The Hellish Life of Helia Potter

“In the name Circe, what the bloody crap was that?!” Lily hissed as soon as they were out of earshot.

"I...was angry.” Snape said wearily, not bothering to sugarcoat it Lily wouldn’t take any bullshit right now especially if she was cursing. "I knew that I would be teaching Heliantheae Potter the supposed chosen one, even worse the spawn of James Potter who was nosing but a bully and an arrogant toe-rag that I treated her as I would him.”

"Does this behaviour continue?" Lily asked, narrowing her green eyes at him.

"...Yes.” He admitted, hesitantly. " I mean as the years pasted, I don’t know if less harsh is the word for it.” He floundered for the right words.“I didn’t target her as much, but if an opportunity came up to make her school life harder I didn’t hesitate to do so.”

 “You didn’t target her?!” Lily scoffed, in disbelief. "What you did was childish, petty, cruel, and unprofessional at every angle. You took out your schoolyard grudge with James out on a child that did not bear any sins, not her father’s nor her mother’s for a child bares no sin!” She ranted, furious at her old childhood friend. “Not to mention that hidden message crap.”

Snape flinched.

“Don’t think I don’t know Heli left out your other little hidden message.” She hissed, pointing an accusing finger at him. “You gave her a warning, Monkshood symbolizes that that danger may be nearby and a foe may be lurking there waiting. I know you weren’t talking about Voldemort, you were talking about you, you’re the foe that hiding in the shadows.”

Snape’s head bowed low, before nodding. “I'm sorry."

"You're only sorry that you’re upsetting me, not that you’re targeting my daughter!” she snapped, he flinched again only then did Lily realize what was really bothering him. “Oh my magic, you’re not only taking your grudge on James out on Helia you’re taking your grudge about me on Helia too!” Lily exclaimed.

Snape’s dark eyes narrowed, as he avoided looking into her inquiring gaze. “What grudge? I don’t hold anything against you.”

“Your bitter that I choose James over you, even though I told you I only thought of you as my friend, my family.” Lily hissed. “But you didn’t want that did you, if you couldn’t have it your way than what was the point right?” She accused angrily, before taking a deep breath in hope of calming her anger. “I’ll tell you this, I will not tolerate you attacking my daughter because that’s what she is not just James Potter’s ‘spawn’ She is also the loved ‘spawn’ of Lily Evans Potter who used to be your best friend.” With that said the fuming redhead stormed out of the hallway back to where everyone and her family was waiting.

A silent Snape followed after his composed himself it wouldn’t do any good to lose his self now, not when he came this far he had made his bed now he just had to lay in it.
As they returned to the siting room, Lily without a word collapsed into her husband’s waiting embrace James asked nothing only lightly kissed the top of her flame coloured head. Snape slunk off back to his seat he gave a stiff mood to his godson who looked at him with concealed worry. 

“I guess I’ll begin then…” Padma trailed off. “The Midnight Duel”

Mrs. Weasley whipped around to glare at her youngest son fire burning in her eyes. “Ronald Weasley, I swear to Merlin you better of not been duelling, young man or so help me.”

Ron turned pale at his mother’s anger, Helia quickly jumped in to save her best mate from his mother’s wrath. “Mrs. Weasley we didn’t duel anyone.” Helia reassured, “Honest.”

“I sure hope not young lady.” Lily warned her daughter who flinched, looking over her shoulder wearily at her mother. “Wandering the castle at night is one thing, duelling students is another." Lily forewarned, Helia grimaced at the stern stare her mother was staring at her with.

"There was no duel." Helia said, which wasn’t a lie. 

Helia had never believed she would meet a boy more annoying than Dudley, but that was before she met Draco Malfoy.

Blaise could see the hurt shining behind his best friends eyes, something had to be done. “Hey, Potter.” He called out.

Her emerald eyes slide over to stare at him, her eyes clearly saying what-is-it-now. “Yes?”

“You hate Draco more than your cousin who literally beat on you.” He demanded to know. Helia’s eyes squinted in confusion for a moment, her response started the room into silence.

“Who said anything about hate?”

“Mate, what are you talking about you hate going to your relatives?!” Ron exclaimed shocked.

Helia nodded in agreement. “Yes, I hate going to my relatives, however I don’t hate my cousin.”

“Helia, How can you say that?” Hermione questioned. “After what he put you through, he intentionally targets you.”

“I know, Dudley is very much the product of how he was raised to be.” Helia informed them, with a weary twist on her lips. “He was raised to think of me as nothing more than a freak, and someone that is lesser than him. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not giving an excuse for his behaviour I would be quite happy to never see my relatives ever again. But, I know why he’s like that we’re both products of how we were raised in that house.” Helia presented, to her shocked silent friends and family. “If anything I’m so used to Dudley’s childish insults and threats, that it’s more of an annoyance than anything else.”

Blaise simply blinked at her in contemplation. “How is Draco more annoying than your cousin.”

Helia’s eyebrows furrowed at the repeated question, wasn’t her reasoning obvious? “Before I came to Hogwarts, I didn’t care for anyone but myself.” Helia to him, causing a dark eyebrow to shoot up in surprise little saint Potter only caring for herself, oh please. “It’s true, however I gained people I genuinely cared for, people I would not stand being mocked or hurt.”

Blaise’s eyes widened in realization, scoffing at himself for not figuring it out sooner. “You classify Draco higher because he badmouths your friends and not just you.”

“Yeah, pretty much.”

Still, first-year Gryffindors only had Potions with the Slytherins, so they didn't have to put up with Malfoy much.

“You know for only have one class with him, he sure seemed to pop up from nowhere.” Hermione said with a smile hiding behind her fingers. “For someone who claims to hate us, you sure seem to seek us out a lot.” 

Draco narrowed his icy silver eyes at Granger trying not to bring attention to how pink his cheeks surely were. He didn’t want to admit how right she was, he always goes out of his way to find them —or really Potter—he used taunts, and fights as a way to just be in her presence. If only for a moment of her time, even if it was negative attention her focus was finally on him in those moments. 

Or at least, theydidn't until they spotted a notice pinned up in the Gryffindor common room that made them all groan. Flying lessons would be starting on Thursday -- and Gryffindor and Slytherin would be learning together. 

“Sure let’s put the Gryffindor and Slytherins together, it’s not like their bitter rivals or anything.” Fred drawled sarcastically.

“Yes they would never antagonize each other until a fight breaks out, that’s for sure.” George said just as sarcastic.

“Never, the very thought is blasphemy.” They chorused.

"Typical," said Helia darkly. "Just what I always wanted. To make a fool of myself on a broomstick in front of Malfoy. "

Everyone who had seen Helia fly, snorted at that ridiculous thought.

"Give me a break this was going to be my first time on a broom, I didn’t know.” Helia whined. 

"It’s just a hilarious thought, you Helia Potter make a fool of yourself on a broom please as if you could.” Fred scoffed. 

"Are you really that good?" James asked with a wide grin on his face.

"The only game she's ever lost was because the dementors wondered on to the pitch.” Susan informed her friends father.
“Dementors what were dementors doing at Hogwarts?!” Lily gasped, horrified.

Helia slapped a hand over Susan’s mouth, “Sorry, can’t disclose that information you’ll have to wait until the third book.” Helia denied, before turning to her friend. “Licking my hand isn’t going to do anything.”

Susan finally pried Helia’s hand off. “It’s meant to make you let go, you almost smother me!”

Helia looked at her blankly. “Why would it, and I wasn’t even covering your nose it’s not my fault you didn’t think to breathe through your nose.”

“Wha-What?” Susan stuttered gaping at Helia’s deadpan face, Ron sighed placing a calming hand on her shoulder.

“It’s not worth it.” Ron told her. “She wouldn’t get it.”

She had been looking forward to learning to fly more than anything else. 

"You don't know that you'll make a fool of yourself," said Ron reasonably. "Anyway, I know Malfoy's always going on about how good he is at Quidditch, but I bet that's all talk. "

"It's not," Draco said at the same time Helia blurted out, "No, not really."

This drew many perplexed looks, “What? I can’t compliment a fellow quidditch player?” Helia hissed, as she avoided looking at the awe filled silver orbs of Draco ‘not a bad flyer’ Malfoy.

Malfoy certainly did talk about flying a lot. He complained loudly about first years never getting on the house Quidditch teams and told long, boastful stories that always seemed to end with him narrowly escaping Muggles in helicopters. Helia mused to herself, for someone who acted as if non-magicals were below him, he sure was up to the time with non-magical things. He wasn't the only one, though: the way Seamus Finnigan told it, he'd spent most of his childhood zooming around the countryside on his broomstick. Even Ron would tell anyone who'd listen about the time he'd almost hit a hang glider on Charlie's old broom.

Charlie's eyes widened, then narrow at his little brother in a frightening akin way his dragons would look at their prey. The other Weasley siblings watching knowingly between their two siblings, the other ready to go in for the kill and the other turning paler by the moment. 

"What were you doing on my broom?" Charlie growled dangerously, as his brother watched him apprehensively.

Ron’s Adam’s apple visibly bobbed as he swallowed fearfully, trying to make himself as small as possible. "Uh, it was only one?" He tried only for his brother to seethe with anger even for looking one step away from breathing fire. “Come on, Charlie I was eight.” Ron whined holding his hands up in defence. 

“Once... like I give a bleeding crap I warned all of you’s when I bought that broom I home that you were not to take my broom without me being there with you. It wasn’t a family broom it was mine, I worked my ass off for that broom for three summers, since I was 13 until finally I was able to save enough money!” Charlie raged as he towered over his brother who was hoping to Merlin that the chair who swallow him whole. “You don’t have respect for me or my property!”

Before Mr. Weasley could get up to remove his second oldest from the room, a petite pale hands grabbed Charlie’s larger work-hardened hand. “I was wrong before you aren’t curse, Lytta must have gave you her blessing sadly every blessing does have its drawbacks.” Luna told him, not at all bother by the intense fierce gaze staring at her. She simply traced runes into his skin Algiz for warding off evil and Wunjo for comfort with a gentle finger laced with her magic. He could feel the anger and rage dissipating he no longer felt that burning fire eating away at his insides. Luna tugs his still looming form away from his shocked brother back to their seats never once letting go of his hand.

The Weasley’s were staring at the little blonde Ravenclaw like they have never seen her before, they never saw anyone but Mr. Weasley calm Charlie’s temper.

“We can begin again.” Luna told the room, drawing the room out of their shock.

Padma scramble with the book for a minute, as she followed her housemates gentle order.

Everyone from wizarding families talked about Quidditch constantly. Ron had already had a big argument with Dean Thomas, who shared his dormitory, about soccer. Ron couldn't see what was exciting about a game with only one ball where no one was allowed to fly. Seamus had told Helia that he had caught Ron prodding Dean's poster of West Ham soccer team, trying to make the players move. 

Hermione face-palmed and ran her hand down her face, exasperated, but she didn't say anything this time.

Neville had never been on a broomstick in his life, because his grandmother had never let him near onE.

“No surprise there, Augusta hates quidditch ever since frank fractured his skull in fifth year in a quidditch match.” Sirius informed Neville. “Wouldn’t let him back on a broom for the life of him, the poor bloke had to go over her head and sneak his quidditch games behind her back.” Sirius informed.

“Really! The way Gran tells it, Dad didn’t even like quidditch.” Neville exclaimed shocked.

“Are you kidding, Frank pretty much lived for the game he was second in command to James who was captain!” Sirius bragged. “He was no doubt my best beater partner, that I’ve played with.”

“Oh yeah, Frankie boy was excellent at keeping me from going over board with the team training.” James laughed sheepishly. “Those slackers always went crying to Frankie, too much of cowards to face me themselves.”

Privately, Helia felt she'd had good reason, because Neville managed to have an extraordinary number of accidents even with both feet on the ground. 

“Helia!" shouted Mrs. Weasley.

