Lupin, smiling softly at her. “Professor Lupin, it’s good to see you again.” Sean said, standing to shake his hand and then retaking her seat.
Lupin gave her a calculating smile, “Your hair wasn’t always that color, was it? Nor your eyes…?”
Sean inhaled sharply and looked down, sadness and embarrassment overwhelming her as she realized her eyes were probably the same pale blue color as her hair. She looked back up at Professor Lupin to respond, but Harry but her off. “She’s a Metamorphmagus.” He said quietly, yet harshly as well.
The small grin faded from Lupin’s face, “Oh.”
She looked back down at her plate and bit her lip hard, refusing to break down at the Weasley’s dinner table. She couldn’t do anything right, even though she hadn’t done anything wrong. Sean poked at her food with her fork and ate small bites every now and then (so as not to offend Mrs. Weasley), while Harry and Lupin spoke in hushed tones on her right and George ignored her with deafening silence.
In fact, Sean didn’t look up from her plate once until Mrs. Weasley suddenly exclaimed “Arthur! Arthur – it’s Percy!”
“What?” Mr. Weasley replied, his voice just as loud and stunned as that of his wife. Everyone looked quickly to the window, and sure enough – Percy Weasley was striding across the snowy yard, but he was not alone.
“Arthur, he’s – he’s with the Minister!” Mrs. Weasley yelped, and Sean felt a horrible tightening in her chest as she though for a terrifying moment that Molly meant her father.
The prodigal son opened the back door and entered determinedly, and Sean let out a great sigh of relief as she recognized the lion-like Minister of Magic - instead of her father. “Merry Christmas, Mother.” Percy said stiffly after a few moments of the same, painful silence Sean had been experiencing from George.
“Oh, Percy!” said Mrs. Weasley, and she threw herself into his arms.
Minister Scrimgeour side-stepped away from Percy and Molly and coughed as if to call for a little decorum. “You must forgive this intrusion, Percy and I were in the vicinity – working, you know – and he couldn’t resist dropping in and seeing you all.” Mrs. Weasley seemed beside herself as she sobbed into Percy’s chest, but her third-eldest son seemed as distant and cold as ever – as if seeing his family was the last thing he wanted to do just now. “Well, I can see that you’ve got some catching up to do, so why doesn’t someone show me around the charming garden outside… Ah, that young man’s finished, why doesn’t he take a stroll with me?”
At first, Sean wondered why he had mistaken her for a boy as he seemed to be pointing right at her, but she then realized he meant Harry – and the atmosphere in the small kitchen changed dramatically. She could tell that no one else bought the Minister’s pretense that he didn’t know Harry’s name or had chosen someone randomly to accompany him, when Fleur and Ginny were both sitting much closer to the Minister and had clean plates as well.
She looked to Harry, his face and eyes downcast while his body exuded tension as he stood up, “Yeah, all right.” For some reason, she felt a sudden worry for him – even though she had met the Minister and didn’t think he would cause Harry any harm. Sean immediately realized the feeling was foreign and not her own when Professor Lupin half-rose from his chair in protest before Harry said quietly “I’m fine,” a sentiment he repeated when Arthur opened his mouth to protest, “Fine.”
“Wonderful!” Scrimgeour said as he followed Harry out the door, “We’ll just take a turn around the garden, and Percy and I’ll be off. Carry on, everyone!” The door creaked and closed behind them, but the tension did not leave with them.
“Oh, Percy!” Mrs. Weasley kept repeating, still sobbing all over him.
Percy put his hands to his mother’s shoulders and held her away from him, “All right, Mother, that’s enough.” He patted her awkwardly.
“Perce! You haven’t heard the news – Bill’s engaged!” she said, her voice still unnaturally high. She pulled him over to meet Fleur, and the two exchanged a hand shake and very brief pleasantries. “Oh, and you remember Sean and Remus?” she added, signaling them as she spoke.
Professor Lupin shook his hand and said a quick ‘hello’, whereas Sean just nodded curtly. She hadn’t forgotten the way he had treated the Weasley’s, and especially how cruel he was to his own mother – but she also acknowledged the burning resentment inside her might not all be her own, seeing as how she was near two twins who held a particularly fierce grudge against their older brother. The anger was starting to boil inside of her, and Sean got up from her seat and took her plate to the sink to wash it in order to remove herself from the mounting hostility at the table. She sighed as the aggression in her began to subside as she listening to the running water, drowning out all other noise until the door ‘slammed’ open and Harry came marching in to rejoin the table.
Minister Scrimgeour was not far behind, and he signaled for Percy to approach him and whispered in his ear briefly. Percy’s stony face seemed to lose the little color it had, and he left the Minister’s side back to his mother looking more sullen than ever. The Minister, however, made no pretenses this time as he looked directly as Sean and asked, “Ms. Kiernan, a word?”
There was a loud squeaking of chairs as George, Fred, Harry, and Mr. Weasley all stood up quickly, glaring at the Minister. Sean just sighed, “Yes, sir.”
“Sean…” Mr. Weasley began, but she put up a hand to stop him.
“It’s alright, Arthur – I’ll be right outside.” Sean forced a weak smile as she followed Scrimgeour into the garden, knowing that some of their concerned indignation was for Harry’s sake as well as her own.
The door creaked to a close and Sean followed the slightly limping Minister into the snow-covered garden. “I wasn't expecting you here tonight, but I have a problem, Sean, and I think you can fix it.”
She was taken back by his forceful and blatant tone – he was not going to play games with her, something she figured he might have been trying to do with Harry. “I doubt it, sir.”
Scrimgeour narrowed his eyes as he studied her. “What happened at Hogwarts? Why were you sent to St. Mungo’s?”
Sean crossed her arms and shifted her weight to her right leg, her right hip jutting out to the side in offense. “I’m afraid that’s my private business, Minister, just like Dumbledore told you.”
“How many times have you gone to the hospital wing at school? Why is Dumbledore protecting you?” He hunched over as he spoke to her, as if trying to extract information from her physically.
“That’s none of your business, and I believe that Dumbledore protects the privacy of all his students.” Sean said harshly, ignoring the building frustration she knew was not her own.
“Is it true? Kennan O’Riordan’s grandchild is an Empath? Can you See? What do you know?” He yelled the last phrase at her, his voice echoing over the snowy garden and surrounding field.
“I am just an average sixth year, that’s all.” She said, forcing herself to stay calm.
Scrimgeour frowned angrily, “You’re a Metamorphmagus, one of only two, I’d say, living in Britain.”
“Not really, it’s just hair dye and contacts.” Sean said off-handedly.
The Minister drew closer to her, his nose only inches from hers as he pointed an accusatory finger at her throat. “If you are what I think you are, it is your duty to the Ministry of Magic to aid us in whatever we require.” He was so close, Sean could see his breath on the cold, Christmas air.
“If I was what you think I am, then that would still be false. I would never recognize any loyalty to a government that wanted to use me for their own dubious motives.” Sean said quietly, barely more than a whisper.
“Then you would be committing treason!” Scrimgeour yelled, the echoes of his voice dying away as the door to the Burrow wrenched open to reveal a parsnip-covered Percy storming out, as well as Mr. Weasley and Professor Lupin heading towards the infuriated Minister.
Sean turned back to face Scrimgeour, “Good day, Minister.” She nodded to the Minister and returned to the Burrow, flanked by Arthur and Lupin, yet she did not feel comforted.
Told ya, lance!
Several hours later, Sean had left Kiernan Manor and was resting on one of the Weasley twin’s magically expanded beds next to George while Fred went to chat up a girl in one of the muggle shops in the next town. “He’s just an angry, bitter man.” Sean sighed; they were discussing Max Kiernan and his general lack of parenting skills.
“He’s your father, Sean, he’s not supposed to let that stuff out on you.” George said soothingly.
She pulled a pillow to herself and put it under her head and part of her chest, so it looked like she was hugging it as she lay on her stomach. “Unfortunately it’s not that simple… I think he wants to be a better father, but just doesn’t really know how. I mean, he did send Shacklebolt to Diagon Alley for my Christmas present… that’s something… But he tries so hard to control me when I’m not at home, and ignores me when I am…” Sean sighed again as George patted her hand softly. “George, don’t do that.”
He removed his hand quickly. “What?” he asked nervously.
“You don’t have to worry about me like that, I’m alright.” She had said the words before really thinking about them, but now that she did Sean realized there was a definite sense of worry emanating from the man on her right. “Wait a second…” She removed her hand from under the pillow and placed it over George’s chest to feel his heart beat, and she suddenly felt an overwhelming sadness. “George,” she began softly, “What’s wrong…”
Both Sean and George started as the bedroom door burst open to reveal a grinning Fred, his cheeks flushed from returning in the snowy winter wind. “Hey, I –” he started, but stopped when he saw his brother and best friend laying on their sides facing each other, Sean’s hand upon George’s chest.
“Fred, come ‘ere!” Sean said, barely registering the tense air that entered the room with him. Fred walked over to the bed and flopped down on Sean’s left and she rolled over to face him, then placed a hand over his chest. “Check this out…” She closed her eyes and focused on draining herself of all emotion, when she suddenly felt a very specific kind of excitement. “Oh my God…”
“What?” Fred and George said together, concerned.
Sean rolled over back to her right to face George, “He snogged her! He snogged the girl in the muggle shop!”
They both burst out laughing, but Fred was not amused. “Hey, how did you… That’s not fair!”
“Oh, this is so cool - I’m going to get you back for nearly two years of teasing… you are both so screwed…” Sean laughed, despite both twins’ indignation.
“Whoa, Sean…” Fred said suddenly.
“What?” She asked, still grinning.
He rolled over to his other side, then came back and handed her a mirror. She wasn’t entirely surprised to see her hair had turned the exact same shade as that of her best friends’, nor the freckles that seemed to pop up on the apples of her cheeks. “Well, I guess it’s like Dumbledore said – I’ve got to learn how to control it, or something.”
“George?” a hidden voice asked behind the doorway, and Harry entered the bedroom somewhat anxiously.
George pushed himself up and rested on his right forearm, “What’s up, Harry?”
“Your mum’s looking for you.” He said, suddenly forlorn looking.
“Bloody hell…” George muttered as he leapt off the bed and followed Harry from the room.
In the silence that ensued, Sean sighed and made herself comfortable as she and Fred lay on their backs, staring at the ceiling. “So, was she a good snog?” Sean grinned as she turned to Fred.
Fred punched her softly in the arm, “Oh, shut up.”
She pushed herself onto her forearms, “What?! I don’t think so – after all the cheek I got for being with Oliver --” Her smile faded as her thoughts crashed to a stop – she still thought about him from time-to-time, but it was the first time she had said his name out loud since the break-up.
Fred copied her motions and sat up on his forearms. “Sean? You okay?”
Sean shook herself slightly. “M’fine. Just… just thinking…”
He sighed deeply, “I thought you were over him.”
His statement took her by surprise. “I never said that… I mean, I am – I’m not in love with him anymore… but it still sucks. I just wish we had ended it on better terms.” She sighed and slid her arms out from under her to lie on her back again, pulling her knees up.
“So you don’t love him anymore?” Fred asked softly, his eyes staring into his own chest.
She shrugged, “Well, not like that but –” Her sentence was cut-off as Fred turned into her, his chest on top of hers, and placed a hand on her cheek as he put his lips to hers.
She didn’t know what to do – let him kiss her, push him off, protest, kiss him back… it happened so fast and her eyes had closed of their own accord. After what may have been days, she forced herself to put her free hand on his chest and gently push him; he broke apart from her and whispered “What is it?” in the kindest tone she had ever heard him use. It was almost enough to make her want him to kiss her again, almost…
“Fred, I—” Sean began, but she was cut off yet again by a small ‘bang’ coming from the doorway. They both angled themselves to see the cause of the noise (Fred’s hand somehow moving from her cheek to her waist as he did so) and Sean’s eyes widened in horror as George stood in the doorway - his face livid as his body shook with anger and fear, and his right hand tightly gripping the wand that had issued the ‘bang’ (as well as the red sparks rolling around on the floor).
Sean thought for a terrible moment that he was going to curse them both into the next millennium, but instead he turned and dashed from the room. “George!” she yelled at his back, pushing the stunned Fred off her as she left the bed and moved to follow him.
“Sean!?” Fred said in surprise, his alarm mingled with resentment.
She turned back to him for a moment, glanced at the doorway again, then gave Fred a fleeting, apologetic look before biting her bottom lip as she ran out the door after George.
* * * * * *
Following the worst Christmas Eve was the most depressing Christmas Day ever; both George and Fred weren’t talking to her, and even Harry seemed randomly distant. In fact, Sean found herself spending most of Christmas Day with Ron, especially since Harry’s distance appeared to apply to him as well. “Thanks again for the book, Sean.” Ron said, turning Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus over in his hands.
“I know you’re not much of a bookworm, but trust me when I say you need it.” She grinned weakly. “And thanks for the Ice Mice, Ron – I’ve had a craving for them for a while.”
“No problem.” Ron responded with a wide smile. They walked one-after-another down the winding staircase for Christmas dinner, an event Sean was not looking forward to, when Ron asked suddenly, “Is everything okay?”
Sean stopped and turned to look up at him (since he was a few steps behind her), “Why do you ask?”
“You’re hair… it’s been like that all day, was it on purpose?” he asked anxiously.
She looked down to see the hair that had fallen in front of her shoulders a watery, almost translucent blue. Sean tried to muster the energy to change it back, but he finger remained obstinately still. “Yeah, I meant for it to change.” She sighed, then turned to go back towards the kitchen.
“Sean!” Mrs. Weasley exclaimed suddenly, sweeping her into a hug. “Where’ve you been all day? I’ve been wanting to thank you for my present!”
She smiled feebly and shrugged, “It was nothing Molly, really… you and Arthur have put me up so many times… And thank you for my sweater.” Sean held out the bottom of her scarlet sweater with a golden Gryffindor lion worked upon the front.
Mrs. Weasley beamed at her, “It’s our pleasure, dear. Thank you again for the Impenetrable Spray – it’ll come in handy when the boys get a little too rough! But sweetheart, what’ve you done to your hair?” She asked as she ushered her into a seat in between George and Harry, and directly across from Fred.
“Nothing, really… just a potion gone awry.” Sean laughed weakly.
“My goodness, this can’t be Sean Kiernan?” a barely-familiar voice asked from beside Harry.
She turned to see her former Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, Remus Lupin, smiling softly at her. “Professor Lupin, it’s good to see you again.” Sean said, standing to shake his hand and then retaking her seat.
Lupin gave her a calculating smile, “Your hair wasn’t always that color, was it? Nor your eyes…?”
Sean inhaled sharply and looked down, sadness and embarrassment overwhelming her as she realized her eyes were probably the same pale blue color as her hair. She looked back up at Professor Lupin to respond, but Harry but her off. “She’s a Metamorphmagus.” He said quietly, yet harshly as well.
The small grin faded from Lupin’s face, “Oh.”
She looked back down at her plate and bit her lip hard, refusing to break down at the Weasley’s dinner table. She couldn’t do anything right, even though she hadn’t done anything wrong. Sean poked at her food with her fork and ate small bites every now and then (so as not to offend Mrs. Weasley), while Harry and Lupin spoke in hushed tones on her right and George ignored her with deafening silence.
In fact, Sean didn’t look up from her plate once until Mrs. Weasley suddenly exclaimed “Arthur! Arthur – it’s Percy!”
“What?” Mr. Weasley replied, his voice just as loud and stunned as that of his wife. Everyone looked quickly to the window, and sure enough – Percy Weasley was striding across the snowy yard, but he was not alone.
“Arthur, he’s – he’s with the Minister!” Mrs. Weasley yelped, and Sean felt a horrible tightening in her chest as she though for a terrifying moment that Molly meant her father.
The prodigal son opened the back door and entered determinedly, and Sean let out a great sigh of relief as she recognized the lion-like Minister of Magic - instead of her father. “Merry Christmas, Mother.” Percy said stiffly after a few moments of the same, painful silence Sean had been experiencing from George.
“Oh, Percy!” said Mrs. Weasley, and she threw herself into his arms.
Minister Scrimgeour side-stepped away from Percy and Molly and coughed as if to call for a little decorum. “You must forgive this intrusion, Percy and I were in the vicinity – working, you know – and he couldn’t resist dropping in and seeing you all.” Mrs. Weasley seemed beside herself as she sobbed into Percy’s chest, but her third-eldest son seemed as distant and cold as ever – as if seeing his family was the last thing he wanted to do just now. “Well, I can see that you’ve got some catching up to do, so why doesn’t someone show me around the charming garden outside… Ah, that young man’s finished, why doesn’t he take a stroll with me?”
At first, Sean wondered why he had mistaken her for a boy as he seemed to be pointing right at her, but she then realized he meant Harry – and the atmosphere in the small kitchen changed dramatically. She could tell that no one else bought the Minister’s pretense that he didn’t know Harry’s name or had chosen someone randomly to accompany him, when Fleur and Ginny were both sitting much closer to the Minister and had clean plates as well.
She looked to Harry, his face and eyes downcast while his body exuded tension as he stood up, “Yeah, all right.” For some reason, she felt a sudden worry for him – even though she had met the Minister and didn’t think he would cause Harry any harm. Sean immediately realized the feeling was foreign and not her own when Professor Lupin half-rose from his chair in protest before Harry said quietly “I’m fine,” a sentiment he repeated when Arthur opened his mouth to protest, “Fine.”
“Wonderful!” Scrimgeour said as he followed Harry out the door, “We’ll just take a turn around the garden, and Percy and I’ll be off. Carry on, everyone!” The door creaked and closed behind them, but the tension did not leave with them.
“Oh, Percy!” Mrs. Weasley kept repeating, still sobbing all over him.
Percy put his hands to his mother’s shoulders and held her away from him, “All right, Mother, that’s enough.” He patted her awkwardly.
“Perce! You haven’t heard the news – Bill’s engaged!” she said, her voice still unnaturally high. She pulled him over to meet Fleur, and the two exchanged a hand shake and very brief pleasantries. “Oh, and you remember Sean and Remus?” she added, signaling them as she spoke.
Professor Lupin shook his hand and said a quick ‘hello’, whereas Sean just nodded curtly. She hadn’t forgotten the way he had treated the Weasley’s, and especially how cruel he was to his own mother – but she also acknowledged the burning resentment inside her might not all be her own, seeing as how she was near two twins who held a particularly fierce grudge against their older brother. The anger was starting to boil inside of her, and Sean got up from her seat and took her plate to the sink to wash it in order to remove herself from the mounting hostility at the table. She sighed as the aggression in her began to subside as she listening to the running water, drowning out all other noise until the door ‘slammed’ open and Harry came marching in to rejoin the table.
Minister Scrimgeour was not far behind, and he signaled for Percy to approach him and whispered in his ear briefly. Percy’s stony face seemed to lose the little color it had, and he left the Minister’s side back to his mother looking more sullen than ever. The Minister, however, made no pretenses this time as he looked directly as Sean and asked, “Ms. Kiernan, a word?”
There was a loud squeaking of chairs as George, Fred, Harry, and Mr. Weasley all stood up quickly, glaring at the Minister. Sean just sighed, “Yes, sir.”
“Sean…” Mr. Weasley began, but she put up a hand to stop him.
“It’s alright, Arthur – I’ll be right outside.” Sean forced a weak smile as she followed Scrimgeour into the garden, knowing that some of their concerned indignation was for Harry’s sake as well as her own.
The door creaked to a close and Sean followed the slightly limping Minister into the snow-covered garden. “I wasn't expecting you here tonight, but I have a problem, Sean, and I think you can fix it.”
She was taken back by his forceful and blatant tone – he was not going to play games with her, something she figured he might have been trying to do with Harry. “I doubt it, sir.”
Scrimgeour narrowed his eyes as he studied her. “What happened at Hogwarts? Why were you sent to St. Mungo’s?”
Sean crossed her arms and shifted her weight to her right leg, her right hip jutting out to the side in offense. “I’m afraid that’s my private business, Minister, just like Dumbledore told you.”
“How many times have you gone to the hospital wing at school? Why is Dumbledore protecting you?” He hunched over as he spoke to her, as if trying to extract information from her physically.
“That’s none of your business, and I believe that Dumbledore protects the privacy of all his students.” Sean said harshly, ignoring the building frustration she knew was not her own.
“Is it true? Kennan O’Riordan’s grandchild is an Empath? Can you See? What do you know?” He yelled the last phrase at her, his voice echoing over the snowy garden and surrounding field.
“I am just an average sixth year, that’s all.” She said, forcing herself to stay calm.
Scrimgeour frowned angrily, “You’re a Metamorphmagus, one of only two, I’d say, living in Britain.”
“Not really, it’s just hair dye and contacts.” Sean said off-handedly.
The Minister drew closer to her, his nose only inches from hers as he pointed an accusatory finger at her throat. “If you are what I think you are, it is your duty to the Ministry of Magic to aid us in whatever we require.” He was so close, Sean could see his breath on the cold, Christmas air.
“If I was what you think I am, then that would still be false. I would never recognize any loyalty to a government that wanted to use me for their own dubious motives.” Sean said quietly, barely more than a whisper.
“Then you would be committing treason!” Scrimgeour yelled, the echoes of his voice dying away as the door to the Burrow wrenched open to reveal a parsnip-covered Percy storming out, as well as Mr. Weasley and Professor Lupin heading towards the infuriated Minister.
Sean turned back to face Scrimgeour, “Good day, Minister.” She nodded to the Minister and returned to the Burrow, flanked by Arthur and Lupin, yet she did not feel comforted.
Told ya, lance!
Seventeen: Repeats and Returns
Sean was packing her trunk alongside Ginny one morning a few days after New Year - they were preparing to return to Hogwarts later that afternoon by Floo Network. Sean stopped for a moment and gazed out Ginny’s window, hoping to see a small, white speck flying towards them in the light blue sky; Sean had written a long letter to Hermione and sent it (along with her Christmas present) with Archimedes over a week ago, but there was still no response. She sighed heavily as she ran a hand through her still-pale blue hair and resumed packing.
She pulled a package off her bed without looking at it and placed it in her trunk before realizing it was her unopened present from Fred. She looked up at her bed and noticed another unopened package from George, and bit her lip as regret and anger began to swell inside her. “Hey Ginny, I’m going to take a break and grab some cocoa or something – do you want anything?” she asked with a forced calm.
“Nah, that’s alright, but thanks.” Ginny smiled sweetly at her.
She tried to return the smile and left the room, heading downstairs towards the kitchen which was (thankfully) quiet as Mrs. Weasley was upstairs examining Harry and Ron’s trunks. Sean made herself a cup of cocoa turned to face the kitchen as she leaned against the countertop. She had only taken her first sip when her refuge was interrupted by George thumping down the stairs to get some breakfast. He paused in front of the staircase as the same, terrible silence passed in between them, and Sean rolled her eyes and turned around to put her cup in the sink so she could resume packing.
Sean turned back around and made her way for the staircase, even though George had yet to move. She stopped in front of him and folded her arms over her chest, but instead of moving out of the way – George walked straight towards Sean, took her by the elbow, and led her out the back door. The door creaked to a close before Sean tugged her arm away from him and asked “What? What do you want, George?” She could hear the anger and disappointment in her own voice, and she knew it was entirely her own.
George stuck his hands in his coat pocket and sighed gruffly. “I wanted to talk to you.”
“T-to talk? You want to talk to me… now? After ignoring me for a week?” She couldn’t believe he was doing this mere hours before she left for school.
He disregarded her comment and continued, “What’s going on between you and Fred?”
She shook her head in disbelief, but spoke calmly and softly, “Nothing. Nothing at all.” Sean turned to walk back inside, assuming that George had asked all he wanted.
“Why?” he asked suddenly, and rather loudly, as he stepped towards her.
“You know why!” Sean exclaimed, her voice and frustration rising as she threw up her hands.
George looked down then back to her, “Pretend I don’t. Explain it to me.”
Sean laughed shortly in incredulity. “Because of you!”
“So, you and Fred aren’t together… because of me?” He said to clarify.
“Of course, George.” She said softly, and looked away from his calculating eyes. George caught her off-guard as he rushed towards her, removed his hands from his pockets, enfolded her in his arms, and began to kiss her. “George!” she tried to say through half-closed lips, “Stop it… STOP IT!” She put her hands on his chest and pulled her head away, though George kept his arms around her waist as he stared at her in shocked anger.
“But you said you’re not with him because of me!” he yelled accusingly.
Sean pushed him away from her and took a few steps back, “The same way I’m not with you because of him.” She spoke softly, trying her best not to yell at him.
“So, you don’t love me, then?” George said to the ground, his voice sounded broken – as if someone had just died.
She ran her hands through her hair, “I love you both, equally. You’re my best friends.” Sean was pleading with George, begging him to understand once and for all. A heavy silence fell over them as George replaced his hands back in his pockets and stared at his footprints in the snow. She shook her head in disappointment and finally admitted what she had known for so long, “I cannot be this person for you, George… You can’t put me in the middle like this – it’s not fair!”
“Then choose! Pick one of us… pick me!” he implored as he yelled.
“I cannot be this person, this prize… I won’t be the trophy that finally decides who’s better than the other!” Sean was yelling now, though the pleading in her voice still rang through. “If I chose you, I would lose Fred… If I chose Fred, I would lose you – and I can’t do that… I don’t know what I would do without both of you in my life… Ugh, I wish it wasn’t this way! I wish for it every, single, day of my life…” George still wasn’t looking at her, and she was fed up. “I love you, so much… but I cannot make this decision for you – I refuse to make you decide to be a better man…” George finally looked up at her, his eyes meeting hers as she continued. “I can’t do this anymore… I’m done…” she finished quietly, and turned to walk away from George just as she had done with Fred.
“Sean, wait! I love you…” George pleaded, and for a moment Sean thought he was going to kiss her again as he spun her around – but he simply embraced her tightly and whispered in her ear, “I’m in love with you…” There were tears in his voice.
She pressed her arms into her sides, forcing herself not to hug him back. “I know.” He relaxed his grip and Sean she slid from his arms, walking solemnly back to the Burrow with her eyes fixated on the ground beneath her.
* * * * * *
“Sean!” She spun around to see where the voice was coming from, especially since Harry, Ron, and Ginny were all in front of her as they made their way to Gryffindor Tower after arriving at Hogwarts via the Floo Network. She smiled to see Hermione jogging to catch up to her, her trunk rumbling along beside her. Hermione let go of her trunk as she reached Sean and hugged her tightly, “I’ve been so worried about you! My parents and I went abroad for the holiday to visit family and I only got your letter yesterday!”
Sean sighed in relief, “I thought maybe you were angry with me as well…”
Hermione grabbed the handle of her trunk and they continued walking towards Gryffindor Tower, not noticing Harry and Ron lagging behind for them (Ginny had gone up to meet with Dean). “No! Why would I be mad at you?”
She shrugged, “I dunno, maybe for being at the Burrow when you weren’t?”
“Sean, that made me feel sorry for you, not angry with you.” Hermione grinned.
“Ah-hem…” a male voice began, and both girls looked up to see Ron fake-coughing a few paces in front of them.
Hermione rolled her eyes, “Anyway, how are you doing? Are you feeling any better since the hospital? You know, I wondered if it wasn’t more than just being a Metamorphmagus… I like your hair, by the way. Oh, and I can’t believe Fred – what an arse!” she rambled.
“I’m fine, feeling way better, thanks but I hate it, believe it ‘cause it happened, and wait ‘till I tell you about this morning…” Sean responded, surprisingly calm.
“Fred?”
“George…” Sean lowered her already-quiet voice, “We’ll talk about this when we get to the dorms.” She nodded to Harry and Ron, who had both lingered back towards the girls so they were barely a step in front of them.
They all reached Gryffindor Tower rather quickly, and Sean and Hermione immediately separated themselves from the boys to discuss the holiday’s events in privacy. Thankfully, Lavender and Parvati hadn’t yet arrived, and Sean threw herself into a long explanation of everything that happened, not forsaking any details (as she had to do in the letter, or else it would’ve been incredibly long). Hermione was wonderfully supportive, validating Sean’s confusion and frustration with her gasps, incredulous exclamations, and name-calling (especially when it came to the twins). “…and on top of everything, I think Harry’s mad at me – but I can’t figure out what it is for the life of me!”
“I’m sure Harry’s just being moody – he does that from time to time. I’m still in shock over George and Fred! Their behavior is atrocious!” Hermione scolded.
Sean sighed, “I know… it’s so unlike them, too. I mean, they never follow any sorts of rules, or anything, but they’ve always been respectful of me…”
“Not really, Sean…” Hermione began, speaking softly and carefully. “Have they ever been respectful any other relationship you’ve had? I think they’re both angry that you dated an older boy and it wasn’t one of them, and they take it out on you, passive aggressively, by making fun of you.”
She thought about this for a moment. “You know, they hardly ever used to tease me before Oliver, unless I was completely asking for it…”
“Think about it – you were fourteen and they were sixteen; I’ll bet they thought you wouldn’t go for anyone above your own year, and then you start dating someone even older than they are!” Hermione explained, almost as if she were explaining a formula of some sort.
Sean eyed her suspiciously, “I assume you’ve already read your Christmas present?”
Hermione grinned and pulled out Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus from her trunk. “I can’t thank you enough, it’s been such an insight!”
She laughed and shook her head, “No problem. It’s been on all the bestseller lists in the muggle papers for a while now, and I thought it might be of some help. Anyway, enough about me – how was your holiday?”
Hermione grimaced and shrugged, “Ugh, boring as ever. When my grandparents moved to Greece, I thought it would be all beaches and sunshine… I never imagined we would be visiting when it’s bitterly cold outside…” They both laughed lightly, the air of stress had vanished. “Oh, you never told me what you decided to do about Divination?”
It was Sean’s turn to shrug, “I can’t really ‘not believe’ in it anymore, huh? I guess I should probably take these lessons Dumbledore wants me to, though I don’t know anything about this ‘Firenze’, do you?”
“I quit Divination when it was only Trelawney teaching, but Harry and Ron both had him. I’m sure it was interesting, though, they say centaurs are supposed to be natural Seers.” Hermione said off-handedly.
“Wait, he’s a centaur? Why didn’t McGonagall just say that from the off?”
Hermione gave her a disbelieving smile. “Would it have made a difference?”
“Well, yeah… I thought he was some crazy old fraud like Trelawney; centaurs are different, they really know things.” Sean shrugged again.
“Exactly how many centaurs do you know?” Hermione asked with furrowed brows.
“Well, really just one – Magorian; he’s the leader of the herd in the Forbidden Forest. He’s a little scary sometimes, but he seems alright.”
Hermione scoffed, “Alright? He nearly killed Harry and I last year before they ran off Umbridge!”
“Er… sorry?” Sean grinned awkwardly. Hermione eyed her dramatically for a few moments before both girls erupted in laughter again.
Sorry it isn't longer, lance and loony! The next one will be!
Sean was packing her trunk alongside Ginny one morning a few days after New Year - they were preparing to return to Hogwarts later that afternoon by Floo Network. Sean stopped for a moment and gazed out Ginny’s window, hoping to see a small, white speck flying towards them in the light blue sky; Sean had written a long letter to Hermione and sent it (along with her Christmas present) with Archimedes over a week ago, but there was still no response. She sighed heavily as she ran a hand through her still-pale blue hair and resumed packing.
She pulled a package off her bed without looking at it and placed it in her trunk before realizing it was her unopened present from Fred. She looked up at her bed and noticed another unopened package from George, and bit her lip as regret and anger began to swell inside her. “Hey Ginny, I’m going to take a break and grab some cocoa or something – do you want anything?” she asked with a forced calm.
“Nah, that’s alright, but thanks.” Ginny smiled sweetly at her.
She tried to return the smile and left the room, heading downstairs towards the kitchen which was (thankfully) quiet as Mrs. Weasley was upstairs examining Harry and Ron’s trunks. Sean made herself a cup of cocoa turned to face the kitchen as she leaned against the countertop. She had only taken her first sip when her refuge was interrupted by George thumping down the stairs to get some breakfast. He paused in front of the staircase as the same, terrible silence passed in between them, and Sean rolled her eyes and turned around to put her cup in the sink so she could resume packing.
Sean turned back around and made her way for the staircase, even though George had yet to move. She stopped in front of him and folded her arms over her chest, but instead of moving out of the way – George walked straight towards Sean, took her by the elbow, and led her out the back door. The door creaked to a close before Sean tugged her arm away from him and asked “What? What do you want, George?” She could hear the anger and disappointment in her own voice, and she knew it was entirely her own.
George stuck his hands in his coat pocket and sighed gruffly. “I wanted to talk to you.”
“T-to talk? You want to talk to me… now? After ignoring me for a week?” She couldn’t believe he was doing this mere hours before she left for school.
He disregarded her comment and continued, “What’s going on between you and Fred?”
She shook her head in disbelief, but spoke calmly and softly, “Nothing. Nothing at all.” Sean turned to walk back inside, assuming that George had asked all he wanted.
“Why?” he asked suddenly, and rather loudly, as he stepped towards her.
“You know why!” Sean exclaimed, her voice and frustration rising as she threw up her hands.
George looked down then back to her, “Pretend I don’t. Explain it to me.”
Sean laughed shortly in incredulity. “Because of you!”
“So, you and Fred aren’t together… because of me?” He said to clarify.
“Of course, George.” She said softly, and looked away from his calculating eyes. George caught her off-guard as he rushed towards her, removed his hands from his pockets, enfolded her in his arms, and began to kiss her. “George!” she tried to say through half-closed lips, “Stop it… STOP IT!” She put her hands on his chest and pulled her head away, though George kept his arms around her waist as he stared at her in shocked anger.
“But you said you’re not with him because of me!” he yelled accusingly.
Sean pushed him away from her and took a few steps back, “The same way I’m not with you because of him.” She spoke softly, trying her best not to yell at him.
“So, you don’t love me, then?” George said to the ground, his voice sounded broken – as if someone had just died.
She ran her hands through her hair, “I love you both, equally. You’re my best friends.” Sean was pleading with George, begging him to understand once and for all. A heavy silence fell over them as George replaced his hands back in his pockets and stared at his footprints in the snow. She shook her head in disappointment and finally admitted what she had known for so long, “I cannot be this person for you, George… You can’t put me in the middle like this – it’s not fair!”
“Then choose! Pick one of us… pick me!” he implored as he yelled.
“I cannot be this person, this prize… I won’t be the trophy that finally decides who’s better than the other!” Sean was yelling now, though the pleading in her voice still rang through. “If I chose you, I would lose Fred… If I chose Fred, I would lose you – and I can’t do that… I don’t know what I would do without both of you in my life… Ugh, I wish it wasn’t this way! I wish for it every, single, day of my life…” George still wasn’t looking at her, and she was fed up. “I love you, so much… but I cannot make this decision for you – I refuse to make you decide to be a better man…” George finally looked up at her, his eyes meeting hers as she continued. “I can’t do this anymore… I’m done…” she finished quietly, and turned to walk away from George just as she had done with Fred.
“Sean, wait! I love you…” George pleaded, and for a moment Sean thought he was going to kiss her again as he spun her around – but he simply embraced her tightly and whispered in her ear, “I’m in love with you…” There were tears in his voice.
She pressed her arms into her sides, forcing herself not to hug him back. “I know.” He relaxed his grip and Sean she slid from his arms, walking solemnly back to the Burrow with her eyes fixated on the ground beneath her.
* * * * * *
“Sean!” She spun around to see where the voice was coming from, especially since Harry, Ron, and Ginny were all in front of her as they made their way to Gryffindor Tower after arriving at Hogwarts via the Floo Network. She smiled to see Hermione jogging to catch up to her, her trunk rumbling along beside her. Hermione let go of her trunk as she reached Sean and hugged her tightly, “I’ve been so worried about you! My parents and I went abroad for the holiday to visit family and I only got your letter yesterday!”
Sean sighed in relief, “I thought maybe you were angry with me as well…”
Hermione grabbed the handle of her trunk and they continued walking towards Gryffindor Tower, not noticing Harry and Ron lagging behind for them (Ginny had gone up to meet with Dean). “No! Why would I be mad at you?”
She shrugged, “I dunno, maybe for being at the Burrow when you weren’t?”
“Sean, that made me feel sorry for you, not angry with you.” Hermione grinned.
“Ah-hem…” a male voice began, and both girls looked up to see Ron fake-coughing a few paces in front of them.
Hermione rolled her eyes, “Anyway, how are you doing? Are you feeling any better since the hospital? You know, I wondered if it wasn’t more than just being a Metamorphmagus… I like your hair, by the way. Oh, and I can’t believe Fred – what an arse!” she rambled.
“I’m fine, feeling way better, thanks but I hate it, believe it ‘cause it happened, and wait ‘till I tell you about this morning…” Sean responded, surprisingly calm.
“Fred?”
“George…” Sean lowered her already-quiet voice, “We’ll talk about this when we get to the dorms.” She nodded to Harry and Ron, who had both lingered back towards the girls so they were barely a step in front of them.
They all reached Gryffindor Tower rather quickly, and Sean and Hermione immediately separated themselves from the boys to discuss the holiday’s events in privacy. Thankfully, Lavender and Parvati hadn’t yet arrived, and Sean threw herself into a long explanation of everything that happened, not forsaking any details (as she had to do in the letter, or else it would’ve been incredibly long). Hermione was wonderfully supportive, validating Sean’s confusion and frustration with her gasps, incredulous exclamations, and name-calling (especially when it came to the twins). “…and on top of everything, I think Harry’s mad at me – but I can’t figure out what it is for the life of me!”
“I’m sure Harry’s just being moody – he does that from time to time. I’m still in shock over George and Fred! Their behavior is atrocious!” Hermione scolded.
Sean sighed, “I know… it’s so unlike them, too. I mean, they never follow any sorts of rules, or anything, but they’ve always been respectful of me…”
“Not really, Sean…” Hermione began, speaking softly and carefully. “Have they ever been respectful any other relationship you’ve had? I think they’re both angry that you dated an older boy and it wasn’t one of them, and they take it out on you, passive aggressively, by making fun of you.”
She thought about this for a moment. “You know, they hardly ever used to tease me before Oliver, unless I was completely asking for it…”
“Think about it – you were fourteen and they were sixteen; I’ll bet they thought you wouldn’t go for anyone above your own year, and then you start dating someone even older than they are!” Hermione explained, almost as if she were explaining a formula of some sort.
Sean eyed her suspiciously, “I assume you’ve already read your Christmas present?”
Hermione grinned and pulled out Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus from her trunk. “I can’t thank you enough, it’s been such an insight!”
She laughed and shook her head, “No problem. It’s been on all the bestseller lists in the muggle papers for a while now, and I thought it might be of some help. Anyway, enough about me – how was your holiday?”
Hermione grimaced and shrugged, “Ugh, boring as ever. When my grandparents moved to Greece, I thought it would be all beaches and sunshine… I never imagined we would be visiting when it’s bitterly cold outside…” They both laughed lightly, the air of stress had vanished. “Oh, you never told me what you decided to do about Divination?”
It was Sean’s turn to shrug, “I can’t really ‘not believe’ in it anymore, huh? I guess I should probably take these lessons Dumbledore wants me to, though I don’t know anything about this ‘Firenze’, do you?”
“I quit Divination when it was only Trelawney teaching, but Harry and Ron both had him. I’m sure it was interesting, though, they say centaurs are supposed to be natural Seers.” Hermione said off-handedly.
“Wait, he’s a centaur? Why didn’t McGonagall just say that from the off?”
Hermione gave her a disbelieving smile. “Would it have made a difference?”
“Well, yeah… I thought he was some crazy old fraud like Trelawney; centaurs are different, they really know things.” Sean shrugged again.
“Exactly how many centaurs do you know?” Hermione asked with furrowed brows.
“Well, really just one – Magorian; he’s the leader of the herd in the Forbidden Forest. He’s a little scary sometimes, but he seems alright.”
Hermione scoffed, “Alright? He nearly killed Harry and I last year before they ran off Umbridge!”
“Er… sorry?” Sean grinned awkwardly. Hermione eyed her dramatically for a few moments before both girls erupted in laughter again.
Sorry it isn't longer, lance and loony! The next one will be!
Eighteen: Unforgiving Frost
Sean still hadn’t managed to transfigure herself back to normal as January rolled into February, bringing in a bitter snowstorm to match the translucent frost-blue of her hair and eyes. She was leafing through her Transfiguration textbook absentmindedly while eating her dinner alone in the Great Hall (Hermione had just left to do some research in the library), when someone sat down heavily across from her. “How are you?” he asked softly, and Sean didn’t need to look up to know who it was.
“If he really wants to know, Dad can ask me himself.” She kept her head down, seemingly speaking to her textbook.
He sighed deeply, “He’s worried about you, you know – especially since your hair changed…”
Sean looked up and stared harshly into her twin brother’s eyes, “Why would he know my hair is blue? It changed after I left his house…”
Seamus sighed again, “I’m worried, too – I figured you didn’t do it on purpose, and if you haven’t managed to change it back by now…”
She slammed her book closed, “Don’t pretend to know me, Shea – you haven’t known anything about me for almost six years.”
“Look, maybe I’ve been a little distant, but I’m still your brother, Shaw, and no amount of magic will ever change that.” She felt him tense up, and he lowered his voice before continuing, “Did something… happen… after you left Dad’s? He said you went to the twins’ house, did they… do something… to you?”
She stared angrily into his green eyes, deciding what to say; if she said ‘no’, he wouldn’t believe her – if she said ‘yes’, he would seriously misinterpret ‘something’. She weighed her options for a few anxious moments, before deciding to simply get up and leave the Gryffindor Table without saying a word.
“Shaw! Sean!” Seamus got up and followed her the length of the table until they were in the large doorway of the Great Hall; he grabbed her forearm and twisted her to face him, her textbook falling loudly to the ground.
“Not again, Shea, please don’t do this to me again.” She said quietly through gritted teeth.
He let go of her arm and let her pick up her book before he spoke again, “What happened, Shaw? I’m really worried about you!”
Sean grabbed her book from him and walked out of the Great Hall, determined to get out of earshot of the students still eating their dinner and trying to catch the ‘show’ her brother was putting on. However, Seamus wasn’t about to let her walk away from him yet again. “What did those basta-”
He didn’t get to finish was he was saying, since Sean turned around and slugged him as hard as she could in his face. The suppressed rage at Fred and George erupted out of her as soon as he began to say that word, one she had lately been calling them herself in her own mind. Seamus fell to the ground from the force of the blow and spit blood onto the stone floor; when he looked up at her, she could see a bruise swelling in size underneath his eye, as well as blood trickling out of his nose.
They glared at each other – frustration, fury, shock, ignorance, and apathy passing in between them so they couldn’t even hear the ‘screeching’ of table benches as students left their seats to see what was happening. When Sean looked back up there were dozens of shocked faces staring from her to Seamus and back again, including those of Harry and Ron. She looked down to her brother a final time and, to her own surprise, felt a fleeting urge to extend her hand down to help him, but instead turned and walked away as quickly and calmly as possible.
* * * * * *
“AH!” Three hours later, Sean groaned in frustration as she tried and failed yet again to empty herself of emotion.
“I cannot concentrate for you, Changeling.” Firenze said calmly.
“I’m trying, alright?” She stood up and stretched before sitting back down on the tree stump in the grassy classroom.
Firenze’s hooves clip-clopped softly on the floor, “I’m afraid you must try harder, then. You have yet to experience an Empathic episode in these lessons.” His calm, even tone was infuriating.
She folded her arms and sighed, “I’ve done it before! I just… just keep seeing things that stop me.” It was true, every time she tried to rid herself of her own emotions, either Fred, George, Harry, or Seamus’ head would pop up in her mind and throw her concentration off.
“Try again.”
Sean growled slightly to herself and closed her eyes to concentrate, but she stopped almost as soon as she had begun when the door to the classroom creaked open. She opened her eyes to see Professor Dumbledore entering the room quietly. “Hello Firenze.” The Headmaster shook her teacher’s hand before turning to face her, “How are your lessons going, Sean?”
She raised her eyebrows in slight surprise, she was expecting him to punish her for breaking her brother’s nose, but he didn’t appear to have any idea what happened at dinner. “Lousy, sir.”
Professor Dumbledore smiled at her. “Well, that is to be expected at first. I just came to monitor your progress, so please continue as if I am not here.” He spoke with an airy tone, but Sean frowned at the prospect of trying to go on with her lesson while pretending to not be scrutinized.
Sean ran a hand through her frost-colored hair and closed her eyes, once again concentrating on draining herself of all emotion. Her breathing slowed and steadied as her chin rested on her chest, when she suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of… “****!” She put her face in her hands and tried not to think about the red hair and mischievous grin that had just appeared in her mind.
“Try again.” Firenze said serenely.
Her mind was throbbing as her eyes began to water; she bit her bottom lip and stood up. “No. I’ve had enough, we’ve been at this for ages!”
Firenze padded the floor as he moved closer to her and put an hand on her shoulder. “Until next time then, Changeling.”
Sean batted his hand away and stepped back, forgetting the Headmaster was still behind her. “No! And my name is Sean! I quit!”
“Sean!” Professor Dumbledore’s voice boomed from behind her, filling the whole room. She spun to face him, fear settling in her stomach. “You will not speak to any Hogwarts professor like that again. These lessons are extremely important to your safety, you must learn to control your gifts.”
His blue eyes were terrifying and amazing as they sparkled at her, but all the fury that had built up inside of her since Christmas Eve was too much for her to back down. “I don’t want them! If they’re so bloody important, then you have them! Take them back!”
“The magical world –”
“Screw the magical world!” She was startled by her own daring, interrupting Dumbledore, but she continued anyway. “I don’t want anything to do with it! All I’ve ever really wanted to do with my life isn’t a part of the magical world! I’m not welcome in this world, nor my father’s – so just leave me alone!” She wasn’t expecting to say the last part, and she backed away towards the doors in shock.
Dumbledore spoke calmly, yet authoritatively, his voice resonating in the classroom again. “This is bigger than your father, Sean, bigger than you…”
“It always is! Every time something happens to me, it’s about something else! Fred and George’s rivalry, my dad’s job, Seamus’ guilt, Oliver’s insecurity, you name it! I’m everyone else’s freaking lightning rod, and I’m bloody tired of it!” She backed into the door and wrenched it open, leaving the classroom into the Entrance Hall on the first floor as swiftly as her heavy footsteps would take her.
“Stop.” Dumbledore’s voice boomed in the hallway, practically paralyzing her with fear.
Sean slowed her pace, feeling his blue eyes flash upon her back. She bit her lip and made up her mind, then directly disobeyed the Headmaster and took off running faster than she ever had before. She ran up every staircase she came to, climbing higher and higher through the castle, finally up a winding stairwell and into the snow-filled air. Sean ran straight to the balustrade, doubling over onto the stone turret so she was looking down to the white grass far below from the height of the tower.
Her eyes were watering with the tears she had held back for so many years, and she spoke out loud to herself to keep them from escaping. “Shut up, Sean… shut up!” She turned around and slid down the stone wall to sit on the cold, hard ground, which was now becoming slightly damp as her body heat seeped through her jeans and began melting the snow underneath her. Despite the gross feeling, Sean didn’t really care enough to move or go back inside, though she was now shivering since her thin Pink Floyd tee shirt was not adequate resistance to the February cold. For all she knew, she was now expelled for openly disobeying the Headmaster, and she dare not move back inside the castle lest she run into a professor after curfew. Instead, Sean pulled her knees into her chest and wrapped her arms around herself, then let her mind drift away into uneasy slumber.
“Sean! Oh God, Sean! Please wake up!” Someone was shaking her by the shoulder, but her eyes were frozen shut. “Sean!” She painfully forced her eyelids open to see Harry standing over her, his shoulders and hair flaked with snow.
“Wh… what… are you…d-doing…” She didn’t realize she was violently shaking or breathing so shallowly until she tried to talk. Sean looked down and saw half of her body hidden beneath almost a full foot of fresh snow, and it seemed that the blue of her hair and eyes had extended to her skin – though it had nothing to do with transfiguration.
Harry moved to her side and put one arm around her back and the other under her bent knees, then lifted her carefully from the stone floor and Sean heard something sound like icicles break close to her ears. Neither of them spoke as he carried her down the small, winding staircase back into the seventh floor of the castle. Sean closed her eyes again, listening to Harry’s deep, steady breaths as she fought to stay conscious. Harry seemed to share her sentiments, “Come on, Sean, stay awake…”
Sean just barely opened her eyes as a door creaked open, and Harry laid her down in an unfamiliar room next to a roaring fire. He turned around briefly, then returned with several large, heavy blankets and placed them over her and began rubbing her arms and shoulders to warm her up. “I know you’re tired, but you can’t go to sleep – you’re hypothermic, you’ve got to stay awake.”
“Duh-dumble… dore… sent… you…?” she asked in between short, painful breaths.
“I was checking for Malfoy on the Map to see if I could find out what he was up to, but I saw you instead on the Astronomy Tower. When I checked back a few hours later, you were still there… I just had this feeling that something was wrong.” Harry spoke softly, but he didn’t look at her eyes as he kept rubbing her arms. She wanted to respond, to keep him talking so she could listen to his voice after not hearing it for so long, but her throat seemed frozen. Thankfully, he kept talking, “Okay, your face is getting some color back… I think you’re gonna be alright. You can sleep now if you want, I’ll be here when you wake up.”
True to his word, when Sean opened her eyes again however many hours, or even days, later, Harry was sitting several feet away and gazing thoughtfully into the still-burning fire. She looked around for a moment, trying to recognize the vast room they shared, with several stacks of blankets and pillows, shelves full of medical how-to books, a few large armchairs, and the grand fireplace. She still didn’t remember the room, but shrugged it off and turned her head to watch Harry, who had yet to realize she was awake. He had one arm around his left leg, which was curled to him as the other hung limply to the floor from his seat on the brick mantle. Despite the solemn look on his face, Sean found herself smiling slightly as she watched him in silence (except for the sounds of the flickering fire) for a few moments.
The quiet of the room was disturbed as Sean coughed abruptly, and Harry turned from the fire and was at her side instantly. “Hey… are you okay?” he whispered.
“’M’fine. Thank you.” He smiled at her at sat down with his arms hanging over his bent knees, his feet near her head so she could see him properly. “How long have I been out?”
Harry grinned, “About twelve hours, but who’s counting?”
“I never used to be like this, you know.” Sean said quietly.
“What do you mean?” Harry released one of his hands and bent slightly forward to brush the blue hair off her face.
She looked away, embarrassed to admit this to him, “The bloody ‘damsel in distress’, or whatever… I never had to be ‘rescued’ before we were friends…”
Harry laughed softly, and Sean felt a desire to look into his eyes. “Don’t blame yourself; it seems to be an occupational hazard of keeping company with me.” Sean smiled widely, and she realized how tense her face felt after nearly being frozen. There was a short silence in between them, but it was surprisingly comfortable. “So, are you going to tell me why you were attempting to become a human popsicle?”
Sean laughed, but had to stop quickly from the sharp pain it caused in her chest. “Ow… ahm, I guess I have to start from the beginning…” Over the next half-hour, she explained everything to Harry from her visit to St. Mungo’s through her argument with Dumbledore, glossing over only her encounters with Fred and George. “I really wanted to tell you before… but I, um, got the feeling you didn’t want to listen…”
Harry hung his head, then looked away for the first time. “I wasn’t really mad at you, more at myself than anything.” He turned to look directly into her eyes, “I am really sorry for not being there for you, Sean – that was a really lousy thing to do.”
“Well, I guess you have to save my life now… oh, wait…” Sean grinned at her own sarcasm.
Harry laughed quietly, “I still can’t believe you just disobeyed Dumbledore – like it was nothing.” Sean shrugged, and he just sighed before continuing, “So you still haven’t told me why your hair and eyes turned blue…”
She dropped her gaze and inhaled deeply, “Yeah, I was hoping to avoid that question.” Harry didn’t respond, and she knew she didn’t have to explain anything to him – but she decided to anyway. Sean pushed herself into a sitting position and crossed her legs, “Fred, George, and I have a… complicated relationship; they’re my best friends, but they have this awful rivalry between them that mucks things up every now and then – and I always end up in the middle somehow.” She ran a hand through her hair and sighed, while Harry’s gaze returned to the fire. “They both want to be better than the other, and for some reason they each think that… being with me trumps all. It’s not even about me, really – it could be anyone… for some reason they both just chose me to be this 'prize' for them. It sucks, a lot.”
The same awkward tension that usually followed her around with Fred and George seemed to creep into the room suddenly. Finally, Harry sighed and spoke, “I heard them yelling at each other Christmas morning… they were fighting about who’s girlfriend you really were… I remember feeling disappointed in you, wondering how you could do that to them.”
“Harry – I would never, ever do that to anyone, especially the twins. Even if I did have those kind of feelings towards one of them, I would never do anything about it – it would hurt the other one so much… I’m not that kind of person.” She was surprisingly frustrated with him, wondering how he could think that of her.
“I know… like I said, I think I was more angry at myself than anything – believing that of you.”
The sadness in Harry’s eyes sent a strange feeling down Sean’s spine, both familiar and new, terrifying and safe. She couldn’t distinguish if it was her own or not, especially since her Empathic abilities had been stunted ever since Christmas. “Hold on a minute…” she whispered quietly, and leaned forward towards him and placed her right hand over his heart.
Her eyes were looking down while she tried to concentrate on where this emotion was coming from, when she felt Harry lean forward into her. She looked up into his green eyes; they were lighter than her own, but there was a sense of home and security in them she couldn’t deny. Their bodies seemed to draw together like slow-motion magnets, and she inhaled as he ran his left hand through her hair right before their lips met.
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Sean still hadn’t managed to transfigure herself back to normal as January rolled into February, bringing in a bitter snowstorm to match the translucent frost-blue of her hair and eyes. She was leafing through her Transfiguration textbook absentmindedly while eating her dinner alone in the Great Hall (Hermione had just left to do some research in the library), when someone sat down heavily across from her. “How are you?” he asked softly, and Sean didn’t need to look up to know who it was.
“If he really wants to know, Dad can ask me himself.” She kept her head down, seemingly speaking to her textbook.
He sighed deeply, “He’s worried about you, you know – especially since your hair changed…”
Sean looked up and stared harshly into her twin brother’s eyes, “Why would he know my hair is blue? It changed after I left his house…”
Seamus sighed again, “I’m worried, too – I figured you didn’t do it on purpose, and if you haven’t managed to change it back by now…”
She slammed her book closed, “Don’t pretend to know me, Shea – you haven’t known anything about me for almost six years.”
“Look, maybe I’ve been a little distant, but I’m still your brother, Shaw, and no amount of magic will ever change that.” She felt him tense up, and he lowered his voice before continuing, “Did something… happen… after you left Dad’s? He said you went to the twins’ house, did they… do something… to you?”
She stared angrily into his green eyes, deciding what to say; if she said ‘no’, he wouldn’t believe her – if she said ‘yes’, he would seriously misinterpret ‘something’. She weighed her options for a few anxious moments, before deciding to simply get up and leave the Gryffindor Table without saying a word.
“Shaw! Sean!” Seamus got up and followed her the length of the table until they were in the large doorway of the Great Hall; he grabbed her forearm and twisted her to face him, her textbook falling loudly to the ground.
“Not again, Shea, please don’t do this to me again.” She said quietly through gritted teeth.
He let go of her arm and let her pick up her book before he spoke again, “What happened, Shaw? I’m really worried about you!”
Sean grabbed her book from him and walked out of the Great Hall, determined to get out of earshot of the students still eating their dinner and trying to catch the ‘show’ her brother was putting on. However, Seamus wasn’t about to let her walk away from him yet again. “What did those basta-”
He didn’t get to finish was he was saying, since Sean turned around and slugged him as hard as she could in his face. The suppressed rage at Fred and George erupted out of her as soon as he began to say that word, one she had lately been calling them herself in her own mind. Seamus fell to the ground from the force of the blow and spit blood onto the stone floor; when he looked up at her, she could see a bruise swelling in size underneath his eye, as well as blood trickling out of his nose.
They glared at each other – frustration, fury, shock, ignorance, and apathy passing in between them so they couldn’t even hear the ‘screeching’ of table benches as students left their seats to see what was happening. When Sean looked back up there were dozens of shocked faces staring from her to Seamus and back again, including those of Harry and Ron. She looked down to her brother a final time and, to her own surprise, felt a fleeting urge to extend her hand down to help him, but instead turned and walked away as quickly and calmly as possible.
* * * * * *
“AH!” Three hours later, Sean groaned in frustration as she tried and failed yet again to empty herself of emotion.
“I cannot concentrate for you, Changeling.” Firenze said calmly.
“I’m trying, alright?” She stood up and stretched before sitting back down on the tree stump in the grassy classroom.
Firenze’s hooves clip-clopped softly on the floor, “I’m afraid you must try harder, then. You have yet to experience an Empathic episode in these lessons.” His calm, even tone was infuriating.
She folded her arms and sighed, “I’ve done it before! I just… just keep seeing things that stop me.” It was true, every time she tried to rid herself of her own emotions, either Fred, George, Harry, or Seamus’ head would pop up in her mind and throw her concentration off.
“Try again.”
Sean growled slightly to herself and closed her eyes to concentrate, but she stopped almost as soon as she had begun when the door to the classroom creaked open. She opened her eyes to see Professor Dumbledore entering the room quietly. “Hello Firenze.” The Headmaster shook her teacher’s hand before turning to face her, “How are your lessons going, Sean?”
She raised her eyebrows in slight surprise, she was expecting him to punish her for breaking her brother’s nose, but he didn’t appear to have any idea what happened at dinner. “Lousy, sir.”
Professor Dumbledore smiled at her. “Well, that is to be expected at first. I just came to monitor your progress, so please continue as if I am not here.” He spoke with an airy tone, but Sean frowned at the prospect of trying to go on with her lesson while pretending to not be scrutinized.
Sean ran a hand through her frost-colored hair and closed her eyes, once again concentrating on draining herself of all emotion. Her breathing slowed and steadied as her chin rested on her chest, when she suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of… “****!” She put her face in her hands and tried not to think about the red hair and mischievous grin that had just appeared in her mind.
“Try again.” Firenze said serenely.
Her mind was throbbing as her eyes began to water; she bit her bottom lip and stood up. “No. I’ve had enough, we’ve been at this for ages!”
Firenze padded the floor as he moved closer to her and put an hand on her shoulder. “Until next time then, Changeling.”
Sean batted his hand away and stepped back, forgetting the Headmaster was still behind her. “No! And my name is Sean! I quit!”
“Sean!” Professor Dumbledore’s voice boomed from behind her, filling the whole room. She spun to face him, fear settling in her stomach. “You will not speak to any Hogwarts professor like that again. These lessons are extremely important to your safety, you must learn to control your gifts.”
His blue eyes were terrifying and amazing as they sparkled at her, but all the fury that had built up inside of her since Christmas Eve was too much for her to back down. “I don’t want them! If they’re so bloody important, then you have them! Take them back!”
“The magical world –”
“Screw the magical world!” She was startled by her own daring, interrupting Dumbledore, but she continued anyway. “I don’t want anything to do with it! All I’ve ever really wanted to do with my life isn’t a part of the magical world! I’m not welcome in this world, nor my father’s – so just leave me alone!” She wasn’t expecting to say the last part, and she backed away towards the doors in shock.
Dumbledore spoke calmly, yet authoritatively, his voice resonating in the classroom again. “This is bigger than your father, Sean, bigger than you…”
“It always is! Every time something happens to me, it’s about something else! Fred and George’s rivalry, my dad’s job, Seamus’ guilt, Oliver’s insecurity, you name it! I’m everyone else’s freaking lightning rod, and I’m bloody tired of it!” She backed into the door and wrenched it open, leaving the classroom into the Entrance Hall on the first floor as swiftly as her heavy footsteps would take her.
“Stop.” Dumbledore’s voice boomed in the hallway, practically paralyzing her with fear.
Sean slowed her pace, feeling his blue eyes flash upon her back. She bit her lip and made up her mind, then directly disobeyed the Headmaster and took off running faster than she ever had before. She ran up every staircase she came to, climbing higher and higher through the castle, finally up a winding stairwell and into the snow-filled air. Sean ran straight to the balustrade, doubling over onto the stone turret so she was looking down to the white grass far below from the height of the tower.
Her eyes were watering with the tears she had held back for so many years, and she spoke out loud to herself to keep them from escaping. “Shut up, Sean… shut up!” She turned around and slid down the stone wall to sit on the cold, hard ground, which was now becoming slightly damp as her body heat seeped through her jeans and began melting the snow underneath her. Despite the gross feeling, Sean didn’t really care enough to move or go back inside, though she was now shivering since her thin Pink Floyd tee shirt was not adequate resistance to the February cold. For all she knew, she was now expelled for openly disobeying the Headmaster, and she dare not move back inside the castle lest she run into a professor after curfew. Instead, Sean pulled her knees into her chest and wrapped her arms around herself, then let her mind drift away into uneasy slumber.
“Sean! Oh God, Sean! Please wake up!” Someone was shaking her by the shoulder, but her eyes were frozen shut. “Sean!” She painfully forced her eyelids open to see Harry standing over her, his shoulders and hair flaked with snow.
“Wh… what… are you…d-doing…” She didn’t realize she was violently shaking or breathing so shallowly until she tried to talk. Sean looked down and saw half of her body hidden beneath almost a full foot of fresh snow, and it seemed that the blue of her hair and eyes had extended to her skin – though it had nothing to do with transfiguration.
Harry moved to her side and put one arm around her back and the other under her bent knees, then lifted her carefully from the stone floor and Sean heard something sound like icicles break close to her ears. Neither of them spoke as he carried her down the small, winding staircase back into the seventh floor of the castle. Sean closed her eyes again, listening to Harry’s deep, steady breaths as she fought to stay conscious. Harry seemed to share her sentiments, “Come on, Sean, stay awake…”
Sean just barely opened her eyes as a door creaked open, and Harry laid her down in an unfamiliar room next to a roaring fire. He turned around briefly, then returned with several large, heavy blankets and placed them over her and began rubbing her arms and shoulders to warm her up. “I know you’re tired, but you can’t go to sleep – you’re hypothermic, you’ve got to stay awake.”
“Duh-dumble… dore… sent… you…?” she asked in between short, painful breaths.
“I was checking for Malfoy on the Map to see if I could find out what he was up to, but I saw you instead on the Astronomy Tower. When I checked back a few hours later, you were still there… I just had this feeling that something was wrong.” Harry spoke softly, but he didn’t look at her eyes as he kept rubbing her arms. She wanted to respond, to keep him talking so she could listen to his voice after not hearing it for so long, but her throat seemed frozen. Thankfully, he kept talking, “Okay, your face is getting some color back… I think you’re gonna be alright. You can sleep now if you want, I’ll be here when you wake up.”
True to his word, when Sean opened her eyes again however many hours, or even days, later, Harry was sitting several feet away and gazing thoughtfully into the still-burning fire. She looked around for a moment, trying to recognize the vast room they shared, with several stacks of blankets and pillows, shelves full of medical how-to books, a few large armchairs, and the grand fireplace. She still didn’t remember the room, but shrugged it off and turned her head to watch Harry, who had yet to realize she was awake. He had one arm around his left leg, which was curled to him as the other hung limply to the floor from his seat on the brick mantle. Despite the solemn look on his face, Sean found herself smiling slightly as she watched him in silence (except for the sounds of the flickering fire) for a few moments.
The quiet of the room was disturbed as Sean coughed abruptly, and Harry turned from the fire and was at her side instantly. “Hey… are you okay?” he whispered.
“’M’fine. Thank you.” He smiled at her at sat down with his arms hanging over his bent knees, his feet near her head so she could see him properly. “How long have I been out?”
Harry grinned, “About twelve hours, but who’s counting?”
“I never used to be like this, you know.” Sean said quietly.
“What do you mean?” Harry released one of his hands and bent slightly forward to brush the blue hair off her face.
She looked away, embarrassed to admit this to him, “The bloody ‘damsel in distress’, or whatever… I never had to be ‘rescued’ before we were friends…”
Harry laughed softly, and Sean felt a desire to look into his eyes. “Don’t blame yourself; it seems to be an occupational hazard of keeping company with me.” Sean smiled widely, and she realized how tense her face felt after nearly being frozen. There was a short silence in between them, but it was surprisingly comfortable. “So, are you going to tell me why you were attempting to become a human popsicle?”
Sean laughed, but had to stop quickly from the sharp pain it caused in her chest. “Ow… ahm, I guess I have to start from the beginning…” Over the next half-hour, she explained everything to Harry from her visit to St. Mungo’s through her argument with Dumbledore, glossing over only her encounters with Fred and George. “I really wanted to tell you before… but I, um, got the feeling you didn’t want to listen…”
Harry hung his head, then looked away for the first time. “I wasn’t really mad at you, more at myself than anything.” He turned to look directly into her eyes, “I am really sorry for not being there for you, Sean – that was a really lousy thing to do.”
