Trolls in Hogsmeade?!
-Madelyn Brooks POV-
Ominis guided me to every shop that I needed to go.
I was really enjoying his company.
“So, was that everything?” he asked.
“Yes” I smiled.
“Are you beginning to get used to magic?” he asked.
“Let’s just say my experience with magic so far has not been great” I said. “Alice’s magic is beautiful and kind. But the magic I saw before, was not beautiful or kind…”
“I’m sorry” he said. “I hope you’ll have better experiences to magic”
“Thanks” I smiled. “I’m sure your magic is beautiful”
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“Well, your magic is helping you, for starters” I said. “But… you’re kind. So, your magic must be kind too. I hope I get to see it one day”
“That’s…” he began. “Thank you, it means a lot”
We arrived on the square – after I got everything I needed from the shops. I got some food for the magical beasts class and it was the only class I was actually interested in excited for – and saw Sebastian and Alice waiting for us.
“Show me your wand!” I said and Alice chuckled, she took it out and I smiled. “It’s beautiful”
“Did you find everything you need?” she asked.
“Yes, thanks to Ominis” I said. “I’d get lost without him”
“Well, I suppose the world is our oyster now” said Sebastian. “Let’s see what else we can get up to”
But suddenly we heard a loud crash…
Ominis pulled me behind him and held is wand in front of him.
“What the hell is that?!” I asked, I was scared.
Both my sister and Sebastian were shooting at it.
“That’s a troll” said Ominis, he squeezed my hand.
“Draw it away from the building! Away from the village!” shouted an Officer.
But just as the troll, and all the witches and wizards left… another one appeared.
“You have got to be kidding me” I whispered.
“Ominis!” yelled Alice.
“I’ll protect Madelyn” answered Ominis.
“Its armour is glowing” I whispered. “Just like that Goblin and that dragon…”
“Don’t be scared, Madelyn” said Ominis. “I will protect you”
Sebastian and Alice began attacking the troll.
It was about to attack us…
“Protego!” yelled Ominis and a shield formed around us, the attack didn’t hit us.
It went on and on… until… my sister unleashed her ancient magic and evaporated the troll…
Ominis quickly turned around and touched my shoulder.
“Are you all right, Madelyn?” he asked.
I hugged him tightly, I was trembling.
“That… that was scary” I whispered.
“It’s okay now” he said and hugged me back. “You’re safe now”
“I knew it” I said when I pulled myself together a bit, Ominis his hug was very calming…
“Knew what?” he asked and I pulled back from our hug and took his hand again.
“That your magic is beautiful and kind” I said.
“Is she okay?” asked Alice when she was done talking to the that Officer earlier.
“I’m a bit shaky” I answered honestly. “Against wizards and witches, my anti-magic is useful. But against a troll… If it wasn’t for Ominis, I would be a goner”
“Thank you, Ominis” said Alice. “For protecting my sister”
The three of them helped the other witches and wizards repair the town.
“I’d say we’ve earned a Butterbeer or two, wouldn’t you?” said Sebastian. “Might help me forget that I was almost pulverised by a troll”
“Please don’t remind me” I sighed.
“I’d say that I agree with you” said Alice.
“Perfect. The Three Broomsticks is just this way” said Sebastian. “Assuming it isn’t utter bedlam in there, you might even meet Sirona, the owner. She’s a good one to know”
We were walking until Ominis suddenly stopped and pulled me behind him again.
‘Oh my God… I was still holding his hand?!’
“What is it, Ominis?” asked Sebastian.
“Rookwood” said Ominis and we hid behind a wall to listen.
“You said you could get to those 2 children when they came to Hogsmeade” it was Ranrok… “That all you needed was a distraction. I gave you a distraction!”
Ominis squeezed my hand comfortably, I was trembling again…
“I just watched a student take down your ‘distraction’” said the man, Rookwood I presumed. “Who are these children? What are you not telling me?”
“All you need to know is that if you cannot get to those two children, then you have no value to me” said Ranrok. “One of them does not even have magic, so how hard can it even be?”
“Let’s go” said Alice.
“Did they spot us?” asked Sebastian.
“I don’t think so” said Alice.
“What was that Goblin doing with Victor Rookwood?” asked Sebastian.
“Ranrok is working with Rookwood?” said Alice.
I was beginning to struggle with breathing… it was too much at once… the dragon, the goblins, being surrounded by magic all the time, the lessons, the trolls…
‘Why can’t I breathe?’
