Chapter 1: ✮⋆˙ I Get My Acceptance Letter
Summary:
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Living as an orphan and bouncing around foster homes took up most of Lotus's childhood until she was 8, when her grandparents finally took custody of her.Her mother? Abandoned her and her father.
Her father? Was killed during his nightshift. Lotus was only 3 when it happened, Leo took her with him on his nightshift, and she saw something happen, and now he was dead.
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Notes:
NOTE: Yes, I know Severus would NEVER do this but cmon guys... please let me have my fun... yes ik that a faculty staff member has to be there if a muggle-born student receives it to explain hogwarts and the wizarding world, but just like with Vernon and Petunia, Rich and Wisteria knew about the wizarding world already. But I sent Snape there as extra luck ;3
also suspend your disbelief that they made all this effort to send it to someone in America when really the only senders are to be in Great Britain and Ireland, you'll probably know why later on!
- written like if percy jackson was less funnier and a girl (written by someone with not a good grasp on a lot of fancy sounding English words)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Witch Spells
That was the title of the book Lotus read on July 24th. It was those typical childish books you'd find in Target and pick up as a fun read. Something children will eventually grow out of comes adolescence, when their tastes evolve into more “mature” stories—ones filled with complicated characters, thrilling plots, and deeper meanings. But for Lotus, the book wasn’t just a fleeting amusement. She had picked it up on a whim, expecting nothing more than a simple distraction. Yet, as she flipped through the pages, something about the story lingered. Maybe it was the way the protagonist saw the world with unshaken wonder, or how the words, though simple, carried a warmth she hadn’t felt in a while. By the time she turned the last page, the world outside felt dimmer, duller. The book was meant for children, yet it left an ache in her chest, a reminder of something she couldn’t quite name. And as she set it down, Lotus realized she wasn’t ready to grow out of it just yet.
It reminded her of her past. Everyone used to ignore her when she tried to explain, but when she was 5, her father had been killed by a wizard. That's right. Most people would laugh too, or claim it was her way of coping with the accident. Being a security guard for a very popular museum meant that he'd run into people wanting to steal things, and that night there just happened to be someone much more powerful than him. She had been there, had seen this "someone" whip out what looked to be a wand, yell something unintelligible, and then bam !-- Her dad was dead. Authorities claimed he had been shot, but she swore it was different. After years of therapy and bouncing around foster homes, she eventually settled with her paternal grandfather and grandmother, who were wonderful after the stupid people she's had beforehand.
"Lotus, kiddo! Come downstairs!" She perked up from her spot on the bed and hummed.
"Coming, Gramps!" She inserted the bookmark between the pages, before setting it on her bed and hurrying downstairs. "What's going on? Did you need me for something?"
‘Grandpa Rich’ and ‘Grandma Wisteria’ greeted her. "Yes, it's time for breakfast, silly." Wisteria beams.
"Do eat your food." Rich pleaded. "I know it's been tough to eat as of late, that with your condition, but please..."
Lotus's smile faded slightly, but she sighed, nodding. "Alright- I- I can try my best." Sitting opposite of them, she assessed the food her grandfather had cooked: Two fried eggs, three pieces of bacon, and a moderate amount of rice. Her stomach rumbled in both hunger and hesitation. It's not like she had a personal problem with eating, it's just that... it's tough to in general. It's hard to stomach the food she eats, even if it's healthy. Still, her spoon digs into the eggs, and she eats. Listening in on her grandparents talking, it was a little better. After a moment, she sets her spoon down, glancing up at them.
“So.. about my school…” She started. Rich glanced at Wisteria, before clearing his throat.
“Yes.. about school.” He frowns. “See… we couldn’t get you into the school you wanted. We’re so sorry, Lotus–”
“No! No.. don’t be.” Lotus waved her hands frantically. She had known they struggled to fund her dreams, but she couldn’t blame them, because they had done so much for her already. “Really. It’s okay.”
“It isn’t. You’re a bright and smart girl and you deserve a good school to fuel that beautiful mind of yours.” Wisteria argued. “It’s a shame we could only put you in the school nearby.” Lotus’s face scrunched at that– Ginger Public School. Hell, but for middle schoolers. She had made a few friends in her elementary school who had older siblings who went to Ginger, and all of them said it was awful and poorly funded. She clenched her fists.
“It’s not fair.” Lotus perked up immediately afterwards. “Th- That wasn’t meant towards you two, I’m sorry- just… life’s unlucky sometimes, huh? It’s okay.”
She tried for a weak smile. “I’ll manage. I’ll do as good as I can.”
The breakfast was sent in silence save for Rich sorting through the envelopes. However, Rich froze when he noticed one specific letter. He looked up at Wisteria, before glancing at Lotus. “Lotus?”
“Mm?”
“Be a dear and run to the market to get us some groceries, will you? Here, take some cash…” Rich reached into his wallet, before sliding over 30 dollars to his confused granddaughter. She took it anyways, shrugging.
“Sure, I have nothing to do anyways… anything specific?”
He handed her a list of groceries. “Here you are, sweetie. We’ll use these to cook tonight’s dinner.” Lotus nodded and hugged the two goodbye, before leaving the house. Wisteria waved through the window, then turned to rich, crossing her arms.
“Alright, Richard. I saw that glance, what’s going on?” She questioned. “What’s got you needing to shoo her away?”
Rich frowned and slid the letter over to her. “Wisteria, they… they’ve finally come.” Confused, the elderly woman read the address. Her eyes went as wide as saucers.
“No… again?” She looks up at Rich. “What do we do? We can’t let her go into that world.. It- it took Leo…”
“But if we don’t tell her, at some point there will be more and more letters– and someone might even show up!” Rich noticed her worry and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Wisteria. I think we should tell her at dinner… and if she has any doubts, we need to guide her through this. We will not fail this time.”
Wisteria nods. “Yes, yes… Leo would’ve wanted this.”
Rich’s eyes crinkled into a sad smile. “He would’ve.” The two stood there for a moment, holding each other as they stared at the letter.
── .✦
“That was weird,” Lotus murmured, skipping down the crosswalk and into the supermarket. Frank’s Fresh Goods was on a sign above her as she entered, lathered in faded red paint. “What first?”
She took out the list, glancing at the options:
- Pork belly
- Garlic
- Bay leaves
- Vinegar
- Soy Sauce
- Peppercorn
“Hold on, are we making pork adobo for dinner?” She rose an eyebrow, grinning. “Let’s go! I love that food! Ugh, Granny and Gramps are the best! I’ll make sure to pick the best ingredients!” She hurried down the frozen meats section. Meanwhile, a figure lurked nearby.
He gritted his teeth. “Spawn of the traitor.” He murmured to himself. Following after her, he slowly brandished a wand, making sure no one was watching- not even the tired teenager working the deli.
Lotus suddenly felt something bad, and glanced over, eyes widening as she saw the man. He was tall, had blonde hair, and a scowl that stabbed her heart, drenching it in cold, cold fear. Frowning, she stood aside, thinking he had wanted the bread and that she was so rudely stepping in the way.
“Lotus Inag.” The man drew out her name in a way that made her shiver in disgust.
“H– How do you know my name..?” Lotus asked, slowly backing away. With each step back, he followed with one step forward. “Who are you?” And why do you look so familiar?
“You don’t remember me?” ‘Mr. Evil’ mocked. “Oh, how terrible. You don’t remember the very man who killed your father ?” He saw the fear well up in her eyes. Immediately, she tried to run, but he flicked his wrist.
“Petrificus Totalus!” He watched Lotus crumple to the ground, body still.
Lotus’s eyes were trained on him, begging her lips to scream for help and yet found that she could not will her body into moving. What was this, magic? Oh God, maybe she should’ve finished reading that book earlier…
“No need to cry. I’ve simply come to finish my job. I had to kill that traitor.” He drew out, strutting over to her. He placed the heel of his shoe against her hand, pressing hard.
The girl wanted to cry. The shoe hurt so fucking bad, and yet again she couldn’t. She was going to die here, in Frank’s Fresh Goods, with nobody paying attention, cold and hungry, and to some guy with a dumb looking wand and a dumber-looking face.
Then suddenly, the man (and ironically her) froze when a deep voice taunted from behind.
“If I were you I wouldn’t even hurt a hair on her head, Alistair.”
‘Alistair’ turned around. His cold smile had dropped upon seeing yet another man (cloaked in black as well, Lotus thinks, what’s up with weird magic people wearing all black? ) storm over to them.
“Se-”
“Expelliarmus!” The second man shouts, sending Alistair flying into the wall. Lotus looked up at him as he stared down at her, with a nasty look.
‘Dang.. what did I do to you?’ She thought as he murmured something, and with a flick of his wand she could feel movement all over again. She quickly stood up and, like the coward she was, hid behind the guy as Alistair slowly stood up, coughing.
“Severus, another traitor. I could kill you where you’re standing and Lord Voldemort would be so pleased-”
“Oh, please.” He mocked. “The Dark Lord is long gone and you’re just desperately clinging onto the past.” Severus turned to Lotus. As soon as she thought Alistair would hurt the two of them with another long sounding spell name, there was another wizard who disarmed Alistair. “You, child,” he spoke sharply, his words pronounced. “Dumbledore had sent me to ensure you had gotten your letter. Did you or did you not?”
Lotus must’ve been staring with an expression that looked like a fish out of water, because Severus sighed afterwards. “I guess that means no. Listen here and listen well, return home and get it. Then you must come or else you risk your life. Go on. Lead the way, I have to come with you.”
“I- I…” Lotus squeaked, watching the other wizard deal with the poor teenager who had seen the ordeal ( “Obliviate!” He had said, and her eyes suddenly glazed over with an unfamiliar look. Lotus noted this ) and quickly picked up her bag.
“... Okay- but… –OH RIGHT! THE GROCERIES!” Sorry, Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome, but my food comes first!
Severus stared at her with a look of loathing in his eyes, yet he stayed silent and accompanied her.
── .✦
On the way home, she ran the events through her mind over and over again while also trying to ignore Severus following behind her.
Some wizard wanted to kill her. That wizard killed her father.
Lotus froze, her blood seething with rage. That wizard had murdered her father. How dare he? What had her father ever done to deserve such a fate? And why did Alistair keep calling him a traitor? That couldn’t be true—could it? Her father wasn’t a bad man… was he?
She gripped her arm, reprimanding herself of such heinous thoughts. Her father had been a kind and loving man, especially to her. If given the opportunity he spoiled her rotten. He was the one who gave her a love of astronomy and all things fantasy and arts. Every night after she mourned him (even when she didn’t understand at first) she would imagine his soothing voice telling her about the planets, about how Earth was such a beautiful place to live in, how everything was worth protecting. She would repeat it in her mind, and that’s how she grew to be “such a brave, kind girl” as most people said about her.
… And yet, a seedling of doubt planted into her mind. She could conclude from all the context clues that this “Dark Lord” and “Voldemort” were the same person. And the way Alistair raged on, it seems that he wasn’t a good person. Alistair called her father and Severus traitors, which must mean they worked for him at some point.
Yeah, Lotus! A part of her mind reasoned. See, your father isn’t some terrible guy, at least not anymore! He fled and had you.
Did this mean she was a wizard? No.. a witch?
If the circumstance weren’t so terrifying nor confusing, she’d be jumping for joy. Lotus walked into her house, calling out with a shaky tone. “I’m home. And.. t– there’s a guest.”
“Lotus, sweetie, come, come!” Wisteria brought her over. Her eyes widened as she saw Severus. “Mr. Snape.” She added kindly.
“Mrs. Inag.” He replied cooly.
Lotus looked at the two. “Hold on, how do you know him?!”
“We’ll explain to you later, sweetie.” She brought the two over to the kitchen. Lotus noticed Rich sitting there at the kitchen still, a letter tucked under his arm. That must be my letter, she thought.
Severus, Rich, and Wisteria all stared at each other, and Lotus was about to feel uncomfortable when Rich spoke up.
“Let’s teach you how to make pork adobo, since you’re old enough and trustworthy.” He smiled. Lotus silently nodded. Rich’s smile faltered slightly, sensing something must be wrong, but he shrugged it off and had her bring the groceries over. Severus sat down, feeling a twinge of impatience.
── .✦
“Gramps?”
“Yes, kiddo?”
Lotus’s hand fidgets as she washes the dishes. She stared hard into her reflection on the gleaming plate. Ever since she had been immobilized, her hands never really seemed to keep calm. Maybe it was affecting her… affliction.
“Lotus?” Rich spoke, snapping her out of it. Wisteria, who was drying the dishes, frowns in worry. She glanced at Snape, who had been silently eating the adobo (as Wisteria had invited him to). He looked like he was trying to avoid conversation unless necessary.
“Y- Yes! Sorry. Uhm… Did you guys.. Get a letter address to me?” She asked nervously. They’re gonna say no, they’re gonna– wait, huh? She stared at their faces, which displayed shock.
“How did you know?” Rich asked carefully. Lotus turned the faucet off, setting the plate down before she dropped it. She turned to him, eyes welling up in tears. His voice softens, holding her trembling hands. “Lotus, is everything okay?” Wisteria walked over, wrapping an arm around the child’s shoulder.
“I- well..” She sniffled. “I was getting the groceries, and then some idiot magic-wizard guy called Alistair used this spell to make me all… frozen and he called Dad a traitor and he wanted to kill me and that guy over there stopped him and freedmeandthenheasked- ”
“Woah, calm down, shhh, it’s okay.” Wisteria pressed a kiss to her forehead, rubbing her cheek fondly with her other hand. “Say that last part again slowly.”
Lotus nodded. “Sorry… uhm, uhm… this guy named Severus… he saved me and he and this other wizard took Alistair away- though Severus told me ‘Dumbledore’ sent him to make sure I got my letter and to make sure I do receive it. What does this mean? I’m so confused!” She cried out.
A hint of pity overtook Rich’s eyes. “Kiddo… hey. Sit down, we have to tell you everything.” Lotus nodded again, sitting down. Wisteria drew up two chairs, each adult sitting on each side. Rich ran a hand through his greying hair, sighing. “See.. when Leo… your father, I mean… when he was your age, he was accepted by Hogwarts. That’s.. A school, you see. For wizards and witches. Your father was a Slytherin, cunning and confident, ambitious and resourceful. He was smart and knew so much.”
Both he and Wisteria smiled fondly at the memory, meanwhile Snape scoffed.
“However, when… You-Know Who was rising into power, your father unfortunately chose his side. To this day we do not know why, but he did. He ended up hurting so many people. But near the end of You-Know-Who’s life, he turned over a new leaf and helped Albus Dumbledore, making him promise to keep his children safe if anything happened to him, and fled to America to escape. It seems now that his past is catching up, and unfortunately you are suffering for it.” Rich frowns, before handing her the letter. “Here, you should take this.”
Lotus just sat there, unable to reply.
So it’s true. Her father had been a bad person, at least later on. But he was smart and a… Slither-in? Whatever. At least he stopped following Voldemort.
“I hate to be so rude,” Snape said in a tone that felt like quite the opposite, “but I believe it’s imperative you read this letter and reply to it.”
She looked down, wiping her tears as she picked up the letter, reading it.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Ms. Inag,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. We wait for your owl by no later than 31 July.
Yours sincerely,
𝑀𝒾𝓃𝑒𝓇𝓋𝒶 𝑀𝒸𝒢𝑜𝓃𝒶𝑔𝒶𝓁𝓁
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Lotus stared. “This.. isn’t real.” She looked up at the two. “No, no, this is definitely real, huh?”
They both nodded. She flipped to the second page and kept reading.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
- Three sets of plain work robes (black)
- One plain pointed hat (black) for wear day
- One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
- One winter coat (black, with silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupil’s clothes should carry name tags.
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1)
By Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic
By Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory
By Adalbert Waffling
A Beginner’s Guide to Transfiguration
By Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi
By Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions
By Arsenic Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
By Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection
By Quentin Trimble
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring, if they desire, an owl OR a cat OR a toad.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS
ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS
Yours sincerely,
𝐿𝓊𝒸𝒾𝓃𝒹𝒶 𝒯𝒽𝑜𝓂𝓈𝑜𝓃𝒾𝒸𝓁𝑒-𝒫𝑜𝒸𝓊𝓈
Lucinda Thomsonicle-Pocus
Chief Attendant of Witchcraft Provisions
Lotus frowns. “Aw, wait, no broomsticks? Not fair, I totally wanted to have a sick, cool ride to Hogwarts.”
“Ah, well, you go by train in London, if I remember,” Rich said.
“Huh. Oh- wait! Wait a minute, some of these books look familiar.”
“That’s because they were your father’s copy,” Wisteria explained. “You were quite fond of reading fantasy, so we lent it to you, hoping Hogwarts… never would invite you. But.. I suppose we shouldn’t have wishful thinking, hm?”
Snape gave a cold look, though it didn’t hold any real value of anger.
“Oh.. but- uh… I don’t imagine we can waltz into Target and ask for a stupid telescope- oh wait, we can. Uhh… I dunno, some of this stuff seems… unattainable.” Lotus said.
“Here, at least.” Wisteria agreed. “And yes, we can’t pay with our own money. But it’s okay, we still have some of these books from when your father was in school, so that crosses off the books.”
“Must be well-kept if I can still have them.” She says. “Though I don’t mind second-hand stuff… still, even then, you’re right- you can’t- we can’t pay for this.”
Rich grins, his eyes displaying a hint of adventure. “We can’t. But your father still has some.. Currency in his account.”
“Oh. I guess we could stop by Chase Bank or something…”
“No, sweetie. It’s.. somewhere a bit more complicated. But don’t worry! Mr. Snape here can help you with this, right?” Wisteria smiled.
“It is my job, I have to make sure you understand.” He explains. “So do you accept, Ms. Inag? It would make your father’s promise useless if you didn’t.”
“I… what about..” Lotus whimpered, looking at Rich and Wisteria.
Wisteria’s eyes grew misty, and Rich had a forlorn expression on his face, but he quickly masked it with a hearty laugh and a pat on the back. “Just write back to us if you can. It might do you good if you stay the entire school-year, though.”
Lotus jumped up, hugging the two of them tightly. She felt the waterworks come back, as she sniffled, tightening her hold and yet making sure it doesn’t injure them. “I will! I promise I will!” After some reassurances, she pulled back and turned to Snape. “Okay… what do I do now?”
“Now I must take you to Diagon Alley.” He replied, standing up. “Go get packed if you must, though I doubt you need anything besides your hand-me-downs from your father.”
The girl nods, not wanting to irritate Snape further. She rushed upstairs with Wisteria following her.
Rich looked at Snape. “Severus.” He spoke softly. Snape snapped his head over.
“... Mr. Inag.”
“My son…”
“Yes, Leonardo, he was quite a friendly and smart face as a Slytherin student. What about him?”
“... If Lotus were to end up in Slytherin, can you also make the promise to me to ensure she doesn’t join the Death Eaters?” He pleaded. “I cannot have her die because of a dumb mistake.”
The corner of Snape’s lip twitched, before he nodded. “I can do that if you wish .”
Rich smiled a little. “Thank you, Severus.”
── .✦
An hour later, after Lotus finished packing, she was now standing outside of her home. Severus was behind her, impatient and yet patient enough to watch her bid her farewells. She hugged her grandparents one last time, tearing up.
“I’ll write like you said! I’ll write… e- every week! Or… uhm, every other week?” She stuttered.
“Sweetie, when your father was enrolled, he wrote every week. So I believe you can to, if you’d like.” Wisteria hums, smoothing her hair over.
Lotus smiled. “Then I’ll do that! And I promise I’ll never forget to be kind to everyone!” She pulled away, picking up her bag and ran to Severus.
“Goodbye, Lotus!” Rich and Wisteria yell.
“Bye!!” She waved with her free hand, and turned to Severus. “Okay, Mr. Snape–”
“Professor Snape.” He replied curtly, walking. She followed after him.
“Ah, sorry, Professor Snape– where do we go now?”
“Now we go to Diagon Alley. It’s in London.” Lotus’s eyes widened in surprise.
“In London? But how are we gonna… oh! Why do you have a book?” She asked. She watched him hold it out.
“Hold on tight and don’t let go.” He warned. Not wanting to argue, she reached out, holding it. As soon as her fingers grasped the leather bindings, the world began to spin around them.
“WOAH!” She screams, gripping the book extra tightly as they traveled(?). The world warped and changed, clouds seemed to surround them, and she felt sick. Just as she was about to pass out, he suddenly shouts.
“Let go!”
“What-?! But you just said-”
“I know what I said. And now I say: let go.”
Groaning, she pulled away, screaming louder as she started to fall? That’s what it felt like. Suddenly, her feet touched the ground. Sorry, more like crashed into it. She hissed in pain as she fell on her butt while Snape slowly descended. “Ow! That hurt! What was that, anyways?!”
“A Portkey. A legal one. It’s designed to take you from one place to another, disguised as an everyday object.” He explains. “Get up. Come on.” Lotus got up, dusting herself off as she followed him, clutching her bag.
“Portkey?” She snorts. “Sounds a little ridiculous. And what do you mean illegal? Are there risks? Probably, huh? I get it, I’d ban the creation of it if it harmed others-”
He stopped, looking at her with a glare. “I can tell you are intelligent, Ms. Inag, but I want you quiet right now. We’re about to reach a public area and I’d kindly appreciate it if you didn’t talk about wizardry.”
“Yeah? Well, you look suspicious amongst the crowd of average folk.” She frowns. He glared at her, before he kept walking. “Hey! It’s true! I respect the outfit, you look cool in it, but it’s true!” A few minutes later they stopped in front of a pub.
“Woww. What a neat bar. Or what do British people call it? A pub? Sorry.” She says. He ignored her and walked inside. Lotus quickly followed inside.
In the pub, she saw a variety of odd faces. Witches from various countries, other wizards playing what looked to be an advanced form of chess with moving chess pieces (which she marveled at), tiny dwarves who drank heavily, and many more. The bar had an old feel to it, several windows shining in and yet the place looked dark as ever. There were pictures on the walls, but the pictures moved. Lotus stared at a group of people with broomsticks wearing unfamiliar jerseys.
She focused right back to the situation as Snape stopped in front of a bald, old, and hunched man picking up aa cup. He smiled politely with a toothless grin.
“Severus Snape,” he spoke, voice trembling- maybe it was an illness? Or simply old age? “What have you got there? Or sorry, who have you got there? A new Muggle-Born student?”
“Indeed I do.” he nods. “I simply am here to drop her off. She can figure the rest out on her own, I know she can.”
Lotus blinks, stammering. “Ah, wait, HOLD IT YOU! You can’t just drop me off and leave me! Grandma and you said it was your job to!”
Severus’s mouth hid his scowl as he nodded curtly. “Oh my, it seems I have forgotten. Oh well, then, come along.”
── .✦
It was a blur, honestly, having to get used to all of these new places. The Leaky Cauldron, where Snape said she’d stay until it was time to get to King’s Cross Station (and ultimately Platform 9 ¾), Diagon Alley, and all the various stores within it. He forbade her from entering Knockturn Alley (she swore she saw his expression shift into something unreadable in that instant). First he took her to Gringotts Wizarding Bank to get the money her father had as well as convert the money he saved from his job in the “Muggle World”.
“Wow! This is… well, it’s a fair sum.” Lotus says. “More money I’ve seen in my entire life.”
Severus snorted. “As you should.”
They were funny people, the goblins who ran Gringotts. Stern and scary and quite ugly.
Next up was Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions. She was very excited and as a result got nicked a few times when Madam Malkin was measuring her. Lotus thought Malkin was quite kind.
“You do an outstanding job! These fit me quite nicely!” Lotus beams.
“Awww, aren’t you just the kindest?” Malkin smiled back. Snape, of course, wasn’t in the room at the time.
She was already seated with the books, so she skipped all of that. The cauldrons and potion supplies were next and Snape seemed insistent she knew which ones were good to buy and which ones weren’t.
“I’m sorry, these look the exact same..-”
“But they are not, Inag. Listen closely, the quality here…”
When he’s not acting like a complete closed off douchebag, Lotus thought he was kinda cute and interesting. She let him explain, of course, because she knew she was also quite the talker. The telescope also wasn’t needed to buy, as that was another thing she happened to have on hand from her father. Now the pet, loosely used, was up next.
Lotus observed all the toads, owls, and cats, but none of them seemed to strike her fancy. “... I don’t like any of them.”
“Well you have to pick one.” He grumbled. “Hurry up.”
“If I may,” the owner cuts in, leaning in to Lotus. “I see none of them have captured your attention. What about this owl?” He led her to another fancy looking cage. She gasped upon seeing a great horned owl.
“Woahh!! A great horned owl!” Lotus said. “It’s from America, just like me! I’ll take it– her? Him?”
“Him.” He confirms. A small ‘yippiee’ escaped her lips as she clapped. Snape helped her pay for it, and she walked out with the cart holding her supplies and owl.
“I think I’ll name him Jamie!” She says happily. Snape growls under his breath, and she caught ‘James’ in it. “Unless… you want me to pick something else?”
“Yes, preferably something else.” He scoffed.
“Oh. Okay, uh… Marco Polo? S- So I can say like.. Marco! And he’ll reply with a chirp or a hoot, and I’ll be like ‘Polo’! Heh.. heh… heh.” She sagged, seeing his hateful expression. “Listen, I try to be funny, okay?”
He sighs. “Let’s just get your wand.” She seemed to get happy again.
“A wand!!”
Entering Ollivanders, she was immediately intrigued by the shelves upon shelves of wands. She noticed Snape staying behind, and grumbled. “Of course…” She suddenly yelped as a tall, old man with messy white hair approached her with an elderly smile and silvery eyes. Immediately she was reminded of her own Grandpa Rich, and she felt like hugging him- though that would’ve been too odd.
“Hello.. Ah, a new witch in search of her first wand, hm?” Lotus silently nods, looking at Snape as a child would look at their guardian during a doctor’s checkup. Though Snape waved her off, as if saying ‘you can handle this’.
She sighs, and looks back at Ollivander as he continued to speak, studying her carefully. “Yes, yes, there is power in you, but something else as well as… a touch of hardship, perhaps? No matter. Every wand finds its witch in the end.”
Then came the long process of finding wands. Some caused her to almost blow up a shelf, some caused papers to scatter, and some she just dropped. As she dropped her fifth one, her face burned with extreme embarrassment and she felt like crying.
“I’m sorry, Ollivander,” she murmured, “It’s just– I don’t have the best grip because of– of issues.”
Ollivander nods, patting her back. “No matter, no matter. Let’s see… Dragon heartstring would make a wonderful core for you, you know.”
‘Really? And you seriously let me fumble around like an idiot? I bet Professor Snape is trying not to laugh.’ She thought with slight disdain. “Really..?”
“Yes! I see it in you. A powerful core– One that bonds fiercely with its master and produces strong, commanding magic. But such a core demands discipline…"
He nods to himself, then turns to the towering shelves, running his fingers along a row of wand boxes. "As for the wood… Something sturdy. Something resilient. Not flighty or unpredictable." His fingers pause over one section, and he carefully pulls down a box, setting it on the counter.
"Blackthorn. A wand for those who endure. It is not a wood that chooses lightly, but for a witch who has faced hardship, it will become an unwavering ally."
He watches for Lotus’s reaction before placing another wand box beside it.
"Ebony, then? A wand of great independence and strength—unyielding, confident. If you desire to forge your path, Ebony will stand by you, no matter the road you take." Finally, he taps one last box with a knowing smirk.
"Walnut. Intelligent, quick to learn, ever adaptable. A wand that seeks a sharp mind and rewards its wielder with exceptional control."
He places his hands on the counter, looking Lotus in the eye. "Now, Miss Lotus… what speaks to you?"
Lotus bit her gum, thinking. “Y- You know, they seem cool and– and all.. But again, I don’t think I can hold any… can I get my very own wand?”
Ollivander’s eyes widen in interest. “Your own? I suppose you mean.. Custom made? Ah, but Miss Lotus, what do you have in mind-”
“A gun.” The room was silent, Snape looking bewildered for once. “I- If you want. Wait- no! I take it back- no, I don’t.” Lotus stammered. “Y- You see, like… it’s a wand.. But it’s like.. inside or part of a shape that looks like a rifle? Gun?” She waved her hands. “And it has a handle, so I can have a better grip and… Sorry, this is stupid..”
But Ollivander… did not laugh.
Instead, his pale, silvery eyes gleamed with something far more dangerous.
Interest.
"Fascinating." He murmured, stepping closer, fingers clasped together. "A wand with a handle for control. A design tailored for precision, stability—ah, but not just any shape. A gun– a metal wand. A tool of force, of intent. And yet, you do not seek destruction."
He tilted his head slightly, as if seeing her in an entirely new light.
"No, no… You seek efficiency. Power, yes, but wielded with care. A grip that defies weakness. How… intriguing."
Ollivander paced to a high shelf, running his fingertips along the spines of aged wand boxes.
"This is no simple request, Miss Lotus," he mused. "A wand is a living thing—it must be free to breathe, to channel its magic unburdened by unnecessary restraints. But a handle… a carefully crafted extension… hmm."
He turned back to her suddenly.
"Tell me—your magic. Does it flow effortlessly? Or do you struggle with control?"
“I’ll be perfectly honest with you, Mr. Ollivander,” she began, “I’ve never once held a wand in my life nor have I used magic. Well, the wand’s a lie. I’ve never held a real, operating magic wand and spoke legitimate spells. H- How much will this cost?”
Ollivander froze mid-step. Then, ever so slowly, he turned his head back toward her, looking somewhere between amused and utterly scandalized.
"Miss Lotus." His tone was almost offended. "I do not craft wands to be bartered like common trinkets."
“Sorry! Sorry- I know- Just-”
He strode back toward her, placing a long-fingered hand atop the counter.
"The wand chooses the wizard. Even in this… unusual case, it is not a matter of mere galleons. No—this will be an experiment. A challenge. A creation I have never attempted before. And if I succeed…" He leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering to something reverent. "Then the cost is simple—" he tapped a bony finger against his chest, "—you must wield it well."
Snape made a noise—something between a scoff and a sigh—but didn’t interrupt.
Ollivander straightened, brushing nonexistent dust from his sleeves. "However…" His gaze flickered to Lotus, keen as ever. "A core of dragon heartstring will not be cheap. Nor will the craftsmanship of such a design. If you wish to pay in coin, the price will be steep."
His fingers drummed once against the wood of the counter. "Now… let us find the wood that will take to you."
"Okay, but... what's the coin price?" She asked.
Ollivander tilted his head, regarding her with an unreadable expression.
"For a wand like this?" He tapped his fingers rhythmically against the counter, calculating.
"The craftsmanship alone will be… delicate. Precise. The materials—dragon heartstring, a sturdy yet responsive wood, a reinforced handle without disrupting the magic flow…" He trailed off, his eyes narrowing in thought.
Then, he looked her in the eye. "At least 50 Galleons, if not more."
Snape let out the faintest hiss of disapproval beside her.
Lotus felt her stomach drop. That was a lot of money.
Ollivander, ever perceptive, caught her hesitation immediately. "This is no ordinary wand, Miss Lotus," he continued. "It will take time, at least a month, and it will take skill. If cost is an issue, I suggest a standard wand—"
He paused, studying her, then smiled—just a little. "—but I don’t believe that is what you want."
She shook her head. “No. That’s not what I want. Okay! I can do it. I can.. Pay the price. And.. I think I’ll choose Blackthorn– no. I’ll let Blackthorn.. Choose me..?”
“Wise choice, Miss Lotus!” He praised, patting her back. “In that case, you may pay upfront and I will get ready to make your wand. Do come back in.. around a month, so that should be at least a week before you must depart to Hogwarts.”
She nodded, reaching into her bag of coins to scavenge the 50 Galleons. She was so glad her dad was loaded in both Muggle and Wizarding World…
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Lotus was now alone in her booked room in The Leaky Cauldron. She folded her arms over her chest, frowning. It felt so… lonely to be, well, alone. She didn’t like it.
Snape had shortly dropped her off after visiting Ollivanders, told her to wait a month and gave her the address to King’s Cross Station, and then left. Leaning on her side, she stared at her owl, Marco Polo, picking at his feathers. Lotus sighed, before she felt a headache.
“Oh, no..” she reached out for the medicine in her bag right next to her bed, only to shudder in agony. She felt boneless as she fell onto the ground with a loud thud (hopefully not alerting any housekeepers or Tom himself) and twitched, coughing. She shakily sat up, sorting through the bag and eventually taking out a bottle of pills. She popped two in her mouth before swallowing them down with water, and then felt the calm and bliss of no-more-pain wash over her. She leaned against the bed.
Okay, Lotus. You have to be independent and responsible. Lotus looked at the books, picking one up. This specific book had been owned by her father (there was more she learned today than ever, and she wasn’t sure how okay she felt with that).
Curses and Counter-Curse
Although not quite like the book ‘ Witch Spells’ that she had been reading just earlier today, it was a good read and quite literally the same thing in its core aspects. She hums, flipping through the pages.
She didn’t know how she’d manage living in this world, but she’d try her best.
Notes:
She meets Harry in the next chapter.
Hope you guys enjoy <3
Chapter 2: ✮⋆˙ Harry & Hogwarts
Summary:
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
A few days later, Lotus goes on a walk around Diagon Alley, only to run into THE Harry Potter. Except she doesn't know about his glaring fame, and neither does he.Lotus finally gets into Hogwarts.
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
Notes:
I want them to be besties ngl, they would if you think about it
Both totally clueless, both had parents that were witches/wizards, both would be powerful heheyes, I made up the fake illness :3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Lotus was extremely bored come July 31st. And she STILL had to wait a whole god-dang month. More like 4 weeks. But hey! What comes her chance to follow in her father’s footsteps (not in the Death Eater aspect) comes her new wand! Hopefully Ollivander’s freaky little sense-thing about wands can help him understand what she meant, and what she had asked of him.
She closed her book, offering Marco Polo his food. “I’ll be back, buddy. Alright? I’d have you send a letter to Granny and Gramps, but.. I feel it’s too early. But trust me, you will be very useful soon.” She reached a finger out, smiling softly. Marco Polo chirped, nibbling her finger affectionately. Lotus chuckled. “I guess you must really like me– which is good. I need you to, otherwise I’d feel bad having a pet that hated me.”
Lotus stood up. “Anyways, have fun, I think I’ve got enough for entertainment.. I’ll go take a walk around. Be right back, Marco Polo.”
── .✦
Something felt different in the air already- people in The Leaky Cauldron seemed to be whispering but not as they usually would- about Quidditch (which she learned was some version of Football/Soccer) or about the latest broom- no, in fact it was about someone who seemed to have passed a while ago. Something about some boy named Hairy Porter?
No. Harry Potter, that one seemed correct. She hadn’t bothered to ask, but had heard some key words already:
The Boy Who Lived
He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named
So, with this, she had the fair assumption that Harry Potter was a kid who had survived Voldemort attempting to murder him. Maybe it was because she hadn’t a good grasp of Voldemort (due to no one wanting to say his name) but she didn’t know why that was so important. Surely many people survive Voldemort, did he kill everything and everyone he met who opposed him? Like surely there was someone who had survived torture from him.
Lotus shrugged, going into Diagon Alley. Maybe she’ll visit Ollivander and see how he’s doing! Or will it seem nosy and impatient? Hopefully Ollivander will figure out she just wanted to talk.
Lotus spotted the store, and headed inside- only to almost immediately scream in terror when one of the shelves collapsed. “ HOLY MOLY! ” She shrieked, backing into the door. Ollivander jumped at her sudden arrival, while a boy clutched the wand he held.
“I’m so sorry!” He stumbled, stepping forward, but then decided to step back. She looked at him, blinking.
“Wh- no! No, it’s– uhm, it’s fine, really.. I kinda.. Uh.. messed up too, trying to find my wand.”
Ollivander seemed to regain his senses, shaking his head as the boy hurriedly put the wand back on the counter.
“Apparently not.” He murmured, searching for another. Meanwhile, Lotus leaned against the wall, deciding to make conversation.
“What’s your name?” She asked.
He seemed almost relieved that she didn’t know him, and yet almost saddened (as if he didn’t want her to). “My name is Harry Potter.”
He stared at her expectantly, as if assuming she’d break out into a scream and go “OH MY MERLIN!! HARRY POTTER!! I’M SUCH A HUGE FAN!!” But no. She stood there, confused, before she blinked.
“Oh, Harry Potter. I heard about you!” He deflated. “Yeah, apparently you’re the Boy Who Lived… but I’ve never heard of you.” Harry seemed to relax.
“Yeah, I never knew anything about this until just an hour ago. What’s your name?”
She held her hand out. “Lotus Inag. Nice to meet you!” Shaking her hand, Harry noticed it seemed loosely gripped and shaky, but didn’t mention it.
“Nice to meet you too… Where are you from? I’m from- well, not too far away. In London.”
Lotus shook her head. “From the Americas. Yeah, it took me a bit to get used to, uh, all the accents.” Shortly after, Ollivander came back with a second wand.
“Perhaps this.” He says. Harry looked unsure, before waving it at a vase. Lotus flinched as it exploded.
‘ Perhaps not,’ she thought amusedly.
“No, no, definitely not! No matter..” Ollivander hurried off again after taking the wand. Harry turned to Lotus.
“What wand do you have?” he asked curiously.
“Ollivander’s still making it– see, I asked for my wand.” She explained. “I don’t have the best grip and despite being 11 I’m far more familiar with metal wands than regular wands, amirite?”
“What do you mean, metal wands–” His eyes widened. “No, a gun? Really?”
“Yes! I mean, it totally could have been anything else, I just… I dunno, that kinda blurted out of me when I requested it.” She laughed. Both kids giggled as Ollivander returned with a curious expression.
“Now, now, focus.” He spoke. “I wonder..” Ollivander handed Harry a wand. Lotus and Harry noticed his expression, a little confused.
Harry held the wand up, as it began to glow gently.
‘Woah.. just like angels.. ’ Lotus thought, eyes widening in admiration as Harry brought the wand back down.
“Sorry, what’s curious?” Harry questioned.
Ollivander paused, before he replied with carefully chosen words. “I remember every wand I’ve ever sold, Mr. Potter. It just so happens that the phoenix, whose tail feather resides in your wand gave one other feather, just one.” He pointed dto the wand. “It is curious you should be destined for this wand… when its brother gave you that scar .” His finger points to the scar on Harry’s forehead.
Lotus and Harry looked surprised. Lotus glanced at Harry, leaning to the side to eye the scar. Though she felt bad when Harry placed a hand over it- either self-conscious or confused.
“And.. who owned that wand?” He asked.
“Oh, don’t you know?” Lotus felt stupid for asking, but continued. “It’s Vol–” But a quick stare from Ollivander shut her up. She crossed her arms, looking down with a forlorn expression.
“Oh, we do not speak of his name.” He turns to Harry. “The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Potter. It’s not always clear why, but I think it is clear that we can expect great things from you. After all, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things… terrible, yes, but great.”
As he hands Harry the wand, Lotus’s gears turned.
‘So this wand’s core had another feather for a twin wand.. And it was the same one used by Voldemort to give Harry his scar? Pretty gnarly… and sickening.’ She jumped when someone knocked on the window. Looking back, she nearly gasped seeing a huge, tall burly man.
“Harry! Harry!” He called out. “Happy birthday!” He moved aside, showing a snowy owl in a cage. It stared at him, before hooting.
Harry took on an elated (yet still shocked) expression. “Wow.”
“Woah, a snowy owl? Nice one, Harry!” She said. “Looks like your Dad chose it well!”
Harry coughs. “He’s– he’s not my dad. He’s Hagrid, a half-giant who works in Hogwarts… I think he said he was the groundskeeper?”
“Oh- sorry.” She blinks. “Still, he seems cool.”
Harry nodded. “I’ve got to go now, I’ll see you later!”
“Oh..” She felt a little saddened now, but waved. “Good– Goodbye, Harry! I hope we see each other sometime soon.. Or maybe in Hogwarts!”
The Boy Who Lived nodded, before rushing outside to meet his companion and his new owl. Lotus turned to look at Ollivander, who recovered from his grave expression.
“Yes, Miss Inag?”
“Uhm- I’m not here to rush you about my wand, I just… wanted to see how you’re doing. I know it’s been only a few days, b- but still! I was just curious.” She fumbled for an explanation. Ollivanger’s eyes crinkled as he smiled fondly.
“Ah, yes, your ever so mysterious wand. No, I haven’t quite finished it yet, as you know. But I’ve made good progress. Want to see?”
She nods, smiling. “Sure! I’d love to.”
── .✦
After leaving Ollivanders, she decided to head back to the Leaky Cauldron, where she ran into none other than Harry yet again! He was sitting with Hagrid, so she hummed, walking over.
“Hi again, Harry! Man, small world, huh?” She spoke.
“Oh, is she a friend of yers, Harry?” Hagrid hummed. “Hey there, lass!” He held his large hand out, and Lotus hoped against hope he wouldn’t crush her as she shook his hand. It felt rough and calloused, and she hummed.
“Nice to meet you, Hagrid. Harry’s told me… well, only your name really.” She sat opposite the two.
“Hey again, Lotus.” Harry looked a little lost, which raised some concerns for the girl.
“Is everything alright? You seem very quiet.” She asked.
“Aye, she’s right!” Hagrid nods.
“.. He killed my parents, didn’t he? The one who gave me this.” He pointed at his scar. “You know, Hagrid, I know you do.”
Hagrid sighed and pushed the bowl away. “First, and understand this, Hary, ‘cause it’s very important. Not all wizards are good. Some of ‘em go bad. A few years ago, there was one wizard who went as bad as you can go. And his name was V-...” he struggled. “... his name was V-...”
He choked on his words.
Lotus looked at Harry, who seemed to frown. She knew from days after spending time in here that she couldn’t utter the name Voldemort either.
Actually, would thinking about it also invoke some sort of power? As she thought about it, she stopped focusing on the conversation.
“I can’t spell it. Alright… Voldemort. ”
.
“ Nobody lived once he decided to kill ‘em ..”
.
“Me?”
She re-focused when Harry talked.
“Voldemort tried to kill me?”
“Apparently.” She spoke without thinking, frowning.
Her dad had supported someone who did all of these bad things? Why?
Without noticing, she began to scratch at her arm, frustration nipping at her.
Harry immediately noticed, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Hey.” She blinks, mumbling a weak ‘sorry’.
Hagrid continued. “Yes. That ain't no ordinary cut on your forehead, Harry. A mark like that only comes from bein' touched by a curse, and an evil curse at that.”
Harry’s hand returned to the spoon in his bowl. “What happened to V… to You-Know Who?” he asked tentatively.
“I reckon he’s not really gone. Someone as powerful as him?... Nah.” Lotus murmured to herself.
“Well, some say he died.” Hagrid scoffed in disbelief. “Codswallop in my opinion. Nope, I reckon he's out there still, too tired to carry on. But one thing's absolutely certain. Somethin' about you stumped him that night. That's why yer famous. That's why everybody knows yer name. You're the boy who lived.”
‘He said it, he said the thing!’ Lotus thought as she watched Harry’s face take on an unfamiliar expression, one of awareness and something else she couldn’t put a finger on. She placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Probably a crappy thing to feel special or be famous about, huh?” She asks. “I’m very sorry for you, Harry.”
“It’s… alright.” He gulps out, sighing sadly. “It is.”
She frowns. “Do you… Are you gonna stay here?” With me? I don’t want to feel lonely.
“Unfortunately he can’t,” Hagrid grumbled. “He has ter stay at Privet Drive.”
“Privet Drive?” Lotus asked incredulously.
“I live there with my aunt, uncle, and cousin. Real load of rubbish.” Harry murmured. “Sorry, Lotus.”
“No, no it’s okay.” She let go of his shoulder, rubbing the back of her neck. “But- hey, I’ll see you at Hogwarts, then. Or really Platform 9 ¾.”
He nods, smiling weakly. “Yeah– yeah. I will.”
Shortly after the two had departed, Lotus went back up to her room. She greeted Marco Polo, gently patting him on the head as he chirped happily, and then climbed into bed.
Today she had met someone extremely famous and he didn’t even know the full extent until just mere minutes ago.
Lotus turned screaming into her pillow. “UGH!!!” It all felt so confusing. Sitting up, she walked over to the desk, pulling out a sheet of paper and an envelope.
Dear Granny and Gramps,
Holy crap, you wouldn’t believe who I just met! That is if you know him at all, which I’m sure you’ll have an inkling of an idea.
She paused, willing her hand to focus.
It was Harry Potter (The boy who survived Vold You-Know-Who’s killing curse)! Isn’t that crazy? And I think I’m friends with him, now. I miss you guys a lot, things have been boring here in London besides that encounter. I’ll write to you again once I’ve gotten to Hogwarts, or once I get my wand from Ollivander. Yes, I had to pay 50 Galleons to get a custom one, but I bet you’ll be shaking your head going ‘Oh Lotus’ when I send you a photo drawing of it! Trust me, it’s worth it.
Don’t write back just yet. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to receive it in time… Instead, please (gently) tie the small red ribbon I’m about to put in this envelope and send him back (not after giving him some raw beef if you can) so I know you’ve seen this. Then I’ll send another letter back once I’m in Hogwarts (or again once I’ve gotten my wand from Ollivanders).
I love you two so much,
Lotus
She stops writing, her hand aching. “Ugh, I hope they’ll make accommodations for me in some way . I don’t think I’d survive or flourish if I had to constantly write notes.”
She walked over to Marco Polo, opening his cage and handing him the letter- which he took in his talon. “Here you go, boy, here’s another mouse for you.” She watched him gobble it up, crooning happily, before she opened the window and let him fly out.
── .✦
September 1st.
King Cross’s Station.
Lotus walked down, hopefully looking for some indicator that she was reaching the Platform 9 ¾. Or else she’d probably chew Snape out, if she could- in the friendly way possible. Eventually she spotted the familiar face of Harry Potter… along with some other people with red hair?
She walked over, just as the pair of twins ran through. “Uhm- hello?”
Harry glanced over, smiling. “Oh, it’s you, Lotus!”
“Hi, Harry… excuse me, can you tell me– or tell us how to…”
“How to get on the platform?” The person she assumed to be these redheaded children’s mother smiled. “Yes, not to worry dears, it’s Ron’s first time to Hogwarts as well.”
‘Ron’, the youngest boy with red hair, smiled nervously. “Now, all you’ve got to do is walk straight at the wall between platforms 9 and 10. Best do it at a bit of a run if you’re nervous.” She instructed.
“Oh, okay, thanks…” Not terrifying. NOT terrifying. Lotus watched as Harry took a deep breath and then ran through. Lotus stood there awkwardly as Ron went through as well.
“Uhm… okay… just run….” She looked over, seeing the mom smile. The little girl next to her watched expectantly.
“Okay.. Thank you- I- I got this…” She ran ahead, keeping her eyes wide to make sure she didn’t deviate pfrom the ath and crashed into some other person or make a huge mistake.
Her eyes widened as she emerged on the other side to a beautiful station. A big hanging sign with the number 9 ¾ was on the wall above her. The station peered into beautiful skies. In front of her there was a red train which she assumed was the train to Hogwarts. She clutched the ticket tightly as she walked to the entrance, sighing.
After confirming her passage, she walked in and looked around. A lot of unfamiliar faces… Some old, some younger. She yelped as someone pushed past her.
“Watch it.” A boy with blonde hair snapped. He stopped, seeing her.
“Hold on a second, who are you?”
“Lotus.” She replied as bluntly as she could. “Lotus Inag.”
“Inag– hm! I know you. Well, my father knows your father.” The boy tilts his head. “Or was it knew?”
“Knew.” She mumbled, already thinking of spells she read from the book ages ago to use on him at the given opportunity.
“Yes, yes. The name’s Draco. Draco Malfoy .” He smirked.
“... Hi.” Who in the world is this kid?
“Say, why don’t you come sit with me? You’re probably gonna be a Slytherin, just like me .” He offered with a tone that sounded like he was giving her pity. She knew from extensive reading that Slytherin folks weren’t always keen on Muggle-Born people like her.
Lotus grit her teeth, but offered a polite smile. “No thank you. I’ll find my own.” She pushed past him quickly picking a compartment to stay in, ignoring how Draco had glared at her as he passed by her compartment.
A few seconds later Harry found her. He entered, offering a small smile. “Hey.”
“Hey.” Lotus waved. “Wanna sit here?”
“Sure.” He nods, gratefully sitting beside her.
“Sooo.. how was your month away?”
“It was… boring.” Harry seemed to hesitate, choosing his words carefully. “Yours? Got your, uh, your wand?”
Lotus perked up, and nodded, reaching into her pocket to take it out. “Check it out!” Fingers wrapped around the hand, and the unique way it was designed.. She was in love. “Didn’t Ollivander do so well on it?!”
Harry’s eyes were wide. “.. Yeah. It is! Do you know any spells yet?”
She shrugged. “... Some.” I’m lying! A ton!! It’s a shame I couldn’t use or do any of them until school starts but I will DEFINITELY be testing them all out!!
Lotus hid her glee as the two talked, her putting her wand away.
── .✦
Later, as the Hogwarts Express traveled through the countryside, Lotus was drawing on some paper when Ron (from earlier) had appeared in the doorway.
“Excuse me, you two, do you mind? Everywhere else is full.”
“No, not at all.” Harry and Lotus spoke at the same time. Lotus glanced at him, as Ron sat down next to Lotus, across Harry.
“I’m Ron, by the way. Ron Weasley.” He smiled invitingly.
“I’m Lotus Inag.” Lotus hummed.
“I’m Harry. Harry Potter.” Harry replied.
Ron goes agape, gasping. “So– SO it’s true! I mean, do you really have… the… the..?”
“The what?” Amused at Harry’s confusion, Lotus leaned over, pointing at his forehead. “That, silly.”
“Oh.” He lifted it up.
“Woah.. wicked!” Ron blinks. “I- I mean…”
Lotus glanced over as a trolley full of sweets came by the compartment. The woman turned to them.
“Anything off the trolley, dears?”
Ron shook his head, smacking his lips as he held up the mushed packed sandwiches, which caused Lotus to recoil and also whisper ‘I totally get you’. “No thanks, I’m all set.”
Harry shook his head and pulled out a bunch of coins. “We’ll take the lot!”
“Whoa!” Ron’s eyes widened as he set down the mushed sandwiches. Lotus laughed.
“Thanks, Harry!”
A bit later, all three of them were munching on goods that Lotus could only ever dream of really existing. As Ron and Harry talked about some ‘every flavor beans’, she lost focus again.
In truth, she was extremely nervous to be here. She felt like she didn’t belong. Despite what her father must’ve done, or maybe turned traitor to Voldemort in the end, she felt like there might be some who might hold her in contempt for her father’s actions.
Hopefully not. But with how everyone seemed to act towards Harry, she gathered that these wizards and witches do not forget easily.
She scrunched her face as she bit into a bean that tasted like boogers, coughing. In the same time, a girl peaked in with bushy brown hair.
“Has anyone seen a toad? A boy named Neville’s lost his.”
“No.” Ron said.
Harry shook his head, reaching over to pat/hit Lotus’s back as she recovered from that deep attack.
“Ugh.. bean… booger.. Ew…” She looked at the girl. “S- Sorry, no-”
“Oo, wait, are you doing magic?” The girl asked Ron. “Let’s see then.”
Ron nods, clearing his throat. He waved his wand, humming. “Sunshine, daisies, butter mellow, turn this stupid fat rat yellow! ”
The wand zapped Scabbers, but it did nothing. Ron shrugged as Harry and Lotus laughed.
Hermione frowns. “Are you sure that’s a real spell? Well, it’s not very good, is it?”
Lotus blinks. Truth be told, Ron didn’t seem… that good at spells.
Hermione walked inside. “Of course, I've only tried a few simple ones myself, but they've all worked for me.”
“Woah, lucky. I had to wait until the last week of August to get my wand.” Lotus said. “Had it personally made, you see?”
“It’s shaped like a gun.” Harry bluntly said.
Ron tilted his head, while Hermione’s eyes widened. “What’s a gun?” / “A gun!?”
“Hehe. Not really. Like… it has a handle, but that’s because my hands are shaky from my.. Uh, problems.” She explains weakly.
Hermione nods. Wanting to get back to her earlier topic, she sits across from Harry and points her wand at his glasses. Harry tenses as she speaks.
“Oculus Reparo.” The tape on the noseband vanishes, repairing his glasses as if they were good as new. Harry takes them off, amazed. “That's better, isn't it?”
Her eyes widened as she finally realized who he was. “Holy cricket, you're Harry Potter! I'm Hermione Granger. And you two are…?”
“Lotus Inag.” Lotus mumbled.
Meanwhile, Ron, with his mouth full, waved. “I’m Ron Weasley.”
Hermione pursed her lips, before smiling. “Pleasure. You two better change into your robes.” She noted, seeing Lotus had already changed. “I expect we’ll be arriving soon.” She got up and left– though came back seconds later and looks at Ron.
“You’ve got dirt on your nose, by the way. Did you know? Just there.” She points, before leaving again.
Ron scratched his nose, embarrassed. Lotus looked at him, blinking.
“Wait, that’s not a mole?”
── .✦
It was nighttime when Harry woke her up, shaking her gently. “Come on, we’ve got to go! The train already stopped.”
“Wh.. huh? Oh… okay..” She stumbled up, almost falling to her knees.
“Woah- woah– what’s wrong?” Ron asks, confused.
“Sorry! Sorry… sorry..” She sighs, getting up. “L– Let’s go.”
As they stepped out of the train, Lotus heard the familiar, booming voice of Hagrid’s. She and Harry walked up to Hagrid, Ron following in awe.
“Hello, Harry, Lotus.” He grinned.
“Hey, Hagrid.” “Hi Hagrid!”
“Whoa…” Ron stared with wide eyes.
“Right then, this way ter the boats! Come now, follow me!” He led them over to the docks, where a bunch of students gathere dup to the large number of boats. Way up ahead the lake was the Hogwarts Castle. Lotus heard people gasp and stare in awe, and she could feel herself getting excited.
This was way BETTER than that stupid school she couldn’t get into! So prestigious..
“Wicked.” Ron marveled.
Upon entering inside, all the children looked around the hueg castle and the staircases. Lotus noticed, up above, was an elderly woman with a sick-looking witch’s hat. She tapped her fingers on the stone-railing before she walked up to the top of the stairs to greet them all.
“Welcome to Hogwarts.” She greeted. “Now, in a few moments, you will pass through these doors and join your classmates. But before you can take your seats, you must be sorted into your houses.”
‘Will I be sorted in Slytherin? Oh no, I don’t think they’re bad, but… Okay, I don’t think they’re all bad , but the crowd I’ve heard of isn’t quite the best look.’ Lotus thought as she listened to the witch explain.
“They are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Now, while you’re here, your house will be like your family. Your triumphs earn you points. Any rule breaking, and you will lose them. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup -”
Suddenly a boy ran past Lotus, scaring her a little. He noticed the toad and jumps forward, catching the toad before it escaped. However, McGonagall stared down at him as some students began to laugh. Harry and Lotus stared at each other. Harry broke into a slight smile, but Lotus shook her head and turned back.
“S- Sorry.” He backs away, frowning and embarrassed. Lotus placed a hand on his arm, bringing him to her side.
She patted him on the shoulder, before turning back to McGonagall.
“The Sorting Ceremony will begin momentarily.” She finished, before walking into the Great Hall. Draco suddenly called out- but Lotus found herself zoning out again.
‘Oh boy. What house will I be in? Hufflepuff’ll be nice. Ravenclaw is full of smarties, for the most part, I don’t think I’d fit in- but Ravenclaw has a really NEAT tower from what I’ve heard. Slytherins MIGHT be fine, despite the controversies, but they stay in an icky dungeon from what I know. Gryffindor’s probably my best bet- but it’s not up to me, is it?’
She only snapped out of it when Harry’s voice cut through her thoughts. “I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself, thanks.” She blinked, seeing Draco’s glare. But McGonagall comes back, tapping the boy on the shoulder.
“We’re ready for you now. Follow me.”
Lotus, grabbed Harry’s arm. “Let’s go, Harry- I’m a little nervous.”
“It’ll be okay.” He said. She slowly let go, realizing it might be a little awkward. “Yeah, yeah… you’re right.”
── .✦
Professor McGonagall led the soon-to-be students throug the two large doors and into the Great Hall. Lotus gasped. The ceiling- roof- appears to be the sky… But not really? It looks like a magically conjured sky, to be frank.
There were floating candles everywhere. Did they drip onto students or faculty sometimes, or were they, too, magical? Four long tables spanned across the hall, with thousands of students from each House sat at.
As Harry and Ron gaped at the ceiling, Hermione whispers.
“It’s not real. It’s just bewitched to look like the night sky. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History. ” She explained. Lotus nods. She was right.
“Alright, will you wait along here, please?” McGonagall stops them in front of the steps. Lotus hissed as Neville accidentally walked on her robe, almost making her stumble.
“Sorry!” He apologetically whimpered. She shook her head, reassuring him quietly despite the nearby chuckles.
Lotus looked up, and saw him staring down at her. Without thinking, she waved happily.
“What’re you doing?” Harry asked, confused.
Lotus caught herself, and slowly lowered her hand. “Oh. Uhm. Nothing. Sorry.” She smiled awkwardly, as Snape gave her the most unamused stare he could muster.
“Now, before we begin, Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words.”
Dumbledore…? Oh right, the famous headmaster…
Lotus looked up with respect as Dumbledore stood up from his spot in the middle of the table.
“I have a few… start-of-term notices I wish to announce. The first years, please not that the Dark Forest is strictly forbidden to all students. Also, our caretaker, Mr. Filch,” Dumbledore outstretched a wrinkly hand to an old man with a cat in his arms. A cat with red eyes. “-has asked me to remind you that the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who doesn ot wish to die a most painful death.”
Lotus gawked.
“Thank you.” He smiled, sitting back down. McGonagall returned with a hat, standing besides a chair.
“When I call your name, you will come forth. I shall place the sorting hat on your head, and you will be sorted into your houses.” She opened the scroll with her one hand. “Hermione Granger.”
Lotus smiled encouragingly at Hermione. “It’ll be okay.” She reassured, noticing the girl looked tensed.
“Oh- oh no.. okay, okay… relax.. ” She hurried up.
“Mental, that one. I’m tellin’ ya.” Ron muttered, to which Harry nodded. Lotus gently hit them on their heads with the back of her hands, causing both boys to flinch a little.
She gave them a scolding look, but looked up when the Sorting Hat reached his decision:
“GRYFFINDOR!”
Lotus clapped, cheering. “WOO!! GOOD JOB HERMIONE!!” She smiled. Hermione gave her a happy smile, and sat down at the Gryffindor table.
The rest of the names went by.
Draco Malfoy with, surprise, Slytherin.
Susan Bones, Hufflepuff.
On and on.. Oh, and Ron got Gryffindor, too.
Meanwhile, Lotus noticed that Harry seemed to wince upon glancing at Snape. “What’s wrong, Harry?” She asked, placing a hand on the boy’s shoulder.
“Nothing, nothing. I’m fine.” he grimaced. She frowns, unconvinced, but just sighed, letting it go for now.
Then it was Harry Potter’s turn. Again, Lotus saw the huge reach of fame Harry had when everyone fell silent, and even the teachers looked intrigued- not Severus, though.
She squeezed his arm, smiling weakly. He nods, sitting up there. She could swear she heard ‘Not Slytherin’ and laughs. Surely he’d get–
“GRYFFINDOR!”
Lotus blinks. Of course… She claps, smiling. “YAY!! GOOD JOB HARRY!!”
She watched Harry run to the Gryffindor table. Ron and Hermione congratulated him, and Ron’s twin brothers chanted ‘ We got Potter! We got Potter!’ She stood there, anxious.
Eventually it was just her.
“Lotus Inag.” Professor McGonagall calls out. Lotus stood up straight, awkwardly walking over. However, her stupid affliction hit her at a bad time, as she stumbled slightly. To most people, it looked like she almost tripped on the staircase, so some people snickered. But they suddenly silence once McGonagall glared at them. She set the scroll down, helping Lotus sit down.
Did McGonagall know of her situation? Lotus mouthed a weak ‘thank you’. McGonagall nods.
“Visit Professor Dumbledore after you get situated, please. He has some help for you.”
She nods, sitting up straight again as McGonagall put the Sorting Hat on her head.
Lotus internally pleaded. Not Slytherin. It worked for Harry, hopefully it’d work for her..?
“Oo, aren’t you an interesting case? Hmmm, yes, mysterious past, late Death Eater father… oo, you are brimming with Slytherin potential… So curious, so cunning, so intelligent… resourceful… But yet such a limited life. You’d be miserable…”
“Better be…”
“GRYFFINDOR!”
Lotus couldn’t stop the scream escaping from her throat as she stood up, cheering. Harry clapped loudly, whooping.
“WOOO!!” He waved his hands, as she ran over, gripping onto the table for support as she sat down. “Good job, Lotus! I’m so happy for you!”
“Me too!” She said gleefully, hugging him. “Oh, maybe I will have a great time…”
She pulled away, only to see Severus’s face. It was a contorted mix of disappointment and disgust. But when he noticed her staring, he looked away.
Now she felt a little bad . He must be the Slytherin’s Head.. whatever, right? And she just loudly cheered getting into Gryffindor. Oh, how he must hate her. She reached up into her robe’s sleeve, scratching her arm, as the feast began.
── .✦
Later, after she had situated herself in the Girls dormitories, she had went (with Percy, the Prefect) to go see Dumbledore.
“Thanks, you can, uh, leave me here.” She said. But Percy remained still. “Hey, Percy, you don’t have to. Besides, you think I know my way around? I don’t want to risk dying.”
Percy sighs. “Sorry, you represent Gryffindor, in your own way. I wouldn’t want you messing things up.”
Lotus frowns. “Oh. Okay.”
Severus Snape walked out, stopping when he saw the two. He relaxed, lips curving into a scowl.
“Miss Inag and Mr. Weasley.” He said with disdain. “I assume you’ve come to get your… enchanted quill?”
She nods. “Mhm! Thank you, Professor Snape…”
“Mr. Weasley, leave. You’re not needed anymore.” He orders, and with a dejected look, Percy left.
Lotus followed Snape inside. “Hey, it’s crazy that- that my dad was in Slytherin and I’m in Gryffindor, right?” She laughed a little. “What a crazy twist of events, haha.. Right?”
“Yes, it is indeed most humorous.” He replied dryly. He paused in front of a gargoyle statue, sighing. “Sherbet Lemon.”
The gargoyle sprung to life, moving aside for the two of them to enter. Lotus awkwardly bows at the gargoyle, before she followed him up the staircase.
Entering, she was amazed at the huge, circular dome-like room. It was filled with books upon books, portraits of who she assumed to be past headmasters- all moving or sleeping. There was a perch with a bird on it. She looked over, seeing Dumbledore. “H- Hello, Professor Dumbledore.” She squeaked.
He smiled. “Lotus Inag. I’ve been expecting you for a long time. Your father was quite the great man.”
There was a weight lifted off her shoulders. She sighs in relief. “Oh, really? That’s a relief.” She elbows Snape. “Huh? Right?”
“Do not touch me or so help me I’ll remove 10 points for even being a foot within my space. ” He threatened.
She frowns, backing away. “Okay, sorry.” She walked over to desk as Dumbledore chortled, before pulling out a box. He opened it, showing three enchanted quills and a few bottles.
“These should last you the entire school year.” Dumbledore explained. “They help with your dizzy spells, weak moments, et cetera.”
Lotus hums. “Wait, how do you– like, I don’t think I told anyone.. I just kinda expected…? You guys to know?”
He smiled. “Well, your grandparents had told me something they told Severus the day he took you to Diagon Alley.”
She blinks. “What? What did they say?” She turns to Severus.
“Patience, patience.” He urged, closing the book and sliding it back. “Your grandparents told me that you had something no other Muggle could diagnose. No, no, it was no cancer, no tumor, no curable- or fixable- illness. It was unknown, yet not deadly enough for doctors to worry, am I correct?”
Lotus deflated. “Mhm..”
“Your grandparents requested me to buy these Potions that would help your ailment. It’s such a shame, really. Such a bright child with such a limited life… Let me see your wand.”
Lotus nodded, taking her specially-crafted wand out. Dumbledore began to laugh out of amusement. “Oh, oh! It’s beautiful, Lotus! So humorously- and brilliantly- beautiful.”
Turning a slight shade red, she murmured bashfully. “Erm… thanks.”
“What was it?”
“Oh– Uh… Dragon heartstring and blackthorn.”
“Two incredibly powerful sources. Are you sure you can handle this?”
She nodded. “I can. I want to prove to everyone before I leave that… that I am capable of being more than just a sick person. Thank you, Professor Dumbledore.” She bowed again. “I have to go.”
“That you do. Goodnight.” He bid farewell. Lotus picked up the small, rectangular box, and shuffled out.
On the way back, she felt awful. Mentally. She didn’t know why but she felt like such a burden all of a sudden. She stopped, sniffling. Which way was the common room for Gryffindor again…
“Oh, you cannot be serious.” She flinched, turning to see Snape. “I thought you were smart .” He tensed up, seeing Lotus’s expression. “Miss Inag.”
She couldn’t hear him that well. “Professor?” She murmured, the stress- and ultimately the fatigue- building. “ ‘M sorry… Lost. First day.” Lotus snickered weakly, despite the growing pains.
Snape sighs. He walked over, hoisting her arm over his shoulder, the side where he held his wand. His other hand held the box, leading her through the hallways.
“Really sorry I wasn’t in Slytherin… Sorry.” Lotus murmured.
“It’s not your fault.” Snape replied.
“But it is…” She whispered. He ignored her, stopping outside the Fat Lady’s painting.
“Password!” She demanded.
Snape shook her arm. Lotus looked up. “Uhm.. Uh… Caput Draconis..?” She said.
The Fat Lady nods, her portrait swinging wide open.
“This is where I must leave you–”
“No, please.” She moaned. “I don’t think I can walk. ”
He grumbled. “You clearly are walking. With me. On the way here. And in.”
“Please… just a bit more…” Lotus flinched, seeing Hermione.
“Lotus? Professor Snape– Lotus- what’s wrong?!” Hermione spoke up.
“Nothin’. Nothin’.” Lotus pulled away from Snape. “Thanks, Professor..” She grabbed the box, limping over. “Hey, Hermione, help me up the stairs?”
Hermione bit her lip, before nodding. Professor Snape quickly left.
── .✦
Hermione helped Lotus into her bed, sighing. “What’s the matter with you? What’s wrong?”
“I’m sorry, Hermione. I don’t think I can say it just yet. Too tired. I promise I’ll tell you soon.” Lotus replied, setting the box in the drawer next to her bed.
