Third year
It was late when Vex snuck out of her dorm and made her way down the stairs and corridors. She was heading for the library, she couldn't sleep anyway. Books always made her at least a little more at ease. Helped her relax. But she forgot that seventh year students were often asked by their head of house to patrol the castle on weekends. It was the flash of Slytherin green that caught her eye first. She ducked into a classroom trying to stay out of sight.
That door opened. Sandor Fey, a Slytherin sixth year who’d made some very uncomfortable comments towards her before. And he had that same smile on his face now. “Out for a late night stroll Vex’ahlia?”
"Oh. Sandor. I didn't see you.." Vex spoke softly. She wished she could summon any magic. She hadn't been able to cast for the last month but her panic was getting higher by the second.
“Lurkers are rarely prepared to be watched.” Sandor grinned. “But I’d spot you anywhere.” He approached her.
She backed up," well... I should go." Vex bumped into a desk and nearly jumped out of her skin.
“No. I don’t think you should.” Sandor was barely feet away from her now. A flick of his wand closing and locking the door.
Vex was trying to find a way out and trying to keep distance between them," I really should go back upstairs." She was starting to reach for her wand even though she knew it probably wouldn't work. She pointed it at him with a trembling hand.
“Silencio.” The silencing charm to effect at once. Vex wouldn’t be able to make a sound. “Why spoil this with words?” Vex was panicking. What could she do now? He was bigger than her. much bigger. She tried to step away from him. He knocked her wand from her hand and held hers wrists. With only one hand. She was thin. Vex tried to fight but it wasn't any use. She was terrified and didn't know what she could do now... And then his free hand was pushing up the skirt of her uniform. “No leggings tonight? Well isn’t that lucky?” Sandor grinned like a wolf who’d caught a rabbit. She was trying to not shake or show her fear but she was only 13. How could she not show her fear. She knew no one could hear her and knew no one was coming to help. He unbuckled his belt and pulled down his trousers and boxers. “Shh…” he soothed her gently. “I’m not going to hurt you.” Vex was still trying to fight. Trying to kick, get him off her. Anything to get him to stop. “Shh, shh.” He held her still easily. “Don’t be like that now, or I’ll have to get rough with you.” She was so scared but knew she couldn't get him off. So she just stopped fighting. “There you go.” His grin was predatory. Sandor almost delicately moved her legs apart after he pulled own her under clothes. “I’ve got you.” His voice was silky.
She was shaking harshly his grip on her hands was tight enough to bruise . She didn't know what she could do.. no one was coming... this was happening. She understood what was happening and that made it all so much worse.
Sandor stroked her hair as he lined them up. “You’re ready for me. You’re going to feel so good, I know it.”
Vex was breathing hard from the fear even if it couldn't be heard. She decided to try and kick him off one more time. Hoping in vain that it would work. He stopped that easily though holding her where he had full access. “Shh. Just relax and enjoy.”
And then he began. How he managed it when he was so much larger than her Vex would never know. She sobbed, it hurt so bad. She knew she couldn't struggle without making it worse for herself. She could feel the hand digging into her hip and knew there would be bruises there.
Sandor had a deeply satisfied look on his face. “Yes… that’s it now. You’re taking me so well.”
Vex had a flood of tears running down her face. She just wanted this to be over and it felt like it never would be. At least she could close her eyes. She didn’t have to look at him.
When it was he practically dropped her to the floor of the classroom. “Thank you. I had a lovely time.”
She barely processed the sound of him closing the door behind him as he left. She managed to pull herself the few feet to the corner of the room. She pulled her legs up to her chest trying to hide as much as possible. Her arms had developing bruises. She could still feel his hands on her. He hadn't been gentle and she was in so much pain. It hurt too much to move anymore.
There wasn't anything she could have done. He was so much stronger than her. Then her thoughts turned to the fact that she couldn't tell anyone. If she did they would know she was out too late. And she would be picked on even more. Now she wasn't just a half-blood, she was a ruined one. This was her fault, She shouldn't have been out of her room this late, this was her fault. She had been so stupid. She didn't even notice when the charm wore off and her sobs could be heard again.