“Well, I guess you have to save my life now… oh, wait…” Sean grinned at her own sarcasm.
Harry laughed quietly, “I still can’t believe you just disobeyed Dumbledore – like it was nothing.” Sean shrugged, and he just sighed before continuing, “So you still haven’t told me why your hair and eyes turned blue…”
She dropped her gaze and inhaled deeply, “Yeah, I was hoping to avoid that question.” Harry didn’t respond, and she knew she didn’t have to explain anything to him – but she decided to anyway. Sean pushed herself into a sitting position and crossed her legs, “Fred, George, and I have a… complicated relationship; they’re my best friends, but they have this awful rivalry between them that mucks things up every now and then – and I always end up in the middle somehow.” She ran a hand through her hair and sighed, while Harry’s gaze returned to the fire. “They both want to be better than the other, and for some reason they each think that… being with me trumps all. It’s not even about me, really – it could be anyone… for some reason they both just chose me to be this 'prize' for them. It sucks, a lot.”
The same awkward tension that usually followed her around with Fred and George seemed to creep into the room suddenly. Finally, Harry sighed and spoke, “I heard them yelling at each other Christmas morning… they were fighting about who’s girlfriend you really were… I remember feeling disappointed in you, wondering how you could do that to them.”
“Harry – I would never, ever do that to anyone, especially the twins. Even if I did have those kind of feelings towards one of them, I would never do anything about it – it would hurt the other one so much… I’m not that kind of person.” She was surprisingly frustrated with him, wondering how he could think that of her.
“I know… like I said, I think I was more angry at myself than anything – believing that of you.”
The sadness in Harry’s eyes sent a strange feeling down Sean’s spine, both familiar and new, terrifying and safe. She couldn’t distinguish if it was her own or not, especially since her Empathic abilities had been stunted ever since Christmas. “Hold on a minute…” she whispered quietly, and leaned forward towards him and placed her right hand over his heart.
Her eyes were looking down while she tried to concentrate on where this emotion was coming from, when she felt Harry lean forward into her. She looked up into his green eyes; they were lighter than her own, but there was a sense of home and security in them she couldn’t deny. Their bodies seemed to draw together like slow-motion magnets, and she inhaled as he ran his left hand through her hair right before their lips met.
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Nineteen: The Problem and the Poison
Sean’s heart was thumping in her chest, beating both fast and slow as intensity washed over her while they kissed. After what could have been a few moments or a few years, their lips parted as she touched his forehead with her own, her mind amazing calm as they both sighed deeply – Harry’s breath tickling her neck. “Hermione and Ron are probably worried about you.” Sean whispered as the thought popped into her head.
Harry sighed again and waited a few moments before speaking, most likely trying to resolve what to do. “I’ll be right back.” They kissed again briefly, then Harry pushed himself up and left the room.
She sat back in content calm for a few minutes before realization hit her full in the chest and she sat up suddenly, Oh, God… what just happened? What did I do? What does this mean? What if George and Fred find out? I am in so much trouble… She pushed herself up and began to clean up the blankets and pillows strewn about the floor as these thoughts replayed over and over in her mind.
With the room clean, Sean checked her watch: it read 12:43… yesterday. Apparently, it had frozen when she was up on the Astronomy Tower, and she had no idea how long Harry had been gone. She sighed heavily and looked around for a clock, which appeared over the fireplace as if on cue. Then it hit her – she was in the Room of Requirement (of course, she scolded herself), and she read the real time: it was 10:04 at night. She ran both her hands through her hair and paused for a moment, trying to figure out what to do while she waited in charged anticipation.
As she gazed around the room a paneled folding screen appeared in the corner, and it took Sean a minute to realize she had been thinking about the stickiness of her clothes. She walked over behind the screen and peeled off her tee shirt, jeans, socks, and trainers and smiled to see a bright blue tee shirt with “Queen” ornately screened across the front and a pair of boy’s khaki board shorts. She pulled the shorts on quickly, and had just finished swiping her long hair out of the neck of her shirt when a very un-Harry-like voice asked “Sean?” She walked around the screen while straightening her top to see a head of bouncing, brown hair rushing towards her. “Sean!” Hermione squealed as she hugged her tightly, then put her hands on Sean’s shoulders and looked her square in the eye. “Don’t. Ever. Do. That. Again. I was freaking out, I was so worried! You could’ve died!”
Sean tried her best not to smile, “I’m really sorry – I didn’t mean to fall asleep, you know…”
Hermione released one shoulder and pulled Sean with her by the other towards the fireplace, where both girls sat on the mantle with their backs to the flames. “Still – it was irresponsible.” She seemed to want a response, but all Sean could manage was an apologetic shrug. “I was up in the dorm when I got a message from Harry’s owl at the window telling me to go into the common room… I hadn’t seen either of you in classes all day, and I knew you hadn’t come back last night – Merlin’s spectacles, I was so relieved when Harry told me you were both alright…”
“I am really sorry, Hermione, but I’m fine – honestly.” Sean laughed softly.
“So what happened? I heard about you breaking Seamus’ nose from Lavender and Parvati, and Harry said you were hypothermic from falling asleep on the Astronomy Tower?” Hermione looked positively aghast at the prospect of sleeping outdoors.
Sean sighed and ran a hand through her hair absent-mindedly. “Yeah, well… after the whole Seamus-fiasco, I had a ‘lesson’ with Firenze. Needless to say, it didn’t go well – and then Dumbledore showed up and I sort of exploded at him. I walked out of the lesson and then just ran until I reached the closest tower I could find. The next thing I remember is Harry waking me up and bringing me here.” She shifted her gaze from Hermione to watch Harry once she said his name, who was talking quietly on the other side of the room with Ron.
“It is well-below freezing at night this time of year… you are really lucky, Sean, I hope you know that…”
“Yeah…” She was still watching Harry, barely taking in a word from Hermione.
“Sean? Sean!” Hermione said commandingly.
She finally looked back to her friend. “Huh? What?”
Hermione looked from Sean to Harry and back again. “What’s going on? Did something… did something happen between you two?” She asked with furrowed brows, but Sean got the impression she already knew the answer.
“Ahm… well… something, sort of –”
“I knew it!” Hermione blurted it out, and Sean had to hush her. “I knew it…” she continued in a softer tone, “I knew you fancied him – of course he’s fancied you for ages, but I wasn’t sure if you liked him back…”
“Stop it,” Sean whispered – her eyes back on Harry, “I don’t fancy anyone… well, I’m not sure if I do… it’s complicated!”
“Complicated?!” Hermione scoffed, “You and the twins are complicated… hell, Ron and I are complicated – but you and Harry?”
“Hermione, I’m an Empath… I really don’t know we kissed because I wanted to or because he did. What if I was channeling his emotions? What if he really kissed himself?”
Hermione gasped excitedly, “You kissed! Fantastic!”
Sean rolled her eyes. “Stop it – you sound like Lavender.” Hermione gave her a hurt look. “Sorry, but you did. Honestly, though, this is a serious problem! I have to admit that I’ve suspected he’s had certain feelings for me for a while, but I’ve been so caught up with Oliver, then Fred, then George… I haven’t had time to think about him that way.”
“I swear, I would kill for your problems.” Hermione laughed.
“It’s not my fault ninety-eight percent of my friends are boys.” Sean said defensively. “Besides, trust me when I say you do not want these problems.”
They sat in silence for a few moments before Hermione sighed. “Look, do you want my honest opinion?” Sean nodded. “Harry looks at you unlike anyone else I’ve ever seen him lay eyes on, and I’ve known him for almost seven years. I really can’t speak for him, but it’s like something unspoken passes between you two when you’re together… As for you, we may have only become close in the last year, but I’ve seen you with Oliver and Fred and George – and trust me when I say you reserve a look just for Harry. Now, if you need to question how you feel and sort out this ‘Empath’ thing, then you do it – but don’t drag Harry through the dirt while you’re going through it, you’ll both regret it in the end.”
Sean pondered this in comfortable silence for a few minutes. She finally sighed heavily before responding quietly, “I really need to consider the presents I get you a bit better.” They both laughed heartily, something they each desperately needed.
“Well, if you want more definitive proof, then you should look in a mirror.” Hermione grinned.
“Oh God, has it gone completely white or something?” Sean asked in horror.
Hermione stood up, Sean following suit, and whispered to her, “Actually, your eyes have never looked greener.” Hermione flashed an insightful grin and then walked away from her to join Harry and Ron on the other side of the room.
* * * * * *
To her great surprise, Sean was not expelled from Hogwarts – though McGonagall did give her a thorough tongue-lashing for breaking another student’s nose and the Headmaster’s orders in the same evening. As punishment for her ‘serious lack of judgment’ she was not allowed to participate in the first Apparition lesson the next Saturday; Sean was not altogether upset about this, since she knew Harry would be attending – and she was doing her absolute best to avoid him. Any communication between them in the wake of their kiss was brief, awkward, and never alone – though Sean often found her mind wandering off to thoughts of Harry.
The rest of February seemed to amble slowly into March, and Sean woke on the first of the month with the grumpy feeling of a cancelled Hogsmeade visit. She yawned heavily and crawled out of bed to change and give Ron his present (hopefully) before Hermione woke up. She smiled at the khaki board shorts laying nice and clean on top of her trunk and pulled them on, as well as a navy hooded sweatshirt with the word “Oxford” scrolled across the front. Sean grabbed Ron’s enveloped gift and checked herself in the mirror briefly, grinning at the matching dark blue of her hair and sweatshirt before stealing out of the dorm and into the common room.
Unfortunately, Lavender was also in the common room waiting for Ron to come down, and she sent Sean a scathing look when she entered with her present. “Hey, Lavender. Waiting for Ron?” she asked awkwardly.
“Yes. He is my boyfriend, you know.” Lavender spat back at her, then gave Sean’s obviously smaller gift a snotty look.
Sean couldn’t help herself and grinned at her housemate’s attitude. “Yeah… for now.” It took everything she had not the laugh at the horrified face Lavender gave her.
They both looked up as Ron bounded into the common room looking positively beside himself with glee as he followed Harry. Lavender rose from her seat quickly and blocked the portrait hole as she walked in front of Ron, “Hey Won-Won! You’re late, I’ve got your present –”
“Out of the way! Harry’s going to introduce me to Romilda Vane!” He grinned wildly, not unlike that of a slightly-crazed sociopath.
Lavender gaped at Ron and looked as if she was about to burst into tears. Sean got up from her seat and followed Harry and Ron outside the Tower. “Harry, what’s going on?” She jogged a little to catch up to him and shoved the envelope in her back pocket, and they walked quickly side-by-side with Ron in tow.
“Romilda Vane gave me these Chocolate Cauldrons last term that were spiked with a love potion; I just tossed the box aside and I think Ron ate them thinking they were a birthday present.”
“Romilda Vane? Did you say Romilda Vane? You’re going to introduce me, right? How do I look?” Ron interjected suddenly, straightening his shirt and slicking his hair back.
“You think he ate them?” Sean asked sarcastically, an odd, random pang of frustration in her gut when he mentioned the love-infused chocolates. Harry shrugged as they continued to descend the castle stairs towards the Dungeons. “I take it Slughorn has an antidote?”
“Most likely, and I think Ron would like as few people as possible to know who he’s so madly in love with all of a sudden.” Harry whispered back.
Sean grinned, “Hence why we’re not going to Madam Pomfrey?”
“Exactly.” They walked in silence the rest of the way to Slughorn’s office, Sean painfully aware that this was the most alone they had been since the Room of Requirement… She was brought back out of her own thoughts and into reality as Harry knocked loudly on Professor Slughorn’s office door, which he opened rather quickly.
“Harry,” he mumbled sleepily. “This is very early for a call… I generally like to sleep late on a Saturday…”
Sean had to hold Ron back as he kept jumping over Harry to see inside the office, asking “Where is she?” over and over.
“Hold on, Ron! She’s, er… she’s not here yet, but she will be! She’s just getting ready to see you! Stop… it… Ron!” She was almost wrestling with him to keep him from charging over Harry and Slughorn into the office.
She couldn’t hear Harry or Slughorn over Ron’s pants and grunts as he tried to squirm past her, but she assumed Slughorn agreed to make the antidote as he stepped aside to allow the three of them into his office. Ron finally tumbled over Sean, knocking her down when he smacked her in the jaw, as he clambered inside – once again straightening his shirt and fixing his hair.
“Ow! Jeez, Ron…” Sean mumbled as he adjusted her jaw with her hands, tasting a bit of blood from where she bit her lip.
Harry came over to side and helped her up, “Hey, you alright?”
“Yeah, yeah m’fine. I’ve got half a mind to slug the lousy git, if he wasn’t bewitched…” she grimaced.
Harry grinned, “I’m sure he didn’t mean to.”
“Here you go, son, it’s a tonic for your nerves – it’ll help you stay calm when she arrives.” Slughorn’s voice said smoothly from behind Harry, and they both turned around to see him handing Ron a glass of clear liquid.
“Brilliant!” Ron said eagerly, and he gulped down the entire antidote quickly and noisily. He beamed the same crazed-look at them for a moment, then his grin began to sag very slowly – only to be replaced by an expression of utter horror.
“I think he’s back.” Harry grinned to Sean. “Thanks a lot, Professor.”
“Don’t mention it, m’boy, don’t mention it.” Slughorn boomed brightly as Ron collapsed in devastation into a nearby armchair.
Sean walked over to him and bent down to his level. “How’re you feeling?” she asked, ignoring Harry and Slughorn continuing to talk behind her.
“It was a nightmare, right?” Ron asked pleadingly.
She bit her lip instead of responding, and Ron seemed to get the idea. “It wasn’t your fault?” she said, trying to comfort him.
“Romilda Vane…” was all he managed to mumble, followed by a shiver of disgust.
Sean did her best not to laugh. “Here, maybe this’ll cheer you up.” She pulled the envelope out of her back pocket and handed it to him.
Ron looked at her in confusion for a moment, probably wondering why she was giving him anything, but took the envelope and opened it anyway. “Whoa…” he said quietly, staring at the gift receipt in shock. “A broom upgrade? Wow… thanks, Sean!”
She stood up and smiled at him, “Happy birthday, Ron.”
“There you are then.” Slughorn said joyfully, handing both her and Ron glasses of what smelled like bad milk mixed with wine. Slughorn raised his own glass, “Well, a very happy birthday…”
Sean leaned in towards Harry and whispered, “What is it?”
“Oak-matured mead, apparently. It was supposed to be a gift for Dumbledore…” he shrugged.
“…and may you have many more, Ralph!” Slughorn toasted.
“Ron –” corrected Harry quietly, and both Sean and Harry turned to toast Ron as well when they noticed something terribly wrong. Ron had dropped his glass and half-rose from his chair, then crumpled as his extremities began jerking uncontrollably. Foam was dribbling from his mouth and his eyes were bulging in their sockets, as if trying to escape his head.
“Professor! Do something!” Harry yelled next to her.
Slughorn seemed paralyzed in shock, and Sean dropped her own glass and dashed next to Ron while Harry leapt over a small table in the opposite direction. “RON! Ron, look at me!” Sean shouted at him while patting his cheek.
Harry reappeared next to her and wrenched open Ron’s jaw and thrust a small, shriveled stone into his mouth. Ron gave a great shudder (as if remembering Romilda Vane again), a rattling gasp, and his body became limp and still.
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Sean’s heart was thumping in her chest, beating both fast and slow as intensity washed over her while they kissed. After what could have been a few moments or a few years, their lips parted as she touched his forehead with her own, her mind amazing calm as they both sighed deeply – Harry’s breath tickling her neck. “Hermione and Ron are probably worried about you.” Sean whispered as the thought popped into her head.
Harry sighed again and waited a few moments before speaking, most likely trying to resolve what to do. “I’ll be right back.” They kissed again briefly, then Harry pushed himself up and left the room.
She sat back in content calm for a few minutes before realization hit her full in the chest and she sat up suddenly, Oh, God… what just happened? What did I do? What does this mean? What if George and Fred find out? I am in so much trouble… She pushed herself up and began to clean up the blankets and pillows strewn about the floor as these thoughts replayed over and over in her mind.
With the room clean, Sean checked her watch: it read 12:43… yesterday. Apparently, it had frozen when she was up on the Astronomy Tower, and she had no idea how long Harry had been gone. She sighed heavily and looked around for a clock, which appeared over the fireplace as if on cue. Then it hit her – she was in the Room of Requirement (of course, she scolded herself), and she read the real time: it was 10:04 at night. She ran both her hands through her hair and paused for a moment, trying to figure out what to do while she waited in charged anticipation.
As she gazed around the room a paneled folding screen appeared in the corner, and it took Sean a minute to realize she had been thinking about the stickiness of her clothes. She walked over behind the screen and peeled off her tee shirt, jeans, socks, and trainers and smiled to see a bright blue tee shirt with “Queen” ornately screened across the front and a pair of boy’s khaki board shorts. She pulled the shorts on quickly, and had just finished swiping her long hair out of the neck of her shirt when a very un-Harry-like voice asked “Sean?” She walked around the screen while straightening her top to see a head of bouncing, brown hair rushing towards her. “Sean!” Hermione squealed as she hugged her tightly, then put her hands on Sean’s shoulders and looked her square in the eye. “Don’t. Ever. Do. That. Again. I was freaking out, I was so worried! You could’ve died!”
Sean tried her best not to smile, “I’m really sorry – I didn’t mean to fall asleep, you know…”
Hermione released one shoulder and pulled Sean with her by the other towards the fireplace, where both girls sat on the mantle with their backs to the flames. “Still – it was irresponsible.” She seemed to want a response, but all Sean could manage was an apologetic shrug. “I was up in the dorm when I got a message from Harry’s owl at the window telling me to go into the common room… I hadn’t seen either of you in classes all day, and I knew you hadn’t come back last night – Merlin’s spectacles, I was so relieved when Harry told me you were both alright…”
“I am really sorry, Hermione, but I’m fine – honestly.” Sean laughed softly.
“So what happened? I heard about you breaking Seamus’ nose from Lavender and Parvati, and Harry said you were hypothermic from falling asleep on the Astronomy Tower?” Hermione looked positively aghast at the prospect of sleeping outdoors.
Sean sighed and ran a hand through her hair absent-mindedly. “Yeah, well… after the whole Seamus-fiasco, I had a ‘lesson’ with Firenze. Needless to say, it didn’t go well – and then Dumbledore showed up and I sort of exploded at him. I walked out of the lesson and then just ran until I reached the closest tower I could find. The next thing I remember is Harry waking me up and bringing me here.” She shifted her gaze from Hermione to watch Harry once she said his name, who was talking quietly on the other side of the room with Ron.
“It is well-below freezing at night this time of year… you are really lucky, Sean, I hope you know that…”
“Yeah…” She was still watching Harry, barely taking in a word from Hermione.
“Sean? Sean!” Hermione said commandingly.
She finally looked back to her friend. “Huh? What?”
Hermione looked from Sean to Harry and back again. “What’s going on? Did something… did something happen between you two?” She asked with furrowed brows, but Sean got the impression she already knew the answer.
“Ahm… well… something, sort of –”
“I knew it!” Hermione blurted it out, and Sean had to hush her. “I knew it…” she continued in a softer tone, “I knew you fancied him – of course he’s fancied you for ages, but I wasn’t sure if you liked him back…”
“Stop it,” Sean whispered – her eyes back on Harry, “I don’t fancy anyone… well, I’m not sure if I do… it’s complicated!”
“Complicated?!” Hermione scoffed, “You and the twins are complicated… hell, Ron and I are complicated – but you and Harry?”
“Hermione, I’m an Empath… I really don’t know we kissed because I wanted to or because he did. What if I was channeling his emotions? What if he really kissed himself?”
Hermione gasped excitedly, “You kissed! Fantastic!”
Sean rolled her eyes. “Stop it – you sound like Lavender.” Hermione gave her a hurt look. “Sorry, but you did. Honestly, though, this is a serious problem! I have to admit that I’ve suspected he’s had certain feelings for me for a while, but I’ve been so caught up with Oliver, then Fred, then George… I haven’t had time to think about him that way.”
“I swear, I would kill for your problems.” Hermione laughed.
“It’s not my fault ninety-eight percent of my friends are boys.” Sean said defensively. “Besides, trust me when I say you do not want these problems.”
They sat in silence for a few moments before Hermione sighed. “Look, do you want my honest opinion?” Sean nodded. “Harry looks at you unlike anyone else I’ve ever seen him lay eyes on, and I’ve known him for almost seven years. I really can’t speak for him, but it’s like something unspoken passes between you two when you’re together… As for you, we may have only become close in the last year, but I’ve seen you with Oliver and Fred and George – and trust me when I say you reserve a look just for Harry. Now, if you need to question how you feel and sort out this ‘Empath’ thing, then you do it – but don’t drag Harry through the dirt while you’re going through it, you’ll both regret it in the end.”
Sean pondered this in comfortable silence for a few minutes. She finally sighed heavily before responding quietly, “I really need to consider the presents I get you a bit better.” They both laughed heartily, something they each desperately needed.
“Well, if you want more definitive proof, then you should look in a mirror.” Hermione grinned.
“Oh God, has it gone completely white or something?” Sean asked in horror.
Hermione stood up, Sean following suit, and whispered to her, “Actually, your eyes have never looked greener.” Hermione flashed an insightful grin and then walked away from her to join Harry and Ron on the other side of the room.
* * * * * *
To her great surprise, Sean was not expelled from Hogwarts – though McGonagall did give her a thorough tongue-lashing for breaking another student’s nose and the Headmaster’s orders in the same evening. As punishment for her ‘serious lack of judgment’ she was not allowed to participate in the first Apparition lesson the next Saturday; Sean was not altogether upset about this, since she knew Harry would be attending – and she was doing her absolute best to avoid him. Any communication between them in the wake of their kiss was brief, awkward, and never alone – though Sean often found her mind wandering off to thoughts of Harry.
The rest of February seemed to amble slowly into March, and Sean woke on the first of the month with the grumpy feeling of a cancelled Hogsmeade visit. She yawned heavily and crawled out of bed to change and give Ron his present (hopefully) before Hermione woke up. She smiled at the khaki board shorts laying nice and clean on top of her trunk and pulled them on, as well as a navy hooded sweatshirt with the word “Oxford” scrolled across the front. Sean grabbed Ron’s enveloped gift and checked herself in the mirror briefly, grinning at the matching dark blue of her hair and sweatshirt before stealing out of the dorm and into the common room.
Unfortunately, Lavender was also in the common room waiting for Ron to come down, and she sent Sean a scathing look when she entered with her present. “Hey, Lavender. Waiting for Ron?” she asked awkwardly.
“Yes. He is my boyfriend, you know.” Lavender spat back at her, then gave Sean’s obviously smaller gift a snotty look.
Sean couldn’t help herself and grinned at her housemate’s attitude. “Yeah… for now.” It took everything she had not the laugh at the horrified face Lavender gave her.
They both looked up as Ron bounded into the common room looking positively beside himself with glee as he followed Harry. Lavender rose from her seat quickly and blocked the portrait hole as she walked in front of Ron, “Hey Won-Won! You’re late, I’ve got your present –”
“Out of the way! Harry’s going to introduce me to Romilda Vane!” He grinned wildly, not unlike that of a slightly-crazed sociopath.
Lavender gaped at Ron and looked as if she was about to burst into tears. Sean got up from her seat and followed Harry and Ron outside the Tower. “Harry, what’s going on?” She jogged a little to catch up to him and shoved the envelope in her back pocket, and they walked quickly side-by-side with Ron in tow.
“Romilda Vane gave me these Chocolate Cauldrons last term that were spiked with a love potion; I just tossed the box aside and I think Ron ate them thinking they were a birthday present.”
“Romilda Vane? Did you say Romilda Vane? You’re going to introduce me, right? How do I look?” Ron interjected suddenly, straightening his shirt and slicking his hair back.
“You think he ate them?” Sean asked sarcastically, an odd, random pang of frustration in her gut when he mentioned the love-infused chocolates. Harry shrugged as they continued to descend the castle stairs towards the Dungeons. “I take it Slughorn has an antidote?”
“Most likely, and I think Ron would like as few people as possible to know who he’s so madly in love with all of a sudden.” Harry whispered back.
Sean grinned, “Hence why we’re not going to Madam Pomfrey?”
“Exactly.” They walked in silence the rest of the way to Slughorn’s office, Sean painfully aware that this was the most alone they had been since the Room of Requirement… She was brought back out of her own thoughts and into reality as Harry knocked loudly on Professor Slughorn’s office door, which he opened rather quickly.
“Harry,” he mumbled sleepily. “This is very early for a call… I generally like to sleep late on a Saturday…”
Sean had to hold Ron back as he kept jumping over Harry to see inside the office, asking “Where is she?” over and over.
“Hold on, Ron! She’s, er… she’s not here yet, but she will be! She’s just getting ready to see you! Stop… it… Ron!” She was almost wrestling with him to keep him from charging over Harry and Slughorn into the office.
She couldn’t hear Harry or Slughorn over Ron’s pants and grunts as he tried to squirm past her, but she assumed Slughorn agreed to make the antidote as he stepped aside to allow the three of them into his office. Ron finally tumbled over Sean, knocking her down when he smacked her in the jaw, as he clambered inside – once again straightening his shirt and fixing his hair.
“Ow! Jeez, Ron…” Sean mumbled as he adjusted her jaw with her hands, tasting a bit of blood from where she bit her lip.
Harry came over to side and helped her up, “Hey, you alright?”
“Yeah, yeah m’fine. I’ve got half a mind to slug the lousy git, if he wasn’t bewitched…” she grimaced.
Harry grinned, “I’m sure he didn’t mean to.”
“Here you go, son, it’s a tonic for your nerves – it’ll help you stay calm when she arrives.” Slughorn’s voice said smoothly from behind Harry, and they both turned around to see him handing Ron a glass of clear liquid.
“Brilliant!” Ron said eagerly, and he gulped down the entire antidote quickly and noisily. He beamed the same crazed-look at them for a moment, then his grin began to sag very slowly – only to be replaced by an expression of utter horror.
“I think he’s back.” Harry grinned to Sean. “Thanks a lot, Professor.”
“Don’t mention it, m’boy, don’t mention it.” Slughorn boomed brightly as Ron collapsed in devastation into a nearby armchair.
Sean walked over to him and bent down to his level. “How’re you feeling?” she asked, ignoring Harry and Slughorn continuing to talk behind her.
“It was a nightmare, right?” Ron asked pleadingly.
She bit her lip instead of responding, and Ron seemed to get the idea. “It wasn’t your fault?” she said, trying to comfort him.
“Romilda Vane…” was all he managed to mumble, followed by a shiver of disgust.
Sean did her best not to laugh. “Here, maybe this’ll cheer you up.” She pulled the envelope out of her back pocket and handed it to him.
Ron looked at her in confusion for a moment, probably wondering why she was giving him anything, but took the envelope and opened it anyway. “Whoa…” he said quietly, staring at the gift receipt in shock. “A broom upgrade? Wow… thanks, Sean!”
She stood up and smiled at him, “Happy birthday, Ron.”
“There you are then.” Slughorn said joyfully, handing both her and Ron glasses of what smelled like bad milk mixed with wine. Slughorn raised his own glass, “Well, a very happy birthday…”
Sean leaned in towards Harry and whispered, “What is it?”
“Oak-matured mead, apparently. It was supposed to be a gift for Dumbledore…” he shrugged.
“…and may you have many more, Ralph!” Slughorn toasted.
“Ron –” corrected Harry quietly, and both Sean and Harry turned to toast Ron as well when they noticed something terribly wrong. Ron had dropped his glass and half-rose from his chair, then crumpled as his extremities began jerking uncontrollably. Foam was dribbling from his mouth and his eyes were bulging in their sockets, as if trying to escape his head.
“Professor! Do something!” Harry yelled next to her.
Slughorn seemed paralyzed in shock, and Sean dropped her own glass and dashed next to Ron while Harry leapt over a small table in the opposite direction. “RON! Ron, look at me!” Sean shouted at him while patting his cheek.
Harry reappeared next to her and wrenched open Ron’s jaw and thrust a small, shriveled stone into his mouth. Ron gave a great shudder (as if remembering Romilda Vane again), a rattling gasp, and his body became limp and still.
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Twenty: Concessions and Admissions
“Alright, you can come in and see him now – but no more than six visitors at a time!” Madam Pomfrey finally conceded after Sean, Harry, Hermione, and Ginny had been waiting outside the hospital wing all day. Harry and Ginny moved inside quickly, but Sean put her arms around Hermione and helped her walk in slowly.
“It’s okay, Hermione, he’s going to be fine.” She whispered soothingly to her friend, but all Hermione seemed to be able to do was sniffle quietly. Hermione had barely spoken while Harry and Ginny were discussing the who-why-what of Ron’s poisoning, even while Sean was comforting her.
They finally reached the only occupied bed in the hospital wing, and Sean ushered Hermione into a chair next to Ron’s unconscious body. Nobody spoke now, the reality of Ron’s condition hitting them all full force as they looked upon him helplessly. Sean moved out of Hermione’s way and found herself next to Harry, when she suddenly felt two distinct kinds of frustration coursing through her body. She inhaled suddenly as she realized her Empathic ability had returned, and she was now channeling Harry’s aggravation at Ron’s situation and… her. Her own sadness began to swell inside of her, self-disappointment at the way she had been treating Harry, and she suddenly realized how easily she could distinguish Harry’s emotions from her own.
It felt like wearing someone else’s shirt that didn’t fit quite right, and Sean barely registered the fact that she had not felt Hermione or Ginny’s emotions - even though she was next to them as well. She inhaled deeply and slid her right hand into Harry’s left, and exhaled with a small smile as he squeezed it gently. The foreign frustration seemed to lift ever-so-slightly from her, and Sean felt Harry’s gaze upon her as their mutual relief danced inside of her. It was short-lived, however, as a pair of rushed footsteps pounded heavily towards them, and they all turned to see George and Fred rushing towards them. To her surprise, Sean didn’t feel the urge to release Harry’s hand, but rather squeezed it tightly in apprehension. Harry squeezed back, his concern for her wrapping around her like a security blanket.
“We just heard what happened.” George said as the twins reached the small congregation around Ron.
“So, all in all, not one of Ron’s better birthdays?” Fred said to break the awkward pause that had swept over them after George’s comment.
George sighed. “This isn’t how we imagined handing over our present.” He placed a large wrapped gift on the table next to Ron’s bed and sat next to Ginny, and Sean could feel his eyes flash towards her and back to his unconscious brother.
“Yeah, when we pictured the scene, he was conscious.” Fred said grimly.
Sean disengaged herself from the conversation around Ron’s bed, not wanting to hear Fred or George’s voices anymore. She turned into Harry, angling herself away from the twins and the surrogate family in which she no longer felt she belonged. She concentrated only on Harry’s emotions and keeping them with her like a shield from the betrayal that had entered her heart with the twins arrival.
They all jumped as the hospital wing doors flew open, Hagrid stomping towards them looking as if he had just been through a horrible thunderstorm and leaving a trail of huge, muddy footprints behind him. “Bin in the forest all day!” he panted heavily. “Aragog’s worse, I bin readin’ to him – didn’ get up ter dinner till jus’ now an’ then Professor Sprout told me abou’ Ron! How is he?”
“Not bad; they say he’ll be okay.” Harry offered.
Sean looked up again as Madam Pomfrey’s heels click-clacked towards them, “No more than six visitors at a time!”
They all looked around, wondering who was going to leave. Sean sighed, “I’ll go – Hagrid just got here. If he wakes up, give him my best.” Harry squeezed her hand again, both thankfully and apologetically, and she gave him a small smile before she turned to leave the hospital wing.
She had only reached the fifth floor when the voice she had been dreading called out to her. “Sean! Wait!” Sean cursed him internally, but stopped and waited anyway. Soon enough, George came panting up and jogged in front of her, “I want to talk.”
“I want this whole thing to be over as much as you do, but you need to be with your family now.” She said quietly, refusing to look him in the eyes as she kept her gaze down.
“You’re part of my family, Sean, for as long as I’ve known you.” She didn’t respond, but rather shuffled her feet and tapped the stone floor with the toe of her right trainer. George just sighed, “What I did to you – what both Fred and I have done – was really, really rotten. You were right, about it all, and I am really sorry for putting you in the middle.”
She kicked the ground again and put her hands in her kangaroo pocket in her hoodie. “Have you spoken to Fred?”
“A little, but mostly about store-related junk.”
Sean ran her right hand through her hair and bit her bottom lip, finally looking into George’s swimming blue eyes. “If you do this to me again…”
George grinned. “Yeah, yeah - you’ll curse me into oblivion.”
She hugged him tightly, “Don’t you forget it.” They let go of each other, mutually sighing in relief. “Go on, you should be with the rest of your family.” She signaled over her shoulder with her head and grinned at him.
“I’ll send you a post soon.” He gave her a swift kiss on the cheek and took off back down the staircase to the hospital wing. Sean smiled to herself, then continued on towards Gryffindor Tower.
* * * * * *
“Hey, wake up.” A soft voice whispered into her ear, tickling it with their breath.
Sean moaned and rolled onto her side, “Five more minutes…”
She felt a soft kiss on her cheek and rolled towards whomever was leaning over her while retrieving her wand from her pocket with lightning speed. “Harry! Sorry, I didn’t know it was you.” Sean smiled and put her wand back, then straightened up on the common room sofa.
Harry’s heart was thumping loudly next to her as he breathed rapidly from shock. “What, do you have a lot of blokes kissing you late at night?”
Sean looked casually to her watch. “That reminds me, Neville was supposed to be here ten minutes ago…”
“That’s not funny.” Harry said, though the grin on his face told her something different.
“How’s Ron?” she asked, settling in her seat close to Harry.
“Same. Pomfrey says he’ll probably stay in a week or so, as long as he keeps taking essence of rue.” He sighed unsteadily, and Sean felt a tension creep over her. “So did George come and talk to you?”
“Yeah. He apologized, said he wouldn’t do anything like that again. He felt sincere… I think it just took a while for it to sink in how much they both really hurt me.” She sighed and ran a hand through her hair and Harry’s relief replaced the tension she felt from him.
“That’s really good of him.” Harry responded quietly, and he slid his hand into hers and smiled.
There was a comfortable silence for a few moments, before Sean began “Harry –” but she was cut off but a surprising voice from behind the couch that made them both jump.
“Potter! I’ve been waiting for you to come back!” Both Sean and Harry let go of each other and turned around to see Cormac McLaggen looking determinedly at Harry. “Must’ve fallen asleep. Look, I saw them taking Weasley up to the hospital wing earlier – didn’t look like he’ll be fit for next week’s match.”
Harry and Sean exchanged confused glances before McLaggen’s excitement suddenly filled her. “Quidditch, he means Quidditch.”
“Oh, right… yeah, he might not make it.” Harry ran a weary hand through his hair, and both sixth years turned back to McLaggen.
“Well, then, I’ll be playing Keeper, won’t I?” The delight Sean felt emanating from McLaggen was repulsive, and she found herself glaring harshly at him.
“Yeah, “ Harry conceded. “Yeah, I suppose so…”
“Excellent. When’s practice?”
“Tomorrow evening.” Sean seethed at him, wiping the grin from his face as he realized she was on the team as well… and higher ranking.
“Ahm, good. Well, Potter, we should have a talk before practice – I’ve got some ideas on strategy you might find useful.”
“Right…” Harry said unenthusiastically, and Sean smiled at the dislike she felt from Harry towards McLaggen.
McLaggen shuffled his feet and began to walk backwards away from them. “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow, then.” He turned and left the common room as quickly as his conniving feet would carry him.
Harry and Sean exchanged tired, disgusted looks and shifted themselves next to each other again. “You know, I really hate that guy.” Sean said matter-of-factly.
Harry laughed sleepily. “Yeah, I know… but your hair is as blonde as his.”
“Ugh, gross.” Sean felt her finger twitch, then pulled the ends of her hair in front of her face and sighed in relief to see the dark shade of blue had returned.
“Do you know why it’s still blue?” Harry asked softly, a weak sadness radiating from his warm body.
“Not really, but I have an idea… at first I thought it had to do with the twins…” Harry inhaled sharply, the sadness growing into anxiety. “…but I get the feeling it was actually something else.”
“What?” Harry whispered, his voice barely audible.
Sean laughed softly. “Confusion. I wasn’t in love with Oliver anymore, but I wasn’t letting go of how angry I still was with him. On top of that, the twins mutually decided to be righteous gits and I didn’t know how to handle them. I think the real kicker, though, was you.” Harry raised an eyebrow at her in disbelief. “Yeah, you. I just felt this cold distance from you, and I think that’s what really caused me to transfigure accidentally.”
“I never meant –” Harry began softly, but she cut him off by placing a hand on his arm.
“It’s not your fault, Harry. I just didn’t know how to cope without you.” She laughed awkwardly before continuing. “I mean, we’ve only really been friends this year, but for some reason I just lost myself without you.” A weighted silence fell between them for a few minutes, broken by Sean’s sigh. “I am really, really sorry for being so distant with you lately. I thought I was afraid I was channeling your feelings instead of my own that night… but I in truth, I was completely terrified of much I care about you.” She wasn’t expecting to say it, but she knew it was the truth the moment it left her lips.
She was frightened for only a moment, until Harry’s affection washed over her. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned after everything I’ve been through, it’s that you can’t be afraid to love someone… you never know when they’ll be taken from you.”
Sean let his words sink in for a minute, then turned her body towards him and drew one leg onto the couch, so she was sitting half-cross-legged. “Who ever said anything about love? This is all just for giggles…” she grinned at him.
“Do you always make a sarcastic comment when you’re uncomfortable?” Harry grinned back.
“Eh.” Sean shrugged and smiled widely, then let Harry run a hand through her chocolate brown hair before he leaned in and put his lips to hers.
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“Alright, you can come in and see him now – but no more than six visitors at a time!” Madam Pomfrey finally conceded after Sean, Harry, Hermione, and Ginny had been waiting outside the hospital wing all day. Harry and Ginny moved inside quickly, but Sean put her arms around Hermione and helped her walk in slowly.
“It’s okay, Hermione, he’s going to be fine.” She whispered soothingly to her friend, but all Hermione seemed to be able to do was sniffle quietly. Hermione had barely spoken while Harry and Ginny were discussing the who-why-what of Ron’s poisoning, even while Sean was comforting her.
They finally reached the only occupied bed in the hospital wing, and Sean ushered Hermione into a chair next to Ron’s unconscious body. Nobody spoke now, the reality of Ron’s condition hitting them all full force as they looked upon him helplessly. Sean moved out of Hermione’s way and found herself next to Harry, when she suddenly felt two distinct kinds of frustration coursing through her body. She inhaled suddenly as she realized her Empathic ability had returned, and she was now channeling Harry’s aggravation at Ron’s situation and… her. Her own sadness began to swell inside of her, self-disappointment at the way she had been treating Harry, and she suddenly realized how easily she could distinguish Harry’s emotions from her own.
It felt like wearing someone else’s shirt that didn’t fit quite right, and Sean barely registered the fact that she had not felt Hermione or Ginny’s emotions - even though she was next to them as well. She inhaled deeply and slid her right hand into Harry’s left, and exhaled with a small smile as he squeezed it gently. The foreign frustration seemed to lift ever-so-slightly from her, and Sean felt Harry’s gaze upon her as their mutual relief danced inside of her. It was short-lived, however, as a pair of rushed footsteps pounded heavily towards them, and they all turned to see George and Fred rushing towards them. To her surprise, Sean didn’t feel the urge to release Harry’s hand, but rather squeezed it tightly in apprehension. Harry squeezed back, his concern for her wrapping around her like a security blanket.
“We just heard what happened.” George said as the twins reached the small congregation around Ron.
“So, all in all, not one of Ron’s better birthdays?” Fred said to break the awkward pause that had swept over them after George’s comment.
George sighed. “This isn’t how we imagined handing over our present.” He placed a large wrapped gift on the table next to Ron’s bed and sat next to Ginny, and Sean could feel his eyes flash towards her and back to his unconscious brother.
“Yeah, when we pictured the scene, he was conscious.” Fred said grimly.
Sean disengaged herself from the conversation around Ron’s bed, not wanting to hear Fred or George’s voices anymore. She turned into Harry, angling herself away from the twins and the surrogate family in which she no longer felt she belonged. She concentrated only on Harry’s emotions and keeping them with her like a shield from the betrayal that had entered her heart with the twins arrival.
They all jumped as the hospital wing doors flew open, Hagrid stomping towards them looking as if he had just been through a horrible thunderstorm and leaving a trail of huge, muddy footprints behind him. “Bin in the forest all day!” he panted heavily. “Aragog’s worse, I bin readin’ to him – didn’ get up ter dinner till jus’ now an’ then Professor Sprout told me abou’ Ron! How is he?”
“Not bad; they say he’ll be okay.” Harry offered.
Sean looked up again as Madam Pomfrey’s heels click-clacked towards them, “No more than six visitors at a time!”
They all looked around, wondering who was going to leave. Sean sighed, “I’ll go – Hagrid just got here. If he wakes up, give him my best.” Harry squeezed her hand again, both thankfully and apologetically, and she gave him a small smile before she turned to leave the hospital wing.
She had only reached the fifth floor when the voice she had been dreading called out to her. “Sean! Wait!” Sean cursed him internally, but stopped and waited anyway. Soon enough, George came panting up and jogged in front of her, “I want to talk.”
“I want this whole thing to be over as much as you do, but you need to be with your family now.” She said quietly, refusing to look him in the eyes as she kept her gaze down.
“You’re part of my family, Sean, for as long as I’ve known you.” She didn’t respond, but rather shuffled her feet and tapped the stone floor with the toe of her right trainer. George just sighed, “What I did to you – what both Fred and I have done – was really, really rotten. You were right, about it all, and I am really sorry for putting you in the middle.”
She kicked the ground again and put her hands in her kangaroo pocket in her hoodie. “Have you spoken to Fred?”
“A little, but mostly about store-related junk.”
Sean ran her right hand through her hair and bit her bottom lip, finally looking into George’s swimming blue eyes. “If you do this to me again…”
George grinned. “Yeah, yeah - you’ll curse me into oblivion.”
She hugged him tightly, “Don’t you forget it.” They let go of each other, mutually sighing in relief. “Go on, you should be with the rest of your family.” She signaled over her shoulder with her head and grinned at him.
“I’ll send you a post soon.” He gave her a swift kiss on the cheek and took off back down the staircase to the hospital wing. Sean smiled to herself, then continued on towards Gryffindor Tower.
* * * * * *
“Hey, wake up.” A soft voice whispered into her ear, tickling it with their breath.
Sean moaned and rolled onto her side, “Five more minutes…”
She felt a soft kiss on her cheek and rolled towards whomever was leaning over her while retrieving her wand from her pocket with lightning speed. “Harry! Sorry, I didn’t know it was you.” Sean smiled and put her wand back, then straightened up on the common room sofa.
Harry’s heart was thumping loudly next to her as he breathed rapidly from shock. “What, do you have a lot of blokes kissing you late at night?”
Sean looked casually to her watch. “That reminds me, Neville was supposed to be here ten minutes ago…”
“That’s not funny.” Harry said, though the grin on his face told her something different.
“How’s Ron?” she asked, settling in her seat close to Harry.
“Same. Pomfrey says he’ll probably stay in a week or so, as long as he keeps taking essence of rue.” He sighed unsteadily, and Sean felt a tension creep over her. “So did George come and talk to you?”
“Yeah. He apologized, said he wouldn’t do anything like that again. He felt sincere… I think it just took a while for it to sink in how much they both really hurt me.” She sighed and ran a hand through her hair and Harry’s relief replaced the tension she felt from him.
“That’s really good of him.” Harry responded quietly, and he slid his hand into hers and smiled.
There was a comfortable silence for a few moments, before Sean began “Harry –” but she was cut off but a surprising voice from behind the couch that made them both jump.
“Potter! I’ve been waiting for you to come back!” Both Sean and Harry let go of each other and turned around to see Cormac McLaggen looking determinedly at Harry. “Must’ve fallen asleep. Look, I saw them taking Weasley up to the hospital wing earlier – didn’t look like he’ll be fit for next week’s match.”
Harry and Sean exchanged confused glances before McLaggen’s excitement suddenly filled her. “Quidditch, he means Quidditch.”
“Oh, right… yeah, he might not make it.” Harry ran a weary hand through his hair, and both sixth years turned back to McLaggen.
“Well, then, I’ll be playing Keeper, won’t I?” The delight Sean felt emanating from McLaggen was repulsive, and she found herself glaring harshly at him.
“Yeah, “ Harry conceded. “Yeah, I suppose so…”
“Excellent. When’s practice?”
“Tomorrow evening.” Sean seethed at him, wiping the grin from his face as he realized she was on the team as well… and higher ranking.
“Ahm, good. Well, Potter, we should have a talk before practice – I’ve got some ideas on strategy you might find useful.”
“Right…” Harry said unenthusiastically, and Sean smiled at the dislike she felt from Harry towards McLaggen.
McLaggen shuffled his feet and began to walk backwards away from them. “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow, then.” He turned and left the common room as quickly as his conniving feet would carry him.
Harry and Sean exchanged tired, disgusted looks and shifted themselves next to each other again. “You know, I really hate that guy.” Sean said matter-of-factly.
Harry laughed sleepily. “Yeah, I know… but your hair is as blonde as his.”
“Ugh, gross.” Sean felt her finger twitch, then pulled the ends of her hair in front of her face and sighed in relief to see the dark shade of blue had returned.
“Do you know why it’s still blue?” Harry asked softly, a weak sadness radiating from his warm body.
“Not really, but I have an idea… at first I thought it had to do with the twins…” Harry inhaled sharply, the sadness growing into anxiety. “…but I get the feeling it was actually something else.”
“What?” Harry whispered, his voice barely audible.
Sean laughed softly. “Confusion. I wasn’t in love with Oliver anymore, but I wasn’t letting go of how angry I still was with him. On top of that, the twins mutually decided to be righteous gits and I didn’t know how to handle them. I think the real kicker, though, was you.” Harry raised an eyebrow at her in disbelief. “Yeah, you. I just felt this cold distance from you, and I think that’s what really caused me to transfigure accidentally.”
“I never meant –” Harry began softly, but she cut him off by placing a hand on his arm.
“It’s not your fault, Harry. I just didn’t know how to cope without you.” She laughed awkwardly before continuing. “I mean, we’ve only really been friends this year, but for some reason I just lost myself without you.” A weighted silence fell between them for a few minutes, broken by Sean’s sigh. “I am really, really sorry for being so distant with you lately. I thought I was afraid I was channeling your feelings instead of my own that night… but I in truth, I was completely terrified of much I care about you.” She wasn’t expecting to say it, but she knew it was the truth the moment it left her lips.
She was frightened for only a moment, until Harry’s affection washed over her. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned after everything I’ve been through, it’s that you can’t be afraid to love someone… you never know when they’ll be taken from you.”
Sean let his words sink in for a minute, then turned her body towards him and drew one leg onto the couch, so she was sitting half-cross-legged. “Who ever said anything about love? This is all just for giggles…” she grinned at him.
“Do you always make a sarcastic comment when you’re uncomfortable?” Harry grinned back.
“Eh.” Sean shrugged and smiled widely, then let Harry run a hand through her chocolate brown hair before he leaned in and put his lips to hers.
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Twenty-One: The Empath Unveiled
“Tell me where you are.” A distant voice echoed from her mind.
The black of the night shrouded everything in darkness, and it took a moment for her to spot a swinging light far below. She drew closer to the ground and the light, and began to notice the trees all around her. “It’s a forest… the Forbidden Forest.” Her own voice was just as distant as the other, but she knew she was right as soon as she said it and continued on watching the light swinging back and forth from a stranger’s hand.
“Describe your surroundings.” The ethereal voice called out again.
“There’s a man, but he can’t be fully human… and spiders, there are spiders everywhere – they’re huge, like monsters.” She stopped talking to watch the scene more intently, and then she heard the man speak and knew who he was, even in the darkness. “It’s Hagrid!” she exclaimed in excitement.
“What else is happening?”
“Hagrid’s sad; he’s talking to the largest of the spiders… he called him Aragog. He’s sick – Aragog – he’s dying… I think, I think Hagrid’s reading to him…” She said questioningly.
“Very good, now come back.”
Sean pulled herself out of the scene and suddenly felt the cold, hard, mossy floor of the Firenze’s classroom. She opened her eyes and pushed herself onto her elbows from her laying position, “Did I transfigure?”
“Your hair began to grow darker, but you stopped yourself. Well done, Changeling.” Firenze nodded slightly to her. “Are you ready to try again?”
“Yes, sir.” Sean laid back down on the mossy floor and closed her eyes. She ignored her own excitement at her Empathic success, and tried to concentrate on the other emotions buzzing around the room. Firenze’s emotions were rather difficult to channel, considering how static and impassive he usually was, but she had been improving significantly after she finally admitted how she felt about Harry the previous week.
She breathed deeply and felt a tingling sensation begin in her left arm… Pride – Sean was picking up on how proud Firenze was for her. She felt her own appreciation for only a moment, because another, stronger sensation swept over her entire body. Her surprise delayed the realization that it wasn’t Firenze’s emotion, nor her own, but it was intense and distinct – Fear. Sean decided to direct her attention to the Fear, now pulsing through her, and she felt a great rush as the dark of her closed eyelids became replaced with the light a dimly-lit room.
“Where are you?” Firenze’s calm voice called from far away.
“A dark room… there’s only a fireplace for light.” Indeed, the only source of light in the vast, gloomy room was a low, crackling fire from a massive fireplace. The room looked like it belonged to an old, luxurious mansion, and she suddenly knew where she was – though it didn’t make much sense. “Malfoy Manor. It’s in the Malfoy’s mansion.”
“Come back, Changeling.” His voice was no longer calm and even, but rather tense – and the fear he felt pushed her deeper into the room.
“There’s only one man, though there are others in the Manor. But he’s not really human, either… something else, something worse…”
“Come back!” Firenze’s voice was barely an echo of a whisper as she propelled closer to the man.
“He’s frustrated… something’s not happening fast enough. He wants someone, oh my God – he wants someone killed!” Sean vaguely felt her body began to twitch from somewhere far, far away, but she was ‘standing’ next to the part-man now and watching him intently.
He began to speak suddenly, his voice an unsuitably high-pitched hiss. “I grow weary of waiting on your son, Lucius – perhaps, he is regretting his commitment to the Dark Lord?”
“There’s another man! He’s scared, though… he’s so scared…” Sean declared as she felt another presence in the dark room.
“N-no… no, my Lord. He is inexperienced and young, but he will succeed! He will not fail you, my Lord!” This man’s voice was shaky and weak, full of trepidation.
Sean turned to see the kneeling figure of a pale man with long, blonde hair. She didn’t know why, but she started to yell at him. “Run! He’s going to hurt you! Get out of here!”
“What did you say to me, Lucius?” The part-man next to her seethed.
The kneeling man named Lucius shook violently with fear. “N-nothing, my Lord! I am silently awaiting your orders!”
“Get up and run, you idiot! He’s going to kill you!” Sean yelled, though she knew she was only in the room in essence.
The part-man’s horrible red eyes grew wide and he turned away from the fire and towards the kneeling man. “Can you feel it? Can you feel her presence?” he whispered in a low hiss. The man called Lucius could only offer a confused look to Lord Voldemort, for Sean now knew who he was. “Can it be… is there an Empath amongst us?” Voldemort spoke to himself now, and Sean turned to watch him in terror. “Can you feel her, Lucius… in this very room…” Voldemort’s childish glee suddenly flooded her body, which was jerking fiercely in a classroom far away. It was the most horrible sensation she ever felt, like her soul was being violated on an unholy level, and she felt her stomach contents rise in her chest as she was pulled backwards from the room.
She landed on the cold, mossy stone and rolled to her side to retch. She pushed herself up quickly and walked over to where she felt the fear pulsing in the room. “Professor Dumbledore… Voldemort’s… trying to… kill you…” she panted heavily, then stumbled backwards to the floor as she had done too much before fully recovering.
When she looked back up, Professor Dumbledore had lifted his Disillusionment Charm and was kneeling in front of her. “Are you alright, Sean?”
She nodded her head vigorously, surprisingly lucid. “I’m fine, but he’s going to kill that man – Lucius – and then have his son kill you… you have to do something!”
“Sean, I need you to calm down.”
“He’s going to kill him! And his son… bloody hell – it’s Draco Malfoy! Malfoy’s trying to kill you!” Sean got to her feet quickly as she continued to yell at the Headmaster. "Malfoy's the one who's been causing all the accidents! Katie and Ron..."
“That’s enough.” Dumbledore’s commanding voice silenced her, though she was still breathing heavily. “I do not think Lord Voldemort will dispose of Lucius Malfoy for the time being. And thank you for your concern, but I am completely safe. Firenze, if you could please bring Madam Pomfrey here to check on Ms. Kiernan; I think she would like to avoid a trip to the hospital wing if at all possible.”
She had forgotten that Firenze was even with them, but he minded the Headmaster and she heard his hooves clip-clop out of the classroom. “Professor, I feel fine –”
Dumbledore smiled softly. “I just want to cover all bases. Now, Sean, I owe you an apology. I sat in on your lesson two days ago, as well as this one, to monitor your progress – and I’m afraid I did so under a Disillusionment Charm as to avoid another, shall we say, disagreement.” He paused to sigh and Sean found herself grinning, despite the circumstances. “I have to say that I am quite impressed at how much you have grown since you resumed lessons with Firenze, so much so that you were able to defeat my Shield Charm – not an easy task.”
“Professor, I really feel like something bad is going to happen… Voldemort could sense me, he said there was an Empath in the room – that’s never happened before.”
Dumbledore’s faint dread began to tickle in her left arm before he spoke. “Do you recall, when I told your father that you might not be entirely safe in the wizarding world?” Sean nodded slowly, and breathed deeply before continuing. “There was a prophecy made just over two-and-a-half centuries ago about your birth –”
“Yeah, I know – Professor McGonagall gave me a book about it.” Sean interrupted.
“Do you remember what it said? The wording?” Dumbledore asked as he peered over his spectacles at her.
Sean shrugged. “Something about ‘secrecy’ and the whole ‘changeling’ thing. It just basically said what I was – well, what I am.”
The Headmaster sighed sadly. “A child shall be birthed from secrecy, a changeling twin. They will See farther and more clear than all who came before. They shall have Sight beyond time and space, forever desired and forever feared – the key to end a great war.”
“Well, that’s fairly straightforward – except for the whole ‘key’ thing.”
“Exactly.” Dumbledore began to pace sideways as he spoke. “The wizarding world is in the throws of a second great war, and this prophecy speaks to only one. The prophecy is fairly widely known, especially by those who follow Divination, and it is completely unclear as to which war it discussed. Furthermore, it does not distinguish in who’s favor the war will end – indicating that you are a neutral key.”
He kept pacing, still lost in his thoughts, until Sean interrupted again. “Professor, how can you even be sure that the prophecy is even really about me? I mean, who’s to say there’s not another Metamorphmagus/Empath that’s going to be born in like, fifty years?” She knew it was a ridiculous thought, but she was grasping at anything that kept her from being this ‘key’.
Dumbledore stopped pacing (probably stunned at my sheer stupidity, Sean thought) and sighed heavily. “I’m afraid not, Sean. The prophecy refers to the first, if not the only, Empath – which is undoubtedly you.” He held out his hand to indicate a tree stump, which Sean sat upon with a weighted heart. “It would be foolish to assume that Lord Voldemort does not know of this prophecy, and I believe that he has been waiting to see if an Empath would present themselves to him – which you did tonight, due to my own imprudence. Professor Snape has been denying your existence, leading Voldemort to believe that no child at Hogwarts is the Empath. Hopefully, he will continue to trust Professor Snape and not pursue you here.”
Sean thought about this for a moment. “Pursue me? He’s going to come after me, to try and use me?”
“Forever desired and forever feared. Sean, you are essentially the perfect spy – you can transfigure yourself at will and eavesdrop on anyone, anywhere… you can even feel when someone if frightened or lying to use to your advantage. Just imagine what your abilities mean to Lord Voldemort, whether you were working with or against him – desired and feared.” Dumbledore sat down on a tree stump opposite her, his blue eyes twinkling sadly.
“So what does this mean?” Sean asked quietly.
“It means that your talents will eventually be put to use by one side or the other… Though your allegiance does not guarantee a victory for either side, it does mean an advantage – and an end.”
Dumbledore’s sadness buzzed all around her, and she thought carefully for a few minutes before deciding what to do. “If you had your choice, what would you have me do?”
The Headmaster looked up at her and smiled sadly. “My dear child, I would ask you to move as far away as possible from harm.”
Sean ran a hand through her hair and sighed, then stood up straight. “Professor Dumbledore, I want to join the Order of the Phoenix.”
The doors to the classroom creaked open, and she heard the click-clacks of Madam Pomfrey’s heels in step with the clip-clops of Firenze’s hooves, though she remained looking directly at the Headmaster. Dumbledore stood and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “For now, all I want you to worry about is the Quidditch match tomorrow.”
* * * * * *
“I nominate myself for Captain in Potter’s absence.” McLaggen spoke up arrogantly.
Sean stood up and grabbed him by the neck of his robes. “If you don’t shut up, I will curse you into oblivion.” She had been on edge ever sine the previous night, and Harry’s conspicuous absence only minutes from the match against Hufflepuff, as well as McLaggen’s incessant bragging, was not helping.
“You can curse him after the match, but for now we need him to be Keeper.” She released the horrified McLaggen and turned to see Harry looking slightly annoyed as he entered the changing room.
“Where have you been?” Sean whispered into his ear as he hugged her briefly.
“I met Malfoy.” He responded as he let go of her and began to pull his scarlet robes over his head.
“Try not to worry about that now – you can deal with him after we beat Hufflepuff.” Sean spoke as calmly as her voice would allow, though she flinched involuntarily when Harry said ‘Malfoy’.
Harry gave her a weak grin, then grabbed his Firebolt and pushed his glasses on straight. “Come on then!” he yelled to the rest of the team, and they marched onto the pitch to deafening cheers and boos.
McLaggen continued to blabber right up until Madam Hooch blew her whistle and the fourteen players kicked off into the air. Ginny grabbed the Quaffle immediately and Sean followed her as they streaked down the pitch towards the Hufflepuff posts, Ginny looping an oncoming Cadwallader superbly and scoring the first goal of the match. Sean let out a yell of approval and leaned forward on her broom to zoom towards Zacharias Smith, who had captured the Quaffle and was heading towards the Gryffindor goals. Sean flew right up to his side and made a swipe for the Quaffle, but had to break away quickly as a Bludger sped right in between them; when she pulled back towards Smith, he tossed the Quaffle to Cadwallader, but Dean Thomas intercepted.
“SEAN!” Dean yelled to her, then made a hard turn on his broom and threw the Quaffle to her. She caught it right in her stomach and made a wide turn (to avoid Smith) as she headed back to the Hufflepuff posts, faked left, and scored! She circled the posts and streamed back towards the Gryffindor goals in anticipation of a Hufflepuff Chaser, when she saw the most absurd scene: McLaggen had apparently stolen Peakes’ bat in order to demonstrate how to ‘properly’ hit a Bludger. She growled and drew closer to her broom to increase her speed, when McLaggen miss-hit a Bludger that when soaring ominously right towards… Harry.
“Damn!” Sean yelled, and she pulled up on the handle of her Nimbus 2001 towards Harry, who had been hit smack on the right side of his head and was swaying unconsciously as he slipped off to the side of his broom. Sean had reached him just in time and caught him by the sleeve of his Quidditch robes, then hoisted him back onto his broom and let him slump forward so he was laying stomach-down on his Firebolt. She took a second to make sure he was steady, and then took hold of the handle of his broom and pulled away from her own so both brooms began to lower slowly, perfectly vertical in the air.
She touched down on the ground as Madam Hooch rushed over. “Time out! I call a time out!” Sean yelled over the jeers and cheers of the crowd as she dismounted before helping the cataleptic body of her boyfriend.
“I’m sorry, Kiernan, but only the Captain can call time out!” Madam Hooch shouted as she magicked a stretcher for Harry.
“Well, he’s not exactly conscious, is he? I’m second-ranking player, come on!” Sean bellowed back, though she had half-mounted her broom in anticipation of a rejection.
Madam Hooch shook her head sadly. “I’m sorry, Kiernan.”
“Ugh!” Sean grunted, and she kicked off the ground hard to rise rapidly in the air. She didn’t know what the score was, but the continuous cheering from the Hufflepuff and Slytherin sections was not promising. She located the Quaffle underneath Smith’s right arm, and flew directly into him – knocking him twenty feet sideways as he dropped the large red ball. Sean dropped her broom and grabbed the Quaffle, then turned fast and streaked towards the Hufflepuff goals yet again, dodging a Bludger and the swiftly-approaching Cadwallader to score. She made a grunt of triumph before turning sharply to find the Hufflepuff Chaser who had taken the Quaffle, when Cootes yelled out to her from her left.
Though she looked up in time to see the Bludger coming, she didn’t move fast enough and it hit her on the left side of her upper torso. Sean heard at least two of her ribs crack and break, even over her scream. She bit her bottom lip hard and pressed into her broom to continue flying towards her own goal posts; she couldn’t quit – especially not after their Seeker and Captain was down. Suck it up, Sean told herself, and she forced her body to continue playing the match – to much objection.
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Twenty-One: The Empath Unveiled
“Tell me where you are.” A distant voice echoed from her mind.
The black of the night shrouded everything in darkness, and it took a moment for her to spot a swinging light far below. She drew closer to the ground and the light, and began to notice the trees all around her. “It’s a forest… the Forbidden Forest.” Her own voice was just as distant as the other, but she knew she was right as soon as she said it and continued on watching the light swinging back and forth from a stranger’s hand.
“Describe your surroundings.” The ethereal voice called out again.
“There’s a man, but he can’t be fully human… and spiders, there are spiders everywhere – they’re huge, like monsters.” She stopped talking to watch the scene more intently, and then she heard the man speak and knew who he was, even in the darkness. “It’s Hagrid!” she exclaimed in excitement.
“What else is happening?”
“Hagrid’s sad; he’s talking to the largest of the spiders… he called him Aragog. He’s sick – Aragog – he’s dying… I think, I think Hagrid’s reading to him…” She said questioningly.
“Very good, now come back.”
Sean pulled herself out of the scene and suddenly felt the cold, hard, mossy floor of the Firenze’s classroom. She opened her eyes and pushed herself onto her elbows from her laying position, “Did I transfigure?”
“Your hair began to grow darker, but you stopped yourself. Well done, Changeling.” Firenze nodded slightly to her. “Are you ready to try again?”
“Yes, sir.” Sean laid back down on the mossy floor and closed her eyes. She ignored her own excitement at her Empathic success, and tried to concentrate on the other emotions buzzing around the room. Firenze’s emotions were rather difficult to channel, considering how static and impassive he usually was, but she had been improving significantly after she finally admitted how she felt about Harry the previous week.
She breathed deeply and felt a tingling sensation begin in her left arm… Pride – Sean was picking up on how proud Firenze was for her. She felt her own appreciation for only a moment, because another, stronger sensation swept over her entire body. Her surprise delayed the realization that it wasn’t Firenze’s emotion, nor her own, but it was intense and distinct – Fear. Sean decided to direct her attention to the Fear, now pulsing through her, and she felt a great rush as the dark of her closed eyelids became replaced with the light a dimly-lit room.
“Where are you?” Firenze’s calm voice called from far away.
“A dark room… there’s only a fireplace for light.” Indeed, the only source of light in the vast, gloomy room was a low, crackling fire from a massive fireplace. The room looked like it belonged to an old, luxurious mansion, and she suddenly knew where she was – though it didn’t make much sense. “Malfoy Manor. It’s in the Malfoy’s mansion.”
“Come back, Changeling.” His voice was no longer calm and even, but rather tense – and the fear he felt pushed her deeper into the room.
“There’s only one man, though there are others in the Manor. But he’s not really human, either… something else, something worse…”
“Come back!” Firenze’s voice was barely an echo of a whisper as she propelled closer to the man.
“He’s frustrated… something’s not happening fast enough. He wants someone, oh my God – he wants someone killed!” Sean vaguely felt her body began to twitch from somewhere far, far away, but she was ‘standing’ next to the part-man now and watching him intently.
He began to speak suddenly, his voice an unsuitably high-pitched hiss. “I grow weary of waiting on your son, Lucius – perhaps, he is regretting his commitment to the Dark Lord?”
“There’s another man! He’s scared, though… he’s so scared…” Sean declared as she felt another presence in the dark room.
“N-no… no, my Lord. He is inexperienced and young, but he will succeed! He will not fail you, my Lord!” This man’s voice was shaky and weak, full of trepidation.
Sean turned to see the kneeling figure of a pale man with long, blonde hair. She didn’t know why, but she started to yell at him. “Run! He’s going to hurt you! Get out of here!”
