Chapter 7
Remembering what her father had mentioned about informing Professor Sharp of her progress as well, Genevieve owled her father ahead of time requesting an actual time to meet and discuss the subject. She received a very dry response with a time and date but also a request for Natty to join her. Something she’d not mentioned in her letter to her father.
When she showed up to his office, she found not just Professor Sharp joining them but also Professor Onai who looked disapproving.
“Ah did I mistake the time?” asked Genevieve.
“No not at all,” said her father waving his hand for her to come in. “You said you had further news regarding Singer and Professor Onai happened to get a letter from her recently. As did I.”
“Yes, the letter mentioned seeing an unusual creature spotted in the woods near Hogsmeade,” the divination teacher interjected.
“That could have been anything,” said Natty a bit too quickly. Hoping to help her friend Genevieve chipped in.
“Unusual isn’t exactly descriptive when you’ve got everything from thestrals to thornbacks around there.”
“It was a gazelle,” said Onai flatly and though Genevieve wasn’t certain of the significance she could tell from Natty’s wilted demeanor that the girl was caught.
“I’m allowed out of the castle,” Natasi protested. “And we’re always careful.”
“Best not to drag the girl that found herself on the end of a MINISTRY INVESTIGATION, if you are making claims about carefulness, Miss Onai,” pointed out Professor Sharp.
“The Ministry never investigates anything useful,” muttered Genevieve though she did not contest the teacher’s point.
“Officer Singer disagrees with your assertion Miss Onai, she said you and Genevieve have been trying to collect evidence of some kind against dark wizards.” Genevieve’s father said this all matter of factly as he sat behind his desk though Genevieve thought she detected a hint of weariness in his tone. “She berated the parenting of both myself and Professor Onai for not keeping a closer eye on you.”
“She what?!” Genevieve snapped sharply indignation on behalf of her father flooding her.
“I have to say I can’t entirely disagree. You are well intentioned my little gazelle but it’s unwise to meddle in the affairs of dangerous people. Your interference when it came to Ranrok was already playing with fire.” Onai stated addressing her daughter.
“Maybe if someone had meddled in Matabeleland father wouldn’t have died!” exclaimed Natty before storming out.
“Natsai!” called her mother in frustration moving to follow. There was an awkward silence before Genevieve cleared her throat.
“And exactly how much trouble am I in?”
“I would say that depends on how much you are about to confess,” said her father with a sigh. “But while I don’t like you meddling in this anymore than Professor Onai likes her daughter doing so, I’m more concerned you’ll cease to keep me informed and just keep doing it if I try to stop you.”
“That sounds about right,” said Genevieve.
“It’s exactly what your mother would have done,” her father added his mouth twitching upward.
“Also your father is far too soft for his own good,” snorted Sharp. “Now that we’ve established you won’t be getting detention for the rest of your life care to share what you wanted the meeting about?”
“Two things now actually,” said Genevieve now for something had twigged about what had been said earlier.
“First, Professor Sharp I was hoping you had someone you knew in the auror office who could go speak with a Mrs. Johanna Bickle? Harlow just murdered her husband for gathering information on him, and myself and some…others chose to go rescue her son Archie who’d been kidnapped.”
“I take it you are coming here because you don’t want Singer to know?” asked her father knowingly.
“I found the fact that she was the only person that knew about Mr. Bickle’s information gathering but then he suddenly gets ambushed suspicious.”
“It’s not uncommon for people working for information like that to get caught out Miss Fig. Even without someone ratting on them,” said Sharp though he was taking notes.
“Maybe but I didn’t want to take any chances. Archie also heard the Ashwinders talking about a few other people who could be in danger and in the spirit of honesty I do plan to follow up with them.”
“Of course you do,” said her father. “I don’t object to you following up but I might request that if possible before you rush into any more fights you request adult assistance.”
“And yes, we’ll be willing to suspend detention as you’re all of age at this point. That is as long as you aren’t breaking any actual rules,” said Sharp.
“We’d rather you let us HELP you then take greater risks alone,” added her father. “And there is unfortunately no actual rule against going after local dark wizards.” Genevieve threw up her hands.
“Fine! I promise. But I can’t promise not to go ahead if time is short. I won’t risk someone else’s life to save my own.” Her father looked like he wanted to argue but thought better of it.
“What was the second thing?”