The door opened again and some gasped. Heavier footsteps approached her quickly. “Vex?” It was the voice of Julius de Rolo. Gentle and worried. “Vex what happened?”
She had no idea he was even there. Her breathing came out in hard pants, her entire body trembling harshly. He could easily see the bruises forming on her wrist and the blood staining part of her skirt. Her shirt was pulled up enough for him to see the bruising there too. It was obvious to the older boy what had happened here.
Julius was battling with rage and his need to help her. “Shh. It’s over now.” He said gently. “Look at me… please? It’s Julius.” Vex still didn't seem to hear him. He could only see a little of her eyes but the look clearly showed that she was reliving it all. It was a look of deep fear. Julius bit his lip. Who would have done this…? Vex was young. The same age as one of his sisters. This was unforgivable. If he ever found out who did this they may not survive long enough to get expelled. He waited, talking soothingly to her. She had to come out of that panic before he could touch her. Vex eventually seemed to come back to herself enough to recognize someone else was in the room. As soon as she did though she jumped and tried to get further away from him. It hadn't processed that it was Julius. “Vex, easy.” He held up his hands voice truly gentle. “Shh. It’s me. It’s Julius. I heard… hell I heard you crying and I… vex… who did this?”
She seemed to recognize him and stopped trying to get away from him. "I.... I...can't..." She hadn't looked up at him once.
“Please… you’re hurt… at… at least let me take you to the hospital wing. You’re bleeding.”
"No... please... I can't... this is my fault.... I can't..." this was the only time he had ever heard her plead for anything. She truly sounded like a 13 year old who had seen too much and had another horrible thing happen to her on top of it.
“I won’t tell them you were out of the tower. I promise.” Julius told her. “I’ll say you were in the common room when I found you. Please… we have to get you some healing.”
"Ok.." Vex spoke painfully quiet. She still didn't uncurl herself though. All she wanted to do was hide.
“I promise I won’t look.” Julius told her. “But you… you shouldn’t be walking… is it okay if I carry you?” She managed a small nod and let him pick her up. Though she winced at every movement. “I know…” Julius wished he could do more. He kept his word though. He told the nurse Madam Pomfrey that he’d found her like this in the common room when he’d returned from his rounds in the castle. Vex didn't ask him to stay but she really didn't want him to go. She knew him better than the nurse. Julius did stay though. He was worried for her and wanted to make sure she was going to be okay… or at least healed.
She was the only person in there so it didn't take to long for Pomfrey to do what she could for her.
Vex had stopped sobbing but she hadn't stopped shaking for any period of time.
“Vex…” Julius spoke again. “Is it okay if I hold your hand?” He figured she’d need a kind touch. He knew he should be getting her brother, vax would be a much bigger comfort than he was. But… part of him also wanted to spare the boy from having to see his twin in such a state.
"Please.." her voice was painfully quiet. Even with the warning, she still flinched when he touched her before relaxing some again.
“It’s okay… I know they’re all rough.” He smiled. “You’ll have calluses like this if you keep playing the way you do. Speedy chaser that you are.” Julius tried to take her mind off her fear. He knew from coaching down his two youngest siblings from nightmares that gentle praise could work wonders. Little Percival, who so badly wanted to be in Gryffindor like his big brother, responded well to being told he was brave. That he could slay the monsters that haunted his sleep some nights.
"You think I'm good?"
“You’re amazing. You out scored me in our last game. That Slytherin keeper never had a chance of stopping you.” Julius smiled. “And don’t even get me started on your form. You make that old school broom move like it’s the newest Clean Sweep model.”
"You are just saying that.. but I do like playing." Playing felt safe, like freedom.
“Do I ever give out compliments lightly?” Julius asked her. “I know skill when I see it. You and your brother are great at what you do.”
"Thank you... we both," Vex trailed off. The thought of having to explain this to her brother was unimaginable.
Julius sighed softly. “Breathe. It’s going to be okay. Whoever did this they’ll be expelled. Hell they’ll probably go straight to Azkaban.”