“What did you say to me, Lucius?” The part-man next to her seethed.
The kneeling man named Lucius shook violently with fear. “N-nothing, my Lord! I am silently awaiting your orders!”
“Get up and run, you idiot! He’s going to kill you!” Sean yelled, though she knew she was only in the room in essence.
The part-man’s horrible red eyes grew wide and he turned away from the fire and towards the kneeling man. “Can you feel it? Can you feel her presence?” he whispered in a low hiss. The man called Lucius could only offer a confused look to Lord Voldemort, for Sean now knew who he was. “Can it be… is there an Empath amongst us?” Voldemort spoke to himself now, and Sean turned to watch him in terror. “Can you feel her, Lucius… in this very room…” Voldemort’s childish glee suddenly flooded her body, which was jerking fiercely in a classroom far away. It was the most horrible sensation she ever felt, like her soul was being violated on an unholy level, and she felt her stomach contents rise in her chest as she was pulled backwards from the room.
She landed on the cold, mossy stone and rolled to her side to retch. She pushed herself up quickly and walked over to where she felt the fear pulsing in the room. “Professor Dumbledore… Voldemort’s… trying to… kill you…” she panted heavily, then stumbled backwards to the floor as she had done too much before fully recovering.
When she looked back up, Professor Dumbledore had lifted his Disillusionment Charm and was kneeling in front of her. “Are you alright, Sean?”
She nodded her head vigorously, surprisingly lucid. “I’m fine, but he’s going to kill that man – Lucius – and then have his son kill you… you have to do something!”
“Sean, I need you to calm down.”
“He’s going to kill him! And his son… bloody hell – it’s Draco Malfoy! Malfoy’s trying to kill you!” Sean got to her feet quickly as she continued to yell at the Headmaster. "Malfoy's the one who's been causing all the accidents! Katie and Ron..."
“That’s enough.” Dumbledore’s commanding voice silenced her, though she was still breathing heavily. “I do not think Lord Voldemort will dispose of Lucius Malfoy for the time being. And thank you for your concern, but I am completely safe. Firenze, if you could please bring Madam Pomfrey here to check on Ms. Kiernan; I think she would like to avoid a trip to the hospital wing if at all possible.”
She had forgotten that Firenze was even with them, but he minded the Headmaster and she heard his hooves clip-clop out of the classroom. “Professor, I feel fine –”
Dumbledore smiled softly. “I just want to cover all bases. Now, Sean, I owe you an apology. I sat in on your lesson two days ago, as well as this one, to monitor your progress – and I’m afraid I did so under a Disillusionment Charm as to avoid another, shall we say, disagreement.” He paused to sigh and Sean found herself grinning, despite the circumstances. “I have to say that I am quite impressed at how much you have grown since you resumed lessons with Firenze, so much so that you were able to defeat my Shield Charm – not an easy task.”
“Professor, I really feel like something bad is going to happen… Voldemort could sense me, he said there was an Empath in the room – that’s never happened before.”
Dumbledore’s faint dread began to tickle in her left arm before he spoke. “Do you recall, when I told your father that you might not be entirely safe in the wizarding world?” Sean nodded slowly, and breathed deeply before continuing. “There was a prophecy made just over two-and-a-half centuries ago about your birth –”
“Yeah, I know – Professor McGonagall gave me a book about it.” Sean interrupted.
“Do you remember what it said? The wording?” Dumbledore asked as he peered over his spectacles at her.
Sean shrugged. “Something about ‘secrecy’ and the whole ‘changeling’ thing. It just basically said what I was – well, what I am.”
The Headmaster sighed sadly. “A child shall be birthed from secrecy, a changeling twin. They will See farther and more clear than all who came before. They shall have Sight beyond time and space, forever desired and forever feared – the key to end a great war.”
“Well, that’s fairly straightforward – except for the whole ‘key’ thing.”
“Exactly.” Dumbledore began to pace sideways as he spoke. “The wizarding world is in the throws of a second great war, and this prophecy speaks to only one. The prophecy is fairly widely known, especially by those who follow Divination, and it is completely unclear as to which war it discussed. Furthermore, it does not distinguish in who’s favor the war will end – indicating that you are a neutral key.”
He kept pacing, still lost in his thoughts, until Sean interrupted again. “Professor, how can you even be sure that the prophecy is even really about me? I mean, who’s to say there’s not another Metamorphmagus/Empath that’s going to be born in like, fifty years?” She knew it was a ridiculous thought, but she was grasping at anything that kept her from being this ‘key’.
Dumbledore stopped pacing (probably stunned at my sheer stupidity, Sean thought) and sighed heavily. “I’m afraid not, Sean. The prophecy refers to the first, if not the only, Empath – which is undoubtedly you.” He held out his hand to indicate a tree stump, which Sean sat upon with a weighted heart. “It would be foolish to assume that Lord Voldemort does not know of this prophecy, and I believe that he has been waiting to see if an Empath would present themselves to him – which you did tonight, due to my own imprudence. Professor Snape has been denying your existence, leading Voldemort to believe that no child at Hogwarts is the Empath. Hopefully, he will continue to trust Professor Snape and not pursue you here.”
Sean thought about this for a moment. “Pursue me? He’s going to come after me, to try and use me?”
“Forever desired and forever feared. Sean, you are essentially the perfect spy – you can transfigure yourself at will and eavesdrop on anyone, anywhere… you can even feel when someone if frightened or lying to use to your advantage. Just imagine what your abilities mean to Lord Voldemort, whether you were working with or against him – desired and feared.” Dumbledore sat down on a tree stump opposite her, his blue eyes twinkling sadly.
“So what does this mean?” Sean asked quietly.
“It means that your talents will eventually be put to use by one side or the other… Though your allegiance does not guarantee a victory for either side, it does mean an advantage – and an end.”
Dumbledore’s sadness buzzed all around her, and she thought carefully for a few minutes before deciding what to do. “If you had your choice, what would you have me do?”
The Headmaster looked up at her and smiled sadly. “My dear child, I would ask you to move as far away as possible from harm.”
Sean ran a hand through her hair and sighed, then stood up straight. “Professor Dumbledore, I want to join the Order of the Phoenix.”
The doors to the classroom creaked open, and she heard the click-clacks of Madam Pomfrey’s heels in step with the clip-clops of Firenze’s hooves, though she remained looking directly at the Headmaster. Dumbledore stood and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “For now, all I want you to worry about is the Quidditch match tomorrow.”
* * * * * *
“I nominate myself for Captain in Potter’s absence.” McLaggen spoke up arrogantly.
Sean stood up and grabbed him by the neck of his robes. “If you don’t shut up, I will curse you into oblivion.” She had been on edge ever sine the previous night, and Harry’s conspicuous absence only minutes from the match against Hufflepuff, as well as McLaggen’s incessant bragging, was not helping.
“You can curse him after the match, but for now we need him to be Keeper.” She released the horrified McLaggen and turned to see Harry looking slightly annoyed as he entered the changing room.
“Where have you been?” Sean whispered into his ear as he hugged her briefly.
“I met Malfoy.” He responded as he let go of her and began to pull his scarlet robes over his head.
“Try not to worry about that now – you can deal with him after we beat Hufflepuff.” Sean spoke as calmly as her voice would allow, though she flinched involuntarily when Harry said ‘Malfoy’.
Harry gave her a weak grin, then grabbed his Firebolt and pushed his glasses on straight. “Come on then!” he yelled to the rest of the team, and they marched onto the pitch to deafening cheers and boos.
McLaggen continued to blabber right up until Madam Hooch blew her whistle and the fourteen players kicked off into the air. Ginny grabbed the Quaffle immediately and Sean followed her as they streaked down the pitch towards the Hufflepuff posts, Ginny looping an oncoming Cadwallader superbly and scoring the first goal of the match. Sean let out a yell of approval and leaned forward on her broom to zoom towards Zacharias Smith, who had captured the Quaffle and was heading towards the Gryffindor goals. Sean flew right up to his side and made a swipe for the Quaffle, but had to break away quickly as a Bludger sped right in between them; when she pulled back towards Smith, he tossed the Quaffle to Cadwallader, but Dean Thomas intercepted.
“SEAN!” Dean yelled to her, then made a hard turn on his broom and threw the Quaffle to her. She caught it right in her stomach and made a wide turn (to avoid Smith) as she headed back to the Hufflepuff posts, faked left, and scored! She circled the posts and streamed back towards the Gryffindor goals in anticipation of a Hufflepuff Chaser, when she saw the most absurd scene: McLaggen had apparently stolen Peakes’ bat in order to demonstrate how to ‘properly’ hit a Bludger. She growled and drew closer to her broom to increase her speed, when McLaggen miss-hit a Bludger that when soaring ominously right towards… Harry.
“Damn!” Sean yelled, and she pulled up on the handle of her Nimbus 2001 towards Harry, who had been hit smack on the right side of his head and was swaying unconsciously as he slipped off to the side of his broom. Sean had reached him just in time and caught him by the sleeve of his Quidditch robes, then hoisted him back onto his broom and let him slump forward so he was laying stomach-down on his Firebolt. She took a second to make sure he was steady, and then took hold of the handle of his broom and pulled away from her own so both brooms began to lower slowly, perfectly vertical in the air.
She touched down on the ground as Madam Hooch rushed over. “Time out! I call a time out!” Sean yelled over the jeers and cheers of the crowd as she dismounted before helping the cataleptic body of her boyfriend.
“I’m sorry, Kiernan, but only the Captain can call time out!” Madam Hooch shouted as she magicked a stretcher for Harry.
“Well, he’s not exactly conscious, is he? I’m second-ranking player, come on!” Sean bellowed back, though she had half-mounted her broom in anticipation of a rejection.
Madam Hooch shook her head sadly. “I’m sorry, Kiernan.”
“Ugh!” Sean grunted, and she kicked off the ground hard to rise rapidly in the air. She didn’t know what the score was, but the continuous cheering from the Hufflepuff and Slytherin sections was not promising. She located the Quaffle underneath Smith’s right arm, and flew directly into him – knocking him twenty feet sideways as he dropped the large red ball. Sean dropped her broom and grabbed the Quaffle, then turned fast and streaked towards the Hufflepuff goals yet again, dodging a Bludger and the swiftly-approaching Cadwallader to score. She made a grunt of triumph before turning sharply to find the Hufflepuff Chaser who had taken the Quaffle, when Cootes yelled out to her from her left.
Though she looked up in time to see the Bludger coming, she didn’t move fast enough and it hit her on the left side of her upper torso. Sean heard at least two of her ribs crack and break, even over her scream. She bit her bottom lip hard and pressed into her broom to continue flying towards her own goal posts; she couldn’t quit – especially not after their Seeker and Captain was down. Suck it up, Sean told herself, and she forced her body to continue playing the match – to much objection.
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Twenty-Two: Frustrations and Celebrations
“Well, it wasn’t really much of a match after that.” Sean sighed as she felt the bandages wrapped around her chest and stomach underneath her black racerback tank.
Ron grunted sympathetically. “Yeah, I could hear Luna – I hope she always commentates… Loser’s Lurgy…”
Sean stood up and straightened her black board shorts. “I had no idea she was commentating – I try not to listen. Ugh, I’ve got to get my shoes and find McLaggen; I’ve got a curse with his name on it.”
“Not so fast, Kiernan!” Madam Pomfrey was suddenly at her side and lifting her tank to take a look at the bandages. “Four broken ribs are no laughing matter.”
“Excuse you!” Sean yelped, trying to pull down her tank as Ron turned red and began to laugh awkwardly.
“Nothing to be shy about, dear – you’re covered in bandages.” Madam Pomfrey relinquished her efforts.
“Yeah, well… still. Am I free, then?” Sean huffed.
“As a bird. And you’re welcome.” The nurse turned and click-clacked away back towards her office.
Sean mumbled her thanks and straightened her top. “Well, that wasn’t awkward at all.” This time, Ron laughed heartily, causing Harry to stir ever-so-slightly and grab her gaze. “I still can’t believe he was late because of Malfoy.”
“What?” Ron asked, aghast.
“He came in no more than two minutes before the whistle – said he ran into Malfoy.” Sean flinched involuntarily again.
“He’s still going on about that, then?” Ron questioned sheepishly.
She sighed and pulled her ponytail out to let her hair fall gracefully past her shoulders. “He’s got a reason to, Ron – Malfoy’s a right piece of work.” Sean grimaced, afraid to give away too much information… or none at all. Dumbledore hadn’t told her to keep her information to herself, but she didn’t know if he wanted her to tell anyone… did she even need his permission?
“What do you mean?” She looked up to see Ron giving her a calculating look.
“Exactly what I said – you’ve seen what a royal jerk he can be…” She said as casually as possible. Ron eyed her carefully one more time, then shrugged it off. “Well, I can’t find my shoes and my feet are freezing, so I’m gonna go. Give Harry my best when he wakes up.”
“Eyw…” Ron grinned.
Sean stuck out her tongue at him, then turned and left the hospital wing part-reluctant, part-relieved. She reached Gryffindor Tower quickly and went straight up to the dormitory, thankful to be alone with her own thoughts. “Sean!” Well, maybe not just yet…
“Hey, Hermione.”
“How are you feeling?” she asked concernedly.
Sean shrugged. “Fine, Madam Pomfrey mended them in a second. Have you seen McLaggen, by any chance?” she asked while changing into a pair of clean, baggy jeans.
“Last I saw he was trying to hide from the rest of the Quidditch team while bats attacked his face.” Hermione grinned.
Sean laughed, “I have got ask Ginny how to do that hex.”
“So… did you see Ron? How is he?” Hermione questioned, her tone becoming worried.
“He’s fine – both he and Harry’ll probably be out in the next couple of days. Any particular reason you’re asking?” Sean inquired with a grin.
Hermione frowned at her. “You know exactly why I’m asking, there’s no need for your cheek.”
“Don’t get angry at me!” Sean laughed gently. “Besides, you should cheer up – he’s trying to ditch Lavender.”
“What?! Since when? Did he tell you that?” Hermione’s face became intensely concerned, like she was getting ready to study or go to the library…
“He’s trying to ditch Lavender, for a while now, and no - he didn’t tell me. He didn’t have to, really, it’s written all over his face every time she comes around… well that, and I am an Empath.” Sean shrugged.
“Well, has he said anything to Lavender? Had he told her that they at least need to talk, or something?” Hermione asked, excitement seeping out of her and beginning to coarse through Sean.
Sean grinned, “Hermione, what you’re suggesting would require a certain level of courtesy and decency – this is Ronald Weasley, we’re talking about.”
Hermione’s mouth tensed up, in what Sean assumed to be a suppressed grin. “He should at least say something…”
“Of course he should, but can you imagine trying to tell Lavender –” Sean stopped abruptly as the door handle turned to allow Lavender and Parvati inside.
“…but every time I go he’s asleep – I hope he’ll be out soon.” Lavender was saying to her friend, but she broke off as she looked up to see her dorm-mates watching her. “Oh – hello.”
Sean’s mouth was agape while she turned from Lavender to Hermione, back to Lavender, then back to Hermione. “Yeah, I’m gonna to the library…” she said quickly.
“I’m going with you.” Hermione added, and both girls vacated the tense dorm as quickly as humanly possible.
* * * * * *
“Fred and George are in the Order, I don’t see why I can’t be!” Sean demanded.
Professor Dumbledore sighed sadly and folded his hands on his desk. “Mr. Weasley and Mr. Weasley are of age, Ms. Kiernan – you do not come of age for almost another five months.”
“I still don’t see the difference between joining now or then – would you rather have me become a Death Eater?” She accused.
The air in the room became still and rigid rapidly, and Dumbledore rose from his seat slowly while he seemed to search for the right words. “Your sarcasm is not welcome in this office, Sean; you would do well to remember that.” His words pierced through her like ice.
She waited for him to sit back down and the foreign anger pulsing through her to ebb slowly. “So what you’re saying is: I can’t join the Order of the Phoenix, I can’t leave Hogwarts, I can’t tell anyone… but I can trust you? This isn’t fair, it isn’t right…” Dumbledore’s frustration began to tingle through her once more, but she stood up and cut him off before he could speak. “I know! ‘This is bigger than me’ – I know! But I can’t be used if I don’t want to be! It’s like you said, I’m neutral – I can choose my fate! I don’t understand what you’re so afraid of…” She spoke the words before thinking about them, but now that they echoed in the Headmaster’s office – she knew she was right.
“I fear your impulsivity and recklessness, and the increasing possibility they may be your undoing.” Dumbledore murmured, and resumed his seat slowly.
Sean, however, was undeterred and remained standing. “I may be impulsive, and even reckless, but I am not stupid. All I want is to have control over my own life.”
“You will only have control when you realize that your life affects the lives of others.”
“Hence why I have requested to join the Order! I already know all about it from Fred and George, and from where I stand - it looks like the Order is all about using your life to help others! I don’t understand… would you allow me to join if I was of age, then?” she questioned angrily.
Dumbledore opened his mouth to speak, then must have thought better of it as he closed it again. Sean shook her head, rolled her eyes, and sighed simultaneously, then turned and left the office. She pounded her steps all the way from the second floor to the seventh, entering Gryffindor Tower with a gruff “Puffapods” to the Fat Lady. Her eyes were downcast as she sighed and ran a hand through her hair, when someone suddenly ran into her and kissed her fiercely. She recognized her kisser without even opening her eyes, and kept them closed as their lips parted, his arms still around her. “Not here, Neville…” she whispered, barely maintaining a straight face.
“What?!” She opened her eyes to see Harry’s shocked, yet amused face.
She feigned ignorance. “Oh, Harry! Er… ahm… you haven’t seen Neville, have you?” Harry grinned broadly while Ron’s voice roared with laughter somewhere behind him, then kissed her again. Sean shrugged and sighed, “Never mind, then. So, not that I’m complaining – but what was that all about?”
Harry loosed his arms around her waist and turned to place a hand in hers while they walked over to where Ron (still laughing) and Hermione were sitting in the otherwise-deserted common room. “Because I’ve figured out where Malfoy’s been going when he disappears on the map, and I felt like celebrating.” He grinned again, making Sean actually flush a bit.
“Well, where’s he been going?” She asked as she sat down with him, leaning towards him slightly.
“The Room of Requirement. And, he’s been using Crabbe and Goyle as lookouts by having them take Polyjuice Potion!” Harry’s excitement at this discovery began to pulse into her.
“That’s brilliant, Harry – but how exactly is Malfoy brewing up Polyjuice Potion? He’s not exactly a potions genius…” She spoke carefully, trying not to give away anything while still remaining interested.
“He nicked it from Slughorn’s storage – remember our first lesson? He could’ve easily taken some then, or he might even have stolen some after since there’s a whole cauldron-full down in the Dungeons.” Harry shrugged, but it still didn’t take away from the boyish exhilaration painted all over his face. “He’s cornered now – it’s only a matter of time before I figure out what he’s up to, and then Dumbledore can’t deny he’s taken over as a Death Eater for his father.” Her own anxiety numbed Harry’s excitement at this pronouncement, and she sighed while resting her head on his shoulder. “Hey, is everything okay?”
She pulled her head up quickly and ran a hand through her hair. “Yeah... yeah, everything’s fine. I just had a lesson with Firenze so I’m a little tired… You know, I think I’m gonna head up. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Harry put a soft hand in her hair, “Okay, feel better.” They kissed shortly (so as not to alienate Ron and Hermione), and Sean pushed herself up and began to ascend the stairs to the dormitory, when Hermione’s voice wafted up behind her and paused her steps.
“I’m going to bed as well. Listen Harry, before you get too excited, I still don’t think you’ll be able to get into the Room of Requirement without knowing what’s there first. And I don’t think you should forget that what you’re supposed to be concentrating on is getting that memory from Slughorn. Good night.” Hermione’s footsteps began to draw closer to the dormitory stairs and Sean jumped the last few to dash into the dormitory, closing the door quickly and quietly behind her as she peeled off her day clothes and pulled on her pajamas.
She leapt into bed, thankfully not waking Lavender or Parvati, and pulled the covers up to feign sleep as the door opened softly to whisper Hermione’s entrance. Within a few minutes, the room was pitched into darkness as Hermione turned out the lights – and Sean couldn’t help but wonder what her boyfriend and best friends were keeping from her as Hermione’s worry radiated from the next bed.
So, I know it's short... but I'm running low on time (free or otherwise). Anyhow, please-please-please review!
“Well, it wasn’t really much of a match after that.” Sean sighed as she felt the bandages wrapped around her chest and stomach underneath her black racerback tank.
Ron grunted sympathetically. “Yeah, I could hear Luna – I hope she always commentates… Loser’s Lurgy…”
Sean stood up and straightened her black board shorts. “I had no idea she was commentating – I try not to listen. Ugh, I’ve got to get my shoes and find McLaggen; I’ve got a curse with his name on it.”
“Not so fast, Kiernan!” Madam Pomfrey was suddenly at her side and lifting her tank to take a look at the bandages. “Four broken ribs are no laughing matter.”
“Excuse you!” Sean yelped, trying to pull down her tank as Ron turned red and began to laugh awkwardly.
“Nothing to be shy about, dear – you’re covered in bandages.” Madam Pomfrey relinquished her efforts.
“Yeah, well… still. Am I free, then?” Sean huffed.
“As a bird. And you’re welcome.” The nurse turned and click-clacked away back towards her office.
Sean mumbled her thanks and straightened her top. “Well, that wasn’t awkward at all.” This time, Ron laughed heartily, causing Harry to stir ever-so-slightly and grab her gaze. “I still can’t believe he was late because of Malfoy.”
“What?” Ron asked, aghast.
“He came in no more than two minutes before the whistle – said he ran into Malfoy.” Sean flinched involuntarily again.
“He’s still going on about that, then?” Ron questioned sheepishly.
She sighed and pulled her ponytail out to let her hair fall gracefully past her shoulders. “He’s got a reason to, Ron – Malfoy’s a right piece of work.” Sean grimaced, afraid to give away too much information… or none at all. Dumbledore hadn’t told her to keep her information to herself, but she didn’t know if he wanted her to tell anyone… did she even need his permission?
“What do you mean?” She looked up to see Ron giving her a calculating look.
“Exactly what I said – you’ve seen what a royal jerk he can be…” She said as casually as possible. Ron eyed her carefully one more time, then shrugged it off. “Well, I can’t find my shoes and my feet are freezing, so I’m gonna go. Give Harry my best when he wakes up.”
“Eyw…” Ron grinned.
Sean stuck out her tongue at him, then turned and left the hospital wing part-reluctant, part-relieved. She reached Gryffindor Tower quickly and went straight up to the dormitory, thankful to be alone with her own thoughts. “Sean!” Well, maybe not just yet…
“Hey, Hermione.”
“How are you feeling?” she asked concernedly.
Sean shrugged. “Fine, Madam Pomfrey mended them in a second. Have you seen McLaggen, by any chance?” she asked while changing into a pair of clean, baggy jeans.
“Last I saw he was trying to hide from the rest of the Quidditch team while bats attacked his face.” Hermione grinned.
Sean laughed, “I have got ask Ginny how to do that hex.”
“So… did you see Ron? How is he?” Hermione questioned, her tone becoming worried.
“He’s fine – both he and Harry’ll probably be out in the next couple of days. Any particular reason you’re asking?” Sean inquired with a grin.
Hermione frowned at her. “You know exactly why I’m asking, there’s no need for your cheek.”
“Don’t get angry at me!” Sean laughed gently. “Besides, you should cheer up – he’s trying to ditch Lavender.”
“What?! Since when? Did he tell you that?” Hermione’s face became intensely concerned, like she was getting ready to study or go to the library…
“He’s trying to ditch Lavender, for a while now, and no - he didn’t tell me. He didn’t have to, really, it’s written all over his face every time she comes around… well that, and I am an Empath.” Sean shrugged.
“Well, has he said anything to Lavender? Had he told her that they at least need to talk, or something?” Hermione asked, excitement seeping out of her and beginning to coarse through Sean.
Sean grinned, “Hermione, what you’re suggesting would require a certain level of courtesy and decency – this is Ronald Weasley, we’re talking about.”
Hermione’s mouth tensed up, in what Sean assumed to be a suppressed grin. “He should at least say something…”
“Of course he should, but can you imagine trying to tell Lavender –” Sean stopped abruptly as the door handle turned to allow Lavender and Parvati inside.
“…but every time I go he’s asleep – I hope he’ll be out soon.” Lavender was saying to her friend, but she broke off as she looked up to see her dorm-mates watching her. “Oh – hello.”
Sean’s mouth was agape while she turned from Lavender to Hermione, back to Lavender, then back to Hermione. “Yeah, I’m gonna to the library…” she said quickly.
“I’m going with you.” Hermione added, and both girls vacated the tense dorm as quickly as humanly possible.
* * * * * *
“Fred and George are in the Order, I don’t see why I can’t be!” Sean demanded.
Professor Dumbledore sighed sadly and folded his hands on his desk. “Mr. Weasley and Mr. Weasley are of age, Ms. Kiernan – you do not come of age for almost another five months.”
“I still don’t see the difference between joining now or then – would you rather have me become a Death Eater?” She accused.
The air in the room became still and rigid rapidly, and Dumbledore rose from his seat slowly while he seemed to search for the right words. “Your sarcasm is not welcome in this office, Sean; you would do well to remember that.” His words pierced through her like ice.
She waited for him to sit back down and the foreign anger pulsing through her to ebb slowly. “So what you’re saying is: I can’t join the Order of the Phoenix, I can’t leave Hogwarts, I can’t tell anyone… but I can trust you? This isn’t fair, it isn’t right…” Dumbledore’s frustration began to tingle through her once more, but she stood up and cut him off before he could speak. “I know! ‘This is bigger than me’ – I know! But I can’t be used if I don’t want to be! It’s like you said, I’m neutral – I can choose my fate! I don’t understand what you’re so afraid of…” She spoke the words before thinking about them, but now that they echoed in the Headmaster’s office – she knew she was right.
“I fear your impulsivity and recklessness, and the increasing possibility they may be your undoing.” Dumbledore murmured, and resumed his seat slowly.
Sean, however, was undeterred and remained standing. “I may be impulsive, and even reckless, but I am not stupid. All I want is to have control over my own life.”
“You will only have control when you realize that your life affects the lives of others.”
“Hence why I have requested to join the Order! I already know all about it from Fred and George, and from where I stand - it looks like the Order is all about using your life to help others! I don’t understand… would you allow me to join if I was of age, then?” she questioned angrily.
Dumbledore opened his mouth to speak, then must have thought better of it as he closed it again. Sean shook her head, rolled her eyes, and sighed simultaneously, then turned and left the office. She pounded her steps all the way from the second floor to the seventh, entering Gryffindor Tower with a gruff “Puffapods” to the Fat Lady. Her eyes were downcast as she sighed and ran a hand through her hair, when someone suddenly ran into her and kissed her fiercely. She recognized her kisser without even opening her eyes, and kept them closed as their lips parted, his arms still around her. “Not here, Neville…” she whispered, barely maintaining a straight face.
“What?!” She opened her eyes to see Harry’s shocked, yet amused face.
She feigned ignorance. “Oh, Harry! Er… ahm… you haven’t seen Neville, have you?” Harry grinned broadly while Ron’s voice roared with laughter somewhere behind him, then kissed her again. Sean shrugged and sighed, “Never mind, then. So, not that I’m complaining – but what was that all about?”
Harry loosed his arms around her waist and turned to place a hand in hers while they walked over to where Ron (still laughing) and Hermione were sitting in the otherwise-deserted common room. “Because I’ve figured out where Malfoy’s been going when he disappears on the map, and I felt like celebrating.” He grinned again, making Sean actually flush a bit.
“Well, where’s he been going?” She asked as she sat down with him, leaning towards him slightly.
“The Room of Requirement. And, he’s been using Crabbe and Goyle as lookouts by having them take Polyjuice Potion!” Harry’s excitement at this discovery began to pulse into her.
“That’s brilliant, Harry – but how exactly is Malfoy brewing up Polyjuice Potion? He’s not exactly a potions genius…” She spoke carefully, trying not to give away anything while still remaining interested.
“He nicked it from Slughorn’s storage – remember our first lesson? He could’ve easily taken some then, or he might even have stolen some after since there’s a whole cauldron-full down in the Dungeons.” Harry shrugged, but it still didn’t take away from the boyish exhilaration painted all over his face. “He’s cornered now – it’s only a matter of time before I figure out what he’s up to, and then Dumbledore can’t deny he’s taken over as a Death Eater for his father.” Her own anxiety numbed Harry’s excitement at this pronouncement, and she sighed while resting her head on his shoulder. “Hey, is everything okay?”
She pulled her head up quickly and ran a hand through her hair. “Yeah... yeah, everything’s fine. I just had a lesson with Firenze so I’m a little tired… You know, I think I’m gonna head up. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Harry put a soft hand in her hair, “Okay, feel better.” They kissed shortly (so as not to alienate Ron and Hermione), and Sean pushed herself up and began to ascend the stairs to the dormitory, when Hermione’s voice wafted up behind her and paused her steps.
“I’m going to bed as well. Listen Harry, before you get too excited, I still don’t think you’ll be able to get into the Room of Requirement without knowing what’s there first. And I don’t think you should forget that what you’re supposed to be concentrating on is getting that memory from Slughorn. Good night.” Hermione’s footsteps began to draw closer to the dormitory stairs and Sean jumped the last few to dash into the dormitory, closing the door quickly and quietly behind her as she peeled off her day clothes and pulled on her pajamas.
She leapt into bed, thankfully not waking Lavender or Parvati, and pulled the covers up to feign sleep as the door opened softly to whisper Hermione’s entrance. Within a few minutes, the room was pitched into darkness as Hermione turned out the lights – and Sean couldn’t help but wonder what her boyfriend and best friends were keeping from her as Hermione’s worry radiated from the next bed.
So, I know it's short... but I'm running low on time (free or otherwise). Anyhow, please-please-please review!
Twenty-Three: Fire and Fears
Bright blue April sky soon rolled over the castle, causing bouts of procrastination and forgetfulness as the approaching summer was finally within sight. This wasn’t the case, however, with Sean – who had forcefully turned her hair a bright teal to disguise the fact that no matter how hard she concentrated, it remained a dull, mousy brown instead of its natural color. Her days seemed to drag on and on until she could finally sleep away the hours in between lying to her friends, dull classes, and lessons for a skill she wasn’t really allowed to use. The worst of it all was when Harry told her he liked her new hair color, but it wasn’t as beautiful as it naturally is – and she had to lie yet again by pretending she just ‘needed a change’. It wasn’t very important, but it was still a lie.
Come to think of it, lies and secrecy had been a theme lately amongst her friends, and Sean got the distinct impression that she wasn’t the only person lying by omission. They were sitting in a sunny corner of the courtyard, Sean pretending be as upset as Harry was about still not being able to discover what Malfoy was up to in the Room of Requirement, while Ron and Hermione went over a leaflet about Apparition. “Will you just forget about Malfoy?” Hermione asked Harry firmly.
“No! I want to know what he’s up to!” Harry’s frustration bleeding into Sean.
Ron started suddenly and tired to hide behind Hermione as a girl came around the corner. “It isn’t Lavender.” Hermione said wearily, and turned back to her pamphlet. “Sean, how is it you’ve been able to Apparate like, a bagillion times already?
Sean opened her mouth to respond, the same girl Ron mistook for Lavender spoke before she could. “Harry Potter?” the girl asked kindly. “I’m supposed to give you this…” She handed Harry a scroll of parchment and smiled before turning to leave.
“Thanks…” Harry mumbled, still perturbed with Hermione.
Ron sat up quickly. “Is it from Dumble–” Sean picked her head up from leaning against the stone wall of courtyard and gave the note in Harry’s hand a questioning look before remembering she was trying to pretend she didn’t know they were hiding something from her.
She could feel Hermione, Ron, and Harry’s panic begin to pulse around her, until Hermione spoke quickly. “It can’t be, Ron - Dumbledore said that Harry was just being irrational about Malfoy, remember?”
Hermione shot a quick glance from Ron to Sean and back again before Ron responded. “Oh, right…”
Sean suddenly felt very lonely among her friends, a feeling she couldn’t deny was her own, and she pushed herself up off the ground. “I forgot – I still have to reply to George’s last post.” She pointed to the parchment in Harry’s hand to signal that its delivery had reminded her. “I’ll meet you in Potions.” She bent down and gave Harry a quick kiss before brushing the long, teal hair out of her face and turning to go inside.
She walked slowly until she was out of sight of her friends, then sped up her pace and half-jogged all the way to the dormitory. She wrenched open the door and slammed it shut with a growl, startling a teary-eyed Lavender and Parvati. “Sorry…” she mumbled, but the two girls vacated the room anyway. Just calm down, she told herself while trying to slow her breathing, there must be a reason why he’s not telling you. Harry would never lie to you unless he had a decent reason. She sighed and flopped down onto her bed, then began to stare at the ceiling while trying to slow her racing thoughts.
One such thought seemed to smack her in the face, ceasing all others, and she began to mull it over. Whenever she had an Empathic experience, she had to use the emotions of others to see whom they were thinking about… could she use her ability for her own will? Would she be able to see those she was thinking about in the present? What they were doing? What they were saying? What they were feeling… It was a long shot, but she had been doing really well with Firenze (especially since there were no Disillusioned observers lately)… it might just work.
She closed her eyes and began to breathe deeply, allowing her confusion and frustration with Harry course throughout her entire body. Suddenly, she began to feel her entire body pulse in time with her heartbeat, growing louder and louder. Sean prepared herself for the rush forward to the courtyard, but instead was pulled backwards – as if unwilling – through her bed, through the levels of the castle, and into the courtyard where Harry, Ron, and Hermione were all standing now.
“What on earth is more important than this memory, Harry?” Hermione asked incredulously. Sean drew closer to her boyfriend, and could feel him drift away into thoughts of talking to… her. Saying something, particular… “Harry? Are you still with us?” questioned Hermione, and Sean cursed her friend for bringing Harry back to the present before she could figure out what he was so worried about telling her.
“Wha --? Yeah, of course.” Harry shook himself slightly. “Well… okay. If I can’t get Slughorn to talk this afternoon, I’ll take some Felix and have another go this evening.”
He wished them good luck at their Apparition test and bade them goodbye before heading back into the castle. Sean floated behind him, following his heavy footsteps with intrigue. He felt defeated and annoyed as he headed off to the Dungeons, with a random thought of worry towards the Hogwarts grounds… Sean had barely realized that she was going to be late to Potions before she was suddenly pulled backwards again into Harry’s last worry – back outside the castle, across the grounds, and into the groundskeeper’s small hut.
Hagrid was sobbing uncontrollably into a large handkerchief that might have otherwise been a tablecloth, while Professor Dumbledore patted him kindly on the back. “There, there, Hagrid – he was an old Acromantula, it was his time.” Hagrid attempted to respond, but it came out more like groans and wails than anything else. “I know, but you only raised Aragog – you couldn’t expect his children to respect you without his command.” The Headmaster spoke soothingly, but there was something strained in his voice. Despite the overwhelming grief in the small hut, Sean felt something else hiding inside the room. She drifted closer to Professor Dumbledore, the constrained emotion beginning to call out to her from it’s confinement. What is it?
It was beating, just as her body had been earlier, and she knew: it was a terrific union of horror and disgust, fresh in the Headmaster’s mind from his very recent trip to the outskirts of London… to some orphanage, and then a cold sea with a cave in the distance… Sean was pulled again, though it felt much more like being ripped from Hagrid’s hut and Professor Dumbledore’s emotions. She was moving so rapidly that she didn’t have time to make out where she was going, but she knew it was significantly far away from the safety of Hogwarts.
Finally, she stopped in a large, dark room with only a grand fireplace for light. There was a presence in the room, but she didn’t care – she didn’t want to feel anything that this presence felt, because she knew she had been to this very room before. Sean closed her eyes and concentrated all her energy on propelling herself from the room, but when she opened them again – all she saw was the same part-man standing calmly in front of the fireplace. She tried to glide back away from him, but stopped in horror when she realized that she had taken a step. Sean looked down, praying she was still invisible in her essence, and moaned quietly as she saw the ghostly-outline of her body. “Hello, Empath.”
She looked up, wide-eyed in terror, to see the part-man turning from the fire to stare at her. His face was hidden in shadow since the light now came from behind him, but his unnatural, high-pitched voice quickly reminded her what he was. “My, you’re very pretty. I have to admit, I always expected the Empath to be male, but you’ll do nicely.”
Even though she was horrified to be part-corporal, she moved as far away from him as possible, her ghostly-white body trapped as she backed into the wall. “I have many questions for you, Empath, many questions indeed. Is it true that you are also a Metamorphmagus? That will be quite entertaining, yes.” He moved closer to her, now only separated by a few feet, and Sean felt a random confusion trickle over his restrained exhilaration. “Why do you look familiar, Empath? Are you pure? You are young, perhaps I remember you from your parentage?”
She could see his eyes now that he was so close, their redness penetrating her. Oh God, please don’t let him recognize me, please don’t let him recognize me! Sean thought over and over, the images of her smiling, toddler half-siblings flashing in her mind - followed by the slower, more reluctant images of her brother, mother, and father. Her father… Sean suddenly knew exactly what to do, and allowed uninhibited, suppressed rage to fill her, pushing all foreign emotion from her transparent body. She screamed at Voldemort, her rage piercing him and causing him to back away from her in shock and confusion. Sean’s whole body seemed to suddenly be on fire, and she ran from the wall to the other side of the room and leapt directly into the blazing fireplace – Voldemort’s scream of protest dying away as she was ripped from the Malfoy Manor.
* * * * * *
“Mum says she wants to come, but she’s not sure if she’ll be able to.” George’s voice drifted through the air, and Sean’s newly awakened senses sharpened. Fred gave a noncommittal grunt, and several waves of sadness and concern swept over her.
She kept her eyes closed and took a deep breath before whispering “Fred…” A hush fell around her, and she suppressed a laugh at George and Harry’s indignation. She opened her eyes slowly to see Fred kneeling on the right side of her bed, “If you cry, I will have to hex you on principle.” Fred and George both let out tense laughs, and she pushed herself to a sitting position. “I might as well move in with Madam Pomfrey, I’m in this hospital wing so bloody often.” She finally looked around and smiled to see Harry, Ron, Hermione, Fred, George, and (to her bewilderment) Seamus sitting on the beds or chairs around her. “Well,” she sighed, “who wants to tell me what happened?”
The air in the room changed immediately from relieved to tense. “You-you don’t remember?” George sputtered.
Sean furrowed her eyebrows in confusion and spoke with a much more serious tone. “No. What happened?” She looked to each person individually, waiting for an answer. “What happened? Harry?” She turned to him, begging for a reply, though he had looked away. “Hermione? Ron?” Sean looked to each of them in turn, but they, too, did not return her gaze. “Someone tell me what happened!” She wasn’t asking anymore.
“Her-Hermione found you…” Ron began quietly.
“‘Found me’? What does ‘found me’ mean? Where was I?” Her voice was rising as their combined uneasiness felt like poison flowing through her.
“You didn’t show up for Potions, so I checked the map and saw you were in your dorm. I figured maybe you had fallen asleep since you hadn’t been feeling well.” Harry swallowed dryly and rubbed his hair absentmindedly. “When Hermione and Ron came back from their Apparition tests, I asked her to check on you. That’s when…” He swallowed again, and Sean noticed a tear slide silently down Hermione’s cheek out of the corner of her eye.
“You were on fire.” Hermione whispered. “Your whole body… I screamed, and Harry and Ron came in…”
“I thought boys couldn’t go into the girls’ dormitories…” Fred commented quietly.
Harry sighed and rubbed his forehead. “I don’t know why we were allowed in, but it’s not important. When we came in, we saw the flames and I pulled the comforter around you to stop the fire.”
Sean’s eyes were watering in the silence that followed Harry’s words, the silence that allowed her memory to return. Minutes passed until she finally pulled her knees up and ran her hands through her hair, letting them rest on her neck. “Was… was it just me? Did anything else catch fire?”
Harry and Ron immediately turned to each other, exchanging looks of surprise. “Well, that’s the part we didn’t understand…” Ron began carefully. “You had to have been… we didn’t find you for hours, but – nothing else caught fire. Not even your comforter, nothing.”
She folded her arms on her knees rested her chin on them low, so her mouth and part of her nose looked hidden. “What happened then?”
“You, ahm… you…” Ron started, but Harry cut him off.
“After the flames finally died, I pulled back the comforter to make sure you were… okay.” Harry’s breathing became short, and Sean could feel his latent fear on the static in the air. “You were white. At first, I thought you had… I thought…” Harry paused, then stood up and walked away from her to the end of the bed, his arms folded, as deafening silence filled the space he left.
“I saw Harry carrying someone down from the girls’ dorms, and I went over to see who it was.” Sean turned in surprise at Seamus’ clear, yet constrained, voice. “Your whole body was see-through… even your clothes. You looked exactly like Nearly Headless Nick - I thought you had died and left a ghost behind. It didn’t even register that Harry was carrying you.” He grunted in what may have been an attempt at an awkward laugh. That’s why they were all so worried… so distressed – they thought she had died.
“Ron sent us a post a few days ago, and we Apparated here as fast as we could.” Fred offered somberly.
Sean gaped at him in disbelief. “A few days? How long ago… how long have I been here?”
She searched the faces of those around her, but no one would meet her eyes. Finally, Seamus answered her. “Six days.”
“Six?” She threw off the covers and stood up, feeling her body beneath the baggy pajama bottoms and racerbank tank – thankfully being able to see and feel her fair skin. Her mind was suddenly racing again, “I have to go, I’ve got to get out of here…” She side-stepped Hermione sitting in a chair beside the now-empty bed, ignoring the startled protests of her friends, and pushed her way past Ron as Harry turned around and faced her. He alarmed her when he first looked into her eyes after avoiding them for so long, but she softened as she saw his light green eyes. “I’m sorry, I can’t explain – but I have to leave.” She was doing everything she could to not think about Voldemort and the Malfoy Mansion, terrified that her eyes might give something away.
“You can’t go…” Harry whispered softly, then looked down in embarrassment.
“I’m going to find Dumbledore and get out of here. I’m putting you all in danger by being here… I wish I could explain.” She pleaded in a whisper only he could hear.
He looked back into her eyes, his lips quivering as a tear from each eye rolled down his cheeks. “I can’t lose you, not again.”
Sean stood on her tip-toes and gently placed a hand around Harry’s neck, then put her forehead to his and closed her eyes. “You won’t.” She kissed him as if it might explain everything and put his mind to rest, ignoring the shock and anger coming from three of the four men in the room with them. They parted and she stroked his cheek for a moment, trying desperately not to cry as she turned and walked resolutely from the hospital room.
Okay, so now I'm trying not to cry. I love this chapter, and I hope you do too! Let me know!
Bright blue April sky soon rolled over the castle, causing bouts of procrastination and forgetfulness as the approaching summer was finally within sight. This wasn’t the case, however, with Sean – who had forcefully turned her hair a bright teal to disguise the fact that no matter how hard she concentrated, it remained a dull, mousy brown instead of its natural color. Her days seemed to drag on and on until she could finally sleep away the hours in between lying to her friends, dull classes, and lessons for a skill she wasn’t really allowed to use. The worst of it all was when Harry told her he liked her new hair color, but it wasn’t as beautiful as it naturally is – and she had to lie yet again by pretending she just ‘needed a change’. It wasn’t very important, but it was still a lie.
Come to think of it, lies and secrecy had been a theme lately amongst her friends, and Sean got the distinct impression that she wasn’t the only person lying by omission. They were sitting in a sunny corner of the courtyard, Sean pretending be as upset as Harry was about still not being able to discover what Malfoy was up to in the Room of Requirement, while Ron and Hermione went over a leaflet about Apparition. “Will you just forget about Malfoy?” Hermione asked Harry firmly.
“No! I want to know what he’s up to!” Harry’s frustration bleeding into Sean.
Ron started suddenly and tired to hide behind Hermione as a girl came around the corner. “It isn’t Lavender.” Hermione said wearily, and turned back to her pamphlet. “Sean, how is it you’ve been able to Apparate like, a bagillion times already?
Sean opened her mouth to respond, the same girl Ron mistook for Lavender spoke before she could. “Harry Potter?” the girl asked kindly. “I’m supposed to give you this…” She handed Harry a scroll of parchment and smiled before turning to leave.
“Thanks…” Harry mumbled, still perturbed with Hermione.
Ron sat up quickly. “Is it from Dumble–” Sean picked her head up from leaning against the stone wall of courtyard and gave the note in Harry’s hand a questioning look before remembering she was trying to pretend she didn’t know they were hiding something from her.
She could feel Hermione, Ron, and Harry’s panic begin to pulse around her, until Hermione spoke quickly. “It can’t be, Ron - Dumbledore said that Harry was just being irrational about Malfoy, remember?”
Hermione shot a quick glance from Ron to Sean and back again before Ron responded. “Oh, right…”
Sean suddenly felt very lonely among her friends, a feeling she couldn’t deny was her own, and she pushed herself up off the ground. “I forgot – I still have to reply to George’s last post.” She pointed to the parchment in Harry’s hand to signal that its delivery had reminded her. “I’ll meet you in Potions.” She bent down and gave Harry a quick kiss before brushing the long, teal hair out of her face and turning to go inside.
She walked slowly until she was out of sight of her friends, then sped up her pace and half-jogged all the way to the dormitory. She wrenched open the door and slammed it shut with a growl, startling a teary-eyed Lavender and Parvati. “Sorry…” she mumbled, but the two girls vacated the room anyway. Just calm down, she told herself while trying to slow her breathing, there must be a reason why he’s not telling you. Harry would never lie to you unless he had a decent reason. She sighed and flopped down onto her bed, then began to stare at the ceiling while trying to slow her racing thoughts.
One such thought seemed to smack her in the face, ceasing all others, and she began to mull it over. Whenever she had an Empathic experience, she had to use the emotions of others to see whom they were thinking about… could she use her ability for her own will? Would she be able to see those she was thinking about in the present? What they were doing? What they were saying? What they were feeling… It was a long shot, but she had been doing really well with Firenze (especially since there were no Disillusioned observers lately)… it might just work.
She closed her eyes and began to breathe deeply, allowing her confusion and frustration with Harry course throughout her entire body. Suddenly, she began to feel her entire body pulse in time with her heartbeat, growing louder and louder. Sean prepared herself for the rush forward to the courtyard, but instead was pulled backwards – as if unwilling – through her bed, through the levels of the castle, and into the courtyard where Harry, Ron, and Hermione were all standing now.
“What on earth is more important than this memory, Harry?” Hermione asked incredulously. Sean drew closer to her boyfriend, and could feel him drift away into thoughts of talking to… her. Saying something, particular… “Harry? Are you still with us?” questioned Hermione, and Sean cursed her friend for bringing Harry back to the present before she could figure out what he was so worried about telling her.
“Wha --? Yeah, of course.” Harry shook himself slightly. “Well… okay. If I can’t get Slughorn to talk this afternoon, I’ll take some Felix and have another go this evening.”
He wished them good luck at their Apparition test and bade them goodbye before heading back into the castle. Sean floated behind him, following his heavy footsteps with intrigue. He felt defeated and annoyed as he headed off to the Dungeons, with a random thought of worry towards the Hogwarts grounds… Sean had barely realized that she was going to be late to Potions before she was suddenly pulled backwards again into Harry’s last worry – back outside the castle, across the grounds, and into the groundskeeper’s small hut.
Hagrid was sobbing uncontrollably into a large handkerchief that might have otherwise been a tablecloth, while Professor Dumbledore patted him kindly on the back. “There, there, Hagrid – he was an old Acromantula, it was his time.” Hagrid attempted to respond, but it came out more like groans and wails than anything else. “I know, but you only raised Aragog – you couldn’t expect his children to respect you without his command.” The Headmaster spoke soothingly, but there was something strained in his voice. Despite the overwhelming grief in the small hut, Sean felt something else hiding inside the room. She drifted closer to Professor Dumbledore, the constrained emotion beginning to call out to her from it’s confinement. What is it?
It was beating, just as her body had been earlier, and she knew: it was a terrific union of horror and disgust, fresh in the Headmaster’s mind from his very recent trip to the outskirts of London… to some orphanage, and then a cold sea with a cave in the distance… Sean was pulled again, though it felt much more like being ripped from Hagrid’s hut and Professor Dumbledore’s emotions. She was moving so rapidly that she didn’t have time to make out where she was going, but she knew it was significantly far away from the safety of Hogwarts.
Finally, she stopped in a large, dark room with only a grand fireplace for light. There was a presence in the room, but she didn’t care – she didn’t want to feel anything that this presence felt, because she knew she had been to this very room before. Sean closed her eyes and concentrated all her energy on propelling herself from the room, but when she opened them again – all she saw was the same part-man standing calmly in front of the fireplace. She tried to glide back away from him, but stopped in horror when she realized that she had taken a step. Sean looked down, praying she was still invisible in her essence, and moaned quietly as she saw the ghostly-outline of her body. “Hello, Empath.”
She looked up, wide-eyed in terror, to see the part-man turning from the fire to stare at her. His face was hidden in shadow since the light now came from behind him, but his unnatural, high-pitched voice quickly reminded her what he was. “My, you’re very pretty. I have to admit, I always expected the Empath to be male, but you’ll do nicely.”
Even though she was horrified to be part-corporal, she moved as far away from him as possible, her ghostly-white body trapped as she backed into the wall. “I have many questions for you, Empath, many questions indeed. Is it true that you are also a Metamorphmagus? That will be quite entertaining, yes.” He moved closer to her, now only separated by a few feet, and Sean felt a random confusion trickle over his restrained exhilaration. “Why do you look familiar, Empath? Are you pure? You are young, perhaps I remember you from your parentage?”
She could see his eyes now that he was so close, their redness penetrating her. Oh God, please don’t let him recognize me, please don’t let him recognize me! Sean thought over and over, the images of her smiling, toddler half-siblings flashing in her mind - followed by the slower, more reluctant images of her brother, mother, and father. Her father… Sean suddenly knew exactly what to do, and allowed uninhibited, suppressed rage to fill her, pushing all foreign emotion from her transparent body. She screamed at Voldemort, her rage piercing him and causing him to back away from her in shock and confusion. Sean’s whole body seemed to suddenly be on fire, and she ran from the wall to the other side of the room and leapt directly into the blazing fireplace – Voldemort’s scream of protest dying away as she was ripped from the Malfoy Manor.
* * * * * *
“Mum says she wants to come, but she’s not sure if she’ll be able to.” George’s voice drifted through the air, and Sean’s newly awakened senses sharpened. Fred gave a noncommittal grunt, and several waves of sadness and concern swept over her.
She kept her eyes closed and took a deep breath before whispering “Fred…” A hush fell around her, and she suppressed a laugh at George and Harry’s indignation. She opened her eyes slowly to see Fred kneeling on the right side of her bed, “If you cry, I will have to hex you on principle.” Fred and George both let out tense laughs, and she pushed herself to a sitting position. “I might as well move in with Madam Pomfrey, I’m in this hospital wing so bloody often.” She finally looked around and smiled to see Harry, Ron, Hermione, Fred, George, and (to her bewilderment) Seamus sitting on the beds or chairs around her. “Well,” she sighed, “who wants to tell me what happened?”
The air in the room changed immediately from relieved to tense. “You-you don’t remember?” George sputtered.
Sean furrowed her eyebrows in confusion and spoke with a much more serious tone. “No. What happened?” She looked to each person individually, waiting for an answer. “What happened? Harry?” She turned to him, begging for a reply, though he had looked away. “Hermione? Ron?” Sean looked to each of them in turn, but they, too, did not return her gaze. “Someone tell me what happened!” She wasn’t asking anymore.
“Her-Hermione found you…” Ron began quietly.
“‘Found me’? What does ‘found me’ mean? Where was I?” Her voice was rising as their combined uneasiness felt like poison flowing through her.
“You didn’t show up for Potions, so I checked the map and saw you were in your dorm. I figured maybe you had fallen asleep since you hadn’t been feeling well.” Harry swallowed dryly and rubbed his hair absentmindedly. “When Hermione and Ron came back from their Apparition tests, I asked her to check on you. That’s when…” He swallowed again, and Sean noticed a tear slide silently down Hermione’s cheek out of the corner of her eye.
“You were on fire.” Hermione whispered. “Your whole body… I screamed, and Harry and Ron came in…”
“I thought boys couldn’t go into the girls’ dormitories…” Fred commented quietly.
Harry sighed and rubbed his forehead. “I don’t know why we were allowed in, but it’s not important. When we came in, we saw the flames and I pulled the comforter around you to stop the fire.”
Sean’s eyes were watering in the silence that followed Harry’s words, the silence that allowed her memory to return. Minutes passed until she finally pulled her knees up and ran her hands through her hair, letting them rest on her neck. “Was… was it just me? Did anything else catch fire?”
Harry and Ron immediately turned to each other, exchanging looks of surprise. “Well, that’s the part we didn’t understand…” Ron began carefully. “You had to have been… we didn’t find you for hours, but – nothing else caught fire. Not even your comforter, nothing.”
She folded her arms on her knees rested her chin on them low, so her mouth and part of her nose looked hidden. “What happened then?”
“You, ahm… you…” Ron started, but Harry cut him off.
“After the flames finally died, I pulled back the comforter to make sure you were… okay.” Harry’s breathing became short, and Sean could feel his latent fear on the static in the air. “You were white. At first, I thought you had… I thought…” Harry paused, then stood up and walked away from her to the end of the bed, his arms folded, as deafening silence filled the space he left.
“I saw Harry carrying someone down from the girls’ dorms, and I went over to see who it was.” Sean turned in surprise at Seamus’ clear, yet constrained, voice. “Your whole body was see-through… even your clothes. You looked exactly like Nearly Headless Nick - I thought you had died and left a ghost behind. It didn’t even register that Harry was carrying you.” He grunted in what may have been an attempt at an awkward laugh. That’s why they were all so worried… so distressed – they thought she had died.
“Ron sent us a post a few days ago, and we Apparated here as fast as we could.” Fred offered somberly.
Sean gaped at him in disbelief. “A few days? How long ago… how long have I been here?”
She searched the faces of those around her, but no one would meet her eyes. Finally, Seamus answered her. “Six days.”
“Six?” She threw off the covers and stood up, feeling her body beneath the baggy pajama bottoms and racerbank tank – thankfully being able to see and feel her fair skin. Her mind was suddenly racing again, “I have to go, I’ve got to get out of here…” She side-stepped Hermione sitting in a chair beside the now-empty bed, ignoring the startled protests of her friends, and pushed her way past Ron as Harry turned around and faced her. He alarmed her when he first looked into her eyes after avoiding them for so long, but she softened as she saw his light green eyes. “I’m sorry, I can’t explain – but I have to leave.” She was doing everything she could to not think about Voldemort and the Malfoy Mansion, terrified that her eyes might give something away.
“You can’t go…” Harry whispered softly, then looked down in embarrassment.
“I’m going to find Dumbledore and get out of here. I’m putting you all in danger by being here… I wish I could explain.” She pleaded in a whisper only he could hear.
He looked back into her eyes, his lips quivering as a tear from each eye rolled down his cheeks. “I can’t lose you, not again.”
Sean stood on her tip-toes and gently placed a hand around Harry’s neck, then put her forehead to his and closed her eyes. “You won’t.” She kissed him as if it might explain everything and put his mind to rest, ignoring the shock and anger coming from three of the four men in the room with them. They parted and she stroked his cheek for a moment, trying desperately not to cry as she turned and walked resolutely from the hospital room.
Okay, so now I'm trying not to cry. I love this chapter, and I hope you do too! Let me know!
Twenty-Four: Keeping Up Appearances
Sean scrutinized her reflection in the mirror, grimacing at her shoulder-length blonde hair. “I am having serious second thoughts about agreeing to this, Professor.”
Professor Dumbledore sighed from behind her and placed a tired hand on her shoulder. “It’s only a temporary solution. Do you have your schedule?” She turned to face him (rather than looking at his reflection) and lazily produced a folded piece of parchment from inside her robes. “Good. Professor McGonagall is on her way to escort you to Gryffindor Tower – do you remember where all her things are?”
“Yes, sir.” Sean sighed as she suppressed an eye roll. They waited in silence for Professor McGonagall for a few minutes, before she decided to ask a question that had been on her mind the past few days. “Professor, what did you tell Harry?”
“I’m afraid I –” he began, but Sean cut him off as a particular anxiety started to tickle her arm.
“Please don’t lie to me.” She sighed in exasperation, “I know Harry. I know he would’ve come to you and asked about me.”
Dumbledore took a long breath. “I told him you were safe – and did not want to be found.”
“Well, that’s at least half-true…” Sean mumbled, but she stopped as a firm hand knocked on the Headmaster’s office door.
“Enter.” Dumbledore said authoritatively.
The door swung open to reveal to the Deputy Headmistress looking rather relieved. “Miss Bell! Welcome back; it is wonderful to see you in good spirits again.”
“Thank you, Professor, I’m really glad to be back.” Sean said with Katie’s voice.
Professor McGonagall beamed at her (oddly enough), then placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, “I know you must be worried about missing so much of your seventh year, but you are one of the top students in your class – you’ll recover nicely.”
Sean smiled awkwardly and gave Dumbledore a fleeting grimace. “Thank you, but I really think –”
“Please give her some time to re-adjust at Hogwarts, Minerva, remember – the Healers at St. Mungo’s are not entirely certain about the long-term effects of the combined curses.” Professor Dumbledore said sadly.
“Of course, of course…” It was very odd to see Professor McGonagall so pleased with a student (especially her, since she was usually saw McGonagall for inquiries about mysterious pranks), and Sean assumed Katie had to have been a very, very good student to warrant the pride she could feel radiating from McGonagall. “Well, it’s best we head to Gryffindor Tower first – I’m sure your friends would like to welcome you back, as well, before your first class.” Sean nodded and followed McGonagall out of the office.
It became apparent soon enough that Sean was going to have to practice walking as Katie Bell, since she had shrunk just over an inch and elongated her feet. She actually tripped twice on the stairs up to the seventh floor, which McGonagall thankfully assumed to be nerves. “Try not to worry, Miss Bell,” she told her while helping Sean up for the second time, “Between you and me, you are still the top Transfiguration student in my N.E.W.T. class!” Apparently this was supposed to make her feel better, but all Sean could do was smile weakly and continue on to Gryffindor Tower.
They finally reached the portrait hole, to which McGonagall told “Quid Agis.” She then turned to Sean and placed the same, gentle hand on her shoulder. “Try not to worry, dear, everything is going to be fine. And don’t forget – Transfiguration begins in forty-five minutes.”
“Thank you.” Sean tried to smile warmly, then crawled through the portrait hole (with much difficulty) into the common room. She had just brushed her blonde hair out of her face when someone nearby shrieked and crashed into her in what may have been a hug.
“Katie! Oh my gosh, how are you? I’ve missed you so much! Classes haven’t been the same without you! Are you alright? What did the Healers say?” The girl was almost exactly Katie’s height, with lighter, curly blonde hair and blue eyes instead of Katie’s brown. Sean paused for a moment while trying to remember her name, when Dumbledore’s voice came drifting into her mind… Her best friend is Leanne Menden – she is a bright student with an unfortunate tendency to gossip…
“Leanne! I missed you, too!” Sean said suddenly in Katie’s slightly-higher pitched voice. “I’m fine, really – I spent a few days at home with Mum and Dad before coming back, so I’m really alright.” She said, remembering the story Dumbledore told her to repeat – and feeling a pang of guilt knowing that the real Katie Bell had left the country with her parents only a few days earlier.
Her own emotions were soon drowned out, however, by the flood of surprise, relief, and joy that came as a small group of seventh years came over to welcome her back and engaged her in random, mostly meaningless conversation. After about half an hour, Leanne interrupted Cormac McLaggen (thankfully), “We should probably get going to Transfiguration – I’ll go get our books.” Leanne dashed up to the dormitory, and Sean turned reluctantly back to McLaggen when another voice called out to her.
“Katie! You’re back! Are you okay?” Hermione came running up to her, and Sean smiled genuinely for the first time.
“I’m really well! They let me out of St. Mungo’s on Monday, I had a couple of days home with Mum and Dad and then came back here this morning…” She said, quick to repeat the false-story again. She could feel the group of Katie’s friends behind her still almost giddy with delight, but didn’t turn around in the hopes that someone else was with Hermione. Sean did her best to hide her smile as Harry appeared beside Hermione, however grim and sleep-deprived he looked. “Hey Harry,” she lowered her voice to a whisper, “Leanne was just telling me about McLaggen and the last match…” she lied.
Harry shrugged dejectedly. “Yeah, well, now you’re back and Ron’s fit, we’ll have a decent chance of thrashing Ravenclaw, which means we could still be in the running for the Cup. Listen Katie…” He leaned towards her slightly, his eyes beginning to sparkle and almost make her knees weak as she recognized his familiar, mischievous look. “…that necklace… can you remember who gave it to you now?”
Sean sighed and repeated another Dumbledore-story. “No,” she shook her head apologetically. “Everyone’s been asking me, but I haven’t got a clue. That last thing I remember was walking to the ladies’ room in the Three Broomsticks.”
The curiosity coming from Harry’s left made her turn to Hermione before she even spoke. “You definitely went into the bathroom, then?”
“Well, I know I pushed open the door, so I suppose whoever Imperiused me was standing just behind it. After that, my memory’s a blank until about two weeks ago in St. Mungo’s.” Unfortunately, Leanne had just reappeared at her side and handed her Katie’s heavy bag. “Listen,” she told Harry and Hermione, “I’d better go, I wouldn’t put it past McGonagall to give me lines even if it is my first day back…” She followed Leanne and a few other seventh years out of the portrait hole after fighting the urge to give Harry a proper goodbye.
* * * * * *
The next week passed very, very slowly amidst all of the chatter. Sean had liked Katie, and couldn’t understand how she put up with Leanne and the other three seventh year girls – Maddy Shrim, Nikki Gause, and Odette Alena – who were apparently ‘best friends forever’. They hadn’t been as bad as the classes, however, when every professor sent disappointment tingling down her spine at Katie’s sudden decrease from a perfect student to a rather mediocre one. In fact, Sean could now understand how Hermione became so stressed out so easily over her courses, since being the best student in the year was not exactly all ‘house points’ and ‘outstandings’.
Sean had just shaken the other girls, telling them to go ahead to dinner without her so she could write her parents a post. After they finally left the common room, she waited a few minutes before crawling through the portrait hole herself and taking the longest route possible to the Great Hall. She meandered past a tapestry of dancing trolls, when a door suddenly appeared and was wrenched open from the inside. She gasped and jumped back in alarm as Harry ran from the Room of Requirement drenched in water and blood. “Harry!” Katie’s voice yelled, but he didn’t hear her as he sprinted down the hall faster than Sean had ever seen him run.
She paused for a moment, deciding what to do, then began to pace in front of a blank wall next to the tapestry. She stopped after the third pass and opened the door that had appeared along the wall, and entered a small room comprised solely of mirrors. She didn’t need to be someone – she needed to be anyone… Sean’s finger began to twitch as her hair turned to a light brown and lengthened just past her shoulders, Katie’s brown eyes changing to a watery blue, her nose extending slightly, and her jaw line growing longer as her chin became more prominent. Finally, Sean bit her bottom lip as the most painful transfiguration took place – her bones felt like they were fracturing all over as her limbs began shortening even further to bring her to an average height (and she made sure to return her feet to their normal size so she could walk better). Sean looked in the mirror and sighed in satisfaction – she didn’t look like anyone in particular, which meant she could blend in perfectly.
Sean turned and ran from the Room of Requirement, following the direction Harry went until she stopped suddenly on the sixth floor – there was some kind of shrieking coming from the girls’ lavatory just a few yards in front of her. She dashed inside and found two young Ravenclaws staring at the sobbing and wailing transparent figure of Moaning Myrtle. “… a-a-and he cursed him! Harry Potter… he could h-h-have k-killed him, there was b-blood everywhere, but Professor Snape f-found Draco and s-saved him! Harry P-Potter is a vicious, awful b-boy!” Myrtle let out a terrible shriek and then dove into the toilet bowl behind her. The two Ravenclaw girls gave each other confused looks, then put their heads together and began to gossip wildly as they exited the bathroom.
Oh my God, what did he do? Sean agonized, then turned from the bathroom and made her way back to Gryffindor common room quickly – if she was going to figure out what happened, the common room was the first place to go for information. Indeed, the moment she crawled through the portrait hole (after being scrutinized by the Fat Lady) she was hit by the buzzing that usually accompanied the exchange of scandalous information. Hermione, Harry, and Ron were easy enough to find, since every pair of eyes in the common room kept flitting over to the corner where they were sitting quietly. Sean made her way quietly through the crowds of Gryffindors and positioned herself close enough to overhear their conversation.
“I didn’t know what it was… it just said ‘for enemies’…” Harry was saying, his face still in shock as he kept his eyes down.