“Now you’ve got me curious.” Despite this, Hermione agreed. “Okay. rest well.”
“Rest well…from one Muggle to another.” Lotus beamed lazily. Hermione blinked, before smiling back, then left to her bed.
Meanwhile , Snape had returned back to the office.
“I assume you’re curious about our Miss Inag’s condition?” Dumbledore mused. “I can tell, Severus.”
Snape didn’t say anything, but Dumbledore continued.
“What I tell you now will not make sense. But with time you will understand.”
Dumbledore turned to face him.
“Lotus Inag has Arcane Decay Syndrome.”
Notes:
Had to drop this after Chapter 1 so people had something to read as well
Chapter 3: ✮⋆˙I Embarrass Myself
Summary:
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
Life seems average during the first few days of Hogwarts, until it isn't.
She gets humiliated, helped, humiliated, and helps out─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
Notes:
I don't want to spend too much time on the canon events, but I also do. Do you get what I mean?
(aughhh, I love writing fanfiction!)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Today was NOT a good day for Lotus. She had overslept and barely missed Herbology, and it was a chore to reach Transfiguration without nearly collapsing. Later on, however, she seemed to perk up as she entered the classroom, seeing Harry and Hermione.
“Harry! Hermione!” She ran over, smiling. “I’m so glad I have Potions with you two.”
“Same.” Harry replied gleefully. Hermione stared at her with curiosity - stil probably wondering what was wrong with her from last night, but didn’t say anything.
Students began to chatter, sitting near their cauldrons, when Snape stormed in, quieting the room in an instant.
“There will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations in this class.” He demanded. “As such, I don’t expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion-making.”
Lotus rocked back and forth in her seat. She enjoyed the idea of mixing ingredients together to make something potent.
“However, for those select few…” He looked at Malfoy, who puffed his chest up with pride. “...who possess the predisposition, I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper… in death.”
Lotus blinked.
A stopper in death?
Was Snape just saying whatever she was interested in?
She suspended her disbelief, leaning forward. Harry quickly wrote down the notes of what Snape said, which caught his attention.
“Then again, maybe some of you have come to Hogwarts in possession of abilities so formidable that you feel confident enough… to not… pay… attention.”
Lotus blinked. She and Hermione looked at Harry, before Hermione elbowed Harry. He perked up, looking over in confusion. Snape walked over, stopping in front of the three of them as he began to speak more coldly.
“Mr. Potter. Our… new… celebrity.” he drew out.
“Hi, Professor Snape!” Lotus waved. He ignored her, continuing to speak.
“Tell me, what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?”
Hermione rose her hand, but Harry shrugs.
He rose an eyebrow. “You don’t know? Well, let’s try again. Where, Mr. Potter, would you look if I asked you to find me a bezoar.” He had a cruel, almost mocking smile. Again, Hermoine rose her hand.
“I don’t know, sir.” Harry bit back a scowl, frowning.
“And what is the difference between monkshood and wolfbane?”
Feeling pity, Lotus rose her hand. Maybe if she got the question wrong, she’d get flack and Harry would probably get the target off his back, if not maybe for a bit. However, Snape shook his head, chuckling snidely.
“Pity. Clearly fame isn’t… everything.” He spoke slowly. Draco smirked. “Is it, Mr. Potter?”
Harry felt annoyance rise in his throat, spewing out in the form of a comeback. “Clearly, Hermioine knew. Seems a pity not to ask her.”
Hermione’s eyes bulged out of her sockets, and Lotus gasped, as students laughed.
“Silence.” Snape seethed, before turning to Harry, looking insulted. Harry gulped nervously. When he sees that Hermione’s hand is still up, he snapped. “Put your hand down, you silly girl. .. For your information, Potter, asphodel and wormwood make a sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the Draught of Living Death, a bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and it will save her from most poisons. As for monkshood and wolfbane, they are the same plant, which also goes by the name of aconite.”
Lotus immediately goes to note this all down. With a shaky hand held by her right (and much more stable hand), her feather-light quill danced across the page.
- Asphodel + wormwood = powerful sleeping potion (Draught of the Living Death)
- Bezoar comes from stomach of a god -> helps for most poisons
- Monkshood = wolfbane = aconite = same plant!
He seemed satisfied, before snapping at the other students. “Well? Why aren’t you all copying this down?” Immediately, students began to take out their quills, noting what he said. He returned back to the embarrassed Harry. “And Gryffindor, note that five points will be taken from your house… for your classmate’s cheek.”
As Snape turned around to go back to his desk, Harry felt anger boil deep inside. However, Lotus put a hand on his shoulder, mouthing ‘just write’.
A few minutes later, Snape turned to the class again. “Tell me, what would I get if I mixed in Lavender, Crocodile Heart, and Peppermint?”
Lotus shot her hand up- maybe a bit too fast. She started to feel light-headed, hand staggering down a little. But she still kept it up.
“Yes, Miss Inag?”
“U- Uhm…” She stared at her scrolls. “A- A Polyjuice Potion?” Immediately she knew she had read it wrong, and stammered. “Wait– Wait, no- no. I mean-”
“A Polyjuice Potion? And praytell, how do you know of it?” Snape questioned, slowly walking over.
‘Oh great, now it’s my turn to be heavily embarrassed by this idiot.’ She thought, still stammering. In the distance, she could see Draco mimicking her expression.
She pulled herself together. “I– I read it from my father’s book. He– my grandparents gave it to me.”
“Your father, as in the Death Eater?” A student she didn’t recognize piped up. Lotus felt the weight of a thousand elephants hit her back, trembling.
“Uhm– no, I mean— yes, but.. he.. He turned on You-Know-Who.. And he didn’t want to do that anymore-”
“You know, he hurt my family.” The kid snapped.
“Come off it.” Harry interjected. “It’s not like she supports what her father did to the people he hurt.”
“He’s right!” Lotus replied. “Y- You should listen… really listen.. To.. uh.. Him.”
Snape watched all of this, before deciding into intervene. “Maximilius, I do not think as a student of Slytherin you should slander our name. 5 points.” he snapped. “Miss Inag, see me after class.”
Lotus shrank in her seat, as Harry and Hermione gave her looks of pity while Malfoy snickered, though was annoyed that Maximilius had cost them five point.
She depressingly looked into her notes, and murmured. “Calming Draught.”
“Hm?” Snape glanced back.
“Calming Draught– that’s what it was. Sorry I read it wrong.” She said.
── .✦
Lotus watched Harry and Hermione leave, turning to face Snape. “Sorry… I- did I do something wrong?”
“Quite the contrary.” He replied smoothly. “Go, sit down.” He leaned against his desk as she sat. “Miss Inag, I’d like to…” He shuddered. “Apologize for Mr. Shima’s words.”
“It’s okay. I understand his anger.” She murmured. “I’ve come to realize that maybe my dad wasn’t a good person to some. I totally get it.”
He sighs. “And yet you shouldn’t have to shoulder the blame. I also noticed you faltering when you rose your hand. Is it your illness?”
She nods. “Yeah, sorry. I hadn’t… uh.. Taken the potion yet. I don’t want to waste it. Unlike pills or tablets, I can’t really tell how much I’ve had since you guys haven’t really given me a little measuring cup or something.” She tried to joke.
Snape shook his head. “Our apologies, then.” He then looked at her, a tiny hint of curiosity in his eyes. “Tell me, what’s the worst you’ve experienced from ADS?”
“ADS– oh. Dumbledore must’ve told you, huh?” She said. “That’s what my grandparents told me to call it when we weren’t around other people.” Lotus started to scratch her arm, her mind going more scrambled. “I don’t know, really. I think the worst I’ve felt was when I was 8. I was… living with other people. Foster system, if you will. Before my grandparents could legally take me in. I don’t know why, blame the Muggle care system.”
“I was in such agony. Every step hurt. Those around me excused it as body aches and I get what they meant I had been–” She froze. “Er. Never mind.”
“What?” Severus stared as she got up, breath shaky.
“Never mind. I need to go. I- I need. I need to go!” She yells, placing a hand out as if to force him to stop moving and not to follow after her. Snape went quiet, watching her run out.
Later on in the day she still felt pretty frazzled, even after classes. She tried to avoid Snape’s glance.
Lotus took deep breaths to calm herself down, before she entered the Great Hall, seeing the three doing their homework. She walked over, sitting beside Hermione. “Hi, everyone.” She murmured tiredly.
“Hey, Lotus. We were just look at all the new! Look, apparently to Dean and Hermione, Neville’s got this Remembrall thing.” Harry explains. “Reminds you when you’ve forgotten something if it turns red.”
Neville shrugs. “I can’t remember what I’ve forgotten.” He murmured anxiously. Lotus nods.
“Uh-huh. So interesting…” She slumped forward, resting her chin on her arms as Harry read through an article.
“Hey, Ron!” He said. “Somebody broke into Gringotts, listen-”
Hermione and Lotus looked at each other in confusion, listening in.
“Believed to be the work of dark witches or wizards unknown, Gringotts goblins, while acknowledging the breach, insist that nothing was taken. The vault in question, number 713, had in fact been emptied earlier that same day.” Harry blinked. “That’s odd. That’s the vault Hagrid and I went to?”
“Really now?” Lotus leans forward, eyes wide. “Maybe Hagrid…?”
“No, he couldn’t have!” Harry argued.
“Right, you’re right.” She nods. “Though who else?”
It had been a wild few weeks. Lotus had so much to write to her grandparents about.
Neville had injured himself on a clearly hexed broom, Harry made the Quidditch team, and I’m humiliated less and less in class!
She found that her calling seemed to be in Astronomy (as she figured) and ultimately Potions. She enjoyed taking notes about what ingredients would go good in where, and marveled when she got to test out some baby potions.
Lotus hummed as she stuck beside Harry as the four walked up the staircase in the Grand Staircase tower. She hadn’t said much, letting the three decide the way back to the common room. However, something felt wrong when she looked around.
“Hey, guys… this doesn’t look like…”
“Does anyone feel like we shouldn’t be here?” Harry asked.
“We’re not.” Hermione replied sharply, nervously. “This is the 3rd floor. It’s forbidden.” All four kids yelped as a flame lights on a tall stone support. Filch’s cat, Mrs. Norris, came running in and meows.
“Uh-oh. We gotta get out of here!” Lotus hissed.
“It’s Filch’s cat!” Hermione panicked.
The four ran through the corridor. As they passed by the stone supports, the flames seemed to come alive. Lotus cursed under her breath as they ended up in front of a door.
“It’s locked!” Harry despaired.
“That’s it, we’re done for!” Ron cried out.
“Oh, move over!” Hermione snaps, pushing the two aside. “Alohamora!” She aimed her wand at the lock, which lifted magically and it opened. “Get in!”
All four kids rushed in just in time to miss Filch, who looked around suspiciously for a few moments, before he left.
“Phew… he’s gone.”
“Probably still thinks this door is locked.” Ron smirked.
“It was locked.” Hermione snapped.
“And for good reason.” Harry shakily points up. The other three kids looked over, seeing a huge three-headed dog sleeping on a trapdoor. He slowly woke up, seeing them.
Yawning, then growling, and then yawning again.. Until he finally registered them.
He started to growl, this time more threatening, as the kids screamed.
“AAHH!!” They ran out the door, forcing the lock back on kept running. Lotus tried her best ot kepe up with the three, panting.
‘I am such a liability!’ She chided herself, panting weakly. Eventually they reached Gryffindor Common Room. Lotus collapsed onto the ground, heaving as Harry knelt down, patting her on the back.
“What do they think they’re doing?! Keepin’ a thing like that locked up in a school..”
“You don’t use your eyes, don’t you?!” Lotus nearly vomited.
“Yeah, didn’t you see what it was standing on?” Hermione adds.
“I wasn’t lookin’ at its feet!” Ron panted. “I was a bit preoccupied with its heads!!! Or maybe you didn’t notice…. THERE WERE THREE!!” He waved his arms dramatically. Harry helped Lotus up, the four going up the stairs to the dorms.
“It was standing on a trapdoor, Ron.” Lotus coughed.
“Which means it’s guarding something.” Hermione concluded.
“Guarding something?” Harry asked.
“That’s right. Now, if you two don’t mind, me and Lotus are going to go bed before either of you come up with another clever idea to get us killed. Or worse, expelled!” She huffs, turning to leave as she dragged Lotus off with her.
“I- I don’t mind getting expelled..” Lotus murmured silently. The last thing she heard was Ron speaking.
“She needs to sort out her priorities.” WIth a nod of agreement from Harry.
── .✦
Lotus “dropped” Harry off at the courtyard. “Hey, Harry, have fun learning about Quidditch! It’s basically football.” She snickers.
“Football?” he questioned.
“Sorry. Yknow… the American sport where you throw the ball. Not kicking football.” She coughed. “Forgot I’m in a British place.” She hurried off. She walked into the Great Hall when Draco walked into her.
“Ugh! Watch where you’re going, you… Huh?” Draco blinks, noticing one of the vials roll out of her bag, sliding to his feet. He grinned picking it up. “Well now, what is this?”
“Wait- No! Please, don’t!” Lotus begged. “Draco, you– you stupid fool! I need that!”
“Ah-ah-ah, insulting me won’t do you any favors.” He juggled the ball as his croons giggled. She clenched her fist, shaking.
“Draco. I’m serious. Y- You know, I bet Snape will be mad! Dumbledore, too, because I got this FROM Dumbledore! If you break it your family owes me a replacement!” She shouted.
Draco seemed to falter for a moment, before scowling. “So what?”
This ticked her off.
Be kind, little Lotus. Her father had spoken. Maybe this was to keep her from becoming a Death Eater, like him.
But she can spare no kind words for Draco in this instance. Not when the very thing her life relies on is in that idiot’s pale,slippery hands. She quickly took her wand out. Everyone gasped at seeing the weirdly shaped curvature of it.
Despite having it out and pointed at Draco.. She couldn’t. She stood there, eyes wide and furious, yet unable to push past even the simplest of Disarming Charms out of her lips.
She stood there, until McGonagall walked over.
“What is happening?!” She shouts.
“She’s gone mental!” Draco shouts.
Lotus wordlessly lowered her wand, staring. “He’s got my… my Potions. Ma’am.. Professor McGonagall, please…”
Professor McGonagall in fact noticed the glowing potion, and snapped at Draco. “You give it back right now! 10 points from Slytherin for such terrible behavior!”
Draco huffed. He handed it back, embarrassed to have lost points for Slytherin, before he stormed off with his croons. Lotus stared, before she looked at McGonagall. “Thank you, Professor.”
“You’re welcome, Miss Inag. But tell me, what’re you doing all alone here? Usually I see you with Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley Ms. Granger.”
“All busy.” She shrugs, pocketing the potion. “And you know, Harry’s focusing on learning Quidditch. I’m real proud of him.” She looks down, before looking at McGonagall. “Hey… Professor?”
“Hm?”
“I know this may seem dumb of me to ask, but how was my dad as a student? I know you’re Gryffindor’s Head of the House and I should probably be asking Professor Snape.. But I don’t think he’s too fond on recalling my dad as a classmate.”
McGonagall shook her head. “Oh, dear girl, your father was a bright young man. Eager to do anything he wanted to reach his goal- perhaps that is why he was a Slytherin. Smart, intelligent- and yet, I’ve seen him be kind several times.” She smiled. “Do you have any fond memories of him?”
“Really only him telling me to be kind to everyone. That’s.. Probably why I couldn’t hurt Malfoy– o- or at least disarm him!” She quickly added. “Just now. I didn’t like the idea of using my wand against anyone.” She glanced at the gun-shaped wand.
“Your wand is very powerful yet… oddly shaped, if I must be honest.” McGonagall admitted. “But this means you have to train it well.”
“Right… Ollivander did say that it learned pretty fast. Seems like I’m making it feel worthless if I can’t even do spells right– thank you, Professor!” She said. “You’ve made me inspired to– well, to do good on this wand.” She picked up her bag, rushing back to her dormitory. McGonagall smiled fondly.
On Halloween night, Lotus had noticed that Hermione was missing. She glanced at Harry, frowning. “Where’s Hermione?”
Harry shrugged, before turning to Neville. “Where’s Hermione?” He repeated.
Neville frowns. “Parvati Patil said that she wouldn’t come out of the girl’s bathroom. She said that she’d been in there all afternoon, crying.”
Lotus noticed Harry had given Ron a disapproving look, to which Ron shrugged. She frowns, worried.
“Ron… what did you d–”
Suddenly, Professor Quirrell came running in, panicked. “TROLL! IN THE DUNGEON! T– TROLLLLL IN THE DUNGEON!!!” He screamed. Everyone silenced as Dumbledore stood up, concerned. Quirell panted. “Thought you ought to know.” He squeaks out, before passing out in fear. This caused everyone to freak out- admittedly, Lotus started to feel a little worried herself when Dumbledore shouted.
“SILLLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNCCCCEEEEEEE!”
Everyone stopped and calmed down, albeit still frightened. “Everyone will please not panic! Now, Prefects will lead their house back to their dormitories. Teachers will follow me to the dungeons.”
Snape looked aghast, before he walked out of the doorway. Lotus frowned as she, Harry, and Ron followed Percy down a dark corridor.
“Gryffindors, keep up, please, and stay alert!” He ordered.
“How in the world could a troll get in?” Lotus murmured.
“Not on its own. Trolls are really stupid. Probably people playing jokes..” Ron excused, but tensed as Harry pulled Ron and Lotus aside. “What?”
“Hermione!” Harry said. “She doesn’t know!”
A panicked look overtook both their face, before they followed Harry, running from the crowd. They looked through corridors, before stopping at one hall as they heard a grunting noise coming from a large shadow on the wall.
“I think the Troll’s left the dungeon..!” Ron yelled. Lotus hid behind a statue while Harry pulled Ron into a doorway. Lotus peered from under the legs, seeing a large, ugly troll trudge into a room.
“Hold on.. It’s going into the girl’s bathroom–” Lotus panicked. She ran over, the two boys hesitantly following her.
── .✦
In the bathroom, Hermione tearfully exited the stall, wiping her eyes. She froze when she saw the troll, backing up into the stall. It rose its club and smashed the top part of the stalls, causing her to scream in terror. Lotus ran in. “Hermione, move!” She screams, as Harry and Ron follow suit.
As the troll smashed through the remaining stalls, Hermione dropped to her knees, panicking. “Help, help!” She shrieks.
“Hey, pea brain!” Ron shouted, throwing wood and hitting the troll on the head. Hermione escaped and hid under the sink, trembling and screaming as the troll narrowly missed her and hit the sink, cracking it.
Lotus looked at Harry. “Harry! Come on!” She held her wand out, aiming it at the troll. She took a deep breath, before screaming. “STUPEFY!”
The troll was hit with a light and beam of red. She expected it to stumble back like it would get knocked out, but the troll just stumbled, growing disoriented. Better than nothing.
Harry ran over, grabbing onto the club as it rose it to try to hit Lotus. She backed away, coughing into her arm. Harry took his wand out, shooting it up the troll’s nose. Ron, Hermione, Lotus- and hell, maybe even the troll- were disgusted by this. The troll snorted and stumbled around.
“WHOA– WHOA WHOA!! AH!” The troll managed to grab Harry by his leg, holding him upside down. “DO SOMETHING!”
“What?!” Ron yelled.
“Anything!!” Lotus yelled. “Don’t focus on the troll, focus on something– s- something like.. Like his club?! Maybe?!”
Ron nodded and grabbed his wand. Under the sink, Hermione encouraginly waved her hand.
“Swish and flick!” She reminded. He nodded again, correctly punctuating his words.
“WINGARDIUM LEVIOSA!”
Just as soon as the Troll was about to bludgeon Harry. The club flew out of its hand. It looked up in cnfusino, groaning as it hit it on the head. It moaned, dropping Harry before it was sent careening down.
Hermione approached carefully. “I- Is it dead?”
“I don’t think so. Just knocked out.” He grimaced as he grabbed his wand, wiping it of snot.
“Great job, Ron!” Lotus hugged Ron. “You did great!!” She backs away, coughing.
“Thanks!” He beams proudly. “You did too- even if your spell didn’t really work, it was still bloody brilliant!”
“Maybe I’m still too young.” She shrugs. Suddenly, McGonaggal, Snape, and Quirrell came rushing in, gasping as they saw the knocked out Troll.
“Oh!” She placed a hand on her chest. “Oh my goodness! Explain yourselves, you three!” She snapped.
Lotus flinched at Snape’s death glare.
“W- Well.. what it is..” Ron and Harry tried to excuse, but Hermione spoke up.
“It’s my fault, Professor McGonagall.”
Appalled, McGonagall frowns. “Miss Granger?”
She explained (lied). “I went looking for the troll. I’d read about them and thought I could handle it… But I was wrong. If Harry, Ron, and Lotus hadn’t come and found me, I’d probably be dead.”
“Be that as it may, it was an extremely foolish thing to do.” McGonagall scolded. Meanwhile, Harry noticed that Snape’s leg had a large cut and tear on it. Snape covered it up, scowling at Harry. “I would’ve expected more rational behavior on your part and am very disappointed in you, Miss Granger. Five points from Gryffindor for your serious lack of judgement.” She watched Hermione sulk, Lotus placing a hand on her shoulder reassuringly.
McGonagall then turned to the other three. “As for your three children, I just hope you realize how fortunate you are. Not many first-year students could take on a fully grown mountain troll and live to tell the tale. Five points will be awarded to each of you… for sheer dumb luck.”
Lotus grinned. “See? That’s 15 points! So we’re at least up… a bit.”
Lotus watched Snape and McGonagall walk away. She frowned, noticing a limp in Snape’s step. She wanted to stay, but saw Quirrell and got a bad feeling, so she pulled the others along as well.
Later on, Lotus was relaxing her aching body as she walked with the other three back to the Gryffindor Common Room.
“Good for you to get us out of trouble like that.” Harry complimented.
“Mind you, we did save her life.” Ron chirped.
“Mind you, she didn’t need saving if you hadn’t insulted her.”
Hermione looked at Ron as Lotus blinks. “Wait, you what?” Lotus laughs slightly, as Ron shrugs.
“What are friends for?”
The four smiled as they reached the common room.
── .✦
Lotus was nibbling on her toast while Hermione and Ron urged Harry to eat some food. Suddenly, Snape seemed to appear.
He gave a cold look. “Good luck today, Potter. Then again, now that you've proven yourself against a troll, a little game of Quidditch should be easy work for you. Even if it is against Slytherin.” He glanced over at Lotus, noticing her full plate. “Eat, girl.” He demanded, before he walked off, limping slightly. Lotus frowned. She looked at Harry, and he nodded.
“That explains the blood.”
Quizzically, Hermione looked at him. “Blood?”
Harry looked around, before he leaned in, whispering in a conspiratorial tone. “Listen, last night, I'm guessing Snape let the troll in as a diversion so he could try and get past that 3 headed dog. But, he got himself bitten, that's why he's limping.”
Ron and Hermione’s eyes widened.
“But why would anyone go near that dog?” She asked incredulously.
“The day I was at Gringotts, Hagrid took something out of one of the vaults. He said it was Hogwarts' business, very secret.” Harry replied.
“So you're saying…”
“That's what the dog's guarding.” He confirmed.
“That's what Snape wants.” Lotus added. “According to Harry, of course.” She ignored his look, chuckling.
There was then screeching from above— oh!
“Hedwig!” Lotus pointed out. Hedwig dropped the large, long parcel she carried at the table, before flying off to McGonagall’s side.
“Bit early for mail, isn't it?” Hermione blinked.
“Yeah. I’m almost jealous, I wanna see what my grandparents have to say about this place’s shenanigans.” Lotus huffed.
Harry stared at the package like it was a cruel surprise. “But I... I never get mail.”
Ron clapped his hand. “Let's open it.”
The four began to tear at the top, sliding the paper back until it revealed a sleek, brown broomstick.
“A broomstick..?” Lotus spoke.
“It's a broomstick!” Harry said in excitement.
Ron, in awe, added on. “Thats not just any broomstick, Harry. It's a Nimbus 2000!”
“Wow, that must’ve been expensive! Must be for your Seeker gig!” Lotus clapped. “Good job, Harry!”
He looked around, confused. “But who...?”
“Who else?” Lotus points up at the long table with the staff. Harry blinks, noticing Professor McGonagall, stroking Hedwig. She smiled and Harry nodded.
“Woo! Are you excited now?!” Ron asked.
“Definitely!” Harry grinned.
“Then go up there and get ‘em, Potter!” Lotus cheered.
Notes:
lmk what you think :3. I hope more people read this, it does get to evolve into something way better later, trust me!
Chapter 4: ✮⋆˙ I Support Quidditch
Summary:
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
Lotus figures out she likes it when Harry does well at Quidditch. Alternatively, she suffers another episode when trying to show she can do magic.
Christmas time is here, and they learn more about the Philosopher's stone.
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
Notes:
Arcane Decay Syndrome is all made up, doesn't exist in the HP Wizarding World nor does it exist IRL :). Though it takes elements from Firefly's Entropy Loss Syndrome from HSR!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“WOO!! HARRY!! YOU GOT THIS!” Lotus made sure to cheer extra loud. When Seamus Finnigan offered her some red and yellow paint, she made sure to lather two long lines on each side, top red, bottom yellow. It was something she saw other people do when it was the Super Bowl or something, so it’d make sense if she did it now, right?
“YOUNGEST SEEKER!! YOU GET EM!!” Ron cheered beside her, Hermione ‘whoo’ing. Lotus clasped her hands together, smiling brightly.
I think I like Quidditch.
It’s a total shame she couldn’t participate. Even if she was older, she wasn’t sure if her body could handle it. She heard from Ron that these kinds of matches could get messy, as well as go on for ages. No way could she take it.
Hagrid, sat beside them, boomed. “Well done!”
As Gryffindor got another 10 points when Angelina Johnson scored, she noticed the dirty looks from the Slytherin stands. At least she thinks it was that, honestly it’s hard to see. But she suddenly noticed as Flint- another Slytherin- grabbed one of his Beater’s bat, hitting a Bludger and sending it straight to Oliver.
“NO!” Ron and Lotus scream as Oliver got whammed in the stomach, plummeting down and knocking out. The audience booed as Harry looked pissed.
‘Yeah, me too, bud!’ Lotus grumbled. “That’s not fair! Shouldn’t Madam Hooch call a penalty or something?!”
“That’s the rules. There’s barely any.” Hermione grumbled as a Slytherin member scored, Lee adding 10 points to the Slytherin’s plaque.
Lotus, Ron, and Hermione gasped as the Slytherin team seemed to hone in on Johnson, sending her crashing into one of the towers and gets out. The crowd boos as Slytherin scores once again.
Lotus grumbled, turning over just in time to see Harry start to fly after the Snitch. But before she could cheer, his broom started to buck and turn, going haywire.
“Whoa- WHOAA!” Harry screamed, holding on for dear life.
“What’s going on with Harry’s broomstick?!” Hagrid panicked.
Hermione looked through the binoculars to watch Harry, before going down and spotting Snape. Upon closer look, she saw he was muttering something under his breath.
“It’s Snape! He’s jinxing the broom!”
“Wait, what?” Lotus grabbed the binoculars, peering in. “Wait- no, guys- I don’t think–”
“Jinxing the broom? What do we do?” Ron asked.
“Guys–”
“Leave it to me.” Hermione stormed off the stands.
“Hermione, wait!” Lotus huffed, handing the binoculars to Ron who looked confused.
“Hermione, wait!” Lotus yelled as they descended down, running to the tower structure with faculty on it. “I think you’re getting the wrong idea!”
“Me?? Maybe, but if we don’t do something Harry could seriously get injured from those heights!” Hermione replied, climbing up the steps. In the background, Harry was still yelling, holding on for dear life until he fell off, dangling by one arm. The crowd gasps in horror.
“I…” Lotus wordlessly watched as Hermione appeared under Snape, touching his cloak with her wand.
“Lacarnum inflamarae. ” She whispered. Lotus jumped as a spark ignited, causing Snape’s cloak to catch on fire. Hermione pulled Lotus along just as soon as the two heard panicking.
“Fire! You’re on fire!!” A man shouted.
“Wh– Oh!” Snape panicked, backing away. The man fell onto Quirrel, who also fell. Snape quickly bats out the fire, before trying to act normal. At the same time, the broom stops bucking and Harry climbs back on, trying to calm down. Then, he and the Slytherin Seeker chased after the Snitch.
Lotus and Hermione ran back up- moreso Hermione, as Lotus paced behind her, panting. “H- Hermione– ugh! So many flights of stairs..” She collapsed into the seat besides Hagrid and Ron.
“Did you guys do it?” Ron asked. The crowd gasps as Harry falls off his broom, lurching.
Lotus nodded, her and Hermione focused on Harry.
“Looks like he’s gonna be sick!” Hagrid fretted.
Harry spat out a golden orb– wait… YES!
He got the Snitch!
Its wings unfurled in his hands, flicking slightly as if to wipe the spit away.
Lee roared. “He’s got the Snitch! Harry Potter receives 150 points for catching the Snitch!”
Hooch blew her whistle. “Gryffindor wins!!”
The crowd cheers in joy while Slytherins wailed. Lotus jumped up and down.
“YES!!”
“WHOO-HOO!!!” Hermione screams, hugging Ron. Ron hugged back.
The crowd cheers.
“GO, GO, GRYFFINDOR! GO, GO, GRYFFINDOR! GO, GO, GRYFFINDOR!!!”
── .✦
Lotus rubbed her face with her wet inner sleeve as her, Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked with Hagrid, talking.
“-- Nonsense! Why would Snape put a curse on Harry’s broom?” Hagrid frowned, beard scrunching slightly.
“Who knows?” Harry shrugs. “Why was he trying to get past that three-headed dog on Halloween?”
Hagrid paused, before turning to them suspiciously. “Who told you about Fluffy?”
Lotus gasped, quickly lifting her head. “It’s name is Fluffy ?! Ee! How adorable!!”
“Fluffy?” Ron gaped.
“That thing has a name ?” Hermione winced.
“Well, of course he’s got a name.” Hagrid scoffed. “He’s mine. I bough’ him off an Irish feller I met down at the pub last ‘ear. Then I lent ‘im to Dumbledore to guard the…” He trailed off, watching the four eye him with eagerness.
“Yesssss…?” Harry questioned.
Hagrid grunted. “Shouldn’t have said that.” He walked ahead of them. The four ran after Hagrid. “No more questions! Don’t ask any more questions. That’s top secret, that is.”
“But Hagrid,” Harry protested, “whatever Fluffy ’s guarding, Snape’s trying to steal it-”
“Hey now..” Lotus frowns.
“Codswallop!” Hagrid argues. “Professor Snape is a great teacher!”
“He’s right.” Lotus agreed.
“What, do you got a crush on him or something?” Ron huffed.
“No, he just likes me better.” Lotus beams.
“Hogwarts teacher or not, I know a spell when I see one!” Hermione pressed. “I’ve read all about them. You’ve got to keep eye contact and Snape wasn’t blinking!”
“Exactly.” Harry nods.
“Oh shush, you didn’t see it.” Lotus huffed, elbowing Harry’s side, who let out a little ‘ow’.
Hagrid sighs, turning to them. They stopped in their tracks. “Now, you listen to me, all three of yeh. Yer meddling in things that ought not to be meddled in. It’s dangerous! What that dog is guarding is strictly between Professor Dumbledore and Nicholas Flamel.”
Harry’s eyes widened with curiosity, before turning to Ron, and then to Hagrid. “Nicholas Flamel?”
Lotus tilted her head. “Sounds like a cool name.”
Hagrid paled, before he stormed off. “I shouldn’t have said that. I should not have said that. I should not have said that! ”
“Nicholas Flamel.” Harry repeats, before turning to Hermione and Lotus. “Who’s that?”
“I don’t know.” Hermione shook her head.
“No clue.” Lotus hummed.
── .✦
Lotus walked past the Great Hall, seeing Hagrid dragging in a Christmas tree. “Woww… humongous.”
“Right! This bugger was hard to find, y’see?” He chuckled proudly. Lotus reached out, scooping some of the snow off a branch.
She opened her mouth.
“Ew, were you seriously about to eat that?” Draco cut in.
Lotus blinks, and looks over. “Uh. I dunno, it’s a thing a lot of American kids do. Don’t you guys know how to have fun?”
Draco stared at her in disbelief, then disgust. “Of course we do! This isn’t.” He slapped the snow out of her hand. Lotus looked back, thinking Hagrid might stop this (if he even had the heart), but she saw Hagrid was already halfway gone. She glanced inside, seeing Hermione talk to the other two.
She frowns. She’s tough. She can handle her own battles-
“Hey!” Goyle yelled. “Don’t ignore us!”
“Sorry.” She turns to them. “Listen, whatever problems you have, my bad, okay?”
“You know, you would’ve made a wonderful Slytherin.” Draco insulted.
Lotus took a deep breath. “I’m kinda glad I didn’t make it in. Whatever influence is in there is giving you guys a bad name and turning some of you guys into bad people. I don’t want none of that, okay?”
Draco’s face turned an angry red. “Oh, you–”
Lotus saw him reaching for his wand, and thought quickly. She wrapped her finger around the handle of her own wand and held it up, yelling. “Silencio!”
Immediately, a huge wave of pain hit her body as Draco stumbled back. He opened his mouth, but no sound came out. Panic overwhelmed him as Crabbe and Goyle panicked.
“Draco!” They reached out. “Undo whatever you just did!”
Lotus stepped back. “I-I—” She winced, head pounding. That felt like it took 2 years off her lifespan, despite logically knowing she was okay. “I can’t..-”
“D-D-Do not worry. It’ll only l-last a moment!” Professor Quirrell speaks, walking over. He placed a hand on Draco’s back, observing his panicked expression. “C-c-c-calm down, Mr. Malfoy. Because Ms. Inag is i-i-inexperienced, it s-should go away…” He looked at Locust, who was still stood there, eyes half-lidded with the expression of a cat who got caught knocking over the vase. “M- Miss I-Inag! Why I never… f-five p-p-p-points from Gryffindor!” He frowned.
Locust flinched.
“A- And I-I need to speak to you p-privatel-ly.”
Locust watched Draco give a silent smirk, turning around to run off with Crabbe and Goyle. Locust rubbed her arm, putting her wand away as Quirrell led her into an adjacent classroom.
“M-Miss Inag, y-you… y-you know wh-what you d-did w-was c-completely ir-irresponsible…” Quirrell reprimanded. Tried to . He just looked like a shaking eggplant.
Locust’s hand raised to her other arm, pushing the sleeve up slightly. She began to pick at the sleeve, whimpering. “I know, but…” Oh god, she needed to get away. Something felt wrong. Not wrong about him , but how she felt about this situation. “I’m sorry, Professor Quirrell, I have to go–”
He sighs. She was glad he was such a pushover sometimes. “V-Very well. P-P-Professor Snape told m-me about your condition.” There was a hint of curiosity in his eyes. “H-How’re you feeling?”
Bad. Tired.
“Fine.” She spat out, turning around. “I- I have to go!”
Quirrell watched her leave.
“L- Lotus?”
She looked back, gripping her arm.
“Be careful.” An indescribable look in his eyes sent a shiver down her spine. It looked akin to.. Disappointment? Anger? A hidden fury. But why… It wasn’t that bad, right? Draco was a jerk to him too, wouldn’t he be secretly glad that she shut that boy up?
“Okay.” She nods, turning back around and hurried off.
She ran into the group just in time as Hermione left.
“I think we’ve had a bad influence on her.” Ron said.
“What?” She blinks.
“Hermione told us– hinted to us to check the Restricted Section.” Harry bluntly said.
“... Oh dear.”
── .✦
Lotus woke up early in the morning. She hummed. “Good morning, Marco Polo, Merry Christmas buddy!” She took out a small box. “What’s thiiiis? A present from Granny and Gramps?”
Walking over to the sleepy owl, she sighs. “I got you some owl treats buddy.” This immediately woke him up. He chirped.
“Shh, shh, they’re still sleeping.” She said about the other girls. As if sensing her tone, he quieted down.
“Good job. Here, I’ll give you some right now…” She put on a small glove, taking a thawed mouse out, putting it in his cage, which he happily eats.
“I’ll save the rest later… Glad these are enchanted to be frozen.” She closed it and put it in a drawer, before walking out.
She jogged down to see Ron. “Good morning, Ron!” She waved, sitting beside him.
“Good morning, Lotus!” He gave her a bright-grin. “Merry Christmas!”
“Merry Christmas.” She hummed. “I’ve got a gift for you.” She handed it over as he was unpacking one from his mother.
“Really?! Thank you! Hold on, I’ll open in it a second..” He set it beside him, as he finished unpacking. He smiled fondly at the sweater with an ‘R’ on it, shrugging it on. “From my mum, you see.”
Lotus smiled a little sadly. “Oh really, that’s nice?”
She couldn’t help but feel a little envious of Ron. He had both parents. Though, she tried not to show it as Ron opened her gift.
“Whoa! A Chocolate Frog!” He smiled.
“Sorry, it’s actually a gift from my grandparents, you see.” She explained. “But I don’t really like to eat… in the morning.” Lotus added, watching him nod.
“Well how thoughtful of you to think of me!” He said. “I’ll give you the card if I have them already.”
“Sounds fair. Go wake Harry up, too.” She said. He nods, running upstairs.
Lotus looked at the pile of presents- for Ron, for Harry, for her. She knelt down, picking one up.
For our beautiful granddaughter, Lotus
From Granny and Gramps
Lotus smiled, tearing up. She wiped them away, before opening it to see it was the latest book about Astronomy.
1991 Yearbook of Astronomy
“They so get me.” She mumbled, hugging it tightly as Harry and Ron ran downstairs. Harry looked amazed at seeing his presents.
“Merry Christmas, Harry!” She said.
“M.. Merry Christmas.” He plopped down beside her, opening up presents. Ron sat beside Harry, as Lotus hands him a present.
Curious, Harry lifted the lid, eyes widening at a paper replica of the Snitch.
“Good job on your first game, Harry. I know you’ll be great.” She smiled.
“Thank you.” He hugged her, before setting it down.
Ron ate the Chocolate Frog, handing an ‘Albus Dumbledore’ card to Lotus as Harry picked up another present.
He saw a note attached to it and read it out loud.
“Your father left this in my possession before he died. It is time it was returned to you. Use it well.”
Harry looked at the two, who shrugged.
He opened up the remaining of his present, pulling out a blanket-like object.
“What is it?” Ron asks.
“Looks like a cloak.” Harry and Lotus said.
“Jinx.” Lotus giggled. Harry rolled his eyes playfully.
“Well, let’s see. Put it on.” Ron encouraged, biting the head off the Chocolate Frog. Harry backed away, before slinging it over his shoulders. Lotus and Ron gasped as Harry’s body became invisible save for his head.
“Whoa!” Rono gasped.
“My body’s gone!” Harry marveled.
“I know what it is. That’s an-” “Invisibility cloak?” Lotus guessed, cutting Ron off.
He rolled his eyes, but laughed. “Yeah! They’re really rare. I wonder who gave it to you.”
“There was no name. It just said use it well.” Harry replied.
“Hmmm. I’m willing to bet it’s from one of the faculty. Maybe McGonagall? No, wait, maybe Dumbledore!” Lotus said, popping a lollipop in her mouth.
“Oo, good guesses.” Ron nods. “Oh, Lotus, you got another gift.”
“Eh?” She picked up the box, staring at it.
“Be more careful next time.”
“Now what in the world does that mean?” Ron asked as Harry was quiet, deep in thought.
“I’unno.” Lotus tore the ribbon off, shuffling the lid to the side. She blinked, pulling out a sketchbook. “Oh, neat– crap.” She flinched, her hand stilling as she dropped it right back onto her lap.
“You alright?” Harry asked.
“Yeah, just one of those muscle spasms.” She nodded, picking it back up with a fond smile.
“Oh, I’ve had many of them before. It’s like your body kinda gives up on y…” Ron went on with his rant. Lotus didn’t listen as she flipped through the pages, smiling softly.
‘I wonder who sent this.’
“Hey, guys?” Both boys looked over.
“Merry Christmas.” She smiled. “I hope Hermione likes her gift.”
“Merry Christmas!” Harry and Ron replied.
── .✦
Later at night, the library was quiet. At least until the sound of shuffling was heard.
“Ow..” Harry hissed quietly.
“Sorry!” Lotus whispered. “Yknow, when you asked me to help you out I didn’t think you meant this.”
“”Yeah, yeah…” He set the lamp down once they reached the Restricted Section. Lotus slid the cloak off of both of them, hanging it on her arm as they began to look.
“Lotta forbidden stuff here… not too late to back out..” She murmured, scanning through, when a loud scream was heard. She jumped, looking over as Harry shut a book and shoved it back in the shelf.
“What was that?! ” She hissed.
“WHO’S THERE?!” Filch’s hoarse voice shrieked. Both Harry and Lotus panicked. She tried to throw the Invisibility Cloak on them, but she accidentally knocked the lamp over and shatter. “I know you’re in there. You can’t HIDE! Who is it? Show yourself!”
Harry pulled Lotus along as they creeped around Filch, before running.
“Uh.. slight problem, Harry..” She whispered.
“What?”
“Th.. the cat. She’s following us-”
“Shoot.” Harry cursed. Mrs. Norris meows, following them eagerly.
“Shoo. Shoo– !!” Lotus pulled Harry back, stopping him just in time as they almost ran into Severus and Quirrell.
Lotus choked back a gasp as Snape pushed Quirrell into the wall.
Lotus and Harry looked at each other.
‘What’s going on?’
‘I dunno!’
‘What’s Snape doing?’
‘Maybe it’s for a good reason?’
“Severus… I-I thought..” Quirrell whimpered.
“You don’t want me as your enemy, Quirrel.” Snape threatened. Lotus deflated.
Is he also a bad man? Is he really as bad as Harry, Ron, and Hermione claim?
“You know perfectly well what I mean.” Snape’s head snapped up, looking over at where Harry and Lotus stood.
Lotus bit back a whimper as he edged closer, reaching out.
Then he tried to grab at… nothing.
He relaxed, turning back to Quirrell.
“We’ll have another chat soon. When you’ve had time to decide where your loyalties lie.”
Filch suddenly arrived, carrying a broken lantern.
Lotus didn’t want to stick around for this, so she, with Harry, quickly fled the scene, just as soon as Quirrell and Snape also ran off.
── .✦
Lotus let out a huge sigh of relief as she yanked the Invisibility Cloak off of the two of them. They had found a hidden room to stay in, at least for now. Harry walked forward.
“Harry, this was a bad idea! We found nothing and we almost got caught!” She said quietly, still afraid of alerting anyone around. “We’ve got to head back. Harry?” She looked over, seeing he hadn’t responded.
She saw him standing in front of a mirror. Confused, she walked over. “Harry. C’mon. We have to… go.” She faltered, seeing his expression.
One of longing. One of hope. She looked over. “What are you seeing…?”
What was he seeing?
Because to her, she was seeing herself.
Rather… herself with her father. This version of her looked perfectly fine. No eyebags, no shaky hands, no need to constantly live in fear of using too much magic. Mirror Lotus rose her want (which was pure white, with cute little patterns on the handle) and mumbled something she couldn’t hear, a bright light appearing.
Her father looked at her, proud.
Her father .
She let out a weak whimper as Harry spoke.
“Mum?” This snapped her out of it, watching Harry reach out, placing his hand on the mirror. And then his hand on his shoulder.
Was he… seeing his parents?
She frowns. “Harry. Seriously. We have to go.”
Harry looked at her, nodding.
Once they returned to Gryffindor’s Common Room, she scratched her arm.
“Stop that.” Harry said.
She ignored him. “Harry, I have to go to bed. Sorry.” She stopped scratching to hand back the Invisibility Cloak. “I’m tired.”
He nodded wordlessly, putting it back on and running upstairs. As she walked to the girl’s dormitories, something told her he wouldn’t be sleeping.
It’s okay. She lied. She didn’t think she would be able to.
As she heard the footsteps of Ron and Harry going down (presumably to return to that weird mirror), she hugged herself, drawing her knees closer to her chest.
‘I really wish Hermione was here.’
She had told Hermione what she had, and Hermione looked both amazed, horrified, and intrigued. But not at all judgemental.
Lotus sighed, laying on her back. Her scratching got worse.
Suddenly she hissed, pulling her fingers back. “Ow, that one really hurt this time.” She lifted her arm up to check if she was bleeding, but no. Sighing in relief, she lowered it, looking at the ceiling.
Soon, sleep overtook her body.
── .✦
“I had you looking in the wrong section. How could I be so stupid!?”
SLAM!
Harry, Lotus, and Ron jumped as Hermione slammed a huge book the size of a picnic basket onto the table. Lotus steeled her nervous.
“U- Uh, Hermione, what is this?”
“I checked this out a few weeks ago for a bit of light reading.”
“This is light?” Ron murmured. Lotus elbowed him.
“Of course! Here it is.” She flipped to a marked page. “ Nicholas Flamel is the inventor of the Philosopher’s Stone! ”
“The what?” Ron and Harry blinked.
“Honestly, don’t you two read?” Hermione groans.
“I didn’t know either.” Lotus admitted. “But please, tell us!”
Hermione continued.
“The Philosopher’s Stone is a legendary substance with astonishing powers. It’ll transform any metal into pure gold and produces the Elixir of Life which will make the drinker immortal.”
“Immortal?” Ron blinks.
“It means you’ll never die.” Hermione replied.
“I know what it means!” Ron huffed.
“Shh!” Harry snapped.
“Actually, in some iterations being immortal means you can die, but just… not for a very, very long time. In others, it means you’re unkillable until you are.” Lotus said. “I don’t know why anyone would want to be immortal. I’ve read stories where people wished for that, but they regret it around the six-hundredth year once the fifth group of friends they have die off.”
Hermione nods, as she continued to read.
“The only Stone currently in existence belongs to Mr. NIcholas Flamel, the noted alchemist who last year celebrated his 665th birthday.”
She looked up. “That’s what Fluffy’s guarding on the 3rd floror. That’s what’s under the trapdoor! The Philosopher’s Stone!”
Lotus bit her nail, standing up. “We have to talk to Hagrid later!”
Harry nodded.
At nighttime, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Lotus ran to Hagrid’s hut. Lotus knocked eagerly, and Hagrid opened.
She blinked, realizing he was wearing an apron and oven mits.
“Wow, are you baking something-”
“Hagrid!” Harry yelled.
“Oh, hello, sorry, don’t wish to be rude, but I’m in no fit state to entertain today.” He replied bluntly, beginning to close the door.
“Wait!” Lotus said, holding her foot out.
“We know about the Philosopher’s Stone!” All four cried out.
“...” Hagrid opened the door. “Oh.”
“Oh thank God he didn’t slam my foot.” Lotus hissed quietly as the kids entered Hagrid’s hut.
Harry immediately began to talk. “We think Snape’s trying to steal it.”
“Snape?” Hagrid sighs. “ Blimey - yer not still on about him, are yeh?”
Harry looked frustrated. “Hagrid, we know he’s after the Stone. We just don’t know why!”
“Snape is one of the teachers protecting the Stone. He’s not about to steal it.” Hagrid argued.
Harry froze. “What?”
Lotus rose her fists. “Let’s go! I knew it!”
“You heard. Right. Come on, now, I’m a bit preoccupied today.” Hagrid sighs.
“Wait a minute.” Harry frowns. Meanwhile, Ron sees Hagrid’s boar-hound Fang, who sniffs him. Lotus cooed, kneeling down. “One of the teachers?”
Hermione sat down on a large chair, albeit struggling a little. “Of course! Ther are other things defending the Stone, aren’t there? Spells, enchantments..”
“That’s right.” Hagrid agreed. “Waste of bloody time, if yeh ask me.” Hermione looked at Ron and Lotus, who was being sniffed by Fang.
“Hehe, doggy… boar thing…” Lotus giggled.
Finally, Ron shuffled away, but Lotus stayed.
“Ain’t no one gonna get past Fluffy. Hehe. Ain’t a soul knows how, except for me and Dumbledore…. Ugh. I shouldn’t have told you that.” He reprimanded himself. “I should not have told you that .”
A cauldron over a fire began to rattle. “Oh!” He walked over, reaching to grab something- an egg. “Ooh! Ooh! Ooh!” He shuffled, his hands feeling the intense heat.
He placed it on the table as the group crowded around it.
“Uh, Hagrid? What exactly is that?” Harry asks. Lotus’s eyes lit up.
“That? It’s a… it’s.. Um..” Hagrid trailed off.
“I know what that is! But… Hagrid, where did you get one?” Ron asked, amazed.
“I won it. Off a stranger I met down at a pub. Seemed quite glad to be rid of it, as a matter of fact.” Hagrid smirks, taking the gloves off.
The egg began to crack. Pieces flew off as a small baby dragon emerged, squeaking and slipping on an egg piece. Lotus gasped again.
“Awwww~!!! It’s so adorable!!” She squealed.
“Is that… a dragon?” Hermione asked incredulously.
“That’s not just a dragon!” Ron nodded. “That’s a Norwegian Ridgeback. My brother Charlie works with these in Romania!”
“You have such a cool brother, Ron! Not that you’re not cool, though.” Lotus patted him on the back.
“Isn’t he beautiful!” Hagrid asked. “Oh, bless him. Look, he knows his mummy. Hehehe. Hallo, Norbert..”
“Norbert?” Harry asked, as Lotus leaned down to observe ‘Norbert’ closer. Norbert looked at Hagrid, squeaking.
“Yeah, well, he’s gotta have a name, don’t he?” He chuckled, gently scratching under Norbert’s chin.
Norbert backed away, suddenly hiccuping and blasting a fireball into the half-giant’s beard.
Hagrid yelped, stumbling away as he patted out the smolder. “Ooh, ooh, ooh-hoo-hoo-hoo! Ooh, well… he’ll have to be trained up a bit, of course.”
He chuckled as Lotus giggled.
“I wonder what it would be like to… own a dragon?” Lotus looked at the window. Hagrid followed her glance, and saw Draco.
“Who’s that?” Hagrid asked.
Draco’s eyes widened upon seeing they noticed him, and quickly ran away.
“Draco.” Lotus and Harry seethed.
“Oh, dear.” Hagrid pales.
── .✦
“We’re screwed. We’re so screwed! Will they send letters home?!” Lotus freaked out. “We’re so gonna get detention! Or worse, suspended!!”
Hermione choked at the thought, paling as she hugged Lotus. Lotus hugged back.
“I can’t get suspended, my grandparents will be furious…! They’ll– they’ll..”
She trailed off, choking on her words as she hugged Hermione tighter.
What will they do?
Oh no oh no oh no oh no… please, I don’t want to get hurt again. I don’t want to get hurt. I don’t– I don’t want to!!!
“Hagrid always wanted a dragon. He told me so the first time I ever met him.” Harry commented, as if nothing bad was happening.
“It’s crazy. And worse, Malfoy knows.” Ron said.
“Ugh, I wish my Silencing Charm worked forever!” Lotus wailed.
“I don’t understand. Is that bad?” Harry turned to Ron.
“It’s bad.” Ron confirmed. Harry gulped quietly, stopping as McGonagall, in her nightgown, appears, sternly.
“Good evening.” She snapped. Lotus shakily waved.
“G– Good evening…”
Malfoy appeared beside her, smirking.
Malfoy, you rat!
In McGonagall’s classroom, the four of them are now standing in front of her desk, with Malfoy a feet away, smiling like he just won the lottery.
Lotus had her head down, shaking.
Why did this hurt so bad? Why did she hate this so much?
She looked up.
“Nothing, I repeat, nothing gives a student the right to walk about the school at night. Therefore, as punishment for your actions, 50 points will be taken.”
“50?!” Lotus yelled.
“Each.” She added.
Harry gasped. Lotus began to scratch her arm under her sleeve, whimpering. That’s 200 points. They’re surely in last place. Oh God, they’ve failed everyone…
“And to ensure it doesn’t happen again, all five of you will receive detention.”
Malfoy nodded. Then his smile faded as he processed her words.
“Excuse me, Professor, perhaps I heard you wrong. I thought you said the five of us.”
“No, you heard me correctly, Mr. Malfoy.” She berated. “As honorable as your intentions were, you too were out of bed after hours. You will join your classmates in detention.”
Draco’s shoulders sagged as Ron, Harry, and Hermione smiled at him. Lotus, meanwhile, was too lost in panic to care.
Lotus tried not to tear up the five of them were taken by Filch to Hagrid’s place. And when Hagrid spoke, she wasn’t listening.
It wasn’t until Draco seemed to panic did she pay attention.
“The Forest? I thought that was a joke! We can’t go in there. Students are allowed. And there are…” He shuddered as he heard a howling sound. “...werewolves!”
Lotus sniffled quietly. The Forbidden Forest?
“There’s more than werwolves in those trees, lad. You can be sure of that.” Filch grinned. Draco looked like he might pee himself. “Nighty-night.” He turned around, leaving them.
“Right. Let’s go.” Hagrid sniffled.
── .✦
‘Apparently, we need to find a unicorn. Ron and Hermione will go with Hagrid, and Harry and I will go with Malfoy.’ She thought.
“Okay.” Draco said. “Then I get Fang.”
“Fine. Just so you know, he’s a bloody coward.” Hagrid turns around.
Fang whines. Lotus reached down, patting him on the head.
“It’s okay, boy.”
Later on, the three of them were walking through a part of the forest, with Fang leading. Draco has the lamp in his hand.
“You wait til my Father hears about this. This is servant’s stuff.” He huffed.
“What’s your father gonna do for something you did yourself?” Lotus snapped. “We snuck you, but you did too!”
“If I didn’t know better, Draco, I’d say you were scared.” Harry teased.
“Scared, Potter?” He scoffed. Then, he flinched, hearing a howl. His voice took on a frightened edge. “Did you hear that? Come on, Fang. Scared!”
The three of them approached a flat ground with gnarled roots all over. If one didn’t pay attention, they could certainly trip and injure their ankle.
.. I’ll try not to do that.
Unexpectedly, Fang began to whine.
Lotus blinks. “What is it, boy?”
Up ahead was a cloaked figure, crouched over a dead unicorn. Lotus’s eyes widened in horror as she saw it drinking its blood. The poor unicorn… And who was this freak, consuming like it was a damn vampire?!
Harry sudenly gasped, grabbing his scar.
“Harry?!” Lotus said, alarmed.
Meanwhile, Draco screamed in fear, running away with Fang, who was howling.
“HELP!!!!” Draco whimpered.
“You coward!” Louts yelled, before looking at the figure. The person stood up, advancing towards her and Harry- no. Just Harry.
Lotus stood in front of him, shakily holding her wand out.
“Stay back!” She warned, but she could feel her own will wavering. Despite this, she wanted to make sure whoever this was wouldn’t hurt Harry. Harry, meanwhile was trying to back away with her, but he tripped on the root, coughing in pain.
Suddenly, the sounds of hooves clanking against the dirt was heard, and a figure leaped over Harry and Lotus and landed near the figure.
A centaur!
She gasped in amazement as it scared off the figure, whom flies away.
“Woah!”
“Harry Potter.” Firenze turned around. “You must leave. You are known to many creatures here. The Forest is not safe at this time. Especially for you.”
Lotus blinks. ‘ What am I, chopped liver? ’
She helped Harry up, who was confused.
“But what was that thing you saved me from?”
“A freaky vampire?” Lotus guessed.
“A monstrous creature.” Firenze answered. “It is a terrible crime to slay a unicorn. Drinking the blood of a unicorn will keep you alive even if you are an inch from death. But at a terrible price. You have slain something so pure that from the monet the blood touches your lips, you will have a half-life. A cursed life. ”
Lotus froze, her hand letting go of Harry’s.
A half-life.
What, had she accidentally consumed a unicorn’s blood when she was younger?! Did Alistair force-drink her three year-old self a cup of unicorn’s blood after killing her father?!
Why did this seem so similar…
Firenze caught her stare.
“Lotus Inag.” Oh, so he did know her name too. “You do not suffer this afflction.”
“O- Oh. Uh.” She looked over, seeing Harry look at her. “Thanks. Thanks mister… mister Centaur.”
“But who would choose such a life?” Harry asked, turning back to Firenze.
“Can you think of no one?” Firenze glared, but there was no true malice in it.
“Do you mean to say that thing that killed the unicorn that was drinking its blood.. That was Voldemort?” Harry’s face drained of color.
“Do you know what is hidden in the school at this very moment, Mr. Potter?”
Lotus and Harry gasped, looking at each other. “The Philosopher’s Stone!”
They suddenly heard Fang barking, and the two looked up to see Hagrid, Hermione, Ron, and Draco appear. Hagrid looked armed and ready with his crossbow, but lowered it upon seeing Firenze, who nodded.
“Harry! Lotus!” Hermione ran over, hugging the two. Lotus hugged back, smiling weakly.
“Hello there, Firenze.” Hagrid greeted. “I see you’ve met our young Mr. Potter. You alright there, Harry, Lotus?”
The two nod as Hermione pulls away, bringing them to Hagrid’s side.
“Harry Potter, this is where I leave you. You’re safe now. Good luck.” He galloped back into the darkness.
Meanwhile, the group looks at the dead unicorn.
“Oh, yeah. We found the poor thing, a…” Lotus was quiet. She debated on whether telling Hagrid that they saw a figure or not, but a look from Harry convinced her otherwise. “...a tragedy, really.”
Hagrid nodded grimly as he walked over, delicately lifting the unicorn up.
Draco gaped at Harry and Lotus. “Wh…”
“Thanks for nothing, Malfoy.” Lotus said. “I know you hate us, but even still you shouldn’t have left! If we died to…” She lowered her voice. “If we died to that THING, YOU would’ve been at fault for leaving us for dead!”
Draco grumbled.
On the way back, Ron and Hermione could sense the other two had a lot ot say, but knew to wait until after they got back.
Harry looked at Lotus. “Hey. Thanks for defending me.”
Lotus looked over, a bashful smile on her face. “Aw, it’s nothing. You… you’re important. You’re also my friend. I couldn’t let you get hurt.”
Harry shook his head. “Still, thank you. And… I’ve got a question.”
“Huh?”
“What did Firenze mean by what he said to you? About how you don’t suffer from that affliction? You clearly thought it was something related to you… but if not, it still means you’re suffering. What’s going on?”
Lotus frowns. “I’ll tell you later.”
── .✦
After sending Hermione and Ron off to bed, Lotus pulled Harry to the fireplace and sat him down.
“Okay. My dad in America had this job of watching over the museum at night. Especially since it had important stuff. He brought me along because he couldn’t afford a… yknow, a babysitter.”
Harry nodded.
She leans back against her arms. “But Alistair– someone from his past– came by and… I guess wanted to kill him for being a traitor? He did so. He tried to. My dad deflected, at first. But the power… I– I don’t know what was wrong that night, but I got in the crossfire and I was hit.” She saw his eyes shoot up in alarm.
“I know, right? But I was alive… and barely breathing. And then I saw Alistair kill him.” She frowns.
“I’m so sorry.”
“Everyone claimed it as a murder. An accident. Everything under the book. But I always knew it was something else.” She growls. “Now I’m suffering from it. From Arcane Decay Syndrome. Every time I use my wand– every time I use magic , really, my body gets weak. Really weak. And… it messes with my everyday life too, Harry. I have bad hands- that’s why I was given those self-write quills… and loads of other things.”
She hugged herself, nail digging into skin. “A- And I know it limits my life. That’s why I thought..”
“... That the unicorn problem was yours?” He asked. She nodded. Harry hugged her slightly. “Hey. It’ll be okay. We’ll help you.”
“You will?” She murmured, hugging back.
“Yeah. You’re one of my best friends.” He said. “There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you, Ron, or Hermione. Does anyone know?”
She sniffled, feeling herself get teary-eyed. “Uh… the faculty. Hermione… you… a little bit Ron. He just knows I’m sick.”
He nods. “We’ll get through this.”
“... Yeah.” For once, she felt like she could believe in what she was saying.
As the two departed, heading to their respective dormitories, Harry looked back.
“Goodnight, Lotus.”
She looked back, smiling softly. “Goodnight, Harry.”
Notes:
- I plan to develop Harry+Lotus's friendship more throughout the years :)
ADS: Arcane Decay Syndrome occurs when a powerful curse is disrupted with another hex, except the remnants of the power strike a victim.
(so for example like in Goblet of Fire, when Voldemort and Harry's charms/curses clashed, if a streak of it clashes into a nearby person, it feels like a lightning strike (but survivable). It allows Lotus to make more powerful spells (or be able to nail a spell more easily. Her wand's core (dragon heartstring) was recommended by Ollivander because it could learn a spell faster without much cost being taken from her body.Sorry if that didn't make too much sense, making up fictional sicknesses is hard. I hope you enjoyed this new chapter :)!
I had fun writing this hehhe <3
Chapter 5: ✮⋆˙ Down, Down, Down the Road
Summary:
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
The four descend down the trapdoor.
Plus, the grand finale.
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
Notes:
The chapter title is a reference to Agatha All Along’s ‘Down the Witch’s Road’. I luv that song so much, it’s so hauntingly beautiful.
- I tried to have some bonding moments, hope it smoothed out well.
Hope you enjoy it :)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Stupid spells.
Stupid ingredients.
She grits her teeth, scratching her arm.
Admittedly, Lotus had not been doing well as of lately. Academically.
“— Miss Inag , I trust you didn’t come here to waste my time,” Snape spoke up. Lotus looked up, blinking.
“Oh.. right. I, uh— as you know, my earlier assignment sucked.”
“It was less than pleasant.” He agreed.
Lotus nodded. “Mm. So.. I’d like some help. If- if possible.”
Snape sighed, strolling over. He flicked his wand, as a cauldron began to set up. “Very well. Come on.” She smiled, skipping over, and stopping beside him.
Lotus paid close attention as he spoke. “The Cure for Boils. Can you guess what it does?”
“Cures boils?” She chuckled. He looked at her, nodding. He then walked off, returning with its ingredients, using his wand to make the rest follow.
The child watched nervously at the vast amount. “Yikes..”
“Calm down. It will be alright. It’s easy if done right.”
Lotus nodded. “Okay.. uhm..”
Snape stood beside her. “Six snake fangs to the mortar.” Lotus nodded, grabbed six fangs and dropped it in, using the pestle to grind it to a fine powder. Her arm strained at the effort.
‘Shut up, arms! You’ll be fine.’ She huffed, setting it down. “Okay.. now… wait! Add four measures to my cauldron?”
He confirmed so she did as planned. As she continued, Snape watched intently. After she finished the second part, he leaned on the desk.
“You seem so efficient. Do you act dumb?” She winced.
“No, no. I just… was occupied earlier. I’m very sorry. I won’t do that again.”
“I expect you to keep that promise.” He stood up straighter. Lotus smiled slightly and waved her wand. Pink smoke rose from the cauldron, and Snape nodded.
“Exceptional work. You pass.”
“Yay!” Lotus jumped slightly before she put her wand away. “Thank you, Professor! I understand it now.”
“I have an inkling you’ve always understood it.” He replied. “… Come along. It’s a beautiful day, you need not be wandering inside.”
Lotus nodded. She put her wand back in her robe, skipping over. Snape held the door open, and she passed through. He closed the door after.
So here she was, walking and talking with Snape. “Thanks for helping me understand it, Mr. Snape!”
“Professor, Miss Inag.” He cut her off.
“Sorry..” She chuckled. “Professor Snape. Used to the ‘Mr.’ And ‘Mrs’ in America…. You know, I’m surprised you even agreed to help me—“
“Don’t make me regret it.” He replied, swiftly walking ahead.
“Mhm.” She nodded quietly. As they rounded the corner, they came face to face with Professor Quirrell.
He jumped slightly, stammering. “O-o-oh! S-Severus!”
“Quirrell.” Snape nods. Lotus noticed how his tone took on something more… guarded. Usually, the man had a lax tone (once you get to be around him for the school year, you could differentiate the monotone tones and understand pretty well ), but right now he seemed… distrustful. Similar to when she and Harry had been sneaking around and accidentally ended up bearing witness to their conversation that one night.
“...” A few moments of awkward silence, before Quirrell offered a smile that looked like a mole’s cheap attempt at acting human.
“W-w-well, I best be off, then…” Quirrell hurried away, feet scampering against the tiles.
“What’s his problem?” Lotus blinked.
Snape only scoffed, before he resumed his ‘moody’ walking. Lotus took a few seconds to stare at Quirrell as he turned around the corner, disappearing from her sight before she looked back. Seeing Snape was already yards ahead, she flinched, running to keep up.
Suddenly, he stopped, making her walk into him. “Oof— ow, sorry…. Huh?” She looked from behind, seeing Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Their faces were red as if caught in the act.
“Good afternoon,” Snape spoke sharply. “Now, what would three young Gryffindors such as yourselves be doing inside on a day like this?”
“Hey guys!” Lotus crossed over to their side.
“Lotus…?” Harry blinked.
“Uh, w-w-w… we- we were just-“ Hermione stammered, panicked.
“I suppose this is where we must depart, Inag,” Snape murmured. The Potions Professor leaned in, glaring at them. “You ought to be careful. People will think you’re… up to something.” He stood up straighter, before walking away.
Lotus frowns. “Yeah, what’re you guys doing?”
“Just chatting,” Ron murmured.
“Now what do we do?” Hermione fretted.
Harry looked determined, unlike the others. “We go down the trapdoor. Tonight.”
“Tonight?” Lotus blinks, surprised. “But— okay. Yeah!”
Hermione and Ron looked at the two, surprised, but Ron cracked a grin.
“Let’s do it.”
── .✦
During the night, Lotus peeked out of the girl’s dormitories. She looked at Hermione, nodding. The two snuck down, meeting Ron and Harry. They nodded at each other, presenting their wands.
Then, they began to walk, only to freeze when they heard a croaking noise.
“Trevor?” Harry murmured.
“Neville’s frog?” Lotus questioned.
“Trevor, shh, go!” Ron scolded. “You shouldn’t be here!”
Suddenly, the nearby chair turned, showing Neville. His face was nervous but angry. Like he was trying to hype himself up to be as scary as possible.
“Neither should you.” He said. “You’re sneaking out again, aren’t you?”
Lotus stammered. “U- Uhm. You see..-“
“Now, Neville, listen. We were—“ Harry tried to explain, but Neville shook his head.
“No! I won’t let you!” He stood up, frustrated. “You’ll just get Gryffindor into trouble again!”
Lotus hissed. No matter how well she tried to perform, no matter how much Harry’s won games for the House, it wouldn’t make a huge dent back to how much they’ve lost due to the four’s foolishness.
“I— I’ll fight you!” Neville holds out his fists.