"Yes?" Helia calmly, inquired staring at Mrs. Weasley expressionlessly.

"Oh, they so aren’t going to win this one." Ron to Hermione, who nodded in agreement. Neville hid a smile behind his palm, he didn’t blame Helia for her thoughts in fact he looked forwards how she would handle people condemning her for her private thoughts. He so was betting on Helia. 

"He's your friend! You shouldn't think that about your friends!" scolded Mrs. Weasley.

"But it’s just that though, I thought it." Helia informed her best friends mother, with a cold smile on her lips. “Haven't you ever thought about something privately, that you would never say out loud?" Helia inquired with that same smile.

"Yes, but what does that have to do—“ 

“It has every thing to do with this, because your thought it’s still private to you right? I mean why do you tell us all about it.” Helia pressured Mrs.Weasley.

“What—why? Would I—” Mrs.Weasley stuttered, as her face slowly turn more red.

“Exactly why should you be expected to share your private thought? I mean it’s not like I wanted to have my upmost private and every thought all shown in a neat little book for everyone to read.” Helia said with a sarcastic little smile that bared her teeth a bit too much. “Why should I be persecuted for my thoughts? When everyone here even yourself is just as guilty?” Helia asked, with a head tilt that sent shivers down people’s spines. 

"We weren’t...I didn’t mean to...." Mrs.Weasley stuttered.

"If not, then let’s care on then shall we.” Helia suggested, even though it sounded more of an order. 

Hermione Granger was almost as nervous about flying as Neville was. This was something you couldn't learn by heart out of a book -- not that she hadn't tried.

“You wouldn't be our Hermione if you didn't." Helia told her best friend, kindly.

In their dormitory Helia and Hermione poured themselves over Quidditch Through the Ages in hopes of the knowledge would at least help them be better prepared for the actual act.

"Aww, aren’t you two just adorable.” Blaise mused, glanced at Helia and Hermione in amusement. Both girls bristled at the looked.

"I’ll show you fucking adorable, alright.” Helia hissed, only to be held back by Sirius.

At breakfast on Thursday Hermione bored the boys all stupid with flying tips she'd gotten out of Quidditch Through the Ages.

“That's a good book, especially if you like Quidditch, but it doesn't really give you tips that you need to know for a first time flight.” James informed Hermione.

Neville was hanging on to her every word, desperate for anything that might help him hang on to his broomstick later, but everybody else was very pleased when Hermione's lecture was interrupted by the arrival of the mail.

"Well, love you too.” Hermione sarcastically called out, drawing laughter from her fellow Gryffindor. 

Helia hadn't had a single letter since Hagrid's note, something that Malfoy had been quick to notice, of course.

“And there you go again, Malfoy." Hermione muttered, growing a glare for the boy in question.

James hazel eyes narrowed behind his glasses, as he assessed the blonde boy next to his daughter. If Fawn’s friend was right, and this kid was indeed watching his little Fawn more than he should be they just might need to have a little chat.

Malfoy's eagle owl was always bringing him packages of sweets from home, which he opened gloatingly at the Slytherin table. 

A barn owl brought Neville a small package from his grandmother. He opened it excitedly and showed them a glass ball the size of a large marble, which seemed to be full of white smoke. 

"It's a Remembrall!" he explained.

“Not those blasted things, My Mum still to this day sends me them.” Tonks sighed, annoyed.

"Gran knows I forget things -- this tells you if there's something you've forgotten to do. Look, you hold it tight like this and if it turns red -- oh. . . " His face fell, because the Remembrall had suddenly glowed scarlet, ". . . you've forgotten something. . . "

“Now if only it would tell you what you've forgotten..." Neville grumbled, Padma comforted him with a quick pat on the hand.

“Your doing much better, Neville.”

Neville was trying to remember what he'd forgotten when Draco Malfoy, who was passing the Gryffindor table, snatched the Remembrall out of his hand. 

"Why, Malfoy just what were you doing passing the Gryffindor table?” Daphne coyly mused, her teal eyes glinted wickedly at her housemate.“The Gryffindor and Slytherin tables are on opposite sides of Great Hall, and you just happen to be passing by just at that moment?” 

“Oh, Lovely Lady Greengrass, don’t you know Malfoy here is one of the most unsubtle wizards to ever wizard.” Fred snickered, at Malfoy who was turning pinker by the moment.

“A total drama queen really, if you ask me.” George smirked, as he lounged closer to the blonde between him and his twin.

“To be fair it’s only when he’s around Heli-flower, he becomes so easy to read.” Fred jokingly, tutted.

“Yes, it’s really quite funny.” George agreed.

“Now, boys don’t torture the boy too much.” Daphne tittered, behind her hand. “It’s better to drag it out.”

George and Fred shared a darkly amused glance, man was this girl a riot or what?

Ron immediately jumped to his feet. Helia though gracefully rose from her seat, acting normally so not to attract the Professors attention— though Ron might of blew it already— with a smile that bared too many teeth to be sweet her eyes as hard as the stone they take after.

However, before anything could transpire, Professor McGonagall, who could spot trouble quicker than any teacher in the school, was there in a flash.

"I develop the ability due to your father and godfather." McGonagall said sternly.

“What about Remus, he was there too!” Sirius exclaimed, gesturing at Remus. 

“Yeah, I thought you didn’t have favourites.” James whined.

Remus turned to Sirius, with a shocked expression. “I’m hurt Sirius, James trying to through me under the spell, I’ll have you know that I as any good student would never dare get up to any mischief, it would be wrong.”

“Oh don’t go pulling that good-two-shoes act out of your arse, Mate.” James waved Remus wide-eyed look off, with a scoff. “I’m honestly surprised that people still fall for that after how many times you bullshit them with the whole good boy act.”

“Your just jealous that everyone knows you’re such a toe-rag, that no one believes you when you try.” Remus chuckled at his friends pout.

"What's going on?"

"Malfoy's got my Remembrall, Professor. "

Scowling, Malfoy quickly dropped the Remembrall back on the table. 

"Just looking," he said, and he sloped away with Crabbe and Goyle behind him. 

“You look with your eyes not your hands, Mr. Malfoy.” Madam Bones said sternly.

At three-thirty that afternoon, Helia, Ron, and the other Gryffindors hurried down the front steps onto the grounds for their first flying lesson. It was a clear, breezy day, and the grass rippled under their feet as they marched down the sloping lawns toward a smooth, flat lawn on the opposite side of the grounds to the forbidden forest, whose trees were swaying darkly in the distance. 

“As our beloved captain Oliver used to say, never a better day for some flying.” Fred said with a sage nodded.

“Freddie, old chap he said every day was no better day.” George correct him.

“Are you sure, Georgie?”

“Yes, I quite vividly remembered practice happening for three hours in a snow storm.

The Slytherins were already there, and so were twenty broomsticks lying in neat lines on the ground. Helia had heard Fred and George Weasley complain about the school brooms, saying that some of them started to vibrate if you flew too high, or always flew slightly to the left. 

“You really should get those brooms updated.” Kingsley said.

“Those things stopped being brooms ages ago." George groaned, with Fred nodding along.

Their teacher, Madam Hooch, arrived. She had short, gray hair, and yellow eyes like a hawk. 

"Well, what are you all waiting for?" she barked. "Everyone stand by a broomstick. Come on, hurry up. "

Helia glanced down at her broom. It was old and some of the twigs stuck out at odd angles. 

"Stick out your right hand over your broom," called Madam Hooch at the front, "and say 'Up!'"

"UP" everyone shouted. 

Helia's broom jumped into her hand at once,

James cheered, jumping up from his seat. "That my daughter, what did I tell you people my daughter was born to fly!” 

“James, no one said anything different.” Lily sighed, fondly. 

“But, Lily-pad our daughter, flying!”

“Yes, yes, very proud.” Lily said. “Now tone it down you, ridiculous man.”

Helia smiled at her parents, she couldn’t get over how much she loved watching them.

but it was one of the few that did. Hermione Granger's had simply rolled over on the ground, and Neville's hadn't moved at all. Perhaps brooms, like horses, could tell when you were afraid, thought Helia; there was a quaver in Neville's voice that said only too clearly that he wanted to keep his feet on the ground. 

"Tell me about it, I unfortunately found out extremely fast, just how much I wanted to stay on the ground." said Neville with a chuckle.

Madam Hooch then showed them how to mount their brooms without sliding off the end, and walked up and down the rows correcting their grips. Helia and Ron were delighted when she told Malfoy he'd been doing it wrong for years. 

“Which is complete bullocks, there is no right or wrong grip on a broom, it's whatever is comfortable for you." Draco grumbled, still slighted by the correction. 

“There, There.” Blaise consoled, however his best friend could tell he was being sarcastic as he shot the Italian boy a dark glare.

"She teaches the standard grade grip for beginners to the first years, as it is the most easiest form for people who never ridden a broomstick to learn. Once you learn the basics then you can experiment with the different riding techniques and what works best for you, she just there to help give the students a good starting base to go off of.” Madam Bones informed.

"Now, when I blow my whistle, you kick off from the ground, hard," said Madam Hooch. "Keep your brooms steady, rise a few feet, and then come straight back down by leaning forward slightly. On my whistle -- three -- two--"

But Neville, nervous and jumpy and frightened of being left on the ground, pushed off hard before the whistle had touched Madam Hooch's lips. 

"Come back, boy!" she shouted,

“Right, like that’s going to do anything.” Helia scoffed. “I don’t know what it is with teachers and believing yelling is the answer for everything. If you don’t want kids to do something you can’t just stand there yelling, it works better if you actually get up off you’re arse and do something.” Helia proclaimed, gruffly.

“Miss Potter!” McGonagall hissed, but Helia just rolled her eyes.

but Neville was rising straight up like a cork shot out of a bottle -- twelve feet -- twenty feet. Helia saw his scared white face look down at the ground falling away, saw him gasp, slip sideways off the broom and --

Everyone winced, knowing what was about to happen. Padma latched onto Neville’s hand with a death grip, her sister had told her all about this at dinner, but this was different in a way she couldn’t explain.

WHAM -- a thud and a nasty crack and Neville lay facedown on the grass in a heap.

Nearly everyone in the room winced.

“Neville were you alright, Darling?” Lily asked, worriedly. 

Neville looked away from Padma, to turn a shocked stare to Lily. “Umm, Yes…just a broken wrist, Lady Potter.” Neville grimaced, stumbling over his words.

“You can call me Lily, Neville.” Lily told her godson, with a gentle smile on her lips. “I mean I am your Godmother.”

“Oh, Ok, Lady — I mean Lily.” Neville agreed, a bit shocked. “Madam Pomfrey had me fixed right up.”

"I guess this really didn't sell flying to you, huh ..." James said with a wry grin, running a hand through his natural windswept hair. 

Neville smiled sheepishly, “Yeah, you don’t say.”

His broomstick was still rising higher and higher, and started to drift lazily toward the forbidden forest and out of sight. 

Madam Hooch was bending over Neville, her face as white as his. 

"Broken wrist," Helia heard her mutter. "Come on, boy -- it's all right, up you get. "

She turned to the rest of the class. 

"None of you is to move while I take this boy to the hospital wing! You leave those brooms where they are or you'll be out of Hogwarts before you can say 'Quidditch. ' Come on, dear. "

“Please tell me she did not just leave a group of eleven year olds, who I might add are from opposing houses that hate each other, outside with brooms and instructions to not use them?" Remus asked blankly.

“Who in their right mind would leave any group of Gryffindor and Slytherin students together, that’s just asking for trouble.” Snape sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose at the thought of the two rival houses being left unsupervised.

McGonagall ran a hand down her face, in thought maybe she should’ve listened more to the students who were trying to explain what happened instead of brushing them off. Who knows what really happened that day, she only saw Potter up in the air it was most likely she mistakenly let someone get away with instigating the trouble.

Neville, his face tear-streaked, clutching his wrist, hobbled off with Madam Hooch, who had her arm around him.

