Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Harry followed Daphne into the Great Hall the next morning. As he sat down at the Ravenclaw table, he saw the small form of Professor Flitwick approaching.
As he took his schedule from Flitwick, he glanced at his first class.
“Transfiguration first and then charms.”
“Transfiguration has always interested me,” Padma said excitedly. “The ability to change one thing onto another is fascinating.”
“I preferred Charms myself,” Daphne said quietly. She turned to Harry. “What do you prefer?”
“Girls,” Harry said lips twitching.
Daphne rolled her eyes. “What subject?”
“I like charms and transfiguration and I look forward to studying runes.”
“We don’t study runes until third year,” Terry Boot said leaning in to join the conversation.
“For now, let’s focus on Transfiguration,” Harry said.
“Very wise,” a soft voice said from behind them. “Take one class at a time and try not to get ahead of yourselves.”
Harry turned to see the female ghost from the night before. “Milady,” he said inclining his head.
The ghost smiled. “I look forward to seeing what you accomplish, son of Underhill.”
Harry’s eyes widened. How did she know what he was? Pushing it out of his mind, he rose to go to class. He would tell his mother when he saw her.
**ROE**
Harry was surprised to be sharing transfiguration with the Gryffindors. He nodded to Neville as Ron and Seamus entered the room.
“McGonagall isn’t here,” Ron said. “Quick, let’s get a seat before she comes in. She’ll never know we were late.”
Harry looked over at the desk and winked at the cat.
The cat winked back before turning into Professor McGonagall.
“Mr. Weasley,” McGonagall barked. “You are late.”
“I overslept,” Ron mumbled.
“If you are late again, I shall turn you into a pocket watch.” Turning away from the embarrassed redhead, McGonagall faced the class.
“Transfiguration is one of the most difficult and dangerous branches of magic. Anyone messing around in my class will leave and not come back. Since Transfiguration is key for many jobs in the wizarding world, that would be very unfortunate for that person.”
McGonagall turned her desk into a pig and back again before passing out matches to each student. She instructed them to turn the match into a needle.
Harry drew his wand before touching the match with the fingers of his other hand. The match shifted before turning into a perfect needle.
“Excellent,” McGonagall said from behind him causing him to jump. “I’m very impressed. Did your Mum train you?”
Harry nodded. “Yeah, she trained me in the basics.”
Hermione Granger spoke up from the other side of the room. “That’s not right. It’s not fair that wizards get special treatment.”
McGonagall frowned. “It’s not fair that Muggle-born wizards and witches aren’t exposed to magic. It’s not fair that wizardkind have been forced to hide for all these centuries fearing execution if we are found. It’s also not fair that creatures in our world are persecuted for not being human enough. It’s not fair that people in the Muggle world are persecuted because of their race or gender. Neither of our worlds are perfect. Life isn’t fair. That is why we start at the beginning at Hogwarts. It is the best we can do to even the playing field.”
The room was silent. McGonagall stared at them for a few seconds. “Right then,” she said. “Back to work.”
The rest of the lesson passed in silence. By the end of the class, Hermione and Daphne had managed to turn their matches into needles and Padma had managed to give her match a point.
As they exited the room, Harry turned to Daphne.
“What did you think of McGonagall’s speech?”
Daphne smirked. “Which one?”
“The second one.”
“She’s right. Neither of our worlds are perfect. It is our responsibility to do what we can to make things better.”
Harry pulled his schedule from his pocket. “We’ve got charms next.”
“Then let’s go.”
**ROE**
Arawn closed the book he was reading and sat back in his chair. This was it. This was what he had been looking for all these years. This explained everything about Lily. The question he had to answer now was who was Lily Evans Potter?
He stood and strode from the room. The answer had to be somewhere in the records.
**ROE**
Flitwick smiled as Harry stepped into his classroom. “Well,” he squeaked. “At least I have one of you in my house.”
Harry raised an eyebrow.
“You and Longbottom,” Flitwick said. “I was sure you’d both go to Gryffindor.”
Harry bowed. “Master Flitwick,” he said quietly. “It will be an honor to learn from you.”
Flitwick waved a hand dismissively. “No need for that. I’m just an old charms professor.”
“My Mother speaks very highly of you.”
“Ah,” Flitwick said. “Your Mother was one of my finest students. Did things with a wand I’d never seen. Well then, sit down and let’s see if you have inherited her talent.”
Flitwick was not near as stern as McGonagall but had a calm wisdom that only came with age and experience.
“Charms are some of the most varied magic you will learn,” he explained. “There are charms to heal and charms that can be used to kill. There are charms that can cheer up the heart and charms that can hide someone from ever finding you.” He smiled as the class perked up. “You will not be learning any of that today. At Hogwarts, everyone starts at the beginning. As such…”
Flitwick passed out a piece of torn fabric. “Today you will be learning the mending charm. The incantation is Repairo. Remember, you must concentrate and pronounce the word carefully or there could be consequences.”