Lotus’s eyes widened. “You’re 11. Chillax, kid, you don’t wanna see what I watch on TV.”
“What’s a Tee-Vee? What do you watch?” Ron asked.
“Uhh. Muggle box that has videos on it. Something like your moving photos.. but with sound. And also, I just see a lot of fighting movies.” She held her fists up as well.
Hermione lowered Lotus’s hands, holding up her wand. “Neville, I’m sorry about this.”
“Hermione—“
“Petrificus Totalus.”
Neville froze, and Lotus swore she had too. Her mind screamed as she watched Neville fall backward on the ground.
Ron gulps. “You’re a little scary sometimes, you know that? Brilliant, but scary.”
Hermione smiled, as Harry stepped over Neville. “Let’s go. Sorry…”
The other two murmured their apologies, but Lotus stood there.
“Lotus?” Harry called out.
“Why did you do that?” She asked, voice weak and strained.
Hermione flinched. “W-well, I had to put him out somehow, and this seemed-”
“Except it isn’t!” Lotus said. “I’m sorry, Hermione, but that was awful…”
“It’ll wear off eventually.” Hermione excused, looking guiltier than before.
“Guys!” Harry frowns, as Lotus sighs.
Lotus knelt, putting a blanket over him and a pillow under his head. “Sorry..” she murmured shakily before she ran after them. “C- coming!”
Admittedly, she had been terrified, seeing Hermione use the same spell Alistair had to stop her in her tracks.
Later on, the four are under the invisibility cloak, sneaking along.
“Ow! You stood on my foot!” Hermione hissed.
“Sorry.” Ron apologized.
“I feel claustrophobic.” Lotus joked quietly. As they stepped into a corridor, a flame lit up. They reached the door where Fluffy was kept.
“Alohamora,” Hermione whispered, pointing her wand at the door. It creaks ajar, and they step in. Lotus looked around, hearing the sound of a harp.
“Awww, how harmonious.” She murmured. “I feel sleepy.”
“Now’s not the time!” Ron said quietly, before wincing. “Ugh! It’s got horrible breath…”
“We’ve got to move its paw.” Harry turned to them.
“What?!” Ron’s eyes widened.
“Come on!” Harry grabbed one side of the huge paw, which was blocking the trapdoor. Hermione and Ron ran over, helping.
Lotus frowns. Was she strong enough? Oh, screw it.
She walked over, pushing with Harry. She knew for a fact that maybe she didn’t do any of the heavy lifting, but oh well.
“I’ll go first,” Harry said. “Don’t follow until I give you a sign.”
Lotus blanched, seeing Fluffy’s eyes open.
“If something bad happens, get yourself out.” Harry stopped, hearing the silence of the room. A shadow loomed over him.
“Does it seem a bit quiet to you?”
“The harp… it stopped playing,” Hermione whispered. Ron yelled in disgust as drool dripped onto Ron’s shoulder.
“Ew! Yuck, ugh…” he froze, looking up. All four see Fluffy standing there.
All six eyes are trained on the four children. Silence passes for a moment before he starts to bark, growling.
“Jump! Go!!” Harry yelled, leaping through. Hermione followed quickly. Lotus grabbed Ron, backing away slightly as Fluffy’s left head grabbed the trapdoor, snarling as he tore it off, chuckling it into the wall. It breaks from the sheer impact. Lotus then pushed Ron in, and just as soon as Fluffy’s main head’s jaw unlatched to turn her into shredded meat, she slipped down.
Lotus screamed, landing in what looked to be some mushy, black rope-like vines.
“Ew.. ew ew!” She shivered, as Ron sighed in relief.
“Lucky this plant-things here.”
Harry gasped as the vines tied around the four, tightening by the second.
“?! AH!” Lotus screams. She, Ron, and Harry freak out.
“Don’t freak out! Stop moving, all three of you.” Hermione explained calmly. “This is Devil’s Snare. You have to relax. If you don’t, it’ll only kill you faster.”
“Kill us faster?! Oh, now I can relax!” Ron wailed. Lotus slowly closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. Soon, she felt the vines loosen up, dropping her. She heard someone plop beside her and saw Hermione.
“Thanks, Hermione.” She said, “Go on, guys! Calm down!”
“Hermione, Lotus, where are you?!” Harry yelled.
“Do what I say! Trust me!” Hermione called out from below.
“Yeah! She’s smart, c'mon!” Lotus agreed
Harry relaxes and is sucked through.
“You okay, Harry?” Lotus asked. Harry nods, as Ron is heard screaming above.
“He’s not relaxing, is he?” Hermione asked.
“No,” Lotus murmured. “We’ve gotta do something.”
“What?” Harry asked.
“HELP!!” Ron cried.
“Um... Devil’s Snare… Devil’s Snare….” Hermione whispered, as the vine shuts Ron’s mouth, “It’s deadly fun… but will sulk in the Sun! That’s it! The Devil’s Snare hates sunlight!”
“Go on, then!” Lotus said as she eagerly took her wand out, shouting.
“Lumus Solem!”
A beam of light shoots out from her wand, illuminating the room. Lotus watched in awe as the Snare shrieked and shrank away from Ron, loosening its grip on him. He wailed as he crashed down, falling on top of Lotus. She let out a pained ‘oof’ as his body crashed onto hers, sending the two tumbling.
“Ron! Lotus! Are you two okay?!” Harry asked, helping them up.
“Yeah.” Ron nods. Lotus rubbed her back, breathing becoming hoarse for a few seconds.
“U.. uhm.. Yeah. I can survive it.”
“Whew! Lucky we didn’t panic!” Ron smiled. Hermione and Lotus stared at Ron, mostly Lotus with a hint of contempt, before Harry spoke up.
“Lucky Hermione pays attention in Herbology,” Harry said.
Out of nowhere, a sound was heard. “What is that?” Hermione frowns.
“I dunno.” Harry shrugged. “Sounds like wings.” Lotus rubbed her back as the group entered another room filled with golden “birds.”
“Odd.” Lotus thinks. “They make weird noises.”
“I’ve never seen birds like this.” Hermione mused.
“That’s because they’re not birds– they’re keys!” Harry brightened. “I bet one of them fits that door…”
“Oo, smart.” Lotus nodded as Harry walked up to a broomstick, suspended in the air.
“What’s this?” She frowned, to which Harry shrugged yet again. Meanwhile, Ron walked over to the door and took out his wand, muttering as he rattled the lock.
“Alohamora!” The lock still remained… locked .
He shrugged. “Well, it was worth a try.”
Hermione smirked, but then ground in frustration. “What’re we gonna do ?! There must be a thousand keys up there!”
“We’re looking for a big old-fashioned one. Probably rusty like the handle.” Ron guessed.
Lotus nodded. “Looks like this is your job, Harry! Look at ya, you’re made for it!”
Harry frowns.
“What’s wrong?” Hermione asked.
“It’s too simple.” Harry worried.
“Oh, go on, Harry!” Ron encouraged. “If Snape can catch it on that old broomstick , you can! You’re the youngest Seeker in a century!”
Lotus nodded, making an ‘mhm-mhm!’ sound.
Harry smiled slightly, feeling a little better. He grabbed the broomstick. All of a sudden, the keys suddenly went in one direction, looping around towards Harry. Panicked, he hopped onto the broom, swiping at them as he flew.
Lotus gasped, as Ron shouted. “You got this, Harry!”
“C’mon!” Hermione pulled them along to the door, in which Lotus put her hand on the door.
Harry flew after the key, as the many other shinier ones fluttered after him. After a tedious effort, his fingers wrapped around the rusted key with a bent wing. “Catch the key!” He shouted, flying by and threw it at Hermione. She caught it, tightly gripping the handle as she put it in the lock, twisting.
“Hurry up!” Ron yowled. Lotus pushed the door, stumbling through. Ron and Hermione followed, keeping the door open enough for Harry to zoom past. The two pushed against the door, slamming it shut just as the keys slammed up against it, impaling themselves into the wood.
Harry fell off his broom, coughing as it stilled.
“Whoo! Good job!” Ron ran over, panting as he helped Harry up. Lotus looked around.
“It’s awfully dark,” Lotus commented. Hermione nodded, walking to the other two boys. After making sure everyone was alright, they persisted.
Entering the room, Lotus noted that it was dark. It felt warm, though, meaning someone must’ve been here. Because if it’s not a cold, dark room like the Devil’s Snare’s room then there must be light- or rather torches. And that meant someone had passed just now. Broken pieces littered the ground around them like a wrecked construction site, and there were two rows of giant statues on both sides of a platform. Black and white checkered pattern.
Lotus looked at Harry, or rather his scar. Was all of this worth it?
We’re only 12– well, I’m 12. The others are 11.
She cringed. Gosh, that made it worse.
“Guys…-” Lotus tried to start, but they ignored her.
“I don’t like this. I don’t like this at all .” Hermione shuddered.
“Where are we, a graveyard?” Harry asked, squinting his eyes to see in the dark.
Ron’s eyes widened. “This is no graveyard.” He looked at the statues more closely, before he let out a mix of a gasp and a laugh.
“It’s a chessboard.” As if on cue, flames on torches lit up, illuminating the room. Before they showed the (now visible) chessboard. Lotus looked at the broken pieces and frowned.
“Hey, if… er, if Snape went through the chessboard, why is it still... Uh, active? Or.. why does it seem like it’s resetted?” Lotus guessed. “O-obviously it hasn’t, I mean, look at the pieces, but…”
“She’s right.” Hermione nods. “There’s spots missing.”
“There’s the door.” Harry points to the other side. They walked to it, but suddenly a line of pawns came to life and brought their swords up.
Crossing with each other, they created a barrier that, while it seemed easy to cross, none of them wanted to test their stone blades.
The four jumped back panicked. “Now what do we do?!” Hermione asked.
“It’s obvious, isn’t it?” Ron had a child-like excitement in his eyes. “We’ve got to play our way across the room.”
“Hold on, isn’t… don’t they kill the piece once they’ve taken it?” Lotus paled.
“That’s part of the risk, right?” Ron smiled. “Okay, Harry. You take the empty Bishop’s square. Hermione, you’ll be the Queen-side castle. Lotus, you take the missing Pawn. As for me,” he smirked, “I’ll be a knight.”
“Okay.” Lotus sighs. “We trust you, Ron. Lead us to victory…” The four took their places. Ron struggled to climb onto a horse but maintained his balance.
Lotus smiled a little. ‘He looks so confident and proud of himself.’
“What happens now?” Hermione pressed.
“I mean, from regular chess, white moves first doesn’t it? Does it still work here?” Lotus questioned. Ron nods.
“And then we play.”
The four watched as one of the White Side’s Pawns moved forward.
Hermione voiced her concern, but Ron seemed to ignore her, instead barking at a Black Pawn to move to D5, diagonal to the White Pawn. Once it seemed to register its place, the White Pawn stood up, unsheathing its sword from its crossed position, and struck, smashing the Black Pawn. The three jumped, as Ron gulped.
“Yes, Hermione, I think this is going to be exactly like wizard’s chess.”
‘Wizard Chess is violent .’ Lotus thought as the game continued. Being a pawn meant she made little movements, which she was fine with. Who she was worried about was the other three. These pieces look like they hit hard , and a hard enough hit could kill anyone.
She stepped forward when Ron asked her to, and she looked at the White Knight diagonal to her. She awkwardly held her hand out, and it crumbled as a result. She flinched, withdrawing her hand.
“O-okay…”
She went back to studying their expressions. Ron looked confident, as this was a field he would be familiar with. Sure, Lotus (and to an extent, Hermione) would definitely know Chess, but this was such a high-stakes game… and she trusted Ron. Hermione, meanwhile, looked uncharacteristically anxious, her usual smart face and quizzical looks replaced by squinted eyes, avoiding the parts when a piece (from either side) lost and cracked. Harry, meanwhile, looked urgent and impatient. Sure he was scared of losing, but he looked eager to win this game and defeat Snape .
She almost laughed. They were so incredibly convinced that Snape was the bad guy… but she was sure he wasn’t. Though it seemed all the odds were stacked against Professor Snape’s behavior.
Lotus looked at the Queen, and it seemed it dawned on her at the same time as it did for Harry. “Wait a minute,” Harry spoke. Lotus inhaled sharply.
Ron, no.
“You understand, right, Harry? Once I make my move…” Ron looked at the Queen piece. “The Queen will take me. Then you’re free to check the King.”
“No, Ron, no!” Harry protested.
“You’re stupid!” Lotus snapped, but all she felt was fear.
“What is it?” Hermione asked. As she was on the other side of the board, she didn’t know what was happening.
“He’s going to sacrifice himself!” Harry yelled.
“What?!” Hermione spun to Ron. “No, you can’t!”
Ron closed his eyes as she kept shouting. “There must be another way!”
Ron looked at Hermione. “Do you want to stop Snape from getting that Stone or not? Harry, it’s you that has to go on.”
He looked at Harry, determination in his eyes. “I know it. Not me. Not Hermione. Not Lotus. You!”
After a few seconds of thinking, Harry nodded.
“Guys! Please, it’s not worth it!” Lotus felt herself get choked up. What if the Queen hits too hard? Kills Ron?
This place was never meant to have children go through it, after all.
It was designed to hold back, even kill anyone who dared to come in and steal the Philosopher’s Stone. If it was even still there.
Ron took a deep breath, gripping the reigns. “Knight to H3.” His horse moved forward two spaces, left once, and then stopped. He chuckled nervously as he looked at the King.
“Check.”
The other three looked at the Queen. Hermione’s mouth opens nervously, Lotus furiously scratches her arms as the Queen slowly turns to Ron. Every inch she turned made an irritable grating sound that ground in their ears. Then, it approached. Ron visibly became more panicked, breathing faster. Eventually, she stopped, and raised her sword, before stabbing the horse with it.
Ron screamed as the horse broke into multiple pieces, falling off the horse and onto the floor, going unconscious when a rock piece hit his head during the fall.
“RON!” Harry shouted just as soon as Hermione took a step forward. “No. Don’t move !”
Lotus nods, swallowing thickly. “Y-Yeah, he’s right… We’re still playing.” Hermione nodded and moved back, gazing at Ron as Harry moved diagonally and stopped in front of the King.
They’ve got him cornered.
“Checkmate, ” Harry said softly.
The King’s sword fell from his hands, before clattering on the ground, signaling surrender and defeat. Harry breathed out a sigh of relief, before he, Lotus, and Hermione ran to Ron.
“Ron!” Lotus whimpered, kneeling beside him.
“Take care of Ron,” Harry instructed the two. “Then go to the owlery. Send a message to Dumbledore. Ron’s right- I have to go on.”
Lotus nodded. “You got this, Harry.”
“You’ll be okay, Harry,” Hermione reassured. “You’re a great wizard. You really are.”
Harry shook his head as Lotus and Hermione picked Ron up. “Not as good as you.”
Hermione chuckled, smiling. “Heh… me? Books and cleverness. There are more important things: Friendship and bravery.”
“Harry, please be careful,” Lotus spoke. “You’re our best friend.”
Harry nodded, and then the two watched him walk away, and down the stairs past the door.
Lotus let out a shaky sob, and Hermione immediately turned to her, concern evident. “Are you okay?”
“I- I’m fine, I’m just worried about Ron… and Harry, too. We’re too young for this, Hermione, we’re only kids.”
Hermione nodded in agreement as they began to haul Ron’s body back. “I agree with you… but this isn’t something we can bargain with or change.”
“Yeah…” She nodded bitterly. “We just have to live with it.”
── .✦
Watching Madam Pomfrey fret over Ron, Lotus let Hermione be the one to send the message, while she stayed behind. She looked at Ron’s face- mildly bruised, and Madam Pomfrey reassured Lotus that he would make a good and steady recovery.
However, her mind kept drifting back to Harry.
She turned away, rubbing at her bandaged arms. She didn’t realize that she had been hurt a bit from the chess game and the Devil’s Snare, so she received some mild help compared to Ron.
‘Dear Lord above- or whoever’s there,’ She thought. ‘Please protect my best friend Harry Potter. Let him be extra lucky and survive… thank you.’
Lotus’s shoulders slumped depressingly. Suddenly, she heard the alarmed voice of McGonagall come in.
“Miss Lotus Inag!” She shrieked. “What in the world happened?!”
“Professor…” She trailed off, suddenly finding her voice weak. At the sight of her concerned face, her wall broke, and she started to cry. The older woman stopped in alarm, before patting her on the back.
Nearby, Madam Pomfrey huffed. “Please don’t stress my patients out!”
“N-no, it’s okay, it’s…” Lotus wept, wiping her tears like some child who scraped their knee at the playground- blubbering and whimpering. “W-we had our suspicions that Professor S-Snape was going to steal the Philosopher’s Stone and-”
“We? Professor Snape? Hold on, how do you know about the Stone?” McGonagall looked alarmed.
Lotus cursed internally. Well, shoot. If she knows now, then there’s no use in trying.
She explained everything. She watched McGonagall’s face change from frustration, disappointment, anger, and then settling on worry.
“Of course- listen, child. You are correct- Professor Snape is not trying to steal it. In fact, he was in his quarters when Miss Granger ran into the Owlery, causing portraits to call for us.”
The child’s eyes widened with alarm. “Wait, what? Then.. who… b-because we saw the… the um, the harp… the keys, the chess board. They all look like they’ve been tampered with.”
Professor McGonagall frowns. “Really? Then that means someone here…” She turns around. “I must leave, Miss Inag. Thank you for telling me all of this.”
“O-oh. Okay..” Lotus sniffled, watching her rush out. Suddenly, she heard a soft groan. “Ron?-- Ron! ” She nearly leaped to his side, careful not to hurt him. “Ron! Are you alright?”
“Ugh.. my head.” Ron groaned. “Don’t speak too loudly…”
“S- Sorry, I know.” She gently smoothed his hair out of his face, careful not to touch him where he got hit. “How do you feel?”
“Like a stone boulder hit me on the head?”
The two kids laughed, as Lotus lowered her head, coughing a little. “Then I’m glad. Listen, Harry’s moved on, and–”
“He’ll make it.” Ron cut her off. She looked up at him but found no strength to argue. She just rested her chin on the arm of the cot and nodded.
“Yeah.”
── .✦
“Ow, careful!” Ron hissed as Hermione pulled him and Lotus along.
“Sorry!” Hermione frowns. “Harry should be released today, just in time for the announcements…”
Lotus looked around, spotting the boy walking up to them. “There he is!” She ran over, hugging him. He hugged back, fingers trembling as they grasped at her robe.
“You’re safe, right?”
“Mhm.” He nods. He looked at her, quietly asking. She smiled.
“I’m fine.”
Harry hummed in satisfaction before he looked up as the two pulled away, looking at Ron and Hermione.
“All right there, Ron?” He asked.
“All right.” Ron nods. “You?”
Harry shrugged. “All right. Hermione?”
Hermione smiled widely. “Never better.”
Hand in hand, the four walk into the Great Hall and take their seats. As the feast went on, Harry noticed all the silver and green banners with the Slytherin symbol on them. A little depressed, he looked at Lotus.
“For all our justices, we did cost our House.” She said. He sighed bitterly.
Suddenly, Professor McGonagall clinked her spoon to her glass, the sound making the students fall silent. Dumbledore then stood up, speaking with his loud, booming voice.
“Another year has gone. And now, as I understand it, the house cups need awarding. And the points stand thus:
In fourth place, Gryffindor with 312 points.”
Lotus cringed at the weak-willed claps from her House. She attempted to clap louder, wincing at the slight pain it brought.
“Third place, Hufflepuff with 352 points.” Hufflepuff is slightly louder than Gryffindor as they clapped.
“In second place, Ravenclaw with 426 points.” Lotus offered a proud smile as students from Ravenclaw clapped and cheered.
“And in first place, with 472 points, Slytherin house.”
Her smile faded slightly, but she tried to be civil and kept her head up as she heard roars and cheers from Slytherin’s table, all for themselves. Hermione scowled with her hand to her cheek, while Snape applauded for his house.
Lotus frowned.
“Nice one, mate.” Draco sneers at Ron, smirking.
“Yes, yes,” Dumbledore waved his hand slightly, smiling, “well done, Slytherin. Well done, Slytherin. However,” this caused curious glances to be thrown his way, “recent events must be taken into account. And I have a few last-minute points to award.”
Lotus sat up straighter, excited. Harry looked hopeful, and so did Ron, Hermione, and the other students in Gryffindor.
“ To Miss Hermione Granger, for the cool use of intellect while others were in grave peril, 50 points. ” Hermione looked surprised, though she quickly broke into a happy smile while the other Gryffindor students applauded her.
‘That’s 362. We beat Hufflepuff.’ Lotus thought.
“Second, to Mr. Ronald Weasley, for the best-played game of chess that Hogwarts has seen these many years, 50 points.” Dumbledore winks. Lotus saw many students look confused, some seeming to get an inkling of what happened down there in the tests. Ron looks even more surprised than Hermione as the Gryffindor applauds louder.
‘412.’ Lotus fought her smile. ‘Almost there. We need to beat Ravenclaw, at least…’
“And third, to Mr. Harry Potter, for pure nerve and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor house 60 points.”
The Gryffindors cheered and roared, while Malfoy cringed, a look of rage on his face. Harry grinned, looking to see a proud Professor McGonagall. Hermione, doing quick math like Lotus, leans to whisper. “We’re tied with Slytherin!”
Lotus nods. “I don’t think he’s done, either.” This made the students look more hopeful as Dumbledore began to speak again.
“To be kind and courteous of your friends, and to never let conjecture cloud your actions, Miss Lotus Inag portrays these well. For her kindness and thoughtfulness of her friends, I award her 10 points.”
Lotus nods. That’s better than nothing- wait, that means…
She and Hermione eyed each other. “We won!”
While Gryffindor cheered as if they won, Dumbledore chuckled. They settled down, confused.
“And finally, it takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends.” Lotus’s eyes widened, looking at Neville. “I award 10 points to Neville.”
“Neville! Good job!” Lotus screamed. The students around the four began to cheer, extremely loudly. Malfoy looked scared, uncertain now.
Dumbledore nods. “Assuming my calculations are correct, I believe that a change of decoration is in order.” He claps, and the students watch in awe (or horror) as the Slytherin banners flap, melting from green and silver to red and gold. “Gryffindor wins the House Cup.”
The Great Hall explodes with applause. While the Gryffindors are the loudest, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff cheer too. Lotus knew it was because they finally dethroned Slytherin.
As she heard Hagrid cheer, she motioned for the others to follow her as she threw her hat up in the air. Ron, Hermione, and Harry followed, laughing.
The Slytherins look disappointed, while Malfoy grumbled, throwing his hat on the table.
The Gryffindors began to congratulate Harry, and Lotus took this moment to look at the staff.
Snape noticed her staring, and despite his disappointed look, he offered her one clap.
One. As if to say ‘ That’s all you get.’
She grinned. That’s good enough for her.
── .✦
During the second to last day of school, Harry and Lotus decided to hang out for a bit, at Quidditch’s field.
Despite her aching arm, and Harry’s (somewhat healed) injuries, both of them wanted to do something meaningful before it was time to leave. So, Lotus borrowed a Beater’s bat and grabbed the Quaffle. She hummed, tossing one up, and tried to hit with her bat- only to miss.
She chuckled, shaking her head as she picked it up. “I never claimed to be good at baseball or this sport in general.”
Harry snorted, on his broomstick. “Any day, now.”
“Hey! Quit that!” She laughs. “I’m trying my best.” She tossed it up and managed to hit it as hard as she could. Harry flew off, grabbing it immediately, before letting it fall. Lotus walked forward, grabbing it. She let out a little ‘oof’ as it landed in her arms.
“Hey, we’ve been at this for a few hours. Wanna head back?” She asked. However, she noticed his eyes seemed to gleam over with a hint of sadness. “Oh no, what’s wrong, Harry?”
“It’s just… this place was so great. I don’t want to leave it.” He looked at her, slowly descending.
Pursing her lips slightly, she thought of what to say as she packed the Quaffle and bat back into the box, making sure to lock it so the Bludger didn’t fly out if it could. “You aren’t. Um, Vernon and Petunia’ll let you come back, right?”
“They better.”
“They better.” She confirmed. “I don’t wanna sound evil… but you’re the one with magic powers, here. Just saying.”
He stared at her face, which had a small smirk. He chuckled, grabbing the bag as she took his broom, tucking it under her arm. “True, but I don’t think I’m allowed, Lotus.”
“I know, I’m just messing.”
As they walked back, she wrapped her arm around his shoulder, pulling him in closer. “I promise I’ll write. It’ll take a bit, but I’ll make sure you know you’re heard and listened to, okay?”
He nodded, smiling. “You– or, well, me too. You’re a good person. You, Ron, and Hermione.”
Lotus agreed. “You three are the best friends I could ever ask for. Just… maybe try not to get into some wacky hijinx next year, okay?”
Harry sighed. “I wish.”
Harry and Lotus returned the box to Oliver Wood, who returned it to Madam Hooch. Then, they returned to Gryffindor’s Common Room. At least, they almost did.
Just as soon as Lotus was about to walk through, she heard a voice call out to her.
“Inag.” She looked over, seeing Dumbledore. “Professor Dumbledore?” She blinked. “Uh… I’ll see you in a second, Harry.”
He didn’t ask questions, entering the room. Lotus walked over to Dumbledore. “What is it, sir?”
“I just wanted to know- how has Hogwarts treated you for your first year?” He smiled. “You know, you were technically a transfer student.”
“I was?” She thought. “Oh yeah, I guess I was. Well, London’s interesting. And Hogwarts is a name- or experience- I’ll never forget.”
He chuckled mirthfully. “I see. Then I am glad.” He looked down at her, eyes twinkling in the lantern’s light nearby. “You know, your father would’ve loved to see you now.”
She stiffened, hand clenching into a fist. Then, she nods. “I hope.”
A beat of silence, silence so heavy it weighed more than diamonds.
Then.. “What was my dad like? I-I know I already asked, but…”
“Kind. Cunning. Careful. Strategic.” He listed off. “The magic of a true Slytherin. It’s a total shame what path he chose. But be assured, Lotus,” he placed a hand on her shoulder. “He didn’t regret having you. He loved you so much, he had told me himself when he made me promise to bring you here once you were of age.”
Lotus’s eyes welled up with tears.
“You have to be stronger.” He advised, and she nodded.
“Mhm! I-I’ll try my best! For my dad, for… for my friends, for my grandparents… for… for me.” Lotus wiped her tears away. Dumbledore pulled away, observing her shaking form. He thought for a moment. Then two. Before he hummed, turning around.
“Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Professor!” She ran into the Common Room, taking a deep breath at the smell of it. Oh, how she’ll miss this place.
But she also misses home.
Lotus went upstairs to the girl’s dormitories, watching them pack. She looked at her luggage, nodded- satisfied at what she’d done- and then collapsed on her bed. She turned to face Marco Polo, who chirped.
“Goodnight, buddy. Tomorrow, we’re gonna go home.”
── .✦
Lotus handed Marco Polo, inside his cage, to a trainman, before patting her hands. “That should be all of it…” She turned to Harry and Hermione. Hermione waved goodbye at Hagrid, who waved back. She then gets on the train, going to find Ron.
“Come on, Harry,” Lotus said.
“One minute,” Harry said, returning to Hagrid’s side. Lotus stood there, watching with interest as the two talked. She saw Harry’s surprised expression as Hagrid handed him a photo. She didn’t know who was in it, but she could tell Harry was moved to almost tears. She smiled softly.
Harry is such a nice kid. She was lucky to have met him, Ron, and Hermione.
She was afraid. Afraid of her own life. How long did she have left? Life just got good, that would mean something bad is about to happen soon.
‘Shoot, you can’t be that pessimistic!’ A voice cried out in her mind. She nods.
That’s right. I just have to keep fighting.
She thought of herself as an hourglass. Sure, her time was slowly trickling down, slowly wasting. But the more she used magic, the more she exerted herself, it was as if she was taking the hourglass- herself- and shaking it, which allowed the sand to travel faster down the middle.
Lotus frowns. What a terrible analogy.
She snapped out of it when Harry returned. She smiled, holding her hand out. Harry smiled back, taking her hand. The two walked to the train door, where Hermione and Ron were waiting.
“Feels a bit strange to be going home, doesn’t it?” Hermione asked.
“I’m not going home. Not really.” Harry replied.
They climb aboard and sit in their seats. As the train starts to leave, the four wave to Hagrid. He waved back, grinning, before waving to other students.
Lotus turned to them. “We’re all so writing to each other, right?”
“You bet!” Ron nods, eating a Chocolate Frog.
Hermione nods. “I’ll make time for it.”
Harry gave the faintest of smiles. “Yeah.”
Notes:
Apparently I can write during school. I can’t use my Chromebook, because it’s donkey-butt slow…
So I have to use my phone :).As we reach to a close on year 1, an epilogue I'm adding right after I post this, and then that's wraps.
Chapter 6: ˖ ִֶָ𐀔 Softball's Pretty Fun
Summary:
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
Inspired by her friend, Lotus takes up softball as a hobby. No way could she be on a team.
Meanwhile, she's wondering why Harry won't respond to her letters.
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
Notes:
As the epilogue, this is far shorter than my regular chapters. Apologies :), but enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“I got letters from everyone but him!” Lotus huffed, swinging her bat. However, she had missed, and instead, the ball slammed into the fence behind her. She grabbed the ball and rolled it back.
Rich grabbed it, rolling it in his hand. “Maybe he’s busy?”
“Busy? With the Dursleys? ” She snorted. “Hardly. Don’t know how much I’m allowed to say, but if anything, it’s probably because they’re stopping him from writing.” She swung the bat, and it hit the ball, sending it flying into a bush.
“Good job, kiddo!” He said. However, he frowned, seeing her pant softly, clutching her chest. “That’s enough for today.”
“What? No, please. I’m not–” She saw his glare, and deflated. “Okay…”
He smiled in satisfaction, picking up the ball, before walking back inside with her.
After she had come back home, she had picked up softball. Not that she wanted to join a local team, but… she wanted to have some sort of knowledge. Of how to hit a ball. And she wanted to be stronger this year.
‘No more useless crying in pain, or weak attempts at spells! This year you’re gonna ace everything!’ She puffed her chest in confidence.
“Oh, someone looks excited.” Wisteria teased.
“Graaaannnyyy.” She whined as Wisteria gently pinched her cheek. “Wait, I’m still mad! And worried!”
“About Harry?” She asked. “I’d love to meet this boy, as well as your other friends.” Wisteria helped sit Lotus down at the dinner table. Rich took off the glove with the ball, setting it on the counter before joining them. Lotus ate the lasagna, frowning.
“Yeah,” she spoke, voice muffled, “f’ey’re all pretty grea’fth. F’ere’s Th’on, Hermi’nie…”
“Darling, don’t talk with your mouth full.” Rich sighs, chuckling a little.
She swallowed her food, smiling at how warm her stomach felt. “Sorry. I meant- there’s Ron, Hermione… I can’t wait to see them when school starts again!”
She defaulted to asking about their day, to which her grandfather went on a rant about how this ‘new worker’ was uprooting the system. Wisteria and Lotus giggled. Wisteria had no complaints about her job in the bakery- it was all good.
“You still seem upset, Little Lotus,” Wisteria commented, putting the dishes in the sink.
“I am. I… I wonder, has Harry even received our letters? Is he okay? He’s not hurt- no, he wouldn’t…”
Rich put a hand on her shoulder, squeezing comfortingly. “Think about it this way, kid. If he
was
hurt,
or worse
, wouldn’t you hear so much news about it?
‘The Boy Who Lived has Died!’
It would be everywhere, even here, at least on Wizarding News.”
Lotus stared, before nodding. “Yeah… yeah! You’re right. He wouldn’t go down without anyone hearing about it. Okay… thanks.”
── .✦
Later on, she was flicking through the TV when she heard a loud thud outside.
Rich stood up beside her, glaring. “What was that?” He spoke in a hushed tone.
The three of them stayed quiet until they heard a very British ‘don’t do that!’.
Lotus blinks. “Hold on…” She pushed her grandpa’s arm down gently, before walking out. There, in her driveway, was a blue Ford Angelia 105E Deluxe. Inside? It was Ron, Fred, and George.
“Hey, Lotus!” Fred- or George- grins. “Hop in!”
“Or don’t.” George- or Fred- cuts in.
“Hi, Lotus!” Ron waved.
Lotus stood there, jaw slack.
Wisteria and Rich appeared behind her, surprised.
“Oh, my!” Wisteria blinks.
“I assume that’s Ron?” Rich leaned in. Lotus nodded wordlessly.
“Uh- what are you guys doing here?” She asked worriedly.
“Well, Harry hasn’t been replying to our letters, right?” Ron questioned. “Well, we figured we would–”
“Save him!” Fred chirped. “Ron’s idea, by the way.”
“You two stole the car!” Ron huffed.
“Wait, why are you here, then?” Lotus asked.
“Duhhh, because you can help us!”
Lotus turned to her grandparents. “I…” She didn’t want to leave them. Not so soon.
Wisteria and Rich looked doubtful. Hesitant. But they mustered a small smile.
“Go on. Pack. Quick, if you want to save your friend.” Rich said.
Lotus’s eyes widened before she hugged them. “Thank you. I’ll, uh– I’ll come visit this winter, promise!”
“We know you will, sweetie,” Wisteria said.
“Man, your grandparents are cool to let you go so easily.” Ron commented, while he helped her move her stuff- the luggage and Marco Polo- into the car.
“Well, they trust me.” She replied. “... Are you sure that Harry didn’t reply to you or Hermione?”
He nodded. “Positive. I’m really worried.”
“Yeah, me too.” She paused. “Hey, hold on.” She ran back to the house. “Grandpa… can… can I bring my bat and ball?”
Rich looked confused. “Would they even let you?”
“You’re right. Probably not.” She frowns. “Then… just the ball?”
Rich chuckled, grabbing it from the counter and handing it over. “Good luck Lotus.”
“Thank you, you two.” She said. “Bye, Grandma, bye Grandpa!”
“Goodbye, Lotus.”
As they watched the car turn invisible and fly off, Rich looked at Wisteria, eyes saddened.
“We didn’t have her for long… but it’s good for to explore the world. To have fun.”
“No matter what, she’ll always return to us. And we will be waiting.” Wisteria responded, embracing him. They went inside, closing the door.
── .✦
“Ooookay, so… are we going straight to Harry’s, or… or to your home, first?”
“We’re going to pick up Harry straight away!” Fred announced loudly. “To 4 Privet Drive!”
George laughed as he drove.
Lotus settled in the back. “How are we even gonna ‘save’ him?”
Ron blinks. “I dunno. Grab him? Help pack his stuff? Stop anyone who tries to stop us. We’ve got some options.”
She stared, before rolling her eyes. “Oh, God.” She laughed. “Alright, Ron. I trust you.”
And so, the invisible car drove off into the night, back to London. Lotus looked out the window, feeling the crisp air as the Sun started to set. She stuck her hand out, smiling softly.
She pulled it back in moments later, coughing a little.
“Are you okay?” Ron asked. She shook her head.
“Never better, Ron.”
Notes:
Year 2 will start the next chapter. Lotus won't be as active because, as said before, she's a Muggle-Born and you know what happens to them in the second installment.
Chapter 7: 𓆙 First Day Back?
Summary:
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
Following mere minutes after the last chapter, Lotus goes with Ron and his older twin brothers to save Harry from his scumbag family.
Then, Lotus gains a crush on "famed" Gilderoy Lockhart.
She.. also finds that going to school is much harder than she thought.
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉☒ 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 ☒
- Mild descriptions of creepiness, Lockhart being too into his role as the charming celebrity.
Notes:
This was worked on for several days because I had testing in my school and work to catch up on. I hope you like it, though!
Please look at the notes in the end, as they explain something important that's gonna go on in the next few chapters of year 2.I know this is a little longer than the usual chapter, but that's what I get for writing on this for five days lol
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The car creaked and groaned as it flew over London, staying undetected in the pale clouds. Lotus gripped onto the seat when the vehicle juttered.
“Fred!” George scolded, a smirk playing on his lips. “Be a better driver!”
“My sincerest apologies,” Fred replied, laughing.
“Seriously!” Ron snapped. “I don’t want to die because of this!”
“Didn’t you pick this?” Lotus asked.
“Again, it was my idea to save Harry, but not to steal the car.” Ron huffed. The two kids pushed against the seats as it narrowly missed a huge building, the twin in front cheering loudly.
“How much further until we get to Harry’s?” Lotus looked at Ron.
He looked down as best he could, scanning the streets. “We’re nowhere near 4 Privet Drive, so I’d say a little bit longer.”
She sighed, sliding down a little. “Great… wonderful.” Crossing her arms, she looked at Ron. “Did he… well, did he initially respond?”
“Oh, totally.” Ron nodded. “See, for the first few weeks we four were all yapping like the best of friends–”
“I hope we are.” Lotus chuckled. “We better be, if you’re going to these lengths to help a friend.”
The boy smiled. “Yeah, I guess we are. Anyways, we were all communicating until one day he just stopped.”
Lotus grimaced. “Same for you, then. Sorry if I keep asking this a lot, I just… I guess I’m worried and clingy?”
“It’s quite alright, Lo .” George hummed, tapping his fingers on the dashboard. Fred swerved, missing a flying goose. Ron shouted as he slammed into Lotus, nearly knocking the wind out of her lungs. She wheezed, clutching her chest.
“Ow, Ron–”
“I’m sorry!” He panicked, pushing away. “Bloody hell, Fred, George! Careful! You know she’s sickly!”
She darkened at that. ‘Sickly’. Sure, she was weaker than an average person and as a result couldn’t do the things normal people could (like survive running across the entirety of Hogwarts to get to class or play softball without feeling out of breath), but she still found it a bit annoying he worded it like that.
“I’m not a sick child.” She laughed.
“You technically are, though,” Fred replied. “But sorry, I’ll try to be more careful.”
Lotus spun around to check on Marco Polo, who chirped angrily, hissing.
“Aww, I know buddy.” She laughed, reaching into her bag to hand him a treat. “Let this tide you over for a bit longer, alright?”
She then sat back normally, just as soon as Fred seemed to slowly make the car dip.
The descent was anything but graceful as he parked the floating vehicle beside Harry’s window. Lotus saw from the inside that Harry perked up upon seeing them, sneaking over. She glared, seeing the bars.
“That’s terrible…” She said. “They’re keeping him like he’s an animal..”
Ron waved, looking at Harry. “Hiya, Harry.”
Harry looked genuinely surprised to see them. “Ron, Fred, George, Lotus, what are you all doing here?” He leaned as far as he could, face pressed against the cold bars.
“Rescuing you, of course. Now, come on. Get your trunk!” Ron yelled.
“Shhh, Ron. Don’t be too loud.” George hushed.
“... You know, I’m surprised no one’s hearing the sound of this engine running,” Lotus said. Inside, Harry scrambled around to pack as quickly as possible without making a sound. As they waited, Lotus looked down at the house that was 4 Privet Drive. It looked… English-y, and comfortable. Her house was almost something similar, but maybe without those weird curtains. Those curtains reminded her of one of her previous caretakers before her grandparents finally had custody of her: she was a weird, conniving old woman who only took care of her for monetary benefits. Of course, this didn’t last long, and eventually, she returned to a sense of safety.
Unknowingly, she rubbed her wrist, staring blankly into the back of George’s seat. Ron was too distracted, waiting for Harry to finish, so he didn’t comment.
“Be careful there.” She jumped, Fred’s voice cutting in. Lotus looked up, seeing him look at her through the rearview mirror. “My mum can heal you if you break the skin, but she’ll get worried and fret. It’ll be annoying.”
Lotus laughed a little. “Right… sorry.” Embarrassed someone had caught her bad habits yet again, she designated to picking at the loose lint on her sleeve. Eventually, Harry signaled that he was done, and so Ron grabbed a hook from the car floor and put it on the bars. He backs away, smiling.
“You’d better stand back.”
Harry backed away as well, hand held out to shield Hedwig as Ron turned to the twins.
“Let’s go!”
Fred smirked, slamming on the gas pedal. The car jerked violently forward. Lotus held her hand out to save herself, almost face-planting into the back of the driver’s seat. A loud ‘SMASH’ was heard as the bars flew off the window, falling below. It smashed against the pavement, making an awful screeching noise. Ron immediately went to pop the trunk of the car as Fred reversed, making a close enough space for Harry to start putting his stuff in.
“Go, go, go!” George rushed.
‘How have these people not woken up yet?’ Lotus thought. Harry jumped at the loud hoot and saw Hedwig, feathers ruffled in annoyance at being nearly abandoned.
“Sorry, Hedwig!” He panicked. He couldn’t use his magic and didn’t have anything to bail her out…
“! Here!” Lotus took out the bobby pin from her hair, tossing it over. Harry reached out, snatching it from the air.
“Good job, Seeker!” Fred yelled. Harry sprinted to Hedwig, quickly breaking her out. She gently squawked at him, before she flew out. Meanwhile, the sound of a lock being furiously unlocked was heard outside.
“Dad, hurry up!” A boy’s voice was heard outside. Lotus assumed it was Dudley, Harry’s cousin. As soon as Harry puts a foot on the windowsill, the door slams open, revealing a furious Vernon, a panicked Petunia, and an exhilarated (and scared) Dudley.
“Petunia! He’s escaping!” Vernon shouts gruffly, running over and grabbing Harry’s ankle as soon as he tries to jump out. He fell forward a little, gripping onto the window of the car.
“Get him, Dad!” Dudley encouraged.
Ron nodded at Lotus, before the two leaped forward, grabbing Harry by both of his wrists.
“We’ve got you, Harry!” Lotus and Ron yelled.
“Come here!” Vernon screamed.
“Let go of me!” Harry tried to struggle- kicked, nudged, squirmed.
“Oh no, boy! You and that bloody pigeon aren’t going anywhere!” He wrapped his other arm around Harry’s legs, pulling. Ron and Lotus yelped, falling out a bit.
“DRIVE!” Ron screams.
“Right.” “Right!” The twins say as Fred kicks the car (which Lotus thought looked like it couldn’t even handle one power boost) into overdrive, causing it to start to speed off.
“No! NO NO NO– AH!” Vernon, out of sheer panic, let go of Harry and plummeted into the garden.
“Dad!!” Dudley cried out, Petunia rushing downstairs to meet him.
“Oh…” Vernon groans, stumbling out. Leaves and petals were nestled in his hair and on his shoulders. He looked like an utter mess. “Damn.” The man rubs his back.
Ron laughs as Harry pants, chest exhaling rapidly from the exhilarating moment. Lotus hummed, patting him on the back. Honestly, a second longer and Lotus might’ve lost hold of Harry and Ron and he would’ve been sent falling, making an even bigger mess.
“By the way, Harry,” Ron said, “Happy Birthday!”
“Oh, right!” Lotus nods. “Happy birthday!!”
“Haha, thanks guys- best birthday ever!” Harry whooped. Fred and George smirked.
“How old are you?” George asks.
“12, why?”
“12 birthday punches!” George leaned forward.
“Hey! No! Leave him alone!” Ron snapped, trying to push his brother away. Lotus giggled as Harry’s eyes widened, trying to push against the chair to stay away.
In the early humid morning, the car finally starts to descend. Lotus squinted her eyes, seeing a tall, tall home. It looked like it was barely held together (probably held together by magic). It looked like it started from one smaller house, but they just kept adding to it.
It gave off a well-loved and homey place, which made her smile.
The car drove towards a pig pen, before coming to a complete stop. Lotus awed quietly, seeing two chubby pigs inside, relaxing as if nothing else mattered.
What would it be like to be a pig? She thought. I’d snort happily all day long and be fed disgusting slop— well, to me, a pig, it wouldn’t be disgustingly slop. It would be pretty tasty.
Pigs are good at eating anything on their tray, after all.
She grimaced. She couldn’t even eat a huge dinner without feeling like she needed to vomit.
Fred snuck out and walked to the window. He opened it to unlock the door and made sure the coast was clear, before he looked at the group, gesturing for them to come inside.
“Okay, come in.”
“I wonder what your mom would think about this,” Lotus said.
Fred snickers. “I think we’ll be fed to the pigs, Lo .”
Lotus blinked. Fred and George had called her that. When did they come up with the nickname? Why?
Ron started to grab a breakfast roll. “Do you think it’ll be alright if we had some of this?”
George smiled, though it wasn’t a full one. “Yeah, Mum would never know.”
Ron nods and hands some to Harry and Lotus. “It’s not much, but it’s home.” He looks a little embarrassed. Of course, in a world of Malfoy’s, he was a mere Weasley.
Lotus shook her head. “I think it’s… brilliant,” Harry said softly, amazed. Lotus nodded in agreement as she took an eager bite of the breakfast roll.
Ron looked up, seeing Harry’s mesmerized face. He slowly started to smile, until—
“WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!”
The kids nearly jump, Lotus screaming like a startled goat. Ron would’ve laughed if he weren’t so terrified too. Mrs. Weasley stands at the doorway, absolutely furious. Ron, Fred, Harry, and George hide their breakfast rolls behind their back, but Lotus is a little too late, so she just holds it out.
“I’m sorry I took one! Here! I didn’t bite into it.. t- too much, I think— oh, never mind, I ate like half… ”
Mrs. Weasley’s infuriated expression took on a sweet, motherly tone as she smiled at Harry and Lotus.
“Oh no, sweetie, you can keep it. Harry, Lotus, it’s wonderful to see you, dears!” Harry and Lotus glanced at each other. She took a slow bite of the rest of the breakfast roll as Mrs. Weasley continued to chew out Ron, Fred, and George. “Beds empty! No note! Car gone! You could’ve died! You could’ve been seen!” She turned back to the other two Non-Weasleys. “Of course, I don’t blame you two.”
“They were starving him, Mum!” Ron explained. “There were bars on his window!”
“Well,” Mrs. Weasley huffs, “you’d best hope they I don’t put bars on your window, Ronald Weasley!”
Her voice softens instantly. “Come on, Lotus, Harry, time for a spot of breakfast! Harry, you look thin!”
“O- Oh no, it’s okay, Mrs. Weasley,” Lotus said. “Don’t give me much, I don’t— eat a lot.” The mother pursed her lips, about to launch into a rant, so Lotus clarified. “I have a.. uh, a condition if Ron didn’t explain it. I can’t eat well.”
Mrs. Weasley nods. “Oh yes, I forgot! Well, I’ll still feed you some tasty food.”
As Mrs. Weasley sits Harry and Lotus down (the other boys joining as well), the sound of quick tiny footsteps is heard descending. “Here we are, Harry, now tuck in. That’s it, there we go!” She gives him extra food. His eyes widened, and Lotus snickered.
“Mum— Mummy! Have you seen my jumper?” A smaller girl asks. Lotus recognized her as Ginny, Ron’s little sister.
Lotus waved, as Mrs. Weasley nodded. “Yes, dear. It was on the cat.” Ginny stared at Harry, wide-eyed.
“Hello,” Harry murmured. She then quickly ran off, causing him to feel surprised. “W- what did I do?”
“Be you,” Lotus whispered.
“That’s Ginny. She’s been talking about you all summer. Bit annoying.”
A man walks in, who Lotus assumed to be the father.
“Morning, Weasleys.” He smiles.
“Morning, Dad.” Fred, George, and Ron replied.
“Morning, Arthur!” Mrs. Weasley hummed, kissing him on the cheek.
“What a night.” He spoke triumphantly. “Nine raids. Nine!”
Harry and Lotus raised their eyebrows, causing Harry to look at Ron quizzically. “Raids?” He asked.
Lotus went back to eating a slice of the pancakes, wowing when the juice poured itself into a small cup.
“Dad works in the Ministry of Magic. More specifically, in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office.” He groans. “Dad loves Muggles. Thinks they’re fascinating.”
Lotus frowns. “What, like zoo creatures?” Ron flinched. He looked over at his dad, realizing he might say something about Muggles. If not now, then probably pretty soon.
Not wanting to offend one of his friends, he tried to say something, but Mr. Weasley sat down, exhaling.
“Well now. Ah!” He noticed Harry and Lotus. “And who are you two?”
Harry, who’s learned to let Lotus speak first, was quiet. “I’m Lotus Inag, Mr. Weasely,” Lotus said, a bit of irritation in her voice. She didn’t know the kind of person Mr. Weasley was yet.
“Oh, sorry sir. I’m Harry, sir. Harry Potter.” Harry replied in his ever-so-good nature.
As expected, Mr. Weasley’s eyes shot up. “Good Lord, are you?! Ron’s told us all about you, of course. You too, Miss Inag. When did they get here?”
Mrs. Weasley turned with a dark glare. “This morning. Your sons flew that enchanted car of yours to Surrey and back last night.”
While Lotus expected him to be angry, he just shot up, gasping. “Did you! How’d it go?!” Then, under Mrs. Weasley’s stare, he shrank slightly. Fred, George, Ron, Harry, and Lotus tried to hide their laughter. Lotus sniggered, putting the cup to her lips.
It was always funny to see her grandfather support something she did that her grandmother had been angry about.
“Oh, it…” The boys start.
“Arthur!” Mrs. Weasley screams.
Mr. Weasley flinched. “I– I mean…” His voice took on a sterner tone, as he wagged his finger at them. “...that was very wrong, indeed, boys. Very wrong of you. Now, Harry, you must know all about Muggles. Tell me, what exactly is the function of a rubber duck?”
Harry blinks. He had not really indulged in those. “Oh, um…”
“I know!” Lotus said. “I’m a Muggle-Born.” She saw how his look became astonished and curious. Gratefully, Harry continued to wolf down his food as she ranted.
“It’s a bath toy, usually for children- and, uh, it squeaks, floats on the water, and is very funny. I-I had some when I was 4 in one of my foster homes, and I always had so much fun, despite how awful it had been.” Lotus explained. Mr. Weasley nodded intently, quirking an eyebrow.
“Foster home?” He asked.
“Oh, you don’t- you guys don’t have that? It’s when, uh-” She suddenly seemed awkward. “A foster care system is when a child gets put in a temporary living situation. I had at least 3 until my grandparents were able to adopt me.”
The table grows a bit quiet before Mr. Weasley nods. “Interesting…” Lotus felt bad now. She hadn’t meant to make a moment this awkward. Though, her saving grace appeared in the form of an owl’s screech.
Mrs. Weasley stood up. “Well, that’ll be Errol with the post.” Lotus looked over to see an old-looking owl- a Great Grey Owl . She expected it to fly in, at some point, but Errol slammed right into the window and slowly fell. Harry and her flinch. “Oh, fetch it will you, Percy, please?”
Percy nodded. He got up and walked over to the window, sighing. “Errol….”
The owl rises, being taken inside by Percy.
“He’s always doing that,” Ron explained, mostly to reassure Harry and Lotus. As Percy set Errol down on his perch, he took the letters and examined them. “Oh look, it’s our Hogwarts letters. And they’ve sent us Harry’s and Lotus’s as well.”
Surprised, Mr. Weasley stared. “Dumbledore must know you’re here, you two.” She gave an exasperated laugh. “Doesn’t miss a trick, that man.” Mrs. Weasley walked over to Percy’s side, observing the letters. She gaped, paling.
“Oh, no.”
Fred sensed her worry. “This lot won’t come cheap, Mum. The spell books alone are very expensive.”
Lotus blinked. “Oh, since my dad went to Hogwarts, I already have his books..” She shrugged. “So I don’t really need to buy the books. Just robes n’stuff.”
“And doesn’t Dumbledore already provide you with your special quills?” Ron asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Well, sort of. I still have them, so I don’t want to waste more money.” Lotus replied, humming. She picked at the eggs, meeting Mr. Weasley’s expectant look. “Eh…?”
“Why don’t you tell me more about your Muggle life?” He asked curiously. She shrugs.
“Um, I guess….”
“We’ll manage.” Mrs. Weasley finally replies to Fred. “Right then. There’s only one place we’re going to get all of this: Diagon Alley.”
── .✦
Lotus blinked when she watched Mrs. Weasley hand her a flower pot. Leaning over, she saw that at the bottom there was a layer of very soft dust.
‘It looks like ashes.’ She thinks while Harry frowns in confusion.
“You first, Harry dear.” Mrs. Weasely said.
“But Harry’s never traveled by Floo powder before, Mum,” Ron explained, taking the flowerpot.
“Oh, well, you go first, Ron.” His mother nods. “So that Harry can see how it’s done.” She patted his back, gently ushering him into the fireplace. “Yes. In you go. That’s it.”
Ron gestured for the two inexperienced children to watch him. He grabbed a pinch of the Floo Powder, before yelling. “Diagon Alley!” He threw down the Floo Powder, disappearing in a burst of green flames. Lotus and Harry jumped, startled.
“Woah!”
“You see?” Mrs. Weasley handed the flowerpot to him. “It’s quite easy, dear. Don’t be afraid— come on. Come on..” she ushered him inside. “In you go, that’s it. Mind your head— there we are!”
Lotus took the flowerpot from Harry after he grabbed a handful of the Floo Powder.
“Now, don’t forget to speak very, very clearly.” Mrs. Wesley said.
Harry nods, before throwing it down.
“Diagonally!”
He then vanished.
Lotus, Mrs., And Mr. Weasley stood there.
“What did he say, dear?” Mrs. Weasley asked nervously.
“‘Diagonally.’” Mr. Weasley murmured. Lotus snickered into the side of the pot.
“I thought he did.” She sighs. “Well— you go on, Lotus.”
“Okay. I promise I’ll speak clearly.” Lotus muffled her laughs. Walking into the fireplace (and with little effort, because she was shorter than most), she grabbed some of the powder and then set it away.
“Diagon Alley.” She said slowly before she tossed it down. Her body erupted into green flames. The last thing she saw was their hesitant looks and then the brick of the fireplace vanished around them.
She reappeared, on the streets- mostly unharmed.
Looking around, she smiled. “Oh, looks like I made it.”
“Hi, Lotus!” She glanced over, seeing Ron. “Where’s Harry?”
“He’s in diagonally.” She smirked. When he didn’t get it, she sighed. “He didn’t say it clearly, so we don’t know. But I assume somewhere around here.”
Ron rolled his eyes. “Knowing his luck? Probably in one of the dark parts.”
“Like what?”
“Knockturn Alley, for starters,” Ron grumbled. “Bad place to be, especially if you’re a kid like Harry. It’s like the Slytherin of Diagon Alley.” Lotus frowns.
“Hey, Ron, gotta stop saying things like that.” She said. “My dad was in Slytherin and he was a good father.”
Ron’s ears flushed with shame. “W-well, I mean- like…”
Thankfully, he was spared when Fred and George called them over at the same time Mr. and Mrs. Weasley appeared.
“Heavens!” Molly huffs. “Is that everyone?” Arthur looked around, counting the other Weasleys + Lotus, before nodding.
“That’s everyone– wait! Wait, where’s Harry?” He raised an eye in concern.
“In Diagonally.” Lotus couldn’t help but joke again. When she saw he seemed serious, she tried to smile reassuringly. “Don’t worry, Mr. Weasley. I know Harry- he might be a bit, uh, young and weak, but he did take down Professor Quirrell with his scar-burning thing. So I think he’ll be alright.”
This did little to quell Mr. Weasley’s fear- and reasonably so. If the Harry Potter were to ever get harmed while under their care, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley- as well as their children- might face severe backlash to those harsh enough to dish it out. But he stomached it, just smiling weakly.
“W-well then. Let’s go shopping… Lotus, do you have any money?”
Lotus blinked. “Oh. Speaking of that, lemme go to Gringotts and withdraw some more for clothes.”
Mrs. Weasley opened her mouth to protest, but Ron shook his head. “She can handle herself, mum. She’s 13.” He said. She huffed at him, but let her go. Lotus walked away, heading inside Gringotts. She greeted the one in front, Griphook.
“Hi, Mr. Griphook!” She said. “I’d like to, uh, withdraw… 30 galleons from my father’s bank. No, 40. Just in case.”
Griphook rose an eyebrow. “Name?”
“Wh- huh? C’mon, Mr. Griphook, I was literally here last year with Professor Snape!” She frowns. Though, upon seeing his unrelenting look, shook her head. “Never mind– uhm, Lotus Inag. Father is Leonardo “Leo” Inag.”
At that, he gave a satisfied grunt, before leading her to the familiar minecart. After she got on, he pushed the lever, the cart taking off. It’s wheels screeched against the rails, making her wince- though, Griphook didn’t seem too bothered.
‘Duh, he literally lives here. Or works here. 24/7. Do they have homes to return to? Or do they live here?’ Lotus shook her head. ‘Quell your curiosity…’
Eventually the cart slowed down in front of a hole in the wall. It had a platform and an arched ceiling, with a huge door in the middle. Stalactites hung from each end of the arch, dripping water every so often. “Vault 892,” Griphook said. “Lamp, please.”
Lotus nodded, handing him the lamp as she stepped out. Taking out the key, he gives it a good rub with his sleeve before he inserts it in, twisting the handle. The door opened, revealing the fortune left behind.
“Wow, I guess I’m like Harry, huh?” Lotus blinks. “Sorry, uh…” She walked in.
‘It would be so awful if he shut the door on me like this.’ Lotus opened her bag, pocketing 40 Galleons- making sure Griphook saw her. He just gave an unamused, impatient look (or was he?) as she closed the pouch, putting it in her book bag. When stepping out, he closed and locked the door.
“Is that all?”
“Mhm!” She got back on the cart, and he did as well. When she returned, she made sure to pay him many thanks before she left.
Griphook stared at her, his expression toothy and unimpressed, but he felt a small twinge of appreciation.
── .✦
Lotus walked out, humming softly. Just need to find Harry and the Weasleys…
Actually, what was she even meant to get? She didn’t really open her letter, just nodded in acknowledgment when Percy mentioned they had gotten hers and Harry’s, and then did whatever else she was doing.
She pulled out her parchment paper and looked at the list.
The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2, by Miranda Goshawk
Break with a Banshee, by Gilderoy Lockhart
Gadding with Ghouls, by Gilderoy Lockhart
Holidays with Hags, by Gilderoy Lockhart
Travels with Trolls, by Gilderoy Lockhart
Voyages with Vampires, by Gilderoy Lockhart
Wanderings with Werewolves, by Gilderoy Lockhart
Year with the Yeti, by Gilderoy Lockhart
Her nose scrunched up in confusion.
‘What the hell? Why was 12 percent of this Miranda and the rest by some… Gilderoy Lockhart person?’
Due to being so wrapped up in this ‘Gilderoy Lockhart’ person, she didn’t realize where she was walking until she bumped into someone. “Oof!” She backed away.
“Ow!” A familiar voice snaps. “Watch where you’re going, you– ?!” Lotus shook her head, seeing the one, the only, Draco Malfoy.
Displeasure bubbled inside her chest, that and tiredness. She then noticed an adult man next to her, who she assumed to be her dad. “Oh. Draco, and… um, Mr. Malfoy.” She says awkwardly, clenching her fist, and crumpling the paper. She didn’t know whether to bow or to just smile politely.
So she just smiled politely.
Draco sneers. “Lotus Inag. ” He spat, words seething with venom. Mr. Malfoy’s eyes seemed to momentarily light up– if that was the right way to say it.
“Inag? My, child, do humor me..” His voice had a huge range of emotions. One, it seemed to mock her, like he thought she didn’t belong. Another, it seemed intrigued (she wondered why), and finally, forced friendliness. She gritted her teeth. “Is your father Leonardo Inag?”
She stiffened. “Erm. Yes, I- he is. Why?”
Mr. Malfoy nods, straightening his back. “Ah. Leonardo. A… Muggle-Born Slytherin. One does not see that so often.”
“Because Slytherin is mostly pure-bloods?” Lotus asked.
“Indeed.” He confirmed. “Though, I do not remember your mother all too well. She had been a shy Ravenclaw, but I never cared for her when Leo talked about her. Your lineage, however, is… quite the curiosity. Tell me, did he think loyalty could cleanse the blood from his veins?”
Draco shifted awkwardly, as Lotus looked lost and confused.
“I… uh, I’unno,” Lotus mumbled pathetically. She hated seeing the smug look in his eyes.
“Perhaps… he believed power would spare him from judgment. I’m sure you know the targets of the late Dark Lord.” He said.
“Yeah, I know.” She replied bitterly. “And yet, I’ve heard that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named tried to recruit Harry’s mother and father. Was it because they were a packaged deal, or was it because his mother, an exceptionally talented Muggle, knew amazing magic?”
Draco flinched, seeing his father’s lip twitch into a slight scowl before he tried to hide it with a smirk. “Clever.” Lucius drawls, though she could tell she had struck a nerve. “But do not mistake the Dark Lord’s interests for admiration. As someone who’s been under his Imperius curse, I know that when he saw talent and defiance, he would grab at it to make his new world.”
He adjusted the sleeve, scoffing. “And as for your father? Joining the ranks of those who despised his kind– do you call that bravery? Or simply… desperation?”
Lotus frowns. His smile deepens, a condescending look taking on his face. Draco smirked, seeing his father have the last laugh.
“Goodbye, Miss Inag. I look forward to seeing where you end up on the history pages.” With that, he turned around and strolled away, Draco following after.
I look forward to seeing where you end up on the history pages.
She facepalmed herself. Oh, Merlin, the Malfoys were insufferable. As soon as they were gone, she saw Harry and... Hermione?
Lotus beamed, running over. “Hey, you two! Hermione! I didn’t know you were here!!” Hermione’s eyes brightened, as the two shared an eager ‘Muggle’ hug.
Hermione pulled away, chuckling. “Doing shopping, as you should know. Now, come! As I said to Harry, everyone’s been so worried and they’ve been waiting at Flourish and Blotts!”
“Flourish and Blotts- oh, must be a bookstore.” Lotus tells Harry.
“Basically.” He replied. She frowns, seeing his expression. He was happy, but something slightly subdued him.
“Hey… you okay?” She whispers. Harry nodded.
“Yeah. I just uh, ended up in Knockturn Alley. Pretty frightening.”
“Yikes, well... At least you’re here now!” She reassured.
“Yep.”
When the three entered the store, Lotus caught the note of a familiar name as the author of a book on display.
Magical Me, by Gilderoy Lockhart
She stared at the red, leather cover, the golden text, and most importantly: the man in the center.
Lotus had never seen a man quite as pretty- Snape was handsome, but this man looked like the Sun in person. She couldn’t fight the slight red creeping on her ears as they joined the Weasleys in line.
“Oh, Harry, thank goodness!” Mrs. Weasley said, patting his hair and shoulders to swat the dust off. “We’d hoped you’d only gone one grate too far!”
“I’m fine, Mrs. Weasley,” Harry said. “Hi, Ron.”
“Hi, mate,” Ron replied. “How was Diagonally ?”
The three kids snicker and Hermione was left a little confused.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” a man said as he walked up to the crowd, “Gilderoy Lockhart!”
Mrs. Weasley grinned. “Oh, there he is!” She spoke in a tone that sounded like a young girl.
The (mostly female) crowd applauded enthusiastically as another man stepped into the light.
Lotus went agape. This man shone in the light like a glowing pearl- or rather, was that his smile? He had extremely well-kept hair, curled at the ends. Fair skin, and a flamboyant outfit to boot. He was extremely handsome, and those bright blue eyes certainly added to his appeal.
George elbowed her. “Uh, Lotus? London to Lotus?”
Lotus snapped out of it. “Wh- huh? Hey, why not snap your mom and Hermione out of it too?” George blinked, seeing the other two stare with intent.
“Mum fancies him,” Ron whispered to Harry, which Mrs. Weasley playfully shoves him.
A photographer pushed aside the crowd, eager to take a photo. “Make way there, please! Let me by, madam, thank you…” She scoots by Lotus. “Excuse me, little girl, this is for The Daily Prophet .” She then pointed her old camera up, taking a photograph of Lockhart. He grinned through it, though his smirk slightly faltered in awe as he saw Harry- or rather his scar.
“It can’t be-- Harry Potter!”
All eyes were on Harry now, who looked shocked and embarrassed. Lotus felt a little jealous that he had been picked as the center of attention, but she frowned as the photographer grabbed Harry.
“Harry Potter!” She pushed through the crowd, pushing Harry up to the front.
“Hey, wait, be careful with him..” Lotus frowns more.
Lockhart pulled Harry to his side, grinning. “Nice big smile, Harry, together you and I rate the front page!” He gave a bright, wide smile to the camera- causing the girls to swoon and the boys to wince. Harry doesn’t smile, and yet the photo is taken.
During this, Lotus walked off to get the books she needed from the shelves. Maybe… if she had a collection, he could sign them for her. Just maybe.
Meanwhile, Lockhart lets Harry go, humming. “Ladies and gentlemen, what an extraordinary moment this is! When young Harry stepped into Flourish and Blotts this morning to purchase my autobiography Magical Me …” Hermione and Lotus clap excitedly, while Ron stared at them like they were hypnotized. Meanwhile, Draco was watching from above with a slight sneer. “...he had no idea that he would be leaving with my entire collected works… free of charge.”
He presented Harry with a huge stack of books, before sitting down at a desk. Harry, dumbfounded, returned to the Weasleys.
“Now, ladies.” Lockhart chuckled.
As Harry passed the books back to Mrs. Weasley with a confused (and yet annoyed) look on his face, the mother chuckled eagerly. “Harry, now you give me those, and I’ll get them signed. All of you wait outside. That’s it, Ron.”
“Er- actually..” Lotus said, returning. “I think I’ll, uh, get my book signed. Since I need… I mean, since I’ve picked out these books and I’ve paid for them, I wanna feel something important.”
“Hold on, I thought your dad…” Ron said. “ ...had books?”
“Well, he did, but-” she stammered, “-but the syllabus looks like it’s changed, so…”
Ron shook his head, walking with Hermione and Ron outside.
Lotus waited with Mrs. Weasley and Mr. Weasley in the line. Soon, Mr. Weasley leaves, muttering under his breath about how ‘crazy it is’ in here, to which the two giggle.
“He’s silly. Isn’t he silly?” Mrs. Weasely murmured.
Lotus nods. Once they got to the front, Mrs. Weasley eagerly got Lockhart’s signature for Harry’s book- and fanned herself as Lockhart spewed compliments to her.
“Ah, Harry Potter is lucky to have a... Well, should I say ‘friend’s mom’ like you? So willing to stand in line and wait before all my other fans!” He flashed her a grin. She giggled like a schoolgirl, before taking the books back and leaving.
Lotus stepped forward. Her heart pounded. Unlike Snape, who she found pretty handsome when he first saved her, Gilderoy Lockhart was a different entity of his own.
It was like… meeting a celebrity, was it not?
“And who might you be, sweetheart?” He asked kindly, leaning forward.