No sooner were they out of earshot than Malfoy burst into laughter. 

"How is that funny?" Ginny snapped in disgust.

"Did you see his face, the great lump?"

The other Slytherins joined in. 

"Shut up, Malfoy," snapped Parvati Patil. 

Neville smiled to himself, it’s nice to know that Parvati cared for him and didn’t just put up with him because of how close him and Padma were. “It’s nice to know Parvati would defend my honour.” 

“Of course, she would Neville.” Padma was quick to reassure. “I mean she may act ditsy and girlish, but she still protect her own. And you Neville Frankllen Longbottom are undoubtedly our family.” Padma declared. Neville didn’t know what to say to the beautiful Ravenclaw girl, so he quietly took her hand in his hoping it should that he was okay with being family as long it was hers.

"Ooh, sticking up for Longbottom?" said Pansy Parkinson, a hard-faced Slytherin girl. "Never thought you'd like fat little crybabies, Parvati. "

“Why that Kutiya!” Padma hissed, no way was Parkinson getting away with insulting not only Neville, but her twin her other half. Parkinson better watch her back, when this was all over because the Patil’s were never ones to forget and forgive.

Helia silently stalked closer to the Slytherin’s, she noticed a silent boy standing away from most of his house mates she could tell his blank icy blue eyes were watching the whole show

Blaise let a smile tug at his lips, reaching a hand up to caress his lovers cheek bringing those icy blue’s to face him. “It seems that you were spotted quite easily, amante.” 

Theo’s dark eyebrows furrowed together, at his Elskan’s teasing. “It can’t be helped, Kærasti, not all of us can blend into the background like you do.” He whispered brushing lips ever so gentle on to that teasing smile.

Dark green eyes fluttered open to see the smirk tugging at Theo’s lips. “Well you know, always stay one step ahead of your enemies.”

from Draco Malfoy mocking Neville, Pansy Parkinson and Parvati Patil trading hidden barbs and threats, to her slowly stalking the group. Helia bared her teeth threateningly at the boy, who gazed at her emotionlessly before flicking his icy blue eyes away from her, but she could tell he was still observing her.

Susan slapped Helia on the arm, drawing a glare and what was going to be a snarl. However Susan stopped the girl holding up a scolding finger. “Ah! I told you Helia you can’t snarl and bare your teeth like a wild animal, it’s not Lady-like.”

Helia snorted at her friends constant fight to install some manners into her, Helia tried telling her she knew when to pull the manners out, but she would only use them when the need called for them. She had enough of the stifling acts and sucking up with the Dursley’s thank you very much.

"Look!" said Malfoy, darting forward and snatching something out of the grass. "It's that stupid thing Longbottom's gran sent him. "

The Remembrall glittered in the sun as he held it up. 

Helia finally had enough of standing back, all she ever done when she was with the Dursley’s was stand back and let it happen staying silent was the only way it would be over. However this wasn’t the Dursley’s no one could make her feel that way again, unless she let them and she was tried of stand back, of letting people walk over her. It wasn’t going to happen again, and now she wasn’t going to let that happen to someone else, specially not Neville.

Neville turned to Helia ready to blurt out his thanks all over again, when Helia held up a hand.

“Neville I didn’t do it for your thanks, if anything I did it for me more than anything else.” Helia waved him off, trying to convince him she didn’t do it for him.

“Helia the book, betrays you’re act.” Neville chuckled, at his friend trying to play off her actions as selfish. “You make have acted in your need to never let anyone walk over you, but you also did it so I wouldn’t have to feel that way, so thank you Helia.” Neville beamed at Helia who turned away from him trying to hide her blooming red cheeks

"Give that here, Malfoy," said Helia quietly. Everyone stopped talking to watch. 

McGonagall groaned, why did her house have to be full of brave and bold children who didn’t know when to keep their mouths shut. "Ms. Potter, while it’s a admirable trait to stand up for your friends. Stooping to their level will never solve anything.” 

Helia tilted her head gazing at her head of house with her emerald eyes that didn’t convey anything that she was thinking. “I was only trying to help, Professor.” Helia told her. “Sorry if that inconvenience you.”

McGonagall watched her little lioness over her spectacles, her lips pursed. “Next time, Ms. Potter the best course of action would to be is get a Professor.

Helia’s lip twitched as if she didn’t know if she wanted to smile or snarl. “Yes, Professor.” When has asking for a Professor’s help ever worked out for her.

Malfoy smiled nastily. 

"I think I'll leave it somewhere for Longbottom to find -- how about -- up a tree?"

"Give it here" Helia growled, but Malfoy had leapt onto his broomstick and taken off. He hadn't been lying, he could fly well.

“Wait stop, what was that line.” Draco interrupted, lifting a hand up to his ear as if he didn’t hear correctly. “You know what I think, Potter should read it out loud too just to make sure it’s correct.” He snickered.

Helia whipped around to glare at Draco, heatedly. “I will not, you don’t need me stroking your ego Malfoy.” She poked him in the chest roughly. “You know exactly what the book said, you don’t need to hear it twice.”

“Oh come on, Potter.” Draco whined. “You never know, my hearing might not as up to par as my flying.”

“Just shut up, Malfoy.”

Hovering level with the topmost branches of an oak he called, "Come and get it, Potter!"

“Oh you’ve done it now, Malfoy.” The Twins sang, snickering.

Snape’s dark eyes narrowed, this incident was veering far away from what Draco had accounted to him back in his first year, for one Potter had not been the on to instigate it nor was she the first one off the ground. It seemed like he was going to have a long talk with his godson about lying to him.

Helia grabbed her broom. 

"No!" shouted Hermione Granger. "Madam Hooch told us not to move -- you'll get us all into trouble. "

“Thank you Hermione,, for at least trying to stop her." Lily sighed. “It’s good to see that Helia has some friends with common sense.”

The young witch shrugged. "It's not like either of them ever listen." She huffed, though she didn’t need to tell her best friend’s mother that usually she also go so caught up with what the three of them where doing that she was just as crazy as her friends. 

Helia ignored her.

“You do that a lot." Hermione muttered to her best friend. Helia just turned to her with her stupidly bright crooked grin, the one Helia knew made her friend fold like a pack of cards. Hermione playfully swatted at her, but couldn’t kept her answering smile off her face. 

Blood was pounding in her ears.

“And that is what we would call James’s Impulsiveness kicking in.” Sirius cackled. Both Father and daughter pouted at him.

She mounted the broom and kicked hard against the ground and up, up she soared; air rushed through her hair, and her robes whipped out behind her -- and in a rush of fierce joy she realized she'd found something she could do without being taught -- this was easy, this was wonderful.

“You always looked the happiest when you were up in the air, the higher the better.” Ron said, that was probably the first time he saw Helia really truly happy. Sure she was happy at Hogwarts, but she always held herself back that first time on a broom was the first time he had seen Helia truly relax and just enjoy the moment. 

“Oh Fawn, I bet you look like a right sight on a broom.” James beamed.

She pulled her broomstick up a little to take it even higher, and heard screams and gasps of girls back on the ground and an admiring whoop from Ron. 

She turned her broomstick sharply to face Malfoy in midair. Malfoy looked stunned. 

“I wasn't really expecting you to be able to follow me." Draco admitted, with a tense shrug.

Ginny snorted, in disbelief. “You really thought you could scare Helia off, by taking off on a broomstick.” She scoffed, rolling her reddish-brown eyes. “Like that could save you.”

“Look, Weaslette.” Draco huffed. “This was in the first couple of weeks of the term, Excuse me if I underestimated how stubborn and reckless this petite fragile looking girl was okay!” He exclaimed. “And I wasn’t running away!”

“Yeah, a lot of people make the mistake of thinking because Heli-flower is so tiny, it means she can’t scrap with the best of them.” George nodded.

“They be wrong, Heli-flower is a viscous and savage thing.” Fred informed, with a hyena like grin on his face. “She can and will mess your shit up.”

“George, language!” Mrs. Weasley hollered.

“I’m Fred, Mother dearest.” 

“While, I am George, Mum.

"Give it here," Helia called, "or I'll knock you off that broom!"

"Ms. Potter! We do not condone threatening to knock your year-mate off a broom, especially when there’s at least a fifty to sixty foot drop!” Dumbledore scolded.

Helia rolled her emerald eyes, drawing shocked looks from people. “This was ages ago, I thought we weren’t going to be in trouble for the past.” Helia scoffed. 

“No one said anything about you being in trouble, Ms. Potter.” Madame Bones tried to sooth, her nieces friend, but Helia just bared her teeth in a snarl.

“Oh really, So way does everyone kept on harping one me than?” Helia wondered bitterly. “Look I may threat someone, but I’m not the instigator here. Malfoy and I always bring out high emotions out of each other, but hardly anything we do to each other left lasting physical damage.” Helia emphasized, Draco nodded along with her much to the shock of some. “Besides I’ve never once personally knocked someone off their broom.”  She promised, with her hand over her heart.

“We know that Heli, no one would accuse you of that.” Lily assured her daughter.

Blaise said nothing as he watched out of the corner of his eye, at Potter’s soft smile as her mother fused over her. It boggled him sometime just how manipulating Potter was, the girl had everyone believing that she was this justice seeking hero with an inability to stay out of people business. While really she was putting on a million and one different faces a new one for every person she interacted with, when will people learn. They didn’t even realize that Potter said she never personally knocked anyone off a broomstick, but she never said anything about causing them to fall.

"Oh, yeah?" said Malfoy, trying to sneer, but looking worried. 

Helia knew, somehow, what to do. She leaned forward and grasped the broom tightly in both hands, and it shot toward Malfoy like a javelin. Malfoy only just got out of the way in time; Helia made a sharp about-face and held the broom steady.

“Look at her, that’s my Fawn!” James cried, clinging onto Helia tightly as if he couldn’t make up his mind from loving that she could fly and being terrified of her getting hurt.

“Dad.” Helia laughed trying to push him off of her.

“Noooo! Love meeee Fawwwn!” James whined clinging hard to a wiggling daughter.

A few people below were clapping. 

“That’s really quite impressive, since this was her first time on a broom.” Bill admired.

“Yeah, the Potter’s aren’t just known for their potion inventions quiet a few of them just have a natural talent for flying.” James beamed, ruffing his daughter’s riot of shoulder length of hair.

Sirius turned to James, snickering. “You know it’s funny. Your ancestors helped create fundamental healing potions, your father created the sleekeazy’s hair potions. What the hell did you create?”

“Apparently the saviour of the wizarding world.”

"No Crabbe and Goyle up here to save your neck, Malfoy," Helia called.

The same thought seemed to have struck Malfoy. 

"Catch it if you can, then!" he shouted, and he threw the glass ball high into the air and streaked back toward the ground. 

“Criminal damage is a criminal offence." Kingsley said. “I’m willing to bet this case would be a level five fine, Mr. Longbottom despite the time that has passed since the incident you can press charges against him.” 

Neville waved Kingsley off, to the confusion of everyone not present when the incident occurred. “Oh no need I got my remembrall back the next day, not a scratch on it.”

Tonks turned to Helia in disbelief, her hair brightening to a shock of yellow. “You didn’t… I mean you couldn’t…”

 “Oh Pup, your giving me more grey hair than bloody Azkaban.”

Helia saw, as though in slow motion,

“Slow motion, huh?” Charlie mused. He knew Ron said that Helia was a brilliant flyer, but to hear how flying was from Helia’s own thought put her on pare with the best flyers out their. Seekers always described their acts as if time slowed down around them, just them and the snitch.

the ball rise up in the air and then start to fall. She leaned forward and pointed her broom handle down -- next second she was gathering speed in a steep dive, racing the ball -- wind whistled in her ears, mingled with the screams of people watching

“Ok, maybe you should go back to the ground now.” James worried, gripping both his daughter and wife close to him.

“Heliantheae Potter, I swear to Hecate if you do not land that broom this instant I will —“ Lily threatened, as she clung closer to her family.”

