Chapter 11
Genevieve was eating breakfast at the Ravenclaw table when Mathieu passed by.
“May I join you?” asked the boy. Genevieve smiled and gestured for him to take a seat.
“How are you?” she asked swapping into French for the boy’s benefit not to mention it had been a while since she’d had a chance to practice the language.
“Well, Hogwarts is certainly different from Beauxbatons. Though unlike dear Eloise I wouldn’t call that a bad thing. Just a new one.”
“Ah yes I’ll be facing her in the dueling tournament,” said Genevieve.
“I’m torn between personal desire to see her get trounced by the English she so scorns and seeing my school win,” said Mathieu jokingly.
“I’d feel the same way if Leander Prewett was the champion.”
“Ah yes, he had a run in with one of my other classmates. Tried to make some advances upon her and neither she or her beau took it well,” chuckled Mathieu.
“That sounds like him,” said Genevieve. “Are you going to throw your hat into the ring for one of the competitions?” she couldn’t imagine someone coming all this way and not trying.
“Yes, the brewing one,” said Mathieu. “Potions have always been a specialty of mine.”
“Well, I wish you luck,” said Genevieve. “Or as much as I can while hoping for Hogwarts to succeed. I admit I’m unsure on who will be our champion in that category.”
“I’m sure whoever it is will be formidable. Your curriculum here is quite interesting. For instance, your father is far more detailed with regards to magical theory than our teacher.”
“Well, my father is the best,” said Genevieve proudly.
“I’m looking forward to taking an opportunity to speak with him in private.”
“His door is usually open so I’m sure he won’t mind. What area of study interests you for a career?”
“Potioneering. As I said it’s my best subject. But I’m curious about how I can apply some of the principles your father has been speaking about in magical theory to potions.”
“You should speak with Garreth Weasley in Gryffindor. He’s always experimenting,” said Genevieve.
“Maybe I shall. Like I said the experience itself of this trip is quite enlightening.”
“You’d make a good Ravenclaw,” she advised. “Tell me what’s Beauxbatons like?”
“Well it’s a chateau rather than a castle like Hogwarts, but it’s still beautiful. The chateau is surrounded by majestic gardens and fountains that have been created OUT of the mountains!” Mathieu’s passion for his school shone through clear as day and Genevieve smiled for she felt the same way about Hogwarts, her second real home.
“It sounds magnificent. Perhaps I’ll visit one day. I know my mother did.”
“What was your mother doing at Beauxbatons was she French?” queried Mathieu and Genevieve shook her head.
“She studied ancient magic which is the same power Hogwarts is built from! I imagine she was looking into Beauxbatons’s magic.”
“Well, I’m sure Headmistress Moreau would be happy to have you. She’s truly wonderful.”
“It certainly seems that way,” said Geneveive. “I much prefer her to our head. Or at least our official one. Weasley’s the Headmistress in all but name.”
“I did notice Black leaves much to be…desired,” chortled Mathieu.
“That is putting it lightly my friend,” said Genevieve before proceeding to launch into the tale of the time that Black’s hair had been dyed Gryffindor colors for a week.
HL
Genevieve technically didn’t take divination but she was looking for Natty who had sent her a message. After exhausting all the places she could think of she decided to try Professor Onai’s classroom. At the very least Natty’s mother might know where she was.
Genevieve mounted the gold ladder that led up to the divination tower (where stairs too passe?) and entered.
The classroom was round and on the smaller side. Instead of the usual desks it was mostly dotted with low tables with cushioned stools. Each desk currently holding a crystal ball. The windows had brightly colored curtains and a tapestry of a man staring into a crystal ball adorned one wall. There were also shelves with teacups, a strange stone hand, and cards. Plaques with strange symbols and star charts, covered the walls. Professor Onai’s desk was over in one corner. The room smelled of incense but not so much that it was overpowering.
A little curious Genevieve sat down on one of the cushioned chairs looking into the crystal ball which was filled with swirling mist. She gazed quietly wondering if it might show her something useful. Or anything really.