Hermione sighed concernedly, “From what you’ve said, it sounds like Malfoy was about to use an Unforgivable Curse… you were trying to defend yourself, Harry, though I can’t believe you used a spell without knowing what it was.”
“At least Snape was able to heal him…” Harry offered sadly after a few minutes silence.
Ron sighed heavily. “So, that’s it then? You’re really banned from the last match?”
Sean hid her gasp by pretending it was a violent cough, then angled herself away from her friends so it looked like she was involved in another conversation. “Yeah…” Harry began weakly. “…Detention every Saturday until Merlin-knows when… and I’ve got to find a way to get the Prince’s book back…”
At this, Hermione dropped her concern. “Harry, you can’t be serious! There was something wrong with that Prince person…”
“Will you stop harping on about the book! The Prince only copied it out! It’s not like he was advising anyone to use it! For all we know, he was making a note of something that had been used against him!” Harry snapped at her.
Hermione was obviously taken aback (Ron kept his head down), and she opened her mouth to say something when a loud, authoritative voice called out “HARRY POTTER!” Everyone in the common room turned to see a livid Professor McGonagall standing in front of the portrait hole, and Sean turned back to Harry to watch him get up reluctantly from his seat and follow McGonagall out of the common room. She was about to leave to go transfigure herself back to Katie’s appearance, when the sound of Ron’s voice stopped her.
“You’ve got to give him a break, Hermione,” he said wearily.
Hermione looked aghast. “A break? He could’ve killed Malfoy – he didn’t even know what that spell was!”
Ron looked at her pleadingly. “You know Harry would never have done it otherwise, not even to Malfoy. Besides, you know how hard it’s been on him since Sean left.”
“He’s not the only one, Ronald! She’s my best friend and I don’t even know if she’s alright!” Her tight mouth loosened a bit in worry. “I still don’t understand why she left, it doesn’t make any sense… what ‘danger’ could she be putting us in?”
“I don’t know, but Harry said that he got the impression that something was bothering her… you don’t remember her saying anything?” Ron asked.
Hermione glanced to the portrait hole before responding to Ron, and Sean knew that they had been saving any conversation about her until they were alone without Harry. “No,” she shook her head, “everything seemed fine. She had said that her lessons with Firenze were going really well, and she was really happy to finally be with Harry… I don’t know…”
Sean couldn’t listen anymore; she walked away and headed up to the dormitory to change her appearance. It already felt like her bones were fracturing before her finger began to twitch, and she realized with a pang of sorrow that it was her heart breaking…
Sorry it's so short, but there was some explaining to do before I could continue! Anyhow, please review !
Sean scrutinized her reflection in the mirror, grimacing at her shoulder-length blonde hair. “I am having serious second thoughts about agreeing to this, Professor.”
Professor Dumbledore sighed from behind her and placed a tired hand on her shoulder. “It’s only a temporary solution. Do you have your schedule?” She turned to face him (rather than looking at his reflection) and lazily produced a folded piece of parchment from inside her robes. “Good. Professor McGonagall is on her way to escort you to Gryffindor Tower – do you remember where all her things are?”
“Yes, sir.” Sean sighed as she suppressed an eye roll. They waited in silence for Professor McGonagall for a few minutes, before she decided to ask a question that had been on her mind the past few days. “Professor, what did you tell Harry?”
“I’m afraid I –” he began, but Sean cut him off as a particular anxiety started to tickle her arm.
“Please don’t lie to me.” She sighed in exasperation, “I know Harry. I know he would’ve come to you and asked about me.”
Dumbledore took a long breath. “I told him you were safe – and did not want to be found.”
“Well, that’s at least half-true…” Sean mumbled, but she stopped as a firm hand knocked on the Headmaster’s office door.
“Enter.” Dumbledore said authoritatively.
The door swung open to reveal to the Deputy Headmistress looking rather relieved. “Miss Bell! Welcome back; it is wonderful to see you in good spirits again.”
“Thank you, Professor, I’m really glad to be back.” Sean said with Katie’s voice.
Professor McGonagall beamed at her (oddly enough), then placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, “I know you must be worried about missing so much of your seventh year, but you are one of the top students in your class – you’ll recover nicely.”
Sean smiled awkwardly and gave Dumbledore a fleeting grimace. “Thank you, but I really think –”
“Please give her some time to re-adjust at Hogwarts, Minerva, remember – the Healers at St. Mungo’s are not entirely certain about the long-term effects of the combined curses.” Professor Dumbledore said sadly.
“Of course, of course…” It was very odd to see Professor McGonagall so pleased with a student (especially her, since she was usually saw McGonagall for inquiries about mysterious pranks), and Sean assumed Katie had to have been a very, very good student to warrant the pride she could feel radiating from McGonagall. “Well, it’s best we head to Gryffindor Tower first – I’m sure your friends would like to welcome you back, as well, before your first class.” Sean nodded and followed McGonagall out of the office.
It became apparent soon enough that Sean was going to have to practice walking as Katie Bell, since she had shrunk just over an inch and elongated her feet. She actually tripped twice on the stairs up to the seventh floor, which McGonagall thankfully assumed to be nerves. “Try not to worry, Miss Bell,” she told her while helping Sean up for the second time, “Between you and me, you are still the top Transfiguration student in my N.E.W.T. class!” Apparently this was supposed to make her feel better, but all Sean could do was smile weakly and continue on to Gryffindor Tower.
They finally reached the portrait hole, to which McGonagall told “Quid Agis.” She then turned to Sean and placed the same, gentle hand on her shoulder. “Try not to worry, dear, everything is going to be fine. And don’t forget – Transfiguration begins in forty-five minutes.”
“Thank you.” Sean tried to smile warmly, then crawled through the portrait hole (with much difficulty) into the common room. She had just brushed her blonde hair out of her face when someone nearby shrieked and crashed into her in what may have been a hug.
“Katie! Oh my gosh, how are you? I’ve missed you so much! Classes haven’t been the same without you! Are you alright? What did the Healers say?” The girl was almost exactly Katie’s height, with lighter, curly blonde hair and blue eyes instead of Katie’s brown. Sean paused for a moment while trying to remember her name, when Dumbledore’s voice came drifting into her mind… Her best friend is Leanne Menden – she is a bright student with an unfortunate tendency to gossip…
“Leanne! I missed you, too!” Sean said suddenly in Katie’s slightly-higher pitched voice. “I’m fine, really – I spent a few days at home with Mum and Dad before coming back, so I’m really alright.” She said, remembering the story Dumbledore told her to repeat – and feeling a pang of guilt knowing that the real Katie Bell had left the country with her parents only a few days earlier.
Her own emotions were soon drowned out, however, by the flood of surprise, relief, and joy that came as a small group of seventh years came over to welcome her back and engaged her in random, mostly meaningless conversation. After about half an hour, Leanne interrupted Cormac McLaggen (thankfully), “We should probably get going to Transfiguration – I’ll go get our books.” Leanne dashed up to the dormitory, and Sean turned reluctantly back to McLaggen when another voice called out to her.
“Katie! You’re back! Are you okay?” Hermione came running up to her, and Sean smiled genuinely for the first time.
“I’m really well! They let me out of St. Mungo’s on Monday, I had a couple of days home with Mum and Dad and then came back here this morning…” She said, quick to repeat the false-story again. She could feel the group of Katie’s friends behind her still almost giddy with delight, but didn’t turn around in the hopes that someone else was with Hermione. Sean did her best to hide her smile as Harry appeared beside Hermione, however grim and sleep-deprived he looked. “Hey Harry,” she lowered her voice to a whisper, “Leanne was just telling me about McLaggen and the last match…” she lied.
Harry shrugged dejectedly. “Yeah, well, now you’re back and Ron’s fit, we’ll have a decent chance of thrashing Ravenclaw, which means we could still be in the running for the Cup. Listen Katie…” He leaned towards her slightly, his eyes beginning to sparkle and almost make her knees weak as she recognized his familiar, mischievous look. “…that necklace… can you remember who gave it to you now?”
Sean sighed and repeated another Dumbledore-story. “No,” she shook her head apologetically. “Everyone’s been asking me, but I haven’t got a clue. That last thing I remember was walking to the ladies’ room in the Three Broomsticks.”
The curiosity coming from Harry’s left made her turn to Hermione before she even spoke. “You definitely went into the bathroom, then?”
“Well, I know I pushed open the door, so I suppose whoever Imperiused me was standing just behind it. After that, my memory’s a blank until about two weeks ago in St. Mungo’s.” Unfortunately, Leanne had just reappeared at her side and handed her Katie’s heavy bag. “Listen,” she told Harry and Hermione, “I’d better go, I wouldn’t put it past McGonagall to give me lines even if it is my first day back…” She followed Leanne and a few other seventh years out of the portrait hole after fighting the urge to give Harry a proper goodbye.
* * * * * *
The next week passed very, very slowly amidst all of the chatter. Sean had liked Katie, and couldn’t understand how she put up with Leanne and the other three seventh year girls – Maddy Shrim, Nikki Gause, and Odette Alena – who were apparently ‘best friends forever’. They hadn’t been as bad as the classes, however, when every professor sent disappointment tingling down her spine at Katie’s sudden decrease from a perfect student to a rather mediocre one. In fact, Sean could now understand how Hermione became so stressed out so easily over her courses, since being the best student in the year was not exactly all ‘house points’ and ‘outstandings’.
Sean had just shaken the other girls, telling them to go ahead to dinner without her so she could write her parents a post. After they finally left the common room, she waited a few minutes before crawling through the portrait hole herself and taking the longest route possible to the Great Hall. She meandered past a tapestry of dancing trolls, when a door suddenly appeared and was wrenched open from the inside. She gasped and jumped back in alarm as Harry ran from the Room of Requirement drenched in water and blood. “Harry!” Katie’s voice yelled, but he didn’t hear her as he sprinted down the hall faster than Sean had ever seen him run.
She paused for a moment, deciding what to do, then began to pace in front of a blank wall next to the tapestry. She stopped after the third pass and opened the door that had appeared along the wall, and entered a small room comprised solely of mirrors. She didn’t need to be someone – she needed to be anyone… Sean’s finger began to twitch as her hair turned to a light brown and lengthened just past her shoulders, Katie’s brown eyes changing to a watery blue, her nose extending slightly, and her jaw line growing longer as her chin became more prominent. Finally, Sean bit her bottom lip as the most painful transfiguration took place – her bones felt like they were fracturing all over as her limbs began shortening even further to bring her to an average height (and she made sure to return her feet to their normal size so she could walk better). Sean looked in the mirror and sighed in satisfaction – she didn’t look like anyone in particular, which meant she could blend in perfectly.
Sean turned and ran from the Room of Requirement, following the direction Harry went until she stopped suddenly on the sixth floor – there was some kind of shrieking coming from the girls’ lavatory just a few yards in front of her. She dashed inside and found two young Ravenclaws staring at the sobbing and wailing transparent figure of Moaning Myrtle. “… a-a-and he cursed him! Harry Potter… he could h-h-have k-killed him, there was b-blood everywhere, but Professor Snape f-found Draco and s-saved him! Harry P-Potter is a vicious, awful b-boy!” Myrtle let out a terrible shriek and then dove into the toilet bowl behind her. The two Ravenclaw girls gave each other confused looks, then put their heads together and began to gossip wildly as they exited the bathroom.
Oh my God, what did he do? Sean agonized, then turned from the bathroom and made her way back to Gryffindor common room quickly – if she was going to figure out what happened, the common room was the first place to go for information. Indeed, the moment she crawled through the portrait hole (after being scrutinized by the Fat Lady) she was hit by the buzzing that usually accompanied the exchange of scandalous information. Hermione, Harry, and Ron were easy enough to find, since every pair of eyes in the common room kept flitting over to the corner where they were sitting quietly. Sean made her way quietly through the crowds of Gryffindors and positioned herself close enough to overhear their conversation.
“I didn’t know what it was… it just said ‘for enemies’…” Harry was saying, his face still in shock as he kept his eyes down.
Hermione sighed concernedly, “From what you’ve said, it sounds like Malfoy was about to use an Unforgivable Curse… you were trying to defend yourself, Harry, though I can’t believe you used a spell without knowing what it was.”
“At least Snape was able to heal him…” Harry offered sadly after a few minutes silence.
Ron sighed heavily. “So, that’s it then? You’re really banned from the last match?”
Sean hid her gasp by pretending it was a violent cough, then angled herself away from her friends so it looked like she was involved in another conversation. “Yeah…” Harry began weakly. “…Detention every Saturday until Merlin-knows when… and I’ve got to find a way to get the Prince’s book back…”
At this, Hermione dropped her concern. “Harry, you can’t be serious! There was something wrong with that Prince person…”
“Will you stop harping on about the book! The Prince only copied it out! It’s not like he was advising anyone to use it! For all we know, he was making a note of something that had been used against him!” Harry snapped at her.
Hermione was obviously taken aback (Ron kept his head down), and she opened her mouth to say something when a loud, authoritative voice called out “HARRY POTTER!” Everyone in the common room turned to see a livid Professor McGonagall standing in front of the portrait hole, and Sean turned back to Harry to watch him get up reluctantly from his seat and follow McGonagall out of the common room. She was about to leave to go transfigure herself back to Katie’s appearance, when the sound of Ron’s voice stopped her.
“You’ve got to give him a break, Hermione,” he said wearily.
Hermione looked aghast. “A break? He could’ve killed Malfoy – he didn’t even know what that spell was!”
Ron looked at her pleadingly. “You know Harry would never have done it otherwise, not even to Malfoy. Besides, you know how hard it’s been on him since Sean left.”
“He’s not the only one, Ronald! She’s my best friend and I don’t even know if she’s alright!” Her tight mouth loosened a bit in worry. “I still don’t understand why she left, it doesn’t make any sense… what ‘danger’ could she be putting us in?”
“I don’t know, but Harry said that he got the impression that something was bothering her… you don’t remember her saying anything?” Ron asked.
Hermione glanced to the portrait hole before responding to Ron, and Sean knew that they had been saving any conversation about her until they were alone without Harry. “No,” she shook her head, “everything seemed fine. She had said that her lessons with Firenze were going really well, and she was really happy to finally be with Harry… I don’t know…”
Sean couldn’t listen anymore; she walked away and headed up to the dormitory to change her appearance. It already felt like her bones were fracturing before her finger began to twitch, and she realized with a pang of sorrow that it was her heart breaking…
Sorry it's so short, but there was some explaining to do before I could continue! Anyhow, please review !
Twenty-Five: Triumphs and Transformations
“Come on, I need you to do this for me!” Harry begged, his green eyes melting her resolve.
Sean sighed. “Fine – but don’t come crying to me when we lose.”
Harry gave her a weak grin. “It’s not that bad – Ginny’s agreed to be Seeker and Seamus and Dean’ll be your co-Chasers.”
“Yeah, but Seamus has only been practicing with us for a week!” She whined through Katie’s voice, thoroughly displeased that she had to play Quidditch with her brother.
Harry’s eyes looked down again – they were never far from the ground these days. “Well, he’s the best we’ve got since Sean left…”
She hated to see him so upset, but now that she had the chance she had to ask, to make sure… “Does anyone know what happened to her?”
He shook his head slowly. “Not really, except that she chose to leave.” Harry’s tone became dark as Sean began to feel anger trickling down her spine, and she knew she deserved it.
She bent her head to find Harry’s eyes and spoke gently. “Sean’s tough – wherever she is, I’m sure she’s alright… Try not to worry too much about it.”
Harry rubbed his head absentmindedly and returned her gaze with a sad smile. “I’m fine. You just need to focus on the match in a couple hours.”
Sean rolled her eyes dramatically and smiled. “Don’t remind me.” She changed her grip on Katie’s Nimbus 2000 and gave it a frustrated glace before turning back to Harry. “Well, I’m going to do gown to the pitch early – good luck in detention.”
She turned to leave the common room while running a hand through her short, blonde hair. She hadn’t even taken a full step when Harry caught the arm that had just left her hair. She looked up at him in surprise, “Wait…” he asked quietly, focusing his eyes into hers. There was the faintest tickle of hope flowing into her body from where he gripped her arm.
“Harry, I –” she began with Katie’s soft tone.
“Just… just look at me for a moment…” Harry took a half-step closer to her and cocked his head slightly to the side, looking like a confused child trying to figure something out.
As much as she wanted to look into his eyes, Sean forced Katie’s eyes to blink and look away towards the portrait hole. “I’m sorry, Harry, but I’ve really got to check out the pitch before the match…”
“Yeah… er, right.” Harry said shyly as he took a step back and released her arm. “Good luck.”
She managed a weak grin before disappearing through the portrait hole, Harry’s sadness penetrating her own emotions.
* * * * * *
“Come on everyone, bunch up fast – we’ve only got a ninety second time out...” Katie’s voice said. “Peakes, Coote – stay out of the sun so you’ll have better aim, their Chasers are gaining. Thomas, Finnigan – the Keeper is leaving his left goal open, so we’ll have a better shot there. And Ron – keep up the good work, you’re doing really well… We’re up more than twice their score; Ginny – if you can find the Snitch…”
“I know.” Ginny said with a determined grin.
Sean took a moment to take them all in, everyone’s faces eager and grinning despite the dirt and sweat covering them. “No matter what happens, I am really proud to have played my last match with all of you.” It was something Katie would have said, but more importantly – it was something Sean truly felt, because she knew quite well that this could be her last time on the Hogwarts Quidditch pitch. Everyone nodded solemnly in agreement, their eyes swimming with determination.
Madam Hooch’s whistle blew, and they broke from their huddle to mount their brooms and soar into the air again. With another whistle, the Quaffle hurled through the air and landed right in Dean’s open arms. Sean flew next to him as they raced towards the opposing team’s goal posts, but had to stop abruptly as Ravenclaw Chaser Davies crashed into Dean and ripped the large red ball from his grip. It was a move she would have expected from a Slythern, but she knew that Davies wanted to win his last match as much as she did. Sean swore loudly as she began to chase after him, gaining quickly on his Nimbus – which he apparently didn’t know how to fly to the best of its capabilities.
She bumped his broom tail, catching him off-guard so he dropped the Quaffle like a buffoon; even though Davies was Captain, he was seriously lacking in some Chasing skills. Sean looked down to see her brother scooping up the ball and tearing back down the pitch, and turned to follow suit with a whoosh of wind. She stopped suddenly when a huge explosion sounded from below her and she looked down to see the stadium in massive cheers and boos, then spun wildly on her broom looking for whoever had caught the Snitch. She didn’t need to look far, though, because a head of red hair came hurtling towards her.
Ginny slammed into her with her broom, knocking the wind from her chest and giving her a rather good scare. “WE WON! WE WON!” Sean grabbed the wrist Ginny was waving in the air and looked for herself – there it was, a struggling winged Snitch trying to escape her grip. She opened her mouth to yell in exhilaration – the best feeling she had felt in many, many weeks – when five more bodies and brooms slammed into her, creating an odd mass of people suspended in the air above the pitch. Ron was whooping passionately while Peakes and Cootes were exchanging some kind of secret-Beater-handshake, and Dean and Ginny gave each other a long, tight hug as Seamus joined in Ron’s chants and whoops. For the first time since her last trip to the hospital wing, Sean allowed the emotions of those around her to fully pervade her body – allowing herself to be extraordinarily happy. “KAITE – HERE!” Ginny yelled over the continuous cheers from below, and she shoved the Snitch into Sean’s hands. She looked at it in disbelief and mouthed a ‘thank you’ to a grinning Ginny. She suddenly felt the urge to look up, as if she would see Harry celebrating with them, and she knew it was his spirit filling her up while she looked at the Snitch.
Sean pushed her arm up, holding the Snitch as if holding Harry’s spirit above them all as a symbol of success. “COME ON!” she yelled to her teammates, and she dropped her broom below theirs (with a bit of difficulty, seeing as how all their brooms were tangled) and flew off towards the castle. She jumped off her broom onto the steps of the Entrance Hall and waited for her teammates to do the same, and with a quick grin to each of them began running up the stairs to Gryffindor Tower – with many of their housemates close behind. As exhausted as they all were from the long game, it was no match for the adrenaline of triumph coursing through their veins.
“QUID AGIS!” Sean yelled to the Fat Lady, who jumped in alarm.
“There’s no need to shout!” she said in indignation.
Seamus joined her side, “YES THERE IS, WE WON!”
The Fat Lady squealed in glee, then swung forward to allow the crowd of gathering Gryffindors into the common room. As soon as they entered, Ron led them in a few rounds of the school song while they jumped and danced around as if at a rock concert. All the pain and suffering that was happening outside the castle walls was forgotten as they celebrated, and all that mattered was they had won. Sean even let herself jump around with Leanne, Maddy, Nikki, and Odette while a few people set of Weasley's Wildfire Wiz-bangs. The portrait hole opened to reveal an absolutely ecstatic Professor McGonagall who handed a large silver cup to Ron, who in turn raised it high in the air (much as Sean had done with the Snitch) to deafening cheers. McGonagall’s cheeks were flushed with delight, and Sean thought she caught a glimpse of a few watery tears on her cheeks before she disappeared back through the portrait hole.
Dean, Seamus, Ginny and Ron soon began a re-enactment of the match with a few first and second years playing the Ravenclaw team. They were met with howls of laughter and cheers as Dennis Creevey exaggerated Davies dropping the Quaffle several times, and Ginny pretended to be a weeping and pathetically lost Cho Chang. The crowd suddenly erupted again, but this time it was aimed at the portrait hole and Ron leapt towards the jet-haired man being pulled into the common room. Sean heard him over the yells and shouts as she made her way over, “We won! We won! Four hundred and fifty to a hundred and forty! We won!” She ducked to avoid being hit by the large silver cup Ron was waving around, and threw her arms around Harry – all sense of discretion lost. To her surprise, however, Harry kissed her…
Sean pulled back and stared at Harry in shock for a moment, his face unreadable, then slapped him hard across the face. “How could you?!” she demanded, and she could feel Ron’s shock from her left mingling with her own. “You two-timing, back-stabbing, bast-”
Harry put a hand to her mouth to make her stop and grinned, despite the large red handprint across his cheek, “Are you sure?” he whispered in her ear. He took her hand and pulled her through the portrait hole before she could protest; once the portrait closed behind them Harry pulled her to him and kissed her again.
It took everything Sean had to push him away from her, after being so far from him for so long. “What do you think you’re doing?!” she accused him, a painful knife in her gut reminding her that she looked like Katie. He grinned again, and it made her want to punch the hell out of him. “I ought to curse you into oblivion!” she yelled furiously while forcing her hands to stay by her sides… for now.
Harry’s smile faltered for a minute, uncertainty beginning to creep in over the success he had just been enjoying. “You need to calm down, Sean…”
“Do not tell me what I need right now! Ugh, you are such a pompous arse! How could… you… do… that…” Sean’s speech slowed as she suddenly realized he hadn’t called her ‘Katie’.
Her righteous indignation began to falter, and Harry’s grin regained strength as he took her hand and pulled her down a hall without a word. The reached a familiar stretch of wall next to a portrait of Barnabas the Barmy, and Harry released her hand to pace back and forth three times until a door appeared in the wall. He opened the door quickly and rushed back to a still-stunned Sean, then took her hand gently and led her into the room.
Sean released his hand and walked away from him for a moment, running a hand distractedly through her hair while considering what to say. “I know you miss her, Harry…” she began carefully without looking at him.
“Sean…” he said softly, and she felt her eyes begin to well with tears at the sound of his voice calling her real name.
Her resolve was weakening as Harry’s confidence began to seep into her, but she had to try. “Leanne told me you two were dating - she sort of gossips a lot - and I’m really sorry that she’s gone, but—”
Harry laughed softly to stop her. “I know it’s you.” He placed his arms gently around her waist (when did he get that close?) before continuing. “I know the way you walk, the way you talk, how you smell, when you run a hand through your hair in frustration or boredom… Besides, who else would threaten to ‘curse me into oblivion’?” He put a hand in her hair and sighed quietly, “It was your eyes, though, that gave you away. You could never hide that beautiful green under anything, at least not to me.”
Sean pondered this for a moment, then sighed and placed a hand on Harry’s chest. “Dumbledore is going to kill you.” She said, finally dropping Katie’s higher-pitched tone.
This time, Harry laughed brightly – as if he hadn’t laughed properly in quite some time. “Oh, well. Could you please transform, though? This whole ‘kissing Katie’ thing is kind of creeping me out.”
A large smile stole across her face, and Sean kissed him with all the longing, pain, love, fear, and desire in both their hearts washing over her while her finger twitched and her bones fractured. When they parted - however many minutes, days, or years later – Sean felt Harry grin to see the appearance of his girlfriend return. “Thank you.”
“For transforming, or for the kiss?” Sean asked, her eyes closed and her mouth still close to his.
“Both.” She opened her eyes to see Harry’s smile fade suddenly as he continued, “So what happens now?”
“I don’t know… what do you want to happen?” His trepidation was easing its way into her.
Harry sighed heavily. “I want to know why.”
Sean looked into his eyes, and saw them burning more brightly than she had ever seen them as Katie Bell. She put her lips to his again briefly before relenting. “Okay.”
I hope that answers your question k8e and bd!
“Come on, I need you to do this for me!” Harry begged, his green eyes melting her resolve.
Sean sighed. “Fine – but don’t come crying to me when we lose.”
Harry gave her a weak grin. “It’s not that bad – Ginny’s agreed to be Seeker and Seamus and Dean’ll be your co-Chasers.”
“Yeah, but Seamus has only been practicing with us for a week!” She whined through Katie’s voice, thoroughly displeased that she had to play Quidditch with her brother.
Harry’s eyes looked down again – they were never far from the ground these days. “Well, he’s the best we’ve got since Sean left…”
She hated to see him so upset, but now that she had the chance she had to ask, to make sure… “Does anyone know what happened to her?”
He shook his head slowly. “Not really, except that she chose to leave.” Harry’s tone became dark as Sean began to feel anger trickling down her spine, and she knew she deserved it.
She bent her head to find Harry’s eyes and spoke gently. “Sean’s tough – wherever she is, I’m sure she’s alright… Try not to worry too much about it.”
Harry rubbed his head absentmindedly and returned her gaze with a sad smile. “I’m fine. You just need to focus on the match in a couple hours.”
Sean rolled her eyes dramatically and smiled. “Don’t remind me.” She changed her grip on Katie’s Nimbus 2000 and gave it a frustrated glace before turning back to Harry. “Well, I’m going to do gown to the pitch early – good luck in detention.”
She turned to leave the common room while running a hand through her short, blonde hair. She hadn’t even taken a full step when Harry caught the arm that had just left her hair. She looked up at him in surprise, “Wait…” he asked quietly, focusing his eyes into hers. There was the faintest tickle of hope flowing into her body from where he gripped her arm.
“Harry, I –” she began with Katie’s soft tone.
“Just… just look at me for a moment…” Harry took a half-step closer to her and cocked his head slightly to the side, looking like a confused child trying to figure something out.
As much as she wanted to look into his eyes, Sean forced Katie’s eyes to blink and look away towards the portrait hole. “I’m sorry, Harry, but I’ve really got to check out the pitch before the match…”
“Yeah… er, right.” Harry said shyly as he took a step back and released her arm. “Good luck.”
She managed a weak grin before disappearing through the portrait hole, Harry’s sadness penetrating her own emotions.
* * * * * *
“Come on everyone, bunch up fast – we’ve only got a ninety second time out...” Katie’s voice said. “Peakes, Coote – stay out of the sun so you’ll have better aim, their Chasers are gaining. Thomas, Finnigan – the Keeper is leaving his left goal open, so we’ll have a better shot there. And Ron – keep up the good work, you’re doing really well… We’re up more than twice their score; Ginny – if you can find the Snitch…”
“I know.” Ginny said with a determined grin.
Sean took a moment to take them all in, everyone’s faces eager and grinning despite the dirt and sweat covering them. “No matter what happens, I am really proud to have played my last match with all of you.” It was something Katie would have said, but more importantly – it was something Sean truly felt, because she knew quite well that this could be her last time on the Hogwarts Quidditch pitch. Everyone nodded solemnly in agreement, their eyes swimming with determination.
Madam Hooch’s whistle blew, and they broke from their huddle to mount their brooms and soar into the air again. With another whistle, the Quaffle hurled through the air and landed right in Dean’s open arms. Sean flew next to him as they raced towards the opposing team’s goal posts, but had to stop abruptly as Ravenclaw Chaser Davies crashed into Dean and ripped the large red ball from his grip. It was a move she would have expected from a Slythern, but she knew that Davies wanted to win his last match as much as she did. Sean swore loudly as she began to chase after him, gaining quickly on his Nimbus – which he apparently didn’t know how to fly to the best of its capabilities.
She bumped his broom tail, catching him off-guard so he dropped the Quaffle like a buffoon; even though Davies was Captain, he was seriously lacking in some Chasing skills. Sean looked down to see her brother scooping up the ball and tearing back down the pitch, and turned to follow suit with a whoosh of wind. She stopped suddenly when a huge explosion sounded from below her and she looked down to see the stadium in massive cheers and boos, then spun wildly on her broom looking for whoever had caught the Snitch. She didn’t need to look far, though, because a head of red hair came hurtling towards her.
Ginny slammed into her with her broom, knocking the wind from her chest and giving her a rather good scare. “WE WON! WE WON!” Sean grabbed the wrist Ginny was waving in the air and looked for herself – there it was, a struggling winged Snitch trying to escape her grip. She opened her mouth to yell in exhilaration – the best feeling she had felt in many, many weeks – when five more bodies and brooms slammed into her, creating an odd mass of people suspended in the air above the pitch. Ron was whooping passionately while Peakes and Cootes were exchanging some kind of secret-Beater-handshake, and Dean and Ginny gave each other a long, tight hug as Seamus joined in Ron’s chants and whoops. For the first time since her last trip to the hospital wing, Sean allowed the emotions of those around her to fully pervade her body – allowing herself to be extraordinarily happy. “KAITE – HERE!” Ginny yelled over the continuous cheers from below, and she shoved the Snitch into Sean’s hands. She looked at it in disbelief and mouthed a ‘thank you’ to a grinning Ginny. She suddenly felt the urge to look up, as if she would see Harry celebrating with them, and she knew it was his spirit filling her up while she looked at the Snitch.
Sean pushed her arm up, holding the Snitch as if holding Harry’s spirit above them all as a symbol of success. “COME ON!” she yelled to her teammates, and she dropped her broom below theirs (with a bit of difficulty, seeing as how all their brooms were tangled) and flew off towards the castle. She jumped off her broom onto the steps of the Entrance Hall and waited for her teammates to do the same, and with a quick grin to each of them began running up the stairs to Gryffindor Tower – with many of their housemates close behind. As exhausted as they all were from the long game, it was no match for the adrenaline of triumph coursing through their veins.
“QUID AGIS!” Sean yelled to the Fat Lady, who jumped in alarm.
“There’s no need to shout!” she said in indignation.
Seamus joined her side, “YES THERE IS, WE WON!”
The Fat Lady squealed in glee, then swung forward to allow the crowd of gathering Gryffindors into the common room. As soon as they entered, Ron led them in a few rounds of the school song while they jumped and danced around as if at a rock concert. All the pain and suffering that was happening outside the castle walls was forgotten as they celebrated, and all that mattered was they had won. Sean even let herself jump around with Leanne, Maddy, Nikki, and Odette while a few people set of Weasley's Wildfire Wiz-bangs. The portrait hole opened to reveal an absolutely ecstatic Professor McGonagall who handed a large silver cup to Ron, who in turn raised it high in the air (much as Sean had done with the Snitch) to deafening cheers. McGonagall’s cheeks were flushed with delight, and Sean thought she caught a glimpse of a few watery tears on her cheeks before she disappeared back through the portrait hole.
Dean, Seamus, Ginny and Ron soon began a re-enactment of the match with a few first and second years playing the Ravenclaw team. They were met with howls of laughter and cheers as Dennis Creevey exaggerated Davies dropping the Quaffle several times, and Ginny pretended to be a weeping and pathetically lost Cho Chang. The crowd suddenly erupted again, but this time it was aimed at the portrait hole and Ron leapt towards the jet-haired man being pulled into the common room. Sean heard him over the yells and shouts as she made her way over, “We won! We won! Four hundred and fifty to a hundred and forty! We won!” She ducked to avoid being hit by the large silver cup Ron was waving around, and threw her arms around Harry – all sense of discretion lost. To her surprise, however, Harry kissed her…
Sean pulled back and stared at Harry in shock for a moment, his face unreadable, then slapped him hard across the face. “How could you?!” she demanded, and she could feel Ron’s shock from her left mingling with her own. “You two-timing, back-stabbing, bast-”
Harry put a hand to her mouth to make her stop and grinned, despite the large red handprint across his cheek, “Are you sure?” he whispered in her ear. He took her hand and pulled her through the portrait hole before she could protest; once the portrait closed behind them Harry pulled her to him and kissed her again.
It took everything Sean had to push him away from her, after being so far from him for so long. “What do you think you’re doing?!” she accused him, a painful knife in her gut reminding her that she looked like Katie. He grinned again, and it made her want to punch the hell out of him. “I ought to curse you into oblivion!” she yelled furiously while forcing her hands to stay by her sides… for now.
Harry’s smile faltered for a minute, uncertainty beginning to creep in over the success he had just been enjoying. “You need to calm down, Sean…”
“Do not tell me what I need right now! Ugh, you are such a pompous arse! How could… you… do… that…” Sean’s speech slowed as she suddenly realized he hadn’t called her ‘Katie’.
Her righteous indignation began to falter, and Harry’s grin regained strength as he took her hand and pulled her down a hall without a word. The reached a familiar stretch of wall next to a portrait of Barnabas the Barmy, and Harry released her hand to pace back and forth three times until a door appeared in the wall. He opened the door quickly and rushed back to a still-stunned Sean, then took her hand gently and led her into the room.
Sean released his hand and walked away from him for a moment, running a hand distractedly through her hair while considering what to say. “I know you miss her, Harry…” she began carefully without looking at him.
“Sean…” he said softly, and she felt her eyes begin to well with tears at the sound of his voice calling her real name.
Her resolve was weakening as Harry’s confidence began to seep into her, but she had to try. “Leanne told me you two were dating - she sort of gossips a lot - and I’m really sorry that she’s gone, but—”
Harry laughed softly to stop her. “I know it’s you.” He placed his arms gently around her waist (when did he get that close?) before continuing. “I know the way you walk, the way you talk, how you smell, when you run a hand through your hair in frustration or boredom… Besides, who else would threaten to ‘curse me into oblivion’?” He put a hand in her hair and sighed quietly, “It was your eyes, though, that gave you away. You could never hide that beautiful green under anything, at least not to me.”
Sean pondered this for a moment, then sighed and placed a hand on Harry’s chest. “Dumbledore is going to kill you.” She said, finally dropping Katie’s higher-pitched tone.
This time, Harry laughed brightly – as if he hadn’t laughed properly in quite some time. “Oh, well. Could you please transform, though? This whole ‘kissing Katie’ thing is kind of creeping me out.”
A large smile stole across her face, and Sean kissed him with all the longing, pain, love, fear, and desire in both their hearts washing over her while her finger twitched and her bones fractured. When they parted - however many minutes, days, or years later – Sean felt Harry grin to see the appearance of his girlfriend return. “Thank you.”
“For transforming, or for the kiss?” Sean asked, her eyes closed and her mouth still close to his.
“Both.” She opened her eyes to see Harry’s smile fade suddenly as he continued, “So what happens now?”
“I don’t know… what do you want to happen?” His trepidation was easing its way into her.
Harry sighed heavily. “I want to know why.”
Sean looked into his eyes, and saw them burning more brightly than she had ever seen them as Katie Bell. She put her lips to his again briefly before relenting. “Okay.”
I hope that answers your question k8e and bd!
Twenty-Six: Discoveries
It was awful, watching Harry’s face change for horrified to disgusted to worried to angry to frustrated and everything in between. She told him absolutely everything – her sessions with Firenze, stumbling into Dumbledore’s emotions, falling through her own emotions, being sensed by Voldemort – but the worst was having to admit how betrayed and alone she had felt among Hermione, Ron, and him. He had tensed up and she felt him shut down when she mentioned this, especially when she confessed to using her abilities to try and figure out what was wrong.
After what felt like days, Sean finally sighed to convey her conclusion. Harry was still looking away – he still had yet to relax. “Harry, I am truly sorry for using my… whatever… to spy on you. I do trust you, all of you, and I just let my lonesomeness get the best of me. That wasn’t fair to any of you.” She apologized quietly.
“Can you turn it off?” Harry asked, his voice barely more than a whisper.
Sean sighed shallowly and furrowed her brows, determined not to cry after holding back so well thus far. “Not really. There’s always something there that’s foreign unless I’m alone – even if it’s a faint trickle of boredom. I can choose to ignore it though, if I want to… It’s sort of like breathing – you know you’re doing it, but you’re not really aware of it unless it becomes suddenly important.” She laughed softly at her own inane analogy.
Harry picked his head up and looked directly into her eyes, “What am I feeling? Right now?” he asked sadly, yet frankly.
She concentrated on the varied emotions circulating throughout her body, and isolated those she knew to be foreign. “Frustration…” Sean began sadly, but couldn’t say the rest while looking at him, and closed her eyes as she continued to focus. “Sadness… Fear…” she paused for a moment and took a deep breath before continuing, “both for me… and for what you’re still keeping from me...” At this statement she heard Harry inhale sharply across from her. “…and… and…” She knew the answer, but didn’t want to say it – she couldn’t expose him like that before he said anything.
“And what?” Harry whispered, and she felt him edge closer to her from their seated positions on the Room of Requirement floor.
Sean opened her eyes and ran a hand through her long, dark hair to buy her some time before responding. Finally, she replied quietly “You know.”
“I have to tell you something – before I tell you, does that make sense?” Harry asked gently, and Sean nodded her understanding. “Good. Now, what do you know about horcuxes?”
“Is that like a Danish swear, or something?” Sean grinned faintly.
Harry returned her smile. “I wish. Horcruxes are really, really Dark magical objects…” his tone suddenly became intense along with the subject matter. “They contain part of a witch or wizard’s soul... after they have killed someone…”
“Wait, what?” Sean asked, both confused and slightly nervous as Harry’s emotions became extremely focused and passionate.
“When you kill someone, your soul splits because you have violated the greatest law of nature. What’s worse, is that there exists some horrible incantation that will take the spilt-part of your soul and keep it in a chosen object.” He swallowed hard, “That way, when you are killed in physical form, a piece of you lives on…”
Sean shivered slightly at the thought of her soul splitting. “So basically, having a horcrux kind of makes you immortal?”
Harry nodded solemnly. “Until the horcrux is destroyed. Now, if someone had committed more murders, they could use more horcruxes… making themselves ‘more’ immortal even though their soul became more unstable – since it’s supposed to be intact, and all…”
“By ‘someone’ - you wouldn’t mean Voldemort, would you?” Sean asked quietly.
“Yeah, I would. I’ve been having these ‘lessons’ – if you can call them that – with Dumbledore all year to learn about Voldemort’s past, to get me all the information I can to destroy his horcruxes.”
“Exactly how many horcruxes does he have?” Sean asked aghast.
Harry rubbed his head absentmindedly. “Dumbledore thinks he made six, so there would be seven in total. Two that he knows of have been destroyed, so that leaves four out there – plus the one inside his physical body.”
They sat in weighted silence for a few moments, until Sean forced herself to ask the question nagging in her brain. “But that’s not what you’ve been hiding, not really.”
“No, not really.” Harry conceded. “I’ve been having ‘lessons’ with Dumbledore – so that I can continue to destroy the rest of Voldemort’s horcruxes once I leave Hogwarts.” Sean began to protest, but he silenced her by putting a hand up. “I have to do it, because I want to. Voldemort killed my parents, Sean, and it’s because of him that my godfather and however many other people’s families are dead. Forget the prophecy –” he exclaimed loudly and stood up. “I want him gone, and I want to be the one that does it. It’s like he’s been haunting me ever since I found out about this bloody scar – and he’s been torturing me every chance he gets. Even you! He doesn’t know we’re together, but what he did to you… what he’s trying to do… it kills me inside! I can’t be a freaking victim anymore, Sean, I just can’t!”
His manic energy and suppressed rage and sorrow washed over her as she stood and embraced him tightly. “I understand.” Sean said softly, and Harry sighed as he released her.
“You do?” he asked, surprised.
She shrugged and ran a hand through her hair. “I feel what you feel, but not why. I can’t imagine carrying this… this pain around and not being able to do anything about it. I mean, at least I get to go to boarding school away from my father…” she grinned in an attempt to make him smile – it worked. “One question – what prophecy?”
“Come on now, you didn’t think you were the only student with your own prophecy?” Harry laughed while Sean pursed her lips through a smile. He sighed before continuing, “Well, the reason everything started – everything – was because there was a prophecy made about me before I was born. It basically said that a baby was going to be born that would be able to defeat Voldemort.”
“I really hate Divination.” Sean smirked, desperately trying to find humor amidst the incredibly serious conversation.
Harry grinned, “No kidding.” Sean drew closer to him and placed her hands openly on his chest so she could feel it buzz while he spoke, and he put both arms around her to rest his hands on her lower back. She could feel their closeness comforting him, easing his anxiety, and he breathed deeply as he continued to explain. “Anyway, there were actually two kids that the prophecy could have been meant for, but Voldemort chose to go after me once he heard the prophecy, kind of marking me as ‘the one’ or whatever.”
“You mean ‘the Chosen One’?” Sean tried to smile weakly.
This time, Harry didn’t return it. “Yeah, basically.”
Sean thought about this as the minutes ticked by, and she suddenly realized that Harry was rocking her slightly in an attempt to reassure her. Once she spoke again, her voice cracked from lack of use, “Whatever you choose to do, I will support you." She felt Harry's relief and gratefulness wash over her, but there was still something deeper... calling to her... what else could he possibly be hiding? "Is that everything? I mean - everything?"
To her surprise, Harry pulled away from her and walked further into the room. She had thought that he had told her the hard stuff, that maybe this was an after-thought of sorts or something… His back was towards her as he rubbed the back of his head in trepidation. His anxiety began to creep into her, feeding her own as she wondered what he could possibly be holding from her. “I… I didn’t know how to tell you. It’s kind of important to me – it is important to me. I’ve never… there’s no one else that… You’re the first, the only…”
“Harry, you’re confusing me…” It was true – his emotions were extremely mixed up and they seemed to be coming from all different directions. Then she found a random, yet strong, emotion that suddenly burst through – anger.
He turned around and began to gesture madly while exclaiming, “I LOVE YOU, okay? I’m in… love… with you. And telling you this, right now, is the scariest thing I have ever had to do. Worse than the basilisk, facing Voldemort, last year at the Ministry, everything…” He threw his hands up in exasperation and continued at a yell, “I don’t think I’ve ever told anyone that I love them, and I never have – not this way. I mean, what if you don’t love me?” He was rambling to himself as he began pacing. “Not that you have to, but still… what would that mean…”
“WHY DON’T YOU JUST ASK ME?” Sean yelled, trying to get him to stop. Harry froze and looked around to her, “Why don’t you just ask me what it means?” she asked quietly.
“I love you. What does that mean for us?” he posed to her calmly, though his emotions still pulsed heavily as he remained on the opposite side of the room.
She began to walk slowly towards him, in rhythm with her speech. “It means that everything is going to change…” Harry looked away, “…and nothing will, because I love you.” He looked back to her in surprise, and Sean slid a hand up and around his neck and pulled him to her.
* * * * * *
For the first time in a long, long while, Sean felt comfortable – even in Katie’s skin. It was a freeing experience – albeit initially terrifying – to be completely emotionally naked in front of Harry, and to have the feeling returned. The only problem with their new openness, was that Harry Potter was not going out with Katie Bell – and Sean often found Hermione catching the short glances she exchanged with Harry. Even though Harry had found out about Sean’s disguise, they both agreed not to tell their friends for safety’s sake.
Sean and Harry tried to find time to be together, especially since Quidditch was over and Harry’s excuses for hanging out with the seventh year were very limited. Also, Katie’s NEWTs were fast approaching – which meant Sean had to do a lot of unbelievably difficult homework and studying. Thankfully, Dumbledore had pulled a few strings to allow ‘Katie’ to take her NEWTs at the end of the summer, with the understanding that she would have private tutors before then. Of course, this was all theoretical – seeing as how the real Katie Bell was somewhere on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.
Still, Sean had to keep up with the seventh year course load. She and Harry had met a few times in secrecy at the Room of Requirement, where she could thankfully let her guise down – but they were often too short and too far in between. One evening, they couldn’t even get into the Room, and Harry made her sit outside it against the wall – determined to wait until ‘Malfoy gets his conniving arse out of there!’ (They gave up after about three hours.)
Today, Harry just so happened to be wandering the Transfiguration hallway as the seventh year class was excused. “Hey, Katie!” he yelled while rushing up to her amongst the other Gryffindors.
“Hey, Harry. What’s up?” Sean asked through a barely concealed grin.
“I’m planning for Quidditch next year, and I wanted some insight on a few things – do you mind?”
“Sure.” She turned to Katie’s friends, “I’ll catch up with you guys later, okay?”
“Sure.” Maddy and Odette said together sadly, while Leanne and Nikki gave Harry disdainful grimaces – apparently Sean hadn’t been doing a very good job of keeping up with Katie’s friendships.
She gave them a wide smile before peeling off to head out into the courtyard with Harry. They walked in silence for a few moments, making sure to be out of earshot before Sean could lower her pitch and they could speak freely. Harry pointed out a sunny patch of stone to sit down, and he pulled out Quidditch Through the Ages and laid it openly on the ground in case they needed to quickly refer to it if someone should come eavesdropping. “So, how was class?” Harry said quietly with a smile.
“Well, I finally managed to turn my textbook into rabbit and back again – although almost everyone else’s rabbits aren’t green.” Sean sighed, fatigued.
Harry laughed. “It could be worse, you know – it could have text all over it.”
She frowned, “Yeah, well McGonagall told us that we’ll be going over sequencing next week, which means turning it into a rabbit, then something else, then something else…” she gestured to show the continuous nature of the sequence.
“Try not to worry about it – you always do better when you’re not stressing.” He tried to console her.
“How are Ron and Hermione doing?” she asked, eager to change the subject.
Harry rubbed his head absentmindedly, and Sean smiled at his acquiring of her habits. “Ron’s the same as ever, maybe a little more downtrodden – but pretty much the same. Hermione’s been acting odd, though, I think she suspects something’s up.”
“How are they, you know, otherwise?” Sean inquired.
“Ron doesn’t talk about it at all – I think he thinks it’ll upset me. I, ahm, I think Hermione’s taking it a bit hard still, she’s been kind of shut off ever since you ‘left’.” He admitted reluctantly, knowing how guilty it made them both feel. They sat in shameful silence for a few moments, staring at Quidditch Through the Ages, before Harry spoke again. “So has Dumbledore told you what’s going to happen over the summer?”
Sean was taken aback by his question, but more from the randomness of it than anything else. “He hasn’t spoken to me since I ‘came back’, but come to think of it – it feels like he’s avoiding me. I mean, that’s what he was trying to do before, you know? He didn’t want to be too close to me in case I Felt him…”
“Which you did…” Harry grinned.
Sean shrugged and smiled back. “Well, yeah… I don’t know, Harry, something feels wrong… like he’s hiding something from me. Maybe he has got a plan and doesn’t want to say anything…”
“Probably knows it’ll tick you off.” Harry laughed, and she felt him purposefully ignoring the gravity of the situation (much as she was trying to do). He stopped quickly, though, as Professor Sprout walked by and he rushed to mumble something about the Wronski Feint.
She leaned forward after Sprout passed to whisper, “I should probably get going, here…” she slipped something from inside her robes discretely into his hand, “…something to remember me by…” Sean got up with a grin and ran a hand through her hair as she left the courtyard, her smile widening as she felt Harry’s contentedness glow behind her – probably at the lipstick print she had just given him.
Sean wasn't looking up as she bumped into someone only a few steps later. "Oh, sorry..." she said in passing, but it apparently wasn't enough as the person grabbed her arm. "Hey!"
"Sorry, Katie - but I'm supposed to give you this..." It was Hermione looking apologetic as he held out a rolled up parchment, though her eyes were scanning Sean intensely.
She sighed in relief. "Oh, you scared me, Hermione." she admitted as she took the parchment from her.
"Sorry... again..." Hermione said quietly as she bid her goodbye and turned to leave. Sean unrolled the parchment quickly, wondering what professor could possibly need to see her. She then groaned in the realization that it was Professor McGonagall's neat print requesting her presence in the Transfiguration professor's office immediately. Probably screwed up on the bloody homework, she thought scornfully as she made her way up to the first floor and down the hallway she had left not too long ago.
She knocked indifferently on McGonagall's office door, and walked inside with her head down once the Professor beckoned her with a simple "Enter." Sean closed the door quietly behind her and froze - her hand still on the doorknob - with the sudden fear, betrayal, anger, and anxiety that hit her full force. She knew immediately that she was not alone with McGonagall, and tried to turn the doorknob again to let herself out quickly. Not surprisingly, it had locked - and she knew there was no getting out without drawing a wand. Sean bit her lip, deciding to figure out what was going on before openly exposing herself.
She shook her hair and looked up, purposefully staring directly behind the desk at Professor McGonagall without acknowledging the figures she could see in the corners of her vision. "You wanted to see me, Professor?" She folded her arms across her chest and slid a hand under her robes to grasp her wand clandestinely.
McGonagall's face was unreadable, but there was serious anger pulsating from her and filling the space between them. "I wanted to see Katie Bell." she declared with narrowed eyes.
Sean was taken aback for a moment, and used the opportunity to play up her persona and look around the room in confusion - it also contained Madam Pomfrey, Professor Flitwick, Professor Sprout, and (to her disgust) Professor Snape. "That's... that's why I'm here..." she offered firmly.
McGonagall moved from behind her desk to stand in front of it, shortening the distance between them. "But you are not, in fact, Katie Bell..."
Sean laughed uncomfortably, shifting her eyes quickly around the office while trying to figure out how she was going to get out of this (where is Professor Dumbledore?). "Ahm, I'm not sure what you're playing at, Professor..." It was important to maintain Katie's personality even now, just in case they weren't sure...
McGonagall was livid, and her words seethed out of her, "Oh, I think you do. You see, Katie's best friend just recieved a letter..." she held up a small folded piece of parchment with 'Leanne' scribbled across the front... in Katie's handwriting; Sean let out an involuntary groan while Snape grinned wickedly, "...a letter from Katie, detailing how much she missed Hogwarts now that she fled abroad with her family." McGonagall folded the note and placed it in her robes, withdrawing her wand as she did so. "I have checked with St. Mungo's, and they seem to corroborate this idea that Katie Bell left the country almost a month ago. Would you like to explain that?"
Well, one way or another, she was exposed. Sean straightened up and shook her hair back. "No, not really." she spat at McGonagall, thoroughly furious that Professor Dumbledore wasn't there to fix this - since it was his ruddy idea!
Professor Snape stepped forward, distrubing triumphant glee beating out of him. "You can either explain it to us, or to the authorities - including the Dementors." He could barely conceal his grin - it was sickening to see.
She looked around, thankful that Professor Sprout, Madam Pomfrey, and Professor Flitwick were less confrontational - seeing as how they were fearful of who she really was, or could be... McGonagall interrupted her racing thoughts. "We don't want this to have to become violent, but we are prepared to do so. Now, whatever you have taken, whatever potion or spell you have administered should be wearing off soon - so I suggest you start talking before Severus, here, administers his own potions..."
This was it - she had only one shot to get the hell out before they realized who she was. It would have been easy to just reveal her true personality, the professors might have even let her off, but Dumbledore insisted that she did not tell anyone, anyone of her guise - and she had already let him down and told Harry. She realized now that Dumbledore was fearful of his own school, afraid that the evils outside were somehow penetrating the thick castle walls... Besides, whatever the consequences were for pretending to be another student - she didn't want to find out. Sean lowered her voice, making it raspy and weak - better to have them believe she could be easily overpowered than ready on the defensive. "Please... I wasn't wanting to do this... please..." She sounded like a young boy, even a child perhaps.
Relief flooded over her in waves from Flitwick, Pomfrey, and Sprout, and they lowered their wands ever so slightly. McGonagall and Snape, however, were not as easily satisfied. "I want a name, your real name." McGonagall ordered.
"Malcolm..." she whispered as she forced tears into her eyes; it was the first name that popped into her head, and she made a mental note to apologize to her toddler half-brother when she saw him again.
"Malcolm what?" Snape demanded, his happiness slowly being replaced by confusion - which in turn made him very, very angry.
"Malcolm Mariah... I didn't want to... please..." she begged weakly, reminding herself that she now had to apologize to both her twin half-siblings - if she ever saw them again. Sean curled herself downward so it looked like she was shrinking, even though her finger was twitching as her bones fractured to return her to her normal height - just in case she needed to move quickly without tripping.
"Poppy, please send a post to Dumbledore." McGonagall said curtly, not taking her eyes from Sean.
Madam Pomfrey nodded soberly and moved to the door - this was her only chance. Sean shrunk further towards the ground, moving her feet slightly behind her and her hands in front so she looked as if she was about to fall forward. She heard Madam Pomfrey tap the doorknob with her wand, as well as the telltale 'click' that let her know she was about to do something very, very stupid. A light breeze brushed over her back to signal the door had opened, and Sean flattened her feet (as if dancing en pointe) and propelled herself back with a great push from her hands, sliding with amazing speed out of the office as Madam Pomfrey crashed to a fall on her back and several professors screamed.
AHH! EXCITEMENT! PLEASE REVIEW!
It was awful, watching Harry’s face change for horrified to disgusted to worried to angry to frustrated and everything in between. She told him absolutely everything – her sessions with Firenze, stumbling into Dumbledore’s emotions, falling through her own emotions, being sensed by Voldemort – but the worst was having to admit how betrayed and alone she had felt among Hermione, Ron, and him. He had tensed up and she felt him shut down when she mentioned this, especially when she confessed to using her abilities to try and figure out what was wrong.
After what felt like days, Sean finally sighed to convey her conclusion. Harry was still looking away – he still had yet to relax. “Harry, I am truly sorry for using my… whatever… to spy on you. I do trust you, all of you, and I just let my lonesomeness get the best of me. That wasn’t fair to any of you.” She apologized quietly.
“Can you turn it off?” Harry asked, his voice barely more than a whisper.
Sean sighed shallowly and furrowed her brows, determined not to cry after holding back so well thus far. “Not really. There’s always something there that’s foreign unless I’m alone – even if it’s a faint trickle of boredom. I can choose to ignore it though, if I want to… It’s sort of like breathing – you know you’re doing it, but you’re not really aware of it unless it becomes suddenly important.” She laughed softly at her own inane analogy.
Harry picked his head up and looked directly into her eyes, “What am I feeling? Right now?” he asked sadly, yet frankly.
She concentrated on the varied emotions circulating throughout her body, and isolated those she knew to be foreign. “Frustration…” Sean began sadly, but couldn’t say the rest while looking at him, and closed her eyes as she continued to focus. “Sadness… Fear…” she paused for a moment and took a deep breath before continuing, “both for me… and for what you’re still keeping from me...” At this statement she heard Harry inhale sharply across from her. “…and… and…” She knew the answer, but didn’t want to say it – she couldn’t expose him like that before he said anything.
“And what?” Harry whispered, and she felt him edge closer to her from their seated positions on the Room of Requirement floor.
Sean opened her eyes and ran a hand through her long, dark hair to buy her some time before responding. Finally, she replied quietly “You know.”
“I have to tell you something – before I tell you, does that make sense?” Harry asked gently, and Sean nodded her understanding. “Good. Now, what do you know about horcuxes?”
“Is that like a Danish swear, or something?” Sean grinned faintly.
Harry returned her smile. “I wish. Horcruxes are really, really Dark magical objects…” his tone suddenly became intense along with the subject matter. “They contain part of a witch or wizard’s soul... after they have killed someone…”
“Wait, what?” Sean asked, both confused and slightly nervous as Harry’s emotions became extremely focused and passionate.
“When you kill someone, your soul splits because you have violated the greatest law of nature. What’s worse, is that there exists some horrible incantation that will take the spilt-part of your soul and keep it in a chosen object.” He swallowed hard, “That way, when you are killed in physical form, a piece of you lives on…”
Sean shivered slightly at the thought of her soul splitting. “So basically, having a horcrux kind of makes you immortal?”
Harry nodded solemnly. “Until the horcrux is destroyed. Now, if someone had committed more murders, they could use more horcruxes… making themselves ‘more’ immortal even though their soul became more unstable – since it’s supposed to be intact, and all…”
“By ‘someone’ - you wouldn’t mean Voldemort, would you?” Sean asked quietly.
“Yeah, I would. I’ve been having these ‘lessons’ – if you can call them that – with Dumbledore all year to learn about Voldemort’s past, to get me all the information I can to destroy his horcruxes.”
“Exactly how many horcruxes does he have?” Sean asked aghast.
Harry rubbed his head absentmindedly. “Dumbledore thinks he made six, so there would be seven in total. Two that he knows of have been destroyed, so that leaves four out there – plus the one inside his physical body.”
They sat in weighted silence for a few moments, until Sean forced herself to ask the question nagging in her brain. “But that’s not what you’ve been hiding, not really.”
“No, not really.” Harry conceded. “I’ve been having ‘lessons’ with Dumbledore – so that I can continue to destroy the rest of Voldemort’s horcruxes once I leave Hogwarts.” Sean began to protest, but he silenced her by putting a hand up. “I have to do it, because I want to. Voldemort killed my parents, Sean, and it’s because of him that my godfather and however many other people’s families are dead. Forget the prophecy –” he exclaimed loudly and stood up. “I want him gone, and I want to be the one that does it. It’s like he’s been haunting me ever since I found out about this bloody scar – and he’s been torturing me every chance he gets. Even you! He doesn’t know we’re together, but what he did to you… what he’s trying to do… it kills me inside! I can’t be a freaking victim anymore, Sean, I just can’t!”
His manic energy and suppressed rage and sorrow washed over her as she stood and embraced him tightly. “I understand.” Sean said softly, and Harry sighed as he released her.
“You do?” he asked, surprised.
She shrugged and ran a hand through her hair. “I feel what you feel, but not why. I can’t imagine carrying this… this pain around and not being able to do anything about it. I mean, at least I get to go to boarding school away from my father…” she grinned in an attempt to make him smile – it worked. “One question – what prophecy?”
“Come on now, you didn’t think you were the only student with your own prophecy?” Harry laughed while Sean pursed her lips through a smile. He sighed before continuing, “Well, the reason everything started – everything – was because there was a prophecy made about me before I was born. It basically said that a baby was going to be born that would be able to defeat Voldemort.”
“I really hate Divination.” Sean smirked, desperately trying to find humor amidst the incredibly serious conversation.
Harry grinned, “No kidding.” Sean drew closer to him and placed her hands openly on his chest so she could feel it buzz while he spoke, and he put both arms around her to rest his hands on her lower back. She could feel their closeness comforting him, easing his anxiety, and he breathed deeply as he continued to explain. “Anyway, there were actually two kids that the prophecy could have been meant for, but Voldemort chose to go after me once he heard the prophecy, kind of marking me as ‘the one’ or whatever.”
“You mean ‘the Chosen One’?” Sean tried to smile weakly.
This time, Harry didn’t return it. “Yeah, basically.”
Sean thought about this as the minutes ticked by, and she suddenly realized that Harry was rocking her slightly in an attempt to reassure her. Once she spoke again, her voice cracked from lack of use, “Whatever you choose to do, I will support you." She felt Harry's relief and gratefulness wash over her, but there was still something deeper... calling to her... what else could he possibly be hiding? "Is that everything? I mean - everything?"
To her surprise, Harry pulled away from her and walked further into the room. She had thought that he had told her the hard stuff, that maybe this was an after-thought of sorts or something… His back was towards her as he rubbed the back of his head in trepidation. His anxiety began to creep into her, feeding her own as she wondered what he could possibly be holding from her. “I… I didn’t know how to tell you. It’s kind of important to me – it is important to me. I’ve never… there’s no one else that… You’re the first, the only…”
“Harry, you’re confusing me…” It was true – his emotions were extremely mixed up and they seemed to be coming from all different directions. Then she found a random, yet strong, emotion that suddenly burst through – anger.
He turned around and began to gesture madly while exclaiming, “I LOVE YOU, okay? I’m in… love… with you. And telling you this, right now, is the scariest thing I have ever had to do. Worse than the basilisk, facing Voldemort, last year at the Ministry, everything…” He threw his hands up in exasperation and continued at a yell, “I don’t think I’ve ever told anyone that I love them, and I never have – not this way. I mean, what if you don’t love me?” He was rambling to himself as he began pacing. “Not that you have to, but still… what would that mean…”
“WHY DON’T YOU JUST ASK ME?” Sean yelled, trying to get him to stop. Harry froze and looked around to her, “Why don’t you just ask me what it means?” she asked quietly.
“I love you. What does that mean for us?” he posed to her calmly, though his emotions still pulsed heavily as he remained on the opposite side of the room.
She began to walk slowly towards him, in rhythm with her speech. “It means that everything is going to change…” Harry looked away, “…and nothing will, because I love you.” He looked back to her in surprise, and Sean slid a hand up and around his neck and pulled him to her.
* * * * * *
For the first time in a long, long while, Sean felt comfortable – even in Katie’s skin. It was a freeing experience – albeit initially terrifying – to be completely emotionally naked in front of Harry, and to have the feeling returned. The only problem with their new openness, was that Harry Potter was not going out with Katie Bell – and Sean often found Hermione catching the short glances she exchanged with Harry. Even though Harry had found out about Sean’s disguise, they both agreed not to tell their friends for safety’s sake.
Sean and Harry tried to find time to be together, especially since Quidditch was over and Harry’s excuses for hanging out with the seventh year were very limited. Also, Katie’s NEWTs were fast approaching – which meant Sean had to do a lot of unbelievably difficult homework and studying. Thankfully, Dumbledore had pulled a few strings to allow ‘Katie’ to take her NEWTs at the end of the summer, with the understanding that she would have private tutors before then. Of course, this was all theoretical – seeing as how the real Katie Bell was somewhere on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.
Still, Sean had to keep up with the seventh year course load. She and Harry had met a few times in secrecy at the Room of Requirement, where she could thankfully let her guise down – but they were often too short and too far in between. One evening, they couldn’t even get into the Room, and Harry made her sit outside it against the wall – determined to wait until ‘Malfoy gets his conniving arse out of there!’ (They gave up after about three hours.)
Today, Harry just so happened to be wandering the Transfiguration hallway as the seventh year class was excused. “Hey, Katie!” he yelled while rushing up to her amongst the other Gryffindors.
“Hey, Harry. What’s up?” Sean asked through a barely concealed grin.
“I’m planning for Quidditch next year, and I wanted some insight on a few things – do you mind?”
“Sure.” She turned to Katie’s friends, “I’ll catch up with you guys later, okay?”
“Sure.” Maddy and Odette said together sadly, while Leanne and Nikki gave Harry disdainful grimaces – apparently Sean hadn’t been doing a very good job of keeping up with Katie’s friendships.
She gave them a wide smile before peeling off to head out into the courtyard with Harry. They walked in silence for a few moments, making sure to be out of earshot before Sean could lower her pitch and they could speak freely. Harry pointed out a sunny patch of stone to sit down, and he pulled out Quidditch Through the Ages and laid it openly on the ground in case they needed to quickly refer to it if someone should come eavesdropping. “So, how was class?” Harry said quietly with a smile.
“Well, I finally managed to turn my textbook into rabbit and back again – although almost everyone else’s rabbits aren’t green.” Sean sighed, fatigued.
Harry laughed. “It could be worse, you know – it could have text all over it.”
She frowned, “Yeah, well McGonagall told us that we’ll be going over sequencing next week, which means turning it into a rabbit, then something else, then something else…” she gestured to show the continuous nature of the sequence.
“Try not to worry about it – you always do better when you’re not stressing.” He tried to console her.
“How are Ron and Hermione doing?” she asked, eager to change the subject.
Harry rubbed his head absentmindedly, and Sean smiled at his acquiring of her habits. “Ron’s the same as ever, maybe a little more downtrodden – but pretty much the same. Hermione’s been acting odd, though, I think she suspects something’s up.”
“How are they, you know, otherwise?” Sean inquired.
“Ron doesn’t talk about it at all – I think he thinks it’ll upset me. I, ahm, I think Hermione’s taking it a bit hard still, she’s been kind of shut off ever since you ‘left’.” He admitted reluctantly, knowing how guilty it made them both feel. They sat in shameful silence for a few moments, staring at Quidditch Through the Ages, before Harry spoke again. “So has Dumbledore told you what’s going to happen over the summer?”