"It's my fault..I should have listened." Vex spoke quietly. That was not a normal thing for a 13 year old to say. She had clearly been taught that if you did something you weren't supposed to and got hurt it was your own fault. Even if someone else hurt you.
“What? No. Of course it’s not your fault. No one asks for this.” Julius was horrified. He was angry. So someone else had hurt this girl. And badly. It enraged him. But he kept as calm as he could. Vex needed comfort, not rage.
"I should have listened. He couldn't have done this if I had listened to the rules." Vex spoke quietly.
“Vex. Listen to me. You’re not to blame for this. Nothing and I mean nothing justifies it.” Julius stated firmly.
Madam Pomfray returned with a potion to combat shock, and help Vex sleep. She needed rest and a while with a calm mind.
"It is... I should know better.." She done before the nurse had come back. She tried to refuse the potion at first but then agreed and took it. It tasted like lavender and honey. And the effect was nearly instant. Her mind seemed to let go a little and her body relaxed. Her bruises no long hurt but they were still there. They needed to be at least for a little while. When she’d fallen asleep Professor McGonagall came in.
“Professor.” Julius stood.
“What has happened?” She asked the usual sharpness in her voice seemed lessened.
“I… I found Vex in the common room when I got done with my rounds.” Julius looked haunted. “Professor… I… I think someone raped her. No… I’m sure someone did.”
The expression on McGonagall's face changed immediately. "In the common room? Who did this?"
“I don’t know… she wouldn’t say… she was Terrified…” Julius balled his fists. “If I find out who did this I’ll-“ he cut himself off. He couldn’t loose his temper in front of his head of house.
"If you find out, you tell me immediately. I will handle the rest. Tell me what exactly you saw when you found her."
“She was on the floor… her… skirt was… ripped. And she is bruising on her wrists and hips…” he seemed to pale a little. “And she was bleeding….”
"Thank you. You did the right thing bringing her here Julius. It's there anything else you can tell me about this situation."
“No… I didn’t see anyone else… I didn’t think it would be a good idea to leave her alone in that state to check if anyone else was out of bed.”
"No. You made the right call. How is she?
“Shaken… badly. And something tells me… this isn’t the first time she’s been hurt… maybe not in the same way but… something else has to be going on…” she could tell this angered Julius. He had siblings Vex’s age and younger.
"Thank you for telling me. I can see you are angry about this, I am too. What tells you that she's been hurt before?
“She was blaming herself…”
McGonagall looked shocked then confused and settled on concerned. "She's a third year Yes?”
“Yes… her and her twin.”
"She's far too young to be in that mentality already.. I will see what I can find out. You should get some rest."
“Alright… what should I tell her brother?”
"Whatever you think is best. Try to not make him panic.
“I’ll do my best.” Julius nodded gently letting go of Vex’s hand and tucking it under the blankets so she’d stay warm.
"Is there something you need to get off your chest?
“She’s the same age as my sister…” he growled. “This shouldn’t have ever happened. Not here. Or anywhere.”
"No. It shouldn't have. I will get to the bottom of this if I have to question every student on this campus I will."
Julius nodded. “Thank you Professor. But… if I were to guess… based on her injuries it was a much older student.”
"I can confirm that." Madam Pomfray spoke up.
McGonagall nodded," so just the older students then. I will start at the sixth years.”
Julius nodded. “I’ll help as much as I can.”
"I believe you. Again, if you find out anything let me know immediately."
“I will.”
In the time leading up to break, Vex healed physically but emotionally she broke. She skipped pretty much every class while Insisting that Vax go. She wanted to be alone, to hide from everything. Within the last week she had started skipping practice too. She was so good and it had always been one place she was never late too. Today was the third practice she'd missed in a single week. Their Christmas break started two days from now.
When Vax showed up again without there Julius sighed and dismounted his own broom leaving Charlie Weasley to run the practice. He went up to Vex’s dorm room and knocked on the door.
Vex groaned but pulled her blanket around her shoulders and answered the door.
"Julius.
“Can we talk?” He asked her his voice full of concern.
"I guess." She stepped back letting him in the room
He was still in his padded quidditch robes. “Vex… you need tell me who did this. The password system isn’t infallible. It’s perfecting believable that someone from outside our house could have learned our password.”