“Do you see anything?” said a voice behind her. She jumped and turned to see Professor Onai. She blinked and still startled said the first thing that came to mind.
“There’s going to be loads of fog tonight.” She then clapped a hand to her mouth realizing she might have technically just mocked her teacher’s subject. To her relief Professor Onai laughed.
“A surprisingly common prediction. Very few actually have the sight which sadly leads too often to it being misunderstood and even feared.”
“So, is that why you chose to teach divination? To educate people?” asked Genevieve. Professor Onai nodded.
“It is. Sadly, the future isn’t as straightforward as gazing into a crystal ball or the depths of a tea cup, which some find frustrating. My own daughter included at times.”
“That would be too easy,” muttered Genevieve.
“Perhaps but in some ways that can be a good thing. It might be possible for people like me to see glimpses of the future but that doesn’t mean the details are set in stone. Our actions have consequences and can sometimes change how things flow.”
“I think I understand what you mean,” said Genevieve. “But it’s also made me sure I don’t think I could have kept up in divination as impressive a subject as it is.” Professor Onai smiled.
“It’s not for everyone. Now I take it you didn’t come here for advice about divination.”
“I was looking for Natty.”
“Ah yes I believe she mentioned something about showing some of the foreign students the Three Broomsticks.” Though the divination professor didn’t sound entirely convinced.
“Got it. Thank you Professor.”
“Certainly. And I must thank you by the way. I know your friendship means a great deal to my daughter.”
“I assure you Professor it goes both ways,” replied Genevieve before climbing back down the ladder.
HL
Genevieve didn’t expect trouble but knowing how things tended to ALMOST always go sideways when it came to her, she grabbed a few wiggenwelds before making her way to The Three Broomsticks where she found Mathieu, Aleksandra, and Natty all at a table. For some reason Spooky was feeling particularly attached today so she allowed the cat to come along.
“Glad you got my message.”
“Your mother doesn’t believe a word of it you know,” said Genevieve.
“But she doesn’t have much proof otherwise. And she’s dealing with the extra workload added by the visiting students,” said Natty cunningly.
“Your mother does not approve?” asked Aleksandra.
“She’s…overprotective,” said Natty.
“I mean I don’t totally blame her,” said Genevieve. “Now what’s the plan?”
“Well I was planning with Mathieu to head to the Hogs Head. I saw some Ashwinders there and if we can overhear something it could be useful. My mother would also never go near there. So, she’s less likely to learn of my activities. You and maybe Aleksandra could go investigate the people Mrs. Bickle mentioned?”
“It sounds like a fairly solid plan just be careful,” warned Genevieve. “Where do I find these people?”
“Well, Mr. Rabe’s wife Daisy is up on the landing just above us right now. I know Agabus Philbert is often wandering around Zonkos and Mr. Dibble works at Gladrags.”
Brilliant, we’ll get a start on then.” They parted ways Aleksandra and Genevieve headed up the stairs to the landing where a pale faced woman with black hair was standing.
“Mrs Rabe?” asked Genevieve.
“Oh hello, can I help you?” the woman’s face was lined with worry.
“Yes, we were wondering if we might speak with you about Theophilus Harlow.” Genevieve watched as the woman’s already pale face went marble white.
“We’re friends of ze Bickle’s and trying to gather evidence against him,” said Aleksandra.
“Did you hear what happened?”
“Oh yes, poor Johanna. Archie getting kidnapped and losing her husband,” genuine sympathy crossed Mrs. Rabe’s face.
“Is something wrong Mrs. Rabe? You seemed upset,” Genevieve pushed lightly. Rabe looked conflicted then sighed lowering her voice.
“It’s my poor Isko. I’m a security guard at Gringotts and my husband is a curse-breaker for them. Harlow approached us a while back about extorting my colleagues into giving him treasure from the vaults. Naturally we refused. Repeatedly in fact. We finally thought they gave up until I came home one night with my husband gone and note affixed to my door with a knife.”
“Ransom?” guessed Aleksandra and Rabe nodded.