“Oh!” She blushed like a madman. “I-I’m Lotus. Lotus Inag. I-N-A-G. I-in case you wanted to know how it’s spelled. Um… this is my first time hearing about you, but I can’t wait to read your books!” She says as he signs off her collection. Lockhart paused, then looked at her with a flawless smile.
“Why, what a kind maiden you are. You do seem quite new.” He replied.
Lotus heard the woman behind her start to huff at how long it took for Lotus to pry herself away, but she didn’t care. They can bite me! She thought. Let them wait!
“Yes, I’ve only ever been introduced to the Wizarding World like… last year. I’m from America…. B-but originally from the Philippines. ”
His eyebrows shot up. “An exotic one, huh?” He leaned forward, gently grabbing her hand. She became speechless as he leaned forward, placing a kiss on her knuckle. He then lifted his head, winking. “You radiate promise, Miss Lotus, a promise that reeks of potential. You will be strong, one day!”
At that, her usual insecurities about her sickness melted away. And she loved how liberating it felt. “Th- Thank you, Mr. Lockhart.”
His voice quiets down to a conspiratorial whisper. “Oh, dear, it’ll be Professor Lockhart soon.” He winks. “But shh, don’t tell.”
“I’m afraid it’s a bit obvious.” She giggled before she pulled herself away. Lotus quickly ran off, knowing that if she stayed there a second longer, the fans might push her away, or she might never leave, or Mr. Weasley, Ron, or Harry might come storming in and peel her away.
But she couldn’t help it! Every word that came out of his mouth sounded so comforting and relaxing!
As Lotus left, Lockhart talked to his next fan with practiced charm, though his mind played back the moment that just happened.
She couldn’t stop thinking of him all night. What was it? What was it about Gilderoy Lockhart that had her so utterly captivated?
She covered her mouth, kicking her feet in the air- though this only served to make her more tired. Lotus let her feet fall, wincing as a small ‘ow’ was heard.
“Sorry, Harry…” She whispered.
“It’s alright.” Harry turned over to her. “I wasn’t really asleep anyways.”
She smirked, propping herself on her elbow. “Oh, how come?”
“I dunno. I just… do you wanna know something I heard? When I was gone?”
Lotus yawned, waving her hand over her mouth. “Go on, you know you can tell me anything.”
Harry nodded. “Well, I ended up in this one… uh, store, I guess, in Knockturn Alley. But I was in this closet, and Draco and his dad were there, selling something. His dad was saying stuff like how he only wanted to sell it because because it would paint a bad picture on him if the Ministry of Magic were to ever see it.” He ran a hand through his hair. “And the interaction you missed earlier, where Mr. Weasley and Mr. Malfoy got into this… somewhat heated conversation. It was awful. I just don’t feel good.”
Guilt clouded her mind as she pulled Harry in, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Sorry, I wasn’t there, Harry.” She murmured. “Mr. Malfoy doesn’t seem like the kindest of people, huh?”
Harry chuckled. “No.” He hugged back. “And he’s just as bit annoying as Draco, if not worse.”
“I mean, where else does Draco get it from?” Lotus shrugged, pulling away. “Just ignore it. It’s not part of our concerns, is it?”
“I guess. But… uh, remember the elf I told you about?”
“Dobby?”
“Yeah, he told me something bad’s gonna happen to me if I return.” An anxious tone took on his voice. “I… I’m starting to get worried.”
Lotus placed a hand on his shoulder. “Yeah. That does sound scary, but… whatever happens, know that I’ll be with you.”
Harry didn’t seem entirely reassured but nodded. “Sorry to trouble you with this, Lotus.” In the moonlight, Harry’s bleary eyes glimmered. She saw hints of sadness, anger, and confusion in them.
Lotus’s heart squeezed as she shook her head. “No, no, you could never trouble me with anything. As I said, if something is going on, please tell me.”
Harry nodded.
“Oi.” A sleepy voice startled the two. “Go back to bed…”
“Sorry, Ron.” Lotus laughs, as she and Harry climbed back into the shared mattress. It wasn’t much, but it felt nice. It really did.
── .✦
10:58.
How could they have been late?
Lotus rubbed her eyes, yawning. She had woken up, two hours ago, to Mrs. Weasley frantically shaking her awake, about how ‘late they were’.
Neither she nor Harry comprehended what was going on until it was 10:50 and they were at King’s Cross Station. Then, Lotus started to pick up on the panic, finally .
“10:58. Come on, come on!” Mr. Weasley pushed his children, Harry, and Lotus through the station.
“The train'll be leaving at Platform 9 ¾, or rather the pillar in between Platform 9 and Platform 10, Fred, George, and Percy got ready.
“Fredy, George, Percy, you first!” He said. Fred first pushes his cart through the barrier, before the other two brothers follow in haste.
Mrs. Weasley patted a nervous Ginny on the back. “Okay, you go.”
“It’ll be okay,” Lotus tells Ginny. She smiled weakly, before she pushed her cart, running through the wall.
“After you, dear.” Arthur gestured for Molly to pass. She nods, rushing through. “Come on, children!” He tells Ron, Harry, and Lotus as he follows her.
“Okay, let’s go,” Harry tells them. Lotus gripped the handle, about to push the cart when Harry and Ron rushed up ahead. Instead of phasing through and heading onto the other side, they crash into it and fall over. Harry fell on top of the cart, and Ron let out a loud ‘oof’ when he fell onto his side. Lotus gasped, rushing over.
“Guys! Are you okay?!” She stammered, helping the two up. “Ouch, that looks kinda rough…”
Suddenly, a station agent noticed the tumble and walked over. “Oy! What do you two think you’re doing?” He barks.
“Sorry… Lo-lost control of the trolley, you see.” Harry explained. The agent shook his head, muttering something under his breath about them, before he stormed off. Lotus frowns.
“Why couldn’t you guys pass..?” She put her hand on the wall, paling as she felt pure brick, and not the warping sensation of going through. “Why can’t I pass?! Oh God, did we get expelled?!”
“I don’t know,” Ron said. “The gateway’s sealed itself off, for some reason.”
The three flinched when a loud clock chimed. Harry looked up, blanching as he saw the clock displaying the time. 11:00. They were late.
“The train leaves at exactly 11:00. We’ve missed it!” Harry panicked.
Ron paled. “Harry, Lotus… if we can’t get through, maybe Mum and Dad can’t get back.”
Lotus bit her nail, freaking out. “Maybe we should just… um, go and wait in the car,” Harry said.
Lotus nods. “Wonderful idea, Harry, splendid!”
But she knew it was useless when she saw a look in Ron’s eyes. One that screamed ‘I have an idea’. Her shoulders sagged as Ron spoke. “The car....”
Unlike Lotus, Harry stared at Ron, wondering what he’s got in mind.
Lotus yelped as held onto the seat for dear life. She stayed in the back, while Ron and Harry were in the driver’s seat. “Do any of you have a driver’s license?!” She wailed.
“What’s that?” Ron asked, as Harry shook his head.
“I’m 12!” He tells her as if it’s something she should be proud of.
“ I’m about to be 13 soon! Ron’s already 12, none of us can drive!” Lotus screamed as the Ford Anglia lifted off into the sky.
“There we go.” Ron chuckled, starting to drive it. “If Fred can do it, so can I. Now, all we need to do is find the Hogwarts Express..”
“Ron, are you sure you know how to fly this?” Harry asked.
“No problem. It’s like… a bigger broomstick. Sure, I haven’t really ridden that either, but still.” Ron turned the wheel a bit too hard, causing the car to jerk to the right.
“DON’T TURN SO HARD!” Lotus whimpered. Their owls hooted in fright.
“Sorry!”
Down below, a Muggle looked up, their eyes widening in shock at the sight of this flying car.
“...” They look down at their bottle of water, squinting in suspicion, though when they look back up, it’s gone. Shrugging, they kept walking.
The car itself? Careening towards the train station’s clock tower.
“LOOK OUT!” Harry roared. Ron turned the steering wheel, causing the car to barely avoid the clock tower. Harry and Lotus yelped as they were slammed into the right side of the car. Lotus whimpered quietly, rubbing her arm.
“Ron,” Harry tried to pull himself back into his original seat, “I should tell you, most Muggles aren’t accustomed to seeing a flying car.”
“Uh. Oh! Right.” Ron leans forward to press the button, and the car is coated with its invisible magic.
“There… that should be smooth sailing, right?” Harry blinks, looking back at Lotus.
Lotus had her head in her hands.
“If we weren’t expelled then… we’re so dead now.”
── .✦
The car lost its invisibility when it flew over the mountains. Ron noticed it when there was a weak sheeeeen before the car became fully visible once again. “Oh, no! The Invisibility Booster must be faulty.”
“ Why does this car even have it in the first place??” Lotus asked.
“ Because my dad loves Muggle stuff, Lotus! ” Ron replied, panicked.
“Well, come on then,” Harry said, “let’s go lower. We need to find the train.” Ron nodded at that and pushed the car down gently. They drove, hovering over the train tracks on a viaduct.
“Wow, such a huge plummet down..” Lotus murmured.
“Now, all we need to do is catch up with the train.” Harry smiled.
“Right.” Ron nods. “We can’t be far behind.”
After a few seconds, then they heard the sound of a train whistle.
“Do you hear that?” Harry asks.
“We must be getting close,” Ron replied, to which Lotus nodded absentmindedly.
It then got louder.
Lotus frowns. “Hold on…” Harry blinks.
The three of them slowly turned around. Hedwig and Marco Polo’s eyes go wide. They screeched. The kids are not far behind, screaming. Why?
Because the train was right behind them. Wailing, Ron veered the car out of the train’s path, sending them into an uncontrollable twirling flight around the viaduct.
“I’M GONNA BE SICK!” Lotus gulped, covering her mouth. As they rose above the train, the car slightly tilted to its side. She paled when she saw Harry fall out but managed to grab the car door.
“Harry!!” She screams, leaning onto the window to grab him. Her grip is weak- and yet again she is reminded that she cannot, for the life of her, pull people. She gulped, as Ron tried to balance the car.
“Harry! Hold on tight!” He begged.
“I’M TRYING!” Harry screams. Lotus reached out with her other hand, wincing at how much it strained her body to hoist him back into the car.
“Grab my other hand!” She yelled, coughing as the steam from the train hit them in the face. Her grip loosened slightly, but she only held on again when Harry started to freak out more.
“YOU’RE LETTING GO–”
“SORRY!!”
Lotus coughed as Harry managed to let go of the car door, grabbing Lotus’s other hand. She nearly got sent out with him but firmly planted her feet on the window and seat to hoist him up. At that instant, Ron flipped the car back to normal, and they stayed above the train.
Panting, Harry slowly sat up. Lotus blew into her palms, wincing at how it ached. “I think we found the train,” Harry said.
“Yeah,” Ron muttered.
Lotus wanted to strangle her best friends.
She missed Hermione.
── .✦
For a few minutes, the Ford Anglia flew alongside the Hogwarts Express. Lotus wasn’t sure if anyone else could see them, but she hoped they could. She hoped they could see the effort they put into rejoining Hogwarts.
‘They’d certainly think they were cool!’
‘Or crazy.’
Both sounded awful in retrospect. Lotus shuddered.
The Sun, right at its end before the sunset, gleamed down on the black train, giving off a bright, red-orange reflection, or a beam of light. Ron squinted his eyes, muttering something about how ‘Muggles must hate driving’, before swerving to be a bit further away from the train. Harry fiddled with his fingers, sighing shakily. Ron turned on the car’s headlights and flew off. Lotus turned to the birds, tending to their position to make sure they weren’t dead. “You two okay?” She asks.
Marco Polo screeched at her, making her wince. “I know, I know buddy. I’m sorry. I’ll let you poke Ron’s hair later.”
“What?!” Ron said. “What did you say??”
“Nothing.” She replied, looking at Hedwig. “You, Hedwig?” She gave a dissatisfied chirp but didn’t say anything else.
“Yeah, I get that.” Lotus turned back to the group. Her initial frustration melted into awe when Hogwarts came into view, the island where the castle lay slowly grew in size as they approached it. The lake under them started to lose its shimmer due to the Sun setting. “Wow. We really made it.”
“Yep, and only almost died once.” Harry nods.
Ron smiled, turning to the two. “Welcome home.” Lotus grinned. Harry smiled back, happy to be back at where he considered ‘home’ after an unpleasant summer of being trapped in that damn house. Not even Hedwig had been allowed to scavenge for food.
Without warning, the Anglia’s engine began to stutter as it suffered a major turbulence. It began to steer on the left side of the castle, then right. Ron paled.
“Oh, come on!” He frantically tried to hold the wheel, to control the car to at least give them a fighting chance at life.
The car drives down, still going forward.
“Up! UP!” Harry shouted in terror. Lotus gulped, leaning forward.
“It’s not working!” Ron snapped back, slamming his foot on the pedals- both of them, which Lotus would’ve laughed at if this weren’t such a perilous situation to even be in the first place.
“WATCH OUT FOR THE TREE!” Lotus howled.
Ron fumbled, grabbing his wand from the top compartment, and tapping the steering wheel furiously. “Stop! Stop!-- STOP!” He gasped when the wand broke in half. In a split second, the car crashes into the giant tree, landing in the middle of it.
Silence followed as Harry and Lotus recovered from the harrowing event, while Ron stared at his broken wand.
“My wand.” He whimpered. “Look at my wand .” It was gnarly looking- split in half, yet barely holding on by one singular skin of wood, like a stubborn branch.
Lotus struggled to look around, as Harry sighed shakily. “Be thankful it’s not your neck.”
All of a sudden, something hits the car. Ron flinched. “What’s happening?” Harry shrugged.
“Guys!” Lotus yelled. “The tree! I-it’s coming to life!”
The huge tree they crashed in suddenly roared with energy, not literally, and began to beat up the car with its branches, as if furious– no, it most certainly was furious. The three screamed bloody murder while the branches curled to imitate fists, and pounded on the dented roof. Eventually, the car slid out of the tree and landed on the ground.
“Come on, go fast!” Harry shouted. Before the tree’s branch can grab the car and give it a beatdown of its nonexistent life (and kill them in the process), Ron quickly drives the car out of the tree’s range. Lotus was crying at this point, hugging herself.
“That’s too many near-death experiences! We should’ve waited for Mr. and Mrs. Weasley to come b– ack!” She yelped as the car suddenly came to a stop, literally throwing Harry, Ron, and her out of it, as well as their luggages. Hedwig, Marco Polo, and Scabbers’ cages were thrown onto them as well.
“Scabebrs, are you okay?!” Ron picked up the small cage, watching the rat scurry around anxiously. Lotus laughed nervously at Marco Polo, whose feathers were ruffled and eyes wide in terror. Harry let out a soft ‘ouch’ when Hedwig nicked his finger, shrieking. Ron looked up, seeing the car drive off on its own and into the forest- way before the others could chase after it. “The car!! The car!!”
Ron stood up, panting.
“... Dad’s gonna kill me.”
── .✦
Lotus was seriously considering what her grandparents would think of this. They’d probably either:
a.) laugh, and then yell at her.
b.) yell at her.
c.) ground her for life.
or d.) all of the above.
She frowned. She didn’t want to lose their love. They were the only constant in her life for the past 5 years, and they were so sweet and kind. She never wanted to be such a strain on their minds, but it feels like everything she does here will always end in something like that. Was her father the same? Did he often make them worry?
Lotus sets Marco Polo’s cage and her luggage down at the Entrance Hall, feeding him one more treat. She petted him, before walking with Harry and Ron.
“So a house-elf shows up in my bedroom,” Harry lists off with his fingers, “we can’t get through the barrier to Platform 9¾, and we almost get killed by a tree… clearly someone doesn’t want me here this year.” Ron nods. As they reach the top of the stairs, Lotus’s mood worsens. There, in front of them, was Argus Filch, the caretaker, and Mrs. Norris, his cat. She sighs.
“We’re screwed,” Lotus said blankly.
“Take a good look, children.” Filch smiled dangerously. “This night might be the last you spend in this castle!” Harry and Ron gulped, as Lotus facepalms in guilt. “Oh dear. We are in trouble.”
Filch smirked more.
Moments later, the three of them were lined up in Professor Snape’s classroom. Lotus’s eyes burned with tears that begged to come down. This whole situation felt too familiar. And she knew Harry felt the same way- but he was so much stronger than she could ever be, because she saw he only really looked guilty that he got caught. Ron looked terrified, rightfully so, because she didn’t wanna know what Mrs. and Mr. Weasley would do when they found out Ron got suspended on the first night of Hogwarts and lost the Flying Anglia. Snape stood in front of them. Rage could not even begin to describe the look on his face as he held up a newspaper article about their flying car at King’s Cross Station.
“You were seen by no less than seven Muggles !” Snape seethed, slamming the newspaper article aside. Lotus flinched, hand flying to anxiously rub her arm. “Do you have any idea how serious this is?! You have risked the exposure of our WORLD!”
‘No offense, but half those Muggles probably thought there was something in their drinks.’ Lotus thought as he continued to scream.
“Not to mention the damage you have inflicted on a Whomping Willow that’s been on this ground since before you were BORN! ”
Lotus looks up. “Whomping Willows…?”
“Are you that brainless, child?! You should have known!” He spat. Lotus looked down, angry and ashamed.
“I didn’t…”
“Honestly, Professor Snape,” Ron muttered weakly, “I think it did more damage to us.”
“Silence!” He roared. He stormed around his desk, stopping in front of them. “I assure you… that were you in Slytherin and your fate rested with me, the three of you would be on the train home tonight! As it is.”
Lotus stuttered for an excuse. No, an apology. We didn’t know it was the Whomping Willow.
Sir, the platform wouldn’t let us through.
Sir, it’s not our fault Mr. Weasley’s Muggle car that he enchanted got faulty.
The words died on her lips as Professor Dumbledore stormed in. “They are not.” He said, in his elderly, yet stormy, voice. Filch, Harry, Lotus, Ron, and Snape looked over at the doorway to see Dumbledore standing there in his silvery-blue cloak, accompanied by the head of Gryffindor, his associate, Professor McGonagall. Lotus felt herself deflating more, whimpering quietly at their looks.
‘They both look so disappointed. And mad…’
Harry spoke quickly. “Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall.”
Snape spoke even faster, anger boiling in his tone. “Headmaster, these boys have flouted the Decree for the Restriction of Underage Wizardry. As such…”
Dumbledore held his hand up. “I’m well aware of our bylaws, Severus, having written more thana few myself. However, as Head of the Gryffindor House, it is for Professor McGonagall to determine the appropriate reaction.” His hand gestured to the old woman beside him, who frowns. Snape looked astonished, to put it nicely, as Ron sighed.
“We’ll go and get our stuff, then.” Harry and Lotus nod depressingly.
It wasn’t fair. Harry would return to a terrible home life, and Lotus would never get to explore this world, would be forced to act like nothing happened…
Was there an American wizarding school?
“What are you talking about, Mr. Weasley?” Professor McGonagall asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Y… You’re going to expel us, right? Right? ” Lotus asks, in a voice that she knew sounded utterly pathetic. She could feel Snape’s eyes burning into the back of her head.
“Not today, Ms. Inag.” Their teacher replied. Harry and Ron looked relieved, but Lotus only seemed to tense up more- again, because she was scared of disappointment. Scared of the ‘but’ that she knew was coming.
“ But I must impress upon both of you the seriousness of what you have done.” There it is. “I will be writing to your families tonight. And you will all receive detention.”
Lotus’s shoulders sagged. Okay. She could survive detention. She just needed to write something to her grandparents. She knew they’d receive McGongall’s faster than her letter, but she wanted them to still get it.
Making that mental plan, she looked over at Snape, who cast them a glare of pure hatred.
“Be lucky you haven’t decimated what your father had worked so hard to give to you,” Snape told Lotus in a barely hushed tone. Lotus nods.
Dumbledore’s face seemed to relax, as he tried to lighten the mood. “And now I suggest that we all return to the feast. There is a delicious-looking custard tart that I am most anxious to sample.” He giddily left, McGonagall trailing behind him. Snape followed behind, looking disappointed and frustrated.
As Harry, Lotus, and Ron passed Filch, Harry noticed an envelope on the ground and picked it up. Lotus saw Harry hand it to Filch but didn’t listen to what he said, as she walked ahead. Her mind was a buzz, and she was calming herself down.
Lotus winced, bringing her hand up. On her nails- which were bitten, which gives her a good grip to scratch- was a droplet of blood. She had broken skin again.
No matter. She pressed her dark sleeve against the slight injury and kept walking with Ron and Harry.
Today had been too close of a call, and as she entered the Great Hall with them, Hermione’s words didn’t reach her. Harry and Ron seemed to act all normal, but she felt the remnants of anxiousness. She had almost lost her life three or so times on that damn trip to Hogwarts. Why? Maybe it was related to Harry’s situation.
Oh, Merlin, she hoped not.
She stabbed into the green beans, boredly eating them. As she chewed, she looked around, seeing Draco gleefully talk with that smug look on his face. She ignored him and looked again, and eventually spotted a certain blonde-haired professor. Lotus’s eyes widened as her mood seemed to lighten up. Several girls had beaten her to viewing and seemed to giggle, whisper, and gawk about him, but Lotus just simply stared, with softer eyes.
And for whatever reason, she could’ve sworn she saw him look at her and give a charming smile in return. Immediately, her anxieties lifted, and she turned back to the group, smiling. “Hey, Neville, Dean, everyone, how was summer?” They looked at her, slightly confused, but went with it.
“Oh, it was…” As they talked, she nursed the goblet full of juice, smiling ear to ear.
Notes:
So, it's noted that Gilderoy Lockhart is intelligent, despite being a fraud. He chose the easy way, essentially, but is still incredibly skilled in memory charms (due to using them constantly to take credit for others' works and pretending to save them). That being said, I hope you can understand (and know from AO3 (sorry for any fanfiction.net readers who see this once I upload this on that website)) what I mean.
If so, do expect the chapters to get darker. Don't worry. This isn't meant to glamorize "that" in any sort, and as a victim, I like to say I have the experience to write this. But it goes without saying that everyone's experiences are different, so please don't be so quick to rush to say something (like this wouldn't be possible- which, again, this is a fanfiction about the magic world of Harry Potter) or feel as if your experiences aren't matching with this.So, with that being said, do note I will post trigger warnings in every chapter's beginning notes, telling you what'll be on there, if needed.
See you on the next chapter, everyone, and stay safe
Chapter 8: 𓆙 What's Been Opened?
Summary:
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
A hectic first few days for Lotus.
But luckily, the idea of Professor Lockhart keeps her warm and grounded.
On the other hand, a supposed "Chamber of Secrets" has opened.
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉☒ 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 ☒
- Overly flattering Lockhart, being very touchy.
Notes:
I want to try writing longer chapters :)!
Also, I hope you all enjoy it.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
It took her a while to get used to Hogwart’s changing staircase, yet again.
Lotus stumbled as she barely missed the stair connecting to the lower wing. She gripped onto the railing, back shaking as her lungs demanded more air.
“Jeez, I was worried you wouldn’t make it.” Hermione frowns. Lotus smiled weakly.
“Sorry…”
“By the way, what happened earlier? Like last night? I know you three already told me, but…” She frowns. “I wanna hear it from you .”
Lotus straightened up as the stairs moved and floated. “Well, we were gonna go after Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, but then the way through seemed to be blocked when Ron and Harry tried to run through. I wanted to wait, but then Ron had the brilliant idea to, well–”
“Drive his father’s car here?” Hermione mused.
Lotus laughed. “Mhm. Yes. But luckily we weren’t expelled. I wonder why…”
“Maybe because they realized something’s wrong. Or maybe that if word got out that Harry Potter was rejected by Hogwarts, magic interference or not, that could say something bad and people would not like them.”
Lotus blinks. That made sense…?
The two followed the other Gryffindors outside, laughing and walking to the nearby Herbology greenhouses. Inside, Lotus noticed a bunch of plants that seemed to be shaking. She frowns, tilting her head. “I mean, I guess this is Herbology, but I figured there would’ve been some enchanted plants or something.”
“There is, just be patient.” Hermione laughed.
A few seconds of standing had passed until a squat little witch walked in. She had a patched and battered hat, with clothes that seemed very filthy. She smiled warmly at the children. Lotus blinks.
‘Oh, right, isn’t she the Head of Hufflepuff? She fits right in, honestly. I haven’t seen much of her last year. Then again, we haven’t had her class yet.’ Lotus thought as Professor Sprout fixed her hat.
“Good morning, everyone.” No one seemed to notice, so she tapped the stand, catching their attention. “Good morning, everyone!” She repeated.
“Good morning, Professor Sprout!” They replied.
“Welcome to Greenhouse Three, second years. Now, gather around, everyone.” She gestured for them to group around the shaking plants. “Today, we’re going to repot Mandrakes. Who here can tell me the properties of the Mandrake root?”
‘Man-What?’ Lotus blinked as Hermione shot her hand up, smiling.
“Yes, Ms. Granger.”
Lowering her hand, Hermione folded them behind her back. “Mandrake, or Mandragora , is used to return to those who have been petrified to their original state. It’s also quite dangerous. The Mandrake’s cry is fatal to anyone who hears it.”
Lotus put a hand on her chin, thinking with squinted eyes, scanning the Mandrakes with curiosity. Their cry? Are they alive?
‘I guess the shaking makes sense now, then.’
“Excellent, ten points to Gryffindor!” Professor Sprout kindly complimented, making Hermione smirk with pride. She then began to walk around, handing all of them earmuffs. “Now, as our Mandrakes are still only seedlings, their cries won’t kill you yet, but they could knock you out for several hours, which is why I’ve given each of you a pair of earmuffs for auditory protection, so if you could please put them on right away…”
Lotus wasted no time in putting on her earmuffs. The world already sounded much more quieter. Professor Sprout returned to her original spot, wrapping her hands around the base of the plant, shouting.
“Now, watch me closely. You grasp your Mandrake firmly, you pull it sharply up out of the pot!” She yanked up the plant, revealing a root in the shape of a grotesque, monstrous, screaming baby. It had a weird face, but everyone could tell it was scrunched and wailing. Lotus and the other students flinched, alarmed. “Got it? And now you dunk it down into the other pot and pour a little sprinkling of soil to keep him warm.” Lotus didn’t notice until too late, but Neville seemed to crash beside her. She jumped, eyes widening in worry. She almost moved to take off her earmuffs, but Hermione grabbed her wrist, shaking her head.
“Longbottom’s been neglecting his earmuffs.”
“No, ma’am,” Seamus said loudly. “He’s just fainted!” Several people snickered.
“Yes, well… just leave him there. Right, on we go. Plenty of pots to go around.” She used her wand to pass out the pots, as Lotus gaped slightly.
“We’re just gonna leave him?” She asks Hermione.
“Well… not much we can do.” Hermione shrugs weakly as she pulls up her screaming Mandrake, stuffing it into the other pot with ease. Lotus looked over, seeing Draco playing with his Mandrake.
He chuckled, grinning as he tickled its neck, only for it to bite his finger. His face morphed to a wince, as he yanked his hand away, grumbling, putting it into the other pot. Lotus looked back at her Mandrake, deciding to be gentle. No matter how ugly and weird it was, it’s still a wee baby. She slowly lifted it up and then hushed it as she lowered it into the pot she held. Lotus then scooped up the soil, sprinkling it onto the Mandrake.
“There we go, buddy, all better.” She murmured, patting its head- or, er , rather the leaves.
“Great job, everyone!” Professor Sprout said once they all took their earmuffs off. “Wonderful, truly! Not so hard for your first day, huh? That’s all for today, class. Have a wonderful rest of your day.” As they all piled out one by one, Lotus stopped by Neville’s body and knelt, shaking him awake.
“Hey, Nev.” She murmured. He jolted awake, whimpering.
“Oh, no, did I miss it all again?”
“I’m afraid you did, bud.” She replied, extending a hand to help him up. He grabbed it, shakily standing. “It’s alright, your, uh, Mandrake is still there. Wanna try it again?” She paused, looking at Professor Sprout. “Can he do that? Quickly?”
“Well I doubt the process needs to be rushed, but I suppose I could.” She replied, sighing earnestly. Neville looked grateful towards Sprout and Lotus before Sprout put on her earmuffs again, handing the other two theirs.
After getting ready, Neville nervously yanked the Mandrake out, wincing as it shrieked.
“C’mon, just ignore it,” Lotus reassured. Neville slowly turned to his pot, which sat beside the table and put it in. Then, he grabbed some soil and patted it on the Mandrake, silencing it again. Sprout nodded in satisfaction, so the two took it off with a sigh of relief.
Lotus beamed. “There, see Neville? Good job.”
“T-thanks.” Neville nods. “And thank you, Professor Sprout, for letting me do this…”
“No problem. Now you two must be off.”
“Yes, see you tomorrow!” Lotus ran out, Neville following.
She stopped shortly, panting. “Yeesh.”
“Are you okay?”
“Yep. Just never had the best stamina.”
The two laugh a little. “I never really got to know you that well, Lotus,” Neville said, walking beside her as they re-entered Hogwarts.
“Oh, whaddya want to know?” She asked. “Live with my grandparents in America, I like softball- which is where you hit a ball with a bat and all that- and I love cooking and astronomy- especially astronomy! Oooooof, I love all the stars in the sky!” She waved her hands around. “Well, I mean we’re inside, not outside, but y’know.”
“Mm, that all sounds nice.” Neville nodded. “W-well, I live with my… um, grandma, as you know, and I like plants and herbology.”
“Really? That makes sense.” Lotus said. “I bet you’d do great at it, Nev.”
His cheeks burned with embarrassment and happiness. “R-really?”
“Yeah! Today was just a small mishap, but you’ll really show us all!”
── .✦
Lotus was sketching a cat in the Great Hall. She squinted, fingertips (and the side of her hand) dark from the graphite rubbing against them, and she rubbed her fingers on the drawing to produce a blended effect. She wanted it to look good enough- no, perfect. As perfect as she could with her trembling hand.
When she accidentally jerked the drawing away, creating an odd whisker, she sighed, giving up. At the same time, Ron was trying to tape his broken wand back together. Harry watched, feeling pity for his friend. Ron leaned forward, sighing depressingly.
“Say it, I’m doomed.”
“You’re doomed.” Lotus and Harry both said.
“Hey, I didn’t…” Ron grumbled. “Fair enough.”
Just then, an eager young boy, one Lotus assumed to be a first-year, ran over. “Hi, Harry!” He said, snapping a photo of the alarmed boy. He rubbed his eye, tilting his head. “I’m Colin Creevey! I’m in Gryffindor too!”
Harry offered an awkward smile. “Hi, Colin, nice to meet you.”
Lotus tilted her head as she dipped some water onto her napkin and wiped her hands clean. “Looks like you’ve got a fan.” She teased.
“Say,” Colin tilts his head, “do you think your friend here could take a photo of me and you standing together? You know, to prove I’ve met you. It’s for my dad, he’s a milkman, you know, a Muggle like all our family’s been until me.” Lotus smiled fondly. “No one knew all the odd stuff I could do was magic ‘til we got that letter from Hogwarts! Everyone just thought I was mental.”
“Lucky,” Lotus said, “I did have some magical qualities, though my grandparents always made me dismiss them as dreams.”
Harry nods awkwardly, as Ron huffs. “Imagine that.”
Lotus took Colin’s camera as Colin ran to Harry’s side, smiling brightly. Harry tried his best to smile, then– click!
Lotus sets it down, and Colin grabs it, happy. “Thank you, Harry! Thank you both!” He rushed off.
“Such a nice boy.” Lotus said softly.
Dean suddenly spoke, pointing up at the ceiling. “Ron, is that your owl?”
Alarmed, Ron looked up, eyes widening to see his familiar old, disheveled owl fly into the Great Hall from the open window and slam down, crashing into the table in front of Ron. The Slytherins all laughed, as Lotus leaned forward in alarm.
“Jeez, is he okay?!”
“He’s fine,” Ron sighs, “bloody bird’s a menace.” He took the red envelope from Errol, who suddenly straightened up, hooting woozily.
“Good job, Errol.” Lotus praised. He then flew away, leaving Ron with the red envelope.
When he took a look at it, he paled. “Oh, no!”
Seamus chuckled. “Look, everyone, Weasley’s got himself a Howler.”
Harry and Lotus looked at each other quizzically.
“D’ya know what the hell a Howler is?” Lotus whispered.
Harry shook his head. “No clue. Doesn’t sound good, though.”
“Go on, Ron.” Neville frowns. “I ignored one from my Gran once. It was horrible. ”
Ron tentatively opened the envelope, only for it to fly away from his hands, uncurling to form a sort of mouth , with the letter’s edges becoming teeth and the ribbon that was used to seal it becoming its tongue. Lotus and Harry gasped as it began to scream.
“RONALD WEALSEY!!” It screamed in a shrill voice, Mrs. Weasley’s voice . “HOW DARE YOU STEAL THE CAR! I AM ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED! YOUR FATHER’S NOW FACING AN INQUIRY AT WORK, AND IT’S ENTIRELY YOUR FAULT!!! IF YOU PUT ANOTHER TOE OUT OF LINE, WE’LL BRING YOU STRAIGHT HOME!” The Howler turned away from the terrified Ron and faced Ginny, who flinched a little.
“Oh, and Ginny dear, congratulations on making Gryffindor. Your father and I are so proud.” It added sweetly, before sticking its tongue out at Ron and then began to tear itself up, bursting into flames and exploding.
Lotus sat there in total shock, while Harry’s eyes were wide. Ron’s face burned with embarrassment and shame, while Ginny just laughed awkwardly. Fred and George whistled.
“Yikes, tough break, Ronniekins,” George muttered.
“Oy, shut up.” Ron snapped, looking down. Lotus saw the other students snicker quietly, and frowned.
How rude, she bet they’d be just as embarrassed if their guardian sent a Howler to them and screamed in their face in front of their friends and enemies.
Lotus huffed, patting Ron on the back. “At least they didn’t directly pull you out, am I right?”
Harry nodded, his hand joining Lotus’s. “Y–yeah…” He whispers, still shocked that Mrs. Weasley could be that furious. Though, it wasn’t totally unlike her, from what he remembered back at the Burrow.
Suddenly, another howl hoots. Marco Polo, she realized. His wings fluttered, landing in front of her with a letter in his beak.
“Aww, Marco, I was hoping you didn’t come with a letter.” She laughed weakly. “Here…” As she poured water into an empty bowl, Neville tilted his head.
“D-do you have a Howler too?”
“Nope.” Lotus replied. “Muggle grandparents, remember?”
She paused, grabbing the letter from Marco Polo’s mouth as he turned around chirping as he drank the water. “Actually, since my dad was here, I’m sure they learned how to use a Howler… Let’s hope it’s not! Doesn’t look red so far.”
She opened it, before reading the contents- at least, in her mind.
Lotus, we are utterly proud and disappointed in you.
An uncomfortable bubble filled her chest, though it didn’t sting, due to seeing the crossed out word. She chuckled weakly, before she continued.
Be glad they didn’t expel you yet, but please be more careful. If something’s going on, please tell us. Don’t be afraid to turn to us for any sort of help. We understand that we’re not magical, but we would like to help.
Please try not to get into any more trouble this year. We love you, sweetheart.
- Grandpa and Granny
“Hold on, Ron, there’s a message for you.” Lotus spoke up. Ron looked over, tilting his head.
“P.S.- Tell that Ronald boy that he did exceptional in driving.”
Ron snorted, finding some humor but was still pretty depressed.
“You’ve got nice grandparents.” Neville smiled, to which Lotus thanked him, slipping the letter into one of her books for later.
“We… should probably head to class, Ron.” Lotus said. “Hermione’ll meet us there.” Ron nodded quietly, sighing as he hurried off.
She shook her head. “Man, I would hate for my grandparents to send a Howler, if they even could.”
“I think Uncle Vernon would just be happy I got in trouble.” Harry meekly replied as they followed after Ron. As they went down the long halls to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, Lotus felt her worries drift, and her smile grow.
“What?” Ron asks.
“Oh, nothing.” She giggled. Ron looked at Harry, this time the two were staring at her .
“Mental, that one.” Ron muttered.
“Wh- hey! The second I start feeling something you call me mental? Now I regret helping you!” She huffed, laughing. Ron held his hands up.
“Sorry.”
“It is so your fault!” Lotus sighs, shaking her head. “Whatever, I’m just… excited to see who our new teacher is, obviously.”
“I have a sneaking suspicion on who it is.” Harry murmured. “I just hope I’m wrong.”
Confused, Ron looked at Lotus and Harry. “What? Who is it? Who is it? ”
Lotus shrugged. “I dunno, Ronald, I dunno what Harry’s thinking. Come on, I don’t wanna be late.”
“But we’re not always late…”
── .✦
“Oh, bloody hell. ” Ron groaned.
Lotus beamed.
Harry shook his head.
As the three joined Hermione, who looked excited (as did other girls in the classroom), they noticed an abundance of paintings, all of a certain blonde-haired man. The door to the office above opens, and Lockhart walks out, leaning on the railing with a small smirk.
Lotus sat up straighter, a faint blush painting her cheeks. Harry rolled his eyes beside her.
“Let me introduce you to your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher: me, Gilderoy Lockhart, Order of Merlin, Third Class, Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defense League, and five-time winner of… Witch Weekly’s Most Charming Smile Award. ” He smiled, showing off his perfect, white teeth.
Hermione gently squeezed Lotus’s arm.
“I know, right?” Lotus whispered back.
“But I don’t talk about that. I didn’t get rid of the Bandon Banshee by smiling at him.” He laughed at his own joke, but no one else responded. Lotus, Hermione, and the other girls seemed totally starstruck and enchanted by Lockhart, while the boys seemed to be confused. He walked over, glancing at their desks. “I see you’ve all bought a complete set of my books, well done.”
‘You signed them too!!’ Lotus internally screamed and almost felt her entire face grow hot when Lockhart looked at her with those beautiful blue eyes.
“Now, I thought we’d start today with… a little quiz.” He grabbed pieces of paper, passing them out. “Nothing to worry about,” he added upon seeing their panicked faces, “just to… check how well you read them.”
“Thank you.” Both Hermione and Lotus say softly when taking a quiz from him.
“Yes, indeed, how much you’ve, uh, taken in!” He smiled.
Ron stared at the quiz. “Wh– what?! Look at all these questions! They’re all about him!”
Harry squinted his eyes. “ What is Gilderoy Lockhart’s favorite color?”
“What is Gilderoy Lockhart’s greatest achievement to date?” Ron groaned in annoyance.
“Um, duh, it’s lilac.” Lotus huffed quietly.
“Of course you’d know that.” Harry snorted.
“Huh?”
“Nothing.”
Lotus glared at him though she had no real malice, before chuckling.
Lockhart returned to his seat, tapping his finger on the table. “You have thirty minutes. Start… now!”
The kids all start to write.
Lotus realized she hadn’t even gotten her quills out, and fumbled to reach in. She took out the special quills, wrapped in a red velvet handle with gold lining. Setting it on the paper, it came to life, floating up and dipping itself in the ink bottle she had just taken out. She was in the midst of thinking (and thus the quill translating her answer) when she looked up, seeing Lockhart stare at her in curiosity.
“I hope that’s not cheating, Ms. Inag.” He said.
Lotus shook her head frantically. “O-oh! No, of course not, Professor Lockhart.” She stumbled for words. “I… special quills, given to me by Professor Dumbledore.”
“Ah. Very well then, continue. So long as they give you your answers.”
After thirty minutes passed, Lockhart had confiscated all of the quizzes and looked over them. He shook his head, sighing in disappointment. “Tut, tut, hardly any of you remembered that my favorite color is lilac- except for you , Ms. Inag. Good girl.” He winked.
Lotus felt her heard explode out of her chest, like she was on cloud nine. She resisted the urge to jump out of her seat and scream something dumb like ‘ I WON THE LOTTERY!’ Meanwhile, Ron winced, Harry looked confused, and Draco, for once, looked astounded and a little disgusted. “And Ms. Hermione Granger knew that my secret ambition is to rid the world of evil and market my own range of hair care potions. Good job as well.” At that, Hermione smiled bashfully.
Lockhart set the quizzes aside, before he pulled out his wand. “Now, be warned! It is my job to arm you against the foulest creatures known to wizardkind.” He tapped a cage covered by a velvet rag. “You may find yourselves facing your worst fears in this room.”
His voice took on a more gentle tone. “Know only that no harm can befall you whilst I am here. I must ask you not to scream, it might… PROVOKE THEM!” He pulled the cover off the cage, revealing small blue creatures with wings.
Lotus’s eyes widened. Pixies? Or… weird ugly fairies?
“Cornish Pixies?” Seamus rose an eyebrow.
‘Oh. I was right.’ Lotus thought.
“Freshly caught Cornish Pixies.” Lockhart corrected. Seamus laughed, causing the corner of his lip to twitch downwards a little. Lotus frowns.
‘How rude, Seamus! He’s trying his best!’
But Lockhart acted as if nothing was affecting him. “Laugh if you will, Mr. Finnigan, but pixies can be devilishly tricky little blighters. Let’s see what you make of them now!” He unlocked the cage, letting the pixies out. They immediately began to start swarming around the classroom, wreaking havoc. The students jumped back in sudden fright, even Seamus seemed unsure now. “Come on now, round them up, round them up!” He requested. “They’re only pixies!”
Neville shouted in fear as two pixies grabbed him by his ears. “Ow! Ow ow ow!” He whimpered as they hoisted him up into the air and hung him on the chandelier by his robe. Neville was shaking like a wet dog after getting out of the rain.
Lotus panicked. “Neville!” Harry called out. Ron looked back, seeing most of the students had ran out at this point; it was just them now. One pixie pulled at Hermione’s hair, which she was screaming at to let go of her.
Lotus yelped as several pixies pulled on her arms. “Wait! Ugh! You little fools! Stoooo-AH!” She cried out in pain as she hit a wall. “Ow…” She slowly slid down, clutching her arm.
“Lotus!” Harry called out in worry, but was distracted by a pixie. “Stop, hold still!” He grumbled, smacking it with a book.
Lockhart fumbled for his wand, reaching out. “Peskipiksi Pesternomi–” But before he could finish his spell, a pixie nicked the wand away from him. “Hey!” He looked frazzled and panicked, impotent and pathetic. Not at all like his usual look. The pixie flew up, breaking the chain that held a dragon skeleton, causing it to crash to the floor. Ron pulled Hermione away just in time, who was still trying to push that pixie off.
Lockhart ran back to his office, chasing after a few pixies carrying one of his paintings- who looked positively frightened. When he failed, he turned to Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lotus, the only students left at this point. “I’ll ask you four to just… nip the rest of them back into their cage.” He ducked into his office, hiding away from everyone.
Ron growls. “What do we do now?”
Lotus trudged over, grumbling. “I got it.” She held her wand up, shouting. “Immobulous!” The pixies all froze in midair. The other three sigh in relief.
“Thanks, Lotus,” Hermione said, going with Ron to gather them. Lotus’s hand was still up in the air, shaking before she lowered it, wincing.
It wasn’t the most powerful spell, but it still left her feeling a bit hazy…
Harry looked at her. “Are you alright?”
“Mhm.” She nods. “Peachy… Just… I need to sit down.”
As soon as she did, she looked up, eyes widening to see Neville. Guilt filled her chest- of course she had forgotten Neville.
Oh well, can’t win them all.
“Why is it always me?” Neville whimpered.
“Don’t worry Neville, we’ve got you!” Hermione casted a spell to make him float down.
“Thanks, Hermione.” Neville rubbed his back. “I hope that didn’t tear my robe.”
“No problem… now help us with these pixies!” Ron huffed. “Can’t believe he’s making us do this for him! What rubbish.”
“At least Seamus was wrong to laugh at these little guys.” Harry shrugged. “But you’re right, this should’ve been more under… uh, control, I guess.”
“Lay off on him, guys,” Lotus argued. “It’s his first day. No matter how talented we are, I’m sure he knows more.”
Hermione found herself agreeing. “Yeah!”
Ron, Harry, and Neville looked alarmed, but didn’t say anything as they all continued to gather the pixies.
Eventually, they finished, placing them all back in their cage. Shortly after, they seemed to come back to life, growing frustrated at their predicament. Lotus quickly drove the covers over them to hide them away again.
“Phew. Time to head out, everyone.” Ron said. “I cannot spend another minute in here!”
“Same.” Harry nodded.
“Uh, shouldn’t we let Professor Lockhart know we got his pixies back in order?” Lotus asked.
“You go do that. I’m outta here.” Ron marched out. Harry shrugs, before he and Neville followed. Hermione is the last to leave.
“Are you sure?” She asked.
“Yeah,” Lotus nods, “go on without me.”
As soon as she left and closed the door, Lotus heard another door open– the office. She looked up, seeing Lockhart peek his head out, as if anxious, then saw it was cleaner. He smiled, strutting down the corridor with his usual air of charm, making his way toward them. Lotus’s heart skipped a beat as she felt his gaze fall on her. He seemed unusually pleased, his hand brushing through his perfectly styled hair as he approached, his gaze lingering just a little too long on her.
"Well, well, looks like you've all done a marvelous job," he said, his voice dripping with the same exaggerated enthusiasm he always wore like a badge. His eyes lingered on her for a moment longer than the others, a small twinkle of something she couldn’t quite read in them. Lotus felt herself flush, her stomach fluttering as he drew closer, his steps slow and deliberate.
His hand rested lightly on the back of a nearby chair as he leaned toward her, offering a smile that seemed just a little too warm, just a little too personal . "You, Ms. Inag," he began, his voice dropping slightly as if sharing some sort of secret, "are clearly the real star of this operation. The way you handled those pixies—impressive. Not many could have kept their cool like that." Lotus felt her heart race as she awkwardly shuffled her feet, unsure whether to smile back or look away.
“Aw, thank you, Professor.” She said. “I just, um, used a spell Hermione taught me. Of course, that doesn’t go without saying Professor Flitwick is an inefficient teacher!”
Lockhart's smile widened as he straightened up, the slightest chuckle escaping his lips. "Of course, of course! Though, I must admit," he continued, as if the words were an afterthought, "I could have used someone like you in my... more dangerous adventures. You’d have made quite the partner."
The comment was odd, yet innocent enough, and Lotus found herself savoring it more than she probably should. She could feel the heat in her cheeks as he turned back toward his paintings, but his attention stayed just a little longer on her, and it made her wonder if he’d noticed her little crush. He probably hadn't, but the thought made her pulse quicken nonetheless.
"Thank you, Professor," she managed, trying to sound calm, though her voice came out just a bit higher than usual. She cursed the nervousness creeping into her words but found herself grateful for the way he made her feel alive, even if just for a moment.
Lockhart gave a wink before turning to head back into his office. "No need to thank me, Ms. Inag. Just keep doing your part," he said over his shoulder. He raised an eyebrow, noticing her clutch her arm. “Is everything the matter?”
“Huh? Oh! Yes, it’s just my ailment.” She explained. “I-I’m sure Professor Dumbledore’s… said it? To you?”
“Hmmm… oh yes! Arcanic Decay Syndrome?” He asks, spinning back to face her with the same plastered smile.
“ Arcane Decay Syndrome, but yeah, basically.” She replied. She rolled her sleeve up.
‘What’re you doing?’ Some rational part of her asked. But she felt comfortable showing him. ‘Already? When it took you months to show Harry?’ It took her a day to kind of show Hermione, but that was really only because Snape was there with her looking like a ruined photo.
‘... fair enough. ’
Lockhart’s eyes widened as he saw the tiniest bit of cracks on her arm. He seemed to soften, walking over. “Oh, you poor little thing…” Gently taking her arm, he observed it. Lotus looked at her arm.
“Wow, that’s actually not that bad of a turnout.” Lotus murmured. “I’ve never really dealt with these cracks. They were tiny, like… coin-shaped tiny when I was younger. But as I progress through school, they’re spreading a little. I’m worried, but Dumbledore claims there’s nothing to worry about.”
He hums, gently rubbing her shoulder, an action that made her smile widen. “You are quite strong, then, darling. No person I know can… handle this much pain.” His hand slid down to meet hers. “Of course, you have resilience as great as mine, dear! That speaks volumes!”
“Y-yes- you think so?” She tilted her head. When he nods, she pulled away, giggling. “Thank you, Professor.”
After a few seconds, she turns around. “I should head out before Harry or the others get into trouble.”
Lockhart tilted his head. “Oh, alright. But Ms. Inag, I must let you know…” She shuddered as she felt his hand on her shoulder. “If you ever need to talk, or say anything that you’re not sure to dump on your friends , please, feel free to come to me.”
Lotus blushed, before humming in confirmation. “You got it, Professor.” She hurried out, trying to hide the fact she looked like a giddy cat.
── .✦
The next day, Harry was serving his detention and thus couldn’t hang out, so Lotus stuck with Ron and Hermione.
“I wonder who’s watching Harry during detention.” Lotus said.
Ron shrugged as Hermione slung her bag over her shoulder. “Probably Professor Lockhart.” She replied, voice soft and airy. Ron scoffed at her.
“Are you kidding me? He isn’t all that he’s cracked out to be, I can tell. I mean, even if he was, he’s just so off . So show-y and smug.” Ron waved his hand. “Anyways, I think my wand is done for.”
“If yesterday wasn’t any proof.” Lotus snickers. Ron shook his head.
“Don’t laugh at that! I was coughing up so many slugs!” He snaps, but couldn’t fight the smile that threatened to take over his face.
“That was a bit disgusting, Ronald, but what else did you expect when you used your… broken wand?” Hermione questioned.
Ron sighs. “Mum and Dad’s gonna kill me once they find out.”
“Surely it won’t take too much to replace or fix it.” Lotus replied, turning to him. As the three walked down the hall, Ron continued to complain about how much of a fortune it’d cost to get an entirely new wand.
“I don’t think it’ll be that much.” Lotus frowns.
“You’re just saying that because you have money!” Ron frowns. “Sorry, I didn’t mean it badlly.”
“Nah, it’s cool.” She shook her head.
“He’s not wrong, though.” Hermione noted. “It’ll take a whole month, at best to make a new wand.”
“You think I don’t know that?” Lotus laughed, whipping her own wand out as the other two flinched. “ Gun wand , baaabyyyyy!”
“Right, forgot you had that.” Ron rubbed the back of his neck. “How much it cost you?”
“50 Galleons.” Lotus watched Ron’s eyes bulge out of his sockets, mouth dropping. “But that’s for such a unique design. You guys do know you could just… get an entirely new wand that’s already created, right?”
“Of course!” Hermione quipped. “I had forgotten.”
“Right…” Ron mumbled. “This is passed down from Charlie…”
“See? It’ll be okay, Ron.” Lotus encouraged. “It won’t be much to buy a new wand that’s already been made. Not everything has to be freshly created.”
“I suppose.” Ron responded. Suddenly, the three froze midstep, seeing Harry looking around like a madman.
“Harry…?” Hermione walked over, frowning.
“Did you hear it?” Harry asked, terrified. Hermione, Lotus, and Ron looked each other, confused.
“Hear what?” Ron inquired, concerned and worried. “What’s wrong?”
“That voice!”
Hermione squinted her eyes. “Voice? Harry , what voice??
“I-I heard it first in Lockhart’s office, and then, again, just–” Harry perked up, as if he heard it again.
“Harry, what’s going on? You’re acting like a- like a crazy person !” Lotus hissed, worried for her best friend.
Tense, Harry began to storm off. “It’s moving. I think it’s going to kill!”
Alarmed, Lotus, Ron, and Hermione ran after him. The sounds of their footsteps pitter-pattering against the tiles echoed off the walls. “ ‘Kill’? ” Ron questioned, mortified.
“Harry, wait! Not so fast!” Hermione shrieked.
“Please! I can’t keep up!” Lotus huffed. “Harry!”
She accidentally ran into him once he stopped running. “Wh-?” She blinks, seeing the floor is wet. Harry stepped to the right, avoiding it. They followed him, only to stop abruptly when a bunch of spiders scurried away from a crack in the window.
“Eek!” Lotus and Ron scream as they clutched each other, jumping away.
“Strange… I’ve never seen spiders act like that.” Harry noted, while Hermione nodded. Meanwhile, the other two were shaking like leaves.
“I don’t like spiders.” Ron shivered. Lotus nodded in agreement. Then, both their eyes drifted to something else on the floor.
Hermione followed their gaze to the puddle of water, and in it’s reflection on the wall was what appeared to bloody writing. Hermione looked up at the wall, eyes widening as she read the bloody text out loud.
“THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAS BEEN OPENED. ENEMIES OF THE HEIR, BEWARE.”
Lotus tilted her head in confusion as Hermione winced. “It’s written in blood. How…?”
Harry looked over to the left, paling. “Oh, no.”
“What? What’s wrong–”
Hermione gasped, covering her mouth. They ran over to the sight.
“It’s Filch’s Cat… Mrs. Norris.” Harry murmured shakily. Indeed, tied to a torch on the wall, stiff and unmoving, was Mrs. Norris, fur standing up on her back like the last thing she had seen was something so utterly terrifying. Lotus turned around, paling as Percy walked into the corridor, leading the other Gryffindor House students. Their eyes widened in horror at the sight.
Before Lotus could explain, more people showed up, gawking at the bloody writing and Mrs. Norris’s predicament. Madam Pomfrey’s face was ashen, expressing horror and shock; meanwhile, Colin got his camera ready, but Percy placed his hand on the mechanic, pushing it down. Colin frowned, but didn’t protest.
Draco quinted his eyes as he read the message. “ Enemies of the Heir, beware .” He looked at the Gryffindor House students, smirking. “You’ll be next, Mudbloods.”
“The hell’s a Mudblood?” Lotus murmured as Ron scowled and glared at him. Hermione gripped her sleeve, wincing at the namecalling.
‘Whatever MUDBLOOD is must be bad,’ she thought, crossing her arms. “Uhh, okay, whatever.” Draco seemed to scowl at her, but then turned away as soon as Filch pushed his way through the crowd.
“What’s going on here?” He spat. “Go on, make way.” At the front, he glared at Harry. “Potter… what are you…?” He trailed off, looking up and saw the frozen body of his cat, shaking. “Oh. Oh no. Mrs. Norris…” He looked at Harry again, fury in his eyes. “You mudered my cat.”
Harry’s eyes widened in alarm. “No– No!”
“Mr. Filch! He didn’t–” Lotus protested.
But, as Darco, Crabbe, and Goyle grin, Filch growls. “I’ll kill you.” He grinned like a maniac, grabbing him by his shirt. “I’ll kill you!”
“Harry!” Lotus yelled, reaching for her wand.
“Argus?” Dumbledore’s voice rang through the crowd. The students all stepped aside, letting Professor Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape arrive. “Argus, I…” He froze, seeing the writing on the wall. Then, he relaxed, taking on a more serious expression. “Everyone will proceed to their dormitories immediately.”
Everyone made their way out, and Lotus moved to usher the other three away, when Dumbledore added. “Everyone except you four.”
“Shit.” Lotus grumbled, as they turned around. Behind them, the prefects led the students back to the class.
“Professors, Filch, I swear neither Harry nor us were involved at all with this–” Lotus began, voice shaking.
“You’re correct.” Dumbledore nods. “She’s not dead, Argus. She has been petrified.”
Filch trembled. From relief or confusion? Maybe both.
Lockhart sighs, shaking his head. “Ah. Thought so. So unlucky I wasn’t there… I know exactly the countercurse that could’ve spared her.”
“Do you know what caused it, then?” Lotus asked, amazed. Lockhart flushed, before shaking his head.
“Dear girl, there’s…” he paused, “a multitude of ways someone could end up in this sorry state. Of course, not to say dear Filch’s cat is sorry, but the state is.” Lotus nodded eagerly. Nearby, Snape’s lip tightened into an impatient frown, while McGonagall held back a slight sigh.
Dumbledore smiled and nodded. “But how she has been petrified I cannot say.”
Filch gestured towards Harry, angry again. “Ask him. It’s him that done it. You saw what he wrote on the wall.”
Ron, Hermione, and Lotus argued.
“Hold on, now-”
“It couldn’t have been! We saw him far away from the scene and we were all shocked at the same time-”
“Harry is not that tall!”
Everyone looked at Lotus.
“What? It’s true.”
Harry shook his head. “It’s not true, sir. I swear. I never touched Mrs. Norris.”
Filch sneered. “Rubbish.”
Snape cut in, surprising Lotus. “If I might, headmaster. Perhaps Potter and his friends were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Lotus nodded eagerly. “Yes- yes! Of course we were, you’re so smart, Professor-”
“However, the circumstances are suspicious. I for one don’t recall seeing Potter at dinner.”
She deflated, but Lockhart also comes in with a save. “I’m afraid that is my doing, Severus. You see, Harry was helping me answer my fanmail.”
Harry instinctively rubbed his wrist. “Lots.”
Hermione nods. “That’s why Ron, Lotus and I went looking for him, Professor. We just found him when he said…” She looked at Harry.
Snape tilted his head, a hint of cruel curiosity in his eyes. “Yes, Ms. Granger?”
“When I said I wasn’t hungry.” Harry cut in. Snape turned to him now. “We were heading back to the common room when we found Mrs. Norris.”
Ron and Lotus nodded eagerly in agreement. Snape turned towards Professor Dumbledore, raising an eyebrow.
Dumbledore sighs. “Innocent until proven guilty, Severus.”
As Snape smiled slightly, Filch wailed, voice raspy. “My cat has been petrified. I want to see some punishment !”
Dumbledore placed a hand on his shoulder. “We will be able to cure her, Argus. As I understand it, Madame Sprout has a very healthy growth of Mandrakes. When matured, a potion will be made, which will revive Mrs. Norris. And in the meantime, I strongly recommend caution… to all.”
The four children nodded quickly, rushing away to head back to the common room. Moments later, they are walking along the Grand Staircase, catching a staircase before it changed courses. In the background, numerous staircases switched, floated, and replaced each other.
“It’s a bit strange, isn’t it?” Hermione frowns.
“‘Strange’??” Harry asked.
Hermione faced Harry. “You hear this voice, one only you can hear, and then Mrs. Norris turns up petrified. It’s just… strange.”
Lotus nods. “Yeah, and scary! I mean, of course, I’m sure you didn’t cause this , but it’s still terrifying!”
“You think I should’ve told them, Dumbledore and the others, I mean?”
“No!”
“Are you mad?” Ron asked.
“No, Harry.” Hermione shook her head. “Even in the Wizarding World, hearing voiecs isn’t a good sign.” She turned around, walking along.
Then…
“She’s right, you know.”
Harry and Ron stared at the painting, deadpan, before they hurried along. Lotus nods in agreement.
── .✦
Lotus was worried for Ron. Oh, not in a genuine way, as in worrying for his safety, but worried academically. She watched him stare at his taped wand in Transfigurations Class, weak-willed. She pulled her own out slowly, setting it on the table. A day doesn’t go by without some random person staring at it’s peculiar shape.
‘Well, screw you, everyone. I think it’s cool, and it helps with grip.’
“Could I have your attention, please?” Professor McGongall started to walk around. “Right. Now, today we will be transforming animals into water goblets.”
At this, some people stared in confusion. Draco shrugged.
“Like so.” She stops right next to a bird resting on a post, before she tapped her wand on the bird.
“One, two three– Vera Verto. ” Suddenly, a stream of magic emitted from her wand, coiling around the bird before it transformed into a goblet, shining like silver with blue gems on the sides. The other students expressed awe and amazement, leaning forward.
“Now it’s your turn. Who would like to go first?”
Lotus thought of raising her hand, but then didn’t. What if she failed it? What if it took a lot out of her? What if-
“Ah! Mr. Weasley.” McGonagall stopped in front of him, smiling. “One, two, three, Verta Verto.”
Ron looked surprised, then worried. “Ahem!” He silently tapped his wand towards Scabbers, his rat, three times, then spoke. “Verta Verto.” Scabbers squealed, before turning into a… furry goblet, adorned with a wagging, frightened tail while the goblet squeaked.
Lotus grimaced in disgust, but couldn’t hold back a giggle. Similarly, Harry and other students cracked a grin, laughing.
Professor McGonagall frowned as Ron held up the furry goblet that was his pet, Scabbers. “That wand needs replacing, Mr. Weasley.”
Hermione’s hand shot up.
“Yes, Ms. Granger?”
She lowered her hand. “Professor, I was wondering if you could tell us about the Chamber of Secrets.” Lotus stops, looking at her with a raised eyebrow. Draco looked surprised as well.
‘It can’t be that easy, right?’
Professor McGonagall’s lips parted in surprise, but saw that the other students looked curious and interested as well.
“Very well.” She began to stroll around once again. “Well, you all know, of course, that Hogwarts was founded over a thousand years ago by the four greatest witches and wizards of the age: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin . Now, three of these founders coexisted quite harmoniously. One did not.”
Ron turned to Harry, whispering. “Three guesses who.” Harry snorted.
Lotus frowns. ‘It must suck to be a Slytherin sometimes, but I guess these guys do act like Salazar.’
McGonagall continued. “Salazar Slytherin wished to be more… selective about the students admitted to Hogwarts. He believed magical learning should be kept within all-magic families. In other words, pure-bloods.”
Lotus didn’t miss how Draco and Hermione glared at each other. Lotus winced.
“Hehe, I’d like to see his reaction to seeing my dad in his house.” Lotus whispered to Harry, who snickered.
McGonagall ignored them. “Unable to sway the others, he decided to leave the school. Now, according to legend, Slytherin had built a hidden chamber in this castle, known as the Chamber of Secrets. Well, shortly before departing, he sealed it, until that time when his own true heir returned to the school. The Heir alone would be able to open the Chamber, and unleash the horror within, and by so doing, purge the school of all of those who, in Slytherin’s view, were unworthy to study magic.”
Lotus paled as Hermione uttered the obvious. “Muggle-borns.”
Professor McGonagall pointed her wand to her, nodding affirmatively.
“Well, naturally the school has been seearched many times. No such Chamber has been found.”
As she walked back to her desk, Lotus spoke up.
“Professor, uh, what exactly is in there? Like… the ‘horror within’.”
Professor McGonagall sighs, turning to her. “Well, the Chamber is said to be home ot something that only the Heir of Slytherin can control. It is said to be the home of a monster.”
Hermione felt the color drain from her face, while Ron looked disgusted and horrified, turning to a smug-looking Draco.
Later on, Lotus was thinking as she walked with the four.
‘A monster only the Heir of Slytherin can control…’
‘Bet it’s related to the petrified Mrs. Norris and the obvious bloody writing on the wall…’
‘It’s a snake, huh? What snake has petrifying qualities?’
Lotus looked up to speak, but Ron spoke faster.
“Do you think it’s true? Do you really think there is a Chamber of Secrets ?”
Hermione nods. “Yes. Couldn’t you tell? McGonagall’s worried. All the teachers are.”
Harry whispered as Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle walked behind them. “But if there really is a Chamber of Secrets, and it really has been opened, then that means…”
Hermione spoke up. “The Heir of Slytherin has returned to Hogwarts. The question is, who is it?”
“Hey guys, why don’t we focus on the monster possibly let loose too?” Lotus asks.
“Yeah, but, we don’t know. I’m starting to think…” Ron looks at Draco and Goyle as they walked past them, Crabbe running to keep up. “Who do we know who thinks all Muggle-borns are scum?”
“If you’re talking about Malfoy…” Hermione trailed off.
“Of course! You herd him: ‘ You’ll be next, mudbloods’. ” Ron recited.
“Guys!” Lotus huffed.
“I heard him.” Hermione nods. “But Malfoy, the Heir of Slytherin?”
“Well, maybe Ron’s right, Hermione. I mean, look at his family, the whole lot of them have been in Slytherin for centuries.”
Lotus was starting to get frustrated. No way could they treat their eldest friend like this!
“Crabbe and Goyle must know. Maybe we could trick them into telling.” Ron rubbed his hands together maliciously.
“Even they aren’t that thick.” Hermione scoffed. “... But there might be another way. Mind you, it would be difficult, not to mention, we’d be breaking fifty school rules, and it’ll be dangerous, very dangerous .”
Lotus ran in front of them, and stopped them, alarming the three. “Guys!” She snapped, before relaxing. “Listen to me. Maybe it is Draco. Maybe it isn’t. But isn’t it also important to investigate the monster too?? And think– if it really is going after Muggles, why did it, whatever it is, petrify Mrs. Norris?”
The three thought.
“If the Heir of Slytherin controls this thing, then would it be a snake? What snake has such qualities?”
“I dunno.” Ron shrugged. Hermione frowns.
“I’ll… study it later, Lotus.”
“You better! I will too.” Lotus nods. She then turned away, sighing. “I’ll see you guys later.”
“Where are you going?”
“To, er, help Professor Lockhart out with fixing his portraits.” She said, walking away from them.
“Oh. Okay.” Harry looked a little disappointed.
She didn’t know why she felt like that to her own friends- and honestly, she felt a little bad. But they weren’t thinking about this right, and it was starting to frustrate her.
Lotus yelped as she ran into Professor Snape. “I-I’m sorry, Professor.” She apologized quickly, sidestepping. “I was going to Professor Lockhart’s to, er, fix his portraits. He asked…”
“I did not ask for a life story, Ms. Inag.” He scowled. “I won’t take points off, but you be careful.”
She nods. “Mhm! Of course. My apologies.” Lotus quickly hurried off, as he stared at her. His scowl faded slightly, but he plastered it back on, striding down the hall.
Notes:
Next chapter starts off sickening, but for us, not for Lotus.
Thank you for reading. Stay tuned, kudos are appreciated <3
Chapter 9: 𓆙 Things Go Wrong
Summary:
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
Lotus feels bad for Harry. He can't catch a break- from getting his arm broken, to everyone finding out he's a Parselmouth, she's worried for him and for herself.
Alternatively, she starts to enjoy Lockhart even more.
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉☒ 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 ☒
- Emotional Manipulation
- Grooming (technically)
Notes:
Yeah, it might be a bit fast paced and weirdly worded, but I like my stories. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope you want to punch Lockhart as much as I always have wanted to.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
She gently hit her knuckles over the large doors, before standing back. Lotus hummed anxiously, practicing a smile and some chosen phrases.
“Wow, that’s so cool!” “You’re so talented, Professor Lockhart.”
Suddenly, the door opens. Lockhart looked down at her, before he smiled. “Ah, there you are! I was beginning to think you bailed out on helping me adjust my paintings!”
“O-oh, no,” She stammered, “I could never! I’m sorry, I ran into Professor Snape earlier and just-”
“Ah, Snape.” He shook his head, his smile widening with a touch of mockery. “Always so serious, that one. Don’t let him intimidate you. A bit of a sour fellow, if you ask me.” He stepped aside, gesturing to the room. “But, no matter! You’re here now, and that’s what matters. Let’s get to work, shall we?”