Sean was taken aback by his question, but more from the randomness of it than anything else. “He hasn’t spoken to me since I ‘came back’, but come to think of it – it feels like he’s avoiding me. I mean, that’s what he was trying to do before, you know? He didn’t want to be too close to me in case I Felt him…”
“Which you did…” Harry grinned.
Sean shrugged and smiled back. “Well, yeah… I don’t know, Harry, something feels wrong… like he’s hiding something from me. Maybe he has got a plan and doesn’t want to say anything…”
“Probably knows it’ll tick you off.” Harry laughed, and she felt him purposefully ignoring the gravity of the situation (much as she was trying to do). He stopped quickly, though, as Professor Sprout walked by and he rushed to mumble something about the Wronski Feint.
She leaned forward after Sprout passed to whisper, “I should probably get going, here…” she slipped something from inside her robes discretely into his hand, “…something to remember me by…” Sean got up with a grin and ran a hand through her hair as she left the courtyard, her smile widening as she felt Harry’s contentedness glow behind her – probably at the lipstick print she had just given him.
Sean wasn't looking up as she bumped into someone only a few steps later. "Oh, sorry..." she said in passing, but it apparently wasn't enough as the person grabbed her arm. "Hey!"
"Sorry, Katie - but I'm supposed to give you this..." It was Hermione looking apologetic as he held out a rolled up parchment, though her eyes were scanning Sean intensely.
She sighed in relief. "Oh, you scared me, Hermione." she admitted as she took the parchment from her.
"Sorry... again..." Hermione said quietly as she bid her goodbye and turned to leave. Sean unrolled the parchment quickly, wondering what professor could possibly need to see her. She then groaned in the realization that it was Professor McGonagall's neat print requesting her presence in the Transfiguration professor's office immediately. Probably screwed up on the bloody homework, she thought scornfully as she made her way up to the first floor and down the hallway she had left not too long ago.
She knocked indifferently on McGonagall's office door, and walked inside with her head down once the Professor beckoned her with a simple "Enter." Sean closed the door quietly behind her and froze - her hand still on the doorknob - with the sudden fear, betrayal, anger, and anxiety that hit her full force. She knew immediately that she was not alone with McGonagall, and tried to turn the doorknob again to let herself out quickly. Not surprisingly, it had locked - and she knew there was no getting out without drawing a wand. Sean bit her lip, deciding to figure out what was going on before openly exposing herself.
She shook her hair and looked up, purposefully staring directly behind the desk at Professor McGonagall without acknowledging the figures she could see in the corners of her vision. "You wanted to see me, Professor?" She folded her arms across her chest and slid a hand under her robes to grasp her wand clandestinely.
McGonagall's face was unreadable, but there was serious anger pulsating from her and filling the space between them. "I wanted to see Katie Bell." she declared with narrowed eyes.
Sean was taken aback for a moment, and used the opportunity to play up her persona and look around the room in confusion - it also contained Madam Pomfrey, Professor Flitwick, Professor Sprout, and (to her disgust) Professor Snape. "That's... that's why I'm here..." she offered firmly.
McGonagall moved from behind her desk to stand in front of it, shortening the distance between them. "But you are not, in fact, Katie Bell..."
Sean laughed uncomfortably, shifting her eyes quickly around the office while trying to figure out how she was going to get out of this (where is Professor Dumbledore?). "Ahm, I'm not sure what you're playing at, Professor..." It was important to maintain Katie's personality even now, just in case they weren't sure...
McGonagall was livid, and her words seethed out of her, "Oh, I think you do. You see, Katie's best friend just recieved a letter..." she held up a small folded piece of parchment with 'Leanne' scribbled across the front... in Katie's handwriting; Sean let out an involuntary groan while Snape grinned wickedly, "...a letter from Katie, detailing how much she missed Hogwarts now that she fled abroad with her family." McGonagall folded the note and placed it in her robes, withdrawing her wand as she did so. "I have checked with St. Mungo's, and they seem to corroborate this idea that Katie Bell left the country almost a month ago. Would you like to explain that?"
Well, one way or another, she was exposed. Sean straightened up and shook her hair back. "No, not really." she spat at McGonagall, thoroughly furious that Professor Dumbledore wasn't there to fix this - since it was his ruddy idea!
Professor Snape stepped forward, distrubing triumphant glee beating out of him. "You can either explain it to us, or to the authorities - including the Dementors." He could barely conceal his grin - it was sickening to see.
She looked around, thankful that Professor Sprout, Madam Pomfrey, and Professor Flitwick were less confrontational - seeing as how they were fearful of who she really was, or could be... McGonagall interrupted her racing thoughts. "We don't want this to have to become violent, but we are prepared to do so. Now, whatever you have taken, whatever potion or spell you have administered should be wearing off soon - so I suggest you start talking before Severus, here, administers his own potions..."
This was it - she had only one shot to get the hell out before they realized who she was. It would have been easy to just reveal her true personality, the professors might have even let her off, but Dumbledore insisted that she did not tell anyone, anyone of her guise - and she had already let him down and told Harry. She realized now that Dumbledore was fearful of his own school, afraid that the evils outside were somehow penetrating the thick castle walls... Besides, whatever the consequences were for pretending to be another student - she didn't want to find out. Sean lowered her voice, making it raspy and weak - better to have them believe she could be easily overpowered than ready on the defensive. "Please... I wasn't wanting to do this... please..." She sounded like a young boy, even a child perhaps.
Relief flooded over her in waves from Flitwick, Pomfrey, and Sprout, and they lowered their wands ever so slightly. McGonagall and Snape, however, were not as easily satisfied. "I want a name, your real name." McGonagall ordered.
"Malcolm..." she whispered as she forced tears into her eyes; it was the first name that popped into her head, and she made a mental note to apologize to her toddler half-brother when she saw him again.
"Malcolm what?" Snape demanded, his happiness slowly being replaced by confusion - which in turn made him very, very angry.
"Malcolm Mariah... I didn't want to... please..." she begged weakly, reminding herself that she now had to apologize to both her twin half-siblings - if she ever saw them again. Sean curled herself downward so it looked like she was shrinking, even though her finger was twitching as her bones fractured to return her to her normal height - just in case she needed to move quickly without tripping.
"Poppy, please send a post to Dumbledore." McGonagall said curtly, not taking her eyes from Sean.
Madam Pomfrey nodded soberly and moved to the door - this was her only chance. Sean shrunk further towards the ground, moving her feet slightly behind her and her hands in front so she looked as if she was about to fall forward. She heard Madam Pomfrey tap the doorknob with her wand, as well as the telltale 'click' that let her know she was about to do something very, very stupid. A light breeze brushed over her back to signal the door had opened, and Sean flattened her feet (as if dancing en pointe) and propelled herself back with a great push from her hands, sliding with amazing speed out of the office as Madam Pomfrey crashed to a fall on her back and several professors screamed.
AHH! EXCITEMENT! PLEASE REVIEW!
Twenty-Seven: Plight and Flight
Sean pushed herself up and ran faster than she had ever run before, pushing students out of her way as some swore at her indignantly. There were still screams and yells behind her as the professors tried to make sure Madam Pomfrey was okay and follow her at the same time. She tore up several flights of stairs, not going anywhere in particular as long as it was far away from McGonagall’s office. She finally dashed into a sixth floor restroom and locked herself in a stall, trying to calm herself down as she thought about what to do next… even though all she could think for the first thirty seconds was I’m screwed, I’m screwed, I’m screwed, I’m screwed.
“Argh!” Sean grunted and punched the door in frustration.
“Hey, are you okay in there?” someone called out from the other side, startling her. Sean opened the door to see Romilda Vane peering at her concernedly; it was a new expression for Sean to see, especially since Romilda usually gave her a fierce and threatening glare. “Katie?! Are you alright?”
Sean searched for words for a few moments, before she had a sudden stroke of genius. “Yeah, Romilda – I’m fine…” Romilda barely had time to sigh as she was blasted against the opposite wall with a powerful stunning spell from Sean’s wand. “Sorry about this…” she murmured to the fourth year’s unconscious body as she pulled her into a stall. Sean studied her features for a moment, then let her finger twitch as she became Romilda’s double. She pushed the curly brown hair out of her face and ‘borrowed’ the real Romilda’s hair clip, then sat her on the seat before closing and magically locking the stall door. She checked herself in the mirror, straightening her robes and trying to de-fluster her appearance; except for about seven inches in height, she looked perfectly identical to the unconscious Gryffindor.
She let herself out of the restroom quietly, locking this door nonverbally as well before strolling easily towards the staircase to Gryffindor Tower. She didn’t pass too many students on her way, but everyone she saw was either studying anxiously or laughing jovially – meaning that the events on the first floor hadn’t reached the higher levels of the castle yet. “Rutilus.” She said with a smile to the Fat Lady, who nodded politely and swung forward to reveal the portrait hole. Sean walked determinedly through the common room without a glance sideways and up to the girls dormitories, pass the fourth year room to knock on the room labeled ‘Seventh Year’.
“Come in!” someone sniffled from inside.
She had expected this; Sean opened the door quietly and poked her head in. “Hi, is there a Leanne Menden here?” The four seventh year girls were crying while huddled together on what had previously been Katie Bell’s bed. The most hysterical girl thankfully nodded, since Sean wouldn’t have been able to distinguish her otherwise. “Oh, well Professor McGonagall wants to see you in her office.” The girl looked around pleadingly to her friends, similarly puffy-eyed and tear-stained. “She said you could bring your friends if you wanted to…” Sean said with the painfully high-pitched voice of Romilda.
That worked – all four girls got up quickly from the bed and walked hand-in-hand down the stairs to the common room. Sean felt their sadness bathe her as they passed, and she felt a pang of guilt for having deceived them – however annoying and gossiping they could be. She waited until she sniffling died away, then stole into the room and pulled out a long, thin trunk from under Katie’s bed. She pulled the rucksack full of her - Sean’s - real clothes and keepsakes and swung it over her shoulder, then grabbed her Nimbus 2001 as a grin spread over her face, despite the circumstances.
Sean pushed the empty trunk back under the bed and left the common room quickly. As she entered the halls this time, however, there were lots of students rushing around while echoes of shouts resonated from lower floors. She repositioned her rucksack and set off down the seventh floor hallway towards the West Tower as fast as she could go without running. Her walk was short enough, and she entered the top-most room of the castle and tossed her bag and broom into a clean corner of the Owlery. “Archimedes!” she called upward while removing her school robes; even though she had to look like Katie, she didn’t have to change her more private habits – like wearing more comfortable muggle clothing underneath her bulky and loose robes.
A beautiful, white Eagle owl hooted softly from above and flew down to rest on one of the lower perches while Sean took her Oxford hoodie from her rucksack and pulled it over her head; one of the reasons she had such affection for the owl was that she didn't have to transfigure for him to know who she was. She then pulled a note out of her baggy jeans pocket she had been carrying around for almost a month and realized with a pang that she forgot to rewrite it. She sighed and stroked her owl before tying it to his leg anyway. “I’m so sorry I haven’t been able to see you, Archimedes – I’ll make it up to you one day. I finally have a job for you, though…” He held out his leg while she tied the pre-written note to it. “Don’t deliver it immediately, but this needs to go to Harry - no matter what, okay?” Archimedes hooted softly again, then nipped her affectionately with his beak. “You know where to go afterwards, right?” Archimedes gave a final hoot, which she took to mean ‘of course’, before flying out of the owl-sized holes and into the dying sunshine.
Something crashed close by and Sean turned in fear, expecting a professor to be directly behind her. Thankfully, she was still alone – but not for long. She fixed her arms through the straps of her rucksack and pulled her wand out of her jeans pocket to point it directly at the same owl-sized hole Archimedes had just left. “Reducto.” She was blown backwards by the sheer force of the spell, and by the time she regained her footing the noises that had been so far below her were much, much closer. Nonetheless, the owl-sized hole was now big enough to accommodate the oversized groundskeeper, and she wiped the blood trickling down her cheek while grabbing her broom and looking out beyond the makeshift window.
Looking down had been a bad idea, though, and Sean was now having a few second thoughts about jumping from the highest Tower – and possibly to her death. “PEEVES!” Someone roared from nearby, and she heard the poltergeist cackle menacingly. Despite everything, Sean grinned as she reached into her pocket and found two Cadbury’s crème eggs she had saved from Easter; she tossed them behind her and stepped off the Tower to plummet through the air while straddling her broom.
* * * * * *
They had been shut up in Gryffindor Tower for hours while the professors searched every nook and cranny of Hogwarts castle. Every single student, including the Heads and Prefects were confined to their common rooms and dormitories, and even though the sun had begun to cast bright beams of light on the horizon as it rose on a new day - no one considered sleep.
Romilda Vane had returned about half an hour ago, looking rather white and frightened as she rubbed a large lump on the back of her head. She had been eager to tell the story of how the ‘Katie-Bell-impostor’ had stunned her in the sixth floor bathroom. “She, well, whoever it was, was banging on the stall door and they made this grunting noise. I asked if they were okay, you know, because it sounded like they were mad or in pain or something, and when they opened the door I saw Katie and she said she was fine. When I moved out of the way, she stunned me! Professor McGonagall revived me and asked if I was okay, and I said ‘yes’ since all I had was a headache. She helped me out and then Madam Pomfrey took me to the hospital wing to make sure I was really okay – you know, in case the impostor had placed some kind of curse on me - and I heard her say to Professor Flitwick that they had not only locked the bathroom, but the stall door as well. Professor McGonagall said it was an unusual defensive tactic and a really strong charm, so there was no way it could have been a student – and then Flitwick asked her if she thought it was a Death Eater!”
The crowd that had been hushed around her, listening to her ‘war story’ for the umpteenth time, broke out in gasps and wild theories once again, and he turned away to stare blankly at Quidditch Through the Ages. She had been discovered, sort of, and that meant she had most likely fled the castle. Where was Dumbledore, though? Surely he would know what to do… the other professors must have sent him a post by now… In any case, it didn’t change the fact that she was gone – again – only this time she wouldn’t be coming back, with or without any sort of disguise.
“Harry?” Hermione asked softly and carefully, probably unsure of why he was so depressed so suddenly. He looked up to his friend sitting directly across from him, though she was not looking back at him. Instead, she was peering out of the window as if trying to spot something in the distance. “Is that… is that Hedwig?”
Both Harry and Ron (who had been sitting on his right) got up to get a better look out the window. There was definitely something flying towards them, growing bigger in the rising sunlight… “That’s not Hedwig, but I think… I think…” he pondered the swooping white bird for a moment before Ron confirmed his hopes.
“Isn’t that Sean’s owl?” he asked bluntly, and Hermione and Ron exchanged grim glances.
“Boys’ dormitory, now.” Harry said quickly, and they dashed up the stairs unnoticed by the distracted, gossiping mob. He pushed open the sixth year door and ran to the nearest window, flung it open, and waited; the owl was coming for him, it had to be…
Sure enough, the large Eagle owl soared into the room for a graceful landing and hooted softly before holding out his strong leg towards Harry. He rushed towards the bird and untied a small folded note, causing two others to fall out onto the floor. Harry ignored the two that lay on the floor, for now, and concentrated on the one in his hand - it was written on muggle lined paper and had many creases and folds, telling him that it had been written quite a while prior to its delivery.
He wiped a lonely tear from his eye and looked to his friends, almost pleading for it to not be real. His eyes quickly went to Ron’s hands, though, which held the two notes that had previously fallen to the floor. “They… er…” he began anxiously, then sighed in defeat. “One says ‘alive’, the other’s blank.” Harry took both notes and pocketed the one without a label, then opened the other. He let out a bark of a laugh as he read the single line it contained.
“What? What does it say?” Hermione demanded with a surprise, especially after letting him read the first without inquiry.
Harry looked up with a grin, “U-No-Poo.”
* * * * * *
Her whole body was shaking with the total exhaustion of flying for however many hours on end. She hadn’t even stopped to transfigure herself, which probably hadn’t helped her fatigue, but the desired effect had still been achieved – she looked exactly like Ginny Weasley’s older sister… if she had one. Despite the extreme tiredness, it was still a huge relief to not feel anyone else’s jumbled emotions for a change.
The sun had begun to rise in the distance, and she knew she had to hurry before her cover of night was vanquished. She had almost completely smashed into a tall office building, which was inexcusable seeing as how it was the only one in the vicinity tall enough to reach the height at which she was flying, but it also meant she was getting closer. Sean finally touched down a few minutes later on a dank, dark street and proceeded directly to the small pub pretending to be a blank stretch of wall.
“Hi, Tom.” She said easily to the barkeep, determined to pass for a regular customer regardless of the early hour.
He looked up, rather startled, and scanned her up and down for a few moments. “Good morning… Miss… Weasley…” he began carefully with a questioning tone, but he returned the smile she gave him.
“Hey Tom, would you mind opening the Alley for me? I’ve been flying for a while now, and well…” she held up her hands to show how they had frozen in a gnarled state from gripping her broom. In truth, she had planned on asking him anyway since wasn’t sure if her underage trace would be able to be noticed amongst all the magic here, but it had become necessary as the hours wore on while she had been flying.
Tom laughed softly. “Not passed your Apparition test then, eh? No matter…” He pulled out his own wand and she followed him towards the back of the pub.
“I swear, you leave half an eyebrow behind…” she said dejectedly, remembering something Ron had said. She added on to her statement quickly, lest someone come asking about a young girl gone missing – even though she had made herself look about twenty. “It’s the fifth time I’ve taken it, too! Bloody Twycross…”
Tom let out a louder, calmer laugh as they exited the bar and faced a large brick wall. He pulled out his wand and tapped several specific bricks in a specific pattern, which in turn began to bend and twist to reveal a large archway and the darkened alleyway that lay beyond it. “Well, better luck next time, Miss Weasley.” He gave her another searching look after emphasizing the ‘miss’ in her assumed name, and she had a sudden urge to appear underage - since he probably wouldn't be staring at her the same way...
“Thanks again, Tom. I hope to see you around.” She said quickly before making her way into the magical main street. All of the shops were either boarded up and abandoned, closed, or preparing to open in a few hours’ time. She finally reached her destination, 93 Diagon Alley, but she didn’t need the number above the shop to tell her so – there were all sorts of obnoxious large posters flashing madly at her in the early daylight that told her she was in the right place.
She smiled and shook her head, then peeked inside the windows to see if anyone was up. The main part of the shop was still dark but the back room behind it was definitely lit, so she rang the bell shortly and waited. A young girl came rushing to the front of the store, her eyes wide with worry, but she just smiled into the windows at her and waved. The girl’s worry seemed to dwindle as she recognized the traditional Weasley features, and she opened the door just a crack. “Can I help you?” she asked kindly, yet still slightly apprehensive.
She mustered up all her energy to be as sweet as she could stand. “Hi, I’m looking for Fred and George – they’re my brothers.”
The shop girl sighed in relief and opened the door to allow her in, then closed and locked it behind her. “Mr. Weasley just left about ten minutes ago on a supply errand, but Mr. Weasley is still asleep upstairs… er, I forget who is who…” the girl said apologetically, obviously trying to show any relative of the twins the same respect she did her bosses.
“That’s okay, I still do sometimes as well,” she lied through a bright smile. “I told them to expect me today, but I, ahm, well I didn’t say exactly when…” she explained, and bit her lip in falsely-dramatic concern.
The girl smiled gently. “Would you like me to wake him?”
“Oh, would you? That’d be great!” She smiled again, and the girl turned to walk back through the storeroom.
She heard her footsteps up the small wooden staircase she knew the lay behind the supply room, then a faint knocking. The girl’s muffled voice drifted down towards the front of the shop, “Mr. Weasley?” She stifled a laugh at one of twins’ sleepy groans, and the girl continued, “Your sister is here to see you…”
There was a sudden muffled yell of “WHAT?”, which increased in volume as the door to the upstairs loft was wrenched open. “Is she alright? What is she doing here?! Ginny’s supposed to be at school!” Fred’s voice demanded to no one in particular as his footsteps pounded down the staircase and through the storeroom.
“But she said you were expecting her!” the girl pleaded, her voice and footsteps trailing behind Fred.
He suddenly appeared in the doorway (wearing only striped pajama bottoms, mind you) and froze, causing the shop girl to bump into him. Fred’s face and emotions were initially contorted with shock and confusion, but as he looked her up and down comprehension slowly began to creep over him. Sean just stood there with a meek grin, she couldn’t do much else from the physical exhaustion that was currently threatening her ability to stay standing. “You could’ve at least put a shirt on, you know.” Sean said with her own voice, and she ran a hand through her long, red hair. Fred’s eyes widened as his suspicions were confirmed, and he paused for only a moment before rushing towards her and wrapping his arms around her forcefully. “Fred!” she barely squeaked as the tightness of his embrace endangered her breathing ability. “Fred!”
He let go of her and put his hands on her shoulders. “Are you okay? We’ve been so worried! Where have you been? Are you sure you’re okay?” he interrogated rapidly.
Sean just smiled and leaned into him to whisper, “We’re not alone.”
Fred removed a hand from one of her shoulders and slid the other one across both of them as he moved smoothly to stand beside her. “Deidra, this is my other sister, Sh-” Sean stomped on his foot quickly, “HA! Ha-har-let...? Charlotte.” He finished declaratively, though he was still wincing.
“Charlie for short…” Sean said with a stroke of brilliance.
Deidra was eyeing them warily. “I thought Charlie was your brother.”
Sean didn’t flinch, but thought fast to invent a solution. “Yeah, well, that’s what they tell people so they don’t have to admit losing to a girl.”
At this statement Deidra smiled, seemingly appeased. “Say no more – I have an older brother who only calls me ‘Dee’ when he tells stories about me… I don’t even like to be called ‘Dee’…” the girl trailed off in her own thoughts.
“Right, well, I’m sure Charlie is quite a bit tired.” Fred hinted to his employee, and she stepped out of the way to allow ‘both’ Weasleys through the storeroom again.
Sean climbed the familiar ladder, feeling like it had been a lifetime ago the last time she had ascended its creaky steps. She let Fred past to open the door to the large loft, and entered quietly when Fred embraced her again. “I am so glad you’re alright! You don’t know how much I’ve missed you…”
“I’ll explain everything, I promise, but I have got to get some sleep first – I’ve been awake for nearly forty-eight hours.” Sean’s insides danced with the excitement, relief, and happiness emanating from Fred, but her physical needs completely dwarfed her emotional ones at the moment.
“Yeah, of course…” Fred put a hand on the small of her back to lead her to the back of the loft and into one of two identical bedrooms. She let her broom drop to the floor and slid her rucksack off her back as she fell to a sit on the edge of the bed.
“No one knows I’m here – it has to stay that way.” Sean told Fred after a long yawn.
He nodded sincerely and she gave him a fleeting smile before she pitched backwards – asleep before her head hit the pillow.
I am so excited to read what you think!
Sean pushed herself up and ran faster than she had ever run before, pushing students out of her way as some swore at her indignantly. There were still screams and yells behind her as the professors tried to make sure Madam Pomfrey was okay and follow her at the same time. She tore up several flights of stairs, not going anywhere in particular as long as it was far away from McGonagall’s office. She finally dashed into a sixth floor restroom and locked herself in a stall, trying to calm herself down as she thought about what to do next… even though all she could think for the first thirty seconds was I’m screwed, I’m screwed, I’m screwed, I’m screwed.
“Argh!” Sean grunted and punched the door in frustration.
“Hey, are you okay in there?” someone called out from the other side, startling her. Sean opened the door to see Romilda Vane peering at her concernedly; it was a new expression for Sean to see, especially since Romilda usually gave her a fierce and threatening glare. “Katie?! Are you alright?”
Sean searched for words for a few moments, before she had a sudden stroke of genius. “Yeah, Romilda – I’m fine…” Romilda barely had time to sigh as she was blasted against the opposite wall with a powerful stunning spell from Sean’s wand. “Sorry about this…” she murmured to the fourth year’s unconscious body as she pulled her into a stall. Sean studied her features for a moment, then let her finger twitch as she became Romilda’s double. She pushed the curly brown hair out of her face and ‘borrowed’ the real Romilda’s hair clip, then sat her on the seat before closing and magically locking the stall door. She checked herself in the mirror, straightening her robes and trying to de-fluster her appearance; except for about seven inches in height, she looked perfectly identical to the unconscious Gryffindor.
She let herself out of the restroom quietly, locking this door nonverbally as well before strolling easily towards the staircase to Gryffindor Tower. She didn’t pass too many students on her way, but everyone she saw was either studying anxiously or laughing jovially – meaning that the events on the first floor hadn’t reached the higher levels of the castle yet. “Rutilus.” She said with a smile to the Fat Lady, who nodded politely and swung forward to reveal the portrait hole. Sean walked determinedly through the common room without a glance sideways and up to the girls dormitories, pass the fourth year room to knock on the room labeled ‘Seventh Year’.
“Come in!” someone sniffled from inside.
She had expected this; Sean opened the door quietly and poked her head in. “Hi, is there a Leanne Menden here?” The four seventh year girls were crying while huddled together on what had previously been Katie Bell’s bed. The most hysterical girl thankfully nodded, since Sean wouldn’t have been able to distinguish her otherwise. “Oh, well Professor McGonagall wants to see you in her office.” The girl looked around pleadingly to her friends, similarly puffy-eyed and tear-stained. “She said you could bring your friends if you wanted to…” Sean said with the painfully high-pitched voice of Romilda.
That worked – all four girls got up quickly from the bed and walked hand-in-hand down the stairs to the common room. Sean felt their sadness bathe her as they passed, and she felt a pang of guilt for having deceived them – however annoying and gossiping they could be. She waited until she sniffling died away, then stole into the room and pulled out a long, thin trunk from under Katie’s bed. She pulled the rucksack full of her - Sean’s - real clothes and keepsakes and swung it over her shoulder, then grabbed her Nimbus 2001 as a grin spread over her face, despite the circumstances.
Sean pushed the empty trunk back under the bed and left the common room quickly. As she entered the halls this time, however, there were lots of students rushing around while echoes of shouts resonated from lower floors. She repositioned her rucksack and set off down the seventh floor hallway towards the West Tower as fast as she could go without running. Her walk was short enough, and she entered the top-most room of the castle and tossed her bag and broom into a clean corner of the Owlery. “Archimedes!” she called upward while removing her school robes; even though she had to look like Katie, she didn’t have to change her more private habits – like wearing more comfortable muggle clothing underneath her bulky and loose robes.
A beautiful, white Eagle owl hooted softly from above and flew down to rest on one of the lower perches while Sean took her Oxford hoodie from her rucksack and pulled it over her head; one of the reasons she had such affection for the owl was that she didn't have to transfigure for him to know who she was. She then pulled a note out of her baggy jeans pocket she had been carrying around for almost a month and realized with a pang that she forgot to rewrite it. She sighed and stroked her owl before tying it to his leg anyway. “I’m so sorry I haven’t been able to see you, Archimedes – I’ll make it up to you one day. I finally have a job for you, though…” He held out his leg while she tied the pre-written note to it. “Don’t deliver it immediately, but this needs to go to Harry - no matter what, okay?” Archimedes hooted softly again, then nipped her affectionately with his beak. “You know where to go afterwards, right?” Archimedes gave a final hoot, which she took to mean ‘of course’, before flying out of the owl-sized holes and into the dying sunshine.
Something crashed close by and Sean turned in fear, expecting a professor to be directly behind her. Thankfully, she was still alone – but not for long. She fixed her arms through the straps of her rucksack and pulled her wand out of her jeans pocket to point it directly at the same owl-sized hole Archimedes had just left. “Reducto.” She was blown backwards by the sheer force of the spell, and by the time she regained her footing the noises that had been so far below her were much, much closer. Nonetheless, the owl-sized hole was now big enough to accommodate the oversized groundskeeper, and she wiped the blood trickling down her cheek while grabbing her broom and looking out beyond the makeshift window.
Looking down had been a bad idea, though, and Sean was now having a few second thoughts about jumping from the highest Tower – and possibly to her death. “PEEVES!” Someone roared from nearby, and she heard the poltergeist cackle menacingly. Despite everything, Sean grinned as she reached into her pocket and found two Cadbury’s crème eggs she had saved from Easter; she tossed them behind her and stepped off the Tower to plummet through the air while straddling her broom.
* * * * * *
They had been shut up in Gryffindor Tower for hours while the professors searched every nook and cranny of Hogwarts castle. Every single student, including the Heads and Prefects were confined to their common rooms and dormitories, and even though the sun had begun to cast bright beams of light on the horizon as it rose on a new day - no one considered sleep.
Romilda Vane had returned about half an hour ago, looking rather white and frightened as she rubbed a large lump on the back of her head. She had been eager to tell the story of how the ‘Katie-Bell-impostor’ had stunned her in the sixth floor bathroom. “She, well, whoever it was, was banging on the stall door and they made this grunting noise. I asked if they were okay, you know, because it sounded like they were mad or in pain or something, and when they opened the door I saw Katie and she said she was fine. When I moved out of the way, she stunned me! Professor McGonagall revived me and asked if I was okay, and I said ‘yes’ since all I had was a headache. She helped me out and then Madam Pomfrey took me to the hospital wing to make sure I was really okay – you know, in case the impostor had placed some kind of curse on me - and I heard her say to Professor Flitwick that they had not only locked the bathroom, but the stall door as well. Professor McGonagall said it was an unusual defensive tactic and a really strong charm, so there was no way it could have been a student – and then Flitwick asked her if she thought it was a Death Eater!”
The crowd that had been hushed around her, listening to her ‘war story’ for the umpteenth time, broke out in gasps and wild theories once again, and he turned away to stare blankly at Quidditch Through the Ages. She had been discovered, sort of, and that meant she had most likely fled the castle. Where was Dumbledore, though? Surely he would know what to do… the other professors must have sent him a post by now… In any case, it didn’t change the fact that she was gone – again – only this time she wouldn’t be coming back, with or without any sort of disguise.
“Harry?” Hermione asked softly and carefully, probably unsure of why he was so depressed so suddenly. He looked up to his friend sitting directly across from him, though she was not looking back at him. Instead, she was peering out of the window as if trying to spot something in the distance. “Is that… is that Hedwig?”
Both Harry and Ron (who had been sitting on his right) got up to get a better look out the window. There was definitely something flying towards them, growing bigger in the rising sunlight… “That’s not Hedwig, but I think… I think…” he pondered the swooping white bird for a moment before Ron confirmed his hopes.
“Isn’t that Sean’s owl?” he asked bluntly, and Hermione and Ron exchanged grim glances.
“Boys’ dormitory, now.” Harry said quickly, and they dashed up the stairs unnoticed by the distracted, gossiping mob. He pushed open the sixth year door and ran to the nearest window, flung it open, and waited; the owl was coming for him, it had to be…
Sure enough, the large Eagle owl soared into the room for a graceful landing and hooted softly before holding out his strong leg towards Harry. He rushed towards the bird and untied a small folded note, causing two others to fall out onto the floor. Harry ignored the two that lay on the floor, for now, and concentrated on the one in his hand - it was written on muggle lined paper and had many creases and folds, telling him that it had been written quite a while prior to its delivery.
Dear Harry,
If you’re reading this right now, then I’m gone - in one sense or another. I didn’t want to write this letter at first, but I just couldn’t leave without saying goodbye. I wish I could explain what happened, but seeing as how I don’t know the circumstances… I should’ve probably developed that part of being a Seer a bit better, huh? I really just want you to know how important you are – and not just to me. Please, please don’t give up or let go of what matters and what’s right – I would never forgive you! (Okay, that’s a lie, but I’m trying for some motivation, here.)
Whatever has happened, wherever I am, you have to move on and keep going. Just promise me that whatever you do – you’ll take both me and my love with you… because I do, Harry, I love you. I love you so much, and I am so sorry for being a lousy Gryffindor and not plucking up the courage to tell you. Just keep me in your heart and maybe I won’t really be gone… maybe I’m being selfish, but I guess I’m not really me without you. Anyway, no matter where you are – just remember that I love you and miss you desperately. I would never tell you to stay safe, but please be careful. Give Hermione, Ron, Fred, and George my best.
Love… always…
Sean
If you’re reading this right now, then I’m gone - in one sense or another. I didn’t want to write this letter at first, but I just couldn’t leave without saying goodbye. I wish I could explain what happened, but seeing as how I don’t know the circumstances… I should’ve probably developed that part of being a Seer a bit better, huh? I really just want you to know how important you are – and not just to me. Please, please don’t give up or let go of what matters and what’s right – I would never forgive you! (Okay, that’s a lie, but I’m trying for some motivation, here.)
Whatever has happened, wherever I am, you have to move on and keep going. Just promise me that whatever you do – you’ll take both me and my love with you… because I do, Harry, I love you. I love you so much, and I am so sorry for being a lousy Gryffindor and not plucking up the courage to tell you. Just keep me in your heart and maybe I won’t really be gone… maybe I’m being selfish, but I guess I’m not really me without you. Anyway, no matter where you are – just remember that I love you and miss you desperately. I would never tell you to stay safe, but please be careful. Give Hermione, Ron, Fred, and George my best.
Love… always…
Sean
He wiped a lonely tear from his eye and looked to his friends, almost pleading for it to not be real. His eyes quickly went to Ron’s hands, though, which held the two notes that had previously fallen to the floor. “They… er…” he began anxiously, then sighed in defeat. “One says ‘alive’, the other’s blank.” Harry took both notes and pocketed the one without a label, then opened the other. He let out a bark of a laugh as he read the single line it contained.
“What? What does it say?” Hermione demanded with a surprise, especially after letting him read the first without inquiry.
Harry looked up with a grin, “U-No-Poo.”
* * * * * *
Her whole body was shaking with the total exhaustion of flying for however many hours on end. She hadn’t even stopped to transfigure herself, which probably hadn’t helped her fatigue, but the desired effect had still been achieved – she looked exactly like Ginny Weasley’s older sister… if she had one. Despite the extreme tiredness, it was still a huge relief to not feel anyone else’s jumbled emotions for a change.
The sun had begun to rise in the distance, and she knew she had to hurry before her cover of night was vanquished. She had almost completely smashed into a tall office building, which was inexcusable seeing as how it was the only one in the vicinity tall enough to reach the height at which she was flying, but it also meant she was getting closer. Sean finally touched down a few minutes later on a dank, dark street and proceeded directly to the small pub pretending to be a blank stretch of wall.
“Hi, Tom.” She said easily to the barkeep, determined to pass for a regular customer regardless of the early hour.
He looked up, rather startled, and scanned her up and down for a few moments. “Good morning… Miss… Weasley…” he began carefully with a questioning tone, but he returned the smile she gave him.
“Hey Tom, would you mind opening the Alley for me? I’ve been flying for a while now, and well…” she held up her hands to show how they had frozen in a gnarled state from gripping her broom. In truth, she had planned on asking him anyway since wasn’t sure if her underage trace would be able to be noticed amongst all the magic here, but it had become necessary as the hours wore on while she had been flying.
Tom laughed softly. “Not passed your Apparition test then, eh? No matter…” He pulled out his own wand and she followed him towards the back of the pub.
“I swear, you leave half an eyebrow behind…” she said dejectedly, remembering something Ron had said. She added on to her statement quickly, lest someone come asking about a young girl gone missing – even though she had made herself look about twenty. “It’s the fifth time I’ve taken it, too! Bloody Twycross…”
Tom let out a louder, calmer laugh as they exited the bar and faced a large brick wall. He pulled out his wand and tapped several specific bricks in a specific pattern, which in turn began to bend and twist to reveal a large archway and the darkened alleyway that lay beyond it. “Well, better luck next time, Miss Weasley.” He gave her another searching look after emphasizing the ‘miss’ in her assumed name, and she had a sudden urge to appear underage - since he probably wouldn't be staring at her the same way...
“Thanks again, Tom. I hope to see you around.” She said quickly before making her way into the magical main street. All of the shops were either boarded up and abandoned, closed, or preparing to open in a few hours’ time. She finally reached her destination, 93 Diagon Alley, but she didn’t need the number above the shop to tell her so – there were all sorts of obnoxious large posters flashing madly at her in the early daylight that told her she was in the right place.
She smiled and shook her head, then peeked inside the windows to see if anyone was up. The main part of the shop was still dark but the back room behind it was definitely lit, so she rang the bell shortly and waited. A young girl came rushing to the front of the store, her eyes wide with worry, but she just smiled into the windows at her and waved. The girl’s worry seemed to dwindle as she recognized the traditional Weasley features, and she opened the door just a crack. “Can I help you?” she asked kindly, yet still slightly apprehensive.
She mustered up all her energy to be as sweet as she could stand. “Hi, I’m looking for Fred and George – they’re my brothers.”
The shop girl sighed in relief and opened the door to allow her in, then closed and locked it behind her. “Mr. Weasley just left about ten minutes ago on a supply errand, but Mr. Weasley is still asleep upstairs… er, I forget who is who…” the girl said apologetically, obviously trying to show any relative of the twins the same respect she did her bosses.
“That’s okay, I still do sometimes as well,” she lied through a bright smile. “I told them to expect me today, but I, ahm, well I didn’t say exactly when…” she explained, and bit her lip in falsely-dramatic concern.
The girl smiled gently. “Would you like me to wake him?”
“Oh, would you? That’d be great!” She smiled again, and the girl turned to walk back through the storeroom.
She heard her footsteps up the small wooden staircase she knew the lay behind the supply room, then a faint knocking. The girl’s muffled voice drifted down towards the front of the shop, “Mr. Weasley?” She stifled a laugh at one of twins’ sleepy groans, and the girl continued, “Your sister is here to see you…”
There was a sudden muffled yell of “WHAT?”, which increased in volume as the door to the upstairs loft was wrenched open. “Is she alright? What is she doing here?! Ginny’s supposed to be at school!” Fred’s voice demanded to no one in particular as his footsteps pounded down the staircase and through the storeroom.
“But she said you were expecting her!” the girl pleaded, her voice and footsteps trailing behind Fred.
He suddenly appeared in the doorway (wearing only striped pajama bottoms, mind you) and froze, causing the shop girl to bump into him. Fred’s face and emotions were initially contorted with shock and confusion, but as he looked her up and down comprehension slowly began to creep over him. Sean just stood there with a meek grin, she couldn’t do much else from the physical exhaustion that was currently threatening her ability to stay standing. “You could’ve at least put a shirt on, you know.” Sean said with her own voice, and she ran a hand through her long, red hair. Fred’s eyes widened as his suspicions were confirmed, and he paused for only a moment before rushing towards her and wrapping his arms around her forcefully. “Fred!” she barely squeaked as the tightness of his embrace endangered her breathing ability. “Fred!”
He let go of her and put his hands on her shoulders. “Are you okay? We’ve been so worried! Where have you been? Are you sure you’re okay?” he interrogated rapidly.
Sean just smiled and leaned into him to whisper, “We’re not alone.”
Fred removed a hand from one of her shoulders and slid the other one across both of them as he moved smoothly to stand beside her. “Deidra, this is my other sister, Sh-” Sean stomped on his foot quickly, “HA! Ha-har-let...? Charlotte.” He finished declaratively, though he was still wincing.
“Charlie for short…” Sean said with a stroke of brilliance.
Deidra was eyeing them warily. “I thought Charlie was your brother.”
Sean didn’t flinch, but thought fast to invent a solution. “Yeah, well, that’s what they tell people so they don’t have to admit losing to a girl.”
At this statement Deidra smiled, seemingly appeased. “Say no more – I have an older brother who only calls me ‘Dee’ when he tells stories about me… I don’t even like to be called ‘Dee’…” the girl trailed off in her own thoughts.
“Right, well, I’m sure Charlie is quite a bit tired.” Fred hinted to his employee, and she stepped out of the way to allow ‘both’ Weasleys through the storeroom again.
Sean climbed the familiar ladder, feeling like it had been a lifetime ago the last time she had ascended its creaky steps. She let Fred past to open the door to the large loft, and entered quietly when Fred embraced her again. “I am so glad you’re alright! You don’t know how much I’ve missed you…”
“I’ll explain everything, I promise, but I have got to get some sleep first – I’ve been awake for nearly forty-eight hours.” Sean’s insides danced with the excitement, relief, and happiness emanating from Fred, but her physical needs completely dwarfed her emotional ones at the moment.
“Yeah, of course…” Fred put a hand on the small of her back to lead her to the back of the loft and into one of two identical bedrooms. She let her broom drop to the floor and slid her rucksack off her back as she fell to a sit on the edge of the bed.
“No one knows I’m here – it has to stay that way.” Sean told Fred after a long yawn.
He nodded sincerely and she gave him a fleeting smile before she pitched backwards – asleep before her head hit the pillow.
I am so excited to read what you think!
Twenty-Eight: The Headmaster and the Hill
Sean Leigh Kiernan was essentially a ghost, existing only in the confines of the twins’ loft, while Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Weasley roamed Diagon Alley freely. There wasn’t too terribly much to roam, though, since most of the more interesting stores had closed up shop and abandoned their premises. Still, she was a frequent visitor to Flourish and Blotts and the Magical Menagerie (especially to get treats for the returned Archimedes), while she quickly learned to avoid the Leaky Cauldron and the many male advances she was prone to receive at any given time. Her greatest discovery over the previous week, however, was that her underage magic was untraceable while surrounded by ‘adult’ magic, something George reiterated through a scowl while cursing ‘those brats that try to nick things with the summoning charm’.
At first, Sean was worried that some of the younger visitors to Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes were Hogwarts students, but the twins assured her that they were frequent customers and knew them to be home-schooled. Most of Fred and George’s time (when they weren't gone on supply runs) was actually spent in the office adjacent to the storeroom, keeping up with the hundreds of mail-orders they received that kept the store very lucrative during the school year. Sean often found her mind wandering to the familiar school grounds that she had left so abruptly, especially a certain raven-haired sixth year… but whenever this happened she quickly banished any thoughts of regret or guilt. She hadn’t even been able to bring herself to open the letter that had returned with Archimedes only hours after her arrival, but rather kept it constantly burning a hole in her jeans’ pocket.
Today, Sean had a specific task to complete that she had been putting off since her arrival in Diagon Alley. She had just turned down another free drink from Tom the barman (who knows what he would want in return for the favor?) and was walking determinedly towards the far end of the alleyway while staring intensely at the foreboding white-stone building. There weren’t many people bustling about today – or, rather, there were fewer people than usual, owing to the damp weather that had been plaguing London that past few days. She paused only for a moment as she stared at the ominous inscription on the front door, then took a deep breath and shook her long, red hair out of her face to enter as composed as possible.
Sean was immediately thrown-off by the odd emotions that poisoned the air; they were dark and depressing, but not really specific in any sort of way. She reminded herself that these were goblin emotions and were probably much different than those of humans, and walked directly up to the first counter and smiled brightly. “Good afternoon, I’d like to make a withdrawal from vault 768.” She pulled out a piece of parchment detailing Charlotte Weasley’s permission to withdraw five thousand galleons from Sean Kiernan’s vault, and then have three-quarters of the money converted into British hundred-pound notes and slid it to the grimacing goblin opposite her.
The goblin gave her a suspicious once-over, but took the note anyway to unfold and read it. “Are you Charlotte Weasley?” he asked in a highly unpleasant and crackling voice.
“Yes, sir. I also have Sean’s key.” She pulled the small key from the kangaroo pocket of her sweatshirt and passed it to the goblin. She knew from his scrutinizing eyes that he thoroughly disapproved or distrusted (or both) of her attire, but Sean was no longer at Hogwarts and was not about to wear wizard robes if she didn’t have to; it may have been a trivial nuisance, but she had never really grown accustomed to them.
The goblin snatched up the key and gave her another frown before pulling a large book from below the counter and opening with a thud. “You must sign the guest registry.” He croaked and passed the book towards her. Her smiled faltered for only a moment before taking the large quill that lay in the middle of the book and signing ‘Charlie Weasley’ in the most un-girlish handwriting she could manage - just in case. The goblin pulled the book back to him and gave her signature a similar searching glare before closing the book loudly and stepping down from behind the counter to lead her to the stone passageways that held the cart tracks.
It didn’t take long to retrieve the money from her vault, since the money her father deposited annually had been neatly stacked in five hundred-galleon towers that were threatening to be too much for the medium-security vault. The goblin, apparently named Ragnok, had placed the heavy gold into a large chest that he had heaved, with much effort, onto the cart after filling it – and refusing to let Sean move it magically. Ragnok continued to send her menacing glances throughout the trip back to the bank foyer, as well as during the currency exchange. She finally left the wizard bank nearly two hours later, her rucksack loaded with nearly two hundred muggle notes and over a thousand galleons weighing her down.
Once outside, she moved quickly back towards the twins’ shop since the lingering dampness had turned into a full-blown rainstorm. The door jangled to a close behind her and she pulled her long hair into a pony tail using the holder on her wrist and smiled to the young man behind the counter. “Hey, Gideon.”
He smiled widely at her, eyeing her soggy appearance. “Hi, Charlie!” He fumbled with the box he was holding, but remained smiling. “Mr. and Mr. Weasley just left to go on a supply run, but they said they’d be back in time for supper!”
Sean flashed a bright, Charlie-smile and thanked him before heading back up to the loft. She was grateful that the twins had left, because it meant that she had time to prepare before leaving again – both her things and what she would say. Fred and George had been really, surprisingly, wonderful the past week, and she was not looking forward to telling them that she was about to up and leave again with such little notice. Still, she had to do what was best, and she wasn’t sure how much longer she could stay with them without endangering their safety.
The next few hours were filled solely with rounding up her things that had somehow scattered all over the loft, shrinking them if need be, and packing them away in her rucksack. After finally being satisfied that every scrap of evidence of her presence was removed, Sean pulled a page out of a simple, spiral-bound notebook and a click-pen laying next to the rest of her things in anticipation of their packing. She wrote a well-worded phrase before whistling to call Archimedes over to her from his perch by the window.
“I’ve finally got another job for you, boy…” she said while stroking him gently. Archimedes hooted softly and held out his leg again, “This is for Harry, at Hogwarts… stay with him for a few days before finding me, okay?” He hooted a final time before flying off through the small open window, which Sean closed quickly after his departure. She packed her notebook and pen in her rucksack and tossed it over her shoulder, grabbed her broom, and headed out of the loft into the storeroom.
She let her things drop to a corner of the storeroom close to the front of the store and checked her watch – it was nearing six o’clock, and the twins still had yet to come back. “Hey, Gideon; have Fred or George sent any posts?” she asked the employee.
“No, not to me.” He glanced at her over his shoulder and shrugged, then went back to continue signing out of his time sheet.
“Well, have a good evening. I’ll see you on Monday.” She sighed heavily and waved goodbye to the excitable young man. She began to file his employee papers away in boredom when the door jangled open again. “Hello, welcome to Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes.” She said lazily without looking up, but a sudden sense of curiosity coming from the doorway made her glance upwards – and freeze in shock.
“Thank you, may I please speak with Mr. or Mr. Weasley?” Professor Dumbledore asked calmly.
Sean shook herself slightly. “Ahm, they’re ahm… they’re not here at the moment.” She did her best to smile indifferently, but the faint skepticism and worry coming from her former Headmaster was making it difficult.
Dumbledore moved quietly around the shop, glancing from product to product before finally resting his eyes on her. “And who, may I ask, are you, young lady?”
“Charlotte,” she blurted out before she could stop herself – maintaining her false identity had become an instinctual habit. The Headmaster nodded silently and continued to slowly move about the store until Sean spoke again, “Actually, sir, we were just about to close…”
“So early? I was under the impression that you did not close until eight.” He said with a knowing smile.
The confidence radiating from him was incredibly irritating, but she swallowed her pride. “Usually we do, but we’re a little short-handed this evening… I need to be getting home, and like I said, the owners aren’t here.”
“Well, why don’t I see you out then?” Dumbledore offered graciously, and Sean suppressed her violently mutinous thoughts and curses.
“Sure.” She smiled as politely as possible, then retrieved her rucksack and broom from the storeroom and followed Dumbledore out of the shop front, locking the door behind her with the twins’ spare magical key (which ensured that only key holders could lock and unlock the store). The sun was setting as they walked in weighted silence for a few moments back towards the Leaky Cauldron, then Dumbledore sighed ominously.
“I have to ask you, Charlotte, if you have seen any young girls visiting your store.”
Sean concealed her surprise with a small cough before responding - she had thought he had figured out who she was… “Yes, sir. We have quite a few customers that are younger witches.”
Dumbledore’s interest was sparked. “Of course, of course… There is a particular girl of which I am concerned; she is sixteen, and I’m afraid she may be in danger. She is good friends with the Weasleys, and I suspect she may have tried to contact them.”
Sean shrugged as they entered the pub, “I can’t say that I’ve seen anyone hanging around unusually often or anything, but I’m only part-time.”
“Ah, well, thank you anyway for your help.” Dumbledore said sadly, and Sean sighed in relief to feel his disappointment at the outcome of his trip. He nodded to her before heading towards the exit to Charing Cross Road while Sean held back, appearing to head towards the bar while she waited for him to leave.
“Miss Weasley!” Sean spun around in horror to see Tom smiling wildly at her. She turned back to the exit where Dumbledore had frozen at the mention of the pure-blood name. “Poppin’ in for some dinner? Your brothers said you wouldn’t be in for another hour or so!” Dumbledore looked back and forth from Tom to Sean while comprehension washed over his face.
“Bloody hell.” Sean mumbled darkly, then withdrew her wand and dashed behind a stone column while a jet of red light flew past her. Someone yelled, and Sean closed her eyes tightly and concentrated on Stoatshead Hill, then turned on the spot while a stream of hot air blasted by her. The sounds of the chaotic pub died away as the air left Sean’s lungs while she was squeezed through the air.
The tightness stopped almost as quickly as it had begun, and she opened her eyes and checked her body to make sure she was all still there. Satisfied she was in tact, Sean sighed in relief and began to make her way down the hill towards Ottery St. Catchpole while her finger began to twitch. She was furious at herself for allowing Dumbledore to nearly stun her, as well as not being able to say ‘goodbye’ to the twins. Worst of all, she had now lost her ability to do magic as she drew closer to the muggle village – she wasn’t even sure if she could Apparate again without the trace giving her away.
She ran a frustrated hand through her pixie-short black hair and stopped just short of the first road, swung her rucksack around to her front and knelt down. She had suddenly remembered that carrying a racing broom around a muggle village might not be the most intelligent idea, and she rummaged through her bag looking for a smaller, leather bag full of oddly-named products and glass vials. She finally located it wrapped in two tee-shirts and pulled it out while taking a mental inventory of her potions and products, something she reminded herself that should’ve been taken care of earlier. Nonetheless, she quickly found the little vial of acid green liquid and dusted off some of the Peruvian Darkness Powder that had spilled onto it. With one drop of her shrinking solution, her broom immediately reduced in size to that of a muggle pencil, and she stowed it carefully in one of the front pockets of her rucksack (lest it break). Sean finally pulled out about five hundred pounds and stuffed the notes into her chain wallet before repacking the rest of her things.
Sean swung her rucksack over her shoulder again and sighed as she took in the view of the small village. She rubbed her drastically short hair once more before an a thought suddenly occurred to her; every time she had been discovered, she had been disguised as a female. Sean had never purposely transfigured into a male, but she knew she had done it on at least two occasions; her body had always been very feminine since the age of thirteen, but it was worth a try… Her finger began to twitch as she closed her eyes for the transfiguration, her hair growing only slightly to become more unruly, her jaw pulling down to become more masculine, her brows become thicker, her nose widening, her bones fracturing to make her only two inches or so taller, and her chest… well… She opened her eyes and looked down, then sighed dejectedly to see her flat, male chest; she even stuck one of her rugged hands under her large sweatshirt to feel her new pectoral and abdominal muscles that stuck out more prevalently now that they weren’t ‘overshadowed’.
With a quick check to make sure her clothes weren’t too feminine (they were actually boys’ muggle clothing, thank goodness), Sean continued down the hill to enter into Ottery St. Catchpole. According to her watch, it was seven o’clock – only an hour after she had come face-to-face with Dumbledore. Still, it meant that the local shops and (hopefully) inns wouldn’t be closing just yet. She went past rows of similar-looking little houses for a quarter of an hour before reaching the main street she used to prowl with Fred and George several lifetimes ago, and she cursed her memory for not being able to recall if there were any decent lodgings in the small town. She turned down the main street for a particular shop she used to frequent with the boys, and smiled to see it was still there after not visiting it for nearly three years – they had practically replaced the small muggle village with Diagon Alley after the twins had purchased their premises. Nevertheless, she was happy to see ‘Tim’s Toy and Joke Shop’ still lighting up the dark street.
The door opening with the ringing of the bell above it, and Sean decided to have a look around before asking about lodgings. A particular memory floated into her mind as she moved to pick up a Chinese finger trap, when a wave of surprise flooded over her back and someone spoke behind her. “Harry?”
She spun around to see Fred and George staring suspiciously at her, and she quickly replaced her look of shock with confusion. “I-it’s Henry.”
George leaned in towards Fred to whisper something and point to her forehead. “Right… sorry, we thought you were our friend.”
“What did you say your name was?” George asked with a frown.
Sean straightened herself up – she had made herself taller and older than the twins, and she would need the intimidation right now. “Henry, Henry Menden.” Both men nodded, but they were still frowning. She glanced down to where they were holding all sorts of items, though they had a specific theme she couldn’t place her finger on…”
“Wait, Menden? As in Leanne Menden?” Fred asked suddenly, and Sean cursed herself for forgetting about his crush on her in her second year.
However, this presented a great deal of opportunity. “Yeah... who are you?” she asked her best friends.
“I’m Fred Weasley, and this is my brother George.” Fred’s face was suddenly very excited.
“Oh, the Beaters… right…” Henry’s invented voice said deeply.
“What are you doing in Ottery St. Catchpole? I thought her family was in Tinworth…” George inquired, not as convinced as his brother.
She sighed heavily, trying to show as much disinterest in them as she could. “Yeah, well, my girlfriend insists I visit with her once a week since I’ve been overseas. She’s bloody miffed right now, hence why I’m in here trying to bribe my way back into her good graces.”
Fred and George both grinned. “I don’t think the Chinese finger trap will help you with that one, mate…” Fred laughed. They gave him a short wave before heading towards the counter with their various objects, while Sean continued to look around the store.
Their voices, along with that of Tim the owner, drifted back towards her from the counter… “Oh, and can we get these gift wrapped, please?”
“Sure, boys – just give me a moment.” Tim shuffled to the back room.
“Do you think she’ll suspect that we haven’t exactly been honest?”
“Maybe… but if we say that it’s just because we missed her so much…”
“Then she’d believe us even less. I really hate lying to her.”
“Yeah, but you know we’re not supposed to talk about missions…” Fred’s voice whispered the last word as if it were foul, and Sean knew with a pang what had been going on; they hadn’t been leaving on supply runs – they had been working for the Order. She didn’t care how much they ‘hated it’ – they had lied to her, after she had told them everything! Even about her relationship with Harry! How could they? It was too much, to be in their presence and resist the urge to thoroughly throttle them both.
She turned and left the store quickly, her feet pounding the pavement as hard as her mind was throbbing. Was it Dumbledore? Did he tell them not to tell me? No, he couldn’t have - he wasn’t sure I was there. They didn’t give me away, though, they didn’t tell him… but they could have been honest! Maybe they don’t trust me now that I’ve told them why I have to run, why Voldemort’s after me… It didn’t matter that Sean knew she was over-reacting, she just needed to be feel anger after suppressing it for so long – ever since she had first transfigured into Katie Bell.
She continued down the main street and walked until she was out of Ottery St. Catchpole – she couldn’t bring herself to stay anywhere that was too close to the Burrow. The pavement turned into gravel, but she stayed on the side of the road to avoid the cars that passed every so often. She had been walking for hours (it was nearing midnight) at the same, pounding pace, but she felt no fatigue. All that mattered now was that she was truly alone, and she had better start acting like it.
Gettin' down to business... please review!
Sean Leigh Kiernan was essentially a ghost, existing only in the confines of the twins’ loft, while Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Weasley roamed Diagon Alley freely. There wasn’t too terribly much to roam, though, since most of the more interesting stores had closed up shop and abandoned their premises. Still, she was a frequent visitor to Flourish and Blotts and the Magical Menagerie (especially to get treats for the returned Archimedes), while she quickly learned to avoid the Leaky Cauldron and the many male advances she was prone to receive at any given time. Her greatest discovery over the previous week, however, was that her underage magic was untraceable while surrounded by ‘adult’ magic, something George reiterated through a scowl while cursing ‘those brats that try to nick things with the summoning charm’.
At first, Sean was worried that some of the younger visitors to Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes were Hogwarts students, but the twins assured her that they were frequent customers and knew them to be home-schooled. Most of Fred and George’s time (when they weren't gone on supply runs) was actually spent in the office adjacent to the storeroom, keeping up with the hundreds of mail-orders they received that kept the store very lucrative during the school year. Sean often found her mind wandering to the familiar school grounds that she had left so abruptly, especially a certain raven-haired sixth year… but whenever this happened she quickly banished any thoughts of regret or guilt. She hadn’t even been able to bring herself to open the letter that had returned with Archimedes only hours after her arrival, but rather kept it constantly burning a hole in her jeans’ pocket.
Today, Sean had a specific task to complete that she had been putting off since her arrival in Diagon Alley. She had just turned down another free drink from Tom the barman (who knows what he would want in return for the favor?) and was walking determinedly towards the far end of the alleyway while staring intensely at the foreboding white-stone building. There weren’t many people bustling about today – or, rather, there were fewer people than usual, owing to the damp weather that had been plaguing London that past few days. She paused only for a moment as she stared at the ominous inscription on the front door, then took a deep breath and shook her long, red hair out of her face to enter as composed as possible.
Sean was immediately thrown-off by the odd emotions that poisoned the air; they were dark and depressing, but not really specific in any sort of way. She reminded herself that these were goblin emotions and were probably much different than those of humans, and walked directly up to the first counter and smiled brightly. “Good afternoon, I’d like to make a withdrawal from vault 768.” She pulled out a piece of parchment detailing Charlotte Weasley’s permission to withdraw five thousand galleons from Sean Kiernan’s vault, and then have three-quarters of the money converted into British hundred-pound notes and slid it to the grimacing goblin opposite her.
The goblin gave her a suspicious once-over, but took the note anyway to unfold and read it. “Are you Charlotte Weasley?” he asked in a highly unpleasant and crackling voice.
“Yes, sir. I also have Sean’s key.” She pulled the small key from the kangaroo pocket of her sweatshirt and passed it to the goblin. She knew from his scrutinizing eyes that he thoroughly disapproved or distrusted (or both) of her attire, but Sean was no longer at Hogwarts and was not about to wear wizard robes if she didn’t have to; it may have been a trivial nuisance, but she had never really grown accustomed to them.
The goblin snatched up the key and gave her another frown before pulling a large book from below the counter and opening with a thud. “You must sign the guest registry.” He croaked and passed the book towards her. Her smiled faltered for only a moment before taking the large quill that lay in the middle of the book and signing ‘Charlie Weasley’ in the most un-girlish handwriting she could manage - just in case. The goblin pulled the book back to him and gave her signature a similar searching glare before closing the book loudly and stepping down from behind the counter to lead her to the stone passageways that held the cart tracks.
It didn’t take long to retrieve the money from her vault, since the money her father deposited annually had been neatly stacked in five hundred-galleon towers that were threatening to be too much for the medium-security vault. The goblin, apparently named Ragnok, had placed the heavy gold into a large chest that he had heaved, with much effort, onto the cart after filling it – and refusing to let Sean move it magically. Ragnok continued to send her menacing glances throughout the trip back to the bank foyer, as well as during the currency exchange. She finally left the wizard bank nearly two hours later, her rucksack loaded with nearly two hundred muggle notes and over a thousand galleons weighing her down.
Once outside, she moved quickly back towards the twins’ shop since the lingering dampness had turned into a full-blown rainstorm. The door jangled to a close behind her and she pulled her long hair into a pony tail using the holder on her wrist and smiled to the young man behind the counter. “Hey, Gideon.”
He smiled widely at her, eyeing her soggy appearance. “Hi, Charlie!” He fumbled with the box he was holding, but remained smiling. “Mr. and Mr. Weasley just left to go on a supply run, but they said they’d be back in time for supper!”
Sean flashed a bright, Charlie-smile and thanked him before heading back up to the loft. She was grateful that the twins had left, because it meant that she had time to prepare before leaving again – both her things and what she would say. Fred and George had been really, surprisingly, wonderful the past week, and she was not looking forward to telling them that she was about to up and leave again with such little notice. Still, she had to do what was best, and she wasn’t sure how much longer she could stay with them without endangering their safety.
The next few hours were filled solely with rounding up her things that had somehow scattered all over the loft, shrinking them if need be, and packing them away in her rucksack. After finally being satisfied that every scrap of evidence of her presence was removed, Sean pulled a page out of a simple, spiral-bound notebook and a click-pen laying next to the rest of her things in anticipation of their packing. She wrote a well-worded phrase before whistling to call Archimedes over to her from his perch by the window.
“I’ve finally got another job for you, boy…” she said while stroking him gently. Archimedes hooted softly and held out his leg again, “This is for Harry, at Hogwarts… stay with him for a few days before finding me, okay?” He hooted a final time before flying off through the small open window, which Sean closed quickly after his departure. She packed her notebook and pen in her rucksack and tossed it over her shoulder, grabbed her broom, and headed out of the loft into the storeroom.
She let her things drop to a corner of the storeroom close to the front of the store and checked her watch – it was nearing six o’clock, and the twins still had yet to come back. “Hey, Gideon; have Fred or George sent any posts?” she asked the employee.
“No, not to me.” He glanced at her over his shoulder and shrugged, then went back to continue signing out of his time sheet.
“Well, have a good evening. I’ll see you on Monday.” She sighed heavily and waved goodbye to the excitable young man. She began to file his employee papers away in boredom when the door jangled open again. “Hello, welcome to Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes.” She said lazily without looking up, but a sudden sense of curiosity coming from the doorway made her glance upwards – and freeze in shock.
“Thank you, may I please speak with Mr. or Mr. Weasley?” Professor Dumbledore asked calmly.
Sean shook herself slightly. “Ahm, they’re ahm… they’re not here at the moment.” She did her best to smile indifferently, but the faint skepticism and worry coming from her former Headmaster was making it difficult.
Dumbledore moved quietly around the shop, glancing from product to product before finally resting his eyes on her. “And who, may I ask, are you, young lady?”
“Charlotte,” she blurted out before she could stop herself – maintaining her false identity had become an instinctual habit. The Headmaster nodded silently and continued to slowly move about the store until Sean spoke again, “Actually, sir, we were just about to close…”
“So early? I was under the impression that you did not close until eight.” He said with a knowing smile.
The confidence radiating from him was incredibly irritating, but she swallowed her pride. “Usually we do, but we’re a little short-handed this evening… I need to be getting home, and like I said, the owners aren’t here.”
“Well, why don’t I see you out then?” Dumbledore offered graciously, and Sean suppressed her violently mutinous thoughts and curses.
“Sure.” She smiled as politely as possible, then retrieved her rucksack and broom from the storeroom and followed Dumbledore out of the shop front, locking the door behind her with the twins’ spare magical key (which ensured that only key holders could lock and unlock the store). The sun was setting as they walked in weighted silence for a few moments back towards the Leaky Cauldron, then Dumbledore sighed ominously.
“I have to ask you, Charlotte, if you have seen any young girls visiting your store.”
Sean concealed her surprise with a small cough before responding - she had thought he had figured out who she was… “Yes, sir. We have quite a few customers that are younger witches.”
Dumbledore’s interest was sparked. “Of course, of course… There is a particular girl of which I am concerned; she is sixteen, and I’m afraid she may be in danger. She is good friends with the Weasleys, and I suspect she may have tried to contact them.”
Sean shrugged as they entered the pub, “I can’t say that I’ve seen anyone hanging around unusually often or anything, but I’m only part-time.”
“Ah, well, thank you anyway for your help.” Dumbledore said sadly, and Sean sighed in relief to feel his disappointment at the outcome of his trip. He nodded to her before heading towards the exit to Charing Cross Road while Sean held back, appearing to head towards the bar while she waited for him to leave.
“Miss Weasley!” Sean spun around in horror to see Tom smiling wildly at her. She turned back to the exit where Dumbledore had frozen at the mention of the pure-blood name. “Poppin’ in for some dinner? Your brothers said you wouldn’t be in for another hour or so!” Dumbledore looked back and forth from Tom to Sean while comprehension washed over his face.
“Bloody hell.” Sean mumbled darkly, then withdrew her wand and dashed behind a stone column while a jet of red light flew past her. Someone yelled, and Sean closed her eyes tightly and concentrated on Stoatshead Hill, then turned on the spot while a stream of hot air blasted by her. The sounds of the chaotic pub died away as the air left Sean’s lungs while she was squeezed through the air.