“The second thing makes me more suspicious of Singer. The fact she sent the note to you about ME investigating Harlow. I haven’t spoken to her about the subject only Natty has. And the one time we got information together Natty passed it along without mentioning me. The only interaction I’ve had is the Haunted Shop.”
“So you think she’s working with Harlow who knows you are a threat and was told to send this letter to try and get you banned from investigating the matter,” surmised Sharp.
“Is it really a stretch?”
“Possibly not. I’ve already asked a colleague about her and am waiting to hear back. I’ll see about getting someone to speak with Mrs. Bickle about her husband’s death though I doubt we’ll be able to keep that secret long.
“No probably not,” agreed Genevieve. “But I appreciate the effort.”
“Well, it’s better than the secret keeping you and your father were up to two years ago.” Professor Fig rolled his eyes in response to Sharp’s words.
“What about Natty?” asked Genevieve.
“That’s primarily up to Professor Onai. I imagine your friend won’t let any constraints her mother attempts to put on her stop her actions but I’m also not going to interfere with Mudiwa’s parenting.”
“Fair enough,” said Genevieve.
“You weren’t injured in anyway?” her father said as he got up from behind his desk and came to examine her more closely.
“No a few bumps but not more than I can handle.”
“You can handle a great deal. That doesn’t mean you should be testing the limits,” he warned gently. “Is there anything else?”
“No, not at the moment,” she said with a slight smile. He pressed a kiss to her forehead and chivvied her off.
“Then enjoy the rest of your day. And take Spooky with you,” Genevieve stooped down and scooped up the cat before leaving the room.
HL
Eleazar sat back down in his chair heavily.
“I’m starting to think I should take Dinah up on her suggestion about starting that drinking game regarding Genevieve’s escapades.”
“Take a shot every time she gets into mischief? You probably wouldn’t get drunk. She does have the courtesy to generally pace it out,” said Sharp dryly. “You could try punishing her like Mudiwa wants to with Natsai.”
Eleazar shook his head.
“She hasn’t actually broken any rules and as I said she’d do it anyway. She’s not getting up to this because she wants to get a thrill from danger. She’s doing it because she thinks it’s right and nobody else is going to do something about it. Frankly I don’t blame her for being of that opinion especially since Ruth Singer is getting more suspicious by the day.”
“It certainly would help if the government actually bothered to help keep the peace rather than busying itself with ridiculous things like the tournament. They’re still trying to sort something out regarding the contests I believe.”
“Yes. They’re still trying to determine the content of the contests.”
“So we’ve got a possibly turn cloak auror, a group of students intent on wanting to solve the Ashwinder situation themselves, and a hoard or foreign students mixed with our current ones to top it off. How many fights have you broken up so far?”
“I’ve managed to stop 3 and had to actively break up one. Leander Prewett is serving detention for refusing to take no from a pretty French girl. Apparently, her paramour was another member on the trip and didn’t take kindly to his advances.” Eleazar had secretly been ever so slightly amused by the sight of Mr. Prewett getting rather rightfully trounced by all accounts. Though all parties had gotten some form of punishment.
“The boy really doesn’t know how to pick a fight,” said Aesop with a shake of his head.
“No not really. Have you heard from Noctua lately? I know you two correspond.” Aesop rolled his eyes.
“Yes I have and kindly get that look off your face Eleazar. Noctua and I have been and always shall be friends. For us it would be the equivalent of you getting together with Dinah.” Eleazar held his hands up in surrender.
“Forgive an old man for wondering about his former students.”
“Concern yourself more with your current ones. Your daughter is still with Ominis. Noctua was thrilled.”
“Yes they seem quite happy together,” replied Eleazar.
“Hopefully the Gaunts will give him up as a lost cause. Disownment would probably be the best outcome the boy could hope for,” Aesop replied looking concerned.
“I know. It’s the one thing about that which bothers me. All I can do is try and look out for the both of them. Not always an easy feat when the Headmaster decides to send me away.”
“Black’s doing that AGAIN? It’s barely the start of term and we have extra students,” said Aesop in annoyance.
“Midway through next week. I’m as baffled as you are. Frankly I quite look forward to the day I can properly refuse him,” said Eleazar. He really did dislike the way Black used him for errands. But at the same time if he didn’t do them these things likely wouldn’t get done and it would have bigger repercussions in the long term. The addition of Genevieve as his daughter only furthered his own annoyance with having to leave her. Though at least now his absences no longer left her in states of panic the way his first one had.
