The best of times the worse of times
"Good evening. I hope your evening has been as productive as mine?" she says at the men. Dumbledore smiled. " Oh what did you find?" he asked. "Tom seems to get frustrated and when that happens he moves to direct action. Such as in potions he did very well but Professor Slughorn comments it was good work but Tom never was willing to see the merits of taking things a little slower and making an even better potion." she points out. "If it is possible and his plans can be figured out derailing them even bumping them can cause reactions rather than actions and he loses the initiative and we can steer him where we might want him." she explains. "Also as a teen he discounted anything he felt was beneath him and that might allow for misdirection. " she adds. Albus nods. "Well done. But we have you breaking the rules to deal with." he says. "I assumed 6pm to 9pm detentions till the end of the year. except night for Astrology night with weekends included?" she asked. "You are going to need to find out what your parents are going to want to do as well." The Headmaster said sweeping the notes into a closed file and swept the file into a cloak pocket.
Sirius and Lupin waited till he left. "Well now it is in the dogs breakfast. It took us this long to get that file where we might get at it. " Lupin said. Sirius "Dammit girl . You had to do it your way. And never talked to anyone about your ideas." he growled. She looked over. Do either of you know how to get a Pensive and down load the documents from my mind?" she asked her uncles. "Download?" Lupin said. "Take a copy of the information from what I saw and impressions I formed and examine them at our leisure. " she says. The two men looked at her. "Where did you hear about a Pensive?" Sirius asked. "I read about it in one of Lockhart's notebooks and diaries. Let alone those source books he had in his room." "You stole his books?" Lupin said. "Found them and saw no reason he would have need of them. And they might help with the recovery of his previous victims. But after those were left behind to be found the other books on mind magic and his notes on his methods would be helpful in the future." Elizabeth said.
Lupin looked at her.He was not happy but recognized her behavior was from one protection not greed. After all if it had been greed she would have said nothing. "Your Father is not going to be happy." Sirius said. "I know." she sighs. "But long term safety to me seems important. An was what I planned for." she says leaning back in the seat. "It was why I tossed out the suggestion for the detention. It will be a pain but it gives a real sense of punishment. And then I do something on the weekends but I am going to let James and Lily use that time for whatever they think they need to have me do. I was last summer a wild thing whop had gotten used to doing things my own way. Because if I hadn't I would never get what I needed.
Both men walked with her as she headed back to her families rooms . She opened the door and walked in. James sat at the couch. he looked at her. his face a bit of a mix. Lily it seemed was likely resting so she could be there for Hope. Harry was likely in his dorm as he had a study group thing in the tower. . "So I know you thought out what your going to say to me yelling or having cold anger. To how I feel betrayed. But did it cross your mind I might have been willing to hear what you might say and help" he said. She nodded. "But if I came to you. You would have been the man having to explain and either lie or take the brunt of Dumbledore's anger. This deflects it. He can threaten to expel me. But I have Regulus and Narcissa in my corner and her contacts with the others on the board of governors. So expulsions is a hard run item for the Headmaster to pull off. Especially after his foul up last year. But it is a risk we need to be ready for. I suspect if he really does not want what I read in our groups hands he will figure something out but for now it is going into this vial" she said holding up the bottle." ..will secure the information in case something happens to me or my mind. "Reprobate. now is the time." she says.
James looked over. "What is the play here?" he asked. Elizabeth nods and then tilts her head. Sirius using his wand draws out a silver string from the temple of her head and once the string is finished her uncle dropped the string into the bottle. Elizabeth shakes her head and looks at her father and sort of smirks. "Dobby." she says aloud. the house elf popped into being next to her. "Yes Miss. " he says . She looks at Sirius. "Grimmauld?" she asks and he nods. Take this and place this where master Regulus wishes it placed. He knows of it's coming." At that last she looked at Sirius who nods.