The tightness stopped almost as quickly as it had begun, and she opened her eyes and checked her body to make sure she was all still there. Satisfied she was in tact, Sean sighed in relief and began to make her way down the hill towards Ottery St. Catchpole while her finger began to twitch. She was furious at herself for allowing Dumbledore to nearly stun her, as well as not being able to say ‘goodbye’ to the twins. Worst of all, she had now lost her ability to do magic as she drew closer to the muggle village – she wasn’t even sure if she could Apparate again without the trace giving her away.
She ran a frustrated hand through her pixie-short black hair and stopped just short of the first road, swung her rucksack around to her front and knelt down. She had suddenly remembered that carrying a racing broom around a muggle village might not be the most intelligent idea, and she rummaged through her bag looking for a smaller, leather bag full of oddly-named products and glass vials. She finally located it wrapped in two tee-shirts and pulled it out while taking a mental inventory of her potions and products, something she reminded herself that should’ve been taken care of earlier. Nonetheless, she quickly found the little vial of acid green liquid and dusted off some of the Peruvian Darkness Powder that had spilled onto it. With one drop of her shrinking solution, her broom immediately reduced in size to that of a muggle pencil, and she stowed it carefully in one of the front pockets of her rucksack (lest it break). Sean finally pulled out about five hundred pounds and stuffed the notes into her chain wallet before repacking the rest of her things.
Sean swung her rucksack over her shoulder again and sighed as she took in the view of the small village. She rubbed her drastically short hair once more before an a thought suddenly occurred to her; every time she had been discovered, she had been disguised as a female. Sean had never purposely transfigured into a male, but she knew she had done it on at least two occasions; her body had always been very feminine since the age of thirteen, but it was worth a try… Her finger began to twitch as she closed her eyes for the transfiguration, her hair growing only slightly to become more unruly, her jaw pulling down to become more masculine, her brows become thicker, her nose widening, her bones fracturing to make her only two inches or so taller, and her chest… well… She opened her eyes and looked down, then sighed dejectedly to see her flat, male chest; she even stuck one of her rugged hands under her large sweatshirt to feel her new pectoral and abdominal muscles that stuck out more prevalently now that they weren’t ‘overshadowed’.
With a quick check to make sure her clothes weren’t too feminine (they were actually boys’ muggle clothing, thank goodness), Sean continued down the hill to enter into Ottery St. Catchpole. According to her watch, it was seven o’clock – only an hour after she had come face-to-face with Dumbledore. Still, it meant that the local shops and (hopefully) inns wouldn’t be closing just yet. She went past rows of similar-looking little houses for a quarter of an hour before reaching the main street she used to prowl with Fred and George several lifetimes ago, and she cursed her memory for not being able to recall if there were any decent lodgings in the small town. She turned down the main street for a particular shop she used to frequent with the boys, and smiled to see it was still there after not visiting it for nearly three years – they had practically replaced the small muggle village with Diagon Alley after the twins had purchased their premises. Nevertheless, she was happy to see ‘Tim’s Toy and Joke Shop’ still lighting up the dark street.
The door opening with the ringing of the bell above it, and Sean decided to have a look around before asking about lodgings. A particular memory floated into her mind as she moved to pick up a Chinese finger trap, when a wave of surprise flooded over her back and someone spoke behind her. “Harry?”
She spun around to see Fred and George staring suspiciously at her, and she quickly replaced her look of shock with confusion. “I-it’s Henry.”
George leaned in towards Fred to whisper something and point to her forehead. “Right… sorry, we thought you were our friend.”
“What did you say your name was?” George asked with a frown.
Sean straightened herself up – she had made herself taller and older than the twins, and she would need the intimidation right now. “Henry, Henry Menden.” Both men nodded, but they were still frowning. She glanced down to where they were holding all sorts of items, though they had a specific theme she couldn’t place her finger on…”
“Wait, Menden? As in Leanne Menden?” Fred asked suddenly, and Sean cursed herself for forgetting about his crush on her in her second year.
However, this presented a great deal of opportunity. “Yeah... who are you?” she asked her best friends.
“I’m Fred Weasley, and this is my brother George.” Fred’s face was suddenly very excited.
“Oh, the Beaters… right…” Henry’s invented voice said deeply.
“What are you doing in Ottery St. Catchpole? I thought her family was in Tinworth…” George inquired, not as convinced as his brother.
She sighed heavily, trying to show as much disinterest in them as she could. “Yeah, well, my girlfriend insists I visit with her once a week since I’ve been overseas. She’s bloody miffed right now, hence why I’m in here trying to bribe my way back into her good graces.”
Fred and George both grinned. “I don’t think the Chinese finger trap will help you with that one, mate…” Fred laughed. They gave him a short wave before heading towards the counter with their various objects, while Sean continued to look around the store.
Their voices, along with that of Tim the owner, drifted back towards her from the counter… “Oh, and can we get these gift wrapped, please?”
“Sure, boys – just give me a moment.” Tim shuffled to the back room.
“Do you think she’ll suspect that we haven’t exactly been honest?”
“Maybe… but if we say that it’s just because we missed her so much…”
“Then she’d believe us even less. I really hate lying to her.”
“Yeah, but you know we’re not supposed to talk about missions…” Fred’s voice whispered the last word as if it were foul, and Sean knew with a pang what had been going on; they hadn’t been leaving on supply runs – they had been working for the Order. She didn’t care how much they ‘hated it’ – they had lied to her, after she had told them everything! Even about her relationship with Harry! How could they? It was too much, to be in their presence and resist the urge to thoroughly throttle them both.
She turned and left the store quickly, her feet pounding the pavement as hard as her mind was throbbing. Was it Dumbledore? Did he tell them not to tell me? No, he couldn’t have - he wasn’t sure I was there. They didn’t give me away, though, they didn’t tell him… but they could have been honest! Maybe they don’t trust me now that I’ve told them why I have to run, why Voldemort’s after me… It didn’t matter that Sean knew she was over-reacting, she just needed to be feel anger after suppressing it for so long – ever since she had first transfigured into Katie Bell.
She continued down the main street and walked until she was out of Ottery St. Catchpole – she couldn’t bring herself to stay anywhere that was too close to the Burrow. The pavement turned into gravel, but she stayed on the side of the road to avoid the cars that passed every so often. She had been walking for hours (it was nearing midnight) at the same, pounding pace, but she felt no fatigue. All that mattered now was that she was truly alone, and she had better start acting like it.
Gettin' down to business... please review!
Twenty-Nine: The Ill-Advised Disguise
Almost a week had passed with the ghost of Sean Kiernan following Henry Menden around as he took up rent at number 14 Grimmauld Place. Sean had felt a strange draw to the place after finally reaching London, as if she had once spent a happy summer there as a child, and she decided that it would be the perfect apartment for Henry to keep room with only the company of his owl, Archimedes. She had nearly submersed herself in the muggle world, though she still took to reading advanced Defense books purchased at Flourish and Blotts through mail-order and, above all, practiced Seeing and Experiencing every day.
The weather had finally let up, and it was a sunny afternoon when Sean strolled down Grimmauld Place with her thumbs in her pockets, resting against two folded notes on one side and her concealed wand on the other. She smiled at the random error in numbering that placed number eleven to number thirteen and ignored the random buzzing that always seemed in emanate from in between the two. She shook her head and thrust her left hand further into her pocket to retrieve her keys as she approached her apartment when she bumped into someone.
“Oh, sorry – I didn’t see you there!” she smiled as she looked up, but it quickly faded as the huge, blonde man scowled menacingly at her. “Sorry… again…” she mumbled as she took a few steps back from the man, but his face contorted into an unreadable expression and he took a great stride towards her and grabbed her arm.
“You!” he growled at her, his hand completely wrapping around her bicep.
There was an eerie delight and hope echoing out of him as he scanned her forehead, and Sean realized he was looking for a scar. She didn’t know what to do, but looked around the street for some kind of clue. “Look, I said I was sorry, alright!” Sean yelled through Henry’s simulated voice. Most of the people walking around in the sunshine turned to watch the commotion, and the wizard’s grip slackened. She wrenched her arm out of the rest of his waning grasp and turned to walk away, replacing her keys in her pocket and continuing past her apartment and around the corner.
She finally stopped and rested her back against one of the stone buildings. Why were wizards here?! Sean had thought she was as far away as possible from the majority of the magical community… true, St. Mungo’s and the Ministry weren’t terribly far, but she had been certain there weren’t any wizards living in the vicinity. She sighed and headed back towards her apartment; it was time to leave again, even if the rent had already been paid through the next month.
It took her only an hour to pack her things (thank goodness she had sent off to refill her potion stocks, otherwise nothing would have fit) and send Archimedes off to Hogwarts for good; she couldn’t allow him back until she was safe again. She had changed her clothes and turned her hair to a shocking blonde (inspired by her run-in), so she looked like Henry Menden with a serious bleach job as she locked number 14 Grimmauld Place. Keeping her hand on the door handle, Sean closed her eyes and concentrated on keeping her breathing nice and even as her fear pulsed inside her body, and she felt a familiar pull backwards that suddenly allowed her to view the entire street of Grimmauld Place as her essence glided away behind her stationary, corporeal body.
Everything seemed normal, people still bustling about in the late afternoon, except for two oddly-dressed men staring directly at her physical body, still locking her door. Sean drifted over to them quickly, but they weren’t speaking. Their emotions were severe, though, like two policemen on a stakeout, and she pulled her spirit and her body back together quickly before they became even more suspicious. Sean stowed her keys in her pocket and pushed her chain wallet even further in as she turned to leave Henry’s apartment.
Her pace was quick, though she maintained an air of ease about her while gripping her wand tightly in her pocket. It didn’t matter if these were members of the Order or not - they wanted to take her away, and that simply couldn’t be permitted. She summoned her energy while rounding the corner and pushed all the useless muggle emotions from her, allowing the two wizards’ intense, pounding excitement fill her body. They were curious and slightly worried, but more importantly – they were determined. Someone had sent them to watch Henry Menden of number 14, and they were not about to fail.
Sean shook her head as she dispersed their emotions and quickened her pace, when she had the sudden urge to turn another corner. She followed her instincts and turned hurriedly, the odd flash in her mind of another wizard rushing to catch up to his counterparts from the other end of the street she had just turned off on; her Seeing practice was paying off. Turn again, her mind told her as she had another flash – this time of the large, blonde wizard. She broke into a run as she rounded another corner, image after image of a new witch or wizard coming closer to her. There were too many of them, and despite being surrounded by muggles - they could use magic.
That was it – she had to get to a place where she could use magic! Sean rounded another corner, almost tripping at her lightening pace, and jumped down a flight of stairs into the London Underground. She knew they probably wouldn’t come down in after her unless they were muggle born, but she kept running anyway until she reached the ticketing station and jammed her Travelcard in, then ran all the way to the Bakerloo Line platform. She finally rested by placing one hand on her knee and grabbing her side with the other – a painful stitch threatening her ability to stay upright. Nonetheless, her ploy seemed to have worked since she could no longer feel anything but the normal muggle emotions around her, and she gratefully sat down in a rather deserted compartment once the railcar rattled into the platform.
The ride to Charing Cross Station only took about twenty minutes, but it seemed much longer with everything that had just happened… and the man sitting a few feet away who was worried that his wife would find out about his affair. Sean couldn’t help herself and said sadly to the man before exiting, “Sorry, mate – she already knows.” It took all her energy to keep her composure while leaving the station, and she finally stepped out onto Charing Cross Road and re-situated her rucksack before walking quickly towards the darker, less populated end.
It was unusually dark for the early hour of the evening, and Sean tugged on the straps of her rucksack while a chill went down the back of her spine. The amount of people around her rapidly declined as she neared the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, though there remained a heavy sorrowful aura. Her breath became visible on the frigid air, and Sean knew there was something very, very wrong about this place. She sped up her stride and crossed her arms tightly over her chest; she was less than twenty paces from the security of the wizard pub when a horrible rattling sounded somewhere close by – Dementors were coming.
She had only seen a Dementor at a distance from the security of Hogwarts castle, but her ‘lessons’ with Harry and Dumbledore’s Army had told her everything she needed know. Sean pulled out her wand and turned around, instinct telling her to continue walking slowly backwards towards the pub; she couldn’t see them just yet, but they were definitely close. She was surprising calm, but remained focused on the charm she was going to have to produce. In the blink of an eye, a horde of Dementors descended upon her, and she threw her arms over her face instinctually. Sean crouched and moved away form the Leaky Cauldron door to get a better shot, then screwed up her face as she remembered being in the Room of Requirement with Harry… she pointed her wand and screamed “EXPECTO PATRONUM!”
Her Patronus leapt from her wand and charged the oncoming Dementors, and Sean tilted her head to the side in confusion – wolves didn’t charge, did they? The unfamiliar Patronus turned to rush another Dementor, and she could see it clearly for the first time – it was a stag… like Harry’s stag… She was gazing lovingly at it, and didn’t hear the pub door burst open, or the pounding footsteps rushing towards her. In fact, Sean didn’t even see the jet of red light that incapacitated her, only the darkness that followed.
* * * * * *
She felt the overwhelming worry and fear of the room before she heard or felt him try to rouse her. “Wake up… come on, boy… you need to wake up…”
Sean pushed her upper body off of the cold, stone ground and coughed violently. “Where is this?” she managed after glancing around their grave quarters; it was a cellar-type room with the only light drifting under a door to dimly illuminate the man’s face. “Mister… Mr. Ollivander? What are you doing here?” Of all the people she would have expected to be imprisoned with, a wandmaker was nowhere on her list.
“You’ve got to get out of here, boy – they’re going to kill you, Harry…” He was rail-thin, his skin sagging off his bones, and despite the terror he was feeling in this place – his concern for her was tremendous.
However, all Sean could hear was what he had called her. “Harry? I’m not –”
The cellar door slammed open suddenly and Sean threw her arms over her face to guard herself from the light, as well as whoever was standing in it. “Harry Potter…” a deep voice grumbled, though there was horrible exhilaration and pride emanating from his person. Her hands were still over her face when he took a great step forward and grabbed her with one giant hand around the throat, making sure to squeeze just enough to make her choke.
She put her hands on his enormous forearm, trying to somehow pull it off, but he was already dragging her out of the cellar and up a flight of stairs. The bright light of the lower hallway quickly died away to be replaced by a dim candlelight that gave the place an eerie, cold feeling. Her vision began to fade as the man’s grip tightened, but it was only because he was lifting her in order to throw her more roughly onto the floor. Sean rolled over onto her stomach and coughed for only a moment before she was brutally kicked across the face. Blood spewed from her mouth as she spun onto her back again while several people cackled menacingly; their twisted glee was sickening, and it made her want to vomit more than the blood in her mouth.
“Crucio!” a particularly inhuman voice screeched at her, and her body began to jerk and spasm uncontrollably with gruesome agony that enveloped her whole being. The curse was finally lifted, though the torture of it left her open to Experience their perverse emotions even more deeply. Another voice screamed the Unforgivable Curse at her, once again sending her further into anguished torment.
“Enough.” The air of the room changed suddenly, the repulsive giddiness dying away to be replaced by the powerful, pulsing aura of triumph. Her eyes were closed, but she didn’t need to open them to recognize him; she knew by the way he Felt – Voldemort had entered the room. “Hello, Harry. How nice to see you again.” The Death Eaters, for she now knew what they were, giggled in excited anticipation. “I must say that your choice of disguise was rather absurd, but no matter… bring him up!” he ordered to one of his followers.
One of the Death Eaters rushed forward, his eager to please Voldemort making her stomach turn, and grabbed her under the arm and pushed her roughly to her knees. She knew she was facing Voldemort, but she kept her eyes closed. They don’t know yet… and if you can make them think they’ve got Harry… “Look at me.” Voldemort commanded calmly, jerking her from her own thoughts. Sean didn’t oblige. “LOOK AT ME!” He was upon her in an instant, grabbing her by her hair and wrenching her head back so her eyelids were forced open, yet they remained unfocused. “You must learn to obey your Lord!” he hissed into her ear.
Voldemort slacked and re-gained his grip on her hair, pulling her neck further into a backwards arch. He was scanning her face, trying to read something from her… “Why do you not respond…” he asked, more to himself than anyone else. “Could it be, have you learned to control your emotions…” He pulled on her to force her face up to his, then suddenly threw her body viciously down to the floor, making stars blind her vision as her head slammed into the floor. “BRING ME ROWLE!” he screamed to his followers, and their pleasure rapidly changed to fear. In the silence that followed his order, Voldemort’s anger began to rise with every breath he took; it was unfathomable and violent, and was threatening the little sanity Sean was able to hold onto in the room.
Several minutes later, the huge blonde Death Eater reappeared in the room, looking somehow dwarfed. “Y-yes, m-my Lord?” he asked with a quiver in his deep voice.
“Who is this, Rowle?” Voldemort asked with a slight revolting humor.
Rowle’s terror was building almost as rapidly as Voldemort’s fury. “I-it is Harry P-Potter, my Lord.”
Cold, thin hands grabbed her again and dragged her to Rowle, holding her up only by her hair. “Where is his scar, Rowle?”
The Death Eater was about two seconds from losing his bowels. “I-I thought maybe he c-covered it up… magically…”
“Well, you were WRONG!” Voldemort threw her across the room, some of her hair remaining in his tightly balled fist. “WHO IS THIS BOY?” he screamed at the cowering Rowle.
Sean landed about ten feet away on her stomach, breathing heavily as she felt the faintest trickle of blood from where he had ripped out part of her hair. Rowle was screaming and writhing in pain on the ground, and it was taking all of her energy not to scream herself as his agony echoed throughout her body. Everything stopped abruptly. The only emotions she could feel anymore were anxiety-ridden fears, and she picked her head up to see what was happening.
Excitement suddenly hit her full force, dissolving every other emotion she had left. Rowle was still on the ground, panting heavily, while Voldemort’s back was to her. The silence had brought palpable tension to the room, though Sean could not tell why; every Death Eater was looking towards Voldemort, though not directly at him. Instead, they seemed to be looking at his chest where he was holding something. The Dark Lord spun around to find her again, and Sean moaned involuntarily to see a small clump of long, brown hair in his hand.
She pushed her upper body up when she was hit in the side with a purple hex that forced her to collapse again. “NO!” Voldemort bellowed, “Not yet…” He walked quietly over to where Sean lay incapacitated and panting, “You are my Metamorphmagus.” He wasn’t asking.
“No.” She barely managed, coughing at the strain of speaking.
He ignored this comment. “Transfigure now, or I will force it upon you.” Sean didn’t answer this time, but pulled herself up on her elbows and tried to move away from him and the poisonous satisfaction penetrating her. She felt him withdraw his wand, but there wasn’t anything she could do to prevent the curse she knew was coming. He waited for only a second more to see if she would obey him, they unleashed the most horrendous Cruciatus Curse yet upon her.
The pain was excruciating, beyond anything she ever thought possible, and she began to hope for death to end it as the curse continued on and on. Her body was jerking and flailing about uncontrollably, and Sean felt several bones break with the strain of her wild thrashing after several uninterrupted minutes of torture. Finally, the curse was lifted – though the pain continued to reverberate throughout her as she lay on her back. Voldemort bent down close to her to draw a long, thin finger across her face to gently brush away the long, chocolate brown hair strewn about her visage. “I’ve missed you, Empath…” His demented glee was affected her physical body, increasing her anguish. “I almost forgot how beautiful you are, but no matter – you are home now.” Sean could have fought it if she wanted, but she let her conscious slip away uncontested.
Startin' to get juicy. Let me know what you think!
Almost a week had passed with the ghost of Sean Kiernan following Henry Menden around as he took up rent at number 14 Grimmauld Place. Sean had felt a strange draw to the place after finally reaching London, as if she had once spent a happy summer there as a child, and she decided that it would be the perfect apartment for Henry to keep room with only the company of his owl, Archimedes. She had nearly submersed herself in the muggle world, though she still took to reading advanced Defense books purchased at Flourish and Blotts through mail-order and, above all, practiced Seeing and Experiencing every day.
The weather had finally let up, and it was a sunny afternoon when Sean strolled down Grimmauld Place with her thumbs in her pockets, resting against two folded notes on one side and her concealed wand on the other. She smiled at the random error in numbering that placed number eleven to number thirteen and ignored the random buzzing that always seemed in emanate from in between the two. She shook her head and thrust her left hand further into her pocket to retrieve her keys as she approached her apartment when she bumped into someone.
“Oh, sorry – I didn’t see you there!” she smiled as she looked up, but it quickly faded as the huge, blonde man scowled menacingly at her. “Sorry… again…” she mumbled as she took a few steps back from the man, but his face contorted into an unreadable expression and he took a great stride towards her and grabbed her arm.
“You!” he growled at her, his hand completely wrapping around her bicep.
There was an eerie delight and hope echoing out of him as he scanned her forehead, and Sean realized he was looking for a scar. She didn’t know what to do, but looked around the street for some kind of clue. “Look, I said I was sorry, alright!” Sean yelled through Henry’s simulated voice. Most of the people walking around in the sunshine turned to watch the commotion, and the wizard’s grip slackened. She wrenched her arm out of the rest of his waning grasp and turned to walk away, replacing her keys in her pocket and continuing past her apartment and around the corner.
She finally stopped and rested her back against one of the stone buildings. Why were wizards here?! Sean had thought she was as far away as possible from the majority of the magical community… true, St. Mungo’s and the Ministry weren’t terribly far, but she had been certain there weren’t any wizards living in the vicinity. She sighed and headed back towards her apartment; it was time to leave again, even if the rent had already been paid through the next month.
It took her only an hour to pack her things (thank goodness she had sent off to refill her potion stocks, otherwise nothing would have fit) and send Archimedes off to Hogwarts for good; she couldn’t allow him back until she was safe again. She had changed her clothes and turned her hair to a shocking blonde (inspired by her run-in), so she looked like Henry Menden with a serious bleach job as she locked number 14 Grimmauld Place. Keeping her hand on the door handle, Sean closed her eyes and concentrated on keeping her breathing nice and even as her fear pulsed inside her body, and she felt a familiar pull backwards that suddenly allowed her to view the entire street of Grimmauld Place as her essence glided away behind her stationary, corporeal body.
Everything seemed normal, people still bustling about in the late afternoon, except for two oddly-dressed men staring directly at her physical body, still locking her door. Sean drifted over to them quickly, but they weren’t speaking. Their emotions were severe, though, like two policemen on a stakeout, and she pulled her spirit and her body back together quickly before they became even more suspicious. Sean stowed her keys in her pocket and pushed her chain wallet even further in as she turned to leave Henry’s apartment.
Her pace was quick, though she maintained an air of ease about her while gripping her wand tightly in her pocket. It didn’t matter if these were members of the Order or not - they wanted to take her away, and that simply couldn’t be permitted. She summoned her energy while rounding the corner and pushed all the useless muggle emotions from her, allowing the two wizards’ intense, pounding excitement fill her body. They were curious and slightly worried, but more importantly – they were determined. Someone had sent them to watch Henry Menden of number 14, and they were not about to fail.
Sean shook her head as she dispersed their emotions and quickened her pace, when she had the sudden urge to turn another corner. She followed her instincts and turned hurriedly, the odd flash in her mind of another wizard rushing to catch up to his counterparts from the other end of the street she had just turned off on; her Seeing practice was paying off. Turn again, her mind told her as she had another flash – this time of the large, blonde wizard. She broke into a run as she rounded another corner, image after image of a new witch or wizard coming closer to her. There were too many of them, and despite being surrounded by muggles - they could use magic.
That was it – she had to get to a place where she could use magic! Sean rounded another corner, almost tripping at her lightening pace, and jumped down a flight of stairs into the London Underground. She knew they probably wouldn’t come down in after her unless they were muggle born, but she kept running anyway until she reached the ticketing station and jammed her Travelcard in, then ran all the way to the Bakerloo Line platform. She finally rested by placing one hand on her knee and grabbing her side with the other – a painful stitch threatening her ability to stay upright. Nonetheless, her ploy seemed to have worked since she could no longer feel anything but the normal muggle emotions around her, and she gratefully sat down in a rather deserted compartment once the railcar rattled into the platform.
The ride to Charing Cross Station only took about twenty minutes, but it seemed much longer with everything that had just happened… and the man sitting a few feet away who was worried that his wife would find out about his affair. Sean couldn’t help herself and said sadly to the man before exiting, “Sorry, mate – she already knows.” It took all her energy to keep her composure while leaving the station, and she finally stepped out onto Charing Cross Road and re-situated her rucksack before walking quickly towards the darker, less populated end.
It was unusually dark for the early hour of the evening, and Sean tugged on the straps of her rucksack while a chill went down the back of her spine. The amount of people around her rapidly declined as she neared the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, though there remained a heavy sorrowful aura. Her breath became visible on the frigid air, and Sean knew there was something very, very wrong about this place. She sped up her stride and crossed her arms tightly over her chest; she was less than twenty paces from the security of the wizard pub when a horrible rattling sounded somewhere close by – Dementors were coming.
She had only seen a Dementor at a distance from the security of Hogwarts castle, but her ‘lessons’ with Harry and Dumbledore’s Army had told her everything she needed know. Sean pulled out her wand and turned around, instinct telling her to continue walking slowly backwards towards the pub; she couldn’t see them just yet, but they were definitely close. She was surprising calm, but remained focused on the charm she was going to have to produce. In the blink of an eye, a horde of Dementors descended upon her, and she threw her arms over her face instinctually. Sean crouched and moved away form the Leaky Cauldron door to get a better shot, then screwed up her face as she remembered being in the Room of Requirement with Harry… she pointed her wand and screamed “EXPECTO PATRONUM!”
Her Patronus leapt from her wand and charged the oncoming Dementors, and Sean tilted her head to the side in confusion – wolves didn’t charge, did they? The unfamiliar Patronus turned to rush another Dementor, and she could see it clearly for the first time – it was a stag… like Harry’s stag… She was gazing lovingly at it, and didn’t hear the pub door burst open, or the pounding footsteps rushing towards her. In fact, Sean didn’t even see the jet of red light that incapacitated her, only the darkness that followed.
* * * * * *
She felt the overwhelming worry and fear of the room before she heard or felt him try to rouse her. “Wake up… come on, boy… you need to wake up…”
Sean pushed her upper body off of the cold, stone ground and coughed violently. “Where is this?” she managed after glancing around their grave quarters; it was a cellar-type room with the only light drifting under a door to dimly illuminate the man’s face. “Mister… Mr. Ollivander? What are you doing here?” Of all the people she would have expected to be imprisoned with, a wandmaker was nowhere on her list.
“You’ve got to get out of here, boy – they’re going to kill you, Harry…” He was rail-thin, his skin sagging off his bones, and despite the terror he was feeling in this place – his concern for her was tremendous.
However, all Sean could hear was what he had called her. “Harry? I’m not –”
The cellar door slammed open suddenly and Sean threw her arms over her face to guard herself from the light, as well as whoever was standing in it. “Harry Potter…” a deep voice grumbled, though there was horrible exhilaration and pride emanating from his person. Her hands were still over her face when he took a great step forward and grabbed her with one giant hand around the throat, making sure to squeeze just enough to make her choke.
She put her hands on his enormous forearm, trying to somehow pull it off, but he was already dragging her out of the cellar and up a flight of stairs. The bright light of the lower hallway quickly died away to be replaced by a dim candlelight that gave the place an eerie, cold feeling. Her vision began to fade as the man’s grip tightened, but it was only because he was lifting her in order to throw her more roughly onto the floor. Sean rolled over onto her stomach and coughed for only a moment before she was brutally kicked across the face. Blood spewed from her mouth as she spun onto her back again while several people cackled menacingly; their twisted glee was sickening, and it made her want to vomit more than the blood in her mouth.
“Crucio!” a particularly inhuman voice screeched at her, and her body began to jerk and spasm uncontrollably with gruesome agony that enveloped her whole being. The curse was finally lifted, though the torture of it left her open to Experience their perverse emotions even more deeply. Another voice screamed the Unforgivable Curse at her, once again sending her further into anguished torment.
“Enough.” The air of the room changed suddenly, the repulsive giddiness dying away to be replaced by the powerful, pulsing aura of triumph. Her eyes were closed, but she didn’t need to open them to recognize him; she knew by the way he Felt – Voldemort had entered the room. “Hello, Harry. How nice to see you again.” The Death Eaters, for she now knew what they were, giggled in excited anticipation. “I must say that your choice of disguise was rather absurd, but no matter… bring him up!” he ordered to one of his followers.
One of the Death Eaters rushed forward, his eager to please Voldemort making her stomach turn, and grabbed her under the arm and pushed her roughly to her knees. She knew she was facing Voldemort, but she kept her eyes closed. They don’t know yet… and if you can make them think they’ve got Harry… “Look at me.” Voldemort commanded calmly, jerking her from her own thoughts. Sean didn’t oblige. “LOOK AT ME!” He was upon her in an instant, grabbing her by her hair and wrenching her head back so her eyelids were forced open, yet they remained unfocused. “You must learn to obey your Lord!” he hissed into her ear.
Voldemort slacked and re-gained his grip on her hair, pulling her neck further into a backwards arch. He was scanning her face, trying to read something from her… “Why do you not respond…” he asked, more to himself than anyone else. “Could it be, have you learned to control your emotions…” He pulled on her to force her face up to his, then suddenly threw her body viciously down to the floor, making stars blind her vision as her head slammed into the floor. “BRING ME ROWLE!” he screamed to his followers, and their pleasure rapidly changed to fear. In the silence that followed his order, Voldemort’s anger began to rise with every breath he took; it was unfathomable and violent, and was threatening the little sanity Sean was able to hold onto in the room.
Several minutes later, the huge blonde Death Eater reappeared in the room, looking somehow dwarfed. “Y-yes, m-my Lord?” he asked with a quiver in his deep voice.
“Who is this, Rowle?” Voldemort asked with a slight revolting humor.
Rowle’s terror was building almost as rapidly as Voldemort’s fury. “I-it is Harry P-Potter, my Lord.”
Cold, thin hands grabbed her again and dragged her to Rowle, holding her up only by her hair. “Where is his scar, Rowle?”
The Death Eater was about two seconds from losing his bowels. “I-I thought maybe he c-covered it up… magically…”
“Well, you were WRONG!” Voldemort threw her across the room, some of her hair remaining in his tightly balled fist. “WHO IS THIS BOY?” he screamed at the cowering Rowle.
Sean landed about ten feet away on her stomach, breathing heavily as she felt the faintest trickle of blood from where he had ripped out part of her hair. Rowle was screaming and writhing in pain on the ground, and it was taking all of her energy not to scream herself as his agony echoed throughout her body. Everything stopped abruptly. The only emotions she could feel anymore were anxiety-ridden fears, and she picked her head up to see what was happening.
Excitement suddenly hit her full force, dissolving every other emotion she had left. Rowle was still on the ground, panting heavily, while Voldemort’s back was to her. The silence had brought palpable tension to the room, though Sean could not tell why; every Death Eater was looking towards Voldemort, though not directly at him. Instead, they seemed to be looking at his chest where he was holding something. The Dark Lord spun around to find her again, and Sean moaned involuntarily to see a small clump of long, brown hair in his hand.
She pushed her upper body up when she was hit in the side with a purple hex that forced her to collapse again. “NO!” Voldemort bellowed, “Not yet…” He walked quietly over to where Sean lay incapacitated and panting, “You are my Metamorphmagus.” He wasn’t asking.
“No.” She barely managed, coughing at the strain of speaking.
He ignored this comment. “Transfigure now, or I will force it upon you.” Sean didn’t answer this time, but pulled herself up on her elbows and tried to move away from him and the poisonous satisfaction penetrating her. She felt him withdraw his wand, but there wasn’t anything she could do to prevent the curse she knew was coming. He waited for only a second more to see if she would obey him, they unleashed the most horrendous Cruciatus Curse yet upon her.
The pain was excruciating, beyond anything she ever thought possible, and she began to hope for death to end it as the curse continued on and on. Her body was jerking and flailing about uncontrollably, and Sean felt several bones break with the strain of her wild thrashing after several uninterrupted minutes of torture. Finally, the curse was lifted – though the pain continued to reverberate throughout her as she lay on her back. Voldemort bent down close to her to draw a long, thin finger across her face to gently brush away the long, chocolate brown hair strewn about her visage. “I’ve missed you, Empath…” His demented glee was affected her physical body, increasing her anguish. “I almost forgot how beautiful you are, but no matter – you are home now.” Sean could have fought it if she wanted, but she let her conscious slip away uncontested.
Startin' to get juicy. Let me know what you think!
Thirty: Exploitation and Desperation
After being tortured in shifts by various Death Eaters over two days, Sean had stopped screaming – her voice had given out. She barely even felt the pain anymore, because it had become the norm for her body now. If she had been more lucid, she might have realized that they didn’t continually curse her to keep her just on the edge of insanity, without going beyond it. As it was, her mental state had regressed to that of a child, or even an animal, and she only knew to expect the Cruciatus Curse every time after she woke up.
Because of this routine of sleep-torture-sleep-torture, Sean was nearly having a fit in anticipation of being cursed. She no longer had the ability to move her extremities, but she knew that someone should have entered the room and begun the routine after she had awoken several hours earlier – yet she was still alone. The small part of her humanity left hoped she had already died... that maybe she just hadn’t realized it yet, but all hopes were dashed as the door to the grand bedroom creaked open. There was something wrong with her perpetrator today, they didn’t Feel right…
“Hello, Empath. I’ve missed you.” He was speaking calmly, he sounded like a nice man. She was facing the wall with her back to the rest of the room, when a sudden warm feeling ran through her right arm. Sean tried to move her previously-broken hand, and was shocked to find all her fingers, her wrist, and elbow working properly; the man had healed her arm. “Now, that’s better. Would you like your other arm to feel better as well?”
Sean groaned in a kind of painful hope, and another warm feeling ran through her left arm. “There you are. I’m sure your legs aren’t feeling too well, either… I can fix them for you, too, but I need something in return.” Sean moaned again, she would do anything, anything to be able to move her legs again. “I need you to find someone for me, a bad man who doesn’t want me to heal you…” Anything, anyone you want. She closed her eyes, her mind suddenly clear on what she needed to do. The calm, forceful nature of the man began to pulse inside her body, and she let herself be carried away into his emotions.
She was surrounded by darkness, though there was some kind of rushing feeling that was vaguely familiar. Then the faint glow of streetlamps appeared as the rushing stopped, and she found herself following an old man. There was something about this man that left her feeling confused, as if she had known him a long time ago, but she shrugged it off as simply the invisible man walking next to him. As the man and his hidden companion continued to walk towards a small village, Sean’s rationalizing ability seemed to return ever so slowly in the clear, open air of the night.
The man started talking to his companion, but she didn’t listen – it wasn’t important what he was saying, she just had to know where he was. They entered the high street of the town, the silence that had previously surrounded them ebbing away as they neared a particular pub. She was trying to remember why she felt a connection to this place, when the door to the pub burst open. “—and stay out!” the matron ordered, forcibly ejecting a grubby-looking wizard. She looked around and found the old man Sean had been following. “Oh, hello, Albus… You’re out late…”
“Good evening, Rosmerta, good evening… forgive me, I’m off to the Hog’s Head… I feel like a quieter atmosphere tonight.” He bowed his head apologetically to the matron of the pub, then turned around a corner with his invisible friend. Sean didn’t follow this time, but rather allowed herself to be pulled forward in return to the nice man.
She opened her eyes and tried to speak, but ended up violently coughing up blood for a few minutes. The air of the man changed – he was becoming impatient; she had better hurry up and talk before he changed his mind about healing her legs. Sean opened her mouth to try again, but this time she felt a warm glow on her neck… he was healing her sore and swollen vocal chords.
“Hog’s Head…” a raspy voice said, and it took her a minute to realize it was her own.
“That’s where he is? You’re sure of it?” The man asked, though he was changing again, somehow becoming more vicious in his speech and Feeling.
“Yes.” Sean said, chiding herself for questioning the nice man that had fixed her arms.
He went back to his calm nature as her hope began to build. “You have done well, Empath, and you shall be rewarded.” The same, warm glow seemed to encapsulate her entire body for a few moments, and as soon as it died she checked her legs… They worked! Not only that, but everything seemed to be working as well, her neck, her feet, even her ribs seemed repaired. In light of his healing, Sean’s mind began to progress to her normal state, and she pushed herself up to a sitting position as her head began to ache. Then, both slowly and suddenly at the same time, it all made sense.
“Oh, God, what have I done?” Sean whispered to herself. She had begun shaking in the realization that she had just divulged Albus Dumbledore’s position, away from the security of the school… the school… She had also revealed that the school was now much less protected in the absence of the powerful Headmaster… and she had told the one person in the world who should never have access to that information.
“You have done well.” His voice was high-pitched and menacing, the ‘nice man’ had evaporated in the cold air encompassing the room. “Now, put this on, you’re going on a field trip.” He cackled at her as something soft hit her on the knee, then the door to the room opened again.
“My Lord, Draco has just signaled us again!” The Death Eater said in an excited voice.
Voldemort quickly became enraged. “Do. Not. Interrupt. Me. AGAIN! Do you understand, Dolohov?” The air was static and tense as Dolohov’s fear incapacitated him. “However, I have just verified Draco’s information. We will leave shortly.”
The door closed after Dolohov mumbled a few apologies, yet Voldemort remained in the room with her. She knew he wouldn’t trust anyone else with her in her renewed, enabled state, and she slid off the bed to pull the black, hooded cloak over Henry’s white undershirt and boxers she had been wearing for over five days. “That’s a good girl.” Voldemort said, almost fatherly in his adoration of her – it made her shiver again. “I have a gift for you… for your own good…” Sean’s shame kept her head down, she didn’t care what he was going to do to her, because she had already killed someone. Granted she wasn’t sure who just yet, but she had an idea...
As Sean stared at her feet, her hood covering most of her vision, she felt herself separate from the ground by a starry, silvery substance. She almost lost her balance and stuck out her arms to steady herself; when they hit some kind of cold barrier that was both thin and incredibly strong at the same time. Sean threw her head back, her hood falling off her as she did so and causing her long, white hair to fall about her face, then looked into Voldemort’s red eyes. “What is this?” she demanded, her voice echoing in the orb around her as her anger filled her. “WHAT IS THIS?!” she screamed, no longer concerned about his emotions.
“I’m sorry, Empath, but I simply cannot allow you freedom.” His voice was clear yet distant – as if her was yelling to her from the next room. Sean screamed a few obscenities and empty threats at him, her voice echoing once again all around her; her hair even flashed a fiery-red for a moment before returning to a ghostly white. She pounded on the orb, her anger at Voldemort and her self-betrayal coming to a boil, until she finally collapsed to her knees, panting in exhaustion - her body was still frail after not eating, drinking, or moving for nearly a week.
Voldemort didn’t bend down to be on level with her, but the orb seemed to float up to meet his eyes instead. “You won’t want to wear yourself out, Empath. There is still much to do.” His horrible grin incensed her once more, and she cursed at him again and again while banging on the protective shell around her. Voldemort’s grin died away and she felt several white-hot slashes upon her body that propelled her backwards off her off her knees and into the back of the orb. “I TOLD YOU TO STOP!” Sean glared at him while wiping the blood trickling from her cheek, suddenly realizing that he couldn’t hear her… just like she couldn’t Feel him… “That’s better.” He turned to leave the room and there was a great tug on the orb, which began floating behind him. Sean maintained her sitting position while they moved, refusing to acknowledge whatever was about to happen with any sort of respect.
They moved down a flight of stairs and into the great room Sean had visited too many times, both in person and spirit. There were dozens of Death Eaters whispering excitedly to each other, and she knew that whatever was about to happen was not going to be good. Voldemort moved into the ‘head’ position of the makeshift circle of his followers and raised a hand to silence them, which they did immediately. “Our time… has arrived.” Voldemort said quietly, and the Death Eaters erupted in cries of sickening joy and pleasure. “The Fool shall fall tonight.” The delight in his voice was revolting, and he held out a hand to indicate Sean and her white hair; the mob hooted and hollered in approval. “I will be watching. Go.” The Death Eaters bowed to Voldemort before leaving the room, continuing their vile exclamations of victory.
He waited for a few minutes in silence while Sean watched; he seemed to be taking in the whole experience, almost afraid to believe that he was about to achieve something he had wanted for so long. For the first time that she could remember, Sean wanted to be able to Feel his emotions – just so she could understand how they were going to do this, and then maybe be able to stop it. Which is probably why I’m in this bloody bubble, she told herself furiously. Her own mutinous thoughts were quickly replaced with curiosity as Voldemort began to slowly move, following the same path his Death Eaters had taken not ten minutes earlier.
Down another flight of stairs, through a grand foyer, and out of the front doors into a large front garden. It might have been more impressive in the daylight, but it was cloaked in the darkness of night – giving it an eerie sort of feeling. Voldemort continued on the driveway, passing through the large wrought-iron gates as if they were smoke; once he finally reached the main street, he thrust a hand into the protective orb suddenly and grabbed Sean by her robes. She was too startled to object, and by the time she put a hand on his wrist to try and loosen his grip, she was being squeezed through a rubber tube across the country.
Voldemort released her as soon as the squeezing sensation stopped, giving her a satisfied, twisted smile; Sean gave him a rude gesture in return. He turned and began walking away from their Apparition point while she floated along in his wake, trying to peer through the orb to determine their location. They were traipsing through some kind of wood that was vaguely familiar, even in the dark, and with a horrible spasm in her stomach, Sean realized that they were in the Forbidden Forest near Hogwarts grounds. He continued to walk quietly through the Forest, taking a path she knew to be parallel to the grounds from her many illicit visits here during her educational career at the school. They finally stopped just past the groundskeeper’s home, almost the exact place Sean had taken her last visit to the Forest, and waited.
After however many minutes in horrible silence, Sean saw the dim lights on the seventh floor vanish entirely, and with a quick glance to Voldemort – she knew it had begun. It was terrible to watch, the lights flickering on and off, the distant echoes of screams, and finally the Dark Mark being plastered against the dark sky. But somehow, she knew that no one had died yet… there was something wrong with the Mark, as if it shouldn’t be there at all. The far-off screams continued as two very large birds (or thestrals, perhaps) landed on the tower directly below the Dark Mark. Sean turned away, unable to watch any longer, and closed her eyes until it was over. She turned back towards the castle when a sudden great howl boomed from the hut several yards away, and Hagrid burst through the doors to begin running towards the castle. Sean’s loud objections and worried cries never reached his ears, and Voldemort let out a disgusting giggle and set the hut on fire.
“Release her.” Both Voldemort and Sean turned to find the deep, commanding voice; she nearly cried out in relief to see Magorian and his herd of centaurs behind him. “Release the Changeling.”
“This does not concern you, Centaur, leave.” Voldemort hissed at Magorian. Sean was calling out warnings to him, though they only echoed in her orb.
Magorian stepped forward without trepidation. “She belongs to the world, you have no claim on her. Release her.” Magorian said, his voice much more terrible than she had ever heard it.
“I disagree.” Voldemort seethed at him, raising his wand to threaten the centaur… but it wasn’t his wand – it was hers…
Another centaur stepped forward. “You dare threaten us with that twig of yours? Release the Changeling now, or bear the consequences of Ronan’s arrow.” The younger centaur raised his bow and drew an arrow from his quiver with amazing speed and accuracy.
Voldemort drew Sean’s wand back in preparation to cast a spell or curse, when an arrow flew past and separated the wand from his hand, as well as a large chunk of his flesh. He cursed loudly and withdrew his own wand this time. “Well, it appears the Empath’s wand is not as essential to the power as I hoped... no matter, Avada Kedavra!”
Sean spun in her protective cage to see Magorian fall to the ground with a great thud. She screamed in protest and fury, her emotions echoed by the similar yells and angry pounds from the centaurs’ voices and hooves. Ronan stepped forward, Magorian’s second in command assuming his new position, “Do you think you will be able to kill all of us before we have mutilated you with our arrows?!” he threatened in a low, menacing growl. Voldemort’s triumphant grin faltered and he glanced to Sean in her orb. “She does not belong to you – you will leave her.” Voldemort paused in consideration of what to do next, then spun on the spot and Disapparated alone from the Forest.
The orb disappeared with Voldemort, and Sean fell to the ground. She pulled off her robes and crawled to where Magorian lay lifeless on the Forest floor, his dapple body still warm and proud. Tears began to fall shamelessly from her eyes as she turned to grope around for her wand, then turned back to his body and began muttering “Ennervate” over and over. To gentle, yet strong, hands picked her up under her shoulders and lifted her from the ground – it was Ronan.
“Magorian was a strong leader, and he will be missed. We came prepared to pay this price, for the stars told us it was to come; we only hoped to be wrong.” He paused and turned his face up to the sky before continuing, “You are safe now, Changeling.”
A scream in the distant suddenly reminded Sean what was happening outside of the Forest. “Ronan! There are Death Eaters in the school, they’re going to kill Dumbledore!”
He didn’t look down to her. “Jupiter is bright tonight.”
“Please, Ronan, you’ve got to help me… to help him!” she pleaded, tears reforming in her eyes.
Ronan looked down with a sigh. “We are sworn not to set ourselves against the heavens, and this includes protecting the Changeling. Is this where you wish to go?”
“It is.” Sean said as steadily as possible, she was starting to lose her ability to stay standing.
Ronan turned to the herd of centaurs. “We are to bring the Changeling back to the castle. Do not engage in any fight, for ours is over as long as she is protected. Spyridon, Nibal – take care of Magorian. Bane – you will have the honor to transport the Changeling. I need five others to be the Guard.”
Six centaurs came forward without hesitation, one in particular walking up to Sean and bowing slightly. “I am Bane, a warrior centaur. Nothing will harm you under my protection.” Sean nodded, and he picked her up and placed her on his back with a fleeting grimace, as if he would rather have done anything else. The Guard began to trot slowly out of the Forest and into the grounds of Hogwarts, two on each side of her with one in back. To Sean’s great relief, Hagrid’s hut was no longer on fire, but rather smoking and dripping from recently being put out with an over-enthusiastic ‘Aguamenti’ Charm. The grounds were disturbingly quiet as they made their way towards the entrance of Hogwarts, and Ronan held back to walk next to her. “It appears as if the fight it over, where would you like to go?”
Sean thought about this for a moment while she judged where everyone was, where she would most likely be able to find someone… “The hospital wing, on the fourth floor.” Ronan nodded to her and resumed his position as the leader of the Guard, while Sean looked around and wondered how seven centaurs might look walking into Hogwarts Castle. The thought was soon cast aside, however, as overwhelming grief suddenly flooded into her body, devastating every other emotion in her being – and she knew she was too late. The hooves of the centaurs clip-clopped throughout the seemingly-deserted castle, up several staircases, and into hospital wing. The door were already open, and they walked straight in without pretense, while Sean closed her eyes and tried to numb out the sorrow that threatened to crush her.
“Rona’?! Wha’ are ya doin’ ‘ere?” Hagrid’s voice rang out suddenly; she hadn’t seen him in the wing, but then again – she still had her eyes closed.
Ronan stopped and the Guard followed suit. “We have come to bring you one of our own, by request.” She wasn’t sure why, but when Ronan called her ‘one of our own’ she suddenly found the strength to open her eyes and slid from Bane’s back.
She rested a hand on him gently, “Thank you.”
Bane nodded solemnly, “It was my honor.”
Sean stepped forward next to Ronan and thanked him as well, then looked up into the rest of the wing as several people gasped. Hermione’s hands were to her mouth, and she was standing next to half of the Weasley family, including Molly, Arthur, Ron, and Ginny, as well as a disfigured man with long red hair lying unconscious in a bed next to Fleur Delacour. Luna Lovegood, Professor Lupin, and a witch she didn’t know were closer to another sleeping occupant, and she recognized the (thankfully) complete body of Neville Longbottom. Noticeably absent were two people, and while she believed she knew the fate of one man, she couldn’t bear to consider the fate of the other. She didn’t know what to say, how to explain why she had gone into hiding, how her own foolishness got her captured, why their grief was her fault... She brushed her long, white hair from her face and tried to think of the words to say when Ronan spoke again.
“Are you sure you are to be safe here, Changeling? We cannot afford to lose you to the hands of evil again.”
“Thank you, Ronan. I will be safe.” Sean said sadly, truly regretful to have to leave the centaurs.
One of the other members of her Guard stepped forward, a young palomino centaur. “I am Pallas, a warrior centaur.” He held out a bow and quiver full of arrows to her. “These belonged to Magorian, and we bestow them upon you as a reminder of your true kind.” Once again, Sean had no words, but rather furrowed her brows and nodded, determined not to cry as she took Magorian’s weapons.
Ronan stepped forward to Hagrid. “We are trusting you with our foal, you will do well to remember that.” He nodded and turned to leave the hospital wing, resting a hand on her shoulder for only a moment. Sean looked back up to the nine pairs of eyes staring at her, now undeniably alone. There was a mixture of emotions flowing through her, most of them caught up in some kind of confusion or lack of understanding – but there was some definite anger there as well. She found Hermione’s unbelieving eyes, “I… I am so, so sorry I didn’t tell you…” Apparently that was enough for her friend, because Hermione rushed forward and embraced her tightly.
“I know,” she began through a tear-ridden voice, “I know you couldn’t say anything.”
“I’ve ne’er seen centaurs act like tha’…” Hagrid began, confused and awe-struck.
Hermione released her and smiled sadly, then it was Molly’s turn to pull her into a hug. “I’m so thankful you’re alright! We were so worried! Don’t you ever do that again!” she chided, and Sean smiled, grateful for the reminder of normalcy. Even Ron came up and gave her a hug, albeit short and awkward, and told her words of comfort. They were all brimming with questions, but before she could answer any of theirs – she needed one of her own satisfied.
“Where’s Harry?”
Well, now we hit it, lance. What do you think?
After being tortured in shifts by various Death Eaters over two days, Sean had stopped screaming – her voice had given out. She barely even felt the pain anymore, because it had become the norm for her body now. If she had been more lucid, she might have realized that they didn’t continually curse her to keep her just on the edge of insanity, without going beyond it. As it was, her mental state had regressed to that of a child, or even an animal, and she only knew to expect the Cruciatus Curse every time after she woke up.
Because of this routine of sleep-torture-sleep-torture, Sean was nearly having a fit in anticipation of being cursed. She no longer had the ability to move her extremities, but she knew that someone should have entered the room and begun the routine after she had awoken several hours earlier – yet she was still alone. The small part of her humanity left hoped she had already died... that maybe she just hadn’t realized it yet, but all hopes were dashed as the door to the grand bedroom creaked open. There was something wrong with her perpetrator today, they didn’t Feel right…
“Hello, Empath. I’ve missed you.” He was speaking calmly, he sounded like a nice man. She was facing the wall with her back to the rest of the room, when a sudden warm feeling ran through her right arm. Sean tried to move her previously-broken hand, and was shocked to find all her fingers, her wrist, and elbow working properly; the man had healed her arm. “Now, that’s better. Would you like your other arm to feel better as well?”
Sean groaned in a kind of painful hope, and another warm feeling ran through her left arm. “There you are. I’m sure your legs aren’t feeling too well, either… I can fix them for you, too, but I need something in return.” Sean moaned again, she would do anything, anything to be able to move her legs again. “I need you to find someone for me, a bad man who doesn’t want me to heal you…” Anything, anyone you want. She closed her eyes, her mind suddenly clear on what she needed to do. The calm, forceful nature of the man began to pulse inside her body, and she let herself be carried away into his emotions.
She was surrounded by darkness, though there was some kind of rushing feeling that was vaguely familiar. Then the faint glow of streetlamps appeared as the rushing stopped, and she found herself following an old man. There was something about this man that left her feeling confused, as if she had known him a long time ago, but she shrugged it off as simply the invisible man walking next to him. As the man and his hidden companion continued to walk towards a small village, Sean’s rationalizing ability seemed to return ever so slowly in the clear, open air of the night.
The man started talking to his companion, but she didn’t listen – it wasn’t important what he was saying, she just had to know where he was. They entered the high street of the town, the silence that had previously surrounded them ebbing away as they neared a particular pub. She was trying to remember why she felt a connection to this place, when the door to the pub burst open. “—and stay out!” the matron ordered, forcibly ejecting a grubby-looking wizard. She looked around and found the old man Sean had been following. “Oh, hello, Albus… You’re out late…”
“Good evening, Rosmerta, good evening… forgive me, I’m off to the Hog’s Head… I feel like a quieter atmosphere tonight.” He bowed his head apologetically to the matron of the pub, then turned around a corner with his invisible friend. Sean didn’t follow this time, but rather allowed herself to be pulled forward in return to the nice man.
She opened her eyes and tried to speak, but ended up violently coughing up blood for a few minutes. The air of the man changed – he was becoming impatient; she had better hurry up and talk before he changed his mind about healing her legs. Sean opened her mouth to try again, but this time she felt a warm glow on her neck… he was healing her sore and swollen vocal chords.
“Hog’s Head…” a raspy voice said, and it took her a minute to realize it was her own.
“That’s where he is? You’re sure of it?” The man asked, though he was changing again, somehow becoming more vicious in his speech and Feeling.
“Yes.” Sean said, chiding herself for questioning the nice man that had fixed her arms.
He went back to his calm nature as her hope began to build. “You have done well, Empath, and you shall be rewarded.” The same, warm glow seemed to encapsulate her entire body for a few moments, and as soon as it died she checked her legs… They worked! Not only that, but everything seemed to be working as well, her neck, her feet, even her ribs seemed repaired. In light of his healing, Sean’s mind began to progress to her normal state, and she pushed herself up to a sitting position as her head began to ache. Then, both slowly and suddenly at the same time, it all made sense.
“Oh, God, what have I done?” Sean whispered to herself. She had begun shaking in the realization that she had just divulged Albus Dumbledore’s position, away from the security of the school… the school… She had also revealed that the school was now much less protected in the absence of the powerful Headmaster… and she had told the one person in the world who should never have access to that information.
“You have done well.” His voice was high-pitched and menacing, the ‘nice man’ had evaporated in the cold air encompassing the room. “Now, put this on, you’re going on a field trip.” He cackled at her as something soft hit her on the knee, then the door to the room opened again.
“My Lord, Draco has just signaled us again!” The Death Eater said in an excited voice.
Voldemort quickly became enraged. “Do. Not. Interrupt. Me. AGAIN! Do you understand, Dolohov?” The air was static and tense as Dolohov’s fear incapacitated him. “However, I have just verified Draco’s information. We will leave shortly.”
The door closed after Dolohov mumbled a few apologies, yet Voldemort remained in the room with her. She knew he wouldn’t trust anyone else with her in her renewed, enabled state, and she slid off the bed to pull the black, hooded cloak over Henry’s white undershirt and boxers she had been wearing for over five days. “That’s a good girl.” Voldemort said, almost fatherly in his adoration of her – it made her shiver again. “I have a gift for you… for your own good…” Sean’s shame kept her head down, she didn’t care what he was going to do to her, because she had already killed someone. Granted she wasn’t sure who just yet, but she had an idea...
As Sean stared at her feet, her hood covering most of her vision, she felt herself separate from the ground by a starry, silvery substance. She almost lost her balance and stuck out her arms to steady herself; when they hit some kind of cold barrier that was both thin and incredibly strong at the same time. Sean threw her head back, her hood falling off her as she did so and causing her long, white hair to fall about her face, then looked into Voldemort’s red eyes. “What is this?” she demanded, her voice echoing in the orb around her as her anger filled her. “WHAT IS THIS?!” she screamed, no longer concerned about his emotions.
“I’m sorry, Empath, but I simply cannot allow you freedom.” His voice was clear yet distant – as if her was yelling to her from the next room. Sean screamed a few obscenities and empty threats at him, her voice echoing once again all around her; her hair even flashed a fiery-red for a moment before returning to a ghostly white. She pounded on the orb, her anger at Voldemort and her self-betrayal coming to a boil, until she finally collapsed to her knees, panting in exhaustion - her body was still frail after not eating, drinking, or moving for nearly a week.
Voldemort didn’t bend down to be on level with her, but the orb seemed to float up to meet his eyes instead. “You won’t want to wear yourself out, Empath. There is still much to do.” His horrible grin incensed her once more, and she cursed at him again and again while banging on the protective shell around her. Voldemort’s grin died away and she felt several white-hot slashes upon her body that propelled her backwards off her off her knees and into the back of the orb. “I TOLD YOU TO STOP!” Sean glared at him while wiping the blood trickling from her cheek, suddenly realizing that he couldn’t hear her… just like she couldn’t Feel him… “That’s better.” He turned to leave the room and there was a great tug on the orb, which began floating behind him. Sean maintained her sitting position while they moved, refusing to acknowledge whatever was about to happen with any sort of respect.
They moved down a flight of stairs and into the great room Sean had visited too many times, both in person and spirit. There were dozens of Death Eaters whispering excitedly to each other, and she knew that whatever was about to happen was not going to be good. Voldemort moved into the ‘head’ position of the makeshift circle of his followers and raised a hand to silence them, which they did immediately. “Our time… has arrived.” Voldemort said quietly, and the Death Eaters erupted in cries of sickening joy and pleasure. “The Fool shall fall tonight.” The delight in his voice was revolting, and he held out a hand to indicate Sean and her white hair; the mob hooted and hollered in approval. “I will be watching. Go.” The Death Eaters bowed to Voldemort before leaving the room, continuing their vile exclamations of victory.
He waited for a few minutes in silence while Sean watched; he seemed to be taking in the whole experience, almost afraid to believe that he was about to achieve something he had wanted for so long. For the first time that she could remember, Sean wanted to be able to Feel his emotions – just so she could understand how they were going to do this, and then maybe be able to stop it. Which is probably why I’m in this bloody bubble, she told herself furiously. Her own mutinous thoughts were quickly replaced with curiosity as Voldemort began to slowly move, following the same path his Death Eaters had taken not ten minutes earlier.
Down another flight of stairs, through a grand foyer, and out of the front doors into a large front garden. It might have been more impressive in the daylight, but it was cloaked in the darkness of night – giving it an eerie sort of feeling. Voldemort continued on the driveway, passing through the large wrought-iron gates as if they were smoke; once he finally reached the main street, he thrust a hand into the protective orb suddenly and grabbed Sean by her robes. She was too startled to object, and by the time she put a hand on his wrist to try and loosen his grip, she was being squeezed through a rubber tube across the country.
Voldemort released her as soon as the squeezing sensation stopped, giving her a satisfied, twisted smile; Sean gave him a rude gesture in return. He turned and began walking away from their Apparition point while she floated along in his wake, trying to peer through the orb to determine their location. They were traipsing through some kind of wood that was vaguely familiar, even in the dark, and with a horrible spasm in her stomach, Sean realized that they were in the Forbidden Forest near Hogwarts grounds. He continued to walk quietly through the Forest, taking a path she knew to be parallel to the grounds from her many illicit visits here during her educational career at the school. They finally stopped just past the groundskeeper’s home, almost the exact place Sean had taken her last visit to the Forest, and waited.
After however many minutes in horrible silence, Sean saw the dim lights on the seventh floor vanish entirely, and with a quick glance to Voldemort – she knew it had begun. It was terrible to watch, the lights flickering on and off, the distant echoes of screams, and finally the Dark Mark being plastered against the dark sky. But somehow, she knew that no one had died yet… there was something wrong with the Mark, as if it shouldn’t be there at all. The far-off screams continued as two very large birds (or thestrals, perhaps) landed on the tower directly below the Dark Mark. Sean turned away, unable to watch any longer, and closed her eyes until it was over. She turned back towards the castle when a sudden great howl boomed from the hut several yards away, and Hagrid burst through the doors to begin running towards the castle. Sean’s loud objections and worried cries never reached his ears, and Voldemort let out a disgusting giggle and set the hut on fire.
“Release her.” Both Voldemort and Sean turned to find the deep, commanding voice; she nearly cried out in relief to see Magorian and his herd of centaurs behind him. “Release the Changeling.”
“This does not concern you, Centaur, leave.” Voldemort hissed at Magorian. Sean was calling out warnings to him, though they only echoed in her orb.
Magorian stepped forward without trepidation. “She belongs to the world, you have no claim on her. Release her.” Magorian said, his voice much more terrible than she had ever heard it.
“I disagree.” Voldemort seethed at him, raising his wand to threaten the centaur… but it wasn’t his wand – it was hers…
Another centaur stepped forward. “You dare threaten us with that twig of yours? Release the Changeling now, or bear the consequences of Ronan’s arrow.” The younger centaur raised his bow and drew an arrow from his quiver with amazing speed and accuracy.
Voldemort drew Sean’s wand back in preparation to cast a spell or curse, when an arrow flew past and separated the wand from his hand, as well as a large chunk of his flesh. He cursed loudly and withdrew his own wand this time. “Well, it appears the Empath’s wand is not as essential to the power as I hoped... no matter, Avada Kedavra!”
Sean spun in her protective cage to see Magorian fall to the ground with a great thud. She screamed in protest and fury, her emotions echoed by the similar yells and angry pounds from the centaurs’ voices and hooves. Ronan stepped forward, Magorian’s second in command assuming his new position, “Do you think you will be able to kill all of us before we have mutilated you with our arrows?!” he threatened in a low, menacing growl. Voldemort’s triumphant grin faltered and he glanced to Sean in her orb. “She does not belong to you – you will leave her.” Voldemort paused in consideration of what to do next, then spun on the spot and Disapparated alone from the Forest.
The orb disappeared with Voldemort, and Sean fell to the ground. She pulled off her robes and crawled to where Magorian lay lifeless on the Forest floor, his dapple body still warm and proud. Tears began to fall shamelessly from her eyes as she turned to grope around for her wand, then turned back to his body and began muttering “Ennervate” over and over. To gentle, yet strong, hands picked her up under her shoulders and lifted her from the ground – it was Ronan.
“Magorian was a strong leader, and he will be missed. We came prepared to pay this price, for the stars told us it was to come; we only hoped to be wrong.” He paused and turned his face up to the sky before continuing, “You are safe now, Changeling.”
A scream in the distant suddenly reminded Sean what was happening outside of the Forest. “Ronan! There are Death Eaters in the school, they’re going to kill Dumbledore!”
He didn’t look down to her. “Jupiter is bright tonight.”
“Please, Ronan, you’ve got to help me… to help him!” she pleaded, tears reforming in her eyes.
Ronan looked down with a sigh. “We are sworn not to set ourselves against the heavens, and this includes protecting the Changeling. Is this where you wish to go?”
“It is.” Sean said as steadily as possible, she was starting to lose her ability to stay standing.
Ronan turned to the herd of centaurs. “We are to bring the Changeling back to the castle. Do not engage in any fight, for ours is over as long as she is protected. Spyridon, Nibal – take care of Magorian. Bane – you will have the honor to transport the Changeling. I need five others to be the Guard.”
Six centaurs came forward without hesitation, one in particular walking up to Sean and bowing slightly. “I am Bane, a warrior centaur. Nothing will harm you under my protection.” Sean nodded, and he picked her up and placed her on his back with a fleeting grimace, as if he would rather have done anything else. The Guard began to trot slowly out of the Forest and into the grounds of Hogwarts, two on each side of her with one in back. To Sean’s great relief, Hagrid’s hut was no longer on fire, but rather smoking and dripping from recently being put out with an over-enthusiastic ‘Aguamenti’ Charm. The grounds were disturbingly quiet as they made their way towards the entrance of Hogwarts, and Ronan held back to walk next to her. “It appears as if the fight it over, where would you like to go?”
Sean thought about this for a moment while she judged where everyone was, where she would most likely be able to find someone… “The hospital wing, on the fourth floor.” Ronan nodded to her and resumed his position as the leader of the Guard, while Sean looked around and wondered how seven centaurs might look walking into Hogwarts Castle. The thought was soon cast aside, however, as overwhelming grief suddenly flooded into her body, devastating every other emotion in her being – and she knew she was too late. The hooves of the centaurs clip-clopped throughout the seemingly-deserted castle, up several staircases, and into hospital wing. The door were already open, and they walked straight in without pretense, while Sean closed her eyes and tried to numb out the sorrow that threatened to crush her.
“Rona’?! Wha’ are ya doin’ ‘ere?” Hagrid’s voice rang out suddenly; she hadn’t seen him in the wing, but then again – she still had her eyes closed.
Ronan stopped and the Guard followed suit. “We have come to bring you one of our own, by request.” She wasn’t sure why, but when Ronan called her ‘one of our own’ she suddenly found the strength to open her eyes and slid from Bane’s back.
She rested a hand on him gently, “Thank you.”
Bane nodded solemnly, “It was my honor.”
Sean stepped forward next to Ronan and thanked him as well, then looked up into the rest of the wing as several people gasped. Hermione’s hands were to her mouth, and she was standing next to half of the Weasley family, including Molly, Arthur, Ron, and Ginny, as well as a disfigured man with long red hair lying unconscious in a bed next to Fleur Delacour. Luna Lovegood, Professor Lupin, and a witch she didn’t know were closer to another sleeping occupant, and she recognized the (thankfully) complete body of Neville Longbottom. Noticeably absent were two people, and while she believed she knew the fate of one man, she couldn’t bear to consider the fate of the other. She didn’t know what to say, how to explain why she had gone into hiding, how her own foolishness got her captured, why their grief was her fault... She brushed her long, white hair from her face and tried to think of the words to say when Ronan spoke again.