“Mom, Dad this happened years ago.”

“We don’t care get out of the air!” Lily shrieked.

-- she stretched out her hand -- a foot from the ground she caught it, just in time to pull her broom straight, and she toppled gently onto the grass with the Remembrall clutched safely in her fist. 

"HELIANTHEAE POTTER!"

Her heart sank faster than she'd just dived.

“It's Minnie coming for you, isn't it?" James sighed, he wasn’t too surprised her office window did face the quidditch field. 

“Oh, yeah.”

“What do you expect, when I see a first year diving passed my window at neck-breaking speeds!” Mcgonagall hissed. “And don’t call me, Minnie!”

Professor McGonagall was running toward them. She got to her feet, trembling. 

"How is it that diving from at least fifty-feet doesn't scare you, but as soon as you see me your trembling in fear how does that work?” McGonagall asked in exasperation, rubbing the bridge of her nose.

Helia avoided looking at her Head of House, does this really have to be explained again and again. When were these people going to get that with the shit-show of her childhood, that trusting people let alone adults was a very slim chance. I mean come on you come running and shouting at a traumatized kid of course their going to be show some symptoms of fear, not to mention adding the coming off the adrenaline rush on top of that, give her a break people.

“I’m sorry, have we not come to the conclusion and read the evidence that, Potter has been abused mental, verbally and physically.” Theo pointed out, impatiently fed up with how slow some people were being.

“Yes, we know this —“ Theo was quick to cut off McGonagall. 

“Why are you asking idiotic questions than?”

“Mr. Nott, we do not talk to your Professor that way!” McGonagall hissed.

“Oh, I’m sorry I that school was a learning environment?” Theo pondered, tilting his head with a cold smile etched onto his handsome face. “I was only asking out of a educational interest.”

“That is enough, Mr. Nott.” Snape warned.

“As you say, Professor.”

"Never -- in all my time at Hogwarts--"

Professor McGonagall was almost speechless with shock, and her glasses flashed furiously, " -- how dare you -- might have broken your neck--"

"It wasn't her fault, Professor--"

"Be quiet, Miss Patil--"

"But Malfoy--"

"That's enough, Mr. Weasley. Potter, follow me, now. "

Helia caught sight of Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle's triumphant faces as she left, walking numbly in Professor McGonagall's wake as she strode toward the castle. She was going to be expelled, she just knew it.

Ron and Hermione shared a long-suffering look. "There she goes, again." Ron sighed, Hermione could only shake her head at her best friend.

“You mean this happens, often?” Mr. Weasley asked.

Ron looked at Helia for permission, she didn’t look happy, but she didn’t say anything to stop him. “Helia can’t really be given any time to theorize when she in trouble. She will automatically jump to the worst situation she can think of, and it just goes down hill from there.”

“You have to understand that her uncle would threaten her with these threats that got her imaging these scenarios in her head, all alone left to her devices.” Hermione divulged, to the horror of everyone they turned to look at Helia who just shrugged along to what her best friends said.

She wanted to say something to defend herself, but there seemed to be something wrong with her voice. Professor McGonagall was sweeping along without even looking at her; she had to jog to keep up. Now she'd done it. She hadn't even lasted two weeks.

Ron and Hermione sighed and both whacked her on the back of the head without saying anything.

"Oi!" She yelped, turning to her friends with a pout on her lips. "You don’t have to hit me, This was years ago!" she whined.

They both gave her unimpressed stares, that made her give them a sheepish grin. She really need to get it through her head that they weren’t going to put up with negative thoughts.

She'd be packing her bags in ten minutes. What would the Dursleys say when she turned up on the doorstep?

Up the front steps, up the marble staircase inside, and still Professor McGonagall didn't say a word to her.

Hermione winced, dropping her head into her palm, why was it that everyone was so horrible at handling Helia didn’t anyone in the wizarding world know how to spot a distressed child. Because that’s what Helia was than a distressed child. 

She wrenched open doors and marched along corridors with Helia trotting miserably behind her. Maybe she was taking him to Dumbledore. She thought of Hagrid, expelled but allowed to stay on as gamekeeper. Perhaps she could be Hagrid's assistant. Her stomach twisted as she imagined it, watching Ron and the others becoming wizards, while she stomped around the grounds carrying Hagrid's bag. 

Professor McGonagall stopped outside a classroom. She opened the door and poked her head inside.

"Excuse me, Professor Flitwick, could I borrow Wood for a moment?"

The Professors and adults looked horrified.

"I would— I would never—”Minerva spluttered, trying to find the right words to reassure her little lioness. "I would never, ever use corporal punishment on a student Ms. Potter." She couldn't believe one of her lions actually believe that a Professor would even dare to try to punish a student physically. 

James and Lily held their daughter close in between them, hoping to protect her from the stares. Trying not to let Helia know how much her childhood hurt them, how could anyone do this to their baby?

Wood? thought Helia, bewildered; was Wood a cane she was going to use on her?

But Wood turned out to be a person, a burly fifth-year boy who came out of Flitwick's class looking confused. 

"Follow me, you two," said Professor McGonagall, and they marched on up the corridor, Wood looking curiously at Helia. 

“You know Oliver was the first person who didn’t look at me like the sun rose and fell at my call.” Helia mused, resting her cheek on her fist her eyes going soft at hearing the first meeting between her and her quidditch obsessed captain.

“What do you mean?” Astoria asked.

“He didn’t care that I was The-Girl-Who-Lived, he only cared what I was doing there and what it had to do with him.” Helia smiled, Draco could feel his heart give a painful pang at her soft smile at being focus on someone else.

"In here. "

Professor McGonagall pointed them into a classroom that was empty except for Peeves, who was busy writing rude words on the blackboard. 

"Out, Peeves!" she barked. Peeves threw the chalk into a bin, which clanged loudly, and he swooped out cursing not before throwing a wink to Helia.

“It was nice, Peeves actually waited outside the classroom for me. He could tell I was feeling nervous and stuck around just in case.” Helia mentioned, a loop side smile blooming on her tan face remembering how grateful she felt when she saw her poltergeist friend waiting for her.

Professor McGonagall slammed the door behind him and turned to face the two students. 

"Potter, this is Oliver Wood. Wood -- I've found you a Seeker. "

“Wait.” James turned to his daughter shocked, who was grinning at him with a adorable loop side grin. “Really, you mean—“ He stuttered, before galumphing his daughter in a bear hug. “Oh I’m so proud, my fawn.”

“She’s actually the youngest seeker in a century.” Hermione informed her best friends daughter, who actually started to cry.

“Lily! Our baby!” James balled, “the youngest seeker in a century!” He clung to Helia, petting her flyaway hair as he cried tears of joy.

Wood's expression changed from puzzlement to delight. 

“Yeah, that sounds, like Ollie.” George snickered, running a hand down his face. He could remember how stress Oliver was when no on tried out for the seeker position, and it was a rule when the captain was stressed to team worked overtime.

"I really thought he was going to drown himself in the shower when no one showed up to try out for seeker that year.” Fred mused, his arm was thrown over the back of the couch behind Daphne who causally leaned back into him.

“No kidding, it was rough with our poor captain having a metal break down.” George sighed, “Not to mention not a single person could catch more than four golf balls at a time.

“Seriously, how hard is it to catch a single ball before to hits the ground.”

“The things we put up with for Quidditch, brother dearest.”

"Are you serious, Professor?"

"Absolutely," said Professor McGonagall crisply. "The girl's a natural.” Not noticing Helia’s cringe continued “I've never seen anything like it. Was that your first time on a broomstick, Potter?"

“You actually had a toy broom that Sirius got for your first birthday.” Remus piped up.

“Really?” Helia asked, looking from her parents, Sirius and Remus curiously.

James bursted out laughing, a crooked grin bloomed on his tan face. “Oh yeah, I swear there wasn’t a day that you wouldn’t want to fly on it.” He turned to his wife with a teasing grin. “Drove Lily completely bonkers, of course.”

“It’s not my fault, James!” Lily yelled, her cheeks turning red in her indignation. “I mean for Circe sake, you only encouraged her when she was speeding all about the house. Do I need to remind you who left the window open, almost losing our daughter who took off at the first chance she got?” Lily pointed a perfectly manicured finger between her husbands eyes, James hazels eyes crossed to look at the finger drawing a giggle from his wife.

“Oh come on, Lily-flower I didn’t know she would fly out the window.” James whined, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.

Helia nodded silently. She didn't have a clue what was going on, but she didn't seem to be being expelled, and some of the feeling started coming back to her legs. 

"She caught that thing in her hand after a fifty-foot dive," Professor McGonagall told Wood. "Didn't even scratch herself. Charlie Weasley couldn't have done it. "

“Especially, not on my first time on a real broom.” Charlie beamed, man did he and Helia need to have a quidditch match or what. If this was her as a firstie than what was she like on a broom now?

Wood was now looking as though all his dreams had come true at once. 

“They did.” The Twins coursed.

"Ever seen a game of Quidditch, Potter?" he asked excitedly. 

"Wood's captain of the Gryffindor team," Professor McGonagall explained. 

"She's just the build for a Seeker, too," said Wood, now walking around Helia and staring at her, she tracked the older boy with her eyes feeling a bit like prey for some reason. "Light -- speedy -- we'll have to get her a decent broom, Professor -- a Nimbus Two Thousand or a Cleansweep Seven, I'd say. "

Helia sighed as she remembered her first broom, to this day her heart still hurt thinking about it. Not that she didn’t love her firebolt, it’s just she was never good of letting go of the little belongings she owned.

"I shall speak to Professor Dumbledore and see if we can't bend the first-year rule. Heaven knows, we need a better team than last year. Flattened in that last match by Slytherin, I couldn't look Severus Snape in the face for weeks. . . "

Professor McGonagall peered sternly over her glasses at Helia. 

"I want to hear you're training hard, Potter, or I may change my mind about punishing you. "

“Oh, that explains it." Fred and George said, blinking in realization.

"Explains what?" Mad-eye asked, gazing at the twins with his magical eye.

"Why Heli-flower always practices until she’s ready to drop.” Fred deadpanned, completely serious. 

“I mean it got a couple of time, Oliver has to drag her off the pitch.” George emphasized on Oliver. “You know it’s bad when quidditch crazed Oliver is telling someone to take a break.”

"She probably thought that if she wasn’t always giving it her all, Professor. McGonagall would take quidditch away from her and just expel her.” Hermione sighed at her friend. 

“You’re kidding right?” Bill asked, Hermione gave him a look that said just how much she wasn’t kidding.

Then she suddenly smiled. 

"Your father would have been proud," she said. "He was an excellent Quidditch player himself.

Helia startles when fingers grab her chin gently turning her to face a face that calls to her because it’s familiar but at the same time so heartbreakingly unknown to her. The face of her father that she never got to know pasted one year of her birth, she tried to blink back tears that wanted—begged—to be released from her emerald green eyes. A warm hand that was calloused from years of gripping and controlling a broom religiously—her own callouses mirrored them ever so slightly— caressed her cheek warming her cold skin, nothing seemed to be able to drive away the cold anymore the cold was slowing seeping into her bones almost like a poison. 