"Julius I can't.. and you have practice. You should be there. " vex looked horrible. She clearly hadn't been sleeping well.
“You’ve locked yourself in here Vex… everyone is worried for you.” He’d never seen Vax so defeated looking. His sister had been hurt and he hadn’t been there to stop it.
"I can't be out there... I can't let people see me. I just can't. It's too much."
“Vex… if you tell me who did this you don’t have to be afraid. They’ll have him expelled.” Julius told her. “They’ll send him to Azkaban. Throw him to the dementors. And serve him right”.
"........Sandor.“
Julius’s eyes widened in shock. The Slytherin team captain. Fucking hell.
“Thank you Vex… I promise I will get this dealt with.”
"I'm sorry..." She looked like she had been crying. Her gear for quidditch was close to the door. Like she had tried to get ready to go and just couldn't make herself.
“Hey. I gave Vax his when he got to practice. I got everyone on the team a little something for Christmas.” He pulled a small parcel I from his robes and handed it to her.
She looked at him ," you didn't have to do this." She spoke softly as she opened it. It was a new pair of leather quidditch chaser gloves. Perfect for keeping a grip on the odd shape of the quaffle. "Thank you.. but I don't deserve these.. I haven't even been coming to practice...”
“You’ve been terrified… I get it. The first time I took my little brother Percy flying he cried and wouldn’t come out of his room for two days…. My mum was furious.” He smiled fondly. He’d let that rest for now and wait for Vex to speak.
"I can't cast.. haven't been able to for months." She admitted suddenly.
Julius looked troubled again. “Vex… what are things like for you and Vax at home?”
Vex stiffened," what do you mean?“
“You and Vax never talk about it… and I e never seen you getting anything from home…”
Other students got letters and other things from home most days. The twin’s father never bothered to write to them.
"Oh.. he just doesn't write us. It's fine. " that was an obvious lie.
“He’s a pretty shit father then.” Julius said bluntly.
Vex sighed," you could say that…”
“Vex… does he hurt you…?” Julius asked.
"Huh?" Vex spoke like she hadn't understood the question.
“Does he hurt you?” Julius asked again. “In any way.”
"Oh... no. Of course not." It was clearly a lie.
Julius sighed. “You know… most of us Gryphondors are terrible liars.” Something else he would have to let rest if he didn’t want Vex to completely shut down on him.
"Oh? Is that so?“
“Yeah. Comes with being impulsive. Not a lot of time to think of convincing lies.”
"I guess that makes sense.”
Julius smiled. “You know there’s still some practice time left. Some fresh air will do you some good.”
"Julius... I can't..." She was terrified.
“Vex. I promise I won’t let anything happen to you.”
She nodded," Ok... only if you don't leave me alone.
“I won’t. And Vax and the whole team will be there too. We won’t let anyone hurt you vex.”
She managed a nod," Ok. I guess it would be ok for a little while.
“The fresh air will help you feel better.” The practice went well enough all things considered.
The day before term ended and everyone was to go home for Christmas, Vex got a note telling her to go to the Headmaster’s office. She really didn't want to but she never passed up a chance to see Dumbledore's Phoenix. She walked up to the office nervously. What could he possibly need from her? She gave the password and the staircase was revealed. Fawkes gave a musical call and ruffled his feathers when he saw her. Like always Phoenix song made Vex feel braver and filled her with warmth.
Dumbledore was behind his desk pouring tea. He’d made them tea the last time her and Vax had been called up to see him. Then he hadn’t been harsh at all only asking them questions.
Vex relaxed a little at the sight. She loved Fawkes so much and actually greeted him before Dumbledore. She had always had a connection with Fawkes that not many did. She always tried to give him scratches but respected if he didn't want any. The phoenix bowed his head and Vex stroked those scarlet feathers.
Dumbledore smiled at that. “He’s been rather excited to see you as well Miss Vex’ahlia.”
"He has?”
“Indeed.” Dumbledore smiled at her. “It’s very rare that someone as gifted with beasts as you are attend this school. I’ve only ever taught one other before.”