She nodded, still unsure about the strange tension between Snape and Lockhart, but she didn't want to appear rude. “Of course, Professor.” She followed him into the room, glancing briefly at the odd collection of paintings that hung crookedly on the walls. “Where should I start?”
“Well, you should start with taking them down. Do not worry, I’m not cruel, my dear, I’ll help.”
“Okay.” Lotus moved to take her wand out, but he stops her.
“Ah, I was hoping we could do it.. Y’know, the Muggle way!” He grinned.
Lotus blinked, taken aback by his suggestion. “The Muggle way?” she echoed, unsure what he meant.
“Yes, yes! No magic involved,” Lockhart said with a flourish, as if it were the most exciting proposition. He grabbed a nearby ladder and set it up beneath one of the paintings. “A little hands-on approach, my dear. You’ll see, it’ll be fun!”
Lotus hesitated but then nodded, trying to hide her confusion. She had never imagined a wizard like Lockhart taking down paintings without the use of magic. Still, there was something oddly charming about Lockhart’s enthusiasm.She stepped forward, reluctantly placing her hands on the first painting’s frame. It was heavier than it looked, and as she tried to lift it, she couldn't help but notice the amused glint in Lockhart’s eyes.
“I mean, I am a Muggle, and I know how hard it is to lift these things off..” She started. “But if we work together, I think we can!”
“That’s the spirit!” Lockhart agreed. They took down the paintings, all of which flashed a charming smile at Lotus, who blushed, giggling softly. After a few minutes, when they all got the paintings down, Lockhart wiped his hands, turning to her. “Now, we reassign them by creation date.”
“Oo, yeah, I guess that makes sense.” Lotus nods. “Okay, let’s do that, Professor Lockhart–” Before she could finish, he tutted, pressing a finger to her lips.
“Normally I shouldn’t be so informal, but please, sweet thing, you’ve earned my favor!” He laughed heartily. “Please, call me Gilderoy.”
Lotus’s face turned a shade of pink, and she bit back a grin.
‘Holy. HOLY!!! OH MY GOSH!!!’ She had to put a balled fist up, fingers to her mouth, to avoid screaming. Gilderoy Lockhart had always been a figure she admired ever since she saw him at the store (so, admittedly, not very long). She never imagined she'd be working so closely with him.
“Alright... Gilderoy ,” she said, her voice light with elation. “It’s a pleasure to finally help you with something!”
“Ah, the pleasure is mine, dear girl,” he replied with a wink, as he began sorting the paintings by their creation dates. “I do appreciate your enthusiasm. Not many students would jump at the chance to spend an afternoon with a wizard such as myself.”
Lotus giggled again, finding it hard to hold back her fan-like excitement. She glanced over at him, watching the way he moved so confidently, almost theatrically, and she couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest. “Well, it’s not every day I get to work with someone so... famous,” she said shyly, the words almost slipping out before she could stop them.
Lockhart beamed, clearly pleased. “Famous, yes, but humble, too,” he added with a dramatic sigh. “You know, the key to true greatness is modesty.” He winked again. “But enough about me– let’s focus on this masterpiece of a room we’re creating together!”
Lotus nodded, more than happy to continue the work, though her mind kept wandering back to how surreal it felt to be standing there beside Gilderoy Lockhart, sharing this moment.
After a few more minutes of careful arrangement, the last of the paintings was placed in its new position. Lotus stepped back, admiring the room's transformation. It had been more work than she’d expected, but somehow, with Lockhart's constant chatter and the unexpected calm in the air, it had been fun.
"Done!" she announced, wiping her hands on her robes, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
“Marvelous work, Lotus!” Gilderoy Lockhart exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with pride as he surveyed the room. “I can always count on you to brighten up the place with that enthusiasm of yours.”
Lotus smiled, a bit bashful. “I’m glad I could help, Gilderoy. Honestly, I never expected I’d be spending the day doing this with you.” She found herself rocking back and forth on her heel and toes.
“Ah, and yet here we are,” he said with a knowing smile. He stepped closer to her, his voice lowering just slightly as if the atmosphere had shifted. “You’ve truly impressed me, Lotus. Your knowledge... when you answered so many of my questions on the quiz, it showed how much you really care about what I do. Most students, they only want to know about the glamour- the fame and the adventures. But you,” he paused, his gaze softening as he looked at her, “you understand me. You appreciate the work behind the fame.”
She blinked, her heart racing a little at the intensity in his eyes. “Well, I didn’t really know who you were until I, uh, saw you on the listings for required books. Then when I actually saw you in person… I was in awe! You looked so hands– er, cool!”
He smiled, his proximity growing closer as he reached out to gently take her slightly cracked hand into his own. Lotus froze, feeling the soft warmth of his fingers brushing against her skin, his touch more intimate than she expected. He glanced down at her hand, then back at her with a tender expression.
“You’ve shown such dedication,” he said softly. “Like when the pixies went crazy during that lesson... most people would’ve run for the door, but you stayed behind, eager to help. You didn’t flinch, even when things got chaotic.” He paused, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment, as if weighing his next words. “It’s rare to find someone who truly understands –not just the magic, but the person behind it.”
Lotus couldn’t speak, her breath catching in her throat as she tried to process the intensity of his words. She found a voice, though, and stammered. “W-w-well, Harry, Ron, and Hermione stayed behind too..” She felt a little dizzy, not sure if it was from the closeness or from the fact that Gilderoy Lockhart was being so... personal.
“They might have, but you stayed after, you know.”
She barely noticed the subtle shift as he gently kissed the knuckle of her cracked hand, the sensation sending a strange, warm tingle up her arm.
He pulled back, his smile still soft but now almost wistful. “I hope we can work together more in the future, Lotus. You've earned my respect- more than anyone else ever could.”
Her heart was pounding, and she almost stumbled back in surprise. “Of course, Gilderoy,” she managed, her voice quieter than usual. “I’d like that.”
“Good,” he replied with a smile that made her feel like the center of the universe. “Now, go on. I wouldn’t want to keep you from your studies, but remember– there’s always room for you here.”
With a final, lingering glance, he stepped back and waved her off. Lotus left the room feeling like she was walking on air, her mind still whirling from the unexpected intimacy and the soft admiration in his voice. She couldn’t help but wonder if there was more to his words than she realized.
As soon as she left, she pumped her fists in the air triumphantly, jumping up and down. Her robes waved with every motion as she giggled, spinning around. ‘Finally, something that felt like hers.’
She hadn’t realized it before, but with Harry, she was often a second thought. She knew it wasn’t Harry’s fault, but it hurt a little, to feel less important solely because of the fact he survived a curse.
‘I kinda did that!’ She thought. ‘And now I have someone who truly cares! Who’s concerned for me!’
Lotus smiled, forcing herself to calm down.
Okay. Quidditch should be later. She should really meet up with Hermione and Ron for that…
── .✦
Lotus looked around, pulling her scarf up as the other Quidditch players zoomed above the stands. She winced as a Bludger nearly hits Harry.
“Be careful!” Lotus yelled, even though he might not even hear her.
Ron squinted his eyes as the Bludger seemed to… circle back to Harry? “Blimey, what’s wrong with that thing?” he frowned.
The three gasped when the Bludger hit Oliver’s broom, causing him to jerk forward.
“AH!” Oliver gasped, holding on for dear life.
“Oh no, Harry!! GO AWAY!” Hermione shouts as the Bludger began to chase him around the stadium. Many people tilted their head or gasped, as Harry desperately tried to evade the Bludger.
“Not again. Last year it was Quirrell messing with Harry’s broom and now this?!” Lotus winced. While trying to escape the Bludger, Harry found himself a bit too close to some Ravenclaw students, who all screamed as he flew above them and moved out of the way. Meanwhile, Hagrid was watching the whole thing from his binoculars. He lowered them grimacing.
“Blimey, Harry’s got ‘imself a rogue Bludger!” He pointed at the spectacle. “That’s been tampered with, that has!”
“Who has it out for Harry, though! Something like that must take concentration!” Lotus said, grabbing his binoculars. She looked around. “I don’t see anyone uttering something…”
“I’ll stop it!” Ron (valiantly) said, whipping out his wand. However, Hermione pushed it down, shaking her head.
“No! Even with a proper wand, it’s too risky. You could hit Harry!”
Lotus nodded. “She’s right…”
So, they were forced to watch as Harry kept trying to evade the Bludger. Eventually, it seemed Harry saw the Snitch, because he quickly flew off- with Draco following. They dug down in to the trench around the pit. Ron leaned over, trying to watch.
As soon as the Snitch, Draco, and Harry flew over the crowd, Colin eager took a photograph. Lotus reached over, pulling him down in time before the Bludger could hit him, still eager on knicking Harry.
“Oh Merlin, the Bludger’s bouncing off the walls!” Hermione yelled.
“Uh oh.” Hagrid’s eyebrows furrowed in concern. Suddenly, everyone gasped as Draco lost balance of his broom, crashing onto the grass. As he tumbled, the crowd murmured, alarmed- especially the Slytherin tower. However, Lucius only seemed to hold disappointment.
Lotus frowned. Why did she feel… guilty, for Draco?? He called Hermione (and basically her) a slur. ‘But children are taught prejudice!’
Still. Jerk move.
Lotus blinked. Oh yeah, Harry was still in the game. She turned over, seeing Harry fly around. His hand was slowly reaching out for the Snitch, only to flinch as the Bludger slammed into his arm. Ron and Lotus winced. Harry quickly clutched his right arm to his chest, wrapping his legs around the broom tightly as he leaned forward, grabbing the Snitch with his left hand. He then fell down, tumbling.
“Let’s go!” Hermione yelled, running down the stands. Hagrid, Lotus, and Ron quickly followed, worried.
‘Harry Potter has caught the Snitch. Gryffindor wins!’ Gryffindor cheered especially loudly while Slytherin booed at yet another loss.
However the excitement (and disappointment) didn’t last when the Bludger flew at Harry, still trying to attack him. Harry managed to keep dodging it, rolling away, but he whimpered in pain due to his arm.
When the four made it onto the field, Hermione held her wand up. “Finite Incantatem!”
The rogue Bludger gave a slight screech before it blew up. Lotus gave Hermione a satisfied pat on the back, before she turned to Harry. Lockhart, as well as a few other students, also approached the group. Lotus waved Lockhart over.
“Thanks.” Harry winced.
“Are you okay?” Hermione asked, worried.
“He doesn’t look fine!” Ron replied, the sight of Harry’s bent art making him ill.
Harry shook his head. “No. I think my… I think my arm’s broken.”
Lotus frowns. “Uh oh, we should take you to Pomfrey’s-”
“Not to worry, Harry.” Lockhart knelt down beside him. Lotus looked at Ron, who rolled his eyes. “I will fix that arm of yours straight away.”
Harry’s eyes widened, shaking his head. “No. Not you. ” He gasped out.
Professor Lockhart tutted, chuckling. “Poor boy. Doesn’t know what he’s saying… Now this,” he pulled back Harry’s sleeve as gently as possible, “won’t hurt a bit .”
Ron, Hermione, and even Lotus looked at Hagrid worriedly, but he gave them a reassured look back as Lockhart pulled his wand out, pointing it at Harry’s arm.
“Brackium Emendo.” His wand emitted a soft blue light, before the light died out. He set his wand down, and then tried to lift up Harry’s arm, which suddenly became limp and slushy.
Lotus shrank back, gagging while Ron and the other students groan in disgust.
“It’s like rubberhose animations!” Lotus whined, covering her eyes. “I can’t look!”
“Yes, well,” Lockhart laughed nervously, “that can sometimes happen. But, uh, the point is… you can on longer feel any pain.” He moved Harry’s limp right hand back. “And, very clearly, the bones are not broken.”
“ ‘Broken’? ” Hagrid repeated in disbelief. Lotus opened her eyes, only to close it again (“I can’t look…” she whimpered. Ron nodded in agreement, also covering his eyes). “There’s no bones left!”
“It’s much more flexible, though.” Lockhart defended.
“Can we just please bring him to the infirmary??” Hermione cut in, annoyed and worried. Harry nodded weakly.
“Yeah. I think I’d like that.” Harry nodded loopily. Hagrid picked him up, while Ron and Hermione picked up his noodle-arms. Lotus opened her eyes, shuddering.
“Maybe not your best moment, Gilderoy,” she whispered to Lockhart, “but it’s okay!” She tried to joke, but she missed how his lips twitched down a little as she ran off to the others.
Lotus stopped, looking over at other people taking Draco away, with Lucius following. “Hey, go on without me guys.” She told the others, before running over to Lucius.
“Hm? Oh, Ms. Inag.” Lucius hummed, looking down at her. “What is it?”
“Er… I just- I just wanted to know if Draco’s alright. He took quite the fall. Not like Harry didn’t- and Professor Lockhart didn’t worsen his already broken arm, but y’know.”
“How kind.” He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Draco will survive.”
Lotus looked at her hands. “Yeah… uhm, I have a question.”
“Please, ask away fast. Or learn how to walk and talk.”
Lotus nodded, following him as he strolled casually, as if his son wasn’t injured. “Was my dad good?”
Lucius scoffed. “Good? How do you define good- with past actions, or current? Well, current for your father as in the past . Because joining the Death Eaters willingly was not good . I,” he placed a hand on his chest, “was under the Imperius Curse, I had no choice.”
“Ah. So not good. Well, he was kind to me-”
“And so that means every other action he’s done, ones that has hurt people should automatically be excused?” He cut in. Lotus scowled.
“No, of course not– never mind.” Lotus looked down as she walked with him. “One more thing- I think it was nice you showed up to the match. Not many parents do.”
Lucius, for once, was confused, and stopped. Well, not confused, but rather surprised. “Oh?”
“From what I saw last year and now. You bought Draco and the team new brooms as well as show up. You’re a pretty nice dad, just strict. Draco’s lucky to have you, Mr. Malfoy.” She sighs. “Just doesn’t excuse the whole ‘calling us Mudbloods’.”
“I simply say what I believe. Draco does too.” Lucius replied.
“Uh huh. Well, bye, Mr. Malfoy. I have to check on Harry now.” Lotus quickly hurried off. Lucius watched her rejoin her friends, a slight smirk forming on his face. She was a strange girl. Of course, he despised her for her rotten blood, but something about her…
“She’s just like you, Leo. Perhaps even more of a fool.” He murmured, and looked at Draco, his eyes softening in concern. “We’re almost there.”
── .✦
Draco’s exaggerated pained groans in the background were easy to ignore as Lotus eyed Harry worriedly. She, Ron, Hermione, Colin, and the Gryffindor Quidditch team were all around Harry’s bed.
“It’s always something with you.” Lotus joked. Harry gave a tired laugh in return.
“You’re gonna be okay, Harry.” Oliver Wood promised. “Soon you’ll be able to go right back into Quidditch.”
Madame Pomfrey shot him a glare as she pushed through. “Out of my way. Out of my way! Should’ve been brought straight to me.”
Lotus scoffed smugly. “I told you so.”
“We didn’t disagree.” Ron argued. “It’s just brave Lockhart thought he could fix his bones!”
“--I can mend bones in a heartbeat.” Pomfrey continued. “But growing them back…”
“You will be bale to, won’t you?” Hermione asked.
“Oh, I’ll be able to, certainly. But it’ll be painful .” Everyone seemed to gulp as she poured Skele-Gro into a glass. “You’re in for a rough night, Potter. Regrowing bones is a nasty business.”
She handed him the glass of Skele-Gro .’ Harry drank it, before his face scrunched up in utter disgust, before he spit it out, wincing.
Madame Pomfrey sighed. “Well, what do you expect, pumpkin juice?” She placed the glass on the bedside table.
“It’s a miracle your entire body didn’t get messed up from that spell.” Ron said.
“Yeah, better question is- why was that Bludger so insistent on trying to kill you?” Hermione tilted her head.
“Someone must’ve enchanted it.” Fred added. “Not I, though. Wood would kill me and George.”
The twins snicker, but Fred shook his head.
“No, really, he would.”
Oliver nods. “Cost me my Seeker? I’ll make sure you regret it.”
“Alright, that’s enough, everyone!” Pomfrey swatted at them. “Let Potter rest!”
Lotus nods. “Yeah, let’s go, everyone. See you later, Harry! Hopefully it’s not as painful as Madame Pomfrey’s making it out to be…”
“Knowing her, it’s exactly going to be that painful.” Ron grumbled.
As everyone dispersed, Lotus caught Draco, still exaggerating his agony. “Oh, my.” She sighs. “You guys go on ahead.”
“Again?” Ron frowns. “It’s like you have a crush on him.”
Hermione nods, looking rather annoyed. “Don’t you remember what–”
“Yes, he called us Mudbloods… But I’ve already silenced him once during winter break last year.” Lotus said. “He has plenty reason to not mess with me.”
She pretended to flex, smirking.
“Oh please, you?” Hermione joked. “You couldn’t even keep up with us when we ran up the stairs.”
“Wh- hey! Not funny!” Lotus said, despite laughing. “Seriously, I’ll catch you guys later.”
“Okay, stay safe.” Hermione walked away.
“...Wait, you did what to Draco?” Ron murmured as he and Hermione walked off, but it was too late.
Lotus hesitantly approached Draco. Crabbe and Goyle were at his side, and glared at her.
“What’s a Gryffindor like you doing here?” Crabbe asked, towering over her. Even as a second-year, it was easy due to her shorter stature. Despite her terrified mind, she spoke.
“Hey, calm down. I just wanted to check if Draco’s okay.”
“How dare you think you can approach me you mudblood !” Draco snapped.
She stared at him, unimpressed. “Yeah, no, I don’t really give a shit about that.”
That startled the three.
“How’s your body?” She asked again. “I know what it’s like to feel weak.”
Draco grumbled. “It’s… fine. Yeah.”
Crabbe and Goyle exchanged confused glances, clearly unsure how to respond. They were used to people backing down when Draco threw insults, not standing their ground.
Draco, still sitting stiffly on a bench near the Slytherin common room entrance, winced slightly as he adjusted his position. His arm wasn’t broken like Harry’s, but the fall during the match had clearly shaken him. “Why do you care?” he sneered, though his voice lacked its usual bite.
Lotus shrugged, keeping her gaze steady. “Because I know how much it sucks when people just brush it off. And, well… you did fall pretty hard.” Her eyes softened. “Even if you are a complete pain in our asses sometimes, you don’t deserve to be in pain.”
Draco's face reddened, whether from embarrassment or frustration, she wasn’t sure. “I don’t need your pity,” he muttered, his jaw clenched.
“It’s not pity,” Lotus corrected. “It’s basic human decency. You should try it sometime.”
Crabbe scowled, stepping forward like he wanted to say something, but Draco held up a hand to stop him. His eyes flickered between Lotus and the floor, like he was caught between his pride and something else. “I’m fine,” he mumbled again, more to convince himself than her.
“Good,” Lotus said, her voice gentle but firm. “But if it hurts worse later, tell Pomfrey. Though I’m sure she can see just fine.”
Draco didn’t respond, but he didn’t insult her either. That, for Lotus, was progress.
Before she turned to leave, Draco spoke up.
“Hey. You’re not too bad for a Gryffindor, I guess.” He spat, though his tone was awkward, like the attempt of being nice was too much for him.
Lotus shook her head. “Thanks. You’re bearable for a Slytherin.”
She walked away, but just before she rounded the corner, she caught one last glimpse of Draco, his expression unreadable. Crabbe and Goyle, still confused by the whole exchange, hovered awkwardly at his side.
“Does it really not hurt that bad, Draco?” Goyle asked.
“Shut up.” Draco hissed.
Lotus chuckled. Dad’s right. It’s nice to be nice and confuse your rivals.
“The whole bias thing is dumb anyways.” Lotus murmured to herself, walking down the halls. “Yikes, I probably shouldn’t have cursed so much earlier.” She had honestly tried to seem nonchalant or uncaring, but felt like it could’ve been a bit much.
Oh well.
── .✦
“It feels like we’re doing something really bad.” Lotus said, watching Hermione working on the Polyjuice Potion. “Alone in this dingy girl’s bathroom.”
“Maybe because this is something bad.” Hermione replied. “We’re not supposed to be trying this at all .”
She leaned on a stall. “And yet they have public information on how to craft it.”
“You know very well that it was only for educational purposes!” Hermione rolled her eyes.
Lotus giggled, as Harry frowns.
“Guys, I overheard Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall talk about something a few days ago.” Harry spoke. Ron, Lotus, and Hermione glanced over.
“What?” Ron asked, voice a bit awkward. Maybe it was because they were in the girl’s restroom.
“McGonagall mentioned how Colin’s been Petrified, and the camera sounds like it was short-circuiting. Then Dumbledore told McGonagall to tell us that Hogwarts is no longer safe, and that the Chamber of Secrets has been opened again.”
“What?!” Lotus’s eyes widened.
“Colin’s been Petrified?” Ron blinked.
“ ‘Again’ ?” Hermione frowns as she sprinkled in some Knotgrass. “You mean, the Chamber of Secrets has been opened before?”
“Of course.” Ron sighs. “Don’t you see? Lucius Malfoy must have opened it when he was at school here. And now he’s taught Draco how to do it.”
Lotus shrugs. “Probably.” ‘Hey, just cause I was nice to him doesnt mean I don’t think he’s a potential subject. He is definitely suspicious. Harry did tell me how he saw Lucius put more than one book back in Ginny’s cauldron…’
“Maybe.” Hermione nodded. “We’ll have to wait for the Polyjuice Potion to know for sure.”
“Who’s gonna be, uh, transformed again?” Lotus asked.
“Me, Ron, and Hermione.” Harry said. “Er, I could pick Pansy for you–”
“No thanks.” Lotus shook her head. “Just- just no. I don’t want to pretend that I like Draco.”
“Oh, really?” Ron rose an eyebrow. “You seemed buddy-buddy with him a few days ago.”
Lotus scoffed. “Oh, please, Ron , that was just being a nice person.”
“Uh-huh.”
“No, really!”
Ron chuckled. “Anyways– enlighten me, Hermmione. Why are we brewing this potion in broad daylight in the middle of a girl’s lavatory? Don’t you think we’ll get caught?”
“Looks pretty deserted.” Lotus said.
“No.” Hermione shook her head. “No one ever comes in here.”
“Why?” Ron asked.
“Moaning Myrtle.”
“ Who ?” Ron asked. Lotus’s eyes widened as a pale ghost in the form of a school-girl with pimples, thick glasses, thin blunt bangs, and pigtails on both sides of her head that rested on her shoulders.
“I’M MOANING MYRTLE!!!” She shrieks, which Ron nearly screamed like a frightened schoolgirl, jumping back. Solemnly, she floated to the center of the room. “I wouldn’t expect you to know me. Who would ever talk about ugly, miserable, moping, Moaning Myrtle ?”
She let out a piercing cry, before flying into a toilet.
Lotus grimaced. “How did she even… how do you know–”
“She’s a little sensitive.” Hermione said quietly.
“Oh, really?” Harry tilts his head.
“She looks too young to be a ghost like the rest. Even Peeves.” Ron commented.
“You know, if the Chambers has been opened before, and it’s assumed the monster inside goes for Muggle-Born, aka those Salazar deemed to not be worthy to practice magic at Hogwarts, d’ya think she was a victim?” Lotus asked.
“Maybe, but we don’t really know when she died, and I haven’t wormed that out of her yet.” Hermione asked. “... Nor do I really want to.”
“Oh well…?”
Lotus shook her head. “What do we have next after?”
“Defense Against the Dark Arts.” Hermione replied, a small smile on her face.
Ron and Harry groaned, while Lotus chuckled.
“C’mon, he’s… had his flaws, but I’m sure he’s qualified.”
“My arm???” Harry said. “The pixies?”
Ron laughed, as Lotus sighs.
“Forgive me for trying to see the good in people.” Lotus snickered. “But I see your point. Hermione, do you need any help speeding it up?”
“No thanks. I’m almost done…”
── .✦
“Gather round! Gather round!” Lockhart stood on a long stage, Gryffindor and Slytherin students all surrounding him. “Can everybody see me? Can you all hear me ?”
Lotus, despite herself, nodded.
“Excellent.” Lockhart grinned, his teeth gleaming under the bright torches. “In light of the dark events of recent weeks, Professor Dumbledore has granted me permission to start this little Dueling Club, to train you all up in case you ever need to defend yourselves, as I myself have done on countless occasions. For full details, see my published works.” He flashed the crowd an exaggerated smile, clearly enjoying the attention.
“Oh, brother,” Harry muttered under his breath, earning a snicker from Ron.
With a dramatic flourish, Lockhart unfastened his vibrant, lilac cape and tossed it carelessly into the crowd. Girls gasped and reached out, hoping to claim the coveted fabric. But against her better judgment, Lotus’s instincts kicked in. Clutching her wand tightly, she whispered under her breath, “ Accio Cape. ”
The cape, mid-air and already arching toward her side, changed its course and flew directly into her arms. A triumphant grin spread across her face as she hugged it to her chest, the soft material still carrying the faint, lingering scent of Lockhart’s cologne. Several other girls groaned in frustration, glaring at her with envy.
‘ Hopefully he lets me keep it… ’ Lotus thought, suppressing the giddy excitement bubbling inside her.
“Ah, Ms. Inag!” Lockhart’s booming voice cut through the crowd. “Time and time again, it’s you, it seems.” He gestured toward her dramatically, as if it were fate that the cape had found its way to her. “Well, I trust you to hold onto that.”
“Yes, of course,” Lotus nodded eagerly, doing her best to maintain composure. The flush on her cheeks betrayed her, though, and Lockhart’s grin widened.
“Keep it safe, my dear,” he added with a playful wink. “A cape like that is practically priceless. Not unlike its wearer, I daresay.”
Lotus’s face burned, her grin faltering as the surrounding whispers grew louder. Hermione rolled her eyes laughing at Lotus a little, but Ron leaned closer to Harry, whispering something that earned a muffled laugh. Lotus pretended not to notice.
“Let me introduce my assistant, Professor Snape.” Lockhart gestured to the other side of the stage, where a very grumpy and very annoyed Snape walked on.
‘He looks like he’d rather be anywhere else but here.’ Lotus thought, smiling a little.
As students whispered, he strolled over, until he was a few feet away. “He has sportingly agreed to help me with a short demonstration. Now, I don’t want any of you youngsters to worry, you’ll stil have your Potions Master when I’m through with him.” Lockhart laughs gently. “Never fear.”
“The ego on him.” Ron whispered.
“Woo! You got this!” Lotus cheered.
“Who are you cheering for?” Harry asked.
“I, uh, I dunno.” Lotus admitted.
“Quiet down, Ms. Inag.” Snape grumbled. “Unless you want me to take 15 points off for this foolishness.”
“Oh- sorry.” Lotus murmured.
Professor Lockhart and Professor Snape walked up to each other, raising their wands to their chests, before putting it to the side. Then, they bowed, turned around, and walked several paces back from each other, before turning quickly.
Lockhart had relaxed position, while Snape looked guarded.
Lotus gently shook Harry. “Oh my Gosh, this is so cool…”
“Slow your roll.” Harry replied. “I can’t wait to see Snape beat him. That’s not something I thought I’d ever say- but here we are…”
“One, two, three!” Before Lockhart could cast a spell, Snape quickly spoke.
“EXPELLIARMUS!”
Suddenly, a flash of light beamed out, blasting Lockhart across the room.
“WHOOOOOOAAA!”
Everyone gasped, and then some people laughed.
Hermione and Lotus looked worried. “Do you think he’s all right?” Hermione frowned.
“Who cares?” Ron wheezed.
Lockhart stood up, forcing his cheerful expression. “An… excellent idea to show them that, Professor Snape, but if you don’t mind me saying, it was pretty obvious what you were about to do. If I had wanted to stop you, it would have been only too easy.” He walked back, dusting himself off.
“Perhaps it would be prudent to first teach the students to block unfriendly spells, Professor.” Snape replied with the smallest subtle smile.
Lotus’s eyes widened. Snape ? Smiling? She had only really seen that when she talked to him in the first year… when buying her things. But that was really only when she cracked the funniest, wisest joke she could ever think. Never again had he smiled after.
It honestly looked pretty weird on him.
Ew.
Stop smiling.
Or don’t.
As some students giggled, Lockhart paused nervously, before continuing. “An excellent suggestion, Professor Snape. Let’s have a volunteer pair. Potter, Inag, how about you?”
Lotus’s eyes widened. “Oh, u-uhm, Professor, I-”
Harry cut her off. “She’s still getting used to them.”
“Should be no reason for her not to perform, then.” Snape added cruelly. Lotus deflated.
“Oh, come on, you know I physically might not be able to handle it…” She grumbled. “Pick someone else, please?”
Lockhart shook his head. “Very well… Potter, Weasley?”
“Weasley’s wand causes devastation with the simplest spells.” Snape humored. “We’ll be sending Potter to the Hospital Wing in a matchbox.”
Ron looked embarrassed, as Lotus patted him on the back.
“Might I suggest someone from my own house. Malfoy, perhaps.” He gestured to Malfoy, urging him to get on the stage. Draco looked a little alarmed, before he nodded.
Harry and Draco walked onto the stage.
“Good luck, Potter.” Lockhard patted him on the shoulder, before standing back.
“Thank you, sir.” Harry murmured. The two now stood, facing each other.
“Wands at the ready!” Lockhart yelled.
As they brandished their wands and rose it, Draco smirked. “Scared, Potter?”
“You wish.”
They walked back several paces, before aiming their wands at each other.
“On the count of three, cast your charms to disarm your opponent, only to disarm. We don’t want any accidents here. One, two–”
“EVERTE STATUM!”
Harry yelped, flying backwards and crashing on the ground, skidding to stop in front of Hermione, Lotus, and Ron.
“Harry!” Lotus panicked, leaning forward. “Are you okay?!”
As Crabbe laughs, Harry slowly stood up, nodding. “Ugh… yeah.” He glared at Draco, pointing his wand at him.
“Rictumsempra!” Draco is flung backwards, landing at Snape’s feet. While several students laughed, Draco winced, looking up at Snape. Snape pulled Draco to his feet, pushing him forward, causing him to stumble a little.
“I said disarm only!” Lockhart scolded, but his reprimands were lost on the crowd.
“Serpensortia!”
He swished his wand and fires a cobra out of it; which then slithered along the playing field. Surprised, Harry lowered his wand.
“What are you doing?? Attack it!” Ron shouted.
“Ron!” Hermione huffed. “This is clearly personal! Draco’s trying to kill Harry!”
“No duh.” Lotus grumbled. “I should’ve went up there instead…”
Snape walked past Draco, sighing as he brandished his wand. “Don’t move, Potter. I’ll get rid of it for you.” He spoke in a tone that sounded like belittlement.
“Allow me, Professor Snape.” Lockhart hummed, taking his own wand out. “Alarte ascendare!”
The cobra flew up into teh air, and then fell back down.
“Some help he was.” Lotus heard a student whisper. Lotus was about to raise her wand and utter a spell to get rid of it, when the weirdest thing happened; the snake looked at Harry, hissing at him. Normally that would’ve been the average snake interaction, except… Harry started to speak back.
She lowered her wand in alarm, eyes wide as Harry spoke. Or hissed.
“Sya-hassa- she.” Fear filled her as the snake turned to Justin Finch-Fletchey and hissed at him, but Harry acted fast. “Sya- hasi- heth!”
Everyone watched with surprise, as Snape eyed him suspiciously.
“Sya- hasi- heth.” Harry repeated, as the snake turned towards Harry.
“What’s he– what’s he doing?” Lotus asks.
“Parselmouth.” Ron murmured. “Great. He’s a Parselmouth.”
“What?? Ron, you know I’m just as clueless as Harry.” She shook his arm, but he shook his head in disbelief.
Snape quickly stepped forward again, waving his wand at the snake. “Vipera Evanesca.”
His wand emitted a blast at the snake, causing it to burst into flames and disappear. As everyone murmured amongst themselves, Justin Finch-Fletchery stood up in fear.
“What are you playing at?!”
Everyone stared at Harry, who looked equally as surprised and confused as them.
── .✦
Later on as they entered the practically deserted Gryffindor common room, Ron turnde to Harry. “You’re a Parselmouth. Why didn’t you tell us?” He asked, exasperated.
“I’m a what?” Harry asks.
“You can talk to snakes.” Hermione explained, in a serious tone.
“Oh- I know. I mean, I accidentally sent a python on my cousin Dudley at the zoo once.”
Lotus blinks. “Wicked.”
“No, that’s not wicked!” Hermione cried out, her and Ron looking shocked.
“Once. But so what? I bet loads of people here can do it.” Harry waved it off.
“No, they can’t. It’s not a very common gift, Harry. This is bad.” Hermione murmured, pacing the room.
“What’s bad? If I hadn’t told that snake not to attack Justin–”
“Aw, so you were doing a good thing.” Lotus sighs.
“Oh, that’s what you said to it!” Ron gaped.
“You were there!” Harry was beginning to get frustrated. “You heard me!”
“I heard you speaking Parseltongue, snake language.” Ron argued.
“Yeah, you kinda just like… Hiss…hiss… hiya… hiss… sya… ” Lotus tried to imitate him. “Except much cooler.”
“I spoke a different language?” Harry’s eyes were wide. “But I– but I didn’t realize– how can I speak a language without knowing I can?”
Hermione shrugged. “I don’t know, Harry, but it sounded like you were egging the snake on or something.” She turned to him. “Harry, listen to me. There’s a reason the symbol of Slytherin House is a serpent. Salazar Slytherin was a Parselmouth. He could talk to snakes too.”
Ron nods. “Exactly! Now the whole school’s gonna think you’re his great-great-great -grandson or something.”
Harry gritted his teeth. “But I’m not!” He paused, worry etched on his face. “I-I can’t be.”
Lotus placed a hand on his shoulder. “Harry, you’re a half-blood, right? There’s probably a chance that, well, your paternal side’s ancestry could have a little Slytherin in it. You know, that’s probably why the Sorting Hat said you’d be a good Slytherin… or something.”
Harry paled at that.
“Sorry, that didn’t make you feel any better..” She rambled.
“He lived a thousand years ago. For all we know, you could be his descendant.” Hermione added.
Lotus felt awful later, seeing Harry so dejected and sad. She walked over. “Hey, Harry, before you go to bed, can I talk to you?”
He blinked, nodding. “Sure.” She led him to the fireplace, sitting beside him.
“I know this year’s been tough. And I’m sure, due to your bad luck, it might get worse. But know that I think you’re not a bad guy. And guess what? My intuition’s been pretty spot on if I do say so myself.” She tried to joke, which earned a tired laugh from Harry.
“I know, but as you say, you always try to see the good in people.” He replied.
“Fair enough.” Lotus put a finger to her chin, thinking. “I mean, where would you have the time to open the Chamber? Do you even know where it is?”
He shook his head, to which she smiled. “See? While that isn’t concrete evidence, it is plausible clues that show your innocence. Keep your chin up, you’re a Half-Blood, you love your mom, so I don’t get how you could be related to the guy who hates Muggles. While I don’t think Draco is the one at fault here, I do think that it isn’t you.” She hugged him, to which he hugged back tightly.
“If you ever need me, I promise I’m here for you.”
“I know.” Harry muttered into her shoulder.
“Now go to bed.” Lotus pulled away. “I’ve got to write my weekly letter and deliver it early in the morning.”
“Right, tell your grandparents I wanna try their, uh, what’s it called?” Harry stood up, scratching his head.
“Adobo. I can’t wait for you to be able to come over- or next time I meet you in the Leaky Cauldron or the Burrow or wherever , I’ll save you a container.” She promised.
“Yeah! That would be great. Thanks for making me feel a little better.” Harry beams.
“Hey, what’re friends for?”
“Lotus?”
“Yeah?”
“If… you ever need me, you know we can talk, right?”
“Right.” Lotus nods. “Goodnight, Harry.”
“Goodnight, Lotus.”
As she watched him leave, she looked at the unfinished paper on the nearby table and walked over, sitting down. She took the quill out, and looked at it, frowning. She never liked using the Auto-Writing Quill when writing these; and so no matter how much it ached, she gripped her left hand with her right, and began to write out her message.
Dear Granny and Grandpa,
I can’t believe that in the first term of school, and so much has happened! I’ve already told you about Professor Lockhart and how cool he is (I couldn’t believe it when you told me he was there when my dad was in school!!!!), and then the cat situation… update on that, a first-year named Colin had also been Petrified, and Harry told us the ‘Chamber of Secrets’ had been opened again. Please don’t think it’s any cause for concern, I promise you I’ll be safe and stick with a group of people- that way my chances of survival increase!!!!
So far, I haven’t really gotten in trouble. It’s all been mainly Harry. I feel so bd bad for him. He’s put under so much pressure just because he apparently knows how to speak Parseltongue. Is that a cause for concern? MAYBE! But I know Harry- at least I think I do- he’s a sweet boy who knows barely much about this magical world we’re in. And to be honest, me too. So, for now, I’m in his corner no matter what.
My hand hurts, so I’ve gotta go now. Bye!! I love you!!
Sincerely,
Lotus :)
She rubbed her wrist, wincing. “Ow. Oh- wait!”
P.S. Harry says he can’t wait to try adobo. It’s been so long since I’ve had people say that to me! I can’t wait too, we’ll have the best of times together once and if he’s able to visit.
Lotus wrapped the paper up, rolling it up, before she walked upstairs to the girl’s dormitory. She set the letter on the bedside table, before she settled in her bed, stretching with a slight yawn.
Sleep came easily.
── .✦
Snow flurried down outside the Owlery as Lotus stepped in, and looked around at the groups of hooting, chirping, or napping owls. Some passed by, some ate.
“Marco!!” Lotus calls out. She was currently in the Owlery, looking for her precious owl. “Marco!!”
Suddenly, a loud hoot, and an owl sprung down, chirping as he landed on a perch.
“Polo.” Lotus giggled, scratching the side of his head. “Hi again, little baby! Well, you’re not very little, are you?” She hums. “I need you to deliver this to Granny and Gramps, just my usual letter.” He tilted his head as she wrapped a string around his ankle, tying the letter to him. “There we go. Do you need anything? A treat?”
He cocked his head a bit more, before leaning forward. She smiled fondly.
“Of course you do.” She took a treat out. Marco Polo happily ate it off her hand, being gently. He nuzzled her fingers a little.
Before she could send him off, a voice came from the steps of the Owlery.
"Such a tender moment," Lockhart’s voice rang out, smooth and honeyed. "It’s always heartwarming to see a witch who treats her creatures with such care. Though, I shouldn’t be surprised– kindness seems to come naturally to you, Ms. Inag."
Lotus startled slightly but quickly composed herself, offering a small, polite smile. Meanwhile, Marco Polo tilted his head again, looking less than pleased. “Oh! Professor Loc– Gilderoy.” She correct herself. “I didn’t see you there.”
“Didn’t mean to frighten you, dear,” he said, stepping further inside, his extravagant robes flowing behind him. "I was merely passing by when I couldn’t help but notice. You have a certain… gentleness about you.” His eyes twinkled as he leaned ever so slightly against one of the stone columns. "I dare say you’d have made a marvelous Hufflepuff.”
Lotus laughed softly, though her cheeks flushed at the compliment. “Well, I did say ‘not Slytherin.’ In my head. Hoped it’d work like Harry, yknow? And it did! It put me in Gryffindor. Though, I don’t think I would’ve protested had it put me in Hufflepuff.”
“Ah, Gryffindor,” Lockhart mused, nodding thoughtfully. “Brave, noble, full of heart. Though, I’d argue that kindness requires its own sort of courage, wouldn’t you? And you, tending to your owl like that, speaking to him as if he were a dear friend, that’s the mark of a compassionate soul.”
She bit back a grin, not quite sure how to respond. “I mean, if I didn’t, he’d hate me and probably eat my mail or something. Or poop on it. Marco Polo’s been with me for a whole school year and a half now. I guess I just know what he needs.”
Lockhart’s smile deepened. “A natural connection. Quite rare. You know, some witches spend years trying to achieve that sort of bond.” He took a step closer, lowering his voice just a fraction. “But you, Lotus, seem to have an instinct for it. Extraordinary, really.”
Her blush grew, and she shifted nervously. “Thank you, Professor. That’s kind of you to say.”
“Only the truth,” he replied, his gaze lingering on her. “It’s not every day I come across a student with such potential.”
Lotus lowered her eyes, fiddling with the sleeves of her robe. “Well… I won’t be around for much longer,” she admitted. “I promised my grandparents I’d go back home during winter break.”
Lockhart raised his brows, clearly taken aback. “Home?”
“Well, besides promising them initially since I stayed behind last year, they’d probably want me to play it safe and go home for the winter.”
Lockhart’s expression shifted, though whether it was concern or disappointment, she couldn’t quite tell. “Safety is important, of course,” he conceded. “But, my dear girl, you’re far more capable than you realize. You’ve proven that already.”
He took another step forward, his presence warm and persuasive. “Why, just think of it: the bravery you showed staying back to help me during the pixie incident. Most students ran for the hills, and yet there you were. Steadfast. Loyal. And that remarkable performance in my quiz! It’s rare to find someone who knows my works so intimately.” He chuckled, the sound low and pleased. “It’s as if you understand me better than most.”
Lotus swallowed, the flattery leaving her slightly breathless, but also a hint of worry. “Is that all you really think?”
“Ah, no! Of course you’re so much more things, so much more I could learn about!” Lockhart exclaimed, his hand gesturing grandly. “And I’d wager there’s a spark of that same daring spirit in you, Lotus. Hogwarts nurtures that. Leaving now, well, it would be a shame to see such potential slip away.”
“But my grandparents…” She trailed off, though even she could hear the uncertainty in her own voice.
Lockhart’s smile softened, his gaze holding hers firmly. “You’re a bright young witch. Surely they’d understand if you explained how much staying means to you. After all, it’s not every day one gets to learn from the likes of Gilderoy Lockhart.” He laughed, though the charm in his voice was unmistakable. “And I’d be more than happy to offer you a bit of guidance along the way. A mentor, of sorts. Besides , they have you forever. It won’t hurt to let me have you for break.”
She blinked, feeling the weight of his words settle over her. The idea of staying, of learning more, of proving herself, of staying with Lockhart , it was tempting. And the way Lockhart spoke, like she was someone worth nurturing, worth keeping around, sent a rush of warmth through her.
“I’ll think about it,” she murmured, though part of her knew she was already swaying.
“That’s all I ask,” Lockhart said smoothly, his hand reaching out. Gently, he took her hand in his, his thumb brushing faintly over the cracked skin caused by her ailment. His touch was light, but deliberate, and his expression softened further. “You deserve to be here, Lotus. Remember that.”
Then, with a lingering pause, he lifted her hand and pressed a delicate kiss to her knuckle. The gesture was subtle, yet undeniably intimate. When he pulled away, his smile returned, as bright and practiced as ever.
“Until next time, my dear.”
Lotus stood there, a red flush to her face.
‘What do I do?’
She frowns. “Marco Polo, should I stay?”
He looked at her quizzically, as if to ask ‘why are you asking me this?’.
“Fair enough.”
She untied the letter, smoothing it out on the dirty, wooden floor, before she took out her Auto-Writing Quill, watching it hover as she spoke.
P.P.S - I’m very sorry, but I think I’ll stay here again for this winter. I know it’s bad, and I know what I’ll say in this letter might make you more scared for me, but I was promised safety and the lessons of self-defense spells! I think if I take this, I can better help Harry, Ron, and Hermione out! They need all hands on deck for this.
I promise I’ll stay safe… and I’m extra sorry. I PROMISE I’ll stay home for winter break. Next year. You can somehow send me a Howler if I don’t keep my promise and humiliate me in front of everyone.
Her hands shook with guilt. She was the kind of person to feel guilty for stepping on a worm, for Merlin’s sake , this nearly crushed her.
Marco Polo chirped sadly, watching her roll it up and tie it to his ankle again.
“You can nip my fingers if they’re angry at me. I deserve it.” She promised. He did a motion similar to shaking his head, before he took off.
As Marco Polo soared out into the sky, his wings cutting gracefully through the crisp morning air, Lotus lingered by the perch, watching him until he disappeared over the treetops. The Owlery was quiet now, save for the occasional flutter of feathers and the distant hoots of other owls nestled in their alcoves.
She turned to leave, brushing bits of stray feathers off her robes, guilt and excitement filling her mind.
Hopefully she wouldn’t come to regret this.
Notes:
<3, have a great day/night!
I don't know when I'm gonna schedule it, but chapter 9 or 10 (aka the next two chapters) might be the worst it's ever been. For now. Heed caution, and stay safe.
Chapter 10: 𓆙 Sleep on, dear little child, day is young.
Summary:
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
Lotus has the worst day of her life and she realizes there's more she doesn't remember.
But she has to pretend nothing's happened and act tough, just to help the other three figure out the truth behind the Chamber of Secrets.
It's not good to hold it all in like this.
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉☒ 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 ☒
- Attempted S/A // S/A , Mentions of Previous S/A
- Victim Blaming (From oneself)
- Memory-Erasing (which could be read as repressed memories (especially since Lockhart repressed them))
Notes:
Read notes at the end, please.
- you have to wonder how long you can keep pushing someone until they break.
There's also a photo in the end.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Something was wrong.
Lotus hadn’t said it aloud— not to Harry, Hermione, or even in passing– but strange things had been happening over the past few days. She’d find herself in places she didn’t remember walking to. Dim, empty corridors. Abandoned classrooms. Once, she even ended up near the entrance to the dungeons, breathless and flushed like she’d been running. But she couldn’t recall why.
The memories slipped through her fingers like water. One moment, she’d be studying or walking to the Great Hall, and the next… nothing. Just that lingering warmth in her face and the unsettling certainty that she had been somewhere she shouldn’t have.
And yet, in the midst of it all, her time with Lockhart had only grown. The lessons had become a constant. Every day, she’d meet him, practicing defensive spells under his watchful– too watchful– eye. He was quick to praise her, his words dripping with charm. Compliments turned into lingering touches, and reassurances became excuses to stand just a little too close. But he was her mentor. Her teacher. She wanted to believe his kindness was genuine. Sure, Lotus was an adoring fan and enjoyed the touches, at the same time she understood the boundaries they had.
It was just too much. Ugh.
Still, the gaps in her memory remained. She’d laugh it off when it became too noticeable, blame it on exhaustion or the stress of the Chamber of Secrets reopening. Maybe it was the worry of the looming threat that weighed her down, making her absentminded. Or maybe… maybe it was something else.
Whatever it was, Lotus didn’t dwell on it.
Not yet.
“How do you do it?” Ron asked, exasperated. “How do you put up with him?”
“Teacher’s pet.” Harry joked.
Lotus rolled her eyes, hitting both boys on the back of their heads with a light book. “Quiet! Unlike you, I appreciate Gilderoy Lockhart outside of his fame!”
“T-that’s quite hard to do,” Neville admitted. “I-it’s all he talks about!”
“Okay, you do have a point,” Lotus replied, sitting beside Hermione, who was deeply focused on a book. “Still, isn’t it good I have a teacher who’s nice to me?”
“There’s Flitwick! And McGonagall! And Sinistra and Sprout!” Ron huffs. “I’m starting to think he fancies you a lot, Lotus.”
She shook her head. “Maybe, but it’s all in favoritism! He’s my idol, and he’s super cool. He’s been teaching me how to cast spells without being so exhausted. I mean, who else but the famous Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor?”
Harry shrugged. “I mean, by that standard, I guess he is doing his job. Just be careful, you’re… er…”
“What?” She asked sharply.
“More frail, sadly,” Harry replied. “You’re my friend. Be safe.”
Her eyes softened. “Yeah, fair enough. Okay, I’ll be careful. But trust me, Lockhart’s teaching me how to be more careful.”
“Sure. In what, showing how he fails at his own spells?” Ron snickered.
The five laugh.
Lotus had been afraid of how her grandparents might react to her letter.
“Come on, Lotus, it’s okay!” Neville said.
“Neville, you’re just saying that because you’re going back to visit your grandma.” Lotus groaned, leaning on the couch. In Gryffindor’s Common Room, people were busy talking about how they’d spend their winter break- with family, on vacation, or probably doing some cool things.
She wished she could do that too, but at this point, it was too late. A few days had passed since she last sent the letter when Marco Polo came during breakfast.
Lotus didn’t expect the owl to make it back so fast, but it made her all the more anxious.
‘This means either their response was very short or they were urging him to go peck my eyes out.’ She thought, watching the big owl land on the table. He hooted, dropping the letter in front of her before he turned to her untouched goblet of water, drinking out of it.
“Hi, Marco Polo,” Harry said. Marco Polo craned his neck up to look at him before hooting. Lotus covered her face.
“I’m too scared to open it.”
“Blimey, give it to me then!” Ron took the letter. When Lotus didn’t reply, he blinks. “Wait, actually?”
“It’s my punishment for what I’m doing. Go on, read it!” She wailed dramatically.
Hermione laughs. “Come on, I’m sure they’re understanding.” She reassured as Ron opened the letter.
He cleared his throat before reciting the letter.
Dear Lotus,
We were so happy to receive your letter, but also a little worried. Your poor grandma couldn’t stop gasping at everything you wrote! Things were never this lively when your father was in school; perhaps it is Mr. Potter’s fault- though, don’t take it the wrong way.
“No offense taken.” Harry sighs.
We trust that you’re doing well and staying safe, though, and we’re proud of you for keeping your wits about you in such a strange and, at times, dangerous place.
Professor Lockhart sounds quite the character. Yes, I deeply remember when your father talked about him a few times; he is intelligent, charming, and strong. (-Rich)
“So he’s every bit as impressive back then as now?” Hermione smiled.
“Let me read!” Ron huffed.
Though, we do wonder if he might be a bit too charming for his own good. Just be cautious with those types, kiddo. Not everyone who seems nice always has the best intentions. (“We know that very well.” Harry murmured.) But you’re a very smart girl, and can make the right decisions.
As for Harry, we understand why you’d want to be there for him, especially with everything that’s going on. We agree with you– if he’s your friend, it’s important to stand by him, but be careful. There is nothing more precious than your safety. We’re sure you’ll do the best you can, but always know your limits and take a breather if your illness gets too much for you.
“Aww, you talked about me?” Harry asked.
“Shush.” Lotus elbowed him, the worry slightly lifting off her shoulders.
Now, about the winter break…
Lotus inhaled sharply. Oh no.
We were disappointed, of course, but we do understand. You’ve always had such a strong sense of responsibility and courage- very befitting for a Gryffindor, no? We know you mean well. That said, we do wish you would come home, especially with everything happening in the castle. But we trust your judgment and your ability to handle yourself, and we know you won’t take unnecessary risks. Just promise us one thing: be careful. Hogwarts is a wonderful place, but not all that happens there is magical in the best way. We are merely Muggles, but we will always be there for you in the way we can.
Take care of yourself, dear. We love you very much, and we’re always thinking of you.
With all our love,
Granny and Grandpa
P.S. - We would love to have Harry over the summer one day, or have him come with you in one of your winter breaks.
“See? It sounds like they care.” Harry spoke. “We should go out, it looks pretty fun.”
“What’s fun?” Lotus asks, as Marco Polo feasted on a bread slice of hers.
“The snow?” Harry shrugged. “I don’t think we should be cooped up in here. Besides, we should say bye to Neville.”
“True! Okay, let me just… send him off.” Lotus turns to Marco Polo, yelping as he nipped at her finger. “Ow! You– sorry, sorry, I know it’s fair and well deserved.” She laughs. “Go back to the Owlery and rest, you did such a good job.”
The owl puffed his chest feathers up with pride, before taking off. Lotus then got up and followed the other three out into the snow.
‘Okay. That wasn’t so bad. Why were you so worried, Lotus?’
‘I dunno, Lotus. Just feelings, I guess.’
‘That’s weird, Lotus.’
Lotus shook her head. “Neville!” The boy jumped, looking over with a confused expression.
“H-huh?”
“My grandparents aren’t mad! A little sad, but still!” She sighs. “I’ll make it up to them.”
“T-that’s nice.” Neville tried to smile, but it looked forced.
“Are you okay?” She asked, concerned.
“Yeah, just- I should go.” He quickly turned around.
“Oh- okay! Bye, I guess? See you after break.” She hummed, waving goodbye. He gave an awkward wave, before hurrying off. Lotus glanced at the three. “He’s acting odd.”
“Probably because Harry is here.” Ron humored. “If only they knew the truth.”
As the four talked, the courtyard was filled with other students- goofing off, laughing, all sorts of stuff. Some, however, seemed to glance at the group every now and then, as if concerned.
Suddenly, Fred and George walked over, a mischievous smirk playing on their lips as they began to tease him. The whole time, Harry looked deeply annoyed and also a bit moody.
“Hey, look everyone!” Fred yelled. “It’s the Heir of Slytherin!”
“Be careful, he’s a seriously evil wizard!” George cackled. The twins snickered as they left.
Lotus patted Harry on the shoulder. “It’s okay, Harry.” she frowns.
“Yeah, come on, Harry, Fred and George are just having a laugh.” Ron added.
“They’re the only ones.” Harry muttered gloomily.
Ron looked at the other three, shrugging. “Okay, so half the school thinks you’re nipping off to the Chamber of Secrets every night. Who cares?”
“Maybe they’re right.” Harry walked past them.
Lotus sputtered. “Harry, no ! Wait!” The other three followed after him.
“Harry– Harry! Oh, come on!” Hermione exhaled sharply, visibly upset.
Harry clenched his fists, turning to face them. “Look, I didn’t even know I could speak Parseltongue!” He snaps. “What else don’t I know about myself? Look… maybe you can do something… even something horrible… and not know you did it.”
“That is a very popular trope, such as in Jekyll and Hyde. But I’ve never seen it, so I could be lying.” Lotus frowns.
“Lotus.” Hermione huffed. “You don’t believe that, Harry, I know you don’t. And if it makes you feel any better, Malfoy is staying for the holidays too.”
“Why would that make anyone feel better?” Ron snorted.
“Because,” her voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper, “in a few days, the Polyjuice Potion will be ready.” Ron and Harry’s eyes widened as Lotus blinks. “In a few days, we may truly know who is the Heir of Slytherin.”
Lotus frowns. Crap, a few days? “I don’t know if I can help with that.”
“I didn’t want you to,” Harry admitted. Lotus gave him a hurt expression, which he quickly explained. “N-not that you wouldn’t be helpful, but… you’re not exactly… You don’t speak like us.”
“I can’t tell if you’re being racist, or-”
“Blimey, he’s saying you’re not from London or Europe!” Ron ran a hand through his hair.
“Ohhhh!” Lotus laughed. “Yeah, okay, I get it. Then… at the very least, I can keep a watch on things from the outside, alright?”
“Yeah, that would be super helpful.” Hermione beams.
Lotus nodded, holding her hand out. “Then it’s settled. Team ‘Discover the Truth’ on three?”
They stared at her.
“Come on, guys! Entertain me a bit!”
Harry chuckled, placing his hand on hers. Hermione and Ron followed, amused.
“One… Two… Three– Team ‘Discover the Truth’! ”
── .✦
The white snow raced down to meet the courtyard grounds outside the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom in the early morning.
“Protego!” Lotus yells. As her hand shook, a feeble, white shield forming. She groaned in frustration as it vanished. “I’m sorry, Gilderoy, I told you I can’t…”
“Oh, nonsense! The fact you’re even able to in the first place shows real progress!” Lockhart patted her on the back.
They had been meeting up for these lessons for the past few days– it was something Lotus could do to keep busy while waiting for Harry, Ron, and Hermione to do their Polyjuice Potion business. In fact, later today was when Hermione said the potion should be done.
“It just… every time I try it, it feels like it demands so much.” Lotus complained.
“Well, my dear, look at it this way- you’re an ink bottle. The smallest words cost you little, but long paragraphs are sure to drain you. Except, in your case, you must keep practicing in order to build up a tolerance.” Lockhart circled around her. “Shall I perhaps go up against you? I promise I’ll go easy.”
“Oh! Uh, sure.” Lotus nodded, gripping her wand. She aimed it at him, as he laughed.
“Your wand has never ceased to amaze me, the craftsmanship; my, I bet you paid a hefty price for Ollivander to create it.”
“Yep. 50 Galleons.” She replied, trying not to be distracted. Lockhart pointed his wand at her.”
“Alarte Ascendare!” Lotus yelped as a book was hit with a red beam of light, skyrocketing up. It spun, before falling towards her.
Panicked, she looked down, aiming her wand at the book. “PROTEGO!” She squealed, fully expecting to get decked in the face with a thick book. But when the inevitable never happened, she looked up, gasping to see the book knocked off of a white shield. “I did it! Gilderoy, I did it!” She ran over, the shield vanishing.
“Woo, it hurt to do, but I did it!” Lotus put a hand on her head.
Lockhart enthusiastically clapped, his grin wide as ever. “Well done, Ms. Inag! Excellent work, truly. That shield was perfect !” He beamed at her, taking a dramatic bow. “Your progress continues to astound me. I truly believe you’ll soon be ready for anything that comes your way!”
Lotus couldn’t help but smile at his praise, but a part of her still felt wary. She knew she could have done better if she wasn’t so…
Weak.
Lotus shook her head. “It still takes so much out of me. And who knows, I might not be able to perfect the spell when I actually need it.”
“Oh, don’t be so modest.” Lockhart said with his usual casual, confident swagger. “The most impressive talent often requires the most dedication. And you, Ms. Inag, have dedication in spades.” He placed a hand on her shoulder, a little too familiarly, but his gaze remained warm and encouraging. “You just need to remember that you’re still growing. Much like my own… extensive collection of experiences, all these lessons will accumulate. Soon enough, you’ll be effortlessly casting Protego and whatnot in your sleep.”
Lotus kept her smile, giving a half-laugh, half-sigh. “I hope so. But… if I have you, I’ll surely learn. Because you’re the best, right?”
He grinned, obviously pleased. “Trust me. I’ll help you, and you’re an exceptional student. I could probably teach you everything you need to know in no time, but we’ll take it slow for now. No need to rush perfection, hmm?” His voice was smooth, making her soften. However, it was almost too smooth, like it was trying to perfect itself too much. Lotus nodded politely, her eyes flickering to the snow-covered courtyard below. She was grateful for his lessons, honestly, but a part of her still felt bad she was here and not at home.
He clapped his hands together, breaking her momentary discomfort. “Now! How about we spice things up a bit?” He reached into his robes and pulled out a small, golden book. "This, my dear, is a fine example of a spell that could come in quite handy in moments of stress. Incarcerous : it’s a spell for conjuring ropes to bind your opponent. Very useful, you know, in case you find yourself in... tight situations ." He winked playfully.
Lotus furrowed her brow. " Incarcerous? " she repeated, unsure of how she'd be able to pull that off after just barely mastering Protego .
"Oh, don’t worry," Lockhart said, stepping back to give her more space. "I’ll show you how it’s done. First, aim your wand, focus your thoughts–don’t overthink it-and then, Incarcerous ! "
From the tip of his wand, thick ropes shot out, winding tightly around Lotus’s arms and pinning them to her sides. She gasped in alarm, stumbling slightly before falling onto the ground as the bindings locked in place.
“Oh!” Her eyes widened, struggling against the ropes. “That’s– That’s tight!”
“Brilliant, isn’t it?” Lockhart beamed, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “An excellent bit of spellwork, if I do say so myself.”
Lotus laughed a little, tugging at the restraints. “Yeah, it’s… really effective. Can you undo it now?”
But he didn’t move.
Instead, Lockhart stepped closer, his wand twirling idly in his fingers. “Now, now, Ms. Inag. Patience is key in magic. Part of learning is understanding what it feels like to be on the receiving end of a spell. Builds character.” He flashed that familiar dazzling grin, though something about it felt different now– too practiced, too intentional.
Lotus’s stomach twisted. She tried to brush it off, convincing herself she was just overthinking. Lockhart was a famous wizard. A hero. He wouldn’t…
But still, the ropes stayed.
She remembered what her grandparents had written.
Not everyone who seems nice always has the best intentions.
“I must say, you’re quite the quick learner,” Lockhart continued, his voice softening as he brushed a stray hair from her face. “Your determination, your eagerness— it’s rare. Most students lack that sort of… devotion.”
Lotus swallowed hard, forcing a smile. “I-I just really want to learn.”
“Of course you do.” He tilted his head, his hand lingering just a moment too long. “And I’m more than happy to guide you. After all, who better to teach you than someone who understands your potential?”
Her breathing quickened. “Yeah– er, could you, um, untie me now? Please?”
“Ah, yes.” Lockhart smirked, though he made no move to free her. Instead, he tilted her chin up, observing the way her pupils seemed to shrink a little in barely concealed fear. “Such a shame… someone as lovely as you shouldn’t have to bear marks like these.” His voice lowered, the air around them thickening. “But perhaps they only add to your charm.”
Lotus stiffened, her heart pounding. She wanted to pull away, to step back, but the ropes held firm. Her mind raced, trying to find the right words to laugh it off, to keep him calm. That’s what she always did. Keep things calm.
“I-I guess so.” Her voice was barely above a whisper.
Lockhart smiled. “You know, it’s not often I meet someone who understands me the way you do. Our endless chats, you always staying behind to help clean up…”
Lotus’s stomach twisted further. “I just… wanted to help.”
“And you did. Wonderfully.” His thumb brushed over her knuckles. “You’re exceptional, Lotus.”
Before she could respond, he leaned in— far too close. Her breath caught, her mind screaming at her to move, to say something. But instead, she froze. Every nerve in her body locked in place.
“Gilderoy…” she started, but the words barely formed.
Lockhart’s gaze flickered to her lips, the movement so deliberate it made her skin crawl. And yet, even as fear clawed at her chest, she forced herself to stay still, to smile, to pretend. Maybe if she played along, he’d let her go. Maybe then it would be over.
As his lips brushed against hers, her mind raced. Her wand was only a bit close.
She could still grab it.
Come on.
You’re a Gryffindor.
You can do it.
You’re brave.
You’re courageous.
You got put in for a reason.
Don’t be a coward.
Don’t FREEZE.
She stilled as Lockhart closed his eyes, embracing her in a venomous, searing kiss.
Oh, God.
It stung. It stung in a way it shouldn’t have. Her stomach felt queasy, and she felt absolutely nauseous.
Her nails punctured her palms as she clenched her fist.
‘I want to spit at him. Kick at him. ’
But her legs couldn’t budge, feeling like lead had replaced her bones.
She was almost resigned to this breathless fate until he pulled away. She inhaled sharply, gasping.
“Dear, wasn’t that simply magical?” He asked.
Lotus didn’t reply.
His smile twitched. “Just like last time.”
“L-l-like what–?”
“Oh, ignore me. I’m just… reminiscing.” Lockhart pulled his wand out. “Maybe next time.”
“W-wait, what are you–”
Knock knock knock.
“Professor Lockhart?” Hermione’s voice rang out, sharp and clear from behind the door.
Lockhart jolted back, the predatory gleam in his eyes vanishing as he hastily flicked his wand. The ropes around Lotus’s arms unraveled, and she nearly fell back again, this time catching herself with her arms.
“Ah! Come in!” Lockhart called, his tone suddenly bright and airy, as though nothing had happened.
The door creaked open, revealing Hermione, her brow furrowed. “Lotus, there you are! Breakfast is starting soon.”
Lotus blinked, her mind still reeling.
Respond.
Respond.
She nodded quickly, forcing a smile. “Oh! Right. Sorry. I’ll be right there.”
Lockhart gave a hearty laugh, waving dismissively. “Just a bit of extra practice, Miss Granger. You know how dedicated Miss Inag is.”
Hermione’s eyes lingered on Lotus for a moment, sensing something, but she didn’t push. “Well… come on, then.”
Without another word, Lotus hurried to her side, the echo of Lockhart’s lingering touch still burning beneath her skin.
And for the first time, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something had gone very, very wrong.
Meanwhile, when they’re too far away, Lockhart cursed himself.
“Dammit. I forgot to use Obliviate.”
As Lotus and Hermione stepped into the corridor, the warmth of the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom gave way to the biting chill of the castle’s stone walls. Hermione was already chatting about breakfast, mentioning how Ron had probably piled his plate high with sausages by now, and how the Polyjuice Potion was ready, but Lotus barely registered the words.
Her hands fidgeted with the hem of her robe. The lingering sensation of Lockhart’s fingers brushing over her skin still burned in her memory, and no matter how many times she tried to shake it off, it clung to her like a shadow.
Why didn’t you do something?
You could’ve kicked him.
You could’ve screamed.
For what? So he could slap a hand over us? You forget that, even with his mistakes, he’s a capable, famous wizard!
And you’re just an ill, frail kid.
The thought sickened her. It’s like she had been woken up with an ice bath, all her crushing and loving on Lockhart dying instantly.
They rounded a corner, and almost immediately, a familiar dark figure came into view. Professor Snape.
He strode down the corridor, robes billowing, as cold and unreadable as ever. His sharp gaze flicked toward them, clearly ready to ignore them altogether— until his eyes lingered a second too long on Lotus.
“Ms. Granger,” Snape acknowledged with a curt nod, before his eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “Ms. Inag.”
Lotus forced a small smile. “Good morning, Professor.”
Hermione nodded politely.
“Hmm.” He didn’t return the greeting right away. Instead, his gaze shifted, assessing. She wasn’t visibly harmed— no signs of injury —but her unusually quiet demeanor did not go unnoticed. The usual spark in her eyes was absent, replaced by something far more guarded.
Snape’s voice lowered, barely masking the suspicion in his tone. “Are you both heading to the Great Hall?”
“Yes, sir.” Hermione nodded quickly. “We were just on our way.”
“Is that so?” Snape’s eyes lingered on Lotus. There was no biting remark. No sneer. Just an unnerving patience, like he was waiting for an explanation that never came.
Lotus swallowed hard, avoiding his gaze. “Yeah… I just stayed behind for a little extra practice. With Professor Lockhart. As I always have been! I’m making pretty good progress.”
A flash of something unreadable passed through Snape’s expression, but it was gone in an instant. “Indeed.” His voice was flat, though something about the way he said it sent a chill down Lotus’s spine.
Without another word, he stepped aside— but as the two girls began to walk past, he spoke once more.
“I believe I’ll accompany you.”
Hermione blinked. “Sir?”
Snape’s eyes never left Lotus. “It seems only proper. After all, with recent… circumstances, such as the Petrified student Creevey, it would be irresponsible to allow students to wander the castle alone.”
Lotus tried to protest, her voice faltering. “W-we’re fine, really. You don’t have to—”
“I wasn’t asking.”
Lotus gulped.
Shit.
He turned sharply, his cloak swishing behind him as he led the way. The girls exchanged a brief, uncertain glance, but neither argued further.