“The Goblin from the Daily Prophet?” said Sebastian. “I knew I’d seen him somewhere!”
“Guys, Madelyn is having a panic attack” said Ominis.
“Oh no” said Sebastian, he saw Rookwood… “Quickly, let’s get inside the Three Broomsticks”
Ominis still held my hand and we ran into the Three Broomsticks.
“They know” I whispered. “They know… I’m screwed”
“Madelyn” said Ominis and touched my shoulders. “You need to calm your breathing”
“How can I be calm?” I asked. “They’re after us. They know I don’t have magic, I’m so terribly screwed”
“Maddie” said Alice. “I will not let anyone hurt you. Never again”
“Yeah, and you two have us by your side” said Sebastian and Ominis nodded.
“And you’re not defenceless” said Ominis. “You said it yourself, your anti-magic works best against wizards and witches. They can’t touch you with their magic”
“Ominis is right, Maddie” said Alice. “You see how much you’ve improved just with one lesson. You won’t be scared of magic forever”
“Okay” I said quietly.
“Match my breathing, Madelyn” said Ominis. He took off my glove and placed my hand on his chest. I was shocked…
“Ominis… your magic” I whispered.
“I don’t care about that” he said. “You need to breathe. Follow my breathing”
I tried to follow his breathing and slowly managed to breathe again.
“There you go” said Ominis and he smiled.
“I’m sorry” I whispered. “I’m sorry I’m so weak and scared”
“Don’t say that” he said and slowly moved his thumb over my knuckles. “I don’t know what you’ve been through, and you don’t have to tell me. But, a lot happened to you, it’s normal to be scared. But you won’t be scared forever”
“Thank you” I whispered and slowly took my hand back and put my glove back on.
“Come on, let’s sit by the bar” said Sebastian.
“Now, what can I…” began the person behind the bar. “Oh, there are two faces I haven’t seen before”
“It’s our first time here” said Alice.
“Welcome” said they said. “Butterbeers on me. Heard about the attack. I shall be looking in on the other shopkeepers and residents shortly. Glad to see you four escaped injury. Though you look a bit pale”
“It has been a long day” I said and accepted the Butterbeer. “Thank you”
“Well it was all thanks to this one” said Sebastian and looked at my sister. “Single-handedly took down a troll!”
“Is that right? Well done” this was probably Sirona, the owner of the Three Broomsticks.
“Thank you for this” said Alice.
“My pleasure” said Sirona. “I will say, trolls in Hogsmeade? That’s never happened before. Something’s not right. The only brutes we usually have to deal with are…”
But suddenly Rookwood stormed in, with a partner…
“How timely” said Sirona.
“Was that Lodgok I saw leaving just now?” asked Rookwood. “Your clientele’s not what it used to be, Sirona”
“Not to worry Victor” said Sirona. “Once the two of you leave, the calibre of my clientele will greatly improve. I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Theophilus”
“Come now, no need for theatrics” said Rookwood. “I’m only here for those two anyway”
We all stood up…
‘Okay, this is a wizard. You can fight against wizards. They rely too much on their magic’
I projected my anti-magic field onto the two wizards in front of us.
“My friends are enjoying a well-earned Butterbeer” said Sirona.
“I only want a quick word” said Rookwood.
Everyone took out their wand, everyone in the Three Broomsticks were prepared to help us.
“Perhaps you didn’t hear me” said Sirona. “I said my friends are busy”
“One would think you’d all have enough bloodshed for one day” said Rookwood and he frowned…
“You” he said and pointed at me. “You filthy Squib, what have you done to my magic?”
“I think it is time for you to go” I said, trying not to show my fear.
“Come, Theophilus” he said. “The Three Broomsticks isn’t what it used to be. Let’s take our Galleons elsewhere. Can’t drink Butterbeer forever”
He and his friend left.
I dropped my anti-magic field and Ominis grabbed me by the arm so I wouldn’t fall.
“Now, that was impressive” he said. “Your anti-magic is wonderful”
“That was more than impressive!” said Sebastian and laid his hands on my shoulders. “That was awesome! You’ll have to duel me one day!”
I was not used to so much praise, it gave me a warm feeling inside.
‘Okay, so you can fight wizards. Good to know it also works in real life and not just in practice’
“Seems you’ve made an unfortunate enemy” said Sirona. “Watch your back. Rookwood and Harlow are worse than any troll you might encounter”
“Trolls, Ranrok and Rookwood?” said Sebastian. “What are you guys not telling us?”