"Oh. Well, I really like Phaux. I like them all. I don't understand why people don't. They all just want to be respected.
"Oh. Well, I really like Phaux. I like them all. I don't understand why people don't. They all just want to be respected.
“Some people unfortunately do not have it in them to respect what they perceive as beneath them.” Dumbledore sighed. “Tea?” He offered her
"Sure. Thank you." Vex nodded taking the cup he offered.
It was already made how she liked it. He’d remembered. Dumbledore waited for her to get comfortable. “I would like to ask you how you are fairing after the… unpleasant event in October… but your absences from classes and quidditch practice make that clear.”
Vex stiffened," Oh.. that's what you want to talk about. I should have known.."
“Your course work is still coming in so I’m not too worried. But you’ve yet to tell us who hurt you.” He said gently. “You do not have to be afraid. He will not be permitted to hurt you ever again.”
"I just didnt feel like going to class." Vex told him like it was simply her skipping class not that she was terrified. She had often skipped classes but never all of them and never multiple days in a row.
“I see.” Dumbledore surveyed her from behind his half moon glasses. It always felt like he could see right through her. “Is there anything else you wish to tell me? Are you excited for your holidays at home?”
Vex couldn't help but shudder" I guess so." She was trying to not share information. He had asked her a question about who hurt her and she was actively trying not to share anything.
“I’m sure you and Vax’ildan will get into all sorts of mischief” Dumbledore always seemed endeared by their antics.
"We probably will. Plenty of opportunities." Vex spoke softly. She did actually seem to be telling the truth on that part.
His eyes seemed to twinkle. “My brother and I used to stage snow wars with the other children in our village. I’m sure you both could drum up your own little armies as well.”
Vex seemed sad at that," Vax and I have each other.
“That’s important.” Dumbledore agreed. “But we all need other people as well. We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. Especially in these dangerous times.”
Vex took a breath before speaking the first real honset thing she'd said to him in weeks.
"Everyone else we have is here. At home we only have each other.”
Dumbledore nodded in understanding. “May I suggest contacting Miss Ashari or Miss Trickfoot. Both of their families would be happy to take you and your brother a holiday visit I’m sure.” He winked at her.
Vex nodded," we might just do that. I think they already left. Not that we would be able to go anyway.
“I believe it’s much more likely than you think. Look for Miss Ashari’s owl tomorrow. You may go.” There was no scolding, not even a gentle reprimand. Just concern and advice.
"Alright.." Vex spoke softly. She always expected him to push when she didn't give information and he never did. She had told Julius.. why couldn't she tell Dumbledore?
Phaux trilled at her on her way out one of his handsome crimson and gold feathers in his beak.
“I believe he’s wishing you a merry Christmas.” Dumbledore smiled.
Vex smiled and gently took the feather. "I believe you are right. Thank you Phaux. I will keep it close." She tucked the scarlet feather behind her ear along side the two blue diricawl feathers she always wore.
“Merry Christmas Vex’ahlia.” Dumbledore smiled as she left.
The next morning Keylith invited them to stay at her house over the holidays. They were happy the leave the platform with Korrin rather than their father. How he’d convinced Syldor to allow this they didn’t ask. They were just happy to not have to see him.
The holiday break was a peaceful one. On Christmas morning Keylith woke them up with a happy grin. “Guys wake up! Wake up! It’s Christmas!”
"We are up." Vex pulled herself out of bed and too her feet.
Vax groaned into his pillow. “Come on Kiki… too early…” on holidays Vax liked to sleep in.
"Come on brother. We can always come get more sleep later." Vex still woke up early but she took longer to get going now.
Vax practically rolled out of bed his hair a mess.
“Come on.” Keylith urged them bouncing in place. “Presents are down stairs.”
The twins followed her down. They were not expecting anything. Just getting to stay here was enough. But they did have gifts to open. From their friends at school. Homemade sweets from Pike, quidditch gear from Grog, joke supplies from Scanlan. From Keylet vex got an owl bear plush and Vax got a new dagger. Devana had sent them gifts as well. New very nice mittens that were fur lined.