With every step toward the Great Hall, Lotus felt the weight of Snape’s presence beside her. He said nothing more, but the tension was palpable.
Snape remembered his promise to Rich last year. He intended to make good on it, as Leo…
Leo had been a good friend to him. Even later on in his last years.
It’s only right to make sure his daughter was thriving.
And now something was wrong.
Lotus took a deep breath, before she relaxed herself, looking at Hermione. “What did you get for Christmas?”
“Oh, just the casual, more books.” Hermione said, beaming.
“That’s natural for you!” Lotus snickered. Hermione playfully elbowed her, the two giggling after.
Snape narrowed his eyes. He was used to detecting the small signals that betrayed someone’s emotional state. A shift in posture- such as now- a change in pace, or the subtle tightness around the eyes– and Lotus was brimming with these actions.
And yet , he couldn’t quite peer into her mind. He was an expert Legilimens; it was second nature to him to sleep into the minds of others, to read their thoughts if they weren’t actively blocking him. But Lotus… while he could grasp at a few words, a few memories, none of it seemed to directly answer his questions.
Eventually, the three arrived at the Great Hall, and so Hermione wrapped her arm around Lotus’s arm before hurrying off. Snape watched for a brief moment before he strided to the staff table.
Lotus let out a huge exhale. Finally, Dracula’s unkept cousin left. She had felt a strange probing sensation in her mind, unlike a headache, but it rather felt like someone grabbed a scalpel and some utensils and went, ‘ let’s perform on your brain with no anesthesia! ’ and went to work. When she and Hermione walked away from Snape, the feeling had vanished.
Was he reading her mind?
She let out a small ‘hmph’. Try all you want. I’ve learned to be strong from those three foster homes I was in.
Did you really, though?
Lotus’s shoulders sagged.
“Everything’s set.” Hermione said to Ron and Harry. “We just need a bit of who you’re changing into.”
“Crabbe and Goyle.” Harry replied.
“Naturally.” Lotus nods, eating the toast there.
“We also need to make sure the real Crabbe and Goyle can’t burst in on us while we’re interrogating Malfoy.” Hermione frowns.
“How?” Ron tilted his head.
“I’ve got it all worked out.” Hermione pulled out two cakes, smiling.
“How did you get those-” Lotus blinks, confused.
“I filld these with a simple Sleeping Draught, simple but powerful. Now, once they’re asleep, hide them in the broomstick cupboard and pull out a few of their hairs, and put on their uniforms.”
Lotus winced. “You’re scary.”
“Whose hair are you ripping out, then?” Ron asked, tilting his head.
“I’ve already got mine.” Hermione held up a vial containing hair. “Millicent Bulstrode, Sltherin. I got this off her robes.”
“Ew.” Lotus gagged. “Not when I’m trying to eat.”
“You barely eat anything.” Harry frowns.
“Hey! I’m getting better.” Lotus pouted, flicking a breadcrumb into his face. He winced, laughing.
Hermione sighs, shaking her head.”I’m going to check on the Polyjuice Potion. Make sure that Crabbe and Goyle find these.” She slid the two cakes over.
“I’ll help,” Lotus murmured, standing up. “Good luck, you two.”
“Yeah, but I imagine this’ll be easy.” Ron joked, nabbing the two cakes.
“By the way, how was training with Lockhart?” Harry asked.
Lotus smiled. “Oh, it was fine. He threw a book at me and taught me how to bind enemies.”
“He what ?” Hermione gasped. “I mean, I saw the aftermath of the rope one, but still–”
“Don’t worry,” Lotus waves it off, “I didn’t actually get a book thrown at me. More like he used that one spell he used to shoot up the cobra ages ago and I managed to block it with Protego .”
She smirked, patting herself on the shoulder. “I like to say I’m… getting much more experienced. ”
“Sure, whatever you say.” Ron laughed.
“Soon, I won’t need him.” Lotus crossed her arms.
I don’t ever want to be around him ever again.
“Okay, enough chitchat. We have to do this.” Harry said, pulling Ron along.
“Let’s go check on your potion,” Lotions looked at Hermione.
── .✦
Lotus stood outside the stall, arms crossed as Hermione was checking on the potion.
‘I can’t believe I froze.’ She gently hit herself on the forehead. ‘Stupid, stupid. ’
Another thought crossed her mind.
‘Hold on, what did he mean ‘just like last time’?’
Did he try this before?
She felt all color drain from her face. No way. How stupid was she? Why. Why her?
Her kindness was doing all of this.
Why would she do this to herself?
This is why she must’ve deserved it. Maybe if she were guarded and apprehensive like Harry, Ron, and Hermione…
She wasn’t made for this world…
Her gaze wandered to the bathroom entrance, and there, hovering just above the sinks, was Moaning Myrtle. Her ghostly form appeared as gloomy as ever, floating in mid-air with a faraway look in her eyes. Myrtle’s expression shifted as she noticed Lotus standing alone by the stall.
“Well, well,” Myrtle muttered in her characteristic moan, her eyes scanning Lotus with a faint hint of curiosity, “you look positively dreadful, just like me.”
Lotus blinks. “Well, I am a little tired from casting spells.”
“It can’t be that hard, can it?” Myrtle asked, tilting her head. Her glasses slid down a little, to which she pushed it back up.
“I’m a little sick.” Lotus shrugs. “Magic is tiring, especially for an ill Muggle like me.”
“You’re a Muggle-Born?” She asked incredulously, “I am too!”
“ Really ?” Lotus blinked. “Huh, I never would have expected it…”
Myrtle was about to say more, when Harry and Ron ran in. The unexpectedness of their arrival scared the ghost, making her wail and fly off.
“Oh, hey, guys.” She chuckled. Lotus opened the stall.
“Well, did you guys get the hairs?” Hermione asks, glancing at them. They eagerly held up each hair they had.
“Ew.” Lotus shuddered. Ron nodded in agreement.
“It was super easy, I forget they’re very dumb.” He noticed three Slytherin uniforms on the floor. “What are those?”
“Slytherin robes. I had to sneak them from the laundry.” Hermione hums.
Lotus blinked. “What?”
Harry scrunched his nose upon seeing the ugly, goopy potion. “Are we going to drink that…?”
Hermione nodded, carrying the potion to the center of the room as Lotus laid out three separate glasses. “We’ll have exactly an hour before we change back into ourselves.” She began to pour a good amount into each mixture. “Add the hairs.”
She set the bottle aside as Harry, Ron, and she sprinkled in their collected hairs. Ron gagged. “Ugh, essence of Crabbe!”
“I forget, which one’s the dumber one?” Lotus tilted her head. “Also, be careful, guys. We don’t exactly know how they truly act.”
“I’ve spent my time observing them.” Harry noted. “As dumb as we think they are.”
“Alright, cheers.” Hermione rose her glass. The other two clinked their glasses with her, before they drank it. Lotus watched (in real time) as their eyes widened, almost gagging.
“I think I’m gonna be sick!” Ron screams, dropping his glass and running into one of the stalls.
“Me too!” Hermione covered her mouth, following suit.
“Guys!” Lotus winced as Harry also let go of his glass. It shattered on the ground as he leaned over a bathroom sink, gasping. “Harry?” she walked over, hand hesitantly hovering over his changing body.
Harry coughs, looking at his hands. They began to morph and change. He quickly looked up at the mirror and saw his face expand and grow, to his glasses vanishing. His face became more square, almost like Dudley.
“Oh my word,” Lotus gagged, “that was so disgusting to watch! Are you okay, Harry?!”
“I’m fine…” As the other stall opened, Harry and Lotus looked over, seeing Crabbe– no, Ron– step out of the stall. As Ron spoke, they realized he still sounded like himself.
“Harry?”
“Ron?” Harry replied, voice still like his.
“Bloody hell!” Ron grasped at his pudgy face.
“We still sound like ourselves.” Harry groans. “You need to sound more like Crabbe.”
“Lower?” Lotus offered.
Ron cleared his throat, before forcing it to a deeper tone. “Uh… bloody hell .”
“Excellent.” Harry nods.
“Sure!” Lotus clapped. “If you think of it like that! Hey, Hermione?” Lotus knocked on the stall door. “Everyone’s ready but you. You okay?”
“I-I don’t think I’m going.”
The three looked at each other.
“You go on without me.” Her voice was shaky.
Lotus frowned.
“Hermione, are you okay?” Harry asks, concerned.
“Just go!” She said, a little panicked. “You’re wasting time!”
Harry looked like he wanted to say more, but just nods. “Okay– come on!” He and Ron ran out. Meanwhile, Lotus frowns more.
“Hermione? What’s wrong?”
“It went wrong, Lotus!” Hermione whimpered. “I-I must’ve nicked the wrong hair– er, fur.”
“Fur?... wait.” Lotus gasps. “Hermione, you grabbed Milicent’s cat’s fur?”
“Yes!” Hermione sobs. “I look hideous!”
“Oh, Hermione, no!” Lotus frowns. She slid down and leaned against the door. “I mean. Okay, yeah, it’s a little odd , but it’ll wear off in an hour, right?”
“That’s the thing, I don’t know if it will! Polyjuice Potion is only meant for humans.”
“...Yikes.” Lotus shook her head. “Listen, it’s okay! I’ll get— come on. Come out.” Lotus stood up, opening the door. She tried not to gasp at Hermione’s feline mess, and instead took her robe off, putting it on Hermione. The poor girl looked so scared and confused.
“There we go— okay, hold onto my body.” She says. “I’ll bring you to Madame Pomfrey, and then I’ll clean this whole mess up.”
“You will?”
“Of course.” Lotus nods. “Okay… yep…” She helped her out. “I got you.”
── .✦
“We’re almost there, ‘Mione.” Lotus whispers. “Just a few more turns and–”
“Ah, well, well!” Lotus tensed, hearing that stupid, charming voice behind them.
“Lockhart!?” Hermione whimpered. “Oh, Lotus, he can’t see me like this-”
“He won’t.” She reassured, before smiling as he approached. “Professor Lockhart. I was on my way to take a fellow classmate of mine to Madame Pomfrey’s.”
“Oh?” He had a look of concern. She hated that. “What happened to the poor child?”
“Er. Potion malfunction. Something Snape’ll fix, don’t worry.” She says. “We best be on our way…”
“Why, why don’t I come with?” He offered, grinning. “I’ll escort you.”
“Please, you don’t have to…” ‘I don’t want you to. GO AWAY!’
Lotus’s smile stayed as perfect as she could as she began to walk. Lockhart sighs, walking with them.
“Oh, please, dear, besides, we have much to discuss. Your form during our practice today was guarded– which is great, don’t get me wrong, but it could stand to loosen up a bit.”
“I thought being guarded was a good thing in duels.” Lotus said. As Hermione tried to speak up, Lotus elbowed her, causing her to whimper and stay quiet.
“Yes, usually, but if you’re too guarded, you might not be able to flow as easily, you know? Just… let it happen. ” He advised.
“Wonderful.” Lotus replied politely as they entered the infirmary. “Now– please wait there.”
“As you wish.”
Lotus walked over to Pomfrey, who was tending to the Petrified students (and Mrs. Norris). “Madame Pomfrey, I’m sorry to bother you, but… there’s someone who needs your help.”
“Oh? What’s the matter?” She asked.
“Um…” Lotus looked back at Lockhart, before looking at Pomfrey, leaning in to whisper. “It’s Hermione. She, er, had a potion malfunction and… apparently Polyjuice Potions aren’t meant to be mixed with animal fur, if you catch my drift.”
Pomfrey, having resigned herself to the fate of inevitable incidents, just sighs, and nods. “Give her over, dear.” So, Lotus helped Hermione over. When she was behind a curtain, Lotus took the robe off of her, before putting it back on.
She caught Hermione’s depressed look, and hugged her. “Oh, Hermione, it’ll be okay! Listen, they’ll fix you right up and you’ll be back right as rain.”
“I know, just… I can’t believe I’m like this, ” she looks down, “such an error on my part.”
“Hey, you could never have known that she had a cat. Cats are a rare option. Well, to most people I know. Except you, I think you have a cat?”
“Crookshanks.”
She snapped her fingers. “Right- that. What I’m saying is, don’t beat yourself down. At least something went right, right ? And you’re smart. You made the potion, that’s saying a lot.”
Hermione frowns. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Her tail swished. “Oh, wait, you need to go back to Harry and Ron! They should be done any time soon!”
“Oh, crap, right! Okay, Pomfrey’ll take care of you, and I’ll go get them!” She says. “See you later, Hermione.”
“Bye…!” Hermione waved as she ran out.
“Lotus– Lotus! ” Lockhart’s smile strained as he followed after her. “I thought you knew we had something to discuss?”
“Sorry, Professor, this is far more important!” Lotus said. “I just need to find Ron and Harry, and– hey!” Lotus yelped as two boys ran past her- a mix of the boys she knew and Crabbe and Goyle. “Ron! Harry!”
The two stopped short. “H-Huh? Lotus? What–” Harry stammered.
“The potion went wrong for Hermione. She nabbed Milicent’s cat’s fur, not her hair.” She explains. “So I took her to the infirmary.”
Ron stared, eyes wide. “Whoa! Really?!”
“Ms. Inag.” Lockhart says, crossing his arms.
“ Wait a moment, please! ” Lotus snapped, feeling her patience thin. She tensed as Lockhart’s smile faltered. “I mean… please, Professor.”
He huffs. “Very well, then.” So, he stormed off.
Lotus frowned- but she didn’t have time to care about him right now.
She looked over at Harry and Ron, who looked concerned and amused.
“Good job, Lotus.” Harry joked weakly. “But Hermione’s okay, is she?”
“Yeah, but let’s go get your robes.” She said. “And discard these off to the laundry room. But as we do– tell me everything! ”
“Okay.”
As the three rushed to the girl’s lavatories, and while Ron ranted about what they heard, Harry didn’t miss the scared look in her eyes. “Lotus, you okay?”
“Huh? Oh,” she shook her head, “fine. Just, yknow me; hate being mean.” She sighs.
“Yeah, everyone does.” Ron nods.
“Mm, but you look… off.” Harry says. “Since when did you snap at Lockhart?”
“... He was just pestering me too much, is all.” She said. “I had to tell you what happened to Hermione and… yeah.” She waved it off. “Don’t worry about me, really, it’s fine.”
“You know if you ever need to talk, you can talk to us.” Harry said. “Just throwing that out there.”
“I know, Harry.” She said softly.
‘I can’t get anything past him, huh? Guess I can’t help it. Hurt recognizes hurt.’
Ron smiled. “Me too.”
“Yeah, you too Ron.” She chuckled. They arrived at the girl’s restroom, ignoring Myrtle as she cackled and wheezed about Hermione. They changed back and Lotus took the robes, folding them up nearly.
Harry pointed his wand at the shattered glasses on the floor. “Reparo!”
Quickly, they fixed themselves, and he gathered them up. He then cleaned out the cauldron, and Ron held it as the three returned to Gryffindor’s common room.
“Okay, you guys can go visit Hermione. I’ll go put these back.” She said.
Ron and Harry nodded to acknowledge her, before they ran off. She sighs, going up the stairs to the girl’s dormitories. She then set the cauldron down on Hermione’s bedside table, before she went downstairs again, grabbing the Slytherin robes.
She walked out, ignoring the Fat Lady’s annoyed complaints. “You lot keep coming in and out! It’s tiring being opened!”
“Sorry.” She laughed a little. She weaved through the crowd of students, arriving at the Laundry Room. The house elves gave her an odd look as she dropped off the robes, to which she just shrugged and then carried on as if nothing had happened.
And nothing did.
A few days had passed since then. A few days Lotus had to pretend everything was okay, talk with Hermione with the other two, figure out more clues. There hadn’t been much more Petrified cases, from what she knew.
So, now with the time to blow off steam, Lotus found herself standing at the shores of the Great Lake. She took a deep, sharp breath. Finally. Somewhere where she could process everything that just happened.
Hermione’s been turned into a cat…
Somewhat. Poor girl.
The last time a Chamber of Secrets was opened a Muggle-Born died…
Odd. Myrtle’s a student. She’s dead. She was a Muggle-Born…
So the monster is something that can both paralyze and kill…
A snake.
A Basilisk?
Mm.
She clenched her fist.
What about earlier this week? Let’s unpack that.
Oh, I really don’t want to–
But. We. Must.
What did he mean, ‘just like last time’?
Lotus winced. He mentioned he was proficient in Memory Charms.
Her lips felt dry, like someone sucked the life out of her- it was no Dementor’s kiss, but oh Merlin , that kiss may as well have felt like one.
She sniffled, finally feeling the weight of what happened to her crash down.
Lotus slowly slid to the snow, wrapping her arms around her knees, pressing them to her chest. Oh, God.
She should’ve just gone home for the holidays.
What a shit school year this turned out to be.
“Hey. Inag.” Lotus winced.
“Please, whoever’s there, just… leave me alone.” She murmured. “I’ve no time for this, seriously.”
The footsteps stopped. Then, tentatively, they continued, feet crunching under snow as Draco sat next to her.
“Oh, hi Draco.” She said. “What business you got with me?”
“I saw you storm out.” He says. “Looks like you didn’t have a direction- of course, you lot are aimless.”
“Mhm.” She nods.
“...” Draco sighed. “Listen, my father said I needed to be nice to you. Which, why? He hates people like you, I don’t know why he asked me to get to know you better.”
“Because of my dad, remember?” She hums. “A wonder, he was- Muggle-Born Slytherin. I think he got in with the other aspects of being a Slytherin that isn’t hating on anyone that isn’t a Pureblood.”
Draco’s face twisted slightly in confusion. Of course he knew about Leo Inag, but the ideals his family drilled in his head did not fit this narrative. It was something he struggled to understand since day one.
“You should’ve accepted my proposal to be friends in first year.”
“Maybe.” Lotus shrugged. “But I like me now.”
The two shared a few more seconds of uncomfortable silence, before Draco spoke up. “By the way, how’s you and your admiration for Lockhart?” He spoke almost mockingly, lips curling into a cruel smirk. Lotus flinched.
“He’s not all that good.”
“Exactly!” Draco huffed, crossing his arms over his chest in rare agreement. “You’d be better off listening to someone with actual talent.”
Lotus met his gaze for a moment, to which he faltered. “Are you crying?”
“Wh- huh ?!” Lotus paled, wiping her face with her scarf. “Oh, I didn’t know, I’m sorry.”
“What happened?” Draco asked, maybe a bit eagerly. “Falling out with Potter? Got into a fight with someone?”
“Draco, shut up! I don’t want to say it!” She almost screams. Draco leaned back, shocked.
“Jeez.”
“I’m sorry,” she gasps out. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s… whatever, I guess.” Draco’s hand twitched, but he didn’t go to comfort her. Instead, he stood up. “Come on. Let’s go back inside before we get too cold.”
“Mhm. I’m sorry.” She says softly, following him.
“Don’t get too wrapped up in it.” Draco muttered. “It’s not worth it, being so worried and crying over… whatever it is you’re so sad about.”
“Uh-huh.” Lotus nods. “Thanks, Draco.”
If only he knew.
Correction: If only you could tell people.
If only you weren’t so guarded.
I hate you.
As they walked into the Entrance, Lotus blinked in alarm when Harry, Ron, and Hermione all approached her.
“There you are!” Harry says. His eyes narrowed when he saw Draco with her. “Why were you with Draco?”
“Oh, uh-”
“Just having a heart-to-heart .” Draco huffed, smirking.
“Sure, if you could call our quiet 21 Questions-esque game heart-to-heart. ” Lotus spoke, voice dripping with sarcasm. Ron snorted.
“What’s 21 Questions?” Draco asked, confused.
“Nothing important.” Ron replied flatly. “Come on, Lotus, we’ve gotta talk to Hagrid!”
“But I just got back from-” ‘ from a good cry. ’ Lotus wanted to say, but she shook her head. “Okay, let’s go! Bye, Draco.” She hurried off with the four, leaving Draco mildly irritated.
“No one abandons Draco Malfoy.” He kicked a pebble before he stormed off.
── .✦
“It was Hagrid. Hagrid opened the Chamber of Secrets fifty years ago.” Harry repeated to Lotus.
“Wait, what ?!” Lotus blinks. “Do you think he even has the… y'know, genetic capability?!”
“Are you asking if he’s even related to Salazar?” Ron asked.
“Yeah! I feel like a lot of this could be solved if we just asked him what his house was when he was younger! If his answer is anything but a Slytherin…”
“Lotus, people can have different houses from their families.” Hermione said. “You’re a prime example of that.”
“Yeah, but I figured if you were an actual HEIR OF SLYTHERIN you would GET Slytherin! Besides, have you seen the guy? He’s a big, hairy boulder of kindness!”
“She is right. We don’t even know this Tom Riddle. He sounds like a dirty rotten snitch to me.” Ron said.
“The monster killed someone. What would any of us have done?” Harry asked exasperatedly.
“Look,” Hermione put a hand on Harry’s shoulder, “Hagrid’s our friend. Why don’t we just go and ask him about it?”
“That’ll be a cheerful visit.” Ron crossed his arms. “ ‘Hello, Hagrid. Tell us, have you been setting anything mad and hairy loose in the castle lately?’ ” He mocks, as Hagrid walks up behind them.
“Mad and hairy?” Hagrid chuckled. “You wouldn’t be talking about me, now would ya?”
“NO!” All four yell.
“Hey, Hagrid, what house were you sorted in if you ever went here?” Lotus asks. “I’m sure you did.”
“Oh, ‘at was so long ago!” He smiled fondly. “Proud ol’ Gryffindor, yes.”
Lotus looked at the three. “Ehh? Ehhh? ”
“What’s that you’ve got there, Hagrid?” Harry pointed at the canister in his hand.
Hagrid glanced down. “Oh, it’s a Flesh-Eating Slug Repellent. For the Mandrakes, you know.” He wagged his finger. “Now, according to Professor Sprout, they’ve still got just a bit of growing up to do, but once their acne’s cleared up, we’ll be able to chop ‘em and stew ‘em, and then we’ll get those people down at the hospital unpetrified. In the meantime, though, you three had best be looking after yourselves, alright?” He hums, then noticed Neville run up to them. “Hi, Neville. Bye, everyone!”
“Alright, Hagrid. Bye!” Lotus waved as he walked off. She then turned to the three again. “By the way, there’s no way he’s a Pureblood, look at him! I don’t wanna assume, but he looks half giant-”
“Sorry,” Neville cuts in, “but this is important! Harry, I don’t know who did it, but you’d better come! C’mon!”
He rushed off.
“Eh. We can worry about Hagrid later, right?” Lotus chuckle nervously as the four followed him back to the dormitories.
“Wait, how are we able to get up here?!” Lotus said to Hermione as they ran up the stairs.
Hermione shrugged helplessly. They ran into the messy room, Hedwig trilling nervously. The whole place looked like it had been ransacked, with stuff knocked over.
“If only owls could talk.” Ron muttered as Harry frantically looked through the mess.
“It had to be a Gryffindor.” Hermione concluded. “Nobody else knows our password. Unless it wasn’t a student.”
“Pretty desperate to find… whatever they were looking for,” Lotus comments just as Harry stood up, “found something?”
“More like they found what they had been looking for .” He spoke grimly. “Tom Riddle’s diary is gone.”
“What? Who knows about that besides us?! ” Hermione hissed.
“Crap.” Lotus groans. “Okay… does that mean we have to get on searching?” She facepalmed.
She heard Ron, Harry, and Hermione follow suit with an equally annoyed groan.
“... U.. uhm, you guys okay?” Neville asks.
“No, Neville.” Lotus murmured. “No one’s okay.”
Lotus Inag, Astronomy Class (2nd Yr)
Notes:
- I think I wrote this scene decently well. Since so much is going on at Hogwarts, she has barely a moment to relax and when she does, there's still someone around.
She can't allow herself to cry and worry just yet, especially when there's something out there threatening her and other people like her.
It's something she'll have to force down until it all blows up, one way or the other.The idea that this happened before (with similar "disappointing results" noted by Lockhart) makes her skin crawl and make her weak. It makes her question why she should even be nice in the first place if the world is full of nothing but people who want to hurt you.
It's hard to accept help, especially when Lotus has had faced similar hardships in the past, and there's been no help provided to her then. So, she'll rely on old tactics (trauma responses) to get through it.- Also, I like to think she'd be a pretty decently okay Occlumens, or just someone who has a pretty guarded self from her tough life, where Snape can't immediately peer into her mind with his Legilimency. He'd have to take a second look.
- Anyways, please stay safe out there. I love you <3/p
Chapter 11: 𓆙 Birthday Surprises
Summary:
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
She had never been the same since that day. Her mind runs rampant of what-ifs and who-knows.
Eventually, her birthday passes and while she enjoys it it's mildly miserable.
Then, Hermione gets Petrified. Great.
It's time for answers, no?
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉☒ 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 ☒
- Internal Victim Blaming
- PTSD
- Hints of a panic attack
Notes:
Hope you enjoy reading <3
- yes, ik the Valentines chapter doesn't happen in the movie, but I really wanted something else to happen while it was Lotus's birthday!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
It was hard to re-adjust.
Lotus didn’t know what to do. She investigated with Hermione, sometimes, but she didn’t really feel all too into it. She was sure Hermione knew as well, with how often Hermione sent her off after they were done rather than just keeping her around as she studied.
“I’m sorry, Hermione.” She would murmur.
“It’s alright, Lotus!” Hermione would reply, always with that kind smile.
While Harry was too occupied with thinking about Tom Riddle’s diary, this left her to usually talk to Ron. She didn’t know how, but he had noticed her behavior more and more.
“You all right, mate?” Ron asked, sitting beside her during Potions. Harry shot him a confused look, but decided to sit down next to Hermione for today.
“And what is this, Weasley?” Snape cut in. “I do not remember allowing you to switch seats with Potter.”
“...Right. Sorry.” Ron stood up. “But seriously. You okay?”
Lotus blinks. “Yeah, just… a bit sad.”
“Why?” Ron asks, returning to his seat, kicking Harry out who stammered. “Your birthday’s soon, innit?”
“Oh yeah, I guess it is.” She chuckled weakly. “I guess…”
“Inag, Weasley, we do not need to hear your conversations.” Snape snapped. “10 points from Gryffindor.”
“Mm.” Lotus lowered her head as Harry sat next to her.
As Snape continued writing, Lotus looked up, sighing deeply.
‘Life hasn’t felt the same.’
‘It’s all my fault.’
She winced. Her hand slipped inside her other sleeve, nail scratching at the skin.
No, it couldn’t have been her fault. It really couldn’t have. She just wanted to learn, she-
She had made the choice to stay…
As the class continued, Lotus struggled to focus. Her poor Wiggenweld Potion was meant to be this bright green at the moment during step 4. Right now it was a brown bubbling mixture. She couldn’t help it.
What was the use of staying here if there was danger nearby?
And she wasn’t talking about the Chamber of Secrets.
“Inag.”
Lotus flinched, her hand slipping slightly on the salamander blood but effectively catching it. Snape’s voice was sharp and cold, and it washed over her like an ice bath. His gaze was fixed on her now, his sharp eyes studying every movement she made.
“Yes, Professor?” She responded meekly. She didn’t want him to look at her. At the same time, she felt that piercing feeling again. Like he was trying to read her emotions; trying to read her mind.
Snape didn’t respond immediately. Not at first. No, he had to shame her further by walking down the rows and stopping in front of her and Harry. “You’re not even paying attention, Inag,” he said finally, his voice laced with disdain. “This is the third time I’ve had to remind you to focus.” His eyes focused to her potion, now visibly wrong. “And look at this, even Potter’s potions looks more digestible than this garbage.”
“...” Lotus sighs. “Sorry.”
‘At this point, hurt me too. I’m begging you. Give me a reason not to come back.’
Harry looked at her with a concerned look.
“You’ll stay after class to remake this potion.” Snape decided. Lotus felt yet another cold shiver impale her.
“S… stay?” Lotus whispers. “I… yeah. Sure.”
Oh, GOD, NO, NO, NO!
NO, NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO PLEASE !
She missed how Snape seemed to stiffen, the flicker of something unreadable in his expression before he swiftly turned around and walked off. Harry sighs. “Hey, it’s okay.” He says, watching her clean out the disgusting mixture.
“It’s not, Harry.” Her voice cracked, and she quickly masked it with a forced chuckle. “But, I guess I gotta survive til my 13th birthday.” She joked.
“On Valentine’s Day, right? Must be a crazy day for you.” Harry chuckled. She just nodded, using her wand to clean off the gunk, before wiping the cauldron with a rag. She sat down, preparing the ingredients again. Just soon as she finished, class was over. She watched them all leave—Ron, Harry, and Hermione shooting her pitiful looks— before looking back down at the bubbling cauldron.
When the classroom was finally empty, the door closing softly behind the last student, Lotus exhaled shakily. The weight of this room, Snape’s cold stare, and the cruushing loneliness she felt were all too much.
Snape walked over and stopped when he was right in front of her desk. He started down at her scornfully. “Well? Get on with it. This time I expect to see a perfect mixture.”
‘At least he’s not kissing you.’
‘You never know.’
Lotus’s hands shook as she added salamander blood until the potion turned red, stirred until it turned orange. She had fallen into a rhythm at this point– add until it turned yellow, stir until it turned green. Then, add until the potion turned turquoise, and she heated up the mixture. She waited for it to turn indigo.
Lotus looked up at him. “Are you a mind reader? What do they call that in the Wizarding World?”
Snape sneers. “Only Muggles talk of ‘mind-reading’. The mind is not a book to be opened at will and examined at leisure. No, it is called Legilimency.”
“Mm. Fancy mind reading.” She added more salamander blood until the mixture turned pink, which then she heated it up again.
Snape’s expression hardened. “Do you intend to give me a hard time?”
“Only so you can hate me.” She says, voice breaking a little. “Only so I’m not a favorite in your eyes.”
Uh oh. A bit too personal there, kiddo.
For a moment, the silence was oh-so suffocating. Lotus could feel the weight of his stare, the sharpness of his presence in front of her.
“You remind me of my second foster caretaker. I think his name was Mitch, or something. Real strict guy he was. I think he was Ukrainian.” She commented quietly as she added five lionfish spines, before she watched the potion heat up.
She clenched her jaw at the uncomfortable sound of the potion bubbling. She hoped the pressure in her chest wouldn’t ocmpeltely overwhelm her, and if it did, at least explode her. Snape’s eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable. He didn’t respond immediately, and for a brief moment, Lotus wondered if she had truly pissed him off.
Finally, his voice broke through the quiet, colder than before. “I have no interest in favoritism, Inag,” he said, his words sharp and cutting. “You would do well to remember that.”
Lotus swallowed hard as she added five more lionfish spines. “Mhm. I’m sorry.” Her voice broke. “But I guess you were the spiking feeling I felt in my head. You cheeky man, it’s inappropriate to peer into my young, tormented mind.”
His eyes flickered with something— was it surprise, or just annoyance? It was hard to tell, as his expression was as cold as ever. He didn’t seem to flinch at her words, though something seemed ot shift in the iar around them.
“Do not mistake my legimitacy for your discomfort,” Snape said sharply. “I am a skilled Legilimens, and I can perceive more than you realize, Inag.” His eyes were locked onto her as she continued the potion. “However, it does intrigue me that I cannot peer into the full truth. Are you an Occlumens?”
“If I didn’t know what a Legilimency-person is-”
“ Legilimens. ”
“Right. If I didn’t know what a Legilimens is, how am I meant to know what an Occlumens is?”
He pinched tbe bridge of his nose, sighing. “An Occlumens is the magic of closing one’s mind against Legilimency.”
“Ah. So just… making your mind strong enough to stand up against that sort of thing?” She asks.
“Yes. Usually one has to have a strong, calm, powerful mind. Or one so well-restrained.” He explained.
“Uh-huh.” Lotus added a few drops of boom berry juice. “I’ve had my share of bad experiences in my foster homes. Alistair killing my dad was bad enough, so I was kinda scarred and the foster homes weren’t any help.” Hey, it’s not like Snape had anyone to tell this information to. She was sure Dumbledore knew already. “I just learned to make my mind more tougher.” She shrugs. “Repress them. Is it healthy? No. But it works.”
“You learned to tough your mind through repression?” His voice was tight, edged with a hint of disbelief. “That is not how true Occlumency works, Inag-”
“I didn’t say I was an Occlumens! I’m not even one, I’m just that good at withholding things.” She said, stirring the potion again. “Okay, I just need to let this simmer for thirty minutes, right?”
He nods.
A brief silence took over them, before Snape spoke, hesitant, as if testing the waters. “You know, Gilderoy Lockhart was in his seventh year when I became Potions Professor here.” He explained.
Lotus immediately felt sick, and without warning— promptly vomited on the floor.
Her shoulders heaved. She knew she looked pathetic right now. Ew, now her hair was going to get all sticky from the vomit– huh?
She looked up, wiping her mouth with the back of her sleeve. She saw Snape, knelt down, holding her hair back.
“I–I’m sorry,” she muttered weakly, her voice rough from the sudden outburst. She avoided Snape’s gaze, feeling a deep sense of humiliation washing over her. Snape didn’t respnond immediately, his gaze sharp and calculator as he observed her, though he said nothing to scold her. He merely gave an indifferent flick of his wand, and the mess vanished in an instant.
“You should be more careful, Ms. Inag.” His tone was low. Stern, but not unkind- for once. “Why did you suddenly grow sick when I mentioned Lock– him?” He asks, voice barely hiding his concern.
Perhaps it wasn’t concern for her , but concern at what Lockhart could’ve possibly done to a student . He was a professor, so any behavior beyond kind words and teachings is wildly inappropriate depending on what she would say next.
Lotus’s hands clenched into fists at her side. Her emotions threatened to spill over once again, as she doubled over, body wretching. Luckily she didn’t vomit.
This was…
“This isn’t new behavior, I’m sorry,” she whimpered, “I-I used to do this a lot back in my first foster home. Mostly because I didn’t eat right from my illness and they refused to accomodate. Other times…”
‘Other times I would be so scared to go somewhere I’d vomit.’
Lotus shook her head as Snape spoke.
“I will not pry. Not if you don’t want me to.” He helped her up. “But note that you cannot keep running from this forever.”
“I know.”
“... You are dismissed, Ms. Inag. Two points deducted for vomiting on my tiles.” His tone carried a hint of humor.
Lotus laughed a little. “Aw… alright. Thanks…” Her legs felt like jello as she gathered her belongings. Before she could head out, she heard his voice again, softer this time.
“I will be watching, Inag.”
The door clicked shut behind her, and for the first time in a long while, Lotus allowed herself to brathe, though she couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling lingering in her chest. She wasn’t sure what was worse:
Facing her emotions…
Or pretending they didn’t exist at all.
── .✦
February 14th.
Lotus shot up, giggling as she skipped downstairs.
“Good morning, Lotus! Happy Valentine’s Day!” Neville beams.
“I don’t care!” Lotus replied. Upon seeing his shocked face, she shook her head. “S-sorry. I don’t mean it that way. I mean… I don’t care because today is my birthday! ”
Neville gasps. “O-oh! Really?! Happy birthday! I’m afraid I don’t have anything… oh! You could have one of Ron’s chocolates.”
Ron perked up, mouth stuffed. “Huh? No! I mean…” He groans under Lotus’s pleading look, before holding out the chocolate box. “Here.”
“Happy Birthday, Lotus,” Harry walks down, handing her a small giftbox in one hand as she ate the chocolate.
“Yeah! Happy birthday!” Hermione smiled thoughtfully. “Sorry I don’t have anything to give you…”
“That’s okay! I’m just glad you acknowledged it.” Lotus opened up the small gift, gasping. “Aww, Harry! It’s a music box!” She held up a lotus flower mechanic. It was built like a 1950s/60s Mid Century Lotus Flower music box cigarette holder dispenser, except it was primarily just a music box and, in fact, perfectly appropriate for a kid her age to have. “What song does it play?”
“I dunno. I’m not good at classicals.” Harry admitted.
“That’s fair enough.” Lotus put it back in, slipping it in her robe pocket, before hugging him. “Ee! Thank you!!” She pulled a confused Ron, a happy Hermione, and a surprised Neville into a hug. “I love you guys!!”
“Okay, okay, we love you too! Let us go!” Ron pleaded. She chuckled, letting go. “My bad. Let’s all go down to the Great Hall and have a great breakfast–”
“ What the fuck. ”
“Lotus! Language!” Hermione says, excitedly tapping her feet.
Lotus, Neville, Ron, and Harry were all disgusted at the decorations.
The walls, once beautifully brown, were now covered with large, contrasting pink flowers.
“No…”
The candles had a particularly pink hue to them, and there were heart-shaped confetti raining from the enchanted ceiling.
“NO…”
They went over to the Gryffindor table, taking a seat. Except for Lotus.
She didn’t care if she made a scene.
“NO!! MY BIRTHDAY IS RUINED!!” Lotus sobbed dramatically. Harry sighs, walking over.
“Hey, sorry, sorry…” He said to a frightened Ravenclaw, before dragging Lotus to their table.
“What’s going on?” Harry asked, grumbling as he wiped confetti off his bacon while Lotus sobbed into her arms.
Ron blinks. “What do you think?” He pointed past the giggling Hermione and to the staff table. Lockhart was wearing warm pink robes to match the occasion and the decorations, and was standing up, waving for silence. Dumbledore had an amused look, while everyone else on the table remained stone-faced.
Lockhart’s smile cracked at Lotus’s continued sobs. “Lotus, my dear, what’s got you so down ?” He yells.
Lotus shot up. Normally she’d feel fear, but she felt primal anger. “It’s my birthday you dingbat !” She snaps. “This ruins everything!”
He seems to gasp. “Oh my, of course a maiden like you would be born on such a romantic day! But please, do keep it down, I have announcements to make.”
Harry sighed. “Silencio.” He pointed at Lotus, whose animated cries became silent.
Lotus leaned on her head, mutedly sniffling as she looked at the staff. McGonaggall looked like she wanted to be anywhere else but here, Hagrid seemed confused, and Snape looked like he might keel over.
“Happy Valentine’s Day!” Lockhart smiled. “And may I thank the forty-six people who have– so far – sent me cards! Yes, I have taken the liberty of arranging this little usprirse for you all– and it doesn’t end there!”
He clapped his hands. Everyone glanced over at the door as a bunch of angry-looking dwarfs walked in, all clad in golden wings and carrying harps.
Several students gawked, others snickers. Lotus just went limp, dramatically, sniffling into Harry’s sleeve.
“Hey! You have your own sleeve, thank you very much!” Harry grumbled, yanking his sleeve back.
“My friendly, card-carrying cupids! “They will be roving around the school today delivering your valentines! And the fun doesn’t stop here! I’m sure my colleagues will want to enter into the spirit of the occasion! Why not ask Professor Snape to show you how to whip up a Love Potion! And while you’re at it, Professor Flitwick knows more about Entrancing Enchantments than any wizard I’ve met, the sly old dog!”
Lotus momentarily stopped crying to look at the two adult’s reactions. Flitwick buried his face in his hands, and Snape tensed up, a face of utter fury. She hiccuped quietly.
Until Harry’s spell ran out, and she began to laugh all of a sudden, clutching her stomach like it hurt to laugh.
“Oh, Hermione, please don’t tell me you’re one of those forty-six people.” Ron glared at her. Hermione suddenly found that looking for her nonexistent schedule was far more important than answering his question.
── .✦
Lotus, like many, hated the chaos that was today. Well, maybe less. The dwarves who came to her all said ‘Happy Birthday’, so she knew it was from her friends. What surprised her was when a dwarf came to her Herbology class—much to Professor Sprout’s dismay—and began to recite a poem out loud. If one could even call it a poem.
“Not bad for a Muggle-born,
But please, less whining.”
“That was hardly a poem!” Ron cried out, as Lotus scoffed.
“Oh boy, I wonder who sent that letter.” Hermione guessed.
“You know what? I’ll give him one back.” Lotus smirked. And so she did. She had such a delight hearing it too, during lunch.
Draco’s face burned with anger and embarrassment as the dwarf stopped him, giving him a letter.
“O Draco, My Draco,
Your rice-colored hair is ugly,
But your insults are sharp,
Though I’d never call you cuddly.”
“That’s the dumbest poem ever!” Draco snapped at Lotus from across the table after reading it.
“At least mine was a poem!” Lotus yelled back.
“Why are you entertaining her, Draco?” Pansy huffed, as if jealous.
‘Yeah, doesn’t she like him?’ Lotus thought.
“Oh, don’t worry, Pansy. Father says I have to keep her on my good side.” Draco replied. Lotus shook her head and returned to eating, only to blink as another dwarf marched up to her.
“I’ve got a Valentines message to deliver to Lo’us Inag in person,” the dwarf growls, clearly upset about doing this as much as she was upset to have received it.
“Oh, I wonder who your secret admirer is !” Hermione leans over. Harry couldn’t help but listen as well.
Lotus sat stiffly as the dwarf pulled the long paper out, coughing to prepare his throat.
“Her eyes, like stars, so full of grace,
A hidden strength no one can trace.
She moves through storms, a steady hand,
And in her heart, a fire stands.
Though fate may cast its cruelest blows,
She rises high where others froze.
With every step, a song unsung,
The quiet strength of one so young.
And though the world may never see,
What lies beneath, so wild and free,
Her quiet grace will never fade—
Her lips the most beautiful of pinkish shade.”
As Ron let out a teasing ‘Ooooo!’ and Harry snickered, Lotus’s smile faded slightly.
“...Oh. Thanks.” Lotus said weakly, as the dwarf hurried off to continue his deliveries. “...Yay…”
“Hey, you okay?” Hermione frowned.
“Yeah, I just– that was a very weird letter, huh?” Lotus joked.
“It was very wordy! I wonder who made it… a very interested first year boy?” Ron asked.
“Or someone our year?” Harry questioned.
“Ughhhh, I just want to celebrate my birthday! I don’t care about this!” Lotus groans.
“Inag.” The children froze, turning around to see Dumbledore.
“P-Professor Dumbledore?!” Lotus gasped. “I-i… uh…”
“Happy Birthday, Ms. Inag.” He smiled. “How old are you now?”
“Thirteen.” She says softly.
“Thirteen! Blimey, she’s older than us!” Ron blinked. “Only barely a month for Hermione. Dang, why are the girls older?”
Lotus laughs, as Dumbledore nods. There’s a comforting twinkle in his eyes as he forked over a bag of Toffees with a slight wink.
“Wow! Thanks!” Lotus beamed gratefully, clutching the bag like it was a gift given by a celebrity.
“No problem. Enjoy the rest of your year, you deserve it.” He replied softly, before walking off. “Oh, Minerva , I’d love to play charades later…”
As she heard Professor McGonagall’s exasperated tone, she laughed before she unwrapped a toffee and ate it.
“Man, now I want some.” Harry grumbled.
Lotus chuckled, slipping each of them one toffee. “Here you go, children. Don’t spend it all in one place.” She joked.
“Oh, no, mum ,” Ron joked, “I promise I won’t spoil all my riches–” He quickly unwrapped the confectionery and chewed it, sighing at how it melted in his mouth. Everyone laughed at his antics.
“Well, today was a total scare,” Harry admitted, “but it’s still great because it’s your birthday. Happy Birthday, Lotus.”
“Thanks!” Lotus smiled.
── .✦
“That’s the spirit!” Lockhart approved.
“I want to punch you.”
“Hm?”
“Nothing!” Lotus replied quickly, waving her wand. “Professor, I, uh,” she shifted away just barely as he moved closer, “I already know how to perform the Full Body-Bind .”
“I see, dear. Then… why not one where you can conceal yourself to the target? Follow my lead.”
Lockhart picked up his wand. “It’s called the Smokescreen Spell , and Fumos Duo is the most powerful version of it! Of course, I can master it quite easily. Just upward swish, then downward flick.” He motioned it for her.
Lotus nods. She moved her hand. Upward swish. Downward flick. “Fumos Duo!”
Suddenly, the classroom erupted into dark red smoke. Lotus coughed, looking around.
She should’ve realized that when she concealed herself from the target, the target would also be concealed.
She heard him, clapping his hands in delight. “Ah, there we go! Brilliant, Inag, brilliant!” He rolled his ‘r’s. Normally students would feel happiness, but as usual she felt a little tired, and very scared.
He can’t see her. But…
I can’t see him.
“Thanks, Professor. I didn’t expect it to work that well…” Lotus looks around, stepping back. “Where– where are…”
“Oh, it’s perfect.” Lockhard said, striding toward her with an exaggerated step. “Absolutely perfect. Your talent is exceptional, truly!” He moved closer, his voice taking on an almost conspiratorial tone. “As always.”
His hand brushd gently against her arm as he attempted to guide her forward, but Lotus instinctively stepped back, tense.
“Wouldn’t you love to be rewarded?” He asks softly. “For improving so well.”
She gave him a nervous smile, trying to step further away without drawing too much attention. “I… I think I’m good, Professor.”
But Lockhart wasn’t quite finished. He leaned in slightly, hand reaching out as though to steady her, his smile too wide. “Oh, come now, dear, no need to shy away. I was merely offering some… encouragement .”
Lotus felt her heart beat tremendously so, panicked, as she reached back, feeling the door on her back. “I’m already, really!”
Lockhart paused, his smile faltering before he laughed it off. Instead, he stepped back with an exaggerated bow, and then turned around to open the window. “Ah, my apologies! I get carried away sometimes.” His voice had a slightly strained edge as he seemingly tried to reassert his charm. “Still, an excellent performance, truly–... hello?” He looked over, surprised to see the door flung wide open.
Lotus had broken into a run, panting.
Have to get away.
Have to get away.
Have to get away.
Have to get away.
Have to get away.
“Ms. Inag!” She whimpered as she heard Lockhart behind her. “Come back, hold on a second!”
She ignored him. She knew, eventually, she’d get winded easily. And she didn’t quite know the charm to make her gain super-speed, if only for a few seconds, so she knew she had to be careful. Lotus turned the corner, only to yelp as she ran into Draco.
Draco blinked in surprise as Lotus collided with him, her body pressing against his for a brief moment. She stared, before she quickly yanked him under the railing of the courtyard. His eyes widened in confusion as she clamped a hand over his mouth, forcing her own to calm down.
“Shh,” she hissed, eyes widened with panic, whimpering, “stay quiet, please, I’m begging you.”
Draco’s heart pounded, anger and confusion bubbling deep inside as he tried to pull back and whisper, but Lotus’s grip tightened, forcing him to remain still.
“Ms. Inag!” Lockhart’s voice echoed down the corridor. “Come back, hold on a second!”
The sound of his footsteps grew louder, and Draco’s eyes darted to the end of the hall, catching a glimpse of the man’s golden curls and flamboyant robes.
Lockhart continued calling her name, his voice thick with concern, though it only seemed to make the situation worse.
‘Please,’ she thought- no, begged in her head, ‘don’t find me.’
It was getting extremely hard to breath, and yet her hand never left Draco’s mouth, the other gripping her wand tighter, as if preparing herself to shoot at anyone who would come upon them- especially if that anyone was Gilderoy Lockhart. As she bit back her shuddering pants the world seemed to darken and close around her, making her shake worse. Then all of a sudden, she felt a hand on her back. Before she reacted, she realized Draco had shifted so his hand was on her back, rubbing with a mixture of gentleness and awkwardness. Of course, this course of action may be foreign and unnatural to someone like him.
Lotus’s grip on Draco’s mouth remained firm as she shifted her weight, pressing herself further against the railing, attempting to make herself as small as possible. She squeezed her eyes shut, her heartbeat pounding in her ears. She could feel Draco’s muscles tense under her, and despite the panic surging through her, she couldn’t help but be hyper-aware of their proximity.
The footsteps drew closer, but just as Lockhart passed, he paused for a moment, as if sensing something out of place. Lotus held her breath, praying he wouldn’t turn around.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Lockhart muttered to himself, “Must’ve been a trick of the light.” And then, in a louder voice, “Inag! If you hear me, I’m not done talking!”
As the sound of his footsteps receded, Lotus slowly released her grip on Draco, her hand trembling slightly as she pulled away. Her breath was shaky, and she couldn’t meet Draco’s gaze.
“What… the hell, Inag?” Draco whispered, his voice low and confused as he pulled his hand away and rubbed his mouth. “What’s going on?”
Lotus exhaled shakily, eyes still wide. “He’s… he’s just so insistent,” she whispered, voice quivering. “I couldn’t… I couldn’t be near him. I… I just couldn’t.”
Draco didn’t know what to say, his mind racing, but before he could speak, they heard a voice behind them.
“What is this brazen display of idiocy?”
Lotus grumbled, turning around. “P… Professor Snape.”
He stood firm. “Kindly pull away from Malfoy.” He spook, voice firm and stern, but not unkind.
“R-right! Sorry.” She stood up.
“Hm. Come with me, Ms. Inag. You are needed elsewhere.” Snape began to walk, not allowing her the chance to speak. Lotus looked back at Draco, before quickly following him.
As she struggled to keep up, panting still, he spoke. “Lockhart was looking for you.”
“Oh! He was?” She murmured unenthusiastically. “What for?”
“Because he said you ran out mid-lesson. It’s unlike you, he says, and for once I agree.” He explained with a hint of bitterness.
“Oh. You’re not gonna… return me to him, right?”
“No, because I’m taking you to the infirmary. A friend of yours…” he trailed off. “Potter and Weasley are there already.”
Lotus froze. A friend of hers?
If Harry and Ron were there–
“Did Hermione get Petrified?!” She panicked, starting to run ahead of him. His eyes widened just barely, before he followed her with a brisk pace, robes flying behind him.
“HERMIONE!” Lotus yelled, running in.
“Lotus!” Harry spoke as she joined his and Ron’s side. She let out a sharp gasp, tearing up. Hermione was frozen, stone-like— like the others.
“Hermione..” Ron murmured, overcome with shock and terror.
Lotus began to sob, her whimpers muffled into the mattress. She knew logically that Hermione would be okay, but that didn’t make this situation any less traumatizing. That and what just happened earlier still shocked her to her core.
“She was found near the library, along this.” Professor McGonagall held up a mirror. “Does it mean anything to either of you?” She asks.
Harry and Ron shook their heads, while Lotus wept.
“You poor children.” McGonagall sighs. “We have to go, I need to tell you all something.”
“Lotus, we gotta go.” Harry rested his hand on her shoulder. She looked up, eyes red-rimmed and nose stuffy.
“But… but…”
“It’s okay. We’ll visit her later.” Ron tried to reassure, which she finally relented.
── .✦
She sniffled into yet another tissue paper as Harry rubbed her back sympathetically while Ron awkwardly held the tissue box for her. They also paid close attention as McGonagall gathered all the students around her in Gryffindor’s common room.
“Could I have your attention, please?” Professor McGonagall paused, waiting for their silence before continuing. “Because of recent events, these new rules will be put into effect immediately.” She held out a parchment paper, reading off of it. “All students will return to their house common rooms by six o’clock every evening . All students will be escorted to each lesson by a teacher. No exceptions.” She set the parchment aside, aged face taking on a forlorn expression. “I should tell you this: unless the culprit behind these attacks is caught, it’s likely the school will be closed.”
“What?” Many students muttered amongst themselves as McGonagall left the room. As they all either dispersed or remained in the room and were talking about the situation, Harry turned to Ron and Lotus.
“We’ve got to talk to Hagrid, Ron, Lotus. I can’t believe it’s him, but if he did set the monster loose last time, he’ll know how to get inside the Chamber of Secrets, and that’s a start.”
Ron gaped as Lotus stared at him in worry. “But you heard McGonagall…”
Lotus sniffled. “We’re not allowed to leave the Tower except for class.”
Harry shook his head. “I think it’s time to get my dad’s old cloak out again.”
The two perked up. Ron looked at Lotus. “You… don’t have to join us.”
“No. I want to. To figure this out. To put an end to it.” She growls, standing up. “Hagrid or not, I want to close that damn Chamber.”
‘I have worse, more active threats to worry about.’
Satisfied at this, Harry smiled weakly. “Okay. You two wait here.” He then quickly ran upstairs, leaving them.
Ron shifted as he set the tissue box aside. “Lotus. Can I be serious really quickly?”
She tilted her head. “Sure, Ron. Isn’t the situation serious enough, though?” She tried to joke, which he did laugh. She gave him credit there. Though he looked all worried again.
“Haha— seriously though. You’ve been acting odd ever since after Christmas break. What happened? You okay? Are you getting more sick?”
Lotus shook her head. But she didn’t say more, which gave Ron the clarification that yes, something in fact did happen.
“I’m not ready to say it yet. Not here. Not now.” She says. “Not until the threat is over.”
“Oh.” Ron frowns. “Okay. Just know that… that if it’s Draco, or anyone else bullying you, we’ll get’em, mate.”
“I know.” Lotus chuckled just as soon as Harry came rushing down with the familiar clear fabric in his hands.
“Ready?” Harry asks, approaching them. Lotus stood up, nodding- and so Ron did too.
“Yeah.” Ron nodded.
“Let’s not get in trouble.” Lotus giggled pathetically.
Harry smiled, throwing the cloak over the three of them.
── .✦
Under the Invisibility Cloak, the three approached Hagrid’s cabin at night. The sound of the wind rustling nearby and the faraway sounds of creatures in the Forbidden Forest made the adventure much more daunting.
“Just like last year, huh?” Lotus murmured, eliciting a small chuckle from Harry. As the two arrived at his doorstep, Harry reached out and rapped on the door with his knuckles. They backed away upon hearing Fang growling and the sound of shuffling.
“Who’s there?” Hagrid gently kicked the door open, holding his crossbow up. His voice was guarded and his expression was extremely tense. Lotus flinched, tearing the Invisibility Cloak right off the three of them.
“Hagrid! It’s us! It’s us!” She says frantically. He blinks, before sighing and lowering it.
“What’s that for?” Harry asks suspiciously.
“Oh, nothing, I was expecting, uh…” Hagrid’s eyes darted around nervously, as if making sure no one else were to join them. “... it doesn’t matter. Come on in, I just made a pot of tea.” He moved aside, letting the children enter. Then he closed the door before shuffling off to the table, pouring tea into a cup all the way to the brim. His hands shook as he shakily re-portioned to four cups.
“Hi, Fang.” Lotus gently scratched the back of his ears. The boarhound wagged his tail enthusiastically, making a low sound of happiness upon seeing them.
“Hagrid, are you okay?” Harry frowns with concern. “You look… shaky. Definitely not something I’m used to seeing on you.”
“I’m fine. I’m all right.” The half-giant replies. A little too fast . Hastily, which makes it obvious that he was expecting something bad to happen. He put the teapot down as Ron politely drank the tea, though he probably wasn’t too fond of it. Lotus took light sips, offering a small smile.
“Di–” Harry paused, frowning. “Did you hear about Hermione?”
Hagrid stiffened before he solemnly nodded. “Oh yeah. I heard about that all right.”
“Who wouldn’t? One of the brightest witches ever and she’s Petrified?” Lotus frowns sadly.
“We get it, you miss your best friend.” Ron joked.
“Well, you all are. But you’re not wrong.”
“Look,” Harry interjected, “we have to ask you something. Do you know who’s opened the Chamber of Secerts?”
Hagrid froze yet again, before rubbing his hands anxiously. After a few seconds, he managed to choke out what is barely a sentence. “W-what you have to understand about that is…” Before he could finish, however, there was suddenly another knock on the door. Fang started to bark, standing at attention. Alarmed, Harry stood up. “Quick.” Hagrid whispers. “Under the cloak. Don’t say a word, be quiet, you three.”
Harry nodded, throwing the cloak over the three of them as they pushed into a corner just as soon as Hagrid opened the door to find Dumbledore outside, accompanied by another older gentleman.
“Who’s that?” Lotus whispered as quietly as she could.
Professor Dumbledore hummed nonchalantly. “Good evening, Hagrid. I wonder, could we…?”
Hagrid immediately beckoned them to come inside as Fudge gave Hagrid a slight smile. “Of course! Come in, come in.”
“That’s dad’s boss.” Ron murmured. Harry and Lotus glanced at him quizzically. “Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic.”
“Ah, makes sense he’d be here.” Harry tried not to groan.
Fudge straightened up as he glanced around the home. “Bad business, Hagrid. Very bad business. Had to come… Three attacks on Muggle-borns. Things have gone far enough. The Ministry’s got to act.”
Lotus grit her teeth. ‘What does that mean? They can’t seriously think Hagrid’s responsible.’
“But I never…” Hagrid stammered, before spinning to face Dumbledore. “You know I never, Professor!”
Dumbledore stroked his chin thoughtfully, nodding. His silver, stormy eyes pierced into Fudge’s. “I want it understood, Cornelius, that Hagrid has my full confidence.”
Fudge coughed a little nervously. “Albus, look… Hagrid’s record is against him. I’ve got to take him.”
“Take me?” Hagrid’s eyes widened in alarm as he took a step back. “Take me where? Not Azkaban Prison?”
Ron stifled a gasp of horror while the other two tilted their heads.
“Is Azkaban just Alcatraz but for the magical world?” Lotus frowns.
“If so, that’s horrible!” Harry replied furiously-quietly.
“I’m afraid we have no choice, Hagrid.” Fudge replied as the door opens again, revealing Lucius Malfoy. Lotus nearly shot up in alarm– almost risked their cover. Why was he here??
“Already here, Fudge? Good.” Lucius nods.
“What are you doing here?” Hagrid snapped. “Get out of my house!”
Lucius grimaced as he stepped inside the room. “Believe me, I take absolutely no pleasure being inside your…” He squinted his eyes, taking a step forward.
Towards them.
In a panic, the three shuffled back as inaudibly as they could.
“... You call this a house?” He smirked cruelly. “No, I simply called upon the school and was told the Headmaster was here.”
Dumbledore quirked an eyebrow up. “And what exactly is it that you want with me ?”
Lucius tutted in a smug way. “The other governors and I have decided it’s time for you to step aside.” He reached into his pocket, taking out a roll of parchment before removing his thumb, letting it uncurl. “This is an order of suspension. You’ll find all twelve signatures on it. I’m afraid we feel you’ve rather lost your touch , and what with all these attacks, there’ll be no Muggle-borns left at Hogwarts.”
Lotus nearly growled and would’ve leapt out, had Harry and Ron not held her back.
‘How dare this… this MUTT act like that?!’
‘Why would he have Draco befriend me if he thinks of my ‘kind’ like THIS?!’
‘I should tear him APART!!’
Lucius smirked, voice dripping with sarcasm. “I can only imagine what an awful loss that would be to the school.”
Hagrid, now alarmed, took a step forward. “You can’t take Professor Dumbledore away. Take him away and the Muggle-Borns won’t stand a chance. You mark my words, there’ll be killings next!”
As if he wanted that, Lucius replied with a hopeful yet bored tone. “You think so?”
Dumbledore shook his head. “Calm yourself, Hagrid. If the governors desire my removal, I will, of course, step aside.” He walked until he was beside Lucius. “However, you will find that help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it. ”
The three kids freeze when Dumbledore looks straight at them. Perhaps he meant it in a way to indicate there would still be someone to help with the Chamber of Secrets, but to Lotus?
It meant something deeper.
Would there be help?
Lucius turned to see what, or who , Dumbledore was looking at. But when he saw nothing, he sighs and turns to Dumbledore. “Admirable sentiments. Shall we?”
Dumbledore gave Harry, Ron, and Lotus one last look, a look heavy in trust and significance, before he left the hut. “Fudge.” He called out, following Dumbledore.
Fudge gestured for Hagrid to follow suit. “Come, Hagrid. …Well?”
Hagrid shifted nervously. “If, um, if anybody was looking for some stuff, then all they’d have to do would be to follow the spiders. Yep, that’d lead ‘em right. That’s all I have to say.” He reluctantly began to leave, only to stop again. “Oh, and someone will need to feed Fang while I’m away.”
As Hagrid miserably left the hut, Fang began to growl at Fudge.
Fudge smiled. Perhaps out of nervousness or something else. “Good boy.”
When he finally left, Harry, Ron, and Lotus took off the Invisibility Cloaks.
Lotus looked furious, Harry looked around, and Ron looked ashen.
“Hagrid’s right. With Dumbledore gone, there’ll be an attack a day!”
“I don’t wanna be next.” Lotus frowns. “But– it’ll be okay. We’ll find a way.”
“Look.” Harry points. The two looked over at where he was staring at and saw a line of spiders crawling out the window. Ron nearly squeaked in fear while Lotus shuddered.
‘Wait, Hagrid was serious? But I don’t like spiders.’
And judging from Ron’s reaction, they didn’t strike his fancy either. However, Harry stood up, taking the lantern from the bedside table. “Come on.” He says to the two, before looking at Fang. “Come on, Fang.”
“Are we doing this?” Ron whimpered.
“I guess we are.” Lotus shivered. “Let’s… let’s follow.” The two hesitantly followed Harry and Fang out the door.
‘I seriously hope there isn’t a large spider thing.’ Lotus thought. The very idea made her feel nauseous.
One way to find out.
Notes:
I should clarify that Lucius is still extremely prejudiced against Muggle-Borns, but with Lotus's situation it's like the typical "__ is bad but you're the exception" simply because her father had worked with him and he was a Pure Muggle-Born. He expects her to follow in his footsteps in some way, so he treats her a little less harshly. Don't mistake it for genuine liking or anything, he still thinks of her as less, but he believes she could be a decently good ally to have.
Chapter 12: 𓆙 Reopened Wounds
Summary:
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
"Who even likes spiders?"
Clearly not Lotus and Ron, screaming for their life like they were getting murdered.
The three barely manage to survive Aragog- or rather his sons and daughters- when they hear of a girl being taken down to the Chambers.
Thinking fast, they go to save whoever this is.
Lotus also opens up for once.
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉☒ 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 ☒
- Victim Blaming?
- Panic Episode / Crying
Notes:
It feels so good when you finally have a good cry, whether it be on your own or in a filthy dungeon with one of your best friends, while the source of all your problems lay knocked out an amnesiatic nearby.
I hope you enjoy <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
In the Forbidden Forest, they stuck close together– they as in Ron and Lotus, clinging to each other like a lifeline while Harry and Fang led. Harry held up Hagrid’s lantern, looking around. As the two reluctantly followed Harry, Ron whimpered fearfully. “Why spiders? Why couldn’t it be
‘follow the butterflies'
?”
“Of all creatures, why them?” Lotus whined in an equally terrified voice.
“Guys, it’ll be okay.” Harry tried to reassure the two. Fang barked, though as reassuring as it might’ve been it did little to soothe the arachnaphobia settling into Ron and Lotus’s bones. As the spiders led them further in, a large rumbling sound caught their attention.
Harry paused. “There’s something moving over there. Listen. It sounds like something big.”
Ron craned his neck, trying to listen. “Big?” He winced when the blaring lights of a headlight switched on.
Lotus gasped. “It’s the Ford Anglia!”
“Harry! Lotus! It’s our car!” Ron gaped. “It must’ve been here all the time. And look, the forest has turned it wild.”
“As in sentient?” Lotus murmured. “I mean, I guess it’s always been. Didn’t it drive off into the woods when we got here?”
“Come on, guys, we don’t want to lose the trail,” Harry said.
“Oh, well, we’ll get it later.” Lotus shrugged as they followed Harry, a little less afraid.
Well, maybe her. Ron was still terrified. “Harry, I don’t like this. Harry, I don’t like this
at all
.”
Lotus patted his back reassuringly while Harry held his hand up.
“Shush!” He pointed to the destination– all the spiders were heading into a tunnel underneath a tree root. Ron, ghostly pale, let out a soft squeak of terror.
“Can we go back now?” He pleaded.
Harry shook his head. “Come on.”
“Bugger,” Lotus says quietly.
“When did you learn how to use that?” Ron whispered as they descended the tunnel.
“I’unno. Your dad said that often when he thought no one was listening. What does that mean? Is it a swear word?”
“I mean, used in the context you used now, yeah.” Ron’s face flushed a little red.
As they descended the tunnel, a slightly bigger spider descended behind them– though, for now, they hadn’t noticed.
‘It’s so freaky down here… Freakily scary.’ Lotus shivered as they entered a massive clearing. She felt her heart do backflips (not in a good way) as she spotted numerous spiders, all much bigger than the ones the three followed, hovering above them, watching silently.
As the spiders led the three to a foreboding mound, the sound of branches breaking could be heard; then a deep, rumbling, fear-inducing voice was heard.
“Who is it?”
Harry, despite his nervousness, tried to keep calm. “Don’t panic.” He tells the other two. What an easy thing for him to say. He didn’t have arachnophobia like Ron and Lotus.
Lotus bit back a whimper while Ron turned towards the mound again.
“Hagrid? Is that you?” The voice added, hesitant. Rightfully so, Lotus thought, they were, after all, intruding upon whoever’s home this is.
“We’re friends of Hagrid’s.” Harry replied. Slowly, a huge spider emerged from the mound. Ron let out a small squeal and Lotus tensed up.
Oh. My. Merlin.
The spider was the size of those construction crane machines— without those massive cranes.
He
had milky white eyes, and assuming from his words,
‘Hagrid, is that you?’
the spider was most likely blind. As she would expect, he was hairy and utterly,
utterly
terrifying.
“And you’re…” Harry stammered. “You’re… you’re Aragog, aren’t you?”
“What a… what a pretty name!” Lotus tried to compliment.
Aragog’s many eyes blinked. “Yes. Hagrid has never sent children into our hollow before.”
‘It’s not like I even wanna be here!!’ Lotus thought frantically. “And dog.” She added, looking around for Fang.
Harry took a small step forward, which caused the spiders to all whisper—can spiders even whisper?— amongst each other. He’s in trouble. Up at the school, there have been attacks.” As he spoke, Ron glanced around, nervously eyeing the numerous spiders scuttling around. “They think it’s Hagrid. They think he opened the Chamber of Secrets, like before.”
Aragog made a sound between a laugh of bewilderment and a hiss of annoyance. “That’s a lie! Hagrid never opened the Chamber of Secrets!”
“Then you’re not the monster?” Harry asked incredulously.
“No. The monster was born in the castle. I came to Hagrid from a distant land, in the pocket of a traveler.”
“That would be cute to hear if I wasn’t so terrified right now.” Lotus whispered.
“Harry…” Ron whispered nervously, tugging on his sleeve. However, Harry glanced at him dismissively.
“Shush…” He turns back to Aragog. “But if you’re not the monster, then what did kill that girl fifty years ago?”
“We do not speak of it. It is an ancient creature we spiders fear above all others.”
Lotus’s eyes widened. “Wait a second… that sounds familiar…”
“But have you seen it?” Harry questioned further, despite Ron’s anxious attempts to get his attention.