However this single touch from the man that was her father that she cruelly never got to know warmed her frosted skin and bones, reminding her of one of the many times when she nothing but a scrawny starving child years before she ever knew about magic and still believed her relatives were right when they called her a freak, an abomination that wasn’t worth a roof over her head or even a blanket to starve of the biting cold. It reminded her of the warmth that saved her life.

~~~~~~

She remembered the first time the Dursley’s locked her out of the house, in the middle of winter. Before that she had only been locked out of the house during the summer and spring months, quite frequently actually. The winter was a whole different torture all on its own, the snow bit into her skin with its chilling fangs, her clothes wet and frozen offered no protection from the cold. Her small body shakes and shivers as it uselessly tries to generate body heat. 

She wondered down an alleyway in the downtown of Little Whining hours away from Private Drive. She doesn’t bother to glance up at the nine-story building that is Grunnings—she remembered chuckling humorlessly at no matter how far she went, she couldn’t escape her relatives—she slumps down the alley wall her soaked feet aching but strangely numb screamed for her to stop, just stop.

She couldn’t remember how long she spent curled up against the stone wall, her breath coming out of her slow turning blue lips in puffs of white. What she does recall is the taste of blood from when she bites her tongue so hard it bled, trying to stop her teeth chattering.

It’s in that haze of cold that also seemed to burn, is when he showed up. She didn’t care to lift her head to peer where the sounds of boots shuffling on iced concrete and a hacking cough that booms in the freezing silence of her suffering comes from. She knew that whoever it was, was just going to walk past like all the others no one ever care about what the perceived to be lower than them, just like her relatives were always telling her she was a low-born freak spawn of a drunk and a useless woman and that’s why she deserved what she got.

She didn’t know why she waited to hear the person pass by, guess she just wanted to torture herself over it. So her anger and indignation at being over looked at her lowest could at least warm her spirit. 

She waited…waited…waited….and waited, only she didn’t her anything. 

A scruffy boot that looked better than her own soaked hand-down sneakers which wasn’t saying much came into to her line vision, her heart squeezed painfully this was going to be one of those times when someone just had to kick someone when they were all ready down wasn’t it.

Silence was always the best way for it to be over and done with, when it came to her Uncle, so she hoped it would with this person. They both didn’t say anything, both seemed to be waiting for the other to talk first the chilled winter air crackled with tension at the stilled silence.

The booted foot knocked against hers lightly, her annoyed sigh puffed out in a cloud of white as she strained to lift her head up to gaze up at the foots owner.

He was as scruff as his boots, he wore jeans like her with two shirts on under his warm and worn winter jacket that reminded her of deer fur—she missed that jacket—. He certainly looked wild with dark locks falling in his face to his broad shoulders and an equally wild and long beard covering his hard features.

“Hey Kid, what ya doing out in the cold.” His gruff voice demanded, not asked. His hazel eyes zeroed on to her with razor focus.

She remembered her near blue lips tugging up into a weary smirk, or maybe it was a weak snarl her words came spitting out like acid though. “Minding my own business, you should try it, Old man.”

Normally she would just duck her head and hope that the punishment would be over quick, that usually happen when she used her sharp words that always ran in her head. Now all she did is lean her tired head back against the stone wall quirking a dark eyebrow up at the scruffy wild man.

As she expected the man scoffed-huffed at her and left her to her slow descend into hypothermia, she closed her emerald eyes as she felt the snowflakes fall onto her eyelashes and cheeks. A water drop trailed down her cheek, and no one was around to argue with her that it clearly was a tear—if someone did try to argue with her, she would tell them she didn’t think her body was able to produce tears with how cold she was, they would probably freeze—

The crunch of ice underfoot jarred her out of her mental pity argument, the wild man was back he was holding a cup of something. He walked up to her in away that told her he was used to being feared, he crouched down in front of her holding out the paper cup to her. 

She lazily blinked her emerald eyes up at him not knowing what he wanted. He heaved a sighed at her, reaching for hear hand only to pull back when she uselessly jerked back into the stone wall.

“Not gonna to hurt ya, Kid.” He soothed gruffly, a soft rumble came from his chest. 

With that said he slowly reached for her hand as he watched her reaction, and she watched him wearily as he placed the shockingly warm cup in her numb hand. His hands that felt and looked rougher than anyone’s she’s ever seen—except hers—but she could barely feel them with how numb and tingly her hands were. They cupped hers when he noticed she didn’t have the strength to hold the cup herself, his hazel eyes glinting with a strange golden light or shine?

“It’s okay, Kid.” He rumbled, as he helped her lift the warm cup up to her lips the steam was welcoming as it floated up to greet her chilled blushed face. She eyed him suspiciously over the top of the cup, his lips twitched under his beard like he was pleased that she was weary of him. “C’mon on, what ya waitin’ for.” 

Stealing herself she sipped at the drink, instantly her tense body seemed to melt as the warm drink lit a warmth inside her cold—so cold, oh why was it so cold, someone please— body. The taste of chocolate, cinnamon, and other warm spices she couldn’t describe danced warmly in her mouth. She lounged forward into the man’s chest, gripping at the cup that seemed to be her only hope of survival when she felt it moving away from her.

The man shushed her wrapping a strong arm around her back to bring her closer to his body heat that his body seemed to generate like a heater. “Shh Darlin’, I wasn’t takin’ it from ya, I thought you needed to breathe that’s all.” He soothed. “It’s yours, take your time Kid, it’s not going anywhere.”

As she drank that warmth from the cup, she could hear his hidden words not said he’s not going anywhere either.

~~~~~~~~

“I am so proud of you, Fawn.” Her father’s words knocked her out of her head, as she gazed at Hazel eyes, dark hair, and warmth and almost wanted something else, someone else her breath came out shaky as she pushed that traitorous thought away to never be unearthed again. “I can’t describe how proud I am, I mean the youngest seeker in a century.” He breathed his voiced laced with warmth and love as he pulled her head closer until they were rested their foreheads against each other’s. “How did I get so lucky to have someone so strong, intelligent and beautiful as you, my little Fawn. Because you my deer are just like your mother, you both wear your strengths as a crown that you both wear so beautifully.”

She bit her lip to stop it from wobbling, as she tried and choked on her words and no words at all. She raised her calloused and scarred hands to grip on to his shirt, leaning once again to a warm that chased away the bitter cold. Hazel eyes that once again are watching over her, like they always do.

"You're joking. "

It was dinnertime. Helia had just finished telling Ron what had happened when she'd left the grounds with Professor McGonagall. Ron had a piece of steak and kidney pie halfway to his mouth, but he'd forgotten all about it. 

"Merlin’s Balls, Ron forgetting food?!” Bill exclaimed, a hand jokingly covering his heart.

“It’s not possible, say it ain’t so Georgie, say it ain’t so!” Fred cried leaping at his in fake frantic fright.

“Freddie there’s not time for panic, we have to alert the ministry we must save the children.” George shook his twin, his voice falsely serious.

“I always knew that our would end one way or another, and you all called me crazy for having Dragon.” Charlie joined in, pointing at his siblings. “Who’s laughing now suckers!”

Only siblings not joined in the taunting was Percy who was shaking his head at his immature siblings, and Ginny who was too busy laughing her ass off.

Ron’s shoulders hunched as he tried to block out his siblings, his lips pressed together so he wouldn’t lose his temper it would only end up with his mum yelling at him. He startled when two bodies pushed up against his sides, the familiar view of long brown hair and tanned scarred hands, the scents of parchment and fresh crisp air calming him in a way that alway vexed him.

“Okay that’s enough out of the peanut gallery.” Helia cut off the Weasley siblings easily, with Hermione backing her with her hands on her hips and an unimpressed look on her face that could put McGonagall to shame. “This is going to get old fast if you five jokers are just going to be ribbing the entire time, you should remember this book is going to be unearthed all of your secrets too not just ours.”

The Weasleys all gulped as they sweated from the combined glares of Helia and Hermione, as the blocked their brother from their views.

“Glad we could settle this quietly.” Helia said sweetly, but smile was anything but sweet. No that smile would look more homely over the beaten bodies of the Lady’s enemies.

Ron’s lips quirked, how did he never realize how much these girl mean. They weren’t just his friends, they were his family of choice.

"Seeker ?" he said. "But first years never -- you must be the youngest house player in about--"

"-- a century," said Helia, shovelling pie into her mouth.

Susan face palmed, “Wow, Helia how ladylike.”

“Leave Helia alone, Dear.” Mrs.Weasley lightly scolded. She didn’t want anyone to give Helia the idea that she couldn’t eat as much as she liked—Merlin’s wand the child didn’t eat enough as it was—

She felt particularly hungry after the excitement of the afternoon. "Wood told me. "

Ron was so amazed, so impressed, he just sat and gaped at Helia. 

"I start training next week," said Helia. "Only don't tell anyone, Wood wants to keep it a secret. "

"Which means the whole school knew about it by the time dinner came." Helia sighed.
 
“Yeah, no kidding! I think Georgie and me knew about the news even before Oliver informed us.” Fred chuckled.

Fred and George Weasley now came into the hall, spotted Helia, and hurried over. 

"Well done," said George in a low voice. "Wood told us. We're on the team too -- Beaters. "

"I tell you, we're going to win that Quidditch cup for sure this year," said Fred. "We haven't won since Charlie left,

McGonagall lips pursed at the reminder, and ignoring Snape’s smug smirk.

but this year's team is going to be brilliant. You must be good, Helia, Wood was almost skipping when he told us. "

George scoffed, “Yeah no kidding, Oh Captain my call us living beaters, but we’ve never seen someone go from skipping off into the sunset to trying to drown themselves in the shower over Quidditch so fast as him.”

“Yes that man is so melodramatic, that’s it’s almost funny.” Fred chuckled.

“It is funny.”

“Oh, right.”

"Anyway, we've got to go, Lee Jordan reckons he's found a new secret passageway out of the school. "

"Bet it's that one behind the statue of Gregory the Smarmy that we found in our first week. See you. "

Fred and George had hardly disappeared when someone far less welcome turned up: Malfoy, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle. 

"Having a last meal, Potter? When are you getting the train back to the Muggles?"

“My daughter is never going back to those pathetic lot of people.” Lily hissed, latching onto her daughter’s hand glaring at everyone in the room daring them to disagree.

"Around the same time you do I reckon, but Malfoy you're a lot braver now that you're back on the ground and you've got your little friends with you," said Helia coolly.

“Oh ho! What a sharpe tongue you have Darling.” Blaise chuckled, a delight grin spread on his handsome face that screamed mischief.

Helia coyly smiled at Blaise, obvious to the jealousy generating off of Draco next to her. “That’s not the only sharpe thing I have, Heir Zabini.” Blaise perked up at the unexpected flirtation, watching her hand trace lightly over her chest. Only to flinch away when she swiftly pulled a light dagger out of her shirt, “I have this beautiful handcrafted dagger, that was gifted to me from my bank representative as you can see it is very sharpe.”

Both Theo and Draco shook with silent laughter at the disturbed look on Blaise’s face.

There was of course nothing at all little about Crabbe and Goyle, but as the High Table was full of teachers, neither of them could do more than crack their knuckles and scowl. 

"I'd take you on anytime on my own," said Malfoy. "Tonight, if you want. Wizard's duel.

“Draconis Lucius Malfoy!" Snape shouted, furiously shocked at the audacity that his godson—at eleven-years old no least— had risked not only his life, standing, inheritance, but also his family’s as well. His godson may sometimes leave one wondering what was going through that thick head of his, however he was also a smart and cunning young man that was taught from a very young age no never risk anything that could blacken his family. “Just what were you thinking!” Snape whirled around to stare down his godson.

Draco opened his mouth to explain, only to be interrupted by his enraged godfather. “That’s right you weren’t thinking, but if you were you would’ve never of done it!” Draco cowered under the fiery gaze of his godfather, not daring to try to speak again or even glance over to Blaise and Theo for help. Those bastards would never risk bringing his godfather’s wrath down on themselves, when he was already this furious. “Do not think this will be swept under the rug, godson.” Snape warned, Draco sunk deeper into seat knowing godfather was going to be even for angry later in the chapter.

Wands only -- no contact. What's the matter? Never heard of a wizard's duel before, I suppose?"

"Of course she has," said Ron, wheeling around. "I'm her second, who's yours?"

“Ronald Bilius Weasley!" Mr.Weasleys voice cut through the room, his normal jolly and quiet disposition replaced with anger and disappointment. “You can never accept a duel on the behalf of someone else, you better be thankful magic didn’t accept it as a binding contract!” Ron sunk down in his seat much like Draco did. “I’ve never been so disappointed in my life, you could’ve cost your friend everything! If not her magic, than her life too!”