Vex smiled," this is all so good. I wasn't expecting anything. "
“No one should be left out on Christmas.” Keylith stated beaming.
At the window an owl carrying a news paper tapped on the glass.
“Could one of you open that?” Korrin called from the kitchen where he was trying to keep the treacle fudge he was making from burning.
"Yea. I got it." Vex went and opened the windows. The owl ruffled its feathers importantly before dropping the paper for Vex and taking off. Vex smiled and picked up the paper just to glance quickly. The front page headline read ‘Tragedy Strikes in Whitestone’.
Whitestone. Julius often talked about joining his local pro quidditch team… the Whitestone Rangers. Vex frantically found the article and started reading.
‘The half wizarding and muggle village wakes to tragedy Christmas morning. The Dark Mark was sighted over the de Rolo estate in the early hours of this morning. Wizards from the Aurrer office and the department for magical law enforcement were despatched to the sene. While the parents, Fredrick and Johana de Rolo (45) were a muggle and squib respectfully all seven of their children were magical in nature. We regret to inform the public of the tragic sene. As it appeared the oldest de Rolo son Julius(17) died trying to defend his parents and younger siblings as the only one of age to preform magic legally. Fredrick, his wife Johana and their children, Julius, Vesper, Oliver, Whitney, and Ludwig were found dead at the sene. There is no sign yet of the two youngest siblings, Percival(10) and Cassandra(1). If anyone has information to lead to the location of the children or the death eaters responsible please contact the Department of magical law enforcement.’
Vex audibly gasped and kept re reading like it was just a trick of her eyes. They couldn't be gone. Julius couldn't be gone. The article had three pictures. One of the dark mark hanging over the de Rolo estate. The other two pictures of Percival and Cassandra to help identify them to the public and hopefully lead to them being found.
“What’s wrong stubby?” Vax asked.
"This has to be a mistake. It can't be true..." She was speaking mostly to herself. Something was clearly very wrong.
That got both Vax and Keylith’s attention. Vax snatched the paper from her and read through quickly. It then slipped from his fingers and he went weak in his knees. “No…”
"It's a mistake. A joke. Something. This can't be real," Vex was practically begging who knows what. She couldn't take it. Julius had been their frist true friend at school. He had stood up for them. Not just him though... All of them. Oliver and Whitney… Ludwig… Vesper.
“All of them…” Vax’s voice was tight with shock.
Keylith broke down sobbing. Vesper was a Hufflepuff Prefect. Ludwig was always there with a kind word and encouragement. Everyone loved the de Rolo siblings.
The twins Oliver and Whitney were nearly as troublesome as Vex and Vax.
"He tried to save them.." Vex's voice was just as tight. Her mind went to everything he had done for her, how he had cared for her. Was so incredibly gentle and patient. And now he was gone... it wasn't right...
“Why would they do this… they… they’ve never targeted students before…” Vax felt numb and cold.
“Dad!” Keylith grabbed the paper again and ran to her father.
"I don't know...." Vex couldn't explain the massive amount of emotions and was feeling. All of them dull, not nearly as sharp as it should have been. She wished she could cry, instead she just sat there at a lost for what to do now. Vax pulled his legs up to his chest and sobbed into his knees.
The world had shattered. It felt like nothing would ever be right again. School would never be the same again. They’d never see Julius waving at them, across the pitch grinning like a mad man because they’d won a match. Vex managed to move to Vax. But she didn't touch him. It was terrible and Vex wasn't sure she wanted to go back.
But they had gone back. No one had been the same. they got knews that Voldemort had fallen. It was over. No more murders. No more fearing coming home to a dark mark hanging over their’s or a friend’s home. The world was safe again.
They stared in shock as Professor McGonagall, at the start of their fourth year called, “de Rolo Percival.” During the sorting.
A thin frail looking boy with circular glasses walking fearfully up to the stool. The Great Hall had gone silent as people watched with bated breath. Vex had never seen a hat stall before but she was watching one now. For nearly five minutes Percival de Rolo sat at the front of the hall the sorting hat only being stopped from falling over his eyes by his glasses. Then the hat shouted.
“Slytherin!”