“Essentially. I was to help them with their banking needs and my husband would appreciate it if I acted quickly. You get the gist.” Aleksandra cursed in Bulgarian.
“Right,” said Genevieve. “Have you helped Harlow since the kidnapping?”
“No. I’m terrified but Isko would never want me to compromise my integrity. He’s also extremely clever. It worries me as to why he hasn’t escaped by now. Obviously, I can’t tell the authorities.”
Frankly Genevieve didn’t think telling the authorities was a good idea at all given what constituted the authorities here.
“Could we zee the note?” asked Aleksandra. Mrs. Rabe pulled it out and handed it over. “Keep it. But be careful. I wouldn’t want you to get yourselves hurt and neither would Isko.”
“We will, and we’ll see what we can do about what we can do to help,” Genevieve promised.
“Mr. Bickle was trying to help too and we saw how that went,” said Mrs. Rabe warningly. They nodded in acknowledgement and then headed out.
“So another kidnapping and at least one bit of blackmail,” sighed Genevieve.
“Perhaps Bickle vas killed after trying to free Isko?” offered Aleksandra.
“It’s a reasonable theory,” said Genevieve as they headed towards Gladrags.
“So is zis common for all Hogwarts students or just you to investigate such matters?”
“Hmmmm I don’t think so. But I can’t exactly ignore what’s happening.”
“Nor should you. Though I don’t have much good to zay about zhe quality of your authorities.”
“Neither do I,” snorted Genevieve as they came around the backside to find a blond haired, bespectacled young wizard looking for something.
“Hello,” Genevieve greeted him. “Could we speak with you about Theophilus Harlow?” The man’s eyes widened and he stuttered.
“I’ve nothing to say about him. Er. May I interest you in a stunning dress today?”
“No thank you. Ve’re friends of Mrs. Bickle. We vant to help,” said Aleksandra.
“You know the Bickles?” asked Dibble looking slightly less panicked. “Very well, but we must be discreet. Can’t have Mr. Hill hearing.”
“Mr. Hill was quite kind the day of the troll attack,” said Genevieve in surprise.
“He’s a good man but he wouldn’t understand about Harlow. It started a few weeks ago when I was reading a note behind the counter when you know who came in. I hid the note behind the counter and he stole it while my back was turned checking his order. Which didn’t exist mind you.”
“What’s so incriminating about the note?” asked Genevieve.
“It was from Rosie. Mr. Hill’s daughter. We’ve been secretly engaged for six months. We haven’t told Mr. Hill because he likely had higher hopes for her.”
“And you’ve been blackmailed into cooperation zince,” surmised Aleksandra.
“Yes. Now he takes free items every now and then. And I can’t stop him. I can’t keep this up much longer but I’m also terrified. I couldn’t live without Rosie.”
“Seems to me you might be better off confessing to Mr. Hill.”
“I fear not. When it comes to Rosie he tends to lose perspective.” Personally Genevieve thought the risk regarding Harlow and extortion was higher. After all surely Rosie could convince her father to come round. Then again Genevieve was blessed with a father who was far more accommodating than many so perhaps she couldn’t judge.
“In zat case ve’ll do what we can,” said Aleksandra comfortingly.
“Oh thank you. You can burn the letter if you find it. I’ve already committed it to memory.” That last bit was frankly quite sweet.
They walked away and Genevieve groaned. “Blackmail victim number too. Though I suppose stealing a few scarves is a bit less serious than trying to break into a bank.”
“Still it can’t be eazy aving that anging over your ed,” said Aleksandra and Genevieve agreed. Their last stop was in front of Zonkos. Philbert was an older gentleman with greying hair and a mustache as well as glasses.
“Hello! Could we have a word about your dealings with Theophilus Harlow? We’re trying to help Mrs. Bickle.”
“Tragic what happened with Bickle he wanted me to speak out against Harlow about an act of violence committed against me.”
“Someone committed violence against you?” asked Aleksandra.
“Indeed. I feared retaliation so didn’t speak out.” Genevieve was conflicted.