James looked as if he calculating things. "Yeah a good plan." he says aloud 'Never do that again without telling me." he states . She looks "Yes Father." she answers quickly. How long did you know of this plan?" James asked his friends. Lupin looks over and nods. "A half hour ago." and Sirius nods "Yeah that long. James your daughter is as sneaky as your mother used to be." he says with a grin. "Grandmother was a .. Grand mother then?" she said being careful to be clear of her word selction, "She was a Grand woman indeed. And one of the most kindest . She was willing to give me a home." Sirius said speaking of her adoptive Grandmother with a tone that would not tolerate any snarkiness tossed that way.
The bottle gone and some burden lifted. Elizabeth smiled and asked. "Can I get you Gentlemen anything?" she asked. " James started to speak when Lily and Hope came in and took a seat. "Dearest how are you two feeling." Lily replied "Just rested and wanting in on the news of the night." . Eliza beth glanced at her father. " Well I did some deep reading on things I got rightly called out for." Elizabeth said. " I dug up the Tom Riddle notes from his time here as a student."
Lily looked over and nodded. "How much trouble?" she asked her daughter. " Detentions till Summer" she answered. "Seems reasonable." her mother says. Elizabeth gets tea served and has a bottle ready if Hope needs it later. "You might find that your academic success might fizzed out. I suspect if Dumbledore is upset he will at least fine your house a lot of points." Sirius said. Elizabeth nods. " Well better the information getting in our hands. The award would be nice but not vital to my plans for the year. " she admits taking a sip of her tea. "What is your next step?" Lily asked. "Asking Lord Malfoy to have a deep dive of the Malfoy Library on our Tom Riddle topic. a happy side effect of saving Draco." she says. "And with the permission of my Uncle Sirius I plan to look in the Black Library." She says sipping her tea again and then dipping a biscuit in.
The next day brought a bit of pain for Elizabeth the house was docked three hundred points all out of her pool. Which left her a hundred or so points in the red. The tripping down the stairs was unpleasant and the 'accidental' ruining of a Transfiguration project was annoying toss in the three hours a day even weekends ate into the recovery time. Draco and Theo needed to in public snub her. Theo looking cross at having to do this. A letter from Narcissa was pointed and without pity. She needed to fix this as it had left Narcissa having to fend off the harpies looking to bother her social plans and cost her that circles currency favoritism and having to tow a line the older woman had not liked to do. But the letter ended. "The issues I am dealing with are mine to deal with. Or as your parents might say. This an Adult situation and we adults need fix it. So child do not worry and focus on the grade situation."
When the Spring break took place and the detention was paused as the staff wanted their own break. Elizabeth cracked the books. She needed to bring up so she did not owe points to the house. They were in third. And at least pulling behind the Lions would be better than being beaten by both the Lions and Badgers. She did use bits of the free time to get updated on supplies. and being taken by her mother and aunts to buy her first real bra was a experince. right now she and lily agreed be practical. there was not a lot to show off with something lacy after all the people most likely to see it were other girls and she did not feel a need to impress people. But still it did feel like a rite of passage. When the break was over a new change had happened in her house. Greg came home with...Something. Greg said it was a dog but it was nearing small broad pony with a reddish brown fur. Great Pyrenees that was the base this...."His name is Merlin." Greg interrupted everyone who started to ask the usual questions. "Hello Merlin." Elizabeth said walking over to the dog and Greg. The dog went to being alert. "Greg may I come up to him?" she asked. Merlin had clearly bonded to the boy so when Greg gave permission the dog relaxed. "Your packmate calls you Merlin." she said speaking to the animal. The dog tilted it's head towards her, His body language was telling her she could approach. It's bark was very gruff but welcoming. "Packmate is friend are you friend of Packmate?" he asked. "I would hope I was. He is a good person and needs many friends." she said. The back and forth had a few folks looking at her like she was a little crazy. Merlin turned and put his paws on Greg's shoulders. Discussion was had as to walking and cleaning but Greg had answers to many of those issues. "Oh and Merlin ,as much as they might deserve it, leave the peacocks at the Big House alone they are annoying but Lord Malfoy likes them." she adds before heading out to do the extra works. the first week was a spot of blood from the Bloody Baron. But it meant Peeves was not around. So it balanced out.