“Dad I just didn’t want her to look like she didn’t know what she was doing in front of Malfoy!”

“That’s even worst, Ronald!” Mr.Weasley bellowed. “You willingly set Helia up for failure, Wizarding Duels are no joke they have very dire consequences! With Helia having no proper knowledge of the customs and rules she could’ve lost her magic!”

“I’m sorry, Dad!”

“Sorry isn’t enough when you’re risking someone’s life.”

James cleared his throat to catch the attention of Mr.Weasley and Ron, he smiled at them when they looked over to him. Both father and son blanched at the chilling smile on Lord James Potter’s face, Mr.Weasley winced remembering the gruesome reports of Auror James Potter’s arrests—There was a reason Mad-eye raved about the man, and his 80 percent kill-rate— 

“Ron I understand that you thought you were just helping my daughter, however listen very carefully.” James said leaning forward to stare straight in the wide blue eyes of the youngest Weasley boy. “Because I'm only going to lay this out for you once, never unintentionally or otherwise risk my daughter ever again. And if you do one thing to harm Helia I will make sure that you and your family will never be able to set a foot in the wizarding world again. Do I make myself clear.”

Ron trembled as he looked to Helia for help, but she was held back her mother and godfather who were quietly explaining the reason why they were going to this length. “Y-Yes Sir—I mean Lord Potter!”

“Good, let’s hope we won’t have to repeat this conversation.” James chirped with a grin that showed too many teeth to be easy going.

Malfoy looked at Crabbe and Goyle, sizing them up. 

Snape looked appalled, “You don’t choose your second by their physical appearance, you carefully choose them by their magical progress.”

“What magical progress does Crabbe and Goyle have?”

Snape would give his godson that.

"Crabbe," he said. "Midnight all right? We'll meet you in the trophy room; that's always unlocked. "

When Malfoy had gone, Ron and Helia looked at each other. 

“What is wrong with you!” Helia whispered furiously, as she tugged at her short hair. “It’s quite obviously a trap, he was practically screaming it at us….

“Thank Circe, that you have the common sense to not to want to go through with it.” Lily sighed in relief. “So you don’t show up that’s fine since you, yourself never verbally accepted the Duel.” 

A pinched look crossed Helia face, as she avoided her mother’s eyes. “Yeah, um-Sure lets go with that.”

Lily whipped around to look at her daughter, “Wait what do you mea—”

“Lily, love let’s just read and wait.” James soothed.

what do you mean, you're my second?"

"Well, a second's there to take over if you die," said Ron casually, getting started at last on his cold pie.

“Watch you mouth, Kid.” Sirius warned, his teeth set on edge at how casually the brat talked about Pup dying.

Catching the look on Helia's face, he added quickly, "But people only die in proper duels, you know, with real wizards. The most you and Malfoy'll be able to do is send sparks at each other. Neither of you knows enough magic to do any real damage. I bet he expected you to refuse, anyway. "

"Of course I would’ve of refused, all he’s doing is trying to get my attention and get me into trouble.” Helia scoffed. “I don’t know any offensive spells well enough to use them without them backfiring,

“I’m sorry, can we just take a moment to revise that a first year learned and practiced offensive that aren’t taught until year two I might add.” Kingsley emphasized.

Helia looked at him blankly, “Anyone with the magical capability and drive to learn it’s fairly simple to learn any spell.”

“Its simply unheard of that a child of eleven years-old to study and master advanced spellwork.” Kingsley argued.

“First I didn’t master it at that age it’s said plain as day that it kept on backfiring on me, second I’m not a role model to hold the standards of my age group on that’s unfair. All my learning was necessary to easy my mind, to feel safe in a unfamiliar environment and to have a hidden card up my sleeve for my protection nothing else.” Helia cut him down.

so what do you suggest I do since you’re the one who got me into this mess.”

"Throw it away and punch him on the nose," Ron suggested. 

“I like that plan, go with that.” Tonks approved, with a mad grin on her impish face only for her grin to fall as she caught the glare that Mr.Weasley was burning at her. "Oh, come on, Molly, their kids that just want to one up another. Not to mention it would be hilarious to see my little cousins face when she breaks out a good old sucker punch.”

Helia falsely sighed in disappointment. “Oh how I wish I could claim that right, but Mione bet me to it first.” Helia informed Tonks with a pout.

“Oh Merlin, Tell me do not leave out a single detail!” Tonks demand of a blushing Hermione, her hair sifting from emerald green, light purple to light pink.

Draco stepped in before Hermione could say anything to his cousin, “Yeah no, you’ll just have to wait like everyone else.”

Tonks flopped back in her seat pouting, blowing her grey bangs out of her face.

"Excuse me. "

They both looked up. It was Hermione Granger. 

“Hello, Hermione,” Helia greeted, not bother by this interruption.

"Can't a person eat in peace in this place?" said Ron. 

“Rude, brother." Ginny said.

"Look we’ve just been interrupted by the Twins, Malfoy and his lackeys, than out pops Hermione. We barley were able to finish eating, so forgive me for being a little fed up!” Ron huffed, before turning to Hermione. “I am sorry for being rude Mione, just know I’m trying to be a better friend.”

“Ron I knew what I was getting into when we became friends, but I am thankful your trying to be better and I promise to try too.” Hermione promised him, as Helia beamed a her two best mates.

Hermione ignored him and spoke to Helia. 

"I couldn't help overhearing what you and Malfoy were saying--"

"Bet you could," Ron muttered. 

"-- and you mustn't go wandering around the school at night, think of the points you'll lose Gryffindor if you're caught, and you're bound to be. It's really very selfish of you. "

Padma’s dark eyes widen, “Oh wow that is such blatant manipulation, there almost should be a threat tossed in there.”

Hermione sputtered at the thought of threatening her best friend. “Wha-What I would never!”

“Hmm, I see where Heiress Patil is coming coming from, there some Slytherin in you after all Granger.” Draco mused, an amused smirk painted on his pale face.

No matter how much Helia was starting to like Hermione, she hated when people tried to manipulate her a sure way to get on her bad side. "And it's really none of your business," said Helia. 

“Helia I’m so—” Hermione tried to apologize, but stopped when she saw the look on her best friends face.

“Mione were good, alright.”

"Good-bye," said Ron. 

“Okay I think we’re all thinking it how on earth did you three become friends.” Susan wondered, she only ever seen the three of them as the perfect team she never knew they had this much of a rocky start. 

The golden trio looked at each other with grins painting their faces, only for Helia and Ron to pale a bit as they glanced at their families. They probably weren’t going to be too happy with them facing down a troll.

All the same, it wasn't what you'd call the perfect end to the day, Helia thought, as she lay awake much later listening to Lavender and Parvati talk make up and hair tips. Hermione was suspiciously quiet no sounds of mutters, scratching of quills or the flipping of parchment she let it go though Hermione was probably giving her the silent treatment as her way to express her disapproval.(Fay Dunbar fast asleep already). Ron had spent all evening giving her advice such as "If he tries to curse you, you'd better dodge it, because I can't remember how to block them. "

“That’s not what a second is there for Ron.” Bill sighed, sliding a hand down his face. “You can’t interrupt the duel like that it would end up in disqualification.”

There was a very good chance they were going to get caught by Filch or Mrs. Norris, and Helia felt she was pushing her luck, breaking another school rule today.

Tonks grinned at Helia’s thoughts on pushing her luck by breaking another rule. "Why do I get the feeling that that's not going to stop you?” She chuckled, Helia answered her question with a mischievous lopsided grin that said everything. 

“Please do not encourage her please.” Remus begged, not sure he was talking to Tonks or Helia.

On the other hand, Malfoy was the type that laid a trap so he could sit back and watch his prey literally walk into it willingly, because not walking into it would be worst. She guessed a trap is only a trap if you don’t know about it. If you know about it, it’s a challenge. 

Both Remus and Sirius shared a glance before pointedly looking at James with deadpan expressions.

James raised an eyebrow at his friends looks. “What?”

“What—that really didn’t sound familiar to you?” Remus hinted. 

“James, mate you took everything as a challenge.” Sirius reminded him. 

“What, nooo I don’t.” James denied, shaking his head.

“Mate you took Lily turning you down in first year as a challenge that lasted six years.” Sirius deadpanned. 

“Or how about the time you took Sirius trying to sober up, because a full moon was the next day and he didn’t think you would be able to transform.”

“Hey I was able!” James exclaimed.”

“James you scarred those muggles, and not to mention we barley escape the animal control.” Remus Interjected.

She was always horrible at not rising to a challenge.

“Like father, Like daughter.” Sirius sung.

Helia silently slipped out of her bed, arranging her pillows under the covers to resemble someone sleeping in the bed in case one of her roommates happed to peek in her curtains. They probably won’t since they knew that she spelled her curtains closed nightly anyway. 

She quietly pulled on her school robes—

“Helia-Flower, you’re a witch after my own heart you got it all, the rule breaking, the coving your tracks all in a adorable package.” Fred swooned.

“Brother she would eat you alive.” George deadpanned.

“I would enjoy it.”

she won’t be able handle to suffer the humiliation of facing down Malfoy in her bathrobe— tip-toeing her way to the dormitory door she pulled it open as quietly as possible, wincing at the creak that seemed deafening in the silence of the sleeping dormitory.

She froze and waited with bated breath, only to sigh in relief when her roommates snores were the only thing that answered her.

Sneaking quietly down the spiral stairs, relaxing when she made it to the common room. Barely a minute passes before Ron descends down from the boys dormitory. "Half-past eleven," Ron muttered, "we'd better go. "

A few embers were still glowing in the fireplace, turning all the armchairs into hunched black shadows. They had almost reached the portrait hole when a voice spoke from the chair nearest them, "I can't believe you're going to do this, Helia. "

“I wonder who that could be.” The Twins sarcastically wondered.

And that explained why she couldn’t hear Hermione’s usually nighttime study routine.

A lamp flickered on. It was Hermione Granger, wearing a pink bathrobe and a frown. 

“Did you really stay up all night so you could stop them from leaving?” Daphne asked disbelieving that Hermione would go to that length, just for a little rule breaking. Hermione’s face, flushed in embarrassment, she got it she was a bit much back then.  

"You!" said Ron furiously. "Go back to bed!"

“All of you should be in bed!” McGonagall hissed, furiously.

"I almost told your brother," Hermione snapped, "Percy -- he's a prefect, he'd put a stop to this. "

“Is that why you followed me around that whole evening?” Percy wondered, remembering Hermione shadowing him clearly wanting him for something, however she never approached him.

“Merlin Hermione, low blow threatening them with Perfect Percy.” Fred tutted.

Helia couldn't believe anyone could be so interfering, not counting her Aunt Petunia. 

"Come on," she said to Ron. She could deal with Hermione later when they were alone.

“Can I just say it sounds like you were planning on offing Hermione and hiding her body.” Susan said warily.

Helia gapped at her Hufflepuff friend, before turning to reassure Hermione waving her hand in front of her. “Mione I would never—I just meant to talk to you away from Ron because you guy couldn’t be in the same room without arguing back than!”

Hermione laughed in her hand, at her best friends rambles. “Helia I know you would never hurt me, I didn’t even know about that thought because it was your thought.”

She pushed open the portrait of the Fat Lady and climbed through the hole. 

Hermione wasn't going to give up that easily. She followed Ron through the portrait hole, hissing at them like an angry goose. 

"I was not!" Hermione exclaimed, lunging at Helia knocking them both to the floor. “You take that back!” The two friends squabbled on the floor trying to get the jump on one another.

“Oh come on, Mione I can’t help how I think!” Helia yelped, when Hermione’s Bonney elbow dug in her sternum.

“Oh right just like Dudley the blonde gorilla!” Hermione panted, wincing when Helia pulled her arm behind her back to pin her in place.