“I never saw any part of the castle but the box in which Hagrid kept me.” Ron looked up fearfully, squeaking again. “The girl was discovered in a bathroom. When I was accused, Hagrid brought me here.”
Again, Ron tugged on Harry’s sleeve. “Harry…!”
“What?” Harry tried not to snap, but it was hard to mask his annoyance. As Ron whimpered and pointed upwards, Lotus and Harry glanced up at what Ron had seen.
To their surprise– and utter horror– numerous spiders were descending from above down to them .
Lotus nearly screamed.
Harry fearfully glanced back at Aragog, his voice shaky. “Well… thank you. We’ll just… go.”
Aragog hummed. “Go?” Ron nodded fearfully. “I think not.” More spiders started to appear around him, advancing toward the three.
“My sons and daughters do not harm Hagrid on my command. But I cannot deny them fresh meat when it waders so willingly into our midst.”
As hundreds of more spiders appear from the trees, Lotus grabbed both boys, backing away.
‘Have to keep them safe. Have to keep Harry safe. Have to keep Ron safe.’ Her mind roars, as she lets go of their sleeves to whip her wand out, shakily aiming it at the spiders.
“Goodbye, friends of Hagrid.” Aragog finalized.
“N-no, wait! Wait, if you eat us, we won’t be able to help Hagrid! Don’t you owe him a lot? W-we can… we–” Lotus stammers, trying to think of something as a spider appeared behind her.
“Can we panic now?” Ron said, before crying out as a big spider landed next to them as well. Ron pointed his broken wand at it in fear, while Harry swung the lantern at it. He turned around and swung at another spider before throwing it on the ground, taking his own wand out. The three pressed their backs towards each other, trying to back away from the oncoming spiders surrounding them.
“Know any spells?” Ron asked, voice high-pitched.
“One, but it’s not powerful enough for all of them.” Harry said.
Lotus’s mind wracked. What non-bad spell could she…
“Where’s Hermione when you need her?” Ron panicked.
She perked up. She stepped forward, swishing her wand upwards and then flicked it down.
“Lotus–” Harry tried to yell.
“FUMOS DUO!” She screams. Suddenly, thick, dark red smoke clouds appeared around them. Aragog sounded surprised– while he couldn’t see, he could tell a rather lucrative spell was used to get away. Meanwhile, the spiders seemed to be momentarily startled, so Lotus took this chance to put her wand in between her teeth, grabbing both boys’ wrists and running off.
She felt the exhaustion bite at her like a venomous snake (or was a spider latched onto her?) and could feel the physical toll on her body. And yet, she didn’t stop running, at least not until the sound of a car engine was heard. Suddenly, the Ford Anglia came to a complete stop in front of them, opening its doors.
“In!” Ron, Harry, and Lotus yell. They ran for the car as the spiders suddenly realized their plan and went right back to attack.
Lotus almost threw Fang into the car (it was mostly the poor dog trying to jump up, but with Lotus’s panic, she grabbed him and yanked him in) and leapt into the back, shutting the door right as a spider leapt onto the window. Ron whimpers as he gets in on the driver’s side, closing the door on a spider’s leg. He looked not sorry at all as it wiggled itself free, starting the car. Harry, meanwhile, twisted to point his wand at another spider who was chasing at him as he reached the passenger’s door.
“ Arania Exumai!” A beam emits from his wand, blasting the spider away with a small screech. Harry got into the car and slammed the door. The spiders continued their hunt with one landing on the top of the car, while another landed on the hood.
“Go!” Harry screams.
Ron put the car in reverse, slamming his foot to the pedal. Lotus screamed as she got slammed into the back of the driver’s seat as the car began to speed under a tree root. The spider on the roof fell off onto its back as the car went flying backward over a hill.
“AAA!” All three kids shriek as the car lands on the forest floor, the impact sending the spider on the hood to fall off; the car then came to a complete stop. Ron gripped the steering wheel, panting. Lotus slowly tried to sit up right, her body trying to combat the exhaustion that caught up to her after the adrenaline subsided. Harry wiped the sweat from his brow, glancing at the other two.
“Glad we’re out of there.” Ron tried to joke. Before they can laugh– or maybe yell– the spider that fell out of the car sticks its head through the window; panic ensues as the spider goes for Ron, putting its fingers around his neck.
Ron flailed around, squirming and screaming as Harry desperately tried to get the spider off.
“Ron! Stay still– stop!” Lotus frantically tried to hold him still enough as Harry grabbed his wand.
Somehow Ron had enough sanity and awareness to tilt to the left, allowing Harry a clear shot of the spider.
“Arania Exumai!” He cast again, blasting the spider off Ron and out the car. Immediately, Ron rolled the windows up, panting.
He turns to Harry, giving a shaky smile. “Thanks for that.”
Lotus paled, pointing towards the top of the hill. “LOOK!”
Both boys glanced– Ron failing to hide his miserable groan– to see the spiders at the top, beginning to descend towards the car.
“Get us out of here. Now!” Harry ordered, holding onto the seat. Ron put the car in reverse, trying to navigate the way out
“COME ON! COME ON!!” Lotus wailed.
‘Holy, my heart’s going to give out!’ She could feel tears streaming down. Spiders. Why’d it have to be spiders?
Especially big ones that want to eat her!!!
“MOVE FASTER— AAGH!” Harry nearly face-planted into the window as Ron made a sharp turn, before putting the car in drive; slamming his foot on the gas pedal, they drove through the forest as the spiders pursued the car.
“
HOW
ARE THEY CATCHING UP??!?! WHY ARE THEY CATCHING UP?” Lotus sobs. “I’M GONNA KILL THEM!”
“Don’t!” Harry snapped. “Get us in the air!”
Ron nodded, desperately trying to push the gear. To their amazing luck, the flying gear was…
“Jammed! It’s jammed!” He yelled.
“You’ve got to be kidding me– come on. Pull!” Harry fretted as the spiders all began to gather on a tree branch ahead, planning to intercept the Ford Anglia.
“I’m trying !” Ron’s voice cracked as he yanked the gear several more times. Then, finally, as if blessed by whoever out there, the car started to fly, driving into the cluster of spiders and knocking them aside. One spider tried to hold onto the car, but the sheer wind made it fall off and fall back down into the forest. The car flew over the trees before descending and landing a few feet from Hagrid’s house, before coming to a complete stop at the front. The three sat there, as Fang howled in relief.
Slowly, each one began to exit, with Lotus being the last as she let Fang go first. She stood there, shaking, before falling to one knee.
Now the adrenaline really died. She felt so utterly… tired. Fang whimpered, licking her cheek.
Ron, evidently furious that Hagrid had put them in such danger, ranted. “‘Follow the spiders.’ ‘Follow the spiders!’ If Hagrid ever gets out of Azkaban, I’ll kill him!”
Fang reenters Hagrid’s hut as the Ford Anglia backed up, driving past Harry and Ron and back into the forest again.
“There it goes.” Harry murmured before turning to his friends.
“—I mean, what was the point of sending us in there?! What have we found out ?!” Ron barked.
“We know one thing: Hagrid never opened the Chamber of Secrets; he was innocent,” Harry said, kneeling down. He rubbed circles on Lotus’s back, frowning. “Are you okay? Where did you learn to do that?”
“Class, r-remember?” Lotus coughs, clutching her heaving stomach. “Oh, God , that was so much…” She blinked rapidly, trying to will the tears away. Mostly from the big spiders that almost ate them.
Ron sat down beside the two. “I guess we did learn that. But blimey, you two were great! Lotus, that was so smart of you! Buying us extra time to run with that red smoke!”
Lotus grinned weakly. “Hah, thanks. I couldn’t let us become spider food. Not after we came so far.”
“You’re right…” Harry nods.
“And you, Harry, again– thanks for knocking that spider off!” Ron smiled widely.
“No problem,” Harry replied, still catching his breath. The three stayed down there before Lotus stood up.
“Crap, it’s probably almost curfew. We gotta get the cloak and head back.” Lotus said.
“Oh, yeah.” Harry nodded. “Come on…” he ran inside, grabbing the Invisibility Cloak, before running out and throwing it over them. “We’ll do more research tomorrow once we’re calmer.”
“Wait, guys.” Lotus says. “You know when Aragog said that the monster was something spiders were afraid of? Me and Hermione did some research before she got Petrified and I think I know what it is. A Basilisk.”
“You really think so?” Ron asks.
“Yeah. We’ll– we’ll confirm that tomorrow. I have a feeling if we visit Hermione, we’ll know the truth.” Lotus said knowingly. “Come on, let’s just go for now.”
“Yeah.”
── .✦
The next day, before curfew struck, the three went to visit Hermione in the Hospital Wing. Lotus was humming as she replaced the old wilted flowers with some new, white flowers, while Harry and Ron were sat on both sides of the Petrified Hermione.
Harry frowns. “Wish you were here, Hermione. We need you. Now more than ever.”
Hermione just lays there with her glossy, stone-y facial expression as Ron frowned as well, sighing sadly.
He looked like he wanted to say something, Lotus noted, but didn’t.
As Harry reached to rub Hermione’s left hand, he felt something crumpled in it. Blinking, he looked down and uncurled his hand to discover a crumpled piece of paper– which must’ve been kept in her hand by her to warn them.
Lotus and Ron frown, both leaning in to see.
“What’s that?” Ron asks as Harry straightened the library book page out.
“Guys, this is why Hermioen was in the library the day she got attacked.” Lotus gasps. “Read it!”
Harry’s eyes widened before he stood up. “Come on!”
Confused, the two followed. “Is it true? Is it a Basilisk?” Lotus asks.
Harry nodded as he read the page.
“Of the many fearsome beasts that roam our land, none is more deadly than the
Basilisk
. Capable of living for hundreds of years, instant death awaits any who meet this giant serpent’s eyes. Spiders flee before it…”
“Aha!” Lotus cheered. “Let’s– wait, instant death?”
“This is it, you two. This is it! The monster in the Chamber of Secrets is a Basilisk. That’s why I can hear it speak.” Harry frowns. “I feel rather dumb now.”
“Don’t. We’re still clueless.” Lotus patted his back.
Ron scratched his head, confused. “As Lotus pointed out– if it kills by looking people in the eye, why is it no one’s dead?”
Lotus thinks. “They must not have directly glanced at it. Didn’t Hermione have the… the mirror?” she gestured vaguely to her hand, imitating Hermione’s stuck position.
Harry nodded. “Yeah… Colin saw through his camera– that’s why the film’s all busted– and Justin must’ve seen the Basilisk through Nearly Headless Nick.”
“Ohhh! Since Nick is dead, he just got Petrified, and same with Justin?” Lotus asks.
“Yeah.” Ron nods. “That makes sense… but what about Mrs. Norris? I’m pretty sure cats don’t carry cameras or mirrors, Harry.”
Harry snapped his fingers, remembering as he shoved the paper into his robe’s pocket. “Water. There was water on the floor that night. She must’ve only seen its reflection!”
“It all adds up.” Lotus nods as well before stopping as Ron frowns again.
“But how’s the Basilisk been getting around? A dirty great snake… someone would’ve seen it?”
The two looked at Harry, who squinted his eyes as he held the paper under the torch. At the bottom, there was the word “
Pipes
” written on it. “Hermione’s answered that too.” Harry replied.
Ron and Lotus looked bewildered. “Pipes? It’s using plumbing!” He said, astonished.
“Hogwarts has a plumbing system?” Lotus said, deadpan. “I would’ve figured they’d had magical toilets… or… or something.”
“Remember what Aragog said about the girl fifty years ago, she died in the bathroom? What if she never left?”
Ron gasps. “Moaning Myrtle!”
As Harry confirmed it, Professor McGonagall’s voice was heard from the speakers.
“All students are to return to their house dormitories at once.”
Ron glanced at Harry and Lotus in surprise. “But it’s not even curfew yet… like 10 minutes from it.”
“All teachers to the second-floor corridor immediately.”
“Guess we know where we’re going,” Lotus says as the three take off to the second-floor corridor. When they arrived, they slowed their steps, hiding into the corridor behind as they saw several adults– Professors McGonagall, Snape, Flitwick, Madam Pomfrey, and Filch all ran up to the wall where there was a new bloody message.
Professor McGonagall gestured to the newly written message. “As you can see, the Heir of Slytherin has left another message. Our worst fear has been realized, a student has been taken by the monster, into the Chamber itself.” She had a forlorn expression as she looked at the others. “The students must be sent home. I’m afraid this is the end of Hogwarts.”
Lotus anxiously gripped Harry’s hand, who tightened in return. Both didn’t want to leave– maybe for different reasons, but they didn’t want to leave just yet.
Lotus felt her heart freeze as she heard the familiar humming of that bastard of a man. Lockhart happily walked up to the group, flashing a smile at Snape and McGonagall. “So sorry. Dozed off. What have I missed?”
“Asshole…” Lotus’s other hand dug into her sleeve to quiet herself, scratching against the skin angrily. Ron and Harry glanced at her worriedly before looking back to listen in.
Snape replied in a frustrated– yet smugly cruel– voice. “A girl has been snatched by the monster, Lockhart. Your time has come at
last
.”
“Huh?” Lotus blinks.
Lockhart seemed equally stunned as he replied. “My… my moment?”
“Weren’t you saying just last night you’ve known all along where the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets is? ” Snape questioned in a mocking way, while Lockhart looked bewildered.
Professor McGonagall clasped her hands together. “That’s settled. We’ll leave you to deal with the monster, Gilderoy. Your skills, after all, are legend.”
Lotus scoffed. ‘What a load of hooey.’
Lockhart stuttered. “V–very well. I’ll just be in my office, getting, uh… getting ready!” He spun around and quickly walked off. Snape let out a ‘hmph’. Filch watched him scamper away like a frightened dog, then glanced at Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey.
“Who is it that the monster’s taken, Minerva?” Padam Pomfrey asked nervously.
Professor McGonagall was silent for a moment as he looked at her. “Ginny Weasley.”
Ron slapped his hand over his mouth as the three straightened up from shock. He began to tremble, terrified for his sister. Harry placed a hand on his arm, frowning. Lotus heard the staff all walk away, so she leaned forward, reading the new message.
“Her skeleton will lie in the Chamber forever.” Ron read, voice full of dread. Harry and Lotus looked at each other, before glancing at Ron again, who was looking more dismayed and devastated as he processed his sister’s abduction. “Ginny…”
“We’re gonna get her back.” Lotus promised, and then added in a tone that felt like she was gonna vomit; “let’s go get Lockhart.”
The two– or rather Harry– nodded. Ron just looked miserable as Lotus and Harry pulled him along, but eventually he straightened up.
As they race into the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, Harry spoke. “Lockhart may be useless, but he’s going to try to get into the Chamber. At least we can tell him what we know!”
“Yep.” Lotus nodded quietly as they ascended the stairs to his office, before opening the door and stepping in.
“Professor! We have some information for you–” They froze upon the sight in front of them; Lockhart was panicking, stuffing clothes into his trunk. Upon hearing Harry’s voice he slammed the trunk and spun around, frantically gulping. Ron scowled at him as Lotus tensed up. Harry tilted his head. “Are you going somewhere?”
Lockhart stammered. “Um… well, yes. Urgent call. Unavoidable. Uh, got to go .”
Ron screams, outraged. “What about my sister?!”
“Coward.” Lotus hissed.
“Uh, well, um…” Lockhart really looked like a fish out of water, Lotus noted. “As to that, most unfortunate. No one regrets more than I.”
In disbelief, Ron shook his head. “You’re the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. You can’t go now!”
As Lockhart stuffed his things in his handbag, Lotus moved to subtly block the doorway as he moved around. “Well, I must say, when I took the job, there was nothing in the job description about–”
Harry blocked his way, looking equally as angry as Ron. “You’re running away? After all that stuff you did in your books!?”
“Oh, come off it.” Lotus spoke before Lockhart. “Fake. It’s all fake. He’s a fraud.”
Lockhart nods, as Harry gaped. “But– he wrote them!”
Lockhart placed his bag on his desk, leaning against it. “My dear boy, do use your common sense like Ms. Inag!--”
“Don’t ever fucking refer to me again.”
“My books wouldn’t have sold half as well if people didn’t think I’d done all those things!” He added.
Harry stared at Lockhart. His expression held a mix of bewilderment, anger, contempt, and other not-so-nice emotions. Meanwhile, Ron scowled. “Is there anything you can do?”
Lockhart nods. “Yes. Now you mention it. I’m rather gifted with memory charms .” Lotus froze– like , felt her whole body seizing up.
She stood there stiffly, feeling a rush of feelings- not memories- feelings run through her mind like a semitruck had slammed into her as Lockhart continued.
“Otherwise, you see, all those wizards would’ve gone blabbing, and I’d never have sold another book.” As Lockhart walked towards his suitcase, Harry and Ron looked at each other.
‘Protect them. PROTECT THEM!’
Lotus’s mind screamed as she took her wand out.
“In fact, uh… I’m uh…” Ron nods at Harry, both reaching into their robes to pull their wands out. “I’m going to have to do the same to you.” He spun to face them, brandishing his wand, but faltered when he saw all three of them had their wands out.
“Don’t even think about it.” Harry says, gesturing for Lochart to drop his wand.
“No. Never again .” Lotus adds with a shaky, high voice. “You so much as lift that wand to cast your Memory charm on me again , I won’t be afraid to gut you!”
“Lotus…?” Ron blinks, confused. But at this threat, Lockhart reluctantly dropped his wand.
Lotus knelt down, whispering. “Accio wand. ” The wand rolled, bumping on uneven floorboards before flying into her hand. “Okay. Let’s… fucking– get this done.” She says bitterly.
── .✦
In the girls' lavatory, Moaning Myrtle is flying around, sobbing, as Harry, Ron, Lotus, and Lockhart enter.
“Oh? Who’s there?” Myrtle notices the four and smiles warmly. “Oh~! Lotus! Harry! Ron– what do you want?”
Harry hesitated before he spoke, “to ask how you died.”
Myrtle smiled slightly. “Oh…” Her smile faded as she clenched her fists. “... It was dreadful. It happened right here in this very cubicle,” she spun in the stall she was in. “I’d hidden because Olive Hornby was teasing me about my glasses. I was crying, and then… I heard somebody come in.”
“Who was it, Myrtle?” Harry asked. Meanwhile, Lotus had her wand pressed against Lockhart’s back, who gulped. She felt a sick thrill because for once she wasn’t so powerless.
‘You’ll never hurt me again.’
She thought.
‘I’ll finally be able to expose you, you fraud.’
Choked up, Myrtle sniffled. “I don’t know. I was distraught!” She floated towards the four, laying on her back whilst in midair. “But they said something funny, a kind of mad-up language, and I realized it was a boy speaking. So I unlocked the door to tell him to go away. And… I died.”
Harry blinks. “Just like that–? How?”
“I just remember seeing a pair of great big yellow eyes, over there, by that sink.” As Myrtle pointed to the circle of sinks in the center of the bathroom, they hesitantly made their way over while she floated off to go mope in another stall.
“She must’ve looked the Basilisk directly in the eyes, then.” Lotus said quietly.
“Yeah….” Harry nods, reaching out to examine the sink. They don’t look exceptional in any way. As he smoothed his hand around, turning the tap, he expected water to shoot out, but none did. His eyes widened; leaning in, he saw a snake carved on the tap.
“How did we miss this?” He murmured, before turning to them, backing away. “This is it, guys. I think this is the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets.”
“Great. In the girl’s bathroom?” Lotus snorted while Lockhart looked surprised.
“Say something. Harry,” Ron whispers, “say something in Parseltongue.”
Harry stood there for a few seconds before he spoke. “Hesha-hassah. ”
The circular stone above the sinks rise as all the sinks began to move outwards. The four backed away as the sink with the snake carved on its tap descended into the floor, then a grating slides over it to show an opening into a wide black hole.
“Oh great! How scary!” Lotus says sarcastically, frowning as Lockhart stepped toward the entrance. “What did you say, Harry?”
“Open up.” He shrugged.
‘You cannot be serious.’
Lockhart inhales sharply, before turning to Harry with a grin. “Excellent, Harry. Ah, good work. Well, then, I’ll just be, uh… there’s no need for me to stay!” He tried to run, but Lotus yanked him with all her might- even if she was weaker, the thought of letting Lockhart run away sickened and strengthened her. Harry and Ron grabbed him as well.
“Oh yes there is!” Harry snaps, pushing him towards the entrance. As he stumbled towards the passage, Harry, Ron, and Lotus drew their wands. “You first.”
“I wanna push him in! Hear him get hurt!” Lotus roared.
“Now, now, children, what good will it do?” He asks.
“Better you than us.” Ron hissed. Harry nodded in cruel agreement.
“Um, but… obviously, yes.” He turns around and grips the sink as he looks down at the passage. “Sure… uh, sure you don’t want to test it first?” He looked over his shoulder with a nervous smile.
Annoyed, Ron poked Lockhart with his wand, sending him into the passage. As his screams faded, Lotus high-fived Ron with a triumphant grin. A second later, a crash is heard as the three walk up to the opening, and then–
“It’s really quite filthy down here.”
Lotus huffed. It didn’t kill the bastard. Yet.
“All right…” Harry sighs. “Let’s go.” Lotus and Ron nodded in agreement.
“Oh, Harry?” The two boys looked at her, Lotus beginning to sit down to enter the slide. “If you die down there, you’re welcome to share my toilet.” She giggled, causing Ron to feel uneasy.
“Uh… thanks, Myrtle.” He smiled awkwardly as Lotus slid down. Then Harry jumped, Ron following immediately after.
The three screamed as they descended down a slide, crashing into a pit filled with animal bones. Lotus shakes her head, trying to swat bones off her hair.
“Ugh.” Ron grimaced as he and Harry stood up, brandishing their wands immediately.
“Now, remember: any sign of movement, close your eyes straight away.” Lotus and Ron nodded, entering the passageway.
“Go on.” Ron jabbed his wand at Lockhart, who reluctantly followed Harry into the passage with Ron right behind him.
As they walked, Ron leaned in towards Lotus. “You’ve been awfully hostile to him. I mean, I was, too, but he wanted to leave my bloody sister for dead.”
Lotus gripped her wand. “I don’t wanna talk about it. Just know I have a good reason.”
Ron nodded slowly. “Okay… alright.” He patted her on the back, and she gave a small smile.
As they approached another passageway to the right, Harry beckoned the other three to follow him. “This way.” The four entered a cavern-like room with a huge, lengthy snakeskin on the floor.
“Ughhhh! Ew!” Lotus gagged. “Disgusting!”
“Looks like… a snake.” Lochart said nervously.
“It’s a snakeskin.” Harry murmured after examining it.
“Bloody hell. Whatever shed this must be sixty feet long. Or more.” Ron shrugs.
Suddenly, Lockhart fainted, crashing onto the ground. Ron looked at Harry, muttering sarcastically. “Heart of a lion, this one.”
Lotus chuckled. But then, all of a sudden, Lockhart lunged out, grabbing Ron’s wand and getting to his feet, breathing shakily with a wicked smile on his face and pointing the wand at Harry.
Lotus immediately froze, and Ron jolted in alarm while Harry held his wand up.
No.
“The adventure ends here, kids. But don’t fret. The world will know our story. How I was too late ot save the girl,” he points the wans at Ron, “how you three tragically lost your minds at the sight of her mangled body… So…” He points the wand at Harry again. “You first, Mr. Potter. Say goodbye to your memories.”
He then glanced at Lotus, who was shaking like a leaf as though she were re-experiencing a bad memory that never existed on her account. “I really enjoyed our time together, Ms. Inag.” He says softly, as if it was a loving experience. He gave her one last grin before he turned to Harry, waving his wand wildly. “OBLIVIATE!”
Harry winced as if bracing for it. Lotus immediately found herself trying to run in to block the attack, though there was no need as a second later, after a green flash was emitted from the wand, Lockhart was suddenly sent flying backwards, slamming into the wall, and then falling to the floor.
The three watched in alarm as the Chamber began to rumble, and rocks fell from the ceiling. Harry and Ron fled, but Lotus was stuck.
“Protego!” Lotus waved her wand, wincing at the strain as many rocks began to fly on top of them and bounced off. The rocks all formed a massive pile after it was finished. She fell to one knee, panting as Ron coughs. “Lotus–?! Harry– Lotus!”
“Ron! Lotus! Are you two okay?!” Harry yelled back, running up to an opening in the big pile of rocks separating him from the others.
“I’m fine.” Lotus murmured weakly.
“I’m fine.” Ron echoed.
Suddenly, Lockhart sat up, which made Lotus stand up quickly. Though he just gave them a confused smile as he groaned.
“Hello. Who are you?”
“...” Lotus’s eyes widened as Ron frowns.
“Um… Ron Weasley.”
“Really? And um… who– who am I?” Lockhart asks.
‘No. This was bad.’ Lotus thought fearfully as Ron seemed to realize.
“Holy moly– Lockhart’s memory charm backfired! He hasn’t a got a clue who he is!”
‘NO!’
Lotus wanted to scream as Lockhart picked up a rock, humming.
“It’s an odd sort of place this is, isn’t it?” he tossed the rock. “Do you live here?”
Ron shook his head. “No.”
“Really?” Lockhart asked.
Lotus grabbed a rock and stumbled over, slamming it into the back of his head, knocking him out.
Ron stared, before he clapped. Harry nodded in praise.
Lotus just stood there while her hand holding the rock shook violently.
“Asshole.” Lotus says weakly.
Ron blinked, before glancing at Harry. “What do we do now?”
“You wait here, and try and shift some of this rock so we can get through. I’ll go on and find Ginny.” Harry says, climbing down.
Ron nods. “Okay!”
After a few moments, he looked back, hearing Lotus yell.
“Incarceous!” Suddenly, rope shout out, binding Lockhart in place.
“I should kill you where you’re at— filthy swine ,” Lotus heaved, gripping the rock so hard her knuckles turned white, “how dare you? How dare you make me feel small ?”
“Lotus-!” Ron ran over. “Lotus, no! You can’t kill him.”
“ Why not?! He deserves it!” She screams.
“Because— well, then we can’t keep proof. Yeah, stupid reason, I know, but then if you kill him, you’ll get in trouble and no one will know…”
“…That he’s a fraud.” “That he’s an assaulter.” Ron and Lotus said at the same time.
“Wait, what?” Ron blinks, eyes wide.
Lotus backs away, slowly sitting down as she felt her tears catch up. “Ron. Oh, gosh. I’ve been so dumb. I haven’t said anything .” She whimpered, covering her face. The weight of her reality had crashed down on her– or rather the weight of losing her chance of justice just now had ruined her. Ron, unsure of what happened, walked over and sat beside her.
“Hey… can I hug you?”
“Please.”
She gasps out. “I need… I- I’m…” Without a word, Ron wrapped his arms around her. “I’m sorry Ron, I-I didn’t mean to explode like that, just…”
Ron held Lotus gently, his arms offering comfort as she shook with sobs and wails. Her body trembled against his, her head pressed inito his chest as she tried to steady her breath. She stammered several things, though they were slurred and unintelligible as it mixed with her crying. The weight of her emotions seemed to consume her, every tear falling like an apology– to her? Or to Ron?– that she didn’t know how to express.
“Hey, it’s okay,” Ron murmured, his voice soft but firm. “You’re not dumb, Lotus– bloody hell, you thought fast earlier, remember? You casted the smokescreen spell and bought us time! And just now you used the spell to bind him just in case. You’ve been through a lot , alright? We all have. And you don’t have to hold it in.” He paused, unsure of what else to say. “But–what do you mean, ‘assaulter’? What happened?”
Lotus gasped, the sound ripping from her body as she hiccuped, clinging to him tighter. The words she had been holding onto for so long was now spilling out in a rush. “Lockhart.. He–he’s done things. Not just to those poor witches and wizards– but to me! He made me feel special, he praised me, and like the dumb , helpful fool I am, I let him get close because I wanted to help!”
Her voice shuddered, inhaling often like when people do after crying too much. “H-he–he hurt me, Ron. He hurt me, and I never said anything, not because I couldn’t, but because I was so scared . Scared no one would believe me– and now… Now I’ve lost my chance!” She wailed. “The worst—th–the worst part is that I can’t even remember half of what’s been done to me! I think he used the spell on me several times, just– the day- Christmas– when– he– he-”
“Shh.” He rubbed circles on her back, though it was unsure and inexperienced.
“He had me bound; he taught me the binding spell and then kissed me. Oh, Merlin, I froze, Ron, I froze.”
Ron’s eyes widened as Lotus’s words hit him like a ton of bricks. The pain in her voice, the raw emotion she was struggling to keep under control–it made his heart feel sour. He didn’t know how to fix this, what to say, or what to do. He only knew how to listen.
“I’m so sorry,” Ron says quietly, though she didn’t hear. Her breath was shaky, uneven, as if the weight of what she had been through was crashing down on her all at once– which it was.
“Ron, Ron –” She looks up at him. “Please, please promise me you won’t tell anyone.”
He blinked. “Wh– but Lotus, this is serious…”
“I know! I know. Just– please? I’m begging you. I can’t do that yet. I can’t handle being scrutinized . Or pitied. So– please. I’m not ready yet.” She whimpered.
Ron looked conflicted. On one hand, he wanted to yell at Lockhart or go tell someone once they were free. But when he saw the look on her face, the utter desperation, he stopped.
He nodded slowly. “I… alright. Okay.”
“Thank you…” Lotus murmured. The Chamber began to shake a little as whatever conflict was going on with Harry was happening. The two heard distinct hissing, yelling, and a screech.
After a while, it all went silent.
“You think he’s okay?” Lotus asks.
“Yeah, it’s Harry.” Ron nodded confidently, though there was a flicker of doubt in his eyes when he said so.
Suddenly, the two flinched when Lockhart slowly sat up.
“Woah, why am I bound?” He asks quizzically. “And are you okay?”
Lotus wiped the tears away, nodding bitterly. “M… mhm… I’m fine. Just had a good cry. You’re bound up because… because…”
“You could pose a threat to yourself in this situation,” Ron explains. “Amnesiac, remember?”
Lockhart blinks, before smiling as he nodded. “
Ohhh
, I see. How brilliant!”
Out of the blue the three head screeching. Looking up, they saw a red bird holding Harry and Ginny. It descended down, letting out a small screech.
“Harry! Ginny!” Ron ran over. Lotus sighed in relief and followed as the red bird– no, the phoenix – let the two go. “You’re okay! Ginny, you’re safe!!”
“Yes– I… I’m sorry, Ron.” Ginny looks downcast. “It was all me. But I was possessed, I didn’t mean to–”
“That’s all fine now! I mean, it’s not, but we need to get out of here! How…” Ron looked at the phoenix. “Can it get us out?”
“Yeah, Fawkes can.” Harry nods. Fawkes chirped as he flew over, grabbing Lockhart who looked surprised. The four ran over, and as Fawkes started to fly up, they grabbed hold. Ron grabbed onto Lockhart, Lotus clung to Ron (“why did I even try? I have the strength of a withered flower!” Lotus joked while screaming), Harry held onto Lotus, and Ginny had her arms wrapped around his leg.
As Fawkes flew them out, Lockhart was cheering. “AMAZING!!! THIS IS JUST LIKE MAGIC!!!”
Lotus so badly wanted to cast a Silencing Charm on him, but she shook her head. Not worth risking their lives in this very instance.
Instead, she clung tighter to Ron. Harry blinks.
“Hold on, why is Lockhart bound?”
“Doesn’t matter.” Ron and Lotus say. Harry just seemed to take it, shrugging the best he could. Lotus looked up at Ron, smiling weakly.
“Hey, Ron? Thanks.” She spoke, voice quiet enough so only he could hear yet loud enough to cut through the wind.
Ron grinned sheepishly. “Yeah… you’re welcome, mate. That’s what friends are for.”
And as Fawkes flew out into the nightsky and back to Hogwarts, Lotus felt a little less alone for once.
Notes:
One more chapter before Second Year is wraps!
Or really 2, but it's more like uhh one chapter but then one epilogue yknow!
Chapter 13: 𓆙 I Can't Handle Change
Summary:
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
The wind after the storm.
Lotus still struggles to feel okay. Especially with coping with the fact she might never get the justice she deserves.
On the other hand, Snape finally gets to do Legilimency on her.
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉☒ 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 ☒
- PTSD
- Basically re-living memories (Legilimency)
- Victim Blaming (self)
- Uncomfortable situations
Notes:
This is jam-packed full of interaction. I'm a little tired so maybe some parts are lacking (since I've had back-to-back testing for the past two days ^^").
Still, hope you enjoy!
Chapter Text
Fawkes had flown a great length back to Hogwart’s entrance before dropping the five in front of the enormous double doors. They all collectively let out an ‘oof’ as they tumbled forward a few feet before stopping. Immediately, Lotus shot up, scrambling back. “Crap! It looks– uh, well, it looks like it’s early morning. Had we been gone that long?”
“Apparently.” Harry coughs. He swatted the dust off his knees and stood up, hand still clinging to the sword of Godric Gryffindor.
“Ginny– Ginny, are you okay?!” Ron questioned, brushing a strand of her ginger hair from her face. “No broken bones? Nothing?”
Ginny shook her head meekly, a hint of shame in her tone. “No, Ron. I’m… okay. I– I’m so sorry… I had– this book, it was telling me to–”
“Shh. It’s okay.” Ron pulled her into a tight, desperate embrace. “I’m just glad you’re alive. And fine. Mum would kill us if you… if you had…”
“But she isn’t.” Lotus says softly, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. She then turned to Harry, walking over and cupping his face. “Are you okay?” She glanced at his arm. “Holy– what happened?!”
“Basilisk. Fang.” He laughs a little. “Fawkes’ tears healed me, though.”
“Oh.” She sighs in relief. “Okay. Good.”
“What is this place?” Lockhart spoke up. Lotus grimaced, looking over.
“Stupefy.” She pointed her wand at him and he got slightly knocked back, becoming unconscious.
“Dang.” Harry blinked. “Oh, well. Was gonna wipe our brains anyways–”
“What on EARTH is going on here?!” The four flinched as they heard the familiar, nasally voice of Argus Filch storming over to them.
“Great.” Ron growls as Lotus stepped forward.
“Mr. Filch,” she says. “We just got back from the Chamber of Secrets!”
“Oh, sure!” Filch snaps, glancing at Lockhart. His eyes held disdain, yet smug satisfaction (and also a hint of cruelty). “What did you do to Professor Lockhart?”
“Knocked the idiot out!” Lotus found herself snapping and didn’t let up once she started. “You know what?! He’s a total fraud! He’s been– he’s been stealing adventures from witches and wizards, wiping their minds clean, and taking their credit! He was gonna do it to us and leave Ginny for dead, but because he used Ron’s broken wand, he shot himself!” She waved her hands frantically.
Soon she got out of breath, panting heavily as Filch stared with rare alarm. “I don’t quite believe you,” he replied curtly.
“... ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?! ” She had screamed with a little too much venom– scaring Filch, Harry, Ron, and Ginny, as well as probably waking up any painting nearby. “I know it looks bad on us but I swear! He was going to run away! Check his office! He was packing, dammit!”
“Watch your language–” Filch tried to snap, but Harry interrupted.
Harry nods. “Yes, Filch, I know you hate us, but you can’t risk getting the wrong idea. We killed the Basilisk-”
“More like he killed the Basilisk,” Ron humored.
“-And now everyone’s out of danger. Well, mostly– w-we just need the mandrakes to fully mature.” Harry added. “As Lotus said, this does look bad on us, but you just need to trust us. Look! I even have Gryffindor’s sword with the venom on it–” He waved the sword slightly, Filch backing away.
Ron noticed Lotus’s shoulders shaking and frowned. He knew why she had such a huge outburst and felt quite bad.
I was so scared . Scared no one would believe me– and now… Now I’ve lost my chance!
He walked over, one hand still holding Ginny’s, before he patted Lotus’s shoulder with the other. “Hey, take a breather, Lottie. It’s okay.”
“I– Lottie?” She paused, confused.
“I was trying to get your attention away, seems it worked.” He smiled softly.
Filch shook his head, running a hand through his matted, dirty hair. “I– fine. Come to the Headmaster’s Office.” He muttered, clearly annoyed he had to yet again excuse whatever suspicious behavior they were up to.
“What? Why? Wait, is Dumbledore back?” Harry inquired, hopeful.
“Just shut up and follow me.” He growled, storming off towards Dumbledore’s office. They all looked at each other before Lotus picked Lockhart up by the rope, dragging him along. Wandering through messy corridors with several sleeping paintings, the Sun slowly started to peek from the horizon, its light and warmth overtaking the world in one loving, oppressive hug. The shadows grew longer and the cold air was slowly starting to warm.
Nearby the courtyard, distinct sounds of birds chirping filled the humid-cold air and faint morning dew covered the grass.
For once, at Hogwarts, all was peaceful.
Filch stopped in front of what looked to be a tower but there was a gargoyle in place of stairs. He leaned in, voice sharp and quiet. “Sherbert lemon.”
The gargoyle grunted before spinning around slowly, stone grinding on stone as the staircase was revealed.
“Woah…” Harry watched with wonder as Ginny yawns.
“Yeah, I know. Uh, just give us a bit more time.” Ron whispers, patting her back affectionately.
Lotus smiled. Ron was a good brother. Filch led them up the stairs and Lotus made extra sure that dragging Lockhart would be a rough one– on his end, of course. They soon entered a large, circular room. It was bright not only from the candles but from the many windows. In fact, Lotus thinks, this would make a really good place to take a nap.
Or maybe that was just the exhaustion talking.
Similarly to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, it had a staircase leading up to the office- though instead of a spiral staircase it was two twin ones on both sides of the room, leading to a higher platform behind the Headmaster’s table. A portrait of a old man sitting on a chair hung on the wall behind the table; he had wavy white hair, a beard, ancient-looking eyes, a black wizard’s hat (though perhaps a bit smaller than the ones today), and a purple robe with a gold-colored outline near the opening and cuffs. Books upon books were lined up on both sides of the office and many mechanics surrounded the Headmaster’s table– oh, and Dumbledore was sitting patiently at the seat.
“Headmaster Dumbledore!” The kids yell in happiness, relief- whatever good emotion was running through their veins in this second.
Dumbledore gave them his usual kind smile, though there was something in the undertone. “It seems you… three have solved our Chamber issue.”
“Yeah! Wait- how’d you get back? And so fast?” Harry asks, confused.
“I have my ways. But just know that it’ll all be alright.” Dumbledore beckoned them to come closer. Harry and Ron took a step forward, but Lotus stuck back. He glanced at her and she suddenly straightened up.
‘Crap! I gotta act sophisticated!’
He hums. “I see you have Professor Lockhart in… a unfavorable predicament.”
“Rat deserves it.” Lotus grumbled. “I-I mean, uhm,” she rubbed her eyes, “he’s a fraud, he–”
“I’m well aware. Now, at least.” He spoke. “Say, why don’t you leave him here and take Ms. Weasley to the Hospital Wing? She looks unwell.”
Lotus stiffened. She didn’t want to let him go.
What’re you afraid of?
Losing the power you hold right now?
That was probably it. And she hated it. She didn’t want to feel sick satisfaction in having such power over him. But in a way, it was justified– perhaps he felt the same way with her.
However, Dumbledore’s order is law in Hogwarts. Reluctantly, she uncurled her fist, letting him slouch to the ground. She held her arm out for Ginny to hold onto for support. Ginny held on, mumbling a soft ‘thanks’.
“No problem.” Lotus yawns. “C– come on…”
As the two walked away, she heard Dumbledore speak to Filch about apprehending Lockhart and delivering him to the Ministry.
And for what? What were they to do with a blundering fool with the mind of a toddler?
Lock him away in… whatever this world’s equivalent of a mental asylum is?
That isn’t enough.
Not for her.
“Are you okay?” Ginny asks as the two trudged down the halls. Lotus looked at her, or moreso looked at the sunrise (indirectly). The Sun hung higher now, and she was sure it was around the time some people would start to wake. 6 AM. Dinner was to be in an hour and a half, she surmised.
Lotus’s eyes drifted back to Ginny, one hand shakily reaching up to pat the younger girl’s hand. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just… really tired.”
“Oh.” Ginny looks ahead. “Ron told me you were sick.”
“Yeah?”
“Said you were strong, though.”
She smiled. “Tell him thanks.”
Ginny looks down, her eyes widening slightly. “Lotus, your hand…”
“Hm?” She met her gaze and her tiredness momentarily turned into shock. “Woah.” She lifted her hand off, observing what looked to be more cracks. They were at her fingertips– though when she ran them across her face (maybe to feel a weird crevice that exists with such), she felt nothing. It was like… cracks on glass. You could see it, but you couldn’t always feel it.
Lotus wasn’t sure if that was better or not. “I guess it got wider. Don’t worry about it.” She tried to reassure. “...Please.”
Ginny got the hint and nodded slightly. “Oh. Okay.”
“.... Mind telling me what happened to you?” Lotus asks as they rounded the corner. She saw Peeves floating by, giggling and grumbled, promptly– though gently –pulling Ginny into another corridor. “I don’t want to deal with him.”
“Fair enough.” She laughs, before sighing. “Well– it all started when Mr. Malfoy put my books back in my cauldron. I saw he had, er, slipped a black book in. A diary. It started to… sort of speak to me. Made me weaker, and possessed me. Possessed me to open the Chamber… possessed me to control the Basilisk to attack Muggle-born students. That’s basically it. I– I think.” She looked extremely upset. “I’m sorry–”
“Don’t be.” Lotus replied, staring straight ahead. “It… it’s devastating, sure, but you weren’t in control. As you said, you were possessed. I wouldn’t fault you. In fact, this is all Tom Riddle –is that his name?– Mr. Malfoy’s fault.” She grits her teeth, shaking her head. “I swear, I’m gonna lose it at this stupid school– eek!” She nearly leapt back, taking poor Ginny with her, when a familiar man in black walked through the corridor, almost crashing into them. He turned to the two with a startled look before his usual sneer took on his visage.
“Weasley. Inag.” He spoke cooly. “I’d say ‘good morning, ’ but it’s clear neither of you have slept .” He paused, staring at Ginny. “I see you’ve been rescued from the Chamber. Pleasure. Did Professor Lockhart…?”
“No.” Ginny vehemently shook her head. “No, apparently he tried to wipe Ron, Lotus, and Harry’s memories and failed. So Harry, er, did all the saving. O-or slaying the Basilisk.” A faint red took to her cheeks, and Lotus tilted her head.
Professor Snape scowled some more. “Of course. You disobeyed curfew and you put your lives in danger. If I were Professor McGonagall, I’d take all your points off–”
“Listen, can you scold us later?” Lotus pleads. “My head is killing me, and Ginny needs the Hospital Wing. Thanks, Professor Snape.” She walked past him with an astounded Ginny, mouth agape. Snape watched them walk off, though he didn’t look too offended or pissed.
“You just– dismissed him like that?” Ginny stuttered.
“I dunno. I guess I did. I’m not in the mood.” Lotus grumbled. “Okay, we’re here. Tada.” She waves her hand as they enter. “Madam Pomfrey?”
Pomfrey glanced up from Hermione’s Petrified Body. She gasped upon seeing Ginny. “Ms. Weasley! You’re out of the Chamber!”
“ Yeah, no thanks to Lockhart, ” Lotus whispered as Madam Pomfrey ran over, pulled Ginny, and sat her on a bed.
“How do you feel? Do you need anything?” She asks. Ginny shuddered.
“Maybe some rest? Uh… a healing potion?”
Already anticipating it, Pomfrey walks off.
Lotus took this chance to wave farewell to Ginny before slipping out. She just… needed to sleep. Or stay in the dormitories for the entire day.
No, she hadn’t waded and dodged a Basilisk’s attack, but she sure as hell was tired.
As she reached the portrait of The Fat Lady, she gave a small wave.
“Oh, child! You look miserable!” She said.
Lotus winced.
‘Thanks. I knew that.’
“Wattlebird.” Lotus just groans. The portrait swung open, and she slipped inside, passing by a wave of tired students who were making their way out. She glanced at Fred and George, who looked a little off. Then again, they probably just woke up.
“Ron, Harry, and I snuck off and saved Ginny.” She simply said, leaving them to be confused– and worried, probably–as she trudged up the stairs to the girls’ dormitories.
“Wh– hey! Wait–”
She sighed as she stared at her bed and flopped onto it, sinking onto the mattress. One full sleepless night full of adrenaline and panic . She hadn’t let her guard down for almost the entire time Lockhart had been nearby. And now she was coming down from that high and felt so weak. From casting spells to save her skin as well as the other two’s to having to run so much to escape Aragog’s hungry children, she was tired now.
Tired and sad.
She felt a wave of tears hit her and she wiped them away, sniffling. Lotus took her wand out, flicked it to force the curtains to shut before she set the wand on the bedside table and rested her head on the pillow, drawing the blanket over herself.
Sleep came much harder than she thought it would.
It really did happen. And the school year is almost over.
Almost 38 weeks had passed and it was probably the worst yet so far.
It really did happen.
And she hadn’t done anything to stop it.
At least someone knew now.
Someone who would hopefully keep the secret.
It was Ron. Ron would keep a secret, right?
I hope so.
I don’t know if I’m ready to be vulnerable yet.
And just like that, the walls she spent so long breaking down since she was 8 had built themselves right back up.
She clutched her pillow tightly, face scrunching up with displeasure.
── .✦
Nearly Headless Nick, now “revived” and bright, floated around the Great Hall. He smiled warmly as he hovered along the row between the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff tables. Students glanced up, glad to see him safe.
“Welcome back, Sir Nicholas!” A Hufflepuff girl beams.
“Thank you.” Nearly Headless Nick bows slightly.
“Good evening, Sir Nicholas!” A Gryffindor student smiles.
“Good evening.” He replied, voice chipper.
“Good to see you, Sir Nicholas.” A Hufflepuff boy shot finger-guns at him, to which Nearly Headless Nick let out a small ‘hah!’
“Thank you.” He kept saying hello to a batch of students as he flew towards the doors of the Great Hall. On the way, he passed Filch, who happily held Mrs. Norris. The cat meowed in his arms, licking his chin as he smiled a jagged, semi-toothless smile. Nearly Headless Nick glanced down just as soon as Hermione walked in. “Hermione!” He beams. “Welcome back!”
“Thanks, Sir Nicholas.” She replied, her voice soft and yet laced with anticipation. As he floated away, she turned to the Gryffindor table.
Neville looks up at the entrance, then looks at Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Lotus sitting across (and beside) him. “Harry, it’s Hermione.”
Harry, Ron, and Lotus immediately turned to see their bright-eyed, bushy-haired friend. Lotus nearly stood up, gasping. Hermione, overjoyed to see her best friends again, ran over to them. Lotus met her first, nearly screaming with relief as she embraced Hermione, who hugged back. Harry and Ron quickly got up to meet the two.
“HERMIONE!! You’re okay!” Lotus wailed as she pulled away, letting her hug the other two. Hermione beamed as she and Harry hugged for a few seconds. Hermione goes to hug Ron as well, but she pauses, stepping back. With the same air of awkwardness / flusteredness, Ron briefly smiled.
“Uh, uh…” He then shook his head, cleared his throat, and chuckled as he and Hermione shook hands. “We– Welcome back, Hermione.”
“It’s good to be back.” Hermione lingered for a moment before she pulled away, putting her hands behind her back. “Congratulations. I can’t believe you solved it.”
“With your help.” Lotus snickered. “I just dropped hints.” Hermione chuckled with her.
“Well, we had loads of help from you,” Harry said. Ron nodded in agreement, his smile widening as Harry looked at him. “We couldn’t have done it without you.”
“Thanks,” Hermione replied gratefully.
Suddenly, Professor McGonagall tapped her glass. “Could I have your attention, please?”
Immediately, the four sat down as Professor Dumbledore stood up. His half-moon spectacles glistened in the light from the candles above them all.
“Before we begin the feast, let us have around of applause for Professor Sprout and Madame Pomfrey, whose Mandrake juice has been so successfully administered to all who had been Petrified.” Everyone except Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, and a few Slytherins applauded the two women. Lotus made sure to stand up and cheer very loudly, which caused Harry to force her to sit down with a small laugh.
“Also, in light of the recent events, as a school treat, all exams have been canceled.”
At this, everyone began to roar and applaud. All except for Hermione.
Her eyes were wide as she covered her mouth. “Oh, no.”
Lotus giggled. “Hey, it’s okay. You probably would’ve died cramming everything the week before, and we wouldn’t that out of you after you just turned back to normal.”
“One more thing.” Dumbledore’s voice boomed and everyone ceased their clapping. “As some of you may have heard, Professor Lockhart is… no longer in service anymore. From the revelation of his stolen credit and his memory being wiped– by himself – means the role of Defense Against the Dark Arts has yet again been opened up.”
Several people whispered. Some girls seemed upset- though not truly as everyone now knew of the fraud he was. Some boys cheered.
Lotus felt her happy mood die in an instant. She slowly rested her hands on the table as feebly as she could. Ron noticed her but didn’t say anything. Harry noticed and looked at her, placing a hand on hers.
‘Are you okay?’ He mouthed.
I’m fine.
Lotus stopped. She shook her head.
“We don’t have to talk about it,” Harry whispers.
Thank you.
She flipped her hand, so they interlocked. They glanced back up as Dumbledore sat down and smiled at Professor McGonagall. Suddenly, the doors to the Great Hall opened, and Hagrid walked in.
“Sorry I’m late!” He yelled. The four looked at him in amazement- heck, even Neville was elated to see him back. “The owl that delivered my release papers got all lost and confused. Some ruddy bird called Errol.”
Ron’s eyes widened in surprise as Ginny giggled. He and Hermione glanced at Dumbledore while Harry and Lotus focused on Hagrid. Dumbledore nodded kindly to Ron, whose face turned slightly red as the two looked back at Hagrid again.
The half-giant walked right up to the table, his voice shaky. “And I’d just like to say that if it hadn’t been for you, Harry… and Ron… and Lotus… and Hermione, of course… I would, uh…. I’d still be you-know-where, so I’d… I’d just like to say thanks.”
Harry looked at Ron, who smiles, and then he stood up. Lotus followed, their hands separating as the two immediately hugged Hagrid.
“There’s no Hogwarts without you, Hagrid,” Harry murmured. Lotus nodded eagerly in agreement.
“We missed you!” Lotus says. “Oh, and I made sure to feed Fang when I could!”
Hagrid blinked, before chuckling. “Oh, children.” He wrapped his arms around them, lifting them up and gently swinging them around before setting them down. Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall stood up and began to applaud, and so did the other students. Eventually, everyone– save for some Slytherins– join in.
Dean cheers, “Yay!” While Seamus put his fingers in his mouth and whistled. Colin took a photo, grinning ear to ear as Hagrid wiped a tear from his eye and glanced at Dumbledore.
As the other staff clapped, Lotus sat back down, clapping as Harry watched Hagrid hold his arms out happily basking in the claps.
“Finally, Hogwarts is back ter’ normal!” He cheered.
Soon the clapping died down, voices buzzing with excitement as Hagrid returned to his rightful place at the staff table next to Flitwick and Harry sat back down at the Gryffindor common table.
“Let the feast… begin.” Dumbledore waved as the food all appeared.
“Yum!” Ron groans and began to stuff his face. Hermione even indulged, having not eaten in a while.
“I don’t– really feel hungry–” She pauses, swallowing her drink. “Since I was Petrified and everything stops– but jeez, this is so good!”
Lotus nodded. For once, eating didn’t take such a toll on her. She bit into the rice and smiled, swallowing. She picked up the chicken thigh and bit into it.
However, halfway through the feast, she suddenly felt this dark, terrifying, looming presence behind her.
“S-S-S…” Ron tried to warn, his face ashen.
“Professor Snape.” Lotus turns around.
Snape was, indeed, standing behind her, his expression unreadable–though the tension in his posture suggested a storm was quietly brewing in his mind.
Lotus froze with the chicken thigh still in her hand. Her appetite evaporated in an instant. “P-Professor Snape,” she greeted, wiping her mouth quickly with a napkin as she dropped the chicken thigh onto her plate. “Didn’t see you there– y’know, you should be eating up there with the staff-”
“I know,” he replied dryly, eyes narrowing. “Enjoying the feast, are we?”
She nodded nervously. “Um. Yeah. First decent meal in a while that I can stomach.”
“Good,” he said in a voice so sharp it could slice stone. “I imagine you’ve had quite the eventful few days.”
The way he said it made her skin crawl. “Yes, sir.” She nods. “Like, the Chamber, and the whole, er, spiders thing…” She heard Ron squeal behind her, saying, ‘Not those stupid spiders…’
He paused for a moment, letting the moment become unbearably tense– long enough to make Harry and Neville slowly shift away from the conversation. His eyes flickered toward Ron, then to Hermione, to Harry, Neville even, and then back to Lotus.
“You and I,” he said finally, “will be having a word. After the feast. In my office.”
Lotus’s stomach dropped like a stone into a vast lake. “Yes… Professor.”
He gave a tight nod, his gaze lingering on her a moment longer before he turned and glided back toward the staff table, robes billowing behind him like he was some sort of supervillain in an action movie.
Harry exhaled loudly the second Snape was gone. “What was that about?”
Hermione leaned forward, her voice hushed. “What did you do ?”
Lotus shifted uncomfortably, looking down. Did he know? Did he suspect something? Did he see Filch take Lockhart away, and when he asked, learned that she had done that to him?
Ron sensed her discomfort and spoke up. “It’ll be alright, Lotus.” He patted her on the back. “I mean, it’s Snape , and it’s the end of the school year. I think he has better things than to, like, assign you Summer work or take 600 points off Gryffindor because you slammed a stone onto Lockhart’s head.”
“Wait, you what–” Hermione blinked, but Lotus laughs awkwardly.
“Yeah, yeah… I guess you’re right.”
She looked down. “Yeah.”
Suddenly she didn’t feel so hungry anymore.
── .✦
The walk into the dungeon whilst all alone felt like she was being sentenced to the gallows. She tried hard to control her shaky breaths as she shimmied her hand up her arm, nails raking through the scarred skin.
She couldn’t help but let out a small whimper.
She hated being alone with an adult nowadays, she noticed, even if it was Dumbledore. Because if a stupid fool like Lockhart could do… that, who’s to say literally anyone else won’t?
Focus, Lotus. It’ll be okay. Severus Snape helped you , remember? He–
Please, stop. Stop trying to reason. Everyone can hurt me.
It had been constant now. She had grown up with conflicting thoughts, thoughts that doubted every person they came across. She had put that behind her with plenty therapy once her grandparents adopted her, but now it seemed they came back.
One voice, despite the pessimism, always tried to sound more mature.
The other? The other voice was tiny, helpless, and scared.
And yet, it was her loudest voice.
She stopped in front of the Potions Master’s office, hand hovering over the door. Lotus gently knocked then stood back, waiting.
The door creaked open slightly with a flick of Snape’s wand from within. His face appeared in the shadows, lit only by the flickering fire of the wall sconces.
“Inag,” he said plainly. “Come in.”
Lotus took one shaky step forward, then another, until she stood just past the entrance. The door shut behind her with a dull thunk , and she felt her nerves start to rise up. Though she kept herself as calm as possible.
Snape walked slowly back toward his desk, the tapping of his boots echoing sharply in the quiet room. He didn’t sit. Instead, he turned and regarded her with that unreadable stare of his.
“Well?” He said. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost. I assume you understand why I’ve called you here.”
“I… I don’t,” Lotus replied quickly, her left hand pushing into her sleeve. As she wrapped her fingers around her wand’s handle, Snape sighed.
“If you’re going to draw your wand I suggest you be less obvious about it, Inag.” Lotus flinched at his beratement and she withdrew her hand, letting it fall to her side.
“If it’s about the Chamber,” she started, voice calm, “Harry already explained everything. So did Ron and Ginny. I’ve said my piece–”
“It’s not about the Chamber, child.” His voice was low, precise. “It’s about Lockhart.”
Her body flinched involuntarily.
“I’d like to know,” Snape continued, “what truly happened. I am not blind- I have seen how you’ve been acting this school year. Not like you last year… You’ve been avoiding the truth, deflecting when asked–”
“I’m not deflecting anything.” Lotus replied a little too harshly. Her heart was hammering now.
Please. Stop.
“He’s a fraud. We all saw it. He got what he deserved.” That felt like poison staining her tongue as she spoke it.
“And yet,” Snape said, quieter now, “there are rumors… and details… that point to something far uglier.”
She took a step back. Her hands were shaking. Her throat burned. Her feet felt like lead. Lotus felt the same terrifying fear that made her freeze.
“You’re going to–what? Lecture me? Give me detention? I didn’t do anything wrong– okay, maybe hitting him upside the head with a stone was rough, but– it’s not wrong … if you’re looking to blame someone–”
“I am not here to blame you , Inag,” Snape said, his voice cutting sharply across hers. “Merlin’s beard, will you ever let me get my point across? Do you think I’d drag you down here to punish you for surviving something–”
“DON’T!” She burst, suddenly and uncontrollably. “DON’T SAY IT LIKE THAT!”
Snape froze, hand gripping the desk.
“Don’t act like you can assume what happened– I don’t even know what happened! ” Her voice cracked, felt rough on her throat. Her eyes were brimming now, and her arms hugged her ribs like she was both holding herself together and shielding her heart, albeit poorly. “I can’t remember anything else–anything–except for that one singular day when– when— when he kissed me, and, Gosh, it’s probably not even the worst of it! I froze , I froze and I didn’t move! I couldn’t!”
Her knees nearly buckled. She let out an inhuman sob as she sank to the floor. “I didn’t say anything, and i should have – and I thought–maybe I imagined it. Maybe I deserved it. No way would someone believe me. That’s what I always think. I always think that! Maybe it’s my messed up mind from the foster homes, but I thought I… that I deserved…”
She covered her face, sobbing now, too loud, too broken to hold back. “And I don’t know what’s worse–that he did it, that he used magic to make me forget if he ever did it more than once, or that now I’ll never know what happened to me, never!”
A long silence followed, heavy as stone.
Snape still couldn’t– didn’t speak.
“What can I even do ?” Lotus hiccuped. “He’s mindless now. I'm not sure the Ministry wants to deal with an old case anyways, a-and what, how would you punish someone who can't even remember what he's done? What I can't even remember him doing?" She sniffled, not caring how her voice hiccuped with every other word.
Snape was quiet for a long moment. The only sound was the dim crackle of the fire and Lotus’s broken, uneven breathing.
“There is no punishment fitting enough,” he said at last, voice low and bitter. “Not for someone who steals memory to erase guilt. Not for someone who parades his sins as stories.”
He took a slow step forward, then paused, giving her space. His hands, usually clasped stiffly behind his back (or often in front), now hung limply at his sides. “But this–what you’re doing now–is not nothing. Speaking it aloud, remembering , even the fragments he tried to take from you… that is power he couldn’t steal.”
She laughed bitterly. “It’s not really power if I can’t even do anything with it.”
“You may feel that way,” Snape murmured, “and you may feel shattered. Tat’s how they want you to feel. That is the aftermath of being used– especially by someone trusted and idolized.”
Her lip quivered, throat tightening again. “So that’s it? I just… live with this?”
“No,” Snape shook his head. “You heal with it.”
She blinked at him.
“Memory loss or not, mindless or not–he cannot hurt you again. You have allies now… myself amongst them.” His voice was firm now, colder again, but not unkind. Lotus nearly scoffed. “And if you ever feel that pain twist around you ribs like a vice again, remember this: You are not small. You are not alone. And you will not be silenced again.”
… She wanted to believe him so badly .
“...Thanks.” Lotus said instead. She looked down. “I– I don’t think I’m coming back for my third year.”
It had been something she was thinking over for the past few weeks, and she was planning on just… getting rid of everything.
Fleeing like her father had. Except for a totally different reason.
Snape’s jaw tensed. For a moment, he didn’t speak–just stared at her with that sharp, calculating gaze that made most students shrink. But when he finally did speak, his voice was low and unwavering.
“No.”
Lotus blinked, startled. “What?”
“I said no ,” Snape repeated, each syllable drawn out, like stone laid with purpose. He stepped closer. “You will not let him –or anyone like him–take this from you.”
She tried to speak, but he held upa hand.
“I understand pain, Ms. Inag,” he said quietly. “And I understand the urge to run from it. To escape places where shadows cling too tightly. But leaving this school? Abandoning your magic? Your future? That is his victory. Not yours.”
Her throat closed. “But I can’t… walk ten steps without… without looking back…”
“And yet you keep walking,” Snape spoke, “even now. You think I haven’t noticed you in class? Especially the time you messed up that Wiggenweld Potion? You do your work. You persevere. You keep moving. You are allowed to hurt. You are allowed to heal. But you are not allowed to disappear.”
“...” Lotus looks down. “I’m tired.”
“I know.”
She raised her head slowly. “What if I freeze again?”
“Then you come to me. You scream. You fight. And I will stand beside you tunil you remember how.”
Lotus nodded quietly, turning around. Before she walked out, she remembered something.
‘Oh, right. Legilimens. Maybe he could…’
She looks back, speaking with an air of hesitance. “...You’re… uh, you’re a Legilimens, right?” She asks, voice shaky. “Do you think you could…”
Snape’s expression shifted– just barely, but enough. His dark eyes softened, the lines on his face tightening with a new kind of restraint. For a long moment, he didn’t answer, as if weighing something heavy in his hands.
“I am,” he finally said, voice low and deliberate. “But Legilimency isn’t a gentle thing, Ms. Inag. Not especially when memory is fractured or gone–when trauma is buried deep. It can feel like being torn open.”
Lotus nodded, feeling a hint of desperation. “I know. I just… I just need to know. I can’t keep wondering what else he might’ve done What I let happened. What I couldn’t stop.” She ran a hand through her hair. “I know it might ruin me, but– I need to know.”
Snape sighed. “You did nothing wrong,” he snaps, “do not ever phrase it like that again.”
Lotus flinched, more from her own guilt than his tone, and looked down.
He moved until he was right in front of her. “If I do this,” he said, “it must be with your full consent. I will not settle for a ‘maybe’, or a reluctant nod. I will not force my way in. And I will stop the moment you ask me to.”
She looked up. Something about that. Something about his clear stance on her consent made her tear up again as she nodded. “Okay.”
“You may not like what we find,” he warned.
“I already don’t like what I know,” she whispered. “But I need to try to remember.”
Professor Snape studied her for a moment longer, than gave a slow, grave nod. “Very well. Look at me.” She looked up as he raised his wand gently, like someone lifting a blade but hesitating before the strike.
“Legilimens!”
Lotus gasped loudly as she felt his presence invade her mind. Her head spun, every thought fighting to stay grounded. His Legilimency was like an unrelenting tide, searching, probing, trying to find the pieces that had been restricted to her. She couldn’t stop him, nor had she wanted to, and yet the pain felt intense.
But what could he find? What could he possibly find? The memories were gone, erased–blank. There was nothing there.
Well, save for the few scary encounters.
Snape warped through emotions and thought until the world seemed to solidify around him– he saw the pure snow falling down outside the Defense Against the Dark Art’s Classroom, saw Lotus practicing with all her might, saw Lockhart praise her and introduce her a new spell–
“Incarcerous!” He felt anger rise as Lotus seemed startled, pleaded to get out–
His eyes darkened as Lockhart’s lips brushed against hers. The sight made his stomach twist in a way he didn’t care to acknowledge. His mind flashed to a thousand potential outcomes–none of them good–and yet, Lotus remainde still.
She could pull away. She could fight back.
But she didn’t.
The memory shifted to another day, where Lotus learned how to cast Fumos Duo … Her initial pride turned into terror when she realized she couldn’t see him.
Snape’s lip curled in distaste as he listened to the man praise Lotus’s talent with unearned enthusiasm; his skin prickled as he felt her discomfort … her fear.
Wouldn’t you love to be rewarded?
The implications were vile and pig-ish. He watched her flee from the smokey room, Lockhart’s yells behind her. Desperately running even though he knew her condition made her easily tired. He could see it in the way she panted and stumbled every other step. Then, she had found Draco– and that’s when he realized this was the day he found the two awkwardly hiding behind one of the courtyard’s railing. The moment Lotus had heard Lockhart’s footsteps drawing nearer, it was as if the world had collapsed in on her. He could hear echoes of her mental torture in that instant, praying for Draco to keep his mouth shut.
And to his credit, he did.
She was a victim to her own mind, and he hated that he found such similarity in himself.
The fear was so raw, so palpable that Snape’s fingers flexed involuntarily as the memory worsened.
Suddenly-
“Stop it!”
He froze and immediately withdrew himself from the memory. He came back to the cold dungeon room that was the Potion Master’s office. Lotus was shaking, leaning against the table.
It was too much.
She couldn’t bear it. She couldn’t stand him seeing her like this, exposed and vulnerable. While that is what she had asked, for him to peel the layers back and try to find something, anything , she now knew it was a fruitless effort and all he had been doing– no, all he could’ve done was just watch those few memories.
She didn’t want to look at him. Didn’t want to see the pity in his eyes– the confusion, the uncertainty. She didn’t want to hear his voice. She couldn’t bear it.
Not when the weight of her own failure felt so suffocating.
She sucked in a shaky breath, trying to calm herself. It wasn’t Snape’s fault. He had tried. He’d done what he could. But it didn’t matter. None of it mattered.
“I’m sorry.” she whispered hoarsely, trying to steady herself, her hands trembling at her sides.
“I… I need to go.”
Without another word, she turned on her heel and fled.
She ignored anything that came out of his mouth– if there had been any. Her heart hammered in her chest as she moved swiftly toward the door, forcing herself to ignore the faintest flicker of concern in Snape’s gaze. She didn’t need it.
She couldn’t bear it.
She had to leave.
I’m glad school ends tomorrow.
── .✦
Maybe it was the fact she had already checked out because she hadn’t bothered to say goodbye to anyone. Not properly.
Lotus gave a half-hearted wave to Hagrid- who looked a little surprised. She grunted at Neville saying ‘see you next year.’ And so on.
She dared not talk to Professor Snape. She didn’t feel comfortable- not because he had done anything, no. She knew he hadn’t. He was only trying to help.
No, she didn’t want to out of pure shame. How funny, right?
Lotus shuffled into her seat. She went on early, knowing the other three were still taking their time. She looked at her hands.
“Finally escaping this nightmare…”
“You look lonely, Inag.” She perked up, glancing at Draco. He was leaning on the doorframe with as much elegance as a baby elephant taking it’s first steps. Behind him were Crabbe and Goyle, smirking.
“... Yeah.” Lotus looked back down. Clearly a bit flustered he didn’t get a genuine reaction, he huffs.
“Didn’t wait for your friends, eh?”
“They’ll come. Please just… leave me alone.”