Harry looked down at his piece of fabric. It appeared to be a ragged piece of silk. Drawing his wand, he laid the fingers of his other hand on the fabric. The tears in the fabric and the frayed edges vanished, leaving the fabric as good as new.
“Well done,” Flitwick said from beside him. “It seems that you have inherited some of your mother’s skill. I wander,” he laid glass figurine of a horse on the desk. There were several cracks in the glass and jagged shards stuck out where the legs should be. “You can’t touch this without being cut. How will you repair that?”
Harry raised his wand and tapped the glass figurine murmuring the incantation. “Repairo.”
The glass figurine was restored with a loud crack. As Flitwick picked it up, it crumbled into a pile of sand.
“Well,” Flitwick said. “You still have a bit to learn, don’t you?”
“That’s why I’m here,” Harry said quietly.
Flitwick chuckled. “Indeed. I shall do my best to educate you.”
**ROE**
The next two days passed without incident. Harry found that while he was good at charms and transfiguration, he was terrible at herbology.
As he exited the greenhouse, he wiped blood from his cheek.
“I don’t know what that plant was,” Daphne said with a giggle, “but it really didn’t like you.”
“Can’t be good at everything,” Harry muttered.
“No, I suppose not. Have you spoken to your mother?”
“No,” Harry said. “She did send me a letter. She wants to meet with me on Friday. Since I don’t have History until Monday, I’d like to see her.”
“Can I meet her?” Daphne asked.
“Sure.”
“You won’t have much to tell her about Defense against the Dark arts.”
“No,” Harry said looking down at the ground. “Kind of disappointing.”
The defense professor, professor Quirrell, was scared of his own shadow. The poor man couldn’t get through a sentence without stuttering.
“What do you think happened to him?” Harry asked.
“I heard he had a nasty experience with a hag, but that’s probably just rumor.”
“Well, the only classes we have left this week are astronomy and Potions.”
“And astronomy is at midnight,” Harry grumbled.
“Quit complaining,” Daphne said. “Learning about the stars will be fascinating.”
**ROE**
At one in the morning, Daphne stumbled as she walked down the stairs of the astronomy tower. Harry grabbed her to keep her from falling.
“Why do we need to study this?” Daphne grumbled.
“Because it’s fascinating,” Harry said with a smirk.
“Shut up,” Daphne growled.
“How do wizards know anything about the planets?”
“Muggles weren’t the only ones that explored space. The ministry had a space program for a while. After they made it to the moon, they stopped and most use equipment they left behind to try and study other planets.”
“Wait,” Harry said. “For a while, that means there isn’t a magical space program anymore.”
“No,” Daphne said. “They dropped it in 1986. The official excuse was it was too expensive.”
Harry studied his friend. “And the unofficial reason?”
“Well,” Daphne began slowly. “You know I told you that we have people working in the Muggle government?”
Harry nodded.
“We heard about the Challenger explosion in the US. My Dad thinks the ministry stopped studying space because they felt it was too dangerous. After all, we didn’t have a spaceship. We used a special type of Portkey and a lot of runes to get to the moon, but one miscalculation…”
“Bye-bye wizarding astronauts,” Harry finished.
Daphne nodded. “There’s been a push to return to the moon, but the ministry is reluctant to begin space travel again.”
“I can understand why.”
“The last core class is potions on Friday.”
Harry nodded. “Potions sounds fun.”
“We’ll see,” Daphne said. “I’ve heard Professor Snape can be pretty nasty.”
**ROE**
Snape being nasty was an understatement. As soon as Harry stepped into the room, he saw the man glaring at him.
Harry took a moment to look at him. He was tall and thin with sallow skin, cold black eyes, and greasy black hair. As Soon as everyone was inside, he called roll. When he got to Harry’s name, he stopped.
“Harry Potter,” he said his voice silky and smooth. “Our wannabe celebrity.”
Harry said nothing. His Mother had told him that she and Snape were close once, but their friendship had ended during her fifth year at Hogwarts. When he didn’t say anything, Snape finished calling the roll and leaned back against his desk.
“There will be no foolish wand waving or silly incantations in this class. You are here to learn the subtle art of potion making. I can teach you to brew fame, bottle glory, and even stop death in it’s tracks. That is, of course, if you aren’t as big a bunch of idiots I usually have to teach.”
“Potter,” he said suddenly. “What would I get if I added boomslang skin and lacewing flies to a potion?”
“A bit vague,” Harry said. “The only potion I can think of that has those ingredients is the Pollyjuice potion.”
