The Altering
I did not have a good night. I kept thinking about my cousin's last words to me and when I did fall asleep, Tom Riddle haunted my dreams, charming me and hurting me simultaneously. When the school bell finally rang five times, I was the least rested student in the whole building. I made my way back to my dorm to pretend that I have been there the whole night. As I entered the common room, the boy who haunted my dreams looked up from the same book as last night and greeted me with a smirk.
"Katherine. I want you to join my group for breakfast at the Slytherin table."
I took a deep breath and thought before answering "Of course, it will be my pleasure." The words were undermined by a forced smile on my face and I quickly continued walking to my dorm.
One hour later I entered the great hall with groups of other students from all houses and I made my way towards the far end of the Slytherin table. I felt the eyes of those Slytherins follow me, that were in the common room last evening as I took a seat next to Icarus. It was a clear display of power by Riddle that the girl, who has dared to defy him, now sat with his group. And it somehow filled me with pride to sit here, with the elite students of Slytherin. It felt right.
I didn't talk for the whole meal because I have never spent much time with this group. Of course I exchanged a few words with them throughout the years. I met Elladora Selwyn a year ago in the girls lavatory, where she helped me out. I spoke with Maxwell Nott when I needed information for a school project because he was like a walking library. I briefly met Abraxas Malfoy when he attended a gathering held by the Lestrange family and Renold Rosier attended such gathering more often because our families are connected. The only one I haven't previously spoken to was Nicholas Avery but I still didn't know if they like me or how they would react to me. Their conversations were meaningless but I figured they wouldn't talk about important things in the great hall, where anyone could listen. Or maybe they really are just a normal friend group...
"I heard Professor Slughorn is organizing a Christmas party again and everyone of the Slug Club is invited.", the clear voice of Elladora was ripping me from my thoughts. "Last year, there were some prominent guests." Everyone looked expectantly at Tom, who had a good connection to Slughorn. He decided to bless us with his knowledge "The invitations are not out yet as it is only the beginning of November, but there will indeed be a party for the Slug Club. And since most of us are members and plus-ones are allowed, we should all be able to attend."
As a member of the Lestrange family, it was inevitable for me to be a part of the Slug Club but I still believe that my talent for transfiguration got me in. Renold's family is even more influential in the wizarding world, therefore it was no surprise to me when I saw him at my first meeting the same applies to Abraxas Malfoy. Tom Riddle got in because of his extraordinary grades yet my gut tells me that his natural charm helped him.
"I'm guessing the party will be announced at the meeting this week.", it was Malfoy who came to that outstanding conclusion.
"Well yes. Last year it was also announced in the November meeting.", my comment came out much louder and harsher than I expected and the attention of the whole group turned to me. "Sorry, I..."
The bells chimed to announce that the first lesson will start soon. I stood up quickly and walked away from the table without another word as other students left the tables to get ready for class.
At least my first class was Transfiguration, my favourite which is partially due to my interest in the art but also because of the teacher that first sparked that interest. Albus Dumbledore was without a doubt my favourite teacher at Hogwarts.
It surprised me when he asked me to stay behind after class but I followed his request nonetheless. "What is it Sir? I have limited time before I need to get to my next class." The last student has left the classroom before he began to speak: "I am aware of the time table Miss Lestrange. It won't take long." He leaned against his desk with his arms crossed and looked at me serious "I have noticed that you have increasingly spend time with the prefect of your house, Tom."
I was confused by this observation. "Yes I have, professor. Is that a crime?"
A small smile flashed over his face. "No it isn't. I am instead glad that you have found friends among your peers. Is he the reason that you made your eyes smaller and altered the pigment of your face to be less red?"
"What?"
"Your face. It doesn't look like the one I preserved. When I agreed to teach you human transfiguration, I only asked one thing from you. Do you remember?"
I did remember. I had stayed behind class a month after the accident and requested private lessons in human transfiguration to be able to uncover and cover the scar whenever I wanted. He had asked me if I were aware how much concentration that takes and how risky it is. I had said I didn't care about that. He had agreed under one condition: "Please Katherine, do not use this skill to cover up any insecurities. You are perfect just the way you are."
I found a gap in his logic. "Professor, if I shouldn't cover any insecurities, why should I cover up the scar?"
Dumbledore looked surprised by my question but he had a good answer as always: "The scar is different because it might cause psychological damage to you, if you see it. Or your fellow students might get curious. Children can be cruel..." He leaned towards me to give his words greater depth. "You can uncover the scar any time you want, it is your decision. We had to make the decision for you when you were younger but you are 15 now. If you want to show the scar, show it. If you are scared of the effects, don't."
Somehow I was never aware that showing the scar is actually an option. Maybe it's time to stop hiding the accident...
"Sorry for keeping you this long, you should hurry to your next class.", my teacher offered me an apologetic smile.
"Right.", I turned and walked towards the exit but hesitated at the door.
"Thank you Professor. You somehow always manage to say the right words."