Ella
═══━━━───• Part 1 — The Prophecy •───━━━═══
◈ 2 May, 1998 ~ 6 December, 1926 ◈
"NO!"
"No!"
"No!"
"Harry! HARRY!"
She sniffed, reliving the memory as she idly stirred the potion lying at her feet. It was almost time.
"SILENCE! It is over! Set him down, Hagrid, at my feet, where he belongs! You see? Harry Potter is dead! Do you understand now, deluded ones? He was nothing, ever, but a boy who relied on others to sacrifice themselves for him!"
"He beat you!"
"He was killed while trying to sneak out of the castle grounds, killed while trying to save himself—and who is this? Who has volunteered to demonstrate what happens to those who continue to fight when the battle is lost?"
"It is Neville Longbottom, my Lord! The boy who has been giving the Carrows so much trouble! The son of the Aurors, remember?"
"Ah yes, I remember. But you are a pureblood, aren't you, my brave boy?"
"So what if I am?"
"Elladora." Someone placed one arm over her shoulder. "It'll be fine. Wait, what is that potion?"
She didn't reply.
"You show spirit and bravery, and you come of noble stock. You will make a very valuable Death Eater. We need your kind, Neville Longbottom."
"I'll join you when hell freezes over. Dumbledore's Army!"
"Very well. If that is your choice, Longbottom, we revert to the original plan. On your head, be it. There will be no more Sorting at Hogwarts School. There will be no more Houses. The emblem, shield and colours of my noble ancestor, Salazar Slytherin, will suffice for everyone. Won't they, Neville Longbottom?"
"Neville!"
"They won't."
"Ah, Elladora Black. There you are."
"I may be cursed by you, Tom. My older brothers may be dead because of you, but I am not. I will have my vengeance."
"No, Ella!"
"Elladora!"
"Elladora Octavia Black, don't you dare—"
"Avada—"
"Crucio."
•┈┈┈•• ◈ ••┈┈┈•
"You're supposed to be resting, Minnie." She rasped, not turning to see who it was.
"You're also supposed to be resting too, Ella, and don't call me that." Minerva McGonagall said, sitting next to her favourite student. "What is that potion?"
"That's not important."
"Alright. How are you feeling, Ella?"
"Tortured." She said, giving a dry laugh, then coughed as she choked a little. Her throat was so parched from screaming.
"Here." Minerva handed her a cup of water, and she downed it.
"Thanks."
There was a flash of light, like fire, and a single red feather floated down from the air — Fawkes's warning.
"They're coming, Minerva. I have to go."
"Go where? Ella, you're not leaving this room."
A tear rolled down her cheek, then another. Soon she was full on sobbing, and threw herself at Minerva. "I'm sorry, Minerva. I'm sorry, but I have to leave."
"Leave to where?" Minerva asked, kissing the top of her head.
"Back in time, 72 years ago. I have to change the future, Minerva. It is my destiny."
"Don't leave us. Leave me. They need you."
She shook her head. "Stay strong, Minerva. I will see you again. Until then, Minnie."
Minerva hugged her. "Stay safe, Ella."
"I will."
She downed the emerald potion, hung the necklace around her neck, and spun it seven times.
"Goodbye, Minerva. Love you."
"I love you too!" Minerva cried desperately after the fading figure. "Ella! Ella!"
•┈┈┈•• ◈ ••┈┈┈•
A lone piece of paper floated down onto the bed she disappeared on.
Seven times the sands must spin, thrice the grey child must run
Born to His followers, cursed on the eighth of the first and last.
Fate changed and her destiny fulfilled,
To subdue the enemy when the spells collide.
"Stay safe and strong, Ella." Minerva whispered into the air, a tear leaving her emerald eyes. "May Godric be with you."