“Are you sure you are to be safe here, Changeling? We cannot afford to lose you to the hands of evil again.”
“Thank you, Ronan. I will be safe.” Sean said sadly, truly regretful to have to leave the centaurs.
One of the other members of her Guard stepped forward, a young palomino centaur. “I am Pallas, a warrior centaur.” He held out a bow and quiver full of arrows to her. “These belonged to Magorian, and we bestow them upon you as a reminder of your true kind.” Once again, Sean had no words, but rather furrowed her brows and nodded, determined not to cry as she took Magorian’s weapons.
Ronan stepped forward to Hagrid. “We are trusting you with our foal, you will do well to remember that.” He nodded and turned to leave the hospital wing, resting a hand on her shoulder for only a moment. Sean looked back up to the nine pairs of eyes staring at her, now undeniably alone. There was a mixture of emotions flowing through her, most of them caught up in some kind of confusion or lack of understanding – but there was some definite anger there as well. She found Hermione’s unbelieving eyes, “I… I am so, so sorry I didn’t tell you…” Apparently that was enough for her friend, because Hermione rushed forward and embraced her tightly.
“I know,” she began through a tear-ridden voice, “I know you couldn’t say anything.”
“I’ve ne’er seen centaurs act like tha’…” Hagrid began, confused and awe-struck.
Hermione released her and smiled sadly, then it was Molly’s turn to pull her into a hug. “I’m so thankful you’re alright! We were so worried! Don’t you ever do that again!” she chided, and Sean smiled, grateful for the reminder of normalcy. Even Ron came up and gave her a hug, albeit short and awkward, and told her words of comfort. They were all brimming with questions, but before she could answer any of theirs – she needed one of her own satisfied.
“Where’s Harry?”
Well, now we hit it, lance. What do you think?
Thirty-One: A Few Members and the Meeting
Hermione looked around the room, as if asking for assistance. “He’s, ahm, he’s fine… he’s with McGonagall right now…”
“And Dumbledore?” Sean sighed while swaying slightly on the spot.
Hermione and Molly ushered her to a nearby cot with ease and made her sit on the edge. “He’s… he’s…” Molly began, but the last word seemed stuck in her throat.
Sean grit her teeth and balled her fists angrily. “Dead.”
“How did you know?” Ron asked from behind his mother.
“Well, duh, Ronald – she is an Empath…” Hermione said hastily, then froze as she realized what she had done.
Tense silence filled the room, until Professor Sprout came in and asked for Hagrid. Thankfully, she did not notice Sean and they left together quickly. “So, so you’re the Empath?” Professor Lupin asked incredulously.
She looked up to see Hermione biting her lip apologetically. “Yeah, I am.”
“And that’s why the centaurs…” the witch next to him began.
“Yes.”
“And that’s how you knew Dumbledore…” Arthur started.
“YES! It’s why I had to be Katie, why I left, why I got taken, and why he’s dead!” Sean yelled, startling them as Hermione, Molly, and Ron backed away.
Professor Lupin got up and walked quietly towards her. “Sean, you can’t possibly be the reason Dumbledore is dead. Snape killed him…”
This pronouncement didn’t make much sense, but she didn’t concern herself with it. “He wouldn’t have come if I didn’t confirm Malfoy’s message – he said so!” She was pleading with them now, trying to make them hate her as much as she hated herself. “Malfoy gave them information, but he didn’t believe it – not until he made me See!”
“Who is ‘he’?” Lupin asked gently.
“VOLDEMORT! I didn’t know what I was doing, but he could’ve never used me if I hadn’t been so stupid!” She began pacing back and forth as different emotions coursed through her, not noticing that with every step she took her hair changed to a different color.
The witch she didn’t know stood up and moved next to Professor Lupin. “She’s a Metamorphmagus…” she said in quiet awe.
Sean fell to her knees and began to hold her head, trying to shut everyone and their emotions out of her body. They were all finally silent as they stared at her alarming behavior, but their emotions bounced around inside her like never-ending echoes; she needed to focus them… There was a flash in her mind of Professor Lupin bending to one knee in front of her, and she waited for a moment until she could hear his footstep and then reached out and grabbed his outstretched hand. His distress at her sudden actions brought his emotions to the forefront of all the others, then the rest of him began to pass through her via their physical connection. After his initial shock, Sean found concern and worry - but they weren’t strong enough; grief began to take hold of her, but there was something stronger still hiding under the many complicated layers of fear, anxiety, worry, pretense, and guilt… it was love. The love was powerful, so much so that it scared him and forced him to conceal it, even though the witch beside him was everything he had ever hoped to find. It reminded her of her own love for Harry… the boy who had been so afraid to admit he loved her and the man who did… he was okay, he was alive…
She opened her eyes and met Professor Lupin’s intense, ever-worried gaze. “Thank you, Tonks.” Sean said quietly, surprised at the name she had spoken – perhaps it was his first name...
The witch beside him, however, gasped instead. “What did you say?”
Lupin helped her to her feet and guided her back to a cot while staring at her hair, just as confused and startled as the witch. “Ahm, I’m not sure…” Sean admitted. “I just focused on Professor Lupin; that’s… that’s what came out…”
“I’m Tonks…” the witch said, though she had turned to face the Professor.
“I’m sorry… I just couldn’t handle everyone’s emotions like that. I’m sorry Professor, I didn’t mean to invade, or anything.”
Both Lupin and the witch (apparently named Tonks) were at a loss for words, and static silence somehow managed to fill the whole hospital wing. Thankfully, hurried footsteps began to echo loudly as the approached, drawing everyone’s attention. Sean brushed her long, gray-flecked hair out of her face and turned to the entrance of the wing; there was a redheaded man (when did Ron leave?) jogging slightly behind a dark-haired man who had just sped up his pace. Sean slid off the bed, her mind refusing to acknowledge what her body already knew – it was Harry. After wondering for night on end if she would ever see him again, if she would live, if he was alive – he was running towards her as his relief and love began to beat in time with her heart.
“Harry…” Sean whispered as he drew nearer, but he didn’t stop; Harry flung his arms around her and pulled her close to him. She returned the gesture and wrapped her arms around his neck, wondering what would happen if she never let him go.
“Please tell me it’s you…” Harry whispered in her ear.
Sean laughed quietly, still holding him. “We have to be quick, Neville’s here.”
Harry laughed and picked her up, his arms still around her mid-back as he swung her around. He stopped and slacked his embrace slightly, then removed one arm to brush the chocolate brown hair out of her face, “Are you okay?” he asked gently.
She shrugged, “Are you?” Even though Harry was full of relief and love, there was still an incredible amount of grief lurking behind it all. Harry shrugged and smiled sadly, then guided her over to a bed and rested against it as she pushed herself on. There was still silence in the wing, but it was no longer empty as so many unspoken things passed between Sean and Harry. After a few blissful minutes, or maybe even hours, they were interrupted by the click-clacking of Professor McGonagall’s heels as she strode into the hospital wing.
“The Minister has just left, but he will return tomorrow to take up board with a small delegation, so we must –” She stopped shortly as she looked around the room and found Sean, sitting quietly off to the side with Harry standing protectively next to her.
“Miss… Miss Kiernan? What are you doing here? When did… How did you get here?” She asked in surprise.
Sean sighed and glanced at Harry, then turned back to McGonagall. “I need to call a meeting of the Order of the Phoenix.”
* * * * * *
“Wait, so Professor Dumbledore didn’t want you in the Order, but you want us to allow you to join anyway?” Molly interrogated, speaking much more like a mother than a member of the Order.
Sean sighed heavily and glanced around the unused classroom and its agitated occupants. “Dumbledore was afraid of my ‘recklessness’, he called it. I know where it leads, now… and I’d like to think of myself as wiser for it.”
“You’re sixteen, Kiernan, we don’t allow underage witches or wizards into the Order for safety reasons. Besides, you haven’t exactly explained where your ‘recklessness’ led…” Mad-Eye Moody grumbled at her.
Harry flinched in automatic protection, and his desire to give Moody a swift kick made her smile at the corners of her mouth. She picked her head up and ran a hand through her long hair before beginning what she knew she must say. “It led to Voldemort.” She spoke quietly, but her voice was easily heard as the room fell silent and all eyes were upon her. “I followed his orders, staying at Hogwarts while disguised as Katie Bell. He told me not to tell anyone, but Harry found out and confronted me about it – he knows I’m a Metamorphmagus. Well, I guess you all do now…” Sean sighed and continued. “Anyway, after the staff found out that I wasn’t the real Katie, I had to run – Dumbledore wasn’t here to explain what happened and, like I said, I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone. I don’t think that’s what he had in mind when he told me that…” she laughed quietly for a moment. “At any rate, I left the castle and went to Diagon Alley to stay with Fred and George for a while –”
“Boys!” Molly exclaimed suddenly, making both Sean and Harry jump. “How could you not tell us she was with you when we were so worried?!”
“She’s our best friend, Mum, she asked us not to…” Fred explained in exasperation while George nodded vigorously.
Molly folded her arms across her chest, “I would have thought better of you two…”
“Continue, Sean.” Professor McGonagall said loudly while eyeing Molly.
“Ahm, anyway… I was at Fred and George’s place, disguised as their sister, when Dumbledore came to visit the shop. At first I thought he knew who I was, but then it seemed like he didn’t know… In any case, right before he was about to leave, Tom called me ‘Miss Weasley’ and basically ousted me… I thought going with Dumbledore meant more lies and confinement and I just couldn’t bear it, so I ran... again…” She paused to take a deep breath while everyone seemed to take in the information.
“It was me…” a small voice squeaked beside her. Sean sat up and swiveled to see Hermione gazing up apologetically at her, tears in her eyes. “I told Dumbledore where you were… I’m so sorry, Sean, but I was just so scared for you! Harry got the letter from Archimedes, and I knew where you were from the note… When we got another note from Archimedes, I told Dumbledore as well… He said that he knew it was you, but wanted you to trust him before leaving. He said you were safe there, for the time being, and he was going to try again… but then I told him about the note and that you had gone to Ottery St. Catchpole…” Hermione looked down and her hands, wringing them in guilt-ridden anxiety. “We finally got the last note, the one telling us to keep Archimedes, and I knew something was wrong. I went to Dumbledore right away and told him what happened – he said he had lost track of you somewhere in London, and then Snape came in…” Harry took a sharp breath next to her, “Snape came in and said something like ‘it has happened’, and then Dumbledore told me to leave… I’m so sorry, Sean…”
“Don’t be, Hermione - you were just looking out for me. I should’ve trusted Dumbledore, but I was still too angry with him to think properly…” Sean scowled at herself. Harry rubbed her hand with his, encouraging her and giving her the strength to continue. “After Diagon Alley, I did go to Ottery St. Catchpole, but I left almost as soon as I got there. I, ahm, overheard Fred and George in a toy shop talking about how they had lied to me, about the Order, and I couldn’t handle being so close to the Burrow…”
“Wait, so you were Henry?” George asked, astonished and almost amused.
Fred whistled in awe. “Wow, I didn’t know you could transfigure into boys… you looked just like Harry…”
Harry started and raised an eyebrow at her. “'Just like Harry'?”
“I didn’t mean to… it was more of a subconscious thing. Anyway, I ended up in London and rented a flat for a week or so, until I ran into a Death Eater.”
“A Death Eater? Just walking around London?” Tonks asked, aghast.
Sean shrugged. “Well, at least around Grimmauld Place.”
“What did you say?” Fred, George, Harry, and Lupin asked in unison.
She looked around, confused at their reaction. “Grimmauld Place, when I was Henry I took up rent at number fourteen Grimmauld Place… that’s when I ran into the Death Eater…”
Lupin looked meaningfully at Moody. “That means they do know something about it!”
“Rotten elf... Probably just know that it belonged to Sirius… looking for clues about Harry.” The Auror grumbled back.
“What?” Sean asked, thoroughly bewildered.
Harry sighed beside her. “Sirius’ old home was number twelve Grimmauld Place, it was the headquarters for the Order…”
“Was, being the operative word.” Arthur offered grimly, “We weren't sure if they knew, but I guess so."
“Well, that explains why the Death Eater was there – I bumped into him and he grabbed me, then asked for my name. I told him it was ‘Henry Menden’ and kind of made a bit of a scene to get him to let me go. After he did I packed up and sent Archimedes back here, and when I left there were more Death Eaters waiting for me.”
“You didn’t transfigure?” Lupin inquired.
Sean ran a hand through her hair. “Only my hair…” she looked to Harry apologetically, “Sorry, I made you blonde.” Harry tried to smile, but it came out much more like a grimace. “Of course, they thought it was Harry with dyed hair and contacts, and followed me. There were tons of them, but I lost them for a while in a tube station. I knew I would have to use magic, so I decided to go back to Diagon Alley, but when I got to the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, there were Dementors…”
“Dementors?!” McGonagall asked with furrowed brows.
“Yeah, Dementors. Loads of ‘em… I knew the incantation for the Patronus Charm, and when I used it, my Patronus came out funny…”
“What do you mean, ‘funny’?” Lupin asked.
Sean looked at Harry again. “Well, it came out like Harry’s, to be honest. My Patronus was always a gray wolf when I practiced it with the D.A., but it came out like a stag against the Death Eaters… I remember looking at it and trying to figure out what it was when they Stunned me.”
“They were testing you with the Death Eaters, wanted to make sure it was really Harry before taking him to Voldemort.” Moody growled in a low voice. “It’s just bad luck that your Patronus happened to turn into a stag.”
“But why? I’ve never heard of a Patronus changing before…” Sean looked around the room for an answer, and saw Lupin glance to Tonks.
“It can happen when someone experiences a great emotional disturbance, but I think Metamorphmagi are more prone to it.” Tonks said solemnly, not looking back at Lupin.
“Right, well, when I woke up I was in Malfoy Manor – Voldemort’s headquarters. There was another man, though… I think it was Mr. Ollivander…” Sean wracked her memory to be sure.
“The wandmaker? Are you certain?” Arthur asked.
Sean rubbed her forehead. “Not entirely, but I think it was him… after I woke up they dragged me upstairs and began to… question me…” she finished quietly. She didn’t want them to know the extent of what happened, to share in her pain – it was something she had carried alone, and she didn’t want to burden anyone else with it.
However, no one really believed her last phrase, and Mad-Eye Moody took the liberty of outing her. “By means of the Cruciatus Curse.”
“Among other things.” Harry flinched again and edged closer to her. “After a while –”
“What’s ‘a while’?” Moody questioned fiercely, and Sean glared at him.
“Does it matter?”
Moody readjusted himself calmly as he leaned against the wall. “It does if I say it does.”
Sean looked away, not wanting to confirm Harry’s fear trickling down her spine. “Four days… maybe five… in shifts…” she whispered, though there was no chance she wasn’t heard – everyone was completely silent again. She had begun to bounce her knee anxiously as she spoke, “I, um, I don’t think I was completely normal after the first few days… I couldn’t move at all anymore, most of the bones in my body had broken… Voldemort finally came to me, but he didn’t do anything, not really; he just asked me to find someone… said he would heal me if I did. He didn’t say the name, but he didn’t have to. I Saw Dumbledore leaving the school, said he was going to the Hog’s Head, but I didn’t know it was him… I just knew it was the man Voldemort wanted. After I was done, Voldemort healed me and everything came back… I knew what I had done.”
She stopped for a moment and swallowed hard, fighting back tears had become a constant struggle over the last twelve hours. “A Death Eater - Dolohov, I think – came in and said something about another message from Malfoy, and Voldemort said he had confirmed the information. He put me in some kind of orb-thing that I couldn’t get out of – it was like a bubble-cage, or something. After the Death Eaters left, he made me come with him to watch what happened, what I had caused, and when we came to Hogwarts I knew.”
The silence continued in the large classroom, making it feel small and claustrophobic. “He… he was at Hogwarts?” McGonagall asked quietly.
“In the Forest, just beyond Hagrid’s house… that’s how the centaurs forced him to release me, they felt him on their territory. They threatened him until he Disapparated… making the orb-thing disappear with him.”
No one moved. No one spoke. The realization that Voldemort had been so close to the school seemed to be the worst admission of all. Of all people, Ron broke the silence. “Who’s Magorian?”
Sean looked up at him in disbelief. “What?”
“Magorian… that centaur gave you his bow and stuff, who is he?” Ron shrugged and put his hands in his pockets.
She shook her head, as if trying to clear it. “He is… was… the leader of the centaurs. Voldemort killed him, so now Ronan’s in charge…” She wiped a stubborn tear from her cheek with the palm of her hand, feeling the dried blood still on her face. Sean turned her face down, determined not to look at anyone while she spoke. “I know…” she started carefully, Harry wasn’t rubbing her hand to give her strength anymore. “I know there’s no coming back from this – that I can’t undo what I’ve done. I put everyone I care about in danger, and now Magorian and Dumbledore are dead.” Sean stood up, trying to make them see her commitment with her presence. “What I’ve done is unforgivable, if I could take it back… I just want the chance to try and fix this.” No one responded immediately, but she could feel their considerations and fears rolling over her.
“What do your parents think?” She turned around and stared agape at Arthur. “Do they know?”
“Does it matter?” His question had shaken her a bit, she hadn’t thought of them in a very long time.
Arthur stood up and crossed his arms over his chest. “I would want to know.” He spoke coldly, and she knew it was because both he and Molly had been worrying about her ever since Dumbledore told the Order she was missing. She had practically been another daughter to them, and she had disappeared without warning.
“I don’t think they know, not unless my brother told them.” She admitted.
“He didn’t.” Harry’s voice said quietly from behind her. “I asked.”
“Sean, did he recognize you at all? Call you by your name?” McGonagall asked, suddenly anxious.
She drew her arms into her. “Ahm, I don’t think so… he usually just called me ‘Empath’, but there are kind of chunks of time missing…”
McGonagall moved forward quickly, “Are you sure he didn’t use your last name?”
Comprehension suddenly dawned on her. “You don’t think… my father? M-my family?”
“I have to send a post to Shacklebolt, I’ll return quickly.” McGonagall swept from the room swiftly.
“I thought your father was a muggle?” Molly asked, confused.
“He’s the muggle Prime Minister.” Fred clarified.
All of her was being exposed, it was maddening. “And he had no idea?” Arthur asked.
“No.” Hermione answered.
“He’s not exactly an understanding man…” George offered.
Sean wasn’t listening anymore – all she could hear was the laughter of her toddler half-siblings ringing in her ears. What if something had happened to them? There was a sudden, sharp pain in her stomach and she put a hand to it and moved backwards to sit down again. Mariah and Malcolm… and her father! He would be expecting her home in the next few days… They were still talking around her, useless words… “Stop,” she said quietly, and the room immediately fell silent again – save for the sound of the door creaking to a close behind the returned Professor McGonagall. “You wanted to know what happened and now you do. I want to join the Order… the fight him… I need an answer.”
Just about everyone took a collective hard swallow, but Moody let out a sigh. “She makes a strong case…”
“You can’t be serious, Mad-Eye?!” Molly exclaimed in indignation.
“She could help! She’s an Empath and a Metamorphmagus – she’s the perfect spy!” Moody countered.
“She’s sixteen, Alastor, and I think she might object to being ‘used’.” Lupin said earnestly.
Fred stood up. “She can change into anyone, though, we saw…”
“…her change into an entirely fictional person!” George finished for his brother.
“But Albus didn’t want her in the Order – not yet, at least…” McGonagall chimed in.
“What happens if she goes on a mission and gets captured again? To what use of his could she be put?” Tonks questioned fearfully.
Watching them banter back and forth like a bad tennis match was mind-numbing. For a fleeting moment, Sean regretted asking for Ron, Hermione and Harry to stay in the meeting as she watched a handful of the Order members decide her fate, but Harry’s concern for her slowly enveloped her like a warm blanket.
Molly sighed loudly, drawing her attention back to them. “I don’t know why we’re discussing this! She’s not joining – end of conversation!”
“She’s not your daughter, Molly.” Moody grumbled.
“She’s as good as! And if she joins, what then? We allow Ron and Harry and Hermione to join as well? Harry’s still underage and they’re all still at school!” Molly yelled in her most forbidding tone, and Sean knew immediately that her foster-mother had won as a ripple went around the room. Most of the emotions bouncing around had changed from defensive and argumentative to understanding and concern; they had been ready to accept one underage witch, but definitely not four.
“Fine. So what happens now?” Sean sighed, exhausted.
McGonagall turned to face her, checking her up and down for every bruise, cut, and scar still covering her body. “The hospital wing, and then the funeral.”
“Funerals.” Sean mumbled, and Harry took her hand as they walked out of the classroom.
Comments, questions?
Hermione looked around the room, as if asking for assistance. “He’s, ahm, he’s fine… he’s with McGonagall right now…”
“And Dumbledore?” Sean sighed while swaying slightly on the spot.
Hermione and Molly ushered her to a nearby cot with ease and made her sit on the edge. “He’s… he’s…” Molly began, but the last word seemed stuck in her throat.
Sean grit her teeth and balled her fists angrily. “Dead.”
“How did you know?” Ron asked from behind his mother.
“Well, duh, Ronald – she is an Empath…” Hermione said hastily, then froze as she realized what she had done.
Tense silence filled the room, until Professor Sprout came in and asked for Hagrid. Thankfully, she did not notice Sean and they left together quickly. “So, so you’re the Empath?” Professor Lupin asked incredulously.
She looked up to see Hermione biting her lip apologetically. “Yeah, I am.”
“And that’s why the centaurs…” the witch next to him began.
“Yes.”
“And that’s how you knew Dumbledore…” Arthur started.
“YES! It’s why I had to be Katie, why I left, why I got taken, and why he’s dead!” Sean yelled, startling them as Hermione, Molly, and Ron backed away.
Professor Lupin got up and walked quietly towards her. “Sean, you can’t possibly be the reason Dumbledore is dead. Snape killed him…”
This pronouncement didn’t make much sense, but she didn’t concern herself with it. “He wouldn’t have come if I didn’t confirm Malfoy’s message – he said so!” She was pleading with them now, trying to make them hate her as much as she hated herself. “Malfoy gave them information, but he didn’t believe it – not until he made me See!”
“Who is ‘he’?” Lupin asked gently.
“VOLDEMORT! I didn’t know what I was doing, but he could’ve never used me if I hadn’t been so stupid!” She began pacing back and forth as different emotions coursed through her, not noticing that with every step she took her hair changed to a different color.
The witch she didn’t know stood up and moved next to Professor Lupin. “She’s a Metamorphmagus…” she said in quiet awe.
Sean fell to her knees and began to hold her head, trying to shut everyone and their emotions out of her body. They were all finally silent as they stared at her alarming behavior, but their emotions bounced around inside her like never-ending echoes; she needed to focus them… There was a flash in her mind of Professor Lupin bending to one knee in front of her, and she waited for a moment until she could hear his footstep and then reached out and grabbed his outstretched hand. His distress at her sudden actions brought his emotions to the forefront of all the others, then the rest of him began to pass through her via their physical connection. After his initial shock, Sean found concern and worry - but they weren’t strong enough; grief began to take hold of her, but there was something stronger still hiding under the many complicated layers of fear, anxiety, worry, pretense, and guilt… it was love. The love was powerful, so much so that it scared him and forced him to conceal it, even though the witch beside him was everything he had ever hoped to find. It reminded her of her own love for Harry… the boy who had been so afraid to admit he loved her and the man who did… he was okay, he was alive…
She opened her eyes and met Professor Lupin’s intense, ever-worried gaze. “Thank you, Tonks.” Sean said quietly, surprised at the name she had spoken – perhaps it was his first name...
The witch beside him, however, gasped instead. “What did you say?”
Lupin helped her to her feet and guided her back to a cot while staring at her hair, just as confused and startled as the witch. “Ahm, I’m not sure…” Sean admitted. “I just focused on Professor Lupin; that’s… that’s what came out…”
“I’m Tonks…” the witch said, though she had turned to face the Professor.
“I’m sorry… I just couldn’t handle everyone’s emotions like that. I’m sorry Professor, I didn’t mean to invade, or anything.”
Both Lupin and the witch (apparently named Tonks) were at a loss for words, and static silence somehow managed to fill the whole hospital wing. Thankfully, hurried footsteps began to echo loudly as the approached, drawing everyone’s attention. Sean brushed her long, gray-flecked hair out of her face and turned to the entrance of the wing; there was a redheaded man (when did Ron leave?) jogging slightly behind a dark-haired man who had just sped up his pace. Sean slid off the bed, her mind refusing to acknowledge what her body already knew – it was Harry. After wondering for night on end if she would ever see him again, if she would live, if he was alive – he was running towards her as his relief and love began to beat in time with her heart.
“Harry…” Sean whispered as he drew nearer, but he didn’t stop; Harry flung his arms around her and pulled her close to him. She returned the gesture and wrapped her arms around his neck, wondering what would happen if she never let him go.
“Please tell me it’s you…” Harry whispered in her ear.
Sean laughed quietly, still holding him. “We have to be quick, Neville’s here.”
Harry laughed and picked her up, his arms still around her mid-back as he swung her around. He stopped and slacked his embrace slightly, then removed one arm to brush the chocolate brown hair out of her face, “Are you okay?” he asked gently.
She shrugged, “Are you?” Even though Harry was full of relief and love, there was still an incredible amount of grief lurking behind it all. Harry shrugged and smiled sadly, then guided her over to a bed and rested against it as she pushed herself on. There was still silence in the wing, but it was no longer empty as so many unspoken things passed between Sean and Harry. After a few blissful minutes, or maybe even hours, they were interrupted by the click-clacking of Professor McGonagall’s heels as she strode into the hospital wing.
“The Minister has just left, but he will return tomorrow to take up board with a small delegation, so we must –” She stopped shortly as she looked around the room and found Sean, sitting quietly off to the side with Harry standing protectively next to her.
“Miss… Miss Kiernan? What are you doing here? When did… How did you get here?” She asked in surprise.
Sean sighed and glanced at Harry, then turned back to McGonagall. “I need to call a meeting of the Order of the Phoenix.”
* * * * * *
“Wait, so Professor Dumbledore didn’t want you in the Order, but you want us to allow you to join anyway?” Molly interrogated, speaking much more like a mother than a member of the Order.
Sean sighed heavily and glanced around the unused classroom and its agitated occupants. “Dumbledore was afraid of my ‘recklessness’, he called it. I know where it leads, now… and I’d like to think of myself as wiser for it.”
“You’re sixteen, Kiernan, we don’t allow underage witches or wizards into the Order for safety reasons. Besides, you haven’t exactly explained where your ‘recklessness’ led…” Mad-Eye Moody grumbled at her.
Harry flinched in automatic protection, and his desire to give Moody a swift kick made her smile at the corners of her mouth. She picked her head up and ran a hand through her long hair before beginning what she knew she must say. “It led to Voldemort.” She spoke quietly, but her voice was easily heard as the room fell silent and all eyes were upon her. “I followed his orders, staying at Hogwarts while disguised as Katie Bell. He told me not to tell anyone, but Harry found out and confronted me about it – he knows I’m a Metamorphmagus. Well, I guess you all do now…” Sean sighed and continued. “Anyway, after the staff found out that I wasn’t the real Katie, I had to run – Dumbledore wasn’t here to explain what happened and, like I said, I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone. I don’t think that’s what he had in mind when he told me that…” she laughed quietly for a moment. “At any rate, I left the castle and went to Diagon Alley to stay with Fred and George for a while –”
“Boys!” Molly exclaimed suddenly, making both Sean and Harry jump. “How could you not tell us she was with you when we were so worried?!”
“She’s our best friend, Mum, she asked us not to…” Fred explained in exasperation while George nodded vigorously.
Molly folded her arms across her chest, “I would have thought better of you two…”
“Continue, Sean.” Professor McGonagall said loudly while eyeing Molly.
“Ahm, anyway… I was at Fred and George’s place, disguised as their sister, when Dumbledore came to visit the shop. At first I thought he knew who I was, but then it seemed like he didn’t know… In any case, right before he was about to leave, Tom called me ‘Miss Weasley’ and basically ousted me… I thought going with Dumbledore meant more lies and confinement and I just couldn’t bear it, so I ran... again…” She paused to take a deep breath while everyone seemed to take in the information.
“It was me…” a small voice squeaked beside her. Sean sat up and swiveled to see Hermione gazing up apologetically at her, tears in her eyes. “I told Dumbledore where you were… I’m so sorry, Sean, but I was just so scared for you! Harry got the letter from Archimedes, and I knew where you were from the note… When we got another note from Archimedes, I told Dumbledore as well… He said that he knew it was you, but wanted you to trust him before leaving. He said you were safe there, for the time being, and he was going to try again… but then I told him about the note and that you had gone to Ottery St. Catchpole…” Hermione looked down and her hands, wringing them in guilt-ridden anxiety. “We finally got the last note, the one telling us to keep Archimedes, and I knew something was wrong. I went to Dumbledore right away and told him what happened – he said he had lost track of you somewhere in London, and then Snape came in…” Harry took a sharp breath next to her, “Snape came in and said something like ‘it has happened’, and then Dumbledore told me to leave… I’m so sorry, Sean…”
“Don’t be, Hermione - you were just looking out for me. I should’ve trusted Dumbledore, but I was still too angry with him to think properly…” Sean scowled at herself. Harry rubbed her hand with his, encouraging her and giving her the strength to continue. “After Diagon Alley, I did go to Ottery St. Catchpole, but I left almost as soon as I got there. I, ahm, overheard Fred and George in a toy shop talking about how they had lied to me, about the Order, and I couldn’t handle being so close to the Burrow…”
“Wait, so you were Henry?” George asked, astonished and almost amused.
Fred whistled in awe. “Wow, I didn’t know you could transfigure into boys… you looked just like Harry…”
Harry started and raised an eyebrow at her. “'Just like Harry'?”
“I didn’t mean to… it was more of a subconscious thing. Anyway, I ended up in London and rented a flat for a week or so, until I ran into a Death Eater.”
“A Death Eater? Just walking around London?” Tonks asked, aghast.
Sean shrugged. “Well, at least around Grimmauld Place.”
“What did you say?” Fred, George, Harry, and Lupin asked in unison.
She looked around, confused at their reaction. “Grimmauld Place, when I was Henry I took up rent at number fourteen Grimmauld Place… that’s when I ran into the Death Eater…”
Lupin looked meaningfully at Moody. “That means they do know something about it!”
“Rotten elf... Probably just know that it belonged to Sirius… looking for clues about Harry.” The Auror grumbled back.
“What?” Sean asked, thoroughly bewildered.
Harry sighed beside her. “Sirius’ old home was number twelve Grimmauld Place, it was the headquarters for the Order…”
“Was, being the operative word.” Arthur offered grimly, “We weren't sure if they knew, but I guess so."
“Well, that explains why the Death Eater was there – I bumped into him and he grabbed me, then asked for my name. I told him it was ‘Henry Menden’ and kind of made a bit of a scene to get him to let me go. After he did I packed up and sent Archimedes back here, and when I left there were more Death Eaters waiting for me.”
“You didn’t transfigure?” Lupin inquired.
Sean ran a hand through her hair. “Only my hair…” she looked to Harry apologetically, “Sorry, I made you blonde.” Harry tried to smile, but it came out much more like a grimace. “Of course, they thought it was Harry with dyed hair and contacts, and followed me. There were tons of them, but I lost them for a while in a tube station. I knew I would have to use magic, so I decided to go back to Diagon Alley, but when I got to the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, there were Dementors…”
“Dementors?!” McGonagall asked with furrowed brows.
“Yeah, Dementors. Loads of ‘em… I knew the incantation for the Patronus Charm, and when I used it, my Patronus came out funny…”
“What do you mean, ‘funny’?” Lupin asked.
Sean looked at Harry again. “Well, it came out like Harry’s, to be honest. My Patronus was always a gray wolf when I practiced it with the D.A., but it came out like a stag against the Death Eaters… I remember looking at it and trying to figure out what it was when they Stunned me.”
“They were testing you with the Death Eaters, wanted to make sure it was really Harry before taking him to Voldemort.” Moody growled in a low voice. “It’s just bad luck that your Patronus happened to turn into a stag.”
“But why? I’ve never heard of a Patronus changing before…” Sean looked around the room for an answer, and saw Lupin glance to Tonks.
“It can happen when someone experiences a great emotional disturbance, but I think Metamorphmagi are more prone to it.” Tonks said solemnly, not looking back at Lupin.
“Right, well, when I woke up I was in Malfoy Manor – Voldemort’s headquarters. There was another man, though… I think it was Mr. Ollivander…” Sean wracked her memory to be sure.
“The wandmaker? Are you certain?” Arthur asked.
Sean rubbed her forehead. “Not entirely, but I think it was him… after I woke up they dragged me upstairs and began to… question me…” she finished quietly. She didn’t want them to know the extent of what happened, to share in her pain – it was something she had carried alone, and she didn’t want to burden anyone else with it.
However, no one really believed her last phrase, and Mad-Eye Moody took the liberty of outing her. “By means of the Cruciatus Curse.”
“Among other things.” Harry flinched again and edged closer to her. “After a while –”
“What’s ‘a while’?” Moody questioned fiercely, and Sean glared at him.
“Does it matter?”
Moody readjusted himself calmly as he leaned against the wall. “It does if I say it does.”
Sean looked away, not wanting to confirm Harry’s fear trickling down her spine. “Four days… maybe five… in shifts…” she whispered, though there was no chance she wasn’t heard – everyone was completely silent again. She had begun to bounce her knee anxiously as she spoke, “I, um, I don’t think I was completely normal after the first few days… I couldn’t move at all anymore, most of the bones in my body had broken… Voldemort finally came to me, but he didn’t do anything, not really; he just asked me to find someone… said he would heal me if I did. He didn’t say the name, but he didn’t have to. I Saw Dumbledore leaving the school, said he was going to the Hog’s Head, but I didn’t know it was him… I just knew it was the man Voldemort wanted. After I was done, Voldemort healed me and everything came back… I knew what I had done.”
She stopped for a moment and swallowed hard, fighting back tears had become a constant struggle over the last twelve hours. “A Death Eater - Dolohov, I think – came in and said something about another message from Malfoy, and Voldemort said he had confirmed the information. He put me in some kind of orb-thing that I couldn’t get out of – it was like a bubble-cage, or something. After the Death Eaters left, he made me come with him to watch what happened, what I had caused, and when we came to Hogwarts I knew.”
The silence continued in the large classroom, making it feel small and claustrophobic. “He… he was at Hogwarts?” McGonagall asked quietly.
“In the Forest, just beyond Hagrid’s house… that’s how the centaurs forced him to release me, they felt him on their territory. They threatened him until he Disapparated… making the orb-thing disappear with him.”
No one moved. No one spoke. The realization that Voldemort had been so close to the school seemed to be the worst admission of all. Of all people, Ron broke the silence. “Who’s Magorian?”
Sean looked up at him in disbelief. “What?”
“Magorian… that centaur gave you his bow and stuff, who is he?” Ron shrugged and put his hands in his pockets.
She shook her head, as if trying to clear it. “He is… was… the leader of the centaurs. Voldemort killed him, so now Ronan’s in charge…” She wiped a stubborn tear from her cheek with the palm of her hand, feeling the dried blood still on her face. Sean turned her face down, determined not to look at anyone while she spoke. “I know…” she started carefully, Harry wasn’t rubbing her hand to give her strength anymore. “I know there’s no coming back from this – that I can’t undo what I’ve done. I put everyone I care about in danger, and now Magorian and Dumbledore are dead.” Sean stood up, trying to make them see her commitment with her presence. “What I’ve done is unforgivable, if I could take it back… I just want the chance to try and fix this.” No one responded immediately, but she could feel their considerations and fears rolling over her.
“What do your parents think?” She turned around and stared agape at Arthur. “Do they know?”
“Does it matter?” His question had shaken her a bit, she hadn’t thought of them in a very long time.
Arthur stood up and crossed his arms over his chest. “I would want to know.” He spoke coldly, and she knew it was because both he and Molly had been worrying about her ever since Dumbledore told the Order she was missing. She had practically been another daughter to them, and she had disappeared without warning.
“I don’t think they know, not unless my brother told them.” She admitted.
“He didn’t.” Harry’s voice said quietly from behind her. “I asked.”
“Sean, did he recognize you at all? Call you by your name?” McGonagall asked, suddenly anxious.
She drew her arms into her. “Ahm, I don’t think so… he usually just called me ‘Empath’, but there are kind of chunks of time missing…”
McGonagall moved forward quickly, “Are you sure he didn’t use your last name?”
Comprehension suddenly dawned on her. “You don’t think… my father? M-my family?”
“I have to send a post to Shacklebolt, I’ll return quickly.” McGonagall swept from the room swiftly.
“I thought your father was a muggle?” Molly asked, confused.
“He’s the muggle Prime Minister.” Fred clarified.
All of her was being exposed, it was maddening. “And he had no idea?” Arthur asked.
“No.” Hermione answered.
“He’s not exactly an understanding man…” George offered.
Sean wasn’t listening anymore – all she could hear was the laughter of her toddler half-siblings ringing in her ears. What if something had happened to them? There was a sudden, sharp pain in her stomach and she put a hand to it and moved backwards to sit down again. Mariah and Malcolm… and her father! He would be expecting her home in the next few days… They were still talking around her, useless words… “Stop,” she said quietly, and the room immediately fell silent again – save for the sound of the door creaking to a close behind the returned Professor McGonagall. “You wanted to know what happened and now you do. I want to join the Order… the fight him… I need an answer.”
Just about everyone took a collective hard swallow, but Moody let out a sigh. “She makes a strong case…”
“You can’t be serious, Mad-Eye?!” Molly exclaimed in indignation.
“She could help! She’s an Empath and a Metamorphmagus – she’s the perfect spy!” Moody countered.
“She’s sixteen, Alastor, and I think she might object to being ‘used’.” Lupin said earnestly.
Fred stood up. “She can change into anyone, though, we saw…”
“…her change into an entirely fictional person!” George finished for his brother.
“But Albus didn’t want her in the Order – not yet, at least…” McGonagall chimed in.
“What happens if she goes on a mission and gets captured again? To what use of his could she be put?” Tonks questioned fearfully.
Watching them banter back and forth like a bad tennis match was mind-numbing. For a fleeting moment, Sean regretted asking for Ron, Hermione and Harry to stay in the meeting as she watched a handful of the Order members decide her fate, but Harry’s concern for her slowly enveloped her like a warm blanket.
Molly sighed loudly, drawing her attention back to them. “I don’t know why we’re discussing this! She’s not joining – end of conversation!”
“She’s not your daughter, Molly.” Moody grumbled.
“She’s as good as! And if she joins, what then? We allow Ron and Harry and Hermione to join as well? Harry’s still underage and they’re all still at school!” Molly yelled in her most forbidding tone, and Sean knew immediately that her foster-mother had won as a ripple went around the room. Most of the emotions bouncing around had changed from defensive and argumentative to understanding and concern; they had been ready to accept one underage witch, but definitely not four.
“Fine. So what happens now?” Sean sighed, exhausted.
McGonagall turned to face her, checking her up and down for every bruise, cut, and scar still covering her body. “The hospital wing, and then the funeral.”
“Funerals.” Sean mumbled, and Harry took her hand as they walked out of the classroom.
Comments, questions?
Thirty-Two: The Birth of a Centaur
They walked in silence down the stairs of the lonesome castle, one dressed in borrowed muggle clothing and one hidden under a remarkable cloak. They had rarely spoken over the past twenty-four hours, but they didn’t need to for the most part – everything had been said, explained, or understood. It was as if through all their distance, all their time apart – they had somehow become closer than ever; Sean could even feel their hearts beat in time with one another, when they were together or apart.
She turned and left the Entrance Hall out towards the Hogwarts grounds, Harry still beside her with every step as the bright sunshine mocked their solemn purpose. She pulled Seamus’ rugby shirt behind her to twist into a knot so it wasn’t so long or baggy, and tugged the waistband of his oversized jeans. Harry laughed softly next to her. “Well, excuse me for not wanting my arse hanging out…”
“Calm down, you look beautiful.” He whispered as they passed Hagrid’s hut, nearing the Forbidden Forest.
Sean smiled sadly. “Thank you for coming.” She took a deep breath before entering the brush that led into the Forest, Harry’s footsteps louder and more reassuring in the undergrowth beneath them. They continued further and further in until the morning sun seemed a distant memory in the darkness that surrounded them, the entangled branches above replacing the blue sky with haunting shades of gray.
After nearly thirty minutes, Harry finally leaned forward and huffed as quietly as possible, “Are you sure you know where you’re going?”
She stopped and put her hand up to stop him from moving forward as well. “We’re here – don’t go past this point. Find a place to rest, I’ll be fine.” Harry took her hand and squeezed it briefly, and she heard his footsteps move away and finish near the base of a large willow tree. She took in a deep breath, straightened her spine, readjusted the bow and quiver slung over her shoulder, and stepped forward into a small valley hidden behind expansive oak trees. Before she had taken another step in, a large black centaur impeded her path with a raised bow; Sean immediately took a knee and bowed her head. “I’ve come for the burial of the Warrior centaur Magorian; Jupiter has aligned with Mars to mark the occasion, and Venus burns bright in the sky and my heart.” She only partially understood what she said, but it sounded impressive.
“Changeling. Welcome home.” She looked up into the weathered, yet kind, face of the centaur she recognized as Nibal. “The foals are gathered by the hollow oak.” He nodded to her, and she rose to follow him to where a large, young group of centaurs sat quietly. Nibal nodded again, then paced towards a group of older centaurs gathered together on the other side of the valley. As she looked around her, she noticed the centaurs seemed to all be gathered in five different groups, including the foals and Nibal’s companions. Directly to her right was the second largest assembly of centaurs – they were all female, and seemed to almost blend into the foal gathering. To her left was the largest collection of centaurs, containing both males and females; they were also the most varied in age, and wore light weaponry – mainly spears. Next to them was a group she easily recognized, they were the smallest group of centaurs (totaling no more than ten or twelve), but amongst them were Bane, Pallas, Ronan, and a few of her Guard – they were the Warrior centaurs. Finally rounding out the circular group of centaurs in the shallow valley were Nibal’s cohorts, including Spyridon; they were the oldest-looking of the centaurs, but had the most revered position in between the group of all-females and the Warriors.
“They are the Guardians.” A soft voice startled her and she looked to her right to see a young chestnut centaur who looked no more than ten in human years.
“I don’t understand.” Sean said simply, caught off-guard by the foal.
“The Guardians – they pass on the knowledge of the stars to us foals and protect the sanctity of the herd. A centaur can only become a Guardian after their service has been declared noble.” Sean nodded to convey her understanding, and the foal continued to explain the rest of the groups. “These are the Mothers,” he pointed to their right, “they give life to the new foals and nurture them. All foals are children of Mothers and Guardians. Those are the Hunters,” he turned and pointed to the largest group to their left, “most young centaurs will become a Hunter. Next to them are the Warriors – they are the leaders of the centaurs, chosen for their strength and Sight.”
Sean continued to admire the Warriors, the elite among the centaurs, “What will you be?”
He hoofed the ground softly. “The Guardians will consult the skies after they decide I am ready.”
She looked at him, taking in the amazing confidence and strength he had in his centaurian family. “What’s your name?” she asked softly.
“I am only ‘foal’ until I am worthy of a service to the herd. Then, I will be given a name befitting my position.” He suddenly eyed her excitedly, “But you have a name already, they call you ‘Changeling’… is it true?”
She smiled gently at him. “Now is not the time,” he turned away from her in disappointed embarrassment, “but maybe on another day.”
“She is right, foal, this is discussion for another time.” Both Sean and the foal turned up to see Ronan standing quietly beside them; neither of them had heard his hoof-steps approaching. “We are to begin soon; please come with me, Changeling.” Sean said goodbye to the young foal and followed Ronan’s slow, easy gait towards the Mothers. “Have you come alone?”
“I entered the valley alone, but someone is waiting for me outside. He will not harm anyone, he only wants my safety... He is a good man.”
“Do you not intend to stay with us, then?” Ronan asked softly, they were now passing the gathered Guardians.
“I-I didn’t know… I wasn’t aware I could.” It was a completely random question, and she didn’t know how she was going to be able to say ‘no’ to the centaur who had probably saved her life.
They had passed almost every group and were heading back towards the foals. “Now that you do, you will consider it?”
“Yes, Ronan.” Well, she didn’t exactly say 'yes' – and it was easier than saying 'no'. He bowed his head to her and she returned the gesture, then he paced back towards the Guardians to speak with Nibal. Sean turned and sat amongst the foals while silence descended upon the centaur herd – it was time for the funeral to begin.
Ronan stepped into the center of the shallow valley, his hands behind his back and his head slightly bowed. “A centaur has fallen for our purpose. Our brother, our father, and our Warrior is gone from our presence, but never our spirits. If we continue our purpose and do not set ourselves against the heavens, then Magorian will live on in our herd.” He took a pause and every member of the herd stood, including Sean. “Obey your Mothers, for their care shall rear you true. Respect the nobility of the Hunters, for they are our life source. Trust in the Warriors, for it is upon their lives that our herd may continue to thrive. Listen to the Guardians, for they are the protectors of all we have been and all we are to become. Bless the Foals, for they shall deliver us into the future. And the herd – the herd above all.”
Nibal stepped forward into the center with Ronan, carrying a single arrow, and Sean realized that he was the senior Guardian. “The Guardians have consulted the skies; there is a foal to rise in our brother’s fall.” Sean felt a stir among the foals, similar to anticipation but much more constrained. That’s how most centaurian emotions felt, really, just like human emotions only much more reserved. Still, she could tell that they were excited, yet it was in a dignified way that still respected Magorian and his sacrifice – they were eager to serve their herd the way he had done.
Ronan stepped forward towards the foals; the one she had been speaking with earlier was almost shaking he was so impatient to be given a name, to be told he was ready. He did not address the young foal, however, but rather spoke directly to Sean. “How do you regard your Mothers?” Ronan asked, a wise and noble tone to his voice.
“With obedience.” Sean said, straightening her shoulders.
“How do you regard the Hunters?”
“With respect.” Something began stirring deep down inside her, some odd change she couldn’t explain that seemed to strengthen with Ronan’s voice.
“How do you regard the Warriors?”
Images of Magorian flashed in her mind, the strong, powerful centaur who sacrificed so much without hesitation. “With trust.”
Ronan began to smile at the corners of his mouth. “How do you regard the Guardians?”
“With attention.” Whatever was stirring inside her began to grow; it had the sensation of glowing as it built upon itself.
“How do you regard the foals?”
She knew what she was supposed to do; Sean stepped forward, separating herself from the rest of the foals and entering the center of the valley. “With faith.”
“How do you regard your herd?”
Sean took a knee in front of Ronan and Nibal and bowed her head. “With obedience, respect, trust, attention, faith, and love.” Whatever had been growing deep inside her seemed ready to boil out of her head – she was completely full of the glow.
“You kneel as a foal, but you will stand as Sabriel – a Warrior centaur.”
The glow burst forth, and Sean finally knew what is was – pride. She hadn’t felt it in so long, either for herself or from someone else, and it was amazing and glorious. She pushed herself to a standing position, “Thank you, father.” That’s what Ronan was to her now – he had named her, given her a service – he was her centaurian father.
Ronan stepped to the side to allow Nibal to come forward; he bowed his head slightly (which she returned), and presented her with the arrow he had been holding. Sean took it in her hands, and was momentarily surprised at how soft it was until she suddenly understood what it truly was – it was an arrow made entirely of ashes, Magorian’s ashes. “Return our brother to the skies, Sabriel.” Nibal commanded calmly, and she nodded her understanding. She slid Magorian’s bow from her shoulder and fitted the arrow into the bow string and drew it back; it was a remarkably natural feeling to handle the bow and arrow in her hands, as if she had once done it many years ago. She then aimed Magorian’s arrow directly above her head into the dark overgrowth of the tangled tree branches and fired, creating a perfect hole of sunshine that bathed her like a spotlight in the shadows of the valley.
She kept her face up to the sky for a few moments, saying her own goodbye to Magorian. When she looked back down to her herd, everyone except Ronan took a knee. “Not born from our Mothers, but from our departed brother. Magorian’s sacrifice, my daughter, a Warrior, our sister.” He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, “You have a decision to make, Sabriel, away from the herd. Remember, whatever you choose – you will always be welcome, my firstborn.”
“Thank you, father. I will return by the next sunrise with my decision.” Sabriel bowed her head a final time and returned her centaurian father’s smile, then left her sunshine spotlight and exited the valley in between the Guardians and the Warriors. She had barely taken two steps when she realized she was not alone; Sabriel immediately pulled a bow from her quiver and aimed it at the point where she felt the presence – near the base of a willow tree.
“Sean?” an unsure voice asked softly.
She could feel his confusion course through her body, and knew he was not a threat to her. Still, she did not lower her bow just yet. “Show yourself.” A kind of invisible cloth dropped from him and he suddenly appeared in the darkness of the tree basin; he was obviously a man, but she couldn’t make out most of his features. He began to walk slowly towards her, unassuming in presence or purpose, and she fired an arrow in between his feet and refitted her bow with another arrow before the first hit the Forest floor. “You are trespassing on centaurian territory.”
“Sean... Sean, it’s me, it’s Harry!” He didn’t move, but he somehow felt closer, and she could feel his heart beat in time with hers.
She lowered her bow and shook her head, trying to get rid of the fuzzy feeling that had randomly invaded her mind. “Harry…” she suddenly remembered, “Harry!”
His relief washed over her and he walked towards her without hesitation. “You had me worried for a moment there. Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Don’t forget your cloak.” She replaced the arrow into the quiver and slung the bow over her shoulder as Harry retrieved his cloak.
He returned to her side and they began to make the trek out of the Forbidden Forest. “How, er, how was the funeral?”
Sean thought for a moment for the right words. “Different. Definitely different.”
Harry slid his hand into hers as the undergrowth crunched beneath their feet. “Well, we have one more before we can go home tomorrow.”
She turned her head to glance over her shoulder at the hidden valley of the centaurs. “Yeah… home…”
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They walked in silence down the stairs of the lonesome castle, one dressed in borrowed muggle clothing and one hidden under a remarkable cloak. They had rarely spoken over the past twenty-four hours, but they didn’t need to for the most part – everything had been said, explained, or understood. It was as if through all their distance, all their time apart – they had somehow become closer than ever; Sean could even feel their hearts beat in time with one another, when they were together or apart.
She turned and left the Entrance Hall out towards the Hogwarts grounds, Harry still beside her with every step as the bright sunshine mocked their solemn purpose. She pulled Seamus’ rugby shirt behind her to twist into a knot so it wasn’t so long or baggy, and tugged the waistband of his oversized jeans. Harry laughed softly next to her. “Well, excuse me for not wanting my arse hanging out…”
“Calm down, you look beautiful.” He whispered as they passed Hagrid’s hut, nearing the Forbidden Forest.
Sean smiled sadly. “Thank you for coming.” She took a deep breath before entering the brush that led into the Forest, Harry’s footsteps louder and more reassuring in the undergrowth beneath them. They continued further and further in until the morning sun seemed a distant memory in the darkness that surrounded them, the entangled branches above replacing the blue sky with haunting shades of gray.
After nearly thirty minutes, Harry finally leaned forward and huffed as quietly as possible, “Are you sure you know where you’re going?”
She stopped and put her hand up to stop him from moving forward as well. “We’re here – don’t go past this point. Find a place to rest, I’ll be fine.” Harry took her hand and squeezed it briefly, and she heard his footsteps move away and finish near the base of a large willow tree. She took in a deep breath, straightened her spine, readjusted the bow and quiver slung over her shoulder, and stepped forward into a small valley hidden behind expansive oak trees. Before she had taken another step in, a large black centaur impeded her path with a raised bow; Sean immediately took a knee and bowed her head. “I’ve come for the burial of the Warrior centaur Magorian; Jupiter has aligned with Mars to mark the occasion, and Venus burns bright in the sky and my heart.” She only partially understood what she said, but it sounded impressive.
“Changeling. Welcome home.” She looked up into the weathered, yet kind, face of the centaur she recognized as Nibal. “The foals are gathered by the hollow oak.” He nodded to her, and she rose to follow him to where a large, young group of centaurs sat quietly. Nibal nodded again, then paced towards a group of older centaurs gathered together on the other side of the valley. As she looked around her, she noticed the centaurs seemed to all be gathered in five different groups, including the foals and Nibal’s companions. Directly to her right was the second largest assembly of centaurs – they were all female, and seemed to almost blend into the foal gathering. To her left was the largest collection of centaurs, containing both males and females; they were also the most varied in age, and wore light weaponry – mainly spears. Next to them was a group she easily recognized, they were the smallest group of centaurs (totaling no more than ten or twelve), but amongst them were Bane, Pallas, Ronan, and a few of her Guard – they were the Warrior centaurs. Finally rounding out the circular group of centaurs in the shallow valley were Nibal’s cohorts, including Spyridon; they were the oldest-looking of the centaurs, but had the most revered position in between the group of all-females and the Warriors.
“They are the Guardians.” A soft voice startled her and she looked to her right to see a young chestnut centaur who looked no more than ten in human years.
“I don’t understand.” Sean said simply, caught off-guard by the foal.
“The Guardians – they pass on the knowledge of the stars to us foals and protect the sanctity of the herd. A centaur can only become a Guardian after their service has been declared noble.” Sean nodded to convey her understanding, and the foal continued to explain the rest of the groups. “These are the Mothers,” he pointed to their right, “they give life to the new foals and nurture them. All foals are children of Mothers and Guardians. Those are the Hunters,” he turned and pointed to the largest group to their left, “most young centaurs will become a Hunter. Next to them are the Warriors – they are the leaders of the centaurs, chosen for their strength and Sight.”
Sean continued to admire the Warriors, the elite among the centaurs, “What will you be?”
He hoofed the ground softly. “The Guardians will consult the skies after they decide I am ready.”
She looked at him, taking in the amazing confidence and strength he had in his centaurian family. “What’s your name?” she asked softly.
“I am only ‘foal’ until I am worthy of a service to the herd. Then, I will be given a name befitting my position.” He suddenly eyed her excitedly, “But you have a name already, they call you ‘Changeling’… is it true?”
She smiled gently at him. “Now is not the time,” he turned away from her in disappointed embarrassment, “but maybe on another day.”
“She is right, foal, this is discussion for another time.” Both Sean and the foal turned up to see Ronan standing quietly beside them; neither of them had heard his hoof-steps approaching. “We are to begin soon; please come with me, Changeling.” Sean said goodbye to the young foal and followed Ronan’s slow, easy gait towards the Mothers. “Have you come alone?”
“I entered the valley alone, but someone is waiting for me outside. He will not harm anyone, he only wants my safety... He is a good man.”
“Do you not intend to stay with us, then?” Ronan asked softly, they were now passing the gathered Guardians.
“I-I didn’t know… I wasn’t aware I could.” It was a completely random question, and she didn’t know how she was going to be able to say ‘no’ to the centaur who had probably saved her life.
They had passed almost every group and were heading back towards the foals. “Now that you do, you will consider it?”
“Yes, Ronan.” Well, she didn’t exactly say 'yes' – and it was easier than saying 'no'. He bowed his head to her and she returned the gesture, then he paced back towards the Guardians to speak with Nibal. Sean turned and sat amongst the foals while silence descended upon the centaur herd – it was time for the funeral to begin.
Ronan stepped into the center of the shallow valley, his hands behind his back and his head slightly bowed. “A centaur has fallen for our purpose. Our brother, our father, and our Warrior is gone from our presence, but never our spirits. If we continue our purpose and do not set ourselves against the heavens, then Magorian will live on in our herd.” He took a pause and every member of the herd stood, including Sean. “Obey your Mothers, for their care shall rear you true. Respect the nobility of the Hunters, for they are our life source. Trust in the Warriors, for it is upon their lives that our herd may continue to thrive. Listen to the Guardians, for they are the protectors of all we have been and all we are to become. Bless the Foals, for they shall deliver us into the future. And the herd – the herd above all.”
Nibal stepped forward into the center with Ronan, carrying a single arrow, and Sean realized that he was the senior Guardian. “The Guardians have consulted the skies; there is a foal to rise in our brother’s fall.” Sean felt a stir among the foals, similar to anticipation but much more constrained. That’s how most centaurian emotions felt, really, just like human emotions only much more reserved. Still, she could tell that they were excited, yet it was in a dignified way that still respected Magorian and his sacrifice – they were eager to serve their herd the way he had done.
Ronan stepped forward towards the foals; the one she had been speaking with earlier was almost shaking he was so impatient to be given a name, to be told he was ready. He did not address the young foal, however, but rather spoke directly to Sean. “How do you regard your Mothers?” Ronan asked, a wise and noble tone to his voice.
“With obedience.” Sean said, straightening her shoulders.
“How do you regard the Hunters?”
“With respect.” Something began stirring deep down inside her, some odd change she couldn’t explain that seemed to strengthen with Ronan’s voice.
“How do you regard the Warriors?”
Images of Magorian flashed in her mind, the strong, powerful centaur who sacrificed so much without hesitation. “With trust.”
Ronan began to smile at the corners of his mouth. “How do you regard the Guardians?”
“With attention.” Whatever was stirring inside her began to grow; it had the sensation of glowing as it built upon itself.
“How do you regard the foals?”
She knew what she was supposed to do; Sean stepped forward, separating herself from the rest of the foals and entering the center of the valley. “With faith.”
“How do you regard your herd?”
Sean took a knee in front of Ronan and Nibal and bowed her head. “With obedience, respect, trust, attention, faith, and love.” Whatever had been growing deep inside her seemed ready to boil out of her head – she was completely full of the glow.
“You kneel as a foal, but you will stand as Sabriel – a Warrior centaur.”
The glow burst forth, and Sean finally knew what is was – pride. She hadn’t felt it in so long, either for herself or from someone else, and it was amazing and glorious. She pushed herself to a standing position, “Thank you, father.” That’s what Ronan was to her now – he had named her, given her a service – he was her centaurian father.
Ronan stepped to the side to allow Nibal to come forward; he bowed his head slightly (which she returned), and presented her with the arrow he had been holding. Sean took it in her hands, and was momentarily surprised at how soft it was until she suddenly understood what it truly was – it was an arrow made entirely of ashes, Magorian’s ashes. “Return our brother to the skies, Sabriel.” Nibal commanded calmly, and she nodded her understanding. She slid Magorian’s bow from her shoulder and fitted the arrow into the bow string and drew it back; it was a remarkably natural feeling to handle the bow and arrow in her hands, as if she had once done it many years ago. She then aimed Magorian’s arrow directly above her head into the dark overgrowth of the tangled tree branches and fired, creating a perfect hole of sunshine that bathed her like a spotlight in the shadows of the valley.
She kept her face up to the sky for a few moments, saying her own goodbye to Magorian. When she looked back down to her herd, everyone except Ronan took a knee. “Not born from our Mothers, but from our departed brother. Magorian’s sacrifice, my daughter, a Warrior, our sister.” He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, “You have a decision to make, Sabriel, away from the herd. Remember, whatever you choose – you will always be welcome, my firstborn.”
“Thank you, father. I will return by the next sunrise with my decision.” Sabriel bowed her head a final time and returned her centaurian father’s smile, then left her sunshine spotlight and exited the valley in between the Guardians and the Warriors. She had barely taken two steps when she realized she was not alone; Sabriel immediately pulled a bow from her quiver and aimed it at the point where she felt the presence – near the base of a willow tree.
“Sean?” an unsure voice asked softly.
She could feel his confusion course through her body, and knew he was not a threat to her. Still, she did not lower her bow just yet. “Show yourself.” A kind of invisible cloth dropped from him and he suddenly appeared in the darkness of the tree basin; he was obviously a man, but she couldn’t make out most of his features. He began to walk slowly towards her, unassuming in presence or purpose, and she fired an arrow in between his feet and refitted her bow with another arrow before the first hit the Forest floor. “You are trespassing on centaurian territory.”
“Sean... Sean, it’s me, it’s Harry!” He didn’t move, but he somehow felt closer, and she could feel his heart beat in time with hers.
She lowered her bow and shook her head, trying to get rid of the fuzzy feeling that had randomly invaded her mind. “Harry…” she suddenly remembered, “Harry!”
His relief washed over her and he walked towards her without hesitation. “You had me worried for a moment there. Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Don’t forget your cloak.” She replaced the arrow into the quiver and slung the bow over her shoulder as Harry retrieved his cloak.
He returned to her side and they began to make the trek out of the Forbidden Forest. “How, er, how was the funeral?”
Sean thought for a moment for the right words. “Different. Definitely different.”
Harry slid his hand into hers as the undergrowth crunched beneath their feet. “Well, we have one more before we can go home tomorrow.”
She turned her head to glance over her shoulder at the hidden valley of the centaurs. “Yeah… home…”
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Thirty-Three: Goodbye
Curled up on the extended window ledge, Sean smiled as a white dot swirled in waning sunlight towards Gryffindor Tower. She had nothing to pack, and sat alone in the warm, comforting silence of the dormitory since Hermione had gone to the library – Lavender and Parvati left for their respective homes first thing that morning. Somewhere on the other side of the Tower was a man who wanted to talk to her more than anything, though he was doing his damnedest to postpone their conversation as much as possible. Still, there was hope soaring towards her in the dusk in the form of a white owl.
Archimedes flew in past her, and she tried to hide her disappointment in the absence of Harry’s owl, Hedwig. Archimedes hooted softly and perched on the foot post of her bed, trying to get Sean to finally notice the rucksack he had been faithfully carrying all this way. “I can’t believe it worked…” she whispered softly to herself, and pushed herself off the ledge and moved swiftly to her eagle owl, untying the rucksack and taking the large note pinned to the front off. She smiled to see Fred’s untidy scrawl on the front of the parchment, and tore it open:
George found this in the living room and we figured it might come in handy. Don’t disappear on us again. F.
Sean tossed the small piece of parchment onto the bed and stroked Archimedes gratefully - he always had an incredible sense of intuition. She then opened her rucksack and began to rummage through its contents; most of her clothes were still there, as well as a few personal keepsakes (including her pencil-sized broom), but all of her potions and Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes items were gone. It was expected, seeing as how it had probably been searched by Death Eaters, but it was still a loss. At least I have my clothes back, Sean thought semi-optimistically, and she pulled off her borrowed clothing from her brother – relieved to be able to wear her baggy, khaki board shorts and gray Ramones tee shirt once again.
She grabbed Fred’s note from her bed and shoved it into her pocket, then folded Seamus’ clothes and wrote him a quick ‘thank-you’ note before tying them all together into a small package. Sean bribed Archimedes for a short trip with an owl treat, then tied the package to his leg, “This is for Seamus, he should be in his dorm.” Archimedes hooted confidently before taking flight through the open window, and Sean smiled sadly as she turned back to her things when someone yelped loudly nearby while Archimedes squawked indignantly.
Sean nearly jumped out of her skin and looked around for the perpetrator; still alone, she opened the dormitory door and checked in the hall. Still, she did not see anyone and shrugged off the noise while turning back into her room. “You could’ve warned me about your owl, you know.” She started as she looked up and out the window to see Harry sitting on his Firebolt and grinning wildly.
“Good grief, you scared the hell out of me!” Sean said, her hand over her rapidly beating heart.
“Sorry, er, can I come in?” He bit his bottom lip and looked at her over the rim of his glasses.
Sean tried to frown at his smugness, but in truth it made her knees weak. “I ought to curse you into oblivion… but come in.” She turned away for a moment to hide her smile, then turned back to him and folded her arms across her chest to make herself look cross. “The stairs aren’t good enough for you, then?”
Harry stumbled through the window and leaned his broom against the wall. “Actually, the stairs to the girls’ dormitories don’t allow boys up… so I had to find another route…”
“And, of course, the only one you could think of involved scaring me out of my mind.” Harry’s grin faltered for a moment, but it regained strength as Sean laughed.
“Sorry… again… Hey! I thought you said the Death Eaters had your rucksack?” Harry moved beside her and stared at her things splayed out on the bedspread as if they were treasure.
Sean turned into him as he slid an arm under hers and around her waist. “They did… I cast a sort-of invented charm on my bag at Fred and George’s, and it turned up back there.”
He leaned away from her to look at her properly and raised an eyebrow in skepticism. “You invented a charm?”
She shrugged and pulled her wand from her pocket and waved it over her things so they began to magically repack themselves. “Kind of… I read about the Return Charm that brings back lost or forgotten items, and I tweaked it a bit so that the item will return to the place where the charm is cast if it is away from the caster for more than twenty-four hours. Call it insurance…” She placed her full rucksack on the floor and walked around to the side of the bed to flop down on her stomach onto her mattress.
Harry collapsed onto his stomach beside her, making them both bounce for a moment. “I can’t believe this is my last night in Hogwarts as a student…” he sighed as he slid a pillow underneath him.