Alice looked at me and I nodded.
“We promise to tell you everything” she said. “But it’s perhaps best we do that later”
“On that note” said Ominis. “It’s been a long day. I think we should head back to the castle”
“I agree” I said.
We walked outside, it was nice to breathe fresh air.
“I’m certainly glad Sirona was there” said Sebastian. “Told you she was one of the good ones”
“I can see that” said Alice. “She didn’t seem at all intimidated by Rookwood and Harlow”
“And let’s not forget Madelyn saved us all too” said Ominis and I smiled.
“I do think you’ll need to tell us why Victor Rookwood has the both of you in his sights” said Sebastian. “But we can talk later. For the moment, we should return to the castle”
“Professor Weasley’s certain to hear about the troll attack soon if she hasn’t already” said Ominis.
“Yes, I don’t want to risk another detention for getting back after hours” said Sebastian.
~
“Good morning Madelyn” said Ominis when I sat down next to him for breakfast. “Did you sleep well?”
“Good morning Ominis” I yawned. “Not really”
“Didn’t sound like it” laughed Alice.
“Oh shut it, you snoring machine” I said.
“I do not snore!” she said in defence.
“Eh, yes you do” I said. “It’s like sleeping next to a sawmill”
“Good morning everyone” said Sebastian and sat down next to Alice. “What is going on here?”
“They’re having a sister’s argument” said Ominis. “I wouldn’t get in their way if I were you”
“Look at you boys” smiled Alice. “You’ve only known us for a day and you know us both so well already”
“That’s because we’re an open book, Ali” I said.
But suddenly a letter fell in front of me.
“Please tell me everyone saw that” I said. “A bloody owl delivered a letter”
“Of course it does that” said Sebastian. “How else would you get post?”
“With a postman!” I shouted. “Owls delivering letters is not normal!”
“Well, maybe it is for them, Maddie” said Alice.
“You are messing with me right now, aren’t you?” I asked to Ominis and Sebastian.
“I’m afraid not” said Ominis. “We sent letters and packages with the help of owls”
“That’s it” I said. “The wizarding world has gone nuts”
“Let’s just see what the letter says, before Maddie has a chance to completely go nuts” said Alice.
“You will get used to this, Madelyn” said Ominis. “I understand it is hard, having lived in the Muggle world for so long”
“Is one of your parents a Muggle?” asked Sebastian. “No offence, Maddie, but Squibs are hardly ever born out of a pure wizard family”
“No” said Alice. “Both our parents were wizards”
“But then why…” began Sebastian.
“They were both wizards” I said automatically.
Ominis frowned. “I am interested in what the letter says”
‘Come and see me. I’ve discovered something in the locket we found at Gringotts’
“It’s from Professor Fig” said Alice. “We should go see him”
“Well, see you guys later!” I smiled and followed my sister.
-Ominis Gaunt POV-
“What the hell was that just now?” asked Sebastian. “They answered so…”
“So coldly” I said. “It was an automatic answer”
“So what does that mean?” he asked. “Something is not right. 2 wizards as parents and Maddie is a Squib? They never knew about the wizarding world? That’s not possible”
“They never said they didn’t know” I said. “Something must have happened in their past. But we’re not going to ask them”
Sebastian sighed.
“Something is indeed very wrong” I agreed. “But, they have been through a lot. I mean, Madelyn had a panic attack. She…”
“Has a low self-image” finished Sebastian. “Unlike her sister. I mean, Maddie her power is incredibly powerful. Imagine what she could do with it. Bring wizards in confusion, use it as an offence. Not to mention healing people who are cursed. Maybe she can even help Anne”
“Madelyn said she’d try it, when she is more confident in her abilities” I said.
“She said that?” said Sebastian hopefully. “Well that settles it, we’re going to help her train and use her abilities so that she becomes more confident”
“Sebastian, we can’t do that” I said. “Let her settle in first, she is scared. You see the gloves she wears”
“I noticed that too” he said. “Not even for Alice will she take them off. But, Maddie’s powers are nothing but extraordinary. I don’t understand why she’s so afraid of them”
“Like they said” I began. “We’ve only known them for one day. I believe, when time comes, they’ll both be more comfortable with us. Madelyn might even accept the offer then for helping her train. But we can’t pressure them”
“I hate it when you are right” sighed Sebastian.
“I’m always right” I said smugly.
~
-Madelyn Brooks POV-
We walked to the office of Professor Fig.