“You should make a list of grievances and read them out to him the day you choose to retire,” chuckled Aesop. “I’m sure your daughter would have suggestions.”
“I’m sure she would. I can trust you and the others to look out for her while I’m away?” the potions professor nodded.
“Of course you can.” Eleazar smiled. Black might be awful but the trust that ran between the staff themselves was a rather wonderful thing.
HL
Genevieve had to do some searching to find Natty. She was quite concerned. She’d always hated the idea of disappointing her father or getting in some sort of row with him. So she imagined that it must be difficult for Natty to be having troubles with her mother.
Unlike Poppy, Ominis, or even Phin, Natty at least seemed to have a decent relationship with her mother.
Eventually she found her friend in the empty charms classroom practicing some spells.
“Oh, hello Genevieve.”
“Hello Natty,” she said gently. “Are you alright?” Natty sighed.
“Sort of but…well…not really.”
“What does that mean?” asked Genevieve.
“I’m just frustrated with my mother. She knows why I’m so determined to help with this yet she completely pushes my feelings on the matter aside as if I’m incompetent of doing anything!”
“You mean what you said about your father?” Genevieve probed tentatively not wanting to force her friend to open up about a tough subject but leaving the door open for her if she wished. Natty sat down at one of the desks.
“Yes,” it’s what I meant.
“It was a beautiful day. My mother had gone to tend to a neighbour who was ill, and so my father and I were galloping in the savanna.”
“Galloping?”
“My mother’s nickname isn’t just a term of endearment. My animagus form is a gazelle. My fathers was a majestic giraffe. He used to carry me on his back, my arms around his neck.” A fond smile came over Natty’s face as she relived the memory.
“I see,” nodded Genevieve in understanding. They’d covered animagus in transfiguration.
“We were on our way home when we were surprised by a group of bandits who had come from our village. One of them saw me just as he removed a scarf from his face.”
“He didn’t want you to identify him.”
“No he didn’t but I’ll remember his face to this day. It was Theophilus Harlow. I suspect they’d been doing poaching work around the area.”
“Poachers certainly aren’t exclusive to Britain,” agreed Genevieve.
“Indeed. Anyway, we were in their way so he drew his wand and fired a curse at me. In an instant my father bowed his neck to protect me and was hit. Luckily it was at that same time the aurors began to arrive though Harlow and his lot managed to make it over the anti-apparition boundary of our village. At the time I didn’t care much though. Because my father was gone, and it was my fault.”
“How was it your fault?” asked Genevieve though she had a suspicion of what her friend was thinking.
“He died protecting me. If I had been capable of protecting myself, he would still be alive today.”
“Oh Natty,” Genevieve hugged her friend. “It’s not your fault at all.” She tried to remember what Professor Hecat had said when she’d blamed herself for Professor Fig nearly dying. “You father made his choice because he loved you. Don’t cheapen his sacrifice by blaming yourself. I’m certain he wouldn’t want you to feel guilty.”
“But if I hadn’t been there or protected myself…”
“Surely he would have still been a target,” said Genevieve now swapping to some of her father’s advice from when she lost Lodgok. “You can’t torment yourself with what if’s Natty. It’ll drive you crazy. Believe me I know.”
“Then what do you suggest?”
“Live for those you love,” replied Genevieve.
“You’re incredibly wise my friend,” replied Natty though she only seemed half convinced.
“More like my father and Aunt Di are wise,” replied Genevieve wryly.
“True enough. Anyway. My mother and I tried to go on without him but it became too much for us there. A few years later we left and came to Scotland.”
“Are you looking to avenge his death?” asked Genevieve. It would make sense. She’d certainly felt somewhat vengeful regarding Lodgok, and Miram’s deaths (not to mention the injury done to Fig though she’d not known the full extent at the time) when it came to taking down Ranrok. She’d could admit she made his last moments more painful than strictly necessary, and enjoyed it, considering it a small price in comparison to what he’d done.
Surprisingly Natty shook her head.
“No. Vengeance is not what drives me. My father would not want that. He—and my mother—raised me to believe that it is a privilege to be able to fight for those who cannot. I know there is risk involved but I feel it is worth it.”
“As do I,” agreed Genevieve. After all what good was having a power like hers if she didn’t use it? It was the crux of the argument with the Keepers really. To hide or utilize.