His tension and anxiety was seeping into her pores, as well as his desire to talk to her without saying what he knew he must. “How’s Ron?” she asked softly, opting for the safe conversation - for now.
He rolled over onto his back and sighed. “I’m not sure, to be honest… he seems a bit angry, but he does that every now and then.”
“Hermione’s in the library – I think she’s saying goodbye to it… it’s rather disturbing, actually.”
Harry laughed and rolled onto his stomach, his head turned to watch her. “How are you doing?”
“I’ve had better days… better months, really… but it’s almost over. It’s all almost over.” She turned her head to watch him and felt his pang of guilt as if it were her own. “Whatever you’re putting off until tomorrow, I suggest you go ahead and tell me before the sunrise.”
“Why, what happens at sunrise?” Harry asked with furrowed brows, but Sean just smiled calmly at him. He sighed, “I wanted to spend another day with you before I had to do this…” He looked at her, almost pleading for more time, but Sean knew there wasn’t much since the sun had already descended into the night. He sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing. “Voldemort already wants you, he’s already caught you… if he found out you were with me - and he would – he would come after you even harder, to get to me.” Harry put his hand to her exposed cheek and stroked the soft scar across it with his thumb. “You don’t know what it was like… you disappeared twice… I always knew that you would come back somehow, but if you couldn’t… if you… if you were really gone…”
Sean felt his nerve slipping away, his desire to leave so he wouldn’t have to continue breaking his own heart. She slid slowly closer to him, their noses almost touching in an Eskimo kiss, and drew her hand onto his chest to give them both strength. “I know.” She didn’t need him to explain anymore – he had already told her what he was going to do and why, and she wouldn’t have expected anything less from him.
“You’re not… upset… or anything?” He looked at her questioningly, but she knew he didn’t expect her to scream and yell.
“Not really. I figured something out when I left that sort of changed my perspective… see, the thing is - even when we’re not together, we are… You are always with me, Harry, you’ve always been with me. It’s like you’ve somehow always been a part of me, before we were even ‘us’, just sleeping somewhere inside me.”
He ran a hand softly through her hair and leaned his head up to kiss her on the forehead. “I never gave up on you, you know… I used to always be so awkward around you, ever since first year, until Hermione got 'fed up with my moping’ and told me to relax a bit around you… maybe see other people… she figured you might take notice if I were more myself around you.”
“Smart girl, that Hermione…” Sean smiled as she kissed him gently.
Harry grinned back, “Well, except for the fact that she thought you hated her…”
Sean pulled back in mock indignation. “I never hated her! I just… I was just complacent with Fred, George, Lee, and Oliver… I thought I didn’t need anyone else.”
He laughed softly. “I’m glad you changed your mind.”
“I just wish I had sooner… we could’ve had so much longer, years even…”
“We will have years, Sean, I just don’t know when.” Harry sighed heavily, and they let a weighted silence fall between them for a moment. “Do you know what you’re going to do?”
She looked down for the first time. “Yeah… I think, ahm, I think I’m going to live with my father for a while.”
Harry furrowed his brows in disbelief. “Are you sure?”
Sean looked back into his light green eyes. “Yeah, it’s the right thing to do. But I need you to do something for me.”
“Anything.” He whispered.
“I need you to keep this for me.” She pulled out her wand and flicked it towards the end of her bed, where a large arrow came gliding over the edge to her. She handed it to him and he twirled it in his fingers in inspection. “You can’t lose it, okay?”
Harry sighed in understanding. “So, if I need to find you, where exactly is Kiernan Manor?”
She bit her bottom lip, “If you need me, go to the Forbidden Forest and find the centaurs. Ask for Sabriel and show her the arrow, she’ll help you.”
“Sabriel… that sounds familiar…” He eyed her for a moment in slight confusion, as if trying to remember something from a long time ago.
“It is. Now, you’d better get going – you’ve got an early day tomorrow.” They both sat up and she walked him to the window.
“You do, too, you know.” He grabbed his Firebolt and kissed her briefly, then began to climb out the window.
“Harry... wait…” She had debated doing this - afraid it would give too much away.
“What ?What’s wro—” Sean pulled him to her and kissed him fiercely, letting all of their combined desire, fear, pain, and love wash over them both; she kissed him as if it might be their last. After they broke apart, however many lifetimes later, Harry touched her forehead with his own and whispered, “I’ll come back. I love you.”
“So will I. I love you, too.” He turned away from her quickly, and she knew it was because he wouldn’t have to strength to do so if he waited any longer. With a final look of goodbye, Harry sped off into the night sky to the other side of Gryffindor Tower.
Sean turned back to the empty dormitory and pulled her rucksack off the floor, as well as Magorian’s bow and quiver, and placed them on her bed. She then went to the small table and removed two folded pieces of parchment from the drawer, placing the one labeled ‘Hermione’ on her best friend’s bed. She eyed the one labeled ‘F&G’ with a regretful smile as, almost on cue, Archimedes flew back through her still-open window. “There you are, Seamus give you a hard time?” He hooted softly and she fed him a small owl treat. “I have one more job for you.” She tied the letter to his leg while speaking softly, “This is for Fred and George; I need you to stay with them until I call you, okay? They’ll take good care of you until I can come back. Be a good boy, alright?” Archimedes hooted sadly and nipped her fingers affectionately. “I’ll miss you.” He gave her one last hoot before taking flight back through the window, and she watched him disappear into the now-early morning darkness.
Sean slung her rucksack onto one shoulder and her quiver onto the other; bow in hand, she took a final glance around the room that had been her home for so much of the past six years. She smiled at the sudden urge to loosen a few screws or change a few colors, the last remnants of a misspent youth at Hogwarts still inside her. She sighed in resolution, then turned and left the dormitory forever.
Not surprisingly, the common room and the castle were deserted; she didn’t even try to hide herself as her soft footsteps echoed quietly around her – she was no longer a student. Sean finally reached the Entrance Hall and stopped to take one last look at Hogwarts from inside its walls, her own mental picture to keep always. When she could put it off no longer, she turned back towards the grounds and concentrated on what she had to do. It was not going to be easy, and it was probably going to hurt – but she had done it once before… granted she was thirteen and it was by accident, but still…
She closed her eyes and pictured her task in her mind while slinging the bow onto her shoulder, and she suddenly felt a great tug downwards as if the gravitational pull of the earth had randomly increased. To her surprise, it didn’t hurt – but rather felt uncomfortable for a few moments until the pull stopped and she opened her eyes. Her world was in black and white now, but it was still there. She pawed the ground carefully, walking slowly onto the grounds towards the Black Lake. The grass was cool and slightly wet with dew, but it was a comforting and natural feeling on her four padded feet. She approached the Lake and stepped right up to the edge and looked down into its glassy surface; if she had lips, it would have been a smile that appeared on the face of the large, gray wolf – since she didn’t, her tongue fell out instead in a happy pant.
Sabriel turned from the Lake and headed into the Forbidden Forest, in pursuit of the centaur valley, her father, and her home.
It's almost over! Noooooo!
Curled up on the extended window ledge, Sean smiled as a white dot swirled in waning sunlight towards Gryffindor Tower. She had nothing to pack, and sat alone in the warm, comforting silence of the dormitory since Hermione had gone to the library – Lavender and Parvati left for their respective homes first thing that morning. Somewhere on the other side of the Tower was a man who wanted to talk to her more than anything, though he was doing his damnedest to postpone their conversation as much as possible. Still, there was hope soaring towards her in the dusk in the form of a white owl.
Archimedes flew in past her, and she tried to hide her disappointment in the absence of Harry’s owl, Hedwig. Archimedes hooted softly and perched on the foot post of her bed, trying to get Sean to finally notice the rucksack he had been faithfully carrying all this way. “I can’t believe it worked…” she whispered softly to herself, and pushed herself off the ledge and moved swiftly to her eagle owl, untying the rucksack and taking the large note pinned to the front off. She smiled to see Fred’s untidy scrawl on the front of the parchment, and tore it open:
George found this in the living room and we figured it might come in handy. Don’t disappear on us again. F.
Sean tossed the small piece of parchment onto the bed and stroked Archimedes gratefully - he always had an incredible sense of intuition. She then opened her rucksack and began to rummage through its contents; most of her clothes were still there, as well as a few personal keepsakes (including her pencil-sized broom), but all of her potions and Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes items were gone. It was expected, seeing as how it had probably been searched by Death Eaters, but it was still a loss. At least I have my clothes back, Sean thought semi-optimistically, and she pulled off her borrowed clothing from her brother – relieved to be able to wear her baggy, khaki board shorts and gray Ramones tee shirt once again.
She grabbed Fred’s note from her bed and shoved it into her pocket, then folded Seamus’ clothes and wrote him a quick ‘thank-you’ note before tying them all together into a small package. Sean bribed Archimedes for a short trip with an owl treat, then tied the package to his leg, “This is for Seamus, he should be in his dorm.” Archimedes hooted confidently before taking flight through the open window, and Sean smiled sadly as she turned back to her things when someone yelped loudly nearby while Archimedes squawked indignantly.
Sean nearly jumped out of her skin and looked around for the perpetrator; still alone, she opened the dormitory door and checked in the hall. Still, she did not see anyone and shrugged off the noise while turning back into her room. “You could’ve warned me about your owl, you know.” She started as she looked up and out the window to see Harry sitting on his Firebolt and grinning wildly.
“Good grief, you scared the hell out of me!” Sean said, her hand over her rapidly beating heart.
“Sorry, er, can I come in?” He bit his bottom lip and looked at her over the rim of his glasses.
Sean tried to frown at his smugness, but in truth it made her knees weak. “I ought to curse you into oblivion… but come in.” She turned away for a moment to hide her smile, then turned back to him and folded her arms across her chest to make herself look cross. “The stairs aren’t good enough for you, then?”
Harry stumbled through the window and leaned his broom against the wall. “Actually, the stairs to the girls’ dormitories don’t allow boys up… so I had to find another route…”
“And, of course, the only one you could think of involved scaring me out of my mind.” Harry’s grin faltered for a moment, but it regained strength as Sean laughed.
“Sorry… again… Hey! I thought you said the Death Eaters had your rucksack?” Harry moved beside her and stared at her things splayed out on the bedspread as if they were treasure.
Sean turned into him as he slid an arm under hers and around her waist. “They did… I cast a sort-of invented charm on my bag at Fred and George’s, and it turned up back there.”
He leaned away from her to look at her properly and raised an eyebrow in skepticism. “You invented a charm?”
She shrugged and pulled her wand from her pocket and waved it over her things so they began to magically repack themselves. “Kind of… I read about the Return Charm that brings back lost or forgotten items, and I tweaked it a bit so that the item will return to the place where the charm is cast if it is away from the caster for more than twenty-four hours. Call it insurance…” She placed her full rucksack on the floor and walked around to the side of the bed to flop down on her stomach onto her mattress.
Harry collapsed onto his stomach beside her, making them both bounce for a moment. “I can’t believe this is my last night in Hogwarts as a student…” he sighed as he slid a pillow underneath him.
His tension and anxiety was seeping into her pores, as well as his desire to talk to her without saying what he knew he must. “How’s Ron?” she asked softly, opting for the safe conversation - for now.
He rolled over onto his back and sighed. “I’m not sure, to be honest… he seems a bit angry, but he does that every now and then.”
“Hermione’s in the library – I think she’s saying goodbye to it… it’s rather disturbing, actually.”
Harry laughed and rolled onto his stomach, his head turned to watch her. “How are you doing?”
“I’ve had better days… better months, really… but it’s almost over. It’s all almost over.” She turned her head to watch him and felt his pang of guilt as if it were her own. “Whatever you’re putting off until tomorrow, I suggest you go ahead and tell me before the sunrise.”
“Why, what happens at sunrise?” Harry asked with furrowed brows, but Sean just smiled calmly at him. He sighed, “I wanted to spend another day with you before I had to do this…” He looked at her, almost pleading for more time, but Sean knew there wasn’t much since the sun had already descended into the night. He sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing. “Voldemort already wants you, he’s already caught you… if he found out you were with me - and he would – he would come after you even harder, to get to me.” Harry put his hand to her exposed cheek and stroked the soft scar across it with his thumb. “You don’t know what it was like… you disappeared twice… I always knew that you would come back somehow, but if you couldn’t… if you… if you were really gone…”
Sean felt his nerve slipping away, his desire to leave so he wouldn’t have to continue breaking his own heart. She slid slowly closer to him, their noses almost touching in an Eskimo kiss, and drew her hand onto his chest to give them both strength. “I know.” She didn’t need him to explain anymore – he had already told her what he was going to do and why, and she wouldn’t have expected anything less from him.
“You’re not… upset… or anything?” He looked at her questioningly, but she knew he didn’t expect her to scream and yell.
“Not really. I figured something out when I left that sort of changed my perspective… see, the thing is - even when we’re not together, we are… You are always with me, Harry, you’ve always been with me. It’s like you’ve somehow always been a part of me, before we were even ‘us’, just sleeping somewhere inside me.”
He ran a hand softly through her hair and leaned his head up to kiss her on the forehead. “I never gave up on you, you know… I used to always be so awkward around you, ever since first year, until Hermione got 'fed up with my moping’ and told me to relax a bit around you… maybe see other people… she figured you might take notice if I were more myself around you.”
“Smart girl, that Hermione…” Sean smiled as she kissed him gently.
Harry grinned back, “Well, except for the fact that she thought you hated her…”
Sean pulled back in mock indignation. “I never hated her! I just… I was just complacent with Fred, George, Lee, and Oliver… I thought I didn’t need anyone else.”
He laughed softly. “I’m glad you changed your mind.”
“I just wish I had sooner… we could’ve had so much longer, years even…”
“We will have years, Sean, I just don’t know when.” Harry sighed heavily, and they let a weighted silence fall between them for a moment. “Do you know what you’re going to do?”
She looked down for the first time. “Yeah… I think, ahm, I think I’m going to live with my father for a while.”
Harry furrowed his brows in disbelief. “Are you sure?”
Sean looked back into his light green eyes. “Yeah, it’s the right thing to do. But I need you to do something for me.”
“Anything.” He whispered.
“I need you to keep this for me.” She pulled out her wand and flicked it towards the end of her bed, where a large arrow came gliding over the edge to her. She handed it to him and he twirled it in his fingers in inspection. “You can’t lose it, okay?”
Harry sighed in understanding. “So, if I need to find you, where exactly is Kiernan Manor?”
She bit her bottom lip, “If you need me, go to the Forbidden Forest and find the centaurs. Ask for Sabriel and show her the arrow, she’ll help you.”
“Sabriel… that sounds familiar…” He eyed her for a moment in slight confusion, as if trying to remember something from a long time ago.
“It is. Now, you’d better get going – you’ve got an early day tomorrow.” They both sat up and she walked him to the window.
“You do, too, you know.” He grabbed his Firebolt and kissed her briefly, then began to climb out the window.
“Harry... wait…” She had debated doing this - afraid it would give too much away.
“What ?What’s wro—” Sean pulled him to her and kissed him fiercely, letting all of their combined desire, fear, pain, and love wash over them both; she kissed him as if it might be their last. After they broke apart, however many lifetimes later, Harry touched her forehead with his own and whispered, “I’ll come back. I love you.”
“So will I. I love you, too.” He turned away from her quickly, and she knew it was because he wouldn’t have to strength to do so if he waited any longer. With a final look of goodbye, Harry sped off into the night sky to the other side of Gryffindor Tower.
Sean turned back to the empty dormitory and pulled her rucksack off the floor, as well as Magorian’s bow and quiver, and placed them on her bed. She then went to the small table and removed two folded pieces of parchment from the drawer, placing the one labeled ‘Hermione’ on her best friend’s bed. She eyed the one labeled ‘F&G’ with a regretful smile as, almost on cue, Archimedes flew back through her still-open window. “There you are, Seamus give you a hard time?” He hooted softly and she fed him a small owl treat. “I have one more job for you.” She tied the letter to his leg while speaking softly, “This is for Fred and George; I need you to stay with them until I call you, okay? They’ll take good care of you until I can come back. Be a good boy, alright?” Archimedes hooted sadly and nipped her fingers affectionately. “I’ll miss you.” He gave her one last hoot before taking flight back through the window, and she watched him disappear into the now-early morning darkness.
Sean slung her rucksack onto one shoulder and her quiver onto the other; bow in hand, she took a final glance around the room that had been her home for so much of the past six years. She smiled at the sudden urge to loosen a few screws or change a few colors, the last remnants of a misspent youth at Hogwarts still inside her. She sighed in resolution, then turned and left the dormitory forever.
Not surprisingly, the common room and the castle were deserted; she didn’t even try to hide herself as her soft footsteps echoed quietly around her – she was no longer a student. Sean finally reached the Entrance Hall and stopped to take one last look at Hogwarts from inside its walls, her own mental picture to keep always. When she could put it off no longer, she turned back towards the grounds and concentrated on what she had to do. It was not going to be easy, and it was probably going to hurt – but she had done it once before… granted she was thirteen and it was by accident, but still…
She closed her eyes and pictured her task in her mind while slinging the bow onto her shoulder, and she suddenly felt a great tug downwards as if the gravitational pull of the earth had randomly increased. To her surprise, it didn’t hurt – but rather felt uncomfortable for a few moments until the pull stopped and she opened her eyes. Her world was in black and white now, but it was still there. She pawed the ground carefully, walking slowly onto the grounds towards the Black Lake. The grass was cool and slightly wet with dew, but it was a comforting and natural feeling on her four padded feet. She approached the Lake and stepped right up to the edge and looked down into its glassy surface; if she had lips, it would have been a smile that appeared on the face of the large, gray wolf – since she didn’t, her tongue fell out instead in a happy pant.
Sabriel turned from the Lake and headed into the Forbidden Forest, in pursuit of the centaur valley, her father, and her home.
It's almost over! Noooooo!
Thirty-Four: The Prophecy Fulfilled
Hermione had been crying all morning, though she wasn’t sobbing uncontrollably – there was a certain dignity to her tears, and Harry knew why as he glanced down to her hand and saw a crumpled piece of lined paper and a glimpse of Sean’s handwriting. He knew he wouldn’t have a note – she had said everything she needed to already… she had said ‘goodbye’.
He looked to the front of the massive congregation as several people screamed; bright, white flames had erupted around Dumbledore’s body and the table upon which it lay. The flames rose higher and higher, obscuring the body, while white smoke spiraled into the air and made strange shapes. For a heart-stopping moment, Harry thought he saw a phoenix fly joyfully into the blue, but the next second the fire had vanished. In its place was a white marble tomb, encasing Dumbledore’s body and the table on which he had rested.
A few more cries of shock rang out as a shower of arrows soared through the air, but they fell far short of the crowd. Harry turned and watched the centaur tribute and wondered which one was Sabriel – the centaur would lead him back to Sean. Sean… the centaurs turned and disappeared back into the cool trees, and Harry’s vision became blurry with unwanted tears at the thought of her. He couldn’t sit there any longer while happy memories alone with Sean infiltrated his brain. He glanced to Ron, holding Hermione and stroking her hair while tears dripped from his long nose, and his jealousy at their togetherness forced him to get up and turn his back on Dumbledore’s tomb.
He walked away from it all around the lake – moving felt much more bearable than sitting still, just as setting out to track down the Horcruxes and kill Voldemort would feel better than waiting to do it… “Harry!” He turned to see Rufus Scrimgeour limping rapidly towards him around the bank, leaning heavily on his walking stick. “I’ve been hoping to have a word… do you mind if I walk a little way with you?”
“No.” Harry said indifferently, and set off again.
“Harry, this was a dreadful tragedy.” Scrimgeour said quietly. “I cannot tell you how appalled I was to hear of it. Dumbledore was a very great wizard. We had our disagreements, as you know, but no one knows better than I –”
“What do you want?” he asked the Minister flatly.
Scrimgeour looked annoyed for a fleeting moment, but he hastily modified his expression to one of sorrowful understanding. “You are, of course, devastated. I know that you were very close to Dumbledore – I think you may have been his favorite pupil ever. The bond between the two of you –”
He almost smiled at the incredulous thought that Scrimgeour had any idea how he was feeling – he was no Empath, and Harry didn’t smile. “What do you want?” he repeated, coming to a halt.
Scrimgeour’s falsely sympathetic look vanished to be replaced with a shrewd expression, and he stopped as well. “The word is that you were with him when he left the school the night he died.”
“Whose word?” Harry asked calmly.
“Somebody Stupefied a Death Eater on top of the tower after Dumbledore died. There were also two broomsticks up there. The Ministry can add two and two, Harry.”
“Glad to hear it. Where I went with Dumbledore and what we did is my business; he didn’t want people to know.” Harry said bluntly, not giving the Minister an inch.
The Minister was losing patience, though he tried to conceal it. “Such loyalty is admirable, of course, but Dumbledore is gone, Harry. He’s gone.”
“He will only be gone from the school when none here are loyal to him.” Harry said, smiling in spite of himself.
“My dear boy… even Dumbledore cannot return from the ---”
Harry cut him off, “I am not saying he can… You wouldn’t understand. I’ve got nothing to tell you.”
Scrimgeour hesitated for a moment, then took a breath before continuing in an attempted tone of delicacy. “The Ministry can offer you all sorts of protection, you know, Harry. I would be delighted to place a couple of my Aurors at your service –”
Harry laughed. “Voldemort wants to kill me himself, and Aurors won’t stop him. So thanks for the offer, but no thanks.”
“So,” said Scrimgeour, his voice cold as he abandoned all pretense, “the request I made of you at Christmas –”
“What request? Oh yeah… the one where I tell the world what a great job you’re doing in exchange for –”
“—for raising everyone’s morale!” snapped Scrimgeour.
Harry considered him for a moment. “Released Stan Shunpike yet?”
Scrimgeour turned a nasty shade of purple, reminiscent of Uncle Vernon at his worst… or best, considering who you ask. “I see you are –”
“Dumbledore’s man through and through, that’s right.”
Scrimgeour glared at him for another brief moment, then turned and limped away without another word. Harry could see Percy Weasley and the rest of the Ministry delegation waiting for him, casting nervous glances towards the sobbing Hagrid and his massive half-brother Grawp still in their seats. Ron and Hermione were hurrying towards Harry, passing Scrimgeour going the opposite direction. Harry turned and walked slowly on, waiting for them to catch up, which they finally did in the shade of a beech tree under which they had sat in happier times.
“What did Scrimgeour want?” Hermione whispered as they sat down at the base of the tree.
“Same as he wanted at Christmas,” Harry shrugged, “Wanted me to give him inside information on Dumbledore and be the Ministry’s new poster boy.”
Ron seemed to struggle with himself for a moment, then he said loudly to Hermione, “Look, let me go back and hit Percy!”
“No!” she said firmly, grabbing his arm.
“It’ll make me feel better!”
Harry laughed and even Hermione grinned a little, though her smile faded and she screwed up her face as if stiffening her resolve. Ron’s faded as well and he suddenly looked slightly worried. “Harry, there’s something I think you should know…”
Ron coughed uncomfortably and Harry turned to face her. “About Sean.”
Hermione sighed, but she didn’t relax. “Yeah… she’s, er, she’s left Hogwarts…”
“I know.”
“She’s not coming back.” Hermione’s voice became constricted, and he knew she was just as upset as he was – missing her best friend.
Harry sighed. “I know.” He jumped slightly as something ‘barked’ nearby, and they remained silent for a few moments. Harry had the feeling of déjà vu as another ‘bark’ sounded, and he got up slowly from his position. “Sirius…?” he whispered questioningly as he moved closer to the Forest’s edge just a few meters away. He leapt backward as a great, gray dog jumped out off to the side, chasing a low-flying bird.
“Are you okay?” Ron asked, quickly moving to his right.
“Yeah… yeah, I thought for a moment it was… maybe… Padfoot…”
“It’s a wolf.” Hermione’s voice from his left, “I didn’t know there were wolves in the Forest…”
Ron cocked his head to the side. “I’m not sure that one’s a very good hunter…” He was right, the bird it was chasing was taunting it as it swooped low just out of reach of the wolf’s snapping jaws. Ron reached in his pocket and pulled out a piece of toast wrapped in a napkin. “What?” he responded to Hermione’s reproachful look, “I was in a hurry.” Harry smiled and shook his head while Ron tossed the toast to the wolf.
It shied away from them for a moment, probably noticing them for the first time, then it walked slowly towards them, ignoring the food. They all began to back away, “I don’t think that was the best idea, Ronald…” Hermione said fearfully.
Harry silently agreed, but stopped as the wolf lowered its head and turned its ears horizontal, then began to wag its tail slowly as it continued towards them. Suddenly unafraid, Harry knelt down and raised his hand to allow the wolf to approach. “Harry, I’m not sure that’s too smart…” Hermione warned, but Harry ignored her as the wolf smelled his hand, then rubbed its head into him like a dog asking to be pet.
“You’re beautiful…” Harry whispered to the large wolf, and it licked his hand happily. He stared into the dark green eyes of the wolf for only a brief moment, when the wolf turned suddenly to face the Forest. Harry followed its gaze and found a slightly-familiar centaur watching them serenely. The wolf turned away from them and grabbed the piece of toast before trotting into the Forest towards the centaur waiting centaur. Harry stood as the centaur nodded peacefully to him, then turned tail and headed back into the Forest.
“Do you think it was his pet?” Ron asked, slightly confused.
Harry shrugged, but continued to stare at the place where the centaur and wolf had disappeared. Hermione’s voice brought him back out of his own wandering thoughts about the wolf’s eyes… “Harry, there’s something else I have to tell you… a-about Sean…”
“I know she’s not coming back, Hermione.” Harry said, his voice coming out much harder than he had intended.
“I-I know. It’s something… something I overheard, from McGonagall.” Hermione finished quietly.
Harry turned around to face her, speaking softly to make up for his previously harsh tone. “What is it?”
“She was talking to Lupin, after the Order meeting. She asked about something called the ‘Monument Prophecy’ and wondered if Lupin had any idea what it meant for Sean about the ‘key’.” Hermione paused for a moment and began to wring her hands tightly. “I didn’t understand at first, but I looked up the prophecy yesterday in the Library – it’s a prophecy about Sean, saying that she’ll be the ‘key to end a great war’…”
Harry looked down. “What did Lupin say?”
“He, ahm, he said that Dumbledore told him that she was already the key… that she had already fulfilled the prophecy.”
“What? How?” Harry looked back into Hermione’s brown eyes, swimming with tears.
“Because she loved you… he said Dumbledore told him that she renewed your faith in love, because she loved you in return. He said she gave you the strength to fight… and to win.”
Hot tears began to run down Harry’s cheeks, and he turned away in shame from his friends back towards the Forest. He kept his head down for a moment, then took a great breath and looked up into the trees, hoping for a glimpse of the centaur who might lead him back to Sean; he didn’t see the returned wolf named Sabriel watching him silently from the undergrowth.
* * * * * *
“Did you say ‘goodbye’?” Ronan asked as she transfigured and walked softly along beside him.
Her bare feet were already calloused and hard after running pad-footed through the Forest all night and day. Her board shorts were torn in several places and her sweatshirt had a few new small holes, giving her the look of someone who had been sleeping outdoors for much longer than she really had been. She ran a hand through her pixie-short brown hair, which she had transfigured specifically for hygienic reasons, “Yes, Father.”
“They are a part of your foal-life, Sabriel, you will forget them in time.”
“But Father, I don’t want to forget them.” They stepped between two great oak trees and into the valley they called home.
Ronan stopped and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “You are a Warrior centaur now, Sabriel, it is time to leave Sean behind.”
She tilted her head to the side in polite confusion. “Who’s Sean?”
One chapter left. Please-please-please review!
Hermione had been crying all morning, though she wasn’t sobbing uncontrollably – there was a certain dignity to her tears, and Harry knew why as he glanced down to her hand and saw a crumpled piece of lined paper and a glimpse of Sean’s handwriting. He knew he wouldn’t have a note – she had said everything she needed to already… she had said ‘goodbye’.
He looked to the front of the massive congregation as several people screamed; bright, white flames had erupted around Dumbledore’s body and the table upon which it lay. The flames rose higher and higher, obscuring the body, while white smoke spiraled into the air and made strange shapes. For a heart-stopping moment, Harry thought he saw a phoenix fly joyfully into the blue, but the next second the fire had vanished. In its place was a white marble tomb, encasing Dumbledore’s body and the table on which he had rested.
A few more cries of shock rang out as a shower of arrows soared through the air, but they fell far short of the crowd. Harry turned and watched the centaur tribute and wondered which one was Sabriel – the centaur would lead him back to Sean. Sean… the centaurs turned and disappeared back into the cool trees, and Harry’s vision became blurry with unwanted tears at the thought of her. He couldn’t sit there any longer while happy memories alone with Sean infiltrated his brain. He glanced to Ron, holding Hermione and stroking her hair while tears dripped from his long nose, and his jealousy at their togetherness forced him to get up and turn his back on Dumbledore’s tomb.
He walked away from it all around the lake – moving felt much more bearable than sitting still, just as setting out to track down the Horcruxes and kill Voldemort would feel better than waiting to do it… “Harry!” He turned to see Rufus Scrimgeour limping rapidly towards him around the bank, leaning heavily on his walking stick. “I’ve been hoping to have a word… do you mind if I walk a little way with you?”
“No.” Harry said indifferently, and set off again.
“Harry, this was a dreadful tragedy.” Scrimgeour said quietly. “I cannot tell you how appalled I was to hear of it. Dumbledore was a very great wizard. We had our disagreements, as you know, but no one knows better than I –”
“What do you want?” he asked the Minister flatly.
Scrimgeour looked annoyed for a fleeting moment, but he hastily modified his expression to one of sorrowful understanding. “You are, of course, devastated. I know that you were very close to Dumbledore – I think you may have been his favorite pupil ever. The bond between the two of you –”
He almost smiled at the incredulous thought that Scrimgeour had any idea how he was feeling – he was no Empath, and Harry didn’t smile. “What do you want?” he repeated, coming to a halt.
Scrimgeour’s falsely sympathetic look vanished to be replaced with a shrewd expression, and he stopped as well. “The word is that you were with him when he left the school the night he died.”
“Whose word?” Harry asked calmly.
“Somebody Stupefied a Death Eater on top of the tower after Dumbledore died. There were also two broomsticks up there. The Ministry can add two and two, Harry.”
“Glad to hear it. Where I went with Dumbledore and what we did is my business; he didn’t want people to know.” Harry said bluntly, not giving the Minister an inch.
The Minister was losing patience, though he tried to conceal it. “Such loyalty is admirable, of course, but Dumbledore is gone, Harry. He’s gone.”
“He will only be gone from the school when none here are loyal to him.” Harry said, smiling in spite of himself.
“My dear boy… even Dumbledore cannot return from the ---”
Harry cut him off, “I am not saying he can… You wouldn’t understand. I’ve got nothing to tell you.”
Scrimgeour hesitated for a moment, then took a breath before continuing in an attempted tone of delicacy. “The Ministry can offer you all sorts of protection, you know, Harry. I would be delighted to place a couple of my Aurors at your service –”
Harry laughed. “Voldemort wants to kill me himself, and Aurors won’t stop him. So thanks for the offer, but no thanks.”
“So,” said Scrimgeour, his voice cold as he abandoned all pretense, “the request I made of you at Christmas –”
“What request? Oh yeah… the one where I tell the world what a great job you’re doing in exchange for –”
“—for raising everyone’s morale!” snapped Scrimgeour.
Harry considered him for a moment. “Released Stan Shunpike yet?”
Scrimgeour turned a nasty shade of purple, reminiscent of Uncle Vernon at his worst… or best, considering who you ask. “I see you are –”
“Dumbledore’s man through and through, that’s right.”
Scrimgeour glared at him for another brief moment, then turned and limped away without another word. Harry could see Percy Weasley and the rest of the Ministry delegation waiting for him, casting nervous glances towards the sobbing Hagrid and his massive half-brother Grawp still in their seats. Ron and Hermione were hurrying towards Harry, passing Scrimgeour going the opposite direction. Harry turned and walked slowly on, waiting for them to catch up, which they finally did in the shade of a beech tree under which they had sat in happier times.
“What did Scrimgeour want?” Hermione whispered as they sat down at the base of the tree.
“Same as he wanted at Christmas,” Harry shrugged, “Wanted me to give him inside information on Dumbledore and be the Ministry’s new poster boy.”
Ron seemed to struggle with himself for a moment, then he said loudly to Hermione, “Look, let me go back and hit Percy!”
“No!” she said firmly, grabbing his arm.
“It’ll make me feel better!”
Harry laughed and even Hermione grinned a little, though her smile faded and she screwed up her face as if stiffening her resolve. Ron’s faded as well and he suddenly looked slightly worried. “Harry, there’s something I think you should know…”
Ron coughed uncomfortably and Harry turned to face her. “About Sean.”
Hermione sighed, but she didn’t relax. “Yeah… she’s, er, she’s left Hogwarts…”
“I know.”
“She’s not coming back.” Hermione’s voice became constricted, and he knew she was just as upset as he was – missing her best friend.
Harry sighed. “I know.” He jumped slightly as something ‘barked’ nearby, and they remained silent for a few moments. Harry had the feeling of déjà vu as another ‘bark’ sounded, and he got up slowly from his position. “Sirius…?” he whispered questioningly as he moved closer to the Forest’s edge just a few meters away. He leapt backward as a great, gray dog jumped out off to the side, chasing a low-flying bird.
“Are you okay?” Ron asked, quickly moving to his right.
“Yeah… yeah, I thought for a moment it was… maybe… Padfoot…”
“It’s a wolf.” Hermione’s voice from his left, “I didn’t know there were wolves in the Forest…”
Ron cocked his head to the side. “I’m not sure that one’s a very good hunter…” He was right, the bird it was chasing was taunting it as it swooped low just out of reach of the wolf’s snapping jaws. Ron reached in his pocket and pulled out a piece of toast wrapped in a napkin. “What?” he responded to Hermione’s reproachful look, “I was in a hurry.” Harry smiled and shook his head while Ron tossed the toast to the wolf.
It shied away from them for a moment, probably noticing them for the first time, then it walked slowly towards them, ignoring the food. They all began to back away, “I don’t think that was the best idea, Ronald…” Hermione said fearfully.
Harry silently agreed, but stopped as the wolf lowered its head and turned its ears horizontal, then began to wag its tail slowly as it continued towards them. Suddenly unafraid, Harry knelt down and raised his hand to allow the wolf to approach. “Harry, I’m not sure that’s too smart…” Hermione warned, but Harry ignored her as the wolf smelled his hand, then rubbed its head into him like a dog asking to be pet.
“You’re beautiful…” Harry whispered to the large wolf, and it licked his hand happily. He stared into the dark green eyes of the wolf for only a brief moment, when the wolf turned suddenly to face the Forest. Harry followed its gaze and found a slightly-familiar centaur watching them serenely. The wolf turned away from them and grabbed the piece of toast before trotting into the Forest towards the centaur waiting centaur. Harry stood as the centaur nodded peacefully to him, then turned tail and headed back into the Forest.
“Do you think it was his pet?” Ron asked, slightly confused.
Harry shrugged, but continued to stare at the place where the centaur and wolf had disappeared. Hermione’s voice brought him back out of his own wandering thoughts about the wolf’s eyes… “Harry, there’s something else I have to tell you… a-about Sean…”
“I know she’s not coming back, Hermione.” Harry said, his voice coming out much harder than he had intended.
“I-I know. It’s something… something I overheard, from McGonagall.” Hermione finished quietly.
Harry turned around to face her, speaking softly to make up for his previously harsh tone. “What is it?”
“She was talking to Lupin, after the Order meeting. She asked about something called the ‘Monument Prophecy’ and wondered if Lupin had any idea what it meant for Sean about the ‘key’.” Hermione paused for a moment and began to wring her hands tightly. “I didn’t understand at first, but I looked up the prophecy yesterday in the Library – it’s a prophecy about Sean, saying that she’ll be the ‘key to end a great war’…”
Harry looked down. “What did Lupin say?”
“He, ahm, he said that Dumbledore told him that she was already the key… that she had already fulfilled the prophecy.”
“What? How?” Harry looked back into Hermione’s brown eyes, swimming with tears.
“Because she loved you… he said Dumbledore told him that she renewed your faith in love, because she loved you in return. He said she gave you the strength to fight… and to win.”
Hot tears began to run down Harry’s cheeks, and he turned away in shame from his friends back towards the Forest. He kept his head down for a moment, then took a great breath and looked up into the trees, hoping for a glimpse of the centaur who might lead him back to Sean; he didn’t see the returned wolf named Sabriel watching him silently from the undergrowth.
* * * * * *
“Did you say ‘goodbye’?” Ronan asked as she transfigured and walked softly along beside him.
Her bare feet were already calloused and hard after running pad-footed through the Forest all night and day. Her board shorts were torn in several places and her sweatshirt had a few new small holes, giving her the look of someone who had been sleeping outdoors for much longer than she really had been. She ran a hand through her pixie-short brown hair, which she had transfigured specifically for hygienic reasons, “Yes, Father.”
“They are a part of your foal-life, Sabriel, you will forget them in time.”
“But Father, I don’t want to forget them.” They stepped between two great oak trees and into the valley they called home.
Ronan stopped and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “You are a Warrior centaur now, Sabriel, it is time to leave Sean behind.”
She tilted her head to the side in polite confusion. “Who’s Sean?”
One chapter left. Please-please-please review!
Thirty-Five: Epilogue
“Ronan, they are coming upon our valley, firing curses all over - we must go and protect.” Bane’s voice was urgent and angry, he wanted to hurt someone.
“Pallas, Arell, Hakan, Thera, Orn – you stay with the Guardians and protect the herd. Bane, Taber, Kieve, Sabriel – with me.” She knew her father was saying each of their names in turn out of respect, in case he did not have the chance to say them again. “Bane, my second.”
Bane nodded and turned to her. “Sabriel, my second.”
Sabriel nodded and turned to Kieve. “Kieve, my second.”
Kieve nodded to her, then Taber, and she felt a familiar tug downwards as she transfigured into her wolf-form. “The herd above all!” Ronan said loudly, and he made a low war-growl as he galloped away from the valley, followed quickly by three other centaurs and a running wolf. They slowed as they came upon a small clearing and Ronan nodded to the wolf, Sabriel.
She ducked her head low and crawled into the brush to get a better look at the trespassers. They were in the spiders’ hollow that had long-been abandoned, a flickering fire in the center of a frantic crowd. There were two bodies sprawled out on opposite ends of the hollow, with many hooded figures gathered around only one figure. Two massive giants watched the scene in indifference, great boulders without a clue of what was happening. A silent man struggled as tears ran down his face, he was much too large to be a regular human, but too small to be a full giant – and he twisted against ropes that bound him to a great oak tree.
The man with the crowd hovering over him rose to his feet slowly while on of the hooded people checked the other body, face down on the other side of the hollow. They burst into cheers and shot random curses into the air and Sabriel understood – the body on the floor was proof of their victory. Their horrible, twisted joy was sickening to see and she pulled out of the brush to rush back to her father’s side, but he was not as she left him. Ronan lay twitching on the ground, the victim of a wayward curse of the one of the humans.
“No.. Father!” she whispered as she transfigured into human form and fell to his side.
Bane knelt to his other side. “Do you know what it is?”
She struggled to remember the teachings of a previous life, “I-I’m not sure… it looks like a-a hex?” She wasn’t sure, but it seemed vaguely familiar.
“What is happening in the hollow?” Bane asked, his voice like stone.
“There are hooded men, they fired the curses. They mean us no harm - for now - but they intend to do harm to others at the castle.”
Bane paused for a moment, considering what to do. “Do you have your wand?” Sabriel shook her head – it was a relic of a past life to which she no longer belonged. “Go back to the valley and retrieve it, quickly. Kieve and I will go on and make sure the Forest is protected. Taber – stay with Ronan.”
Sabriel nodded and transfigured into the familiar gray wolf and sped through the Forest towards the valley, faster than she had ever run in her life. She burst in between the massive oak trees and ran straight towards the foals, who moved quickly out of her way. She put her front paws on the trunk of the tree and shoved her snout into the hollow hole, snapping until her jaws clamped on the tough fabric of a rucksack and she pulled. The rucksack spilled out onto the Forest floor and she pushed her muzzle through the contents until she found a particular thin piece of wood, grasped it gently in her mouth, and dashed out of the valley.
She reached Ronan in record time and fell to his side as she changed back into human form. Taber’s worry was infecting her body as she tore the wand from her mouth and silently prayed for a single memory of how to use it. Sabriel was shaking without a thought of what to do, so she did the most obvious thing and put the wand over his heart. “Come on, Father… come on!” she whispered. Nothing happened for a few moments, and her eyes began to fill with weak tears unbecoming of her warrior-status. “Come on!” she growled, biting her bottom lip and refusing to cry. Suddenly, her wand began to buzz and vibrate in her hand, almost humming with power. She could feel Taber’s disbelieving gaze upon her, but she did not draw her eyes away from the blue glow that came from the end of her wand – covering Ronan.
The blue light lingered for a few moments, illuminating their location, and Ronan sighed heavily before it began to fade. “Father!”
“Sabriel… my daughter… are you alright?” Ronan sat up and got to his hooves with the help of Taber and Sabriel.
“I am fine, Father, are you well?”
He was panting slightly, but he was fine. “I will recover, daughter. Taber, I need your assistance in returning to the valley. Sabriel, you must join Bane.”
She nodded and turned, shoving her wand into her mini-shorts before transfiguring as she leapt into pathway left by Bane’s scent. It didn’t take long to find him, and she finally caught up with him and Kieve at the edge of the Forest. “A battle is about to occur, we will wait to see if our presence is necessary.” They waited for a few more minutes, the silence passing in between them broken every now and then by shouts and uproars from the castle across the open grounds. Bane sighed, “Approach carefully, Warriors.”
They moved swiftly and silently across the grounds towards the castle, the crowd that had previously occupied the entrance had retreated back into the school. The centaurs and wolf were less than fifty feet from the entrance when a bright red light collided with a blinding green one, halting their movement. A cloud of quiet descended upon the earth for a brief moment, broken with the tumultuous screams and cheers of triumph. She looked up to Bane, his gaze upon her. “Go.”
Sabriel sprinted toward the castle and dashed into the Entrance Hall; there were people everywhere yelling and crying in joy at some sort of victory. She moved quickly through their feet like running through an obstacle course, trying to find the conquered so she could better determine the conqueror. Finally, she saw the lifeless body of a horrific man, or was he even that? He seemed part-snake with his dead, red eyes and flattened nostrils, but he lay motionless on the floor – unable to inflict anymore pain. The emotions around her were even starting to penetrate her wolfish form, though she had never found her Empathic ability as strong when she transfigured. It was alarming, all their distinctly human bliss infecting her wolf-body – it was quite shameful, actually, how they show their emotions so freely around others.
She ran in between their legs, trying to get away from the concentration of unrestrained emotion. She found an open window ledge and jumped on top of it, pushing the broken glass of the window to the floor. Scanning the heads of the celebrating humans, she found the humans’ savior in the middle of it all – his jet black hair and dirtied face being touched and grabbed by all within reach. Still, he looked sad somehow, as if the relief of the victory wasn’t enough to make up for some loss. It wasn’t her business, and she leapt out the window just as his green eyes had caught sight of her.
Bane and Kieve were waiting quietly for her return, and she transfigured as she came upon them. “The battle is over, those who cursed Ronan are defeated.”
Bane nodded. “Good. Find the half-giant Hagrid and tell him to seek us if need be, the skies tell us that our purpose is equal to the humans.” She nodded as Bane and Kieve turned away back to the Forest. She waited for them to disappear into the trees, then transfigured and padded the ground back to the castle as the sun began to rise steadily on the horizon.
Inside the castle, the celebrating humans had dispersed throughout the school and she walked without obstacles in her pursuit. There was a vaguely familiar man with sandy hair who had fallen behind, and she followed his footsteps on the stone floor into the Great Hall. He broke off to the side, and she saw a gathering of redheaded people all crying and hugging each other in turns, and she approached them warily. She stared at them in polite confusion, trying to remember why the one brown-haired girl among all the red looked so familiar, when another human presence passed beside her. Sabriel looked up, but he was invisible – though definitely there. The man whispered to the brown-haired girl and one of the redheaded men, then paused and she felt him look at her. Sabriel turned and left, realizing that he wouldn’t lead her to the man named Hagrid.
An odd scent flooded her nostrils, and she recognized a fellow canine in the castle. She began to pant in anticipation and sped up her pace as she wound her way through the crowd and out of the Great Hall. She followed the scent back towards the entrance and found the gigantic man who had previously been tied to a tree, sobbing and stroking a great, dark boarhound who licked his tears. Sabriel barked to the boarhound, letting him know she meant no harm. He turned to watch her as Hagrid sat up and wiped the tears from his eyes to see her better, then the dog barked back and she understood that he was ‘friend’. “Fang…?” Hagrid asked the dog, and he paced a few feet over to her to exchange scents. Fang moved to sniff her inappropriately and she turned and growled to warn him, immediately the dog backed off and lowered his head in submission.
She turned and continued to move slowly to Hagrid, transfiguring only when she was directly in front of him. “Are you the half-giant Hagrid?” Confirm your target, first rule of Warrior centaurs.
“I am.” Hagrid replied, standing up and wiping his face again.
“I am Sabriel, a Warrior centaur. You may seek the aid of the centaurs if need be, our purpose is the same.”
Hagrid eyed her carefully, taking in the frayed, denim shorts that may have been torn from long jeans on the upper thigh and the black tank top - also torn and exposing all of her stomach and defined abdominal muscles. He took special notice of the bow slung over her shoulder and the quiver strapped diagonally over her chest.. “You don’ look like a centau’…”
She stepped forward to threaten him, to let him know he had crossed a line. “Do not insult me, human.”
“Bu’ you soun’ like a centau’… don’ I know you?” Hagrid asked as he took a step back.
“I am a Warrior centaur, that is all you need to know.” She didn’t leave just yet; there was something strange coming from Hagrid that kept her in his presence as she waited for him to ask another question - she had to make sure he understood the message.
“Aren’ you… aren’ you Sean?” He eyed her up and down again, from her pixie-short brown hair to her tough and scarred feet.
She straightened her back, taking his words as another insult. “I am Sabiel, first born of Ronan, Warrior centaur – disrespect me again and you will taste my arrow.”
“Alright’, alright’ – you’re a centaur!” He put up his hands to show defeat, and she turned away from him and transfigured back into wolf from before running into the breaking daylight just over the Forest.
* * * * * *
“Sabriel, wake up!” She stirred on the rucksack she had been using as a pillow, unsure of why she was being awakened since she had only been asleep for maybe a few hours and was not on watch. She scratched behind her ear and yawn-howled while looking up into Hakan’s face. “Ronan is asking for you!” She uncurled her body and pushed herself up to pad quickly over to her father.
He was standing by the two great oaks that were the entrance into the valley, his hands folded calmly behind his back. She approached and sat down on her hind legs to look up into his face. “There is a human asking for you, Sabriel. Do you know why?” She shook her wolfish head to mean ‘no’, and he sighed heavily. “I have been regarding the stars over your fate, daughter. They have been revealing a different purpose for you, away from the herd.” She shook her head again, though much more vigorously – she, too, had read this from the stars, but she couldn’t imagine leaving the herd. He put a hand up to stop her, “Speak with this human, then make your decision. Whatever you choose - you will always be welcome, my firstborn.”
Sabriel nodded slowly, then padded through the great oaks and out of the valley. The man was waiting for her a few meters away, she recognized him as the savior of the previous night – even with his back to her. She let the leaves crunch loudly under her paws to get his attention, then sat back on her haunches as he turned around.
“Y-you’re Sabriel?” he asked incredulously, and she fought a growl and nodded slowly instead. For some reason unbeknownst to her, his emotions sliced through her like a knife, and she could feel his tension and longing clearly. “I, er, I was told to come to you in order to find someone… her name is Sean, Sean Kiernan.” She cocked her head to the side to show confusion - she didn’t recognize the name. His emotions became frantic with worry, “Here, here! She gave me this, asked me to show it to you!” He pulled something from his jacket and tossed it gently onto the ground in front of her – it was an arrow.
She bent her head down and sniffed it, trying to pick up the scent of this ‘Sean’ character, but it did not smell like a human. In fact, it smelled like a centaur… a particular centaur… where did he get it? She looked into his green eyes, they were pleading with her now. “Sean Kiernan… come on! She said you would help me! Please, please… Sean Kiernan, her name is Sean Kiernan...” She nodded to let him know she would help, then turned back into the valley and went to where she had been sleeping to retrieve the rucksack; she had it as long as she could remember, and for some reason it seemed important now…
Sabriel returned to the man with the rucksack in her jowls, then dropped it at his feet – this seemed to please him. He bent down and began to rummage through it as Sabriel sat on her haunches once again, watching him with polite interest. He pulled out several pieces of torn and dirty clothing, a miniature broom, several folded pieces of paper, a broken picture frame… she bent her head forward to look at the picture and saw two redheaded men smiling and laughing with a young dark-haired girl in between them. They looked happy, with their arms over each others’ shoulders, and she smiled at the men’s faces. When she refocused her gaze to the girl in the middle, her wolf-smile faded in immediate recognition of the girl - her features, her eyes, her chocolate brown hair… Sabriel howled suddenly, making the man still rummaging through the rucksack jump back, and she tore into the woods in search of a specific mirror.
She could hear the man calling to her and stumbling in his efforts to follow, but she didn’t slow down. It was like everything she knew was colliding with a world she had all but forgotten, everything was crashing together and blurring into faded glimpses of the past as she ran. Sabriel finally reached her mirror – the Black Lake – and she gazed down into her reflection only to find different pelages of gray and white surrounded her deep green eyes. Behind her, the man stumbled to a halt as he panted out of breath, watching her from a few meters away.
She plunged into the water and sank for a few moments, letting the cooling water surround her entire body as she transfigured completely – even allowing her pixie-short hair to return to its full length almost to her knees. Sabriel found her footing on the ground and pushed herself up out of the water, though she was deep enough that her lower body from her navel down was still underwater. She brushed the hair out of her face and looked down into the rippling water, waiting for it to be still so she could see her human face once more.
The rippling didn’t stop, but became increased and she looked up for the source when she saw the man in the water coming towards her. He was emanating hope and love and desire, and he threw his arms around her and pressed his lips to hers before she knew what he was doing. The crashing and blurring in her mind stopped immediately, replaced by a fierce burning in her soul - love. They broke apart, though he kept his arms around her and his lips close to hers, “Sean…”
“I’m so sorry… I forgot…” she whispered, and she realized how human her voice sounded.
“It’s over, Sean, it’s all over – he’s gone.” He rubbed his nose against hers, giving her a wet Eskimo kiss as his tears dripped onto her face. “I love you - so much… we can be together again…”
Sean smiled as Sabriel faded away with every ripple of water, tears running down her cheeks and mixing with his. “Whatever you say, Neville.”
Thank you to everyone who has kept up with the story! I’m so sad that it’s over, but for more information about Sean and Harry and the future (wink, wink), please click here! (and since this is the end, I would really-really-really appreciate any final reviews! thank you!)
“Ronan, they are coming upon our valley, firing curses all over - we must go and protect.” Bane’s voice was urgent and angry, he wanted to hurt someone.
“Pallas, Arell, Hakan, Thera, Orn – you stay with the Guardians and protect the herd. Bane, Taber, Kieve, Sabriel – with me.” She knew her father was saying each of their names in turn out of respect, in case he did not have the chance to say them again. “Bane, my second.”
Bane nodded and turned to her. “Sabriel, my second.”
Sabriel nodded and turned to Kieve. “Kieve, my second.”
Kieve nodded to her, then Taber, and she felt a familiar tug downwards as she transfigured into her wolf-form. “The herd above all!” Ronan said loudly, and he made a low war-growl as he galloped away from the valley, followed quickly by three other centaurs and a running wolf. They slowed as they came upon a small clearing and Ronan nodded to the wolf, Sabriel.
She ducked her head low and crawled into the brush to get a better look at the trespassers. They were in the spiders’ hollow that had long-been abandoned, a flickering fire in the center of a frantic crowd. There were two bodies sprawled out on opposite ends of the hollow, with many hooded figures gathered around only one figure. Two massive giants watched the scene in indifference, great boulders without a clue of what was happening. A silent man struggled as tears ran down his face, he was much too large to be a regular human, but too small to be a full giant – and he twisted against ropes that bound him to a great oak tree.
The man with the crowd hovering over him rose to his feet slowly while on of the hooded people checked the other body, face down on the other side of the hollow. They burst into cheers and shot random curses into the air and Sabriel understood – the body on the floor was proof of their victory. Their horrible, twisted joy was sickening to see and she pulled out of the brush to rush back to her father’s side, but he was not as she left him. Ronan lay twitching on the ground, the victim of a wayward curse of the one of the humans.
“No.. Father!” she whispered as she transfigured into human form and fell to his side.
Bane knelt to his other side. “Do you know what it is?”
She struggled to remember the teachings of a previous life, “I-I’m not sure… it looks like a-a hex?” She wasn’t sure, but it seemed vaguely familiar.
“What is happening in the hollow?” Bane asked, his voice like stone.
“There are hooded men, they fired the curses. They mean us no harm - for now - but they intend to do harm to others at the castle.”
Bane paused for a moment, considering what to do. “Do you have your wand?” Sabriel shook her head – it was a relic of a past life to which she no longer belonged. “Go back to the valley and retrieve it, quickly. Kieve and I will go on and make sure the Forest is protected. Taber – stay with Ronan.”
Sabriel nodded and transfigured into the familiar gray wolf and sped through the Forest towards the valley, faster than she had ever run in her life. She burst in between the massive oak trees and ran straight towards the foals, who moved quickly out of her way. She put her front paws on the trunk of the tree and shoved her snout into the hollow hole, snapping until her jaws clamped on the tough fabric of a rucksack and she pulled. The rucksack spilled out onto the Forest floor and she pushed her muzzle through the contents until she found a particular thin piece of wood, grasped it gently in her mouth, and dashed out of the valley.
She reached Ronan in record time and fell to his side as she changed back into human form. Taber’s worry was infecting her body as she tore the wand from her mouth and silently prayed for a single memory of how to use it. Sabriel was shaking without a thought of what to do, so she did the most obvious thing and put the wand over his heart. “Come on, Father… come on!” she whispered. Nothing happened for a few moments, and her eyes began to fill with weak tears unbecoming of her warrior-status. “Come on!” she growled, biting her bottom lip and refusing to cry. Suddenly, her wand began to buzz and vibrate in her hand, almost humming with power. She could feel Taber’s disbelieving gaze upon her, but she did not draw her eyes away from the blue glow that came from the end of her wand – covering Ronan.
The blue light lingered for a few moments, illuminating their location, and Ronan sighed heavily before it began to fade. “Father!”
“Sabriel… my daughter… are you alright?” Ronan sat up and got to his hooves with the help of Taber and Sabriel.
“I am fine, Father, are you well?”
He was panting slightly, but he was fine. “I will recover, daughter. Taber, I need your assistance in returning to the valley. Sabriel, you must join Bane.”
She nodded and turned, shoving her wand into her mini-shorts before transfiguring as she leapt into pathway left by Bane’s scent. It didn’t take long to find him, and she finally caught up with him and Kieve at the edge of the Forest. “A battle is about to occur, we will wait to see if our presence is necessary.” They waited for a few more minutes, the silence passing in between them broken every now and then by shouts and uproars from the castle across the open grounds. Bane sighed, “Approach carefully, Warriors.”
They moved swiftly and silently across the grounds towards the castle, the crowd that had previously occupied the entrance had retreated back into the school. The centaurs and wolf were less than fifty feet from the entrance when a bright red light collided with a blinding green one, halting their movement. A cloud of quiet descended upon the earth for a brief moment, broken with the tumultuous screams and cheers of triumph. She looked up to Bane, his gaze upon her. “Go.”
Sabriel sprinted toward the castle and dashed into the Entrance Hall; there were people everywhere yelling and crying in joy at some sort of victory. She moved quickly through their feet like running through an obstacle course, trying to find the conquered so she could better determine the conqueror. Finally, she saw the lifeless body of a horrific man, or was he even that? He seemed part-snake with his dead, red eyes and flattened nostrils, but he lay motionless on the floor – unable to inflict anymore pain. The emotions around her were even starting to penetrate her wolfish form, though she had never found her Empathic ability as strong when she transfigured. It was alarming, all their distinctly human bliss infecting her wolf-body – it was quite shameful, actually, how they show their emotions so freely around others.
She ran in between their legs, trying to get away from the concentration of unrestrained emotion. She found an open window ledge and jumped on top of it, pushing the broken glass of the window to the floor. Scanning the heads of the celebrating humans, she found the humans’ savior in the middle of it all – his jet black hair and dirtied face being touched and grabbed by all within reach. Still, he looked sad somehow, as if the relief of the victory wasn’t enough to make up for some loss. It wasn’t her business, and she leapt out the window just as his green eyes had caught sight of her.
Bane and Kieve were waiting quietly for her return, and she transfigured as she came upon them. “The battle is over, those who cursed Ronan are defeated.”
Bane nodded. “Good. Find the half-giant Hagrid and tell him to seek us if need be, the skies tell us that our purpose is equal to the humans.” She nodded as Bane and Kieve turned away back to the Forest. She waited for them to disappear into the trees, then transfigured and padded the ground back to the castle as the sun began to rise steadily on the horizon.
Inside the castle, the celebrating humans had dispersed throughout the school and she walked without obstacles in her pursuit. There was a vaguely familiar man with sandy hair who had fallen behind, and she followed his footsteps on the stone floor into the Great Hall. He broke off to the side, and she saw a gathering of redheaded people all crying and hugging each other in turns, and she approached them warily. She stared at them in polite confusion, trying to remember why the one brown-haired girl among all the red looked so familiar, when another human presence passed beside her. Sabriel looked up, but he was invisible – though definitely there. The man whispered to the brown-haired girl and one of the redheaded men, then paused and she felt him look at her. Sabriel turned and left, realizing that he wouldn’t lead her to the man named Hagrid.
An odd scent flooded her nostrils, and she recognized a fellow canine in the castle. She began to pant in anticipation and sped up her pace as she wound her way through the crowd and out of the Great Hall. She followed the scent back towards the entrance and found the gigantic man who had previously been tied to a tree, sobbing and stroking a great, dark boarhound who licked his tears. Sabriel barked to the boarhound, letting him know she meant no harm. He turned to watch her as Hagrid sat up and wiped the tears from his eyes to see her better, then the dog barked back and she understood that he was ‘friend’. “Fang…?” Hagrid asked the dog, and he paced a few feet over to her to exchange scents. Fang moved to sniff her inappropriately and she turned and growled to warn him, immediately the dog backed off and lowered his head in submission.
She turned and continued to move slowly to Hagrid, transfiguring only when she was directly in front of him. “Are you the half-giant Hagrid?” Confirm your target, first rule of Warrior centaurs.
“I am.” Hagrid replied, standing up and wiping his face again.
“I am Sabriel, a Warrior centaur. You may seek the aid of the centaurs if need be, our purpose is the same.”
Hagrid eyed her carefully, taking in the frayed, denim shorts that may have been torn from long jeans on the upper thigh and the black tank top - also torn and exposing all of her stomach and defined abdominal muscles. He took special notice of the bow slung over her shoulder and the quiver strapped diagonally over her chest.. “You don’ look like a centau’…”
She stepped forward to threaten him, to let him know he had crossed a line. “Do not insult me, human.”
“Bu’ you soun’ like a centau’… don’ I know you?” Hagrid asked as he took a step back.
“I am a Warrior centaur, that is all you need to know.” She didn’t leave just yet; there was something strange coming from Hagrid that kept her in his presence as she waited for him to ask another question - she had to make sure he understood the message.
“Aren’ you… aren’ you Sean?” He eyed her up and down again, from her pixie-short brown hair to her tough and scarred feet.
She straightened her back, taking his words as another insult. “I am Sabiel, first born of Ronan, Warrior centaur – disrespect me again and you will taste my arrow.”
“Alright’, alright’ – you’re a centaur!” He put up his hands to show defeat, and she turned away from him and transfigured back into wolf from before running into the breaking daylight just over the Forest.
* * * * * *
“Sabriel, wake up!” She stirred on the rucksack she had been using as a pillow, unsure of why she was being awakened since she had only been asleep for maybe a few hours and was not on watch. She scratched behind her ear and yawn-howled while looking up into Hakan’s face. “Ronan is asking for you!” She uncurled her body and pushed herself up to pad quickly over to her father.
He was standing by the two great oaks that were the entrance into the valley, his hands folded calmly behind his back. She approached and sat down on her hind legs to look up into his face. “There is a human asking for you, Sabriel. Do you know why?” She shook her wolfish head to mean ‘no’, and he sighed heavily. “I have been regarding the stars over your fate, daughter. They have been revealing a different purpose for you, away from the herd.” She shook her head again, though much more vigorously – she, too, had read this from the stars, but she couldn’t imagine leaving the herd. He put a hand up to stop her, “Speak with this human, then make your decision. Whatever you choose - you will always be welcome, my firstborn.”
Sabriel nodded slowly, then padded through the great oaks and out of the valley. The man was waiting for her a few meters away, she recognized him as the savior of the previous night – even with his back to her. She let the leaves crunch loudly under her paws to get his attention, then sat back on her haunches as he turned around.
“Y-you’re Sabriel?” he asked incredulously, and she fought a growl and nodded slowly instead. For some reason unbeknownst to her, his emotions sliced through her like a knife, and she could feel his tension and longing clearly. “I, er, I was told to come to you in order to find someone… her name is Sean, Sean Kiernan.” She cocked her head to the side to show confusion - she didn’t recognize the name. His emotions became frantic with worry, “Here, here! She gave me this, asked me to show it to you!” He pulled something from his jacket and tossed it gently onto the ground in front of her – it was an arrow.
She bent her head down and sniffed it, trying to pick up the scent of this ‘Sean’ character, but it did not smell like a human. In fact, it smelled like a centaur… a particular centaur… where did he get it? She looked into his green eyes, they were pleading with her now. “Sean Kiernan… come on! She said you would help me! Please, please… Sean Kiernan, her name is Sean Kiernan...” She nodded to let him know she would help, then turned back into the valley and went to where she had been sleeping to retrieve the rucksack; she had it as long as she could remember, and for some reason it seemed important now…
Sabriel returned to the man with the rucksack in her jowls, then dropped it at his feet – this seemed to please him. He bent down and began to rummage through it as Sabriel sat on her haunches once again, watching him with polite interest. He pulled out several pieces of torn and dirty clothing, a miniature broom, several folded pieces of paper, a broken picture frame… she bent her head forward to look at the picture and saw two redheaded men smiling and laughing with a young dark-haired girl in between them. They looked happy, with their arms over each others’ shoulders, and she smiled at the men’s faces. When she refocused her gaze to the girl in the middle, her wolf-smile faded in immediate recognition of the girl - her features, her eyes, her chocolate brown hair… Sabriel howled suddenly, making the man still rummaging through the rucksack jump back, and she tore into the woods in search of a specific mirror.
She could hear the man calling to her and stumbling in his efforts to follow, but she didn’t slow down. It was like everything she knew was colliding with a world she had all but forgotten, everything was crashing together and blurring into faded glimpses of the past as she ran. Sabriel finally reached her mirror – the Black Lake – and she gazed down into her reflection only to find different pelages of gray and white surrounded her deep green eyes. Behind her, the man stumbled to a halt as he panted out of breath, watching her from a few meters away.
She plunged into the water and sank for a few moments, letting the cooling water surround her entire body as she transfigured completely – even allowing her pixie-short hair to return to its full length almost to her knees. Sabriel found her footing on the ground and pushed herself up out of the water, though she was deep enough that her lower body from her navel down was still underwater. She brushed the hair out of her face and looked down into the rippling water, waiting for it to be still so she could see her human face once more.
The rippling didn’t stop, but became increased and she looked up for the source when she saw the man in the water coming towards her. He was emanating hope and love and desire, and he threw his arms around her and pressed his lips to hers before she knew what he was doing. The crashing and blurring in her mind stopped immediately, replaced by a fierce burning in her soul - love. They broke apart, though he kept his arms around her and his lips close to hers, “Sean…”
“I’m so sorry… I forgot…” she whispered, and she realized how human her voice sounded.
“It’s over, Sean, it’s all over – he’s gone.” He rubbed his nose against hers, giving her a wet Eskimo kiss as his tears dripped onto her face. “I love you - so much… we can be together again…”
Sean smiled as Sabriel faded away with every ripple of water, tears running down her cheeks and mixing with his. “Whatever you say, Neville.”
Thank you to everyone who has kept up with the story! I’m so sad that it’s over, but for more information about Sean and Harry and the future (wink, wink), please click here! (and since this is the end, I would really-really-really appreciate any final reviews! thank you!)
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