“My head hurts” I said. “I know they’re curious, but I don’t like to talk about our parents”
“Me either” said Alice.
“Good morning, girls” said Professor Fig when we entered the room.
“Professor, I’m glad to see you” said Alice.
“Me too” I smiled.
“And I you two” smiled Professor Fig. “Thank Merlin you’re both in one piece. I heard about the attack. Trolls, in Hogsmeade?”
“Sir, the trolls were wearing armour” said Alice. “It had that dark glow, like the dragon collar”
“Goblin silver” said Professor Fig. “Ranrok used it to control the dragon. But how? And why send trolls to…”
“They were there because of us” I said. “We overheard Ranrok talking with Victor Rookwood. They know I’m a Squib already. And I had to use my anti-magic on Victor Rookwood, so he knows that too now”
“Ranrok was in Hogsmeade? With Ranrok?” said Professor Fig. “And it was good of you to use your anti-magic, Madelyn. Now he knows you are not an easy target”
“The trolls were Ranrok’s distraction so that Rookwood could get to us. Madelyn was his primary target” said Alice, while taking my hand. “And he would have, had Sirona and the patrons at the Three Broomstick’s not intervened. And if not of Maddie’s anti-magic. You should have seen it Professor. Her eyes were glowing bright and to see the confusion on Rookwood’s face”
“I’m very proud of you, Madelyn” said Professor Fig. “But this is grave news, indeed. If Ranrok’s Goblins and Dark wizards are after you, they want what we found in that vault”
“Speaking of the vault, do you think that Ranrok is working with any of the Goblins at Gringotts?” asked Alice.
“I do not” said Professor Fig. “Gringotts Goblins aren’t typically the friendliest of beings, but they have a great deal of integrity. No, I daresay after what happened to that poor banker, the Gobblins at Gringotts are no followers of Ranrok”
“They’re after the locket” said Alice. “You said you discovered something in it”
“Yes, yes” he said. “I discovered an inscription. When I read it aloud, this map appeared. Clever enchantment. It’s a map of Hogwarts, to be sure, but I do not know where it leads”
“It leads to the library” I said when I saw the traces. “The Restricted Section to be precise. And a bit beyond. I see traces of magic there on the map”
“Me too” said Alice.
“I suspected you two would see something” said Professor Fig.
“Shall we go?” she asked.
“I appreciate your enthusiasm, and I’m eager to discover what we may find there as well” he said. “But… if our experience at Gringotts, let alone what happened to Miriam, taught me anything, it’s that the path we’re on is terribly dangerous. I’d like you to work with Professor Hecat a bit, before we continue”
“But sir, how dangerous could the library be?” asked Alice. “Perhaps we’re only after a book”
“Perhaps we are only after a book” he said. “But we should be prepared for anything. Once you’ve honed your defensive magic, and your offensive anti-magic, come and see me. I’ll let Professor Hecat know to expect you two”
Professor Hecat wanted to first work with me, in the meantime, Alice found some treasure map and helped a few students.
With Professor Hecat I learned to make the effect of my anti-magic field last longer, only for 5 minutes, but it was a start. So that I didn’t have to put all my focus in keeping the field up constantly.
She was impressed by my dodging of spells. It was a tactic so that the effect of my anti-magic would be greater. A wizard who was using it against me, suddenly lost it, would completely be vulnerable and easier to defeat.
~
The next day, Alice worked with Professor Hecat.
“Hey, Maddie” said Sebastian at breakfast. “We didn’t see you much yesterday. Ominis was getting nervous”
“I was not” sighed Ominis. “She told me she was going to train with Professor Hecat. How did it go?”
“You told him, but not me?” Sebastian pretended to be hurt. “I knew you played favourites!”
“Oh don’t be so dramatic, Sebastian” I said. “Professor Hecat is a beast. She kept throwing spells at me, I think a few of them would’ve actually hurt me. I did manage to make the effects of my anti-magic last for 5 minutes, so I wouldn’t have to focus on keeping it up all the time. But mostly it was physical training, dodging spells instead of just letting them hit me. Something about confusing the enemy even more, since wizards rely so much on their magic. They’d be confused if it was working and then it suddenly stopped”
“Professor Hecat is right” said Sebastian. “They’d be so confused that defeating them would be easy!”
“I just feel sore all over my body” I sighed. “She didn’t let me rest”
“What spells did Professor Hecat cast?” asked Ominis.