“I understand your fear but…if nobody is willing to band together and do everything they can to stop him he’ll just keep terrorizing people.”
“I know,” said Philbert looking ashamed. “But I feared for my life.”
“Can you at least tell us about the act of violence committed against you?”
“My wife shortly before her death completed a book of poetry that I had bound and gold plated for her birthday. One she never got to celebrate. Harlow and his lot came to punish me or speaking out against the neanderthals that made up Rookwood’s gang. Before I knew it I was petrified and he was rifling through my things. He took the book and left laughing.”
“How horrible,” said Aleksandra.
“I don’t know what more I can do but given they kidnapped a child and killed Bickle…perhaps you are correct. Standing by isn’t the best option. If there’s something I can do let me know.”
“We’ll see if we can use this information. You’ll be willing to verify it if necessary?” asked Genevieve.
“I will,” said Philbert. “The attacks can’t go on forever.”
They left the man and she and Aleksandra headed for the Hogshead. However, upon reaching the inn they couldn’t find their friends.
“I vonder vhere she’s gone,” said Aleskandra.
“I don’t know but it can’t be good,” said Genevieve a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. They backed out of the crowded inn and began exploring the docks below.
“There!” said Aleksandra pointing to two wands that had been left on a crate.
“It’s Natty’s,” said Genevieve. “And the second must be Mathieu’s they must have been taken and left this as a clue.”
“Vhat do we do?” Genevieve remembered her father’s words about getting help but also knew Natty probably didn’t have time to spare. She was thankfully spared having to decide when she saw Professor Sharp exciting the potions shop.
“Professor!” she cried running up to him.
“Miss Fig. What is it?” he asked noting her distress.
“Natty I think she and one of our friends Mathieu have been kidnapped by the Ashwinders.”
“Where?” asked Sharp pulling out his wand.
“Down by the docks,” said Aleksandra. Sharp followed them as they hurried back to the area where they found Natty’s wand the trio began to search for any hide out. A loud meowing caught their attention and they came to see Spooky pawing at a partially hidden cellar.
“Smart animal you’ve got there,” said Sharp. Genevieve smiled.
“Right, stay behind me and keep your eyes open. That is if you want to come.”
“Of course!” said Genevieve will her comrade nodded vigorously. They pulled open the cellar and descended to find a room full of barrels however Genevieve noticed that two of them had a handle on the end. They were the smaller barrels that were on each side of the largest one which was as wide as she was tall.
“Accio!” she said and pulled the barrels towards her. The lid to the biggest barrel opened revealing a hidden passage.
“Well done,” said Sharp. Hearing voices they cast disillusionment charms and headed into the more finely furnished passage coming out onto a large stone hall.
“It’s never going to work,” complained on Ashwinder. “Nobody is going to be stupid enough to come get the girl on their own.”
“A Hogwarts student will,” said another.
“I don’t know if I want to tangle with this one,” replied a third and Genevieve smirked. So this was a trap? Well now they’d know the price for hurting her friends.
They petrificus totalused two guards and Genevieve added an incarcerus before the rest of the crowd was alerted at which point it was a blunt force battle.
She used her usual tricks while alternating with blast of ancient magic turning an ashwinder that aimed for Professor Sharp into a chicken and another that was levitating Aleksandra to pure ash.
Her strikes were more controlled now and she could do more of them for she also remembered to absorb the energy from the ones she vanquished with ancient magic.
Professor Sharp was a huge help as well despite his leg he was an immensely talented wizard as she’d seen during the battle against Ranrok and he was efficient in disarming and incapacitating the Ashwinders.
Aleksandra was using the same combination of both magical and physical that Genevieve had seen last time and the Ashwinders didn’t quite know what to make of it.
With their enemies defeated they paused for breath before Sharp said.
“Right let’s find Miss Onai. They began their search and along the way came across the Dibble letter which she burnt and the book of poetry which she pocketed in her magical satchel. They also found a wand which Sharp held onto.