Helia blew her wild bangs out of her face, as she gazed down at her friend from where she was kneeling on top of her. “I’d never think of you the way I do Dudley, I can’t help sometime my mind just connects things together it’s nothing against you just my weird thoughts.” Hermione when limp in her hold. “So we good, Mione.”

“Yeah, we’re good.” Hermione agreed, taking Helia’s outstretched hand as her friend pulled her off the ground.

Everyone was watching the Gryffindor girls with wide shocked eyes, never thinking that the two girls would roll on the floor and fight like that.

“Don’t worry happens quite often.” Ron reassured, waving off the stares.

"Don't you care about Gryffindor, do you only care about yourselves, I don't want Slytherin to win the house cup, and you'll lose all the points I got from Professor McGonagall for knowing about Switching Spells. "

"Go away. "

"All right, but I warned you, you just remember what I said when you're on the train home tomorrow, you're so--"

“Pig-headed?” Ginny offered.

“I was going to say moronic.” Hermione admitted.

But what they were, they didn't find out. Hermione had turned to the portrait of the Fat Lady to get back inside and found herself facing an empty painting. The Fat Lady had gone on a nighttime visit and Hermione was locked out of Gryffindor tower. 

Sirius barked out a laugh, “Man I remember those times, I swear she does it just to get back at ya.”

“Sirius she probably still haven’t forgiven you for that time you pelted her with those colour changing paint balls, it took Filch three weeks to get it off her portrait.” Remus sighed.

“Yeah she’s probably even more pissed at me with that whole thing during Pup’s third year.”

"Now what am I going to do?" she asked shrilly. 

"That's your problem," said Ron. "We've got to go, we're going to be late. "

They hadn't even reached the end of the corridor when Hermione caught up with them. 

"I'm coming with you," she said. 

"You are not. "

D'you think I'm going to stand out here and wait for Filch to catch me? If he finds all three of us I'll tell him the truth, that I was trying to stop you, and you can back me up. "

"Merlin, Hermione we knew you were a goody-two-shoes, but that right there is some next level shit there.” Fred pointed out, as he stared at Hermione.

“Yeah I mean how were you planning on making them go along with your story, their not afraid of breaking the rules so there’s nothing to hold over them. They’d sooner drag you down with them.” George told her.

“I get it, alright!” Hermione snapped.

"You've got some nerve -- " said Ron loudly. 

"Shut up, both of you!" said Helia sharply. I heard something. "

"At least someone knew to keep it quiet.” Sirius grumbled.

“Sirius we’re not supposed to encourage them to cause trouble.” Remus scolded.

Sirius glanced at Remus confused, “But Remus we caused trouble.”

“Yeah Remus, I mean you were right there in the chaos with us.” James pointed out. 

It was a sort of snuffling. 

"Mrs. Norris?" breathed Ron, squinting through the dark. 

“What were you expecting the cat to answer to your call?” Charlie laughed.

It wasn't Mrs. Norris. It was Neville. He was curled up on the floor, fast asleep, but jerked suddenly awake as they crept nearer. 

“Neville, Honey?!” Lily exclaimed, “Hecate’s magic, what are you doing sleeping on the floor?” She fretted over Neville.

“I couldn’t remember the password, by the time I got out of the hospital wing everyone was already asleep.” Neville admitted sheepishly.

“Oh honey, why didn’t you go back to the hospital wing?” Lily sighed.

“I really didn’t think of that.”

"Thank goodness you found me! I've been out here for hours, I couldn't remember the new password to get in to bed. "

"Keep your voice down, Neville. The password's 'Pig snout' but it won't help you now, the Fat Lady's gone off somewhere. "

"How's your arm?" said Helia. 

"Fine," said Neville, showing them. "Madam Pomfrey mended it in about a minute. "

“But she keep me there for the rest of the afternoon under watch.” Neville complained.

“She does that.” Helia and Remus chorused.

"Good -- well, look, Neville, we've got to be somewhere, we'll see you later--"

"Don't leave me!" said Neville, scrambling to his feet, "I don't want to stay here alone, the Bloody Baron's been past twice already. "

“And he didn’t go and find a perfect or even a teacher?!” McGonagall demanded, Neville leaned away from his House Head.

“Um, no?”

Helia arched a dark eyebrow at him, she never understood why everyone seem afraid of him.

Helia garnered a few strange looks, “What? He’s nice to me.” She shrugged.

Lily turned to her daughter, with a smile on her lips. “Really?! He was really nice to me too, when I was in school.”

Ron looked at his watch and then glared furiously at Hermione and Neville. 

"If either of you get us caught, I'll never rest until I've learned that Curse of the Bogies Quirrell told us about, and used it on you. "

“I can never thank you enough for teaching that curse, Bill.” Ginny grinned at her eldest brother.

“What?! Bill what were you doing teaching a curse to your little sister!” Mrs.Weasley scolded.

“Mum, Ginny was twelve I just taught her a little earlier than her classmates.” He didn’t bother trying to explain to his mother, how Ginny crawled into his bed every night during their stay in Egypt. How she shook, cried and begged in her sleep of how much weight she lost from not eating because everything tasted of ink and blood. 

It was only when he handed her the knowledge to learn offensive and defensive curses to protect herself had he seen the spark of life in his little sisters chocolate brown eyes. He still couldn’t forgive his parent for not noticing how much the aftermath of her first year had destroyed her, and he thanked every God and Goddess out their that his family came to Egypt before it was to late.

Because his worst fear was if they never came, the next time he saw his family would be for his little sister’s funeral.

Hermione opened her mouth, perhaps to tell Ron exactly how to use the Curse of the Bogies,

Hermione blushed pink, telling everyone who knew her that was exactly what she was going to do. Hermione couldn’t help the smile on her lips though, because this showed how much Helia cared for her and how well she knew her.

but Helia hissed at her to be quiet and beckoned them all forward. 

They flitted along corridors striped with bars of moonlight from the high windows. At every turn Helia expected to run into Filch or Mrs. Norris, but they were lucky.

“CONSTANT VIGILANCE!” Mad-eye roared, startling almost everyone as they were distracted by the book. Poor Neville topped right off his bean-bag.

They sped up a staircase to the third floor and tiptoed toward the trophy room. 

Malfoy and Crabbe weren't there yet. The crystal trophy cases glimmered where the moonlight caught them. Cups, shields, plates, and statues winked silver and gold in the darkness. They edged along the walls, keeping their eyes on the doors at either end of the room. Helia took out her wand in case Malfoy leapt in and started at once. The minutes crept by. 

"He's late, maybe he's chickened out," Ron whispered.

“Or maybe you were set up.” Blaise drawled. Ron scowled still mad over the cowardly git ditching them to Fitch all those years ago.

Then a noise in the next room made them jump. Helia had only just raised her wand when they heard someone speak -- and it wasn't Malfoy. 

"Sniff around, my sweet, they might be lurking in a corner. "

Snape’s eyes widened, realizing what his godson set up oh how stupid could one get. “If you think this little plan of your is clever I can tell you it’s not, had magic bond you to your challenge to duel your failure to show would call for an immediate disqualification.” He hissed coldly at his paling godson, “Not to mention being branded a coward for such a dishonourable act, not suitable from someone of your standing.”

Draco winced at his godfathers harsh, but true words now that he thought back to his first year schemes he wanted to use a Time-turner to slap himself upside his head for ever trying such foolery.

It was Filch speaking to Mrs. Norris.

"Argh," Sirius groaned, tugging at his long hair. "It just had to be Filch."

Helia silently cursed herself in her head and promised to curse Malfoy to his face the next time she saw him.

“Oh Merlin I remembered that, I swear Malfoy looked like he sucked on a lemon.” Daphne giggled.

Waving madly at the other three to follow her as quickly as possible; they scurried silently toward the door, away from Filch's voice. Neville's robes had barely whipped round the corner when they heard Filch enter the trophy room. 

"They're in here somewhere," they heard him mutter, "probably hiding. "

"This way!" Helia mouthed to the others and, petrified, they began to creep down a long gallery full of suits of armour. They could hear Filch getting nearer. Neville suddenly let out a frightened squeak and broke into a run he tripped, grabbed Ron around the waist, and the pair of them toppled right into a suit of armour. 

“Ugh rookie move.” James sighed, shaking his head in disappointment.

"Never panic, your most likely to make a mistake that will end up getting you caught." Sirius informed them, “like what you just did.”

Neville face palmed, of all the times his clumsiness had to show up to join the party it had to be right at the moment he to be as quiet as possible. Well that’s just his luck.

The clanging and crashing were enough to wake the whole castle. 

"Run.” Helia hissed, and the four of them sprinted down the gallery, not looking back to see whether Filch was following -- they swung around the doorpost and galloped down one corridor then another, Helia in the lead,

“All them years of trying to out run Dudley and his little gang or Aunt Marge’s bulldogs really helped with my stamina.” Helia said offhandedly. Not caring about the winces and pity glances.

without any idea where they were or where they were going -- they ripped through a tapestry and found themselves in a hidden passageway, hurtled along it and came out near their Charms classroom, which they knew was miles from the trophy room. 

“Wait a moment," Astoria interrupted. "If you guys are in the Charms corridor, that means you're-"

"On the third floor,"  Percy finished for her, going pale. There’s no way they would find themselves near the forbidden corridor, right?

"I think we've lost him," Helia breathed, leaning against the cold wall luckily all her running away from Dudley and his gang left her pretty fit the run through the corridor didn’t leave her winded as the others. Neville was bent double, wheezing and spluttering. “Neville, stand up straight it’ll be easier to breathe.” Helia advised as she helped the wheezing boy to lean straight against the wall.

"I -- told -- you," Hermione gasped, clutching at the stitch in her chest, "I -- told -- you. "

“Hermione I…don’t think now is the right….time to be saying I told you so’s.” Remus gently amended. 

"We've got to get back to Gryffindor tower," said Ron, "quickly as possible. "

"Malfoy tricked you," Hermione said to Helia. "You realize that, don't you? He was never going to meet you -- Filch knew someone was going to be in the trophy room, Malfoy must have tipped him off. "

Helia knew that Hermione was right, however as much as Hermione would love to say ‘I told you so’ to her. Helia knew her roommate would kill her if she told her that she willing walked into the trap. It was probably better to never tell her that.

A huff was heard followed by the sound of an arm being smacked, yep nothing to be seen here. 

"Let's go. "

It wasn't going to be that simple.

“It never simple when it comes to us," Ron sighed.

They hadn't gone more than a dozen paces when a doorknob rattled and something came shooting out of a classroom in front of them.

It was Peeves. He caught sight of them and gave a squeal of delight. 

“Oh he’s happy to see you.” Luna smiled.

“You kidding me Lovegood, he’s going to get them caught.” Daphne hissed.

“As long as you play your cards right, he’ll help you out.” George soothed.

“Yeah old Peevsie loves taunting Filch more than mess with the students, and that’s saying something.” Fred assured.

"Peeves wait—please—come on give us a hand or else we’ll get caught. "

Peeves cackled. 

“Don't squeal on them" Sirius wheedled. "Come on Peevsie, be a pal, will ya?'

"Wandering around at midnight, Ickle Firsties? Tut, tut, tut. Naughty, naughty, you'll get caughty. "

"Not if you don't give us away, Peeves, please. "

"Should tell Filch, I should," said Peeves in a saintly voice, but his eyes glittered wickedly. "It's for your own good, you know. "

Helia stepped closer to her poltergeist friend, starting up at him with large emerald eyes. “Peeves, please.” She begged.

Peeves stopped his cackling and teasing at the plead, he knew how much it took for Helia to ask for help. It was in either of their natures to ask for help and it wasn’t in his to give help, but here it was again his little firstie making him want. What he didn’t know.

“I’ll say it again thank god for Helia’s ability to make friends just as fast as she does enemies.” Hermione called out. “No if only a certain some have some patience and leave the talking to the experts.”

“Little Hel…” He trailed off.