Snape paused. “That is correct essentially, but I don’t like your tone. That will be five points from Ravenclaw. Why don’t we try again? Where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?”
“I believe that is located in the stomach of a goat, sir.”
Snape ground his teeth. “What’s the difference between Munkshood and Wolfsbane?”
“They are the same plant. They are also called Acanite.”
Snape sneered but turned away. “Today, you will be making a simple boil curing potion. Instructions are on the bored.”
Harry, Daphne, and Susan teamed up on the potion. The only sound was the bubbling of the potion and the crunch as ingredients were chopped.
When the class was over, Harry carried his flask of potion to Snape’s desk and lined it up with the others.
As they left the class, Daphne turned to Harry. “I’m glad no one messed up their potion. As much as he seems to hate you, he probably would’ve blamed you.”
Harry nodded. “Come on, I want you to meet my Mum.”
**ROE**
Lily drew Harry into a tight hug and kissed his forehead.
“Mum,” Harry whined blushing.
“Quit it,” Lily said. “I haven’t seen you for nearly three weeks. I’m allowed to be affectionate.”
Daphne giggled drawing Lily’s attention.
“Greengrass?” Lily asked turning to her.
Daphne nodded.
“You look just like your mother. She was a good friend.”
“Thank you Mrs. Potter,” Daphne said bowing her head.
“Call me Lily when we’re not in class,” Lily said.
“Okay, Lily,” Daphne said.
“Well, why don’t you come into my office and tell me about your first week?”
As they entered her office, Harry noticed how bare the room was. He arched an eyebrow.
“Still decorating?”
Lily shrugged. “How do you decorate a history of magic professor’s office? Lots of books?”
“Point,” Harry said.
Sitting down in two overstuffed chairs, Harry and Daphne watched as Lily made three cups of tea and brought over a plate of chocolate biscuits.
“So,” Lily began. “Tell me about your first week.”
Harry and Daphne told her all about their classes. When they’d finished, Lily took a sip of tea.
“From what I’ve been told, Severus has been very bitter since 1981. I haven’t spoken to him. I just try and avoid him. I’m glad you like transfiguration and charms. They were always my favorite classes.”
“I got a headache towards the end of the potions lesson,” Harry said.
“Did you?” Lily asked her eyes narrowing.
“Yeah, it came on really sudden. It went away after I left the classroom but…”
Lily hummed. “Let me know if it happens again.”
Harry took a bite of biscuit. “Heard from Arawn?”
“He said he had some news for me and he’s supposed to be coming over tonight after he takes care of something.”
“What sort of something?”
Lily shrugged. “Good question. He won’t tell me.”
“We have history of magic on Monday,” Daphne said.
“Looking forward to it?”
“As a matter-of-fact, I am,” Daphne said. “It’ll be interesting to see if you can keep people awake. Dad said most people have been sleeping through the class for the past century.”
Lily smiled. “I’ll do my best.”
She glanced at her watch. “Crap,” she said. “I’m late for a staff meeting.” She glanced at Harry. “Want to stay in my quarters tonight? It’d be nice to catch up.”
“Sure.”
“Right,” Lily said. “I’ve got to get going.”
**ROE**
Arawn appeared outside the gates of Greengrass manor. Wrapping his hand in his cloak, he pushed open the wrought iron gate and stepped onto the path leading to the front door. He could sense moderately strong wards pressing against him. Ignoring the wards, he strode straight up to the door and knocked three times.
A blond man opened the door, his green eyes narrowed. “How did you get passed my wards?”
Arawn arched an eyebrow. “There are wards up?”
The man’s hand twitched towards his pocket. “Look pal, my daughter is sick. I’m not in the mood for some smartarse showing up unannounced on my doorstep.”
“Your daughter is the reason I’ve come. I’ve heard about the blood curse she suffers from. I’d like to help.”
“Help? We’ve had the best Healers in all of Europe looking at her. What makes you think you could do what they couldn’t.”
“Because I’m different. Look, I swear on my power that I’m not here to harm your house or anyone who calls this place home. I merely want to help your daughter.”
There was a flash of white light. The man stared at Arawn for a solid minute before speaking.
“You didn’t use a wand,” he said finally.
“I’m different. If you let me inside, I’ll explain everything.”
The man hesitated for a few seconds, but pulled the door open wide. As Arawn started to step inside, the man held out a hand.
“Wait, before I allow you in my home, tell me your name.”
“My name is Arawn,” Arawn said. “I’m the lord of Annwn.”
**ROE**
“Gareth Greengrass’s study was spacious and lined with bookshelves. A large oak desk sat in the middle of the room. A comfortable looking chair sat behind the desk and a straight-backed wooden chair sat in front of it.