So as time moved along the outside world stopped the ceasefire. One of the factions launched three separate attacks at high ranking members of what had to be the other faction. Details were scarce but five men in what seemed to be the death eaters were dead. The DMLE had members now injured or among the dead as which ever side it was had taken their response into their plans and cut the Aurors down with the opposition. Four of the victims were from rich pureblood families details of the spells used had yet to come out. Three of those dead were in house Slytherin but among the older classes sixth to fourth The other had been Gryffindor a fifth year. There was also a rumor that these attacks were just starting. The discussion with the family was the rebuilding on Grimmauld Place was going to be finishing at the end of June.
The kids were going to the Malfoys as the warding was on par with Grimmauld Place and Elizabeth would then get access to the Library which has already been arranged. Elizabeth made the suggestions as to a good gift to bring. Lily was back to teaching three weeks after Hope's birth. The baby got used to all the care she could want. Snape was very good at seeing to the multitude of potions a baby might need. A few for the future was a gel for her when teeth might come in as Snape comments "..teeth can start as early as three months after birth. So I noticed she liked berry flavorings and worked up something to help. It will be workable for at least six moths." James and Lily both thanked him Hope did her happy baby noises at him.
She seemed pretty quick at recognizing people. So far in the family only Theo and Ron were the ones who Hope had issues with. Come summer Elizabeth expected toHope would come around. At least with Ron he was not deeply keen on babies but he gamily tried to be helpful.
The Transfiguration testing started and first weeks in June. Elizabeth was ready calm focused. The simple stone sat ready. She stared and swept her fingers across the stone. "There You Are." she murmurs. The stone was now wood and shaping like water brushing soap from what was being cleaned. A Thestral. Wings spread and it was reared on back legs looked as simple as if it was just Elizabeth drawing in details of face eyes and mouth using her fingers and altering the wood and lastly the deep aroma of fresh pine . She turned and looked at McGonagall. "And how do you feel?I recall last year you had used most of your magic on that book box." she said at her student. " Ready to go again. It was what was there. So I did not push it to be something it wasn't." Her words calm and steady "Well another O for your record. Well done 50 points to Slytherin for this fine work." The older Professor said moving on to another student.
Potions was a solo project She set gear up. Scales and burner and cauldron Cutting station and like a musician awaiting the waving of the baton she stood ready. she smiled. She started softly humming the song from a musical Man of La Mancha, "Boney Hollow face eyes that burn with an inner vision." she mutters and steps into preparing the first set of materials. She had cut a step out by being lucky and having two of the materials already prepared. And so she could focus on her detailed steps clearly. Across the room Draco was just as focused if not more so. He did not have the same luck but he did not need it. He was almost elemental in movement and eye for the task. "Got to love my benchmarks. If not him then it is Granger in Charms. Or more accurately will be Granger in Charms." she thinks as she adds the lacewing fly wings. She lets them stew as she turns to the bloodroot which needs sliced open and squeezed for the sap. Snape steps by and moves along without comment. The raw potion drops into the cheese cloth and is bundled into the strainer and worked and cloth allowing the finished product to come forth and into the vial below. Draco has finished and of course draws his well earned O. Snape and Lily stop by and hold up her just stoppered product. "Color is perfect." Lily comments "And is the proper thickness." Snape comments. "O. Miss Collins. And 20 points to Slytherin for showing speed and proficiency." he comments.
The next day it is Charms Sirius ah Professor Black and Professor Flitwick walk down between the desks, She brings up her fire charm and sends it into a dance to brush and not burn all but the last four wax items. And yes Granger proved to be a worthy rivals. She got the perfect mark but it was clear she was working at it. Stepping over after it was done. "Congrats." she offers her hand and Hermione takes it and the shake at the friends they are.