“Eh, let’s see if I can remember them” I said. “Confringo or something, bombarda that one really didn’t sound okay, she tried that spell from the other day again, but I forgot it”
“Levioso” said Ominis.
“Yes, that one” I said. “And a few others, also the basic cast Ali had to practice”
“Professor Hecat is a beast” said Sebastian. “But if all those spells really didn’t hurt you, that’s amazing!”
“I don’t know” I said quietly.
“Where’s your sister today?” asked Sebastian. “She found some treasure”
“She’s working with Professor Hecat today” I yawned. “Something about a fire-making spell”
~
During a break from her assignments, Alice did a round of Crossed Wands, a duelling club.
“Maddie” she said. “Will you be my partner?”
“I was planning to watch” I said.
“Please?” she asked. “It’d be great to practice what you learned the other day”
“Fine” I sighed. “Stop looking at me like a lost puppy already”
“Why? It always works” she said smugly.
“Don’t push it, sis” I laughed.
We were up against a Ravenclaw, a Gryffindor and a Slytherin.
“Ready to get thrashed? You stupid Squib?” said the Ravenclaw and an I popped.
“That’s it” I said. “She is mine”
“Madelyn sounds mad” I heard Ominis say. “Not that I blame her”
“She looks furious, I thinks she’s about to blow” said Sebastian.
“Please, don’t encourage her” sighed Alice. “She can be really scary… she punched out the teeth of the bully at school. He was twice her size… You really don’t want to stand in her way when she explodes”
“You make me sound like a monster” I said.
“Because you are one, when you’re mad” she said. “All of the other time you’re a sweet puppy”
“Go kick ass!” yelled Sebastian.
“Ominis, hold these for me please” I said and gave him my gloves. “I plan to show no mercy”
“They deserve it” he smiled.
The fight started…
I dodged every spell they threw at me and I disarmed their shields with one touch, much to their confusion. Alice then proceeded to use her magic to kick their asses.
I took on the Ravenclaw one on one, I managed to throw away her wand, she was scared because her magic wasn’t working.
“What have you done to me?!” she screamed.
“Nothing you didn’t deserve” I said and knocked her out.
I projected my anti-magic field on the last two and my sister smiled. She put her wand away and joined me in a fist fight.
“The winners are the Brooks Twins!” yelled Lucas.
“What the hell did you do to us, you freak?!” yelled the Slytherin.
Ominis and Sebastian quickly joined our sides.
“They won, fair and square” said Ominis.
“I did not just lose to some dirty Squib!” she spit on me.
“Yes you did” I wiped her spit away. “Don’t underestimate the Squibs”
Sebastian held his wand in front of her.
“You lost” he said. “Now leave”
She scoffed and left us alone.
“I’m sorry about my team mates” said the Gryffindor boy. “You really were amazing, Madelyn. I did not expect you to have the ability to nullify our magic. It was pretty badass”
“Thank you” I said.
Ominis gave me a handkerchief and I used it to wipe all the spit away.
“Next time, I’ll kill her” said Alice angrily. “Are you okay, Maddie?”
“It’s fine” I said. “It’s nothing I’m not used to, remember?”
“That fight was awesome!” said Sebastian. “Your anti-magic is incredible!”
“Thank you, Sebastian” I said.
“Still, Alice, I’ll join you if you want to kill that girl” he said.
“Please, not two of you” I sighed. “Thank you for the handkerchief, Ominis. I’ll wash it and return it to you”
“You can keep it” he said.
“Thank you” I smiled.
“Well, this was a fun break” said Alice. “I should finish my assignment and learn that new spell. Will you boys…”
“We’ll look after Maddie” said Sebastian.
“Please, I do not need watchdogs” I said.
“She spit on you, Maddie” said Alice. “I am your big sister”
“By 2 minutes” I sighed.
“Still makes me older” she said. “I know I can be overprotective. But you’re here because I was being selfish. So I do not want you to suffer, because I was being selfish”
“Fine” I said. “Just go already and finish that stupid assignment”
“I love you Maddie” she said and hugged me quickly before she left.
“Here are your gloves, Madelyn” said Ominis and gave me my gloves.
“Thanks for looking after them” I smiled and put them back on.
“They’re really soft” he said.
“Our neighbour gave them to me, before we left for Hogwarts” I said. “Said they’d suit me”
“They do suit you” said Sebastian. “Come on, let’s get some studying in, maybe we could show you a few things before classes, that’ll scare the Professors”