“Okay,” Gareth said sitting down behind his desk. “Why would a faerie lord be interested in my daughter?”
“Someone very important to me asked me to take a look at her.”
“Is that so, may I ask who this person is?”
“You can ask,” Arawn said softly.
“But you’re not gonna tell me.”
“Nope.”
“You know it is a blood curse?”
“Yes.”
“And you think you can do something about it?”
“Perhaps.”
“And you are doing this out of the goodness of your heart with no thought for any reward?”
“Not entirely.”
Gareth’s eyes narrowed. “What do you want?”
“Simply this,” Arawn said leaning back in his chair. “I want two things.
First, I’d like you to take a vow not to speak of me until the fae fully reveal themselves.”
“I can do that.” Anything else?”
“One more thing. When the fae reveal themselves, I want you to be our advocate. Tell people what I did for you.”
“I see,” Gareth said slowly. “What if you can’t help my daughter?”
“Then I will find someone who can. By the time our bargain is done, your daughter will be cured. That I can promise you.”
Gareth was quiet for a time. “You know that the ministry may not take your return well. What if they attack my family? I’d hate for you to save my daughter just for all of us to be slaughtered by a group of angry bigots.”
“I will strengthen your wards to ensure that you are safe in your home.”
Gareth sighed. “You have a deal. Let’s get the wording of the oath right and then you can examine my daughter.”
**ROE**
Arawn lowered his hand the soft blue glow that surrounded Astoria faded. With gentle fingers, he smoothed her blond hair away from her face.
“Well,” Gareth asked.
Arawn hummed. “This is a nasty blood curse. Fortunately for us, it is wizardry, so I should be able to remove it and reverse its effects.”
“So, you can remove it?”
“Yes,” Arawn said rolling up his sleeves. “It’s going to be gross though.”
“What do you mean? Is this going to hurt my daughter?”
“I’d like to know that myself,” a woman’s voice said. “What is going on here?”
Both men turned to face the person who’d spoken. The woman standing in the doorway of the room was an older copy of her daughter. Her long black hair was tied back in a braid and her blue eyes were narrowed with irritation.
“Delia,” Gareth said. “This man is taking a look at Astoria to see if he can aid in removing her blood curse.”
“Gareth!” the woman said. “We’ve had some of the best healers money can buy examining her for years. What makes this man any different?”
“I’m fae,” Arawn said casually. “Furthermore, my mother was well acquainted with death and dark magic.”
Delia studied him, her eyes cold. “Can you help her?”
“Yes,” Arawn said. “This is a continuous curse meant to pass from parent to Child of the Greengrass bloodline. It will be unpleasant, but not impossible to remove.”
“Will it hurt her?” Delia asked.
“No,” Arawn said. “As I said, it will be unpleasant, but not fatal.”
“Do it,” Gareth said.
“Very well,” Arawn said looking down at the sleeping Astoria. Reaching into his pocket, he drew out a silver vial etched with runes. He made a gripping motion over Astoria’s chest.
Astoria convulsed before her mouth yawned open. She heaved, putrid black slime pouring from her mouth. Careful not to touch it, Arawn guided the slime into the vial. When Astoria had stopped throwing up, Arawn corked the vial and tucked it away in his cloak.
“Who are you?” Astoria said blinking up at Arawn.
Arawn smiled and stroked her hair. “A friend. How do you feel?”
Astoria blinked. “My mouth tastes like a baby dragon pooped in it, but otherwise I feel fine.”
“Good,” Arawn said laying his hand on her forehead. Astoria glowed briefly.
“What was that?” Delia asked.
“A simple healing spell. It will speed up the production of new blood. Make sure she eats something. She’s going to need a lot of food and drink to recover her strength.”
“Hello,” Astoria said plaintively. “She is right here and wants to know what is going on.”
Arawn chuckled. “Indeed, you are. I’ll let your parents explain. It was nice meeting you.”
“Thank you,” Gareth said holding out his hand. “I don’t know how we can ever repay you.”
“Remember what we agreed upon,” Arawn said. “I just need an advocate for our return.”
Delia stepped forward. “You will give me your word that you didn’t do anything besides cast a healing spell and remove the blood curse.”
Arawn’s eyes narrowed. “The fae don’t lie.”
Delia didn’t back down. “Perhaps not, but your kind doesn’t always tell the truth either.”
“Very well,” Arawn said stiffly. “I promise you I did nothing except cast a healing spell and remove the blood curse.”
Delia stared at him in silence for a few seconds. “Good enough.”
Arawn nodded politely to her. “I bid you farewell. If anything happens with her, simply call my name and I shall come.”
Without waiting for a response, Arawn vanished in a swirl of shadow.