The DADA test is hardly simple and her Father and Aunt give plenty of distractions. The targets shooting at and back if the attacks that hit them do not have the desired effects. Being solo for this Elizabeth showed of her shielding charms were deeply improved. And she had altered her pattern to be more fleet afoot than slugging out with the targets. Harry pulled his well earned first in class. But her Aunt commented that the damaging spells Elizabeth used were at least the sort taught next year. That Bombarda was a over the top but it did get the targets So Dorcas agreed her O was well earned. of course not all the targets were repairable.
The next week was Runes. As always reading was far from an issue it was the invoking and makring. She pushed herself and worked the etching as she had been taught. This was where speed was not a factor. Her hands were steady and desired outcome set deeply in her hands. And like Arithmancy it was her mind and not her power, She set her Ego aside for this. And she took her O's as they came.
Herbology her Marrow sweet was thriving and Fluxweed was praised by Spriut. Neville still set the benchmark but she was right at his heels. And the love for the work showed clearly in their care. As a joke the flowerpot with the drowned Mandrake was conjured and waved away quickly with a single bubble breaking the surface and popped as they looked on.
Finally the testing for Astronomy came. The mix of Star Mapping and oral discussion as the Professor anyone can spout things from a book. But how a stargazer rises above mere facts and into the realm of passion is by this way.
The final exams fell mostly to 'E' ratings and the finally the end of Year arrived, Elizabeth joined the others at the feast anda great meal was had. That evening she walked into her rooms sat by the fire looking about. How things were the same and different. She had grown and gotten a family. She recalled placing her rosary on a cloak peg in the office and after her prayer taking an oath. and she knelt before that same rosary and offered her prayer. "Before my life changed I swore before you God to stand always alone. To not fall to despair at being alone. And you rewarded me with a family. And i no longer wish to be seperate from. So with that. I Promise to preserve the Right. To fight only when I must. To be a good example to my sister. I ask you for the Endurance for those things I must Endure. The wisdom to find your Way oh Lord. And the Strength to where needed smite the Evil. Amen." she crossed herself and rose. she took the beads and placed them back around her neck.
A deep hug to Crisp. "What happens when I finish school? Do you stay here or can you come live with me?" she asks. Crisp was as much family as the Potters were becoming. "I would leave with you. If you would have me?" the elf said taking and hugging back. "But for now you best be off." he said. With that they part with a quick hug at the door and out she went. The hall was full of children. The teachers moving them along. As they walked out the doors to the towards the carriage circle she looked for friendly faces. The first was Merlin the huge dogs made a breakwater and people passed his front and back. Greg was holding the lead and smiled as she approached. "Ready for a Summer at the Manor?" he asked. "She nods. "Have you asked Millie to possibly come visit this summer?" she asked Gregs feelings towards the girl were apparent. " Lady Malfoy has already asked her mother for permission. But she did not say what had been said back." the boy said. The Greengrass girls both brushed past. Not rudely just in a hurry. Draco walked out trying to look with poise and grace with Ginny on his arm. The crowds were making such progress nearly impossible. Theodore came into sight his stride Elizabeth thought stately andshe realized she was looking at him with those rose colored glasses. And then stopped herself. Why should she not look at the boy like that. He took her left hand placed a light pressing of the liips to the top. She narrowed her eyes. No sense letting him act to forward.
The Lion poured out like water from a spray head. lots of running little in the way of setting a image. That is except for Percy and Rose. they were arm in arm. on her left hand third finger there was a flash of light. Pansy was behind them. Harry happily talking at her. Rose did come over. "So you seem ready." she said at her young friend. "I see you accepted his offer." Elizabeth said back. Rose nodded her smile a sign of her hopes. "I shall expect when we set a date to do so next break for you and Pansy. After all a year of betrothal is the norm." Rose commented. "On the train might I have the two of you at my table for lunch?" Elizabeth offered. A glance from Percy towards Rose. "We would be honored." he replied
The groups moved to the carriages and Theo, Greg, Merlin, and herself took all the space. And they were off. And an end of the third year settled around them.