She and Isidora both wanted to utilize their skills to help in some way while the Keepers preferred to hold the knowledge back.
“I’m glad you feel that way. It makes me feel better about pulling you into this,” said Natty.
“You don’t pull me into anything. I dive right after willingly.” She paused. “So, about the argument with your mother. I’m sure she’s just worried.”
“I imagine so. I’m almost certain the fact that she wasn’t able to predict my father’s death despite being a talented seer bothers her to this day.”
“Perhaps she fears for your fate then knowing she cannot rely on her talents to predict it,” extrapolated Genevieve.
“Perhaps. She misses him, as do I. So, I believe on some level she understands my need to seek justice in a small way. It was likely why, she let me take part in the fighting below Hogwarts.”
“I’m still miffed with you lot about that.”
“I’d do nothing different,” chuckled Natty. “Anyway. Just because my mother understands doesn’t mean she likes it.”
“Well, it’s not like Papa likes me getting into danger either. He’s just accepted it’s an inevitability he must cope with. Which makes me feel bad in some ways. But I can’t stand by any more than you. Do you think your father would approve of what we’re doing?”
“Oh that’s a good question. I believe in theory yes. After all I got my sense of right and wrong from BOTH my parents. I imagine he’d worry as my mother does. But I think he of all people would understand my persistence. My father never shied away from a fight for good. No matter how ruthless the foe.” Natty then tilted her head. “Do you think your mother would worry?” Genevieve smiled slightly at the fact that people had basically accepted referring to Miriam as her mother.
“Well, I never knew her. But she went down fighting Ranrok and his cronies. So, she certainly was built from the same stuff as your father. Not to mention that from what Papa and Professor Hecat say she’d probably be trying to come along. Speaking of which I agree with my father. Next time we go hurtling into danger perhaps we ought to try getting a staff member to come along.”
“You don’t think they’ll stop us. Or tell my mother?”
“Tell your mother? Possibly. Stop us? Less likely.”
“You know I think my father would have liked knowing a compatriot like you,” said Natty.
“He sounds like an exceptional person. I imagine my mother would have felt the same way.”
“He was truly extraordinary. Thank you for your kind words. We all have our burdens. My father had a saying about that.”
“Oh?” Genevieve queried glad to have improved her friend’s spirits.
“Rain does not fall on one roof alone.”
“That sounds like a more poetic version of something my father once told me,” said Genevieve.
“What was that?”
“Everybody needs someone.”
“Quite true,” agreed Natty. “And soon, together we’ll put an end to Harlow and the Ashwinders. You already got a start with Rookwood.”
“Yes, and preferably solve the issue with Poppy’s parents while we’re at it,” added Genevieve.
“Poor Poppy. She deserves better with all her kindness,” reflected Natty.
“That she does,” Genevieve agreed before turning her gaze to the text book in front of Natty.
“Extra practice for N.E.W.T.’s?”
“I need top marks for auror recruitment,” said Natty.
“I hardly expect Charms to be your problem area,” snorted Genevieve.
“I don’t think that the recruiters are going to be impressed by my prowess in summoner’s court,” Natty retorted with a laugh.
“You never know. They let Singer in.”
“All the more reason for me to join. They need talented auors to…” Natty seemed to be searching for a nice way to say it but Genevieve wasn’t going to bother beating about the bush.
“Make up for the current utter incompetence?”
“Something like that.”
“Well, come on then,” said Genevieve standing and raising her wand. “Let’s practice.”
“If you’re sure,” said Natty playfully and Genevieve laughed.
“Challenge accepted.” She’d just raised her wand when Professor Ronen’s jolly voice rang out.
“As much as I appreciate the dedication to practicing extra spell work perhaps you could take your potential damage elsewhere. I have a meeting with Professor Black and would hate for there to be a SPELL of misfortune.”
Genevieve and Natty both giggled at the pun. More because of how enjoyable Ronen’s personality was rather than the joke being that humorous before sliding past him out the door as neither wanted to encounter Black. As they went out though Genevieve said jokingly.
“My condolences on your BLACK situation.” Ronen let out a joyous laugh.
“Five points to Ravenclaw for that one Miss Fig.” Genevieve grinned. It said a lot about Black that you could get points for insulting the man.
Then again, that was what happened when you treated your staff like dragon dung. Well, that and letting your student’s run amok after drinking polyjuice potion without consequence for the embarrassment caused for your boss.
Merlin, she loved her school.