Spooky once more ended up being their investigator drawing them to a room with two cells. In one was Natty and another a man Genevieve suspected was Isko Rabe a dark skinned man in a fedora.
“Mr. Rabe?” she asked.
“Oh thank goodness someone’s finally come!” he exclaimed.
“Your wife said you were abducted. Is there a key?” asked Genevieve doubting alohamora would work.
“It’s a complex spell with an antiapparition charm added I could break it but I need my wand.”
“Would this help then?” asked Sharp handing the man the wand. Isko smiled.
“Yes it would.” He tapped the lock and it opened.
“Please allow me to do the same for your young friend.” He walked over and performed the same spell on Natty and Mathieu’s lock.
“Professor Sharp!” exclaimed Natty in surprised.
“Yes. Miss Fig here was able to come and get me before launching her rescue mission. Lucky as I’ve no doubt you and Miss Nikolova would have gone off on your own.” Genevieve declined to comment knowing that he wasn’t wrong.
“Thank you for your assistance. I owe you my life,” said Isko.
“I don’t suppose you’d be up for testifying against Harlow if we can catch him?” asked Genevieve.
“Absolutely. Someone needs to put a stop to that menace,” promised Isko.
“Oh, and don’t tell Officer Singer you’re willing to do that,” Natty added.
“She’s currently under investigation,” Professor Sharp added by way of explanation. Isko raised his eyebrows.
“I’ll keep it in mind. Thank you again.” Then he disapparated.
“Right, you lot time to depart before they come back,” said Sharp leading the way. When they exited the hide out, they found Officer Singer waiting.
“A patron at the Hogshead overheard something about Miss Onai being kidnapped and said you headed this way,” said the Auror.
“Yes zat eez what appened,” said Mathieu.
“This is why I told you to stay out of Harlow’s affairs,” scolded the woman. “Leave the Ashwinders to the authorities.”
“Well eet doesn’t seem like zee authorities are doing much,” said Aleksandra. Singer glared.
“There’s more to taking down an organization than storming in and hauling out a few Ashwinders based on a couple of accusations. Back me up here Aesop.” Sharp raised an eyebrow.
“It’s true there’s more to the matter than brute force. But that doesn’t mean you are supposed to just let criminals run amok in the meantime. It’s your job to keep order here and PROTECT the residents from such bullies Ruth. From what I gather you’ve been failing on that front.” Genevieve smirked and Singer looked furious she turned to Natty and Genevieve.
“I WILL be informing your parents about your antics.”
“Because it worked so well the last time,” snorted Genevieve. Singer gave a growl of frustration and stormed past them into the hide out.
“Thank you, Professor Sharp,” said Natty.
“You’re welcome, Miss Onai. What exactly were, you up to?”
“Ve vere listening for any news we might over hear in the Hogshead,” said Mathieu.
“And Aleksandra and I were interviewing the people I mentioned to you before. The ones being blackmailed. Have you had any luck with your Ministry contacts Professor?” asked Genevieve.
“Well apparently the reports being sent from Hogsmeade have been suspiciously generic. And none of them have mentioned activity by Harlow and his gang. Which is false. Not that the Ministry was all that interested in confirming.”
“Typical,” muttered Genevieve.
“I won’t be hiding this from your mother Miss Onai,” Professor Sharp added. Natty groaned but nodded.
“I expected as much.”
“Good. You all performed well today. Miss Nikolova that was an impressive bombarda maxima and Mr. Martin, very good usage of edurus.” Both students thanked him.
“As for Miss Fig I see you’ve continued to hone that magic of yours. Ten points to Ravenclaw.” Genevieve smiled.
“Thank you, Professor. And thanks for the help with this and utilizing your Ministry connections,” Sharp nodded.
“You’re welcome. It’s my duty as your teacher to look out for you and while I may no longer be an auror it seems I must pick up where my former colleagues are failing. Now let’s get back to the castle before you all find yourselves in more trouble.”
“I don’t know wherever you would get that impression Professor,” said Genevieve innocently causing her friends to laugh and the potions teacher to give a snort.
“Hogwarts. NOW.”