However Ron had lost his patience. “Get out of the way," snapped Ron, taking a swipe at Peeves

“Oh Ronnikins, I don’t even know what to say.” George sighed, shaking his head.

“It would’ve worked it you didn’t open your big mouth.” Fred scoffed, not being able to look at his brother with how disappointed he was. “Bloody Hell how stupid can you get.”
Ron turned to Helia and Hermione. “What are you not going to defend me?”

“No.”

“No.”

Came the two deadpanned replies, a stupid move was a stupid move. Ron should’ve known this with how much strategy he had to know for Wizarding chess.

this was a big mistake. 

"Very big mistake." moaned Ron.

"STUDENTS OUT OF BED!" Peeves bellowed, "STUDENTS OUT OF BED DOWN THE CHARMS CORRIDOR!"

Ducking under Peeves, they ran for their lives, right to the end of the corridor where they slammed into a door -- and it was locked. 

The teachers all paled, there was only one locked corridor on the third floor during that year.

"This is it!" Ron moaned, as they pushed helplessly at the door, "We're done for! This is the end!"

“And you people call me a pessimist.” Helia deadpans.

They could hear footsteps, Filch running as fast as he could toward Peeves's shouts. 

"Oh, move over," Hermione snarled. She grabbed Helia's wand, tapped the lock, and whispered, "Alohomora!"

"A first-year level spell," McGonagall hissed to herself. "A blasted first-year level spell."

The lock clicked and the door swung open -- they piled through it, shut it quickly, and pressed their ears against it, listening. 

"Which way did they go, Peeves?" Filch was saying. "Quick, tell me. "

Sirius barked a laugh, a wicked smirk on his lips "He’s so not telling Filch anything, he decided teasing Filch would be more fun than getting you in trouble.” He laughed. “Now as long as you hightail it out of there after they leave your home safe.”

The four Gryffindor fourth years looked at each other, if only that was their last scare of the night.

"Say 'please. '"

"Don't mess with me, Peeves, now where did they go ?"

"Shan't say nothing if you don't say please," said Peeves in his annoying singsong voice. 

"All right -- please. "

“You would think he would stop falling for it by now." James mused, witnessing Peeves pull that act many times during his years in Hogwarts.

"NOTHING! Ha haaa! Told you I wouldn't say nothing if you didn't say please! Ha ha! Haaaaaa!" And they heard the sound of Peeves whooshing away and Filch cursing in rage. 

“Ah thank Merlin, for Peevsie being a pal.” Sirius sighed.

"He thinks this door is locked," Helia whispered. "I think we'll be okay -- get off, Neville!" For Neville had been tugging on the sleeve of Helia's bathrobe for the last minute. "What ?"

Helia turned around -- and saw, quite clearly, what. For a moment, she was sure she'd walked into a nightmare -- this was too much, on top of everything that had happened so far.

“What is it?” Lily worried, she could tell how much it took for her daughter to admit she was scared. For Helia to say it was out right nightmarish was horrifying.

“You guys wondered what was in the forbidden corridor right?” Helia asked, biting her rosy lips. “Well we got up and personal with what lied with in the corridor, unintentionally.”

“Is it wrong I’m excited to hear what’s inside it?” Sirius asked.

“Sirius! Helia just said it was a nightmare!” Remus snapped.

“I’m surprised the Twins aren’t dying to know yet.” Percy added dryly, trying to hide his nerves of his little brother in a dangerous situation.

“Oh, we already know.” 

“Yeah, I think we went up there with Lee in the first week of school.” George mused.

“Poor Lee, I don’t think he’s going to get over his fear of dogs now.”

They weren't in a room, as she had supposed. They were in a corridor. The forbidden corridor on the third floor. And now they knew why it was forbidden. 

They were looking straight into the eyes of a monstrous dog, a dog that filled the whole space between ceiling and floor. It had three heads. Three pairs of rolling, mad eyes; three noses, twitching and quivering in their direction; three drooling mouths, saliva hanging in slippery ropes from yellowish fangs. 

“A Cerberus?" whispered a pale Tonks. "You put a bloody Cerberus in a school full of children?"

James felt a fury bubbling up inside of him, from the growls from his best mates they were furious also, what was the headmaster bloody thinking?

"Are you insane!?" Lily shrieked at the professors around them, but mostly at Dumbledore – taking the words right out of her husbands mouth.

“What in this world possessed you to have it in your school where it can escape at any moment!” Bill raged, his face as red as his hair.

“It was safely secured.” Dumbledore assured.

“No it wasn’t!”

It was standing quite still, all six eyes staring at them, and Helia knew that the only reason they weren't already dead was that their sudden appearance had taken it by surprise,

“Yes, the element of surprise can mean the difference in life or death.” Mad-eye nodded approvingly. “Now its best to retreat before it can gain its senses.”

but it was quickly getting over that, there was no mistaking what those thunderous growls meant. 

Helia groped for the doorknob -- between Filch and death, she'd take Filch. 

"I should hope Filch would be the option of choice," said Remus tiredly, he didn’t know what was giving him more grey hairs. The strain of being a werewolf or Helia.
 
“Yeah it’s good to know at least one of my friends has her priorities set in order.” Ron nodded sagely.

“Ronald my priorities are fine!” Hermione hissed.
“Really now?! Let’s wait to the end of this chapter and see if you can say that than.” Ron challenge.

“Fine.”

“Fine!”

They fell backward -- Helia slammed the door shut, and they ran, they almost flew, back down the corridor. Filch must have hurried off to look for them somewhere else, because they didn't see him anywhere, but they hardly cared -- all they wanted to do was put as much space as possible between them and that monster. They didn't stop running until they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady on the seventh floor. 

“Please for Merlin’s sake, tell me she’s back in her portrait.” Charlie begged.

"Where on earth have you all been?" she asked, looking at Hermione and Ron’s bathrobes hanging off their shoulders and all their flushed, sweaty faces. 

"Never mind that -- pig snout, pig snout," panted Helia, and the portrait swung forward. They scrambled into the common room and collapsed, trembling, into armchairs. 

It was a while before any of them said anything. Neville, indeed, looked as if he'd never speak again. 

“I spoke the next day.” Neville reassured.

"What do they think they're doing, keeping a thing like that locked up in a school?" said Ron finally.

“That's what I would like to know." Lily hissed, frowning at the staff in the room. 

"Put that to the side for a moment, what I want to know is why the only thing separating a bleeding Cerberus and students is a spell that first years learn in pretty much the first weeks." Remus growled, his eyes glowing golden at the three Hogwarts staff in the room. 

"Hagrid needed to be able to feed it, with his inability to use higher spell-level that’s what we used.” Dumbledore explained, as if it should be obvious. “I warned the students that they should not go up there for their own safety.” 

"You warning the students that there was a forbidden corridor is exactly why there should be a stronger lock on the door!" James shouted, heck probably half the school went up there just for the heck of it, their kids! Did Dumbledore learn nothing with the marauders?! The Twins for Merlin’s sake openly admitted to checking it out because it was forbidden.

"If any dog needs exercise, that one does. "

The Twins broke out in cackles, however Mrs. Weasley funnily enough didn’t find any humour in the situation. “Oh brother of ours, we knew there had to be a sense of humour buried under there.” Fred laughed.

Hermione had got both her breath and her bad temper back again. "You don't use your eyes, any of you, do you?" she snapped. "Didn't you see what it was standing on.”

“And you did?” Daphne asked in disbelief.

“Of course, I have eyes.” Hermione scoffed, rolling her cinnamon brown eyes. “Helia saw it too, she just needs to compartmentalize her memories and thoughts to picture it now that her brain isn’t in survival mode anymore.”

"The floor?" Ron suggested. "I wasn't looking at its feet, I was too busy with its heads. "

Helia thought back to the room, trying to picture the surroundings when she remembered. “No Ron, not the floor. It was standing on a trapdoor. It's obviously guarding something. "

“How do you come up with that idea? Why does it have to me guarding something?” Madam Bones quested, her lips pursed as she started expectantly at her niece’s friend.

Helia clenched her fingers to stop them from twitching to her wand, despising the feel of being studied. “It’s a logical conclusion, first the room is forbidden people only forbid something when they don’t want others to have it or go near it. Now it could just be the Cerberus, but there are sanctuaries that care for or relocate magical creatures to their nature habitats so that’s out, not to mention the trap door.” Helia informed, as everyone except Ron, Hermione and Luna watched her like she suddenly sprouted antlers. “Now no one places an animal as dangerous as the Cerberus in a room with a comprised floor because a trap door does comprise the structure and stability giving it a high chance of escaping through it. There has to be a reason, someone could slip the Cerberus’s food in from there if it just connects to another part of the castle, however then there wouldn’t be just a low-level first year spell being the only thing between it and students that Hogwarts are sworn to protect. So it’s most likely the thing that is forbidden is located through the trap door and the Cerberus is the first defence system, hence guarding.”

“Potter, if you don’t sigh up for the academy after you graduate you will never have any peace until you do.” Mad-eye warned.

Helia leaned away from her old—but not really— DADA Professor, accidentally brushing up against Draco’s side. “Why…”

“Because I will show up at your house, your workplace, your outs, heck I will show up on your loved ones homes until you sign up, if you don’t it would be a travesty and a waste of brilliance.” Helia knew Mad-eye was complimenting her, however he was also admitting his intentions of stalking her every waking moment.

Hermione nodded. “Exactly.”

She stood up, glaring at them.

"I hope you're pleased with yourselves. We could all have been killed -- or worse, expelled.

Uh, I'm pretty sure that's backwards..." Remus muttered, eyeing Hermione, who turned red. The teachers all blinked. They knew the girl was serious about her schooling, but seriously?

“Ha! I told you and they agree with me!” Ron exclaimed, pointing at her.

“Okay, Okay.” Hermione winced. “My priorities were a little…muddled back then.”

“A little?” Bill smirked.

Hermione narrowed her cinnamon eyes into a playful glare, as Bill jokingly raised his hands in surrender.

Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to bed. "

Ron stared after her, his mouth open. 

“Wait, you guys had this conversation in front of me? I don’t even remember this.” Neville thought back confused. 

“Neville you were so distraught from the event, you were practically in shock.” Helia informed him. “Ron and I had to help you to bed, you were so out of it.”
 
"Yeah, I can see that.”

"No, we don't mind," he said. "You'd think we dragged her along, wouldn't you. 

But Hermione had given Helia something else to think about as she climbed back into bed as Hermione ignored her entering the dorms. The dog was guarding something. . . What had Hagrid said? Gringotts was the safest place in the world for something you wanted to hide -- except perhaps Hogwarts. 

“Oh yeah, Hogwarts nothing ever happen here nope not a thing.” Helia drawled sarcastically, thinking of the past four ‘peaceful’ years. 

Nothing wrong with a possessed teacher trying to kill her, a giant ass snake with killer eyes being controlled by the teenaged spirit of her parents murderer trying to kill the muggle-born students and her. Or almost getting a chunk taken out of her neck by a werewolf only to almost have her soul stolen by pack of soul sucking wraithlike creatures, and then being forced into a dangerous tournament with competitors older and more knowledgeable then her only her and a semi-friend to be transported to a dark gravesite where she witness the murder of her schoolmate and the revival of her parents murderer only to be tortured and forced to duel for her life only to escape by the hair with the corpse of her schoolmate.

It looked as though Helia had found out where the grubby little package from vault seven hundred and thirteen was.

“Ms.Potter you figured it out that quickly?! You’re thought process never ceases to impress.” Madam Bones complemented.

“Heli, I don’t know if I want to curse your memory or praise it.” Lily groaned

“Here starts our hunt.” Ron muttered to Hermione and Helia.

“Alright who wants to read next?”Padma questioned.

Mad-eye grumbled, as he held out his hand expectantly for the book. Padma blanched as she quickly handed over the book to the Auror. Mad-eye flipped through the book until he found the spot they left off at. “Halloween.”