He paused. Then shifted awkwardly. Then he closed the compartment door, leaving Crabbe and Goyle confused as he walked over, sitting beside her.
“Listen. If you… ever need to get your mind off of things... and– and I don’t give this out normally to Muggle-borns like you – but if you’re in the area, I guess I wouldn’t mind you stopping by.”
Lotus nods briefly. She had a vague idea of where he lived, mostly from his constant gloating- that and she could probably ask around in the Wizarding World.
“Kay. Thanks.”
Draco was silent for a few seconds before he stood up, nodded briefly, and then left.
Soon, Harry, Ron, and Hermione joined her.
“That’s where you were!” Hermione nods, sitting down opposite to her. Harry sat next to Lotus, and Ron (with a slightly pink face that he quickly willed away) sat next to Hermione.
“Yep.” Lotus nods. “I’m just… tired. I think I’ll take a small nap.”
“Oh, in that case–” Harry shifted so she had a whole seat to herself.
“Thanks, Harry.” She lowered her head, laying on her side. “What’re, uh, what’re you guys gonna do this summer?”
“Probably nothing.” Harry sighed.
“Oh! I’m going on a vacation somewhere mid-July.” Hermione beams.
“I dunno yet.” Ron thinks. “Hopefully a vacation too.” He tilted his head. “You sure you’re right in the head?”
Lotus groans. “Again, tired. I think our restless nights- especially the last week consisting of us escaping Aragog’s children on your dad’s Ford Anglia really is making me suffer.”
Ron chuckled sheepishly. “Right.”
As Ron and Hermione talked with each other, Harry turned to Lotus. “Are you sure? That you’re fine? Remember. You said I can talk to you. That applies the same way.”
Lotus looked up at him. He looked so kind. So nice.
Lotus felt herself almost cry. Almost .
“Yeah… I know.” She patted him on the knee, before yawning. The Hogwarts Express began to take off, and she drifted off to sleep.
What now?
Get into therapy again?
She knew from firsthand experience that keeping things in like this was no bueno . And yet she couldn’t bring herself to utter the words:
‘Help me.’
Hours later, Harry shook her awake. “We’re almost here.” He told her quietly.
“Huh…?”
“King’s Cross Station. C’mon. Gotta get changed.”
“Oh… right…” She yawned, getting up. After switching back into her civilian wear, Lotus glanced at her arms and hands. The cracking had been a little worse this year. She glanced down at her luggage, and looked through until she found a sweater with big sleeves. Good enough.
Once the Express arrived at Platform 9¾, the four were heading out.
“Wait!” Hermione says, making the three stop. “Write?”
Ron grins. “Only if Harry can.”
“Hey, shut up, you know Dobby had been intercepting them!” Harry retorted, snickering. “Of course I’ll write.”
Lotus just shrugs. “If I’m not busy. See you all later.” She murmured.
“Oh– bye!” Ron waved enthusiastically. “Come visit some time, will you?”
More people asking me to visit.
Lotus nods, a tight-lipped smile on her face. “Yeah! I’ll try, haha. Across the seas is really limiting, though.”
Once she separated herself from the three, she found the exit and stepped through, re-appearing back at King’s Cross. With Marco Polo chirping in the cage- presumably wanting to be let out, she stepped forward, looking around until she found a conspicuous man wearing a jacket.
“Hi.” Lotus says. “Take me back to America, please, Mr. Ministry man.”
He blinked, straightening up. “Oh, yes, you’re the foreign student– alright. Come on, I’m to escort you to the… airport .” He says, scrunching his face, as if the word was in on itself, a foreign concept. Perhaps it was, in a world where all you needed was a flick of your wand to teleport somewhere else. She remembered Professor Snape had done that with her in her first year- or leading up to it.
She had been so exhilerated. So excited back then. Now? She just wanted to leave all of this behind.
She walked out with him to a Ministry-approved car and put her stuff in the trunk, sitting Marco Polo and his cage next to her seat once she got in. “Yeah, we’re almost home, bud.” She says softly, reaching in to gently stroke his head. He cooed.
The man wordlessly drove her to the airport, ensured boarding on was without any problems- especially with the owl- and then left her.
Lotus sat in the farthest seat, first class thanks to Dumbledore’s input, and stared out the window as Marco Polo tweeted. Somehow he was allowed to stay next to her (in the cage obviously). But she had made sure to strap him to the seat lest any turbulence may come by and rock the plane.
As she watched the clouds pass as the plane flew, she felt happy to head back.
Happy to eat her grandmother’s food again. Happy to hug her grandfather and play softball–
“Hey. I brought that stupid softball with me and never once had I took it out.” She huffed. “Actually, wait, did I leave it at Ron’s?” She frowns. “Crap… well– it’s not like Grandpa can’t get me more. That’s just a huge bother.”
She looks at Marco Polo. “Sorry I’m quiet, buddy. Just been through a lot.”
As if understanding her, Marco Polo replied in a soft tweet. The corner of her lip twitched up in a small smile.
── .✦
Lotus nearly crashed into Rich and Wisteria’s arms when she ran to hug them; they met her at the airport as they had done last year.
“Sweetie! How was school?” Wisteria asks. “I mean, you always send letters, but we want to really know!”
“I– I, the– the Basilisk got killed,” Lotus says quietly as they walked. Rich grabbed the luggage with Marco Polo. “By Harry. Bless him.”
“Oh, that boy is living up to his expectations.” Rich nodded with pride. “Did you help?”
“Sorta. You know that Lockhart guy?” She tried not to let her voice shake. “Turns out– turns out he was a huge fraud. Wiped people’s memories and took credit for their hard work. Was gonna do it to us and leave Ginny– Ron’s sister– for dead, but since he used Ron’s broken wand, it reflected back to him and made him… yknow.”
They gasped.
“Well, serves him right!” Wisteria huffs. Rich nodded, ruffling Lotus’s hair. She giggled, feeling warmth in her chest that she hadn’t felt all day. Or rather, all night. Time zones are weird.
“You hungry, kiddo? We were thinking of making some pancit.” Rich offered as they stepped out into the parking lot.
“Actually…” Lotus said. “Er, I’m really sleepy. I think, when we get home, I’m gonna take one huge nap.”
Wisteria smiled warmly. “Of course, darling.”
On the car ride home, as Rich drove, Wisteria fretted over Lotus’s hands.
“What’ve they been doing to you?!”
“Nothing!” She laughs a little. “That just… that happens more and more! I think it has something to do with my condition, as powerful spells exhaust me. I’ll be okay, Granny.” She says softly.
“Are you sure??” Wisteria asked. “This could be really dangerous–”
Rich grunted in agreement.
“Yeah, but imagine it this way– at least now my life is full of adventure.” She shrugs meekly. “Later on if I hadn’t gotten into any of this I’d be really bored.”
Wisteria seemed to take it, and went back to talking to Rich. Lotus looked at her lap.
What was that, just now?
Acting as if you were going to spend any longer in that hell?
Sad.
Lotus shook her head. Not now.
She was home.
She was safe.
Chapter 14: ˖ ִֶָ𐀔 Wasted Summers
Summary:
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
After a miserable start of her Summer, Lotus finally opens up.
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉☒ 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 ☒
- mild fear, or the fear that comes with opening up. could potentially be triggering?
Notes:
yes, i had to actually look up "popular songs of 1992-1993 on the us radio"!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
It wasn’t the same anymore.
Even when she hadn’t eaten much, she barely had stuff on her plate nowadays. Rich and Wisteria looked at each other in worry.
“Is her condition getting worse?” Wisteria asked one day, gently stroking Rich’s arm. The two were outside of Lotus’s room. The faint sunlight peeked in from lace flower-pattern curtains at the end of the hall, showing a similar imitation on the door and nearby walls. The door to Lotus’s bedroom showed signs of age–claw marks from a cat years ago who seeked entry when either couple were inside, and when Lotus came along, the whole room was refurbished to fit her. There were several painted images of a lotus flower , a dog, the stars, and the sea. A sign that, with bubbly writing on it, said ‘Lotus’s Bedroom!! (knock before you come in!)’ It was hung over and held up by a rope slung over a nail.
Rich shook his head. “No, if it was, I’m sure she’d be actively physically weaker. I’m sure she’s okay.”
“I hope so. Rich, did you see her when she came back to us? She almost cried!”
“ Wist , there was a Basilisk who was rumored to be sent to kill Muggle-Borns by someone who hates them. If Leo had experienced this when… when he was there, don’t you think he’d cry too? He was never afraid to show how he really felt.” Rich moved his hand behind Wisteria’s back, rubbing gentle circles in an attempt to comfort her.
“I know.” Wisteria nods. “She is so much like her father– well, in a sense. He had done well to teach her to be kind…”
“So she doesn’t fall in the same pit he did? Joining the Death Eaters?” Rich grumbled, though it was clear to Wisteria that he didn’t really feel angry towards their son.
Wisteria hums. “Precisely. Still, I can feel something’s off with her.”
“...You’re right. But we can’t force an answer out of her. No, it’ll only make her retreat.”
“...” Wisteria let Rich lead her away, though she took one last look at the door- one full of longing, sadness, and empathy.
“Her eyes. She looked just like she did when we adopted her five years ago.” Wisteria murmured. “Something bad happened. And I doubt the Basilisk had anything to do with it.”
Rich didn’t reply. As they entered the living room, Marco Polo’s soft chirps were heard as he napped. Beside his open cage, many letters– unopened and unanswered–laid waiting. He sighs and walks over, picking them up.
“All from her friends. I’ll deliver them.”
“She won’t answer.”
“She won’t. But I feel it’ll ease her burdens if she had the option.” Rich returned upstairs and to the familiar, worn door. He paused, before curling his fist and knocking.
As expected–no response. At least, he thought so before he heard the slightest noise come from within. Footsteps hesitantly reaching the door. Then, with a small creak, the door swung open to reveal his granddaughter.
Rich had to hold back a soft noise of pity. She looked the worst she’s been in years. Messy hair- longer now due to unkemptness, wearing the same pair of pajamas she’s worn from a day or two ago, and cracked fingers.
Those cracked fingers. Wisteria had inquired upon seeing them when she returned, and she told them it was from magic use. Now he believed her, but that made him worry. Would each spell, which get harder with each year, soon spell her death?
Would he lose her young? Or would he lose her in a tragic way?
He hoped not.
Clearing his throat, he held his hand out. “I figured you might want these letters from your friends, I…” He sighs. “At least read them?”
Lotus stared at him for a good few seconds, before she reached out and took the letters. Running her fingers through the paper envelope, she sighs.
“Yeah. I guess I should.”
Lotus had done well to barely respond enough so they don’t get too concerned.
After a beat of silence, he spoke again. “Lotus, dear, what’s the matter? You’re closing off again. Did something happen?” Judging from the suddenly tense look on her face, his frown deepened.
‘I can’t hide anything from him.’ Lotus thought. ‘Or Grandma. It’s just… when I’m around them, I feel so much safer. I unwind more easily.’
She looked up at Rich again. “I can’t… say. I don’t know how too. I’m too… ashamed. Right now. I’m sorry.” She adds, lifting the letters to conceal her face. Lotus felt too ashamed to have him see the tears on her face. The devastation in her eyes.
But Rich is not one to judge– he had seen her at her lowest.
“Little one,” Rich started, “I will not pry. Neither will your grandmother. But know that we have and always will love you, no matter what. We have seen you when you were only eight and struggling to, well, use the bathroom correctly because you had been in unfortunately broken homes before you came under our care. And look at you now– a capable young woman, despite your condition.”
He placed a tentative hand on her shoulder, and for once, Lotus didn’t flinch. “It’s okay. Now, go back to bed, alright? But don’t stay holed up.”
“I’ll… I’ll try, Grandpa.” She says quietly. “Thank you.” Lotus backed away, closing the door.
Rich stood there, his smile faltering, but then he turned away, walking back downstairs. Meanwhile, Lotus walked over to the middle of her room and sat down on a fluffy carpet- one she always liked to take a nap on when the bed simply became unbearable.
She wasn’t sure if that stemmed from a lack of a bed in her old homes or just because the carpet was really just that fluffy .
She sprawled all the letters out, sorting them by sender’s names.
Ron. Hermione. Harry. Ron. Harry. Hermione. Hermione. Hermione. Ron. Harry. Harry. Ron.
She rose an eyebrow. There was one– no, two letters that looked like they stood out. One blank letter and one had a new sender.
Professor Snape.
Or, really, Severus Snape, but her mind will always default to ‘Professor Snape’ so long as he was her teacher.
She rose an eyebrow. Why, of all people, was he sending her a letter?
Lotus set the letter aside in favor of opening the others. All of them were talking about plans for third year, how Hermione wanted to take a lot of classes, though Ron and Harry seemed dismissive–or moreso doubtful–of that idea because how would she?
Lotus snorted. She remembered contributing little but a ‘good luck, if anyone’s able to do it you can, Hermione!’
Now it was either the mysterious letter or Snape’s.
She frowns, deep in thought, before clamping a hand over her eyes and hovering between both. When her finger descended onto an envelope she lifted it, only to groan.
“Ah. Snape’s.” She shook her head. “But of course…”
So, she took the letter and opened it up, unfolding the parchment paper and woah . This guy knows how to spell cursive very well. Not in the unreadable way Thomas Jefferson had when writing the Declaration of Independence, but still understandable. She fell onto her back, aiming the letter where the light from outside can hit it.
Ms. Inag,
Despite my initial reluctance to engage in written correspondence with students outside of term requirements, recent… developments compel me to break that rule.
Lotus rolled her eyes. He literally met her out of school. Well, that was to make sure to inform her and family of her acceptance into Hogwarts.
I trust by now you are recovering form your latest bout of carelessness.
A pit formed in her stomach. Carelessness? Sure, she hadn’t been the smartest in letting this “happen”, but that hurt.
Was it really carelessness?
She almost wanted to give up reading the letter.
It is, after all, a recurring habit of yours–to overextend, to keep secrets, to shoulder the burden in silence as if you were invincible. You are not.
I advise you to rest, though I’m fully aware you will do the opposite.
On the other note, I remember that you wish not to enroll in your third year. I disagree. I write, not out of sentiment, but because I believe you are making a decision rooted in impulse and fear–both of which are poor foundations for anything, let alone a future. You are not a coward, Inag , regardless of how persistently you attempt to convince yourself otherwise. Which is precisely why this decision, coming from you, is so deeply disappointing.
You may find it convenient to remain away from Hogwarts. To cast away the ruined, tainted life you built there. You may think it’s easier to detach yourself from what has happened to you. But running –however quietly–is still running. And I have never seen success come from a witch or wizard who attempts to outrun themselves.
Let me remind you of something you seem all too ready to forget.
Lotus rose her eyebrow. What was it that she had ‘forgotten’?
Before your father fled from the Wizarding World, he made a request to Dumbledore. That you would be accepted, enrolled, and given a place here, no matter where you live now. (well, in truth, your father had asked Dumbledore to keep you safe–which this was that way). Dumbledore agreed, not only as a favor to your father, but because he believed you deserved that chance. A future, beyond your name. Beyond what came before you. Beyond what curses your blood in this very instant.
Oh.
Are you so willing to discard that effort?
To waste what has already been paid for at such a cost?
I know better than most the strength it takes to continue in the wake of grief, self-pity, and shadows that never fully recede. To have someone strip you of your innocence–no, I know of your past home lives, and yet I still claim you have it. We are similar, Inag. You just don’t know it.
I also know this: your place is not in hiding. And if you choose to remain away from Hogwarts, then you are not merely abandoning your future—you are allowing the past to win. Think carefully, Ms. Inag. For once, allow your self to consider that returning may not be a burden, but a positive choice for your life. A necessity.
Lastly: Should you ever feel the need to vanish, know that I will notice. And I will find you.
You are not alone. Stop pretending to be.
–Severus T. Snape
By the time she had finished, hot tears had welled up in her eyes and she sniffled, setting it aside. Her mind was torn.
One half screamed, YOU DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT ME!
The other cried, please understand. Please force me back. Please make Hogwarts safe for me again.
She tossed the letter aside, grumbling. She didn’t mean to make things so hard on herself, withdrawing, but it’s the only place she felt truly safe–even if it meant not going out for hours. Lotus then turned to the mysterious envelope and picked it up, slowly opening it. It better not be a trick, or something dangerous. Though, if it were, how did Marco Polo get it? Was he intercepted? Forced to bring this back?
The thought festered in her mind as she pulled the letter out and opening it.
Dear Lotus,
It’s me, Ron.
She sighed in relief. Thank God– wait, why was Ron sending an unnamed letter??
You’re probably wondering why I sent this to you without a sender. But I needed to make sure no one knew it was from me. It was tough, convincing Marco Polo to take the letter. Though some extra dead mice sure bribed him.
I’m worried for you, mate. Don’t think I haven’t noticed the lack of letters from your end. Harry and Hermione are just too nice to say anything–well, they actually have. To me. Harry wants to make sure you’re okay, same as Hermione.
I don’t know when you’re getting this letter, but please know– you’re not alone. And don’t do anything… rash. Please.
I know I’m one of the few left who know of what’s been done to you, and that just ain’t right. But if you want to avoid school because of it, I can’t entirely blame you. Just…please don’t?
It’ll be tough without you. Hermione really needs a girl best friend. You do see that Lavender and Pavrvarti and that other girl aren’t huge pals with Hermione the way you are with her. She enjoys how smart you are and how much common sense you have. Harry would miss his first friend–well, Hagrid would be his first pal, but you know. You two are very similar, as I’m sure you already figured out. And I’d miss you too. You, despite not eating much, always loved to eat with me, even if it is little. You always made sure none of us felt left out.
So that’s why it would be pretty bloody miserable without you–like Draco would probably be 10x worse, since if you’re not there he won’t be trying to be acquaintances and be more focused on making our lives hell, even more than he already does.
Sorry, this is getting long. I hope you’re okay and I hope I see you soon.
From, Ron Weasley
Lotus blinked. She was a myriad of emotions–shock, touched, anxious, and oh so sad.
She had been a total recluse, hiding away from her friends. Who only wanted to help. But how could they if she couldn’t even help herself?
She began to sob, hugging the letter. ‘If only it were that easy, Ron. I swear I’d get better fast and go back to 3rd year feeling so much better than I am now!’
She wanted to stand up. To write a letter back.
But today already felt like such a downpour. So, she let the letter fall out of her hands and onto the carpet, before she dragged her blanket out from the messy bed and draped it over herself, sniffling. Just another day. Please.
It’s not like she was welcomed warmly in sleep, though. Most nights it was a nightmare. She didn’t wake up screaming or wailing, but she’d always jolt awake and feel frozen for a few seconds, before her body realized that she was home. That she was safe . She curled in on herself more, shoulders shaking.
This summer was miserable.
── .✦
“Granny, I don’t– I can’t have a therapist.” Lotus ranted. It was the very next day and, for once, she had stepped out to meet them at breakfast. Then, the topic of therapy came up and while Lotus was all for it at first, she realized telling some licensed professional that some wizard assaulted you (and most likely repeatedly) wasn’t the right thing to say. She could try to omit details, but who knows– the therapist could call CPS, or could try to report this “mystery man” to the cops. “I can’t let them know– I… I…”
Wisteria paused, her spoon halfway to her mouth, She glanced at Rich, then looked at Lotus with gentle insistence. “Lotus, sweetie, no one’s going to think you’re crazy.”
“I’m serious, I’ve been through this before with the school counselor back at– back at one of my homes– I say the wrong thing and suddenly it’s do you feel safe at home? Or let’s call the authorities. And then what? They’ll ask for names, for explanations–what am I supposed to say? That I got–” Lotus paused. “...”
“You got what, sweetheart?” Wisteria asked. Rich leaned forward. This was the most they had heard about whatever ‘event’ had reduced their granddaughter to her most feeble form.
Lotus stood up. “Please, Granny, Grandpa, I can’t.” Her hands fell limply to her side. She felt so small in front of them. Their eyes were full of concern.
The two didn’t press her, but the silence that followed was thick–dense with worry, dread, and a desperation to understand. She turned away, arms wrapped tightly around herself like she was holding something in. Something fragile. Something broken.
“I… I didn’t remember. I still don’t.” Lotus began, her voice cracking.
That made both grandparents sit up straighter.
“I only remember one harrowing experience. When… I told you I’d stay for winter break. Professor– no. Lockhart was teaching me spells, as he said he would. But he had been… too close. And then all of a sudden he casted a spell on me- at first to show me- but then leaned in and… kissed me. I froze.”
Her breath hitched. Her knees buckled slightly. She heard Wisteria gasp and turned around. Wisteria had her hand up to her mouth while Rich’s jaw clenched, his grip on the edge of the table tightening until his knuckles turned white. She had never seen her grandfather so… angry.
“Another time– I casted this spell he taught me– Fumos Duo , makes smokescreens, hide you from your opponents– but then I realized it hid him too. I heard him get closer. He was so happy I pulled it off. Like I impressed him.” She gave a bitter, detached laugh. “I ran. Found Draco. Hid. Hid like… a coward.”
Instantly the two were at her side.
“You are not a coward, dear,” Wisteria spoke, voice trembling as she brushed Lotus’s bangs away from her tearful face. Her own eyes were welled up with tears as well.
Lotus shook her head instantly, struggling to get the words out. “Please–don’t blame the school. Don’t blame the professors. Not Dumbledore. Not– please .”
Rich scowled. “Severus made me a promise ,” he said, voice low and thunderous. “I told him to protect you. I told him–”
“He– he technically did,” she interrupted, “I was just– too foolish– no. I was too scared to get any help.”
Rich’s face twisted with emotion–anger, guilt, heartbreak all wrapped into one. “And Dumbledore?”
Lotus hesitated. “I… don’t think he knew. I don’t want him blamed for what Lockhart did.”
“Then someone else needs to be,” Rich said tightly.
Lotus sank back into the chair, feeling the weight of it all settle again on her chest. “It’s over. He’s gone. The memories are all gone. I’m just left like this. I don’t want to talk to some therapist who’ll probe and ask and look at me like I’m broken and lying . Like I made it up.”
Wisteria pulled her into a tight hug, shielding her from all the worries in the world. “You are not broken,” she whispered fiercely. “And you are not lying.”
Rich held his anger and joined the two. “You’ll be okay. It’ll be okay.”
As Lotus cried into Wisteria’s chest, the two adults looked at each other, then back to Lotus.
“Alright. No therapist. But you be much more open to us, alright? Please. And we’ll help you clean your room.” Wisteria whispers. Lotus mumbled a muffled ‘thank you’ and just hugged them tighter.
For once things seemed to be alright again.
The three spent the rest of the morning (and noon) cleaning up her bedroom before going out to the diner nearby to relax. For once, Lotus smiled and laughed. She twirled the spaghetti into her fork, eating it in one bite, Rich imitated Batman as he ate chicken wings–which was always a surefire way to get Lotus to laugh–and Wisteria ordered the dessert that Lotus always loved–a blondie with a scoop of vanilla on top, sprinkled with pecans. On the drive home, she rested her head on the window, watching the Sun go down.
“Wise men say,” Rich sang along to the radio, “‘only fools rush in.’ But Iiiiii can’t help, falling in looooove with youuuuuu.” He exaggerated his voice, making Wisteria chuckle gently.
Lotus smiled at the interaction, before leaning forward. “Granny, Grandpa, do you think we could go to Diagon Alley for the last part of Summer? So that way we can all stay there?”
The two thought, then nodded. “You know what? Sure. We’re bound to go on a vacation– and it’s not our first time being there. I wanna see how it’s changed in the last twenty years.” Wisteria replied.
“Thanks.” Lotus replied gratefully before looking out the window again. The Sun was now fleeing, hiding behind the trees in the distant horizon. Street lamps started to flicker on, all simultaneously except for the one on the corner of Merriman St., which took a few seconds to follow suit.
She tapped her fingers on the windowsill, humming along to the song.
Shall I stay?
Would it be a sin?
For I can’t help-
Falling in love with you.
── .✦
At home, Lotus walked into the living room after having changed into her pajamas, smoothing out a paper and grabbed a pen. She intended to write back, for once. Small and simple. For several people.
Dear Ron,
I’ve gotten some peace. I’ll never be okay, but I know I’ll manage with the people around me. I’ll see you when third year starts. Thank you for keeping my secret, you’re such a wonderful friend.
Dear Hermione,
Sorry I haven’t been answering, I had a busy Summer so far. Can’t wait to meet! You should definitely take all those classes–you’re smart enough for it.
Dear Harry,
I hope the Dursleys are treating you like you’re a human. I’m heading to Diagon Alley, or rather The Leaky Cauldron. I hope you’ll be there too because I’m gonna cook some Pork Adobo before I leave to share it between all four of us. If not, then we can meet at Hogwarts Express and eat it there…permitting if something doesn’t happen.
Dear Professor Snape,
I’ll be back. Hope you’ll be ready for me.
“Hey, Marco Polo…” Lotus approached her feasting owl. He glanced up, chirping warmly, as if to say ‘you look the best you’ve been in weeks!’
She chuckled. “I’m going to need you to deliver four letters for me.” When she saw the upset look on his face–or really, as upset as an owl could be , she shook her head. “I promise it’s all worth it! Besides, they’re all in London. And by the way, I know they’ll feed you a treat. Well– the Dursleys won’t, but Harry will try to.” Lotus gently scratched his head, smiling before she held the letters up. Marco Polo made a small sigh, before he flew up, grabbing the letters from her hands.
“When you come back, I promise I’ll have the best for you.” She grins. That seemed to motivate him enough as he flew out the window and into the cool night air. She then turned around, stretching.
Today was a good day. And she hopes she’ll have more good days later.
Notes:
i can't wait for year 3 <3
Hey guys don’t expect chapter 14 for a whole or smth bcuz I had an infection lump growing on the lower part of my ass / higher part of my thigh and I recently just now got the pus extracted and it hurts so bad and I’m to be bedridden for the day so I can’t work on chapter 14 immediately I’m so sorry
Chapter 15: ⛓ One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
Summary:
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
Lotus spends some time in London before school starts. She gets a surprise visit from Professor Snape after one nightmare has Marco Polo instinctively fetch him from Spinner's End, Cokeworth, England, Great Britain (yes, a mouthful).
She buys a monstrous book, and reunites with her old friends---oh, and gets pranked on. But she kinda likes it?
As the three board, they find every compartment is full except for one.
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉☒ 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 ☒
- PTSD
Notes:
This took so long to write because of my asbcess problem, I'm so sorry guys! Drama Club is also very busy, but I really want to get back onto my schedule. As always, I hope you guys enjoy.
Chapter Text
On August 1st, they booked a flight straight to London. Since it was a non-Ministry-funded flight, they, of course, had to take economy.
“Sorry, Marco Polo. You just gotta stay there, alright?” Lotus snorted as handlers took away the owl. His eyes were full of contempt and betrayal. “I’ll make sure you have some real good freedom when we get to the Lea–well, the hotel!”
The flight was noisy. And loud. A little kid was screaming near the front of the plane. Rich chuckled sardonically, slouching against his seat.
“Kid, these are the times I wish you could cast a spell.” He murmured.
“Yeah, too bad I’m underage.” Lotus crossed her arms. Wisteria just gave a small sigh, shaking her head.
Lotus blinked as she reached into her bag and realized the potion supply that Dumbledore had given her… had run out just now.
“Urgh…” She slumped into her seat, suddenly feeling altitude sickness. Great. Wisteria glanced over, rubbing her hand while also handing her a vomit bag. She quietly mouthed ‘thanks’, before promptly vomiting into the bag.
An almost day-long trip, spent either sleeping, eating bad airplane food, or gazing at the sea below. “Grandpa, you were a pilot once, right?”
“Sure was.”
“Was it scary to fly over seas, knowing one wrong move could send you down?” She asked blankly, rubbing her forehead.
Rich stared at her, laughing a little. “How… awfully morbid. But yes, kid, always. I just had to conceal that fear because there were more important things to focus on.”
“Like what?”
“Like managing flights. Not killing my passengers.” He shrugged. “I’d say these pilots are doing really well.”
Lotus nods, before letting out a soft ‘urck’ and throwing up again, shuddering.
At the end of the flight, when they exited the airplane, Lotus looked positively ruined. Her hair tangled, knees shaky, face pale, and clutching her jacket tightly. When the three went to get Marco Polo, he couldn’t help but chirp at her smugly.
That’s what you get.
Lotus hissed. “Leave me alone.”
They took a cab to The Leaky Cauldron. Rich and Wisteria were talking about booking options and how it would be– “Two bedrooms. Lotus needs her own.” “Sure, how could we pay for it?”
Lotus piped up. “Dad’s money!”
The two blinked, before Wisteria chuckled softly. “Sure. Dad’s money.”
The city looked bleak, clouds washing over. Then again, London usually looked like it was in a constant state of gloom, like it didn’t know if it wanted to rain or not. The buildings loomed over them as the cab drove on the left side of the road. Utterly silly, right? Lotus didn’t say anything, just merely watched as they drove past a bunch of people. A woman focused on her book, a man smoothing his shirt out as he exited the tailor shop. The idea of seeing people living their own lives was always something Lotus liked.
It reminded her that the world was vast and everyone had intricate stories to them.
She pressed her palm to the window, fingertips cracked like china teacup, except the teacup was shattered by some clumsy child and their mother glued it back together rather than throw it out. Her sleeve rolled up, revealing other similar cracks along her arms that clashed with her nail-scratches.
Oh, about that, she had slowly forced herself to stop.
… Because she had another problem. She’d pull at her hair. Of course not heavily. Not hard, not painful… yet. She’d tug when she was upset, or hit her legs. It was better than scratching herself til she bled, right?
Right?
As they arrived at the rickety street that housed The Leaky Cauldron, Lotus eagerly stepped out, hoisting up her luggage— so far it was merely just clothes she could wear outside of her uniform as well as her wand, cauldron, and telescope. Rich took out Marco Polo’s cage, who was chiping tiredly, before taking out their luggage as well.
Wisteria paid the cab driver before he drove off.
“Ah, London. I don’t miss it.” Rich chuckled. “You know, before, we lived here.”
“You did?” Lotus gasped as they walked over to the entrance of the pub.
“Yes! Why else did your father get invited to Hogwarts? We moved to America after he graduated… to get away.” Rich admitted. “That and to live a quiet life. But we love having you.”
Lotus’s smile slightly faltered. To get away.
Right, right. Death Eater business. Voldemort. All the works. She nods, entering into the dim pub. It was filled with its usual crowd, except a little emptier. Tom noticed them and walked over, smiling despite being a little toothless.
“Ah! Hello, Ms. Inag!” He says. “Oh, and family? Mr. And Mrs. Inag?”
“Hello again, Tom,” Rich replied kindly. “I hope you haven’t forgotten us.”
“So much time has passed… come! Would you like a room?” He asked.
“Two, please.” Wisteria held up two fingers. “Preferably next to each other, thank you.”
Lotus fished inside her satchel of Knuts, Sickles, and Galleons before paying Tom. He slid the payment into a small pouch before turning around and walking away.
The three followed eagerly as Lotus took a deep breath. “The last time I was here was when Sev— oh, Professor Snape took me here for my first year.” She said. “I’m glad I’m with you guys now!”
“We are too, sweetie,” Wisteria spoke. Eventually, Tom stopped at Rooms 24 and 25. “Thank you, Tom.”
Tom grinned, clearly happy at the praise, before he left them be.
“Here you are.” Rich hums, handing Marco Polo’s cage over. Lotus wrapped her fingers around the holder, unlocking the door.
“I’m so gonna take the biggest nap,” Lotus said, which elicited a laugh from Wisteria and a hum of agreement from Rich. “I still feel a little air sick.”
“Go on, dear.”
Lotus rushed in, setting Marco Polo’s cage on the dresser before opening it. She took out some owl treats and placed them in a bowl. The child giggled as she heard the ‘tip taps’ of Marco Polo getting closer, enticed by the food and the aroma. “Here you go, buddy… there we are.” Lotus set the dish down, and Marco Polo began to devour it. She walked to her bed— dark wood frame with the setup to have curtains, and yet there were none. She shrugged, flopping onto the white mattress and sheets. It sunk her a little, though she smiled in contentment.
Whatever tomorrow’s problem was, is Tomorrow Lotus’s problem. It’ll be fine.
When she drifted off, she felt her body grow numb in a wonderful, terrifying way. Then came the nightmare.
Bound. Down. Couldn’t speak–did she have a mouth or not here? Either way, she had eyes, and she saw someone loom over with a forced grin that bordered on predatory. She couldn’t fight back, couldn’t bite. Couldn’t scream.
Her lips–or the mouth area–suddenly felt hot. It seared her face, burned on there–
Oh, God, please help.
She broke into a run, somehow breaking free of her binds. And yet it felt like she was running a feet per minute and got tired easily. She knew she was a bad runner, but this was bad. Slow. Torturous.
Please, go faster!!
In real life, she was tossing and turning, shaking. “No… please, stop…” She whimpered, clutching at her sleeves. Marco Polo looked over, chirping a little–though his sounds did little as she couldn’t hear him. He looked out the window, opened for air that she had forgotten to close, before he flew out.
── .✦
The next day, Lotus woke up in a cold sweat. She had kicked the blanket off and was sprawled out, staring at the ceiling. And jeez, it was freezing in here. She looked over, seeing the open window and Marco Polo napping. Oh. She got up, stretching. “Hopefully, you hunted out, I need to close this, bud.” She murmured, shutting the window. Her hands lingered on the windowsill, tapping slightly.
Despite yesterday being a pretty nice day, of course it had to end with a shitty nightmare. She lowered her head, grumbling, before she went to go change.
Now donned in a tan graphic t-shirt with a dark-brown plaid jacket and baggy jeans (she did like to wear dresses and stuff, but London was chilly today, and besides, dresses to her seemed unnecessary here as of right now), she descended the stairs. “Hey, good morning, Tom,” she greeted, “where’re my grandparents?”
“Good morning!” Tom greeted. He flicked his wrist, causing all the candles to light up. “Y’er grandparents are still asleep. Must be tired from your, uh, flight.”
“Oh, in that case, I think I’ll just wander a bit, then–” Lotus turned around and noticed one of the few people there reading a newspaper.
Hold on. Leg crossed over like that… the finger placements–deliberate and efficient…
Her eyes widened. “Professor Snape?” She froze, her mind momentarily blank as she stared at the figure sitting at the table. Professor Snape, dressed in dark, well-tailored robes that contrasted sharply against the cozy, homely warmth of the Leaky Cauldron, was flipping through a newspaper with a look of half-hearted concentration. His head snapped up almost imperceptibly, his dark eyes meeting hers.
“Ah, Ms. Inag,” he said, lowering his newspaper and setting it on the table. She noticed the face of a man– gaunt and haunting, screaming at whoever took the picture. He wore prison clothing– was he an escaped convict?– and had disheveled hair and scary eyes. Lotus glanced back up at Professor Snape. “I trust you slept well?”
“...” Lotus blinked. Sleep? No, not really. She was far from well-rested, her body still aching from the remnants of the nightmare. But she didn’t feel like replying in full truth. Not with him. Not right now.
“Uh, sure. Can’t say I had the most peaceful night, though.” She cleared her throat. “What are you doing here, though? Did you… do you need something from my grandparents?”
Snape’s lips pressed into a thin line for a moment, before he leaned forward slightly. “Your owl paid me a visit last night,” he said, his tone even but pointed. “I traced its path here. The Leaky Cauldron. Quite the coincidence, wouldn’t you agree?”
Lotus blinked again, her brain scrambling to piece together what he was implying. “Marco Polo?” she asked. Why had her owl… “That’s… odd. Why would he–”
Snape’s voice was quiet but firm. “I suspect you know the answer to that already, Ms. Inag.”
The way he said her name made something churn uneasily in her stomach. She didn’t know if it was the situation itself or the shadow of last night’s memories creeping back up on her, but something about his presence was unsettling. She swallowed hard. “You came all the way out here from Cokeworth because of Marco Polo?”
“Indeed.” Snape gathered his hands together, interlocking his fingers in a thoughtful position. “I assumed you were unaware of his actions. It seems your nocturnal companion is more than capable of handling his own affairs.”
“Oh,” she chuckled wearily, “he’s a smart owl. I love him loads .” She then took a step forward, her voice softening. “What does this mean, though? Why did you–”
“I’ve simply come to check up on you. Oh, and to address the rather short letter you sent me after weeks of not replying.” Her face turned a slight pink with embarrassment as she let out a small ‘oh’ and sat down next to him. She ordered a breakfast option including eggs–well, as breakfast-y as it could get— from Tom. After a few minutes the aroma of food filled the air as Tom served the plate to her.
“Thanks, Tom.” She says, handing over 5 Sickles. He nodded politely, pocketing them.
Now came her usual problem.
Eating.
As she forced herself to eat, she felt her body trying to reject such a heavy meal, practically yelling, ‘Girl, you are going to make us SICK! Stop eating this stuff!’
It was pretty good, but as always, her body had to ruin everything.
She didn’t realize she had a slight scrunch to her nose as her cracked fingertips trembled while holding the fork, chewing quietly and thoughtfully.
Snape said nothing at first, stirring the spoon in his tea with his pointer finger circling the cup slowly, while his other hand held a half-eaten biscuit. His gaze flickered towards her hands as they trembled, then to her face, full of displeasure. He didn’t need to comment on the state of the growing cracks. He’d barely seen them when first year ended, and yet it never stopped bothering him.
“You’re still overexerting yourself,” he finally said, tone low. Icy-yet-not, and yet also observational.
Lotus didn’t answer at first. She kept chewing, trying to ignore the way her body felt like it was subtly shutting down in protest, one bite at a time. Eventually, she forced out, “I’m not. Not on purpose.”
Snape gave a slow nod. “That’s often how it begins.”
“Tch.” Lotus pushed her food around on the plate with her fork, digging into the cutlet of weird meat she didn’t bother to ask the origins of. “I thought things were finally slowing down. I thought maybe I’d have some time before everything started falling apart again.”
“You’ve had time to rest.” Snape replied curtly. “Though, I’m not sure it was the kind that heals.”
“It healed a little.” She argued. “Just… not enough. Not…”
“Lotus–”
“Don’t say anything. Please.” Lotus says. “S-sorry, Professor, I…”
“Severus,” he says, “I understand your need for formalities, but you had called me Severus before school started. I do not mind you calling me Severus outside of school–” he paused, seeing her eyes wide and her shaking much more noticeable.
I do not mind you calling me Severus.
I do not mind you calling me Severus.
Lotus gulped, feeling the fear start to grip her.
“Please, call me Gilderoy .”
The illusion of choice.
The gate of personal relations.
A breath–then another–and suddenly, there wasn’t enough air in the room.
The way Lockhart smiled like it was a gift to let her speak his first name. Like her pain was some intimate little secret they were meant to share.
“No,” she whispered, a tremor overtaking her voice. “No, I thought you were different.”
It slipped out before she could stop it. She didn’t mean it–not the way it sounded. Or maybe she did . Maybe she feared it.
Her chair scraped sharply against the floor as she bolted from it, her breathing harsh and rapid—her hands clawing for something to hold onto. Instead, she dove under the table, curling in on herself with her arms wrapped tight around her knees.
Shaking.
Mouth covered.
Tears poured silently down her face as she tried to pull herself smaller, as if she could fold into the wood and disappear entirely. Her nails dug into her sleeves, anchoring herself as everything else slipped—the room, the voices, the floor beneath her.
She was trapped again. Not in the Leaky Cauldron. Not in Diagon Alley. Not even with Snape.
She was back in that room. Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom. That one. With that smile. That voice. That grin.
And the choice that was never a choice, but rather a leash slowly wrapping around her neck, fastening as soon as she eagerly accepted to call him by his first name.
Please, call me Gilderoy.
Lotus let out a shaky whimper. She felt lower than low—she hadn’t had such a bad reaction to something like this (PTSD was what her therapist had called it) since she had first left her third home and had gained a fear of the creaking of floorboards. Or rather, she had become attentive to it and could understand emotion through them. When one was mad, they would stomp without meaning to. When one was sad, they’d drag their feet, intent on just going away and hiding from the world.
Snape had risen the instant she slipped from view. For a moment, he stood still—every instinct in him taut, coiled. But he didn’t crouch, didn’t reach, didn’t speak.
He knew better from his dark past.
Instead, ignoring the slight stares from others, he carefully, slowly knelt beside the table, leaving space between them.
“You’re safe,” he said quietly. “He is gone. He cannot touch you again. You are safe, Lotus.”
He paused before adding. “You do not need to call me Severus. Professor is alright with me.”
A choice. A false one? Or a genuine one?
“Take your time,” he added, voice barely above a whisper. “I will be right here.”
After a few seconds, Lotus wiped her tears, slowly climbing out. “I’m sorry…” she says, her breath still incredibly shaky. “I…”
“Do not apologize.” He replied sharply. “Save your breath and slowly breath in and out.”
Lotus blinked before nodding. She slowly inhaled and exhaled, and kept doing so until she felt her heartbeat decrease from going a mile per minute. Then she slumped into her chair. “Sorry, Professor.”
“What did I say?”
“Well, my breath is saved.” She meekly joked. He looked purely unamused.
Suddenly, the sounds of people walking downstairs were heard on the other side, and Lotus looked over, seeing Wisteria and Rich. The two looked well-dressed and ready for a day of school shopping.
“Granny, Grandpa…” Lotus said, voice still a little shaky.
Wisteria’s eyes immediately softened at the sight of Lotus, her gaze darting to the half-empty plate, the too-far chair, the slight sheen of tears still clinging to her granddaughter’s lashes. Rich’s brow furrowed the moment he noticed the tremor in her voice, his eyes then flicking toward the man seated beside her. He suddenly looked like he wanted to humiliate someone today.
“Is everything alright?” Wisteria asked carefully, her heels clicking on the floor as she crossed over. She placed a gentle hand on Lotus’s shoulder. “Sweetheart?”
Lotus nodded—but it was one of those nods that didn’t fully reach her body. Just a motion to stop them from worrying too much. “Yeah. I just… had a rough start to the morning. But I’m okay now.”
Rich kept his stare on Snape for a few more seconds, then glanced at Lotus. His lips pressed into a thin line, though he didn’t speak yet.
Snape, for his part, remained seated, his expression unreadable, but his presence strangely grounding. “She is recovering,” he said flatly, “and has shown far more resilience than most adults I’ve known.”
That made Wisteria’s hand curl slightly over Lotus’s shoulder in quiet reassurance. “We’re here, you know,” she said gently. “Even if we can’t fix it all… We’ll do everything we can to hold you together while you put the pieces back where you want them.”
Rich gave a stiff nod. “Anything you need,” he added.
Lotus let out a quiet breath. “Thanks,” she murmured. Then, with a hesitant glance towards Snape, she added, “He was just…helping me calm down. Marco Polo flew to his place in Cokeworth, and he followed him here.”
Wisteria looked to Snape now with a more genuine warmth. “Thank you, Professor. For being here.”
Rich gave a slower nod, though it was clear the words caught in his throat. There was gratitude there–but also a deep, paternal frustration. This wasn’t supposed to happen. And it was a silent reminder of the promises broken. The guilt of not catching the signs sooner.
Snape inclined his head. “She’s far stronger than you realize,” he said.
Lotus, half-flushed, groaned softly. “Can we not do the whole praise-me-in-public thing?”
Wisteria smiled and kissed the top of her head. “Alright, alright. But only because we’ve got school shopping to do.”
“Yay.” Lotus was genuinely excited, but she was still a little winded.
Rich chuckled faintly. “You sure sound thrilled.”
“I am !” As they gathered their things and stepped toward the door to the back, Snape followed them out—simply to head home himself, mayhaps by Apparition.
“Lotus,” he says, turning to her.
She stopped and looked back at him.
“If you find yourself needing another moment like this… owl me. I mean it.”
She swallowed the knot in her throat and nodded, this time sincerely. “I will. Thank you… Professor.” She still couldn’t quite get to that first-name basis. Not again.
But…
It was a start.
Snape nodded and turned around, his body warping as he teleported away. Lotus looked back, sighing.
Alright. Time to tackle another challenge.
Buying more books.
── .✦
Lotus had Tom escort them to the alleyway, tapping his wand on the brick wall. It separated for them, allowing them in.
As the three walked through the busy streets of Diagon Alley, she suddenly found a problem.
“Hold on,” Lotus said, frowning as she looked at the list. “Wouldn’t Dad have this stuff?”
Rich and Wisteria glanced at her.
“Perhaps… er, not The Monster Book of Monsters. Vicious little thing it is.” Wisteria explained. “You deserve new copies this year.”
Rich shivered. “That damn thing tried to eat my shoes .”
Lotus giggled. “A book… eating your shoes?” She glanced back at the list again.
The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 3 by Miranda Goshawk
Unfogging the Future by Cassandra Vablatsky
Intermediate Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
The Monster Book of Monsters by Edwardus Lima
Spellman’s Syllabry by Rosana Amorim
The Essential Defence Against the Dark Arts by Arsenius Jigger
“---Oh, missy, you haven’t met the beast that was that stupid book,” Rich grumbled, speaking about the Book of Monsters as if it were an old rival. Probably because, humorously , it was.
Lotus and Wisteria giggled.
“Honestly, that book was a bit of a menace sometimes,” Wisteria admits. “But your father knew how to tame it– stroke its spine. That turned it docile and weak.”
Lotus blinked. “Really? Huh…—oof!” She yelped as she ran into someone again.
“--Really? Inag?” Draco sneers. “Just like last year.” He paused upon seeing Wisteria and Rich. “And who are they?”
“Ain’t it obvious?” Lotus smiled slightly. “My grandparents.”
Draco stared. “Oh. Right. Um, hi.” He said. He bit back his usual sneer and biting comment about Muggles/Muggle-Borns. Mostly because his dad wasn’t here to help him if any of them acted out.
“Hello, dear.” Wisteria greeted kindly. Draco looked more surprised at the warm welcome.
“I, er–”
“Draco, did you finish your school shopping?” Lotus asked.
He stared at her incredulously but shook his head. “No, my father is currently talking to someone.”
“Ah. I had wanted to ask if you wanted to go shopping with us. But that’s okay!” She patted his shoulder. He flinched with a conflicted look yet grumbled quietly, storming off. She didn’t quite catch his grumble, but caught pieces–
“-So nice–hate you–caught me off guard–”
Wisteria rested her hand under her chin, humming. “He seems like… quite the child.”
“Yep. Real thunderjerk most of the time,” Lotus replied, frustrated, “but he’s only really cordial with me because his dad wants him to.”
“Who’s his father?” Rich questioned as the two entered Flourish and Blotts. The place was packed, full of students cramming in for their last-minute shopping (despite it being the first week of the last month).
“Lucius Malfoy. That ring any bells?” Lotus turned away to look at her list again, missing the wince from both their faces.
“Oh! Malfoy… I remember that name. Yes, he… has a certain prejudice against Muggle-Borns.” Rich gulps. “I remember Leo coming back from the summer and telling us all about it. However, Lucius seemed more tolerable of him in his later years…”
“Because the two of them became Death Eaters.” Wisteria added. “Ah, here’s one of your books.”
“Oh…” Lotus frowned. So that’s why Lucius said that thing a year ago. They weren’t exactly pals, but he had tolerated Leo. She stepped forward, putting Spellman’s Syllabry in the small trolley. Then her eyes settled on…
A cage. A cage with a very angry-looking book inside, who had four eyes and an ugly row of teeth.
“Oh…. oh! Am I… meant to get that?” Lotus pointed anxiously, before looking at Rich and Wisteria, only to see they weren’t there. “Granny? Grandpa?”
She glanced around and spotted them a few feet behind, with nervous looks.
“Granny! Grandpa! Oh- come on!”
“Remember, sweetie! Stroke the spine!” Wisteria yells.
“That thing… bit me every damn time…” Rich trembled.
“Are you kidding me?” She says, exasperated. Several wizards and witches looked at her as she slowly approached the cage, and the owner seemed to appear out of nowhere.
“Ah, a Hogwarts student?” He guessed, tired. “You have no idea how much– AH!” He rushed forward as soon as the The Monster Book of Monsters all began to attack each other. “Stop it– Stop it!”
Paper flew everywhere as he reached in with gloves, forcing the copies apart. Then, he closed the cage and smiled proudly, turning to her.
“So what do you need, miss?”
“... The book behind you.” She replied quietly.
His smile vanished. “What.”
“Yeah…” She rubbed the back of her neck. “One of my, uh, required.”
“...” He cursed quietly, turning back around with a small whimper as he reached back in. He yelped in pain as they began to attack him . Lotus watched the poor man wrestle with a copy until she walked over, reaching out as the book was halfway out. “Miss, be careful–”
Lotus started to stroke the spine of the furry book, in which it let out a shaky coo and suddenly became docile, resting for once as the man slammed the cage shut after taking it out.
He panted as Lotus took the book, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “How did– How did you do… How? ”
“My grandparents told me how to because my dad figured it out.” Lotus replied casually. The owner stared at her with disbelief, before he shook his head and turned around, trudging away.
“I swear. I’m not stocking these things ever again. I hate them.”
Lotus giggled as Rich and Wisteria approached. Rich mostly stayed on the other side of her that didn’t hold the book, clasping his hand on her shoulder. “Good job, kid! Always knew you could do it.”
“You were no help, Grandpa.”
“Hey, in my defense, your grandmother told you how to subdue it.” Rich replied defensively, though there was a hint of a smirk on his face.
“Sure.” She rolled her eyes. “Okay. Let’s keep shopping. The rest of the books shouldn’t be such a huge problem.
── .✦
August 30.
Unfortunately her grandparents had to leave, which Lotus had tearfully hugged them goodbye. It was fun, eating ice cream and exploring Diagon Alley– as well as indulging in the “Muggle World” aka Regular London and getting her a haircut (which hadn’t been much, simply trimming and fixing that weird half-choppy bang look she had). But as all good things happen, they fade.
She yawned as she descended down the stairs, only to hear familiar voices.
Way too familiar voices.
Her eyes widened in recognition as she sped up, nearly tripping on a loose floorboard and entered the main room.
Black hair, glasses, tan skin, familiar lightning scar.
Bushy brown hair, soft skin, grouchy cat in her arms.
Brassy red hair, lanky lean, twitchy rat in hands, freckles.
It was them. They looked like they had been in the midst of an argument–well, Ron and Hermione. Harry looked confused.
“Guys!” Lotus yelled, running over. The three froze and looked over, joyful to see her.
“Lotus!” Harry yelled, holding his arms wide– being the only one to be able to hug her. Lotus nearly leapt into his arms, giggling as the boy spun her around.
“Harry!”
“Lotus!” Hermione grinned, getting closer, though took a step back when Crookshanks hissed at Scabbers.
“Hermione!” Lotus smiled. “Crookshanks!”
“Lotus!” Ron beamed. “You… you’re here!”
You decided to stay.
Lotus stared, softening. “I’m here.” She slowly pulled away from Harry. “How are you guys here?”
“Could ask you the same thing,” Hermione replied. “My parents and I wanted to shop for school supplies and relax here.”
“Same.” Lotus nods. “My grandparents actually left yesterday. I miss them lots .”
“Oh, well…” Harry blinks. “Actually, I’ll tell you all later.”
“What?” The other three groaned.
“That’s not fair, Harry! That must mean it’s either super cool or super traumatic.” Lotus frowns. “As long as you’re okay now, I guess.”
“My family came back from Egypt,” Ron chirped, “We won, uh, the Daily Prophet ’s Grand Prize Galleon Draw. Actually, Dad won.” He looks around, before grabbing a newspaper, sitting down. Hermione sat beside him and Harry and Lotus sat across. He flipped to the front page, setting it down on the table. In big, bold letters, there read:
MINISTRY OF MAGIC EMPLOYEE SCOOPS GRAND PRIZE.
“Wowww, good job!” Lotus praised.
Arthur Weasley, Head of the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office at the Ministry of Magic, has won the annual Daily Prophet Grand Prize Galleon Draw.
A delighted Mr. Weasley told the Daily Prophet, ‘We will be spending the gold on a summer holiday in Egypt, where our eldest son, Bill, works as a curse breaker for Gringotts Wizarding Bank.’
The Weasley family will be spending a month in Egypt, returning for the start of the new school year at Hogwarts, which five of the Weasley children currently attend.
“How much did you guys win?” Hermione asked.
He puffed his chest proudly. “Seven hundred Galleons.”
“Woahhh!” Harry gasps.
“Cool.” Lotus nods.
Nearby, the waitress yells over at some people. “We’re out of gizzards!”
“Egypt, what’s it like?” Harry tilted his head.
Ron nods eagerly. “Brilliant! Loads of old stuff, like mummies, tombs. Even Scabbers enjoyed himself.”
Hermione smirked, running her fingers along the top of Crookshank’s head, who let out a small, low purr. “You know the Egyption used to worship cats.”
Ron grumbled, irritated. “Yeah, along with the dung beetle.”
“Oh, and the jackal.” Lotus leans on the palm of her hand as the Weasley twins approach. George’s lips quirked up into a slight smirk.
“You’re not flashing that clipping about again, are you Ron?”
“I haven’t shown anyone!” Ron argued, pushing the newspaper down Weasley-side down.
“No, not a soul.” George mocked.
“Not unless you count Tom…” Fred added.
“The day maid…”
“The night maid…”
“The cook…”
“That one bloke that came to fix the toilet…”
“And that wizard from Belgium.”
Lotus giggled. Hermione shook her head with an exasperated smile, despite their earlier argument, and Harry snickered while Ron’s ears turned red with embarrassment. Suddenly, Mrs. Weasley walks over, smiling warmly. “Ah, Lotus! Hermione! Harry!”
“Hi, Mrs. Weasley!” Lotus and Hermione waved as Harry stood up.
“Mrs. Weasley.” Harry leaned over to give her a hug.
“Good to see you, dear.” Mrs. Weasley hums. As they spoke, Fred and George settled beside Lotus– on both sides.
“Huh?” She blinks. Fred leaned in a little close, examining Lotus with exaggerated interest, while George, mirroring his twin’s actions, tilted his head to the side.
“You know, Lotus,” Fred began, his voice a little too smooth, “I’ve got to say, your hair looks especially…. Charming today. ”
“Really pulls the look together,” George added, eyes narrowing as he glanced at her bangs. “You don’t have that… half chopped looked.” He chuckled. “It’s like the mid-part bangs work for you! So well! Definitely suits you. Gives you that kind of–” he paused dramatically, “--mysterious yet approachable vibe.”
Fred nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning her hair like it was a new potion he wanted to test. “You’d look absolutely stunning with red hair, you know.” He grinned mischeviously. “Might even make you stand out even more.”
Lotus felt her face immediately heat up. She tried to focus on her drink to avoid making eye contact, but her heart raced at the compliment.
What’s going on here? She thought anxiously. “U-uh, thanks,” she stammered, her fingers clasping around one another. “I just… I trimmed it al little, that’s all.”
George’s grin turned playful as he leaned in slightly, his voice low. “A little trim? More like a transformation! You’ve got that wow factor now.”
Her cheeks were on fire as she awkwardly shifted in her seat. “I… I’m not sure about red hair, though.” She laughed nervously, trying to play it off, but it wasn’t doing much to calm the warmth spreading across hre face.
“Trust me, you’d rock red,” Fred teased, raising an eyebrow.
Ron, who had been watching the entire exchange from across the table, had had enough. His face was contorted in a mix of annoyance and embarrassment as he slammed his hand on the table. “Oi! Leave Lotus alone!” he barked, his ears red as he shot daggers at his brothers. “She doesn’t need both of you flirting with her at once!”
George and Fred held their hands up in mock surrender, but their grins were still there, unwavering.
“We’re just admiring the view, Ron,” George said innocently, winking at Lotus, who was still flushed.
Fred leaned in with a devilish grin. “You know, she’s already got that natural charm—couldn’t hurt to add a little fire to it.”
Lotus’s face was now completely red, and she buried her face in her hands, feeling like she might burst into flames. “Please, stop,” she mumbled.
Ron’s frustration didn’t slip, but Mrs. Weasley butted in. “Fred! George! Leave her alone!”
The twins finally relented, still chuckling. “Alright, alright, Mum! We’ll behave!” Fred said, giving Lotus a wink, before the twins scampered off.
“Ignore them.” Ron huffed.
Lotus peeked through her fingers, still trying to hide the crimson coloring her face. She let out a breathy laugh, her voice small. “They’re a lot.”
Ron rolled his eyes. “Yeah, a lot of annoying. Honestly, I don’t know how Mum hasn’t hexed their mouths shut by now.”
Hermione leaned in from the other wise of the table (Lotus just realized Harry was gone and on the other side of the room with Mr. Weasley), resting her chin in her hand with ak knowing smile. “They’re hopeless, all three of you.”
“Oi!” Ron protested. “What’d I do?”
“You’re the only one flailing like you’ve never spoken to a girl before,” she teased, grinning.
“I have —I talk to you all the teim!” Ron shot back, then paused, realizing too late what he’d said.
Hermione raised an eyebrow, looking almost triumphant. “Exactly.”
Lotus let out a real laugh this time, shoulders shaking.
As her laughter died down and her shoulders relaxed, she looked over at Harry, frowning. His reaction to whatever Mr. Weasley was saying didn’t seem quite… good. Eventually he came back, sitting down beside her.
“What’s up, Harry?” Lotus asked. “What did he say?”
“He said Sirius Black was, uh, after me.” Harry whispered, scratching the surface of the table with his nail. “Because he’s Voldemort’s faithful servant.”
“Harry!” Hermione and Ron huff.
Lotus frowns. “What? That’s terrible. Well, once we get to Hogwarts, I’m sure– wait, no, considering the last two years, and knowing our luck, I think he could get in easily,” she sighs. “I’m sure Dumbledore installed some… safety measures , though. Can’t get you–or others–killed so easily!”
Harry nodded as Lotus reached out, patting his shoulder empathetically. “You’re right, Lotus.”
The boy leaned against her. “How was your summer? You barely wrote.”
Lotus tensed up slightly. “You didn’t last year.”
Harry pouted. “Oh, come on, Dobby was intercepting my mail! Besides, the Durlseys kept me locked up.”
“I– I know.” She shook her head. “Just, uh… Things. Things were… going on.”
Harry looked at her, frowning. “Lotus. You can tell me anything. Please?”
She grimaced as Hermione looked confused.
She really didn’t want to… but the first step to healing is to tell others so they can understand.
She just hoped they didn’t hate her.
And so Lotus explained, with Ron offering glances of encouragement. She saw how Hermione’s eyes widened in horror—and almost started to cry when she realized she had potentially saved Lotus from a far worse fate last Christmas— as Lotus struggled to explain it all. Harry’s eyes narrowed, hands curling into fists.
As she ended, she looks down, not realizing she had been crying until Ron and Hermione crossed over, immediately embracing her.
“I can’t believe all of this happened during– Oh, Merlin, I’m so sorry…” Hermione whimpered.
“D-don’t…” Lotus spoke, breath shaky. She glanced up at Harry, who was stiff. “Harry?”
A beat. Then: “I’ll kill him.”
“Harry!” Lotus pulled away slightly to hold his hands, which were shaking from anger.
“Lotus, no one should ever have gone through that–especially you! You–and you didn’t tell me because– because I was going through my own thing? ” He looked devastated. “Lotus, I don’t care if I’m being hunted or tortured, I want to know if you’re all okay too! ”
“I know, I know! I’m sorry–”
“Wait, don’t say sorry–I– fuck,” Harry cursed, pulling Lotus into a hug, but paused. “I-is this okay? Should I– I–”
“No, it’s fine,” Lotus says, hugging back. “I know I should’ve said something, I was just scared.”
“A reasonable reaction.” Hermione reassured as she and Ron awkwardly joined in the hug yet again.
“You guys are amazing, truly, I just– that’s why I hadn’t… sent letters. As much. I was too busy… wallowing.” She murmured.
“That’s alright.” Harry grumbled, pulling back to wipe a tear from his eyes. “At least now this brings us closer together.”
Ron looked at Lotus, smiling softly. “I’m proud of you, mate, for speaking up.”
“Thank you.” Lotus replied. “It… it feels better to get it all out there.”
Just then, Mr. and Mrs. Weasely returned—most likely to retrieve Ron—and saw this scene.
“What’s going on?” Mrs. Weasley fretted, hurrying close. “What’s happened?”
“Nothing, Mum,” Ron responded, “friend stuff. Personal, too personal. Just know Lotus is okay.”
“Yeah… I’m– I’m okay.” Lotus said as Mrs. Weasley took out a handkerchief and dabbed at hers, Harry’s, and Hermione’s eyes. Ron had almost cried, had he not held it.
“Let’s all go out to Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parour, alright?” Mr. Weasley offered.
“I’ll pay.” Harry blurted out.
“Okay.” Lotus smiled and stood up. “Let’s… Let’s go.”
── .✦
After a long day out, Lotus was walking to her room when she noticed, in the corner of her eye, Harry enter his down the hall. She smiled and ran over as soon as the door closed with a soft ‘click’ and knocked. With an annoyed grumble, Harry swung the door open. “Please, no housekeepi–oh! Hey Lotus, what’s up?” He asked, moving aside for her to enter.
Lotus walked in, looking at Hedwig. “Hi, Hedwig.” She smiled. Hedwig trilled sleepily. Turning to Harry, she sighs as she collapses onto her bed. “I dunno. I guess I just miss you. Oh! On the train tomorrow I want you to try some of the adobo Granny and Grandpa had me keep in my luggage for you.”
His eyes lit up as he climbed into bed with her, planting his hands on the sheets, leaning over to look at her. “Really– oops.” Lotus let out a startled yelp when Harry’s glasses slid down and hit her on the face. “Sorry, haha…”
“It’s fine.” She closed it up and set it on the bedside table as Harry laid on his back right next to her. “...Are you good, Harry?”
“Yeah. Are you?”
“...Yeah.” Lotus nods. “Can…um, can I stay here tonight?” She asks, turning to him. He blinked, surprised.
“Sure!” He nods eagerly, drawing the blanket over the two. For some reason, Lotus didn’t feel awkward or shy when sleeping in the same bed as Harry. It felt natural, comforting, even. Perhaps it was her background, how she always slept alone in the past–maybe Harry felt it too, in his own way. Lotus reached out and slowly held hands, feeling tired already.
She yawns. “How did you get here?”
“Oh…” He snorted. “Okay, so, my Aunt Marge came over and, well, basically she badmouthed my parents. Especially my mum.” He suddenly had a dark look in his eyes. “I just couldn’t handle it and yelled at her. Then suddenly, I must’ve casted some unintentional magic because then she started to swell up like a balloon and eventually floated out!” Lotus stared, before bursting into laughter, giggling. Harry tried to remain serious, but dissolved into laughter too. “A–and Fudge fixed it all and, uh, wiped her memory, so we’re all good, but I seriously thought I’d get expelled. Apparently since Sirius Black is at large, they don’t really care.”
“I bet.” She nods, dying down from her laughter. “Hehe… Still, though, that’s a crazy experience. She deserved it for talking about your mom badly.”
Harry made a small ‘hm’ in agreement before he, too, yawned. “I’m… glad you told me. Told us.”
“Yeah… well, Ron already knew.”
His eyes widened slightly. “How?”
“When Lockhart… threatened to use the Memory charm on us to escape and accidentally hexed himself, I freaked out, remember? As you went to challenge Tom Riddle and save Ginny, I spilled everything to Ron. I was so pent up I couldn’t take it.”
Harry’s green eyes–a bright iridescent green in the moonlight–softened, as he pulled her into an embrace. She reciprocated, burying her face into his shoulder.
“I’m just… more light now. I guess, if that makes sense?”
“It does.” Harry nodded. “Goodnight, Lotus.”
“Goodnight.”
── .✦
September 1st. The day they all came back to Hogwarts. Except, one slight problem. Lotus went back to her room after she woke up early that morning–and forced Harry to get ready too. She went to take a shower, got ready, and had breakfast. Little did she know, Fred and George had slipped something into her drink without her knowing as she was talking to Harry, Ron, and Hermione, laughing loudly. When she brought the cup to her lips and drank, her eyes immediately widened and she nearly dropped it, gasping loudly.
“What’s wrong, dear?” Mrs. Weasley asked, hurrying over.
“I… I feel–” Lotus stammered.
“Blimey, your hair!” Ron shot up.
“Lotus! Are you okay?!” Harry’s eyes widened. Hermione’s spoon clattered against the plate.
“What? What’s going on?!” Lotus winced. “Ah, that drink tasted bad– wait, what do you mean, my hair? ” She looked around, before she grabbed an empty plate from a surprised Tom and held it up to her face. The reflection staring back at her from the metal was…
Was…
Her.
But now, for some reason, her normally dark brown hair was now suddenly a blood-red shade (with a hint of slight orange/brown), which sheened beautifully in the lantern. There were streaks of gold-yellow along her hair, mostly the two large ones starting from the top and going down to the bangs, and several that kept close to the bangs on both side of her face, and a few stray streaks that took residence at the bottom, making slight jagged shapes.
“... Oh my God.” Lotus spoke, unsure on whether she was mortified of intrigued. She tilted her head while Mrs. Weasley began to freak out.
“Oh no, oh no sweetie! What happened? You look–well, you look wonderful, but how could this have happened!?” She asks.
“You don’t have a weird ability to change your hair, do you?” Mr. Weasley leans in from the end of the table, quirking an eyebrow up in curiosity.
Lotus lowered the mirror. “Fred and George.”
Immediately, Mrs. Weasley’s face burned with fury. She whipped around so fast that even the plates rattled on the table. “FRED! GEORGE!”
There was a loud crash upstairs, followed by the frantic thumping of hurried feet, as well as laughing. Lotus glanced at Tom, who tilted his head.
“Nice hair.” He commented.
“Thanks.” Lotus smiled.
“GET DOWN HERE THIS INSTANT!” Mrs. Weasley bellowed, hands planted firmly on her hips. Ron, Harry, and Hermione all leaned back instinctively as if to avoid the blast radius, while Lotus simply sat there, the shock still settling in. Her heart was pounding, and yet… she couldn’t help but think the colors did look strangely good on her.
I look like a sunset painting.
….Meh, would’ve looked better with starry hair. Shame.
After a moment, Fred and George walked over with guilty smiles on their faces.
“Morning, Mum,” Fred said cheerfully.
“Lovely day, isn’t it?” George added, though his voice cracked slightly.
“What did you do to Lotus?” Mrs. Weasley snapped.
Fred pointed to George. “It was his idea!”
George gawked. “Was not! You’re the one who said she’d look better—”
“Enough!” Mrs. Weasley shouted. She turned back to Lotus, her face immediately softening with concern. “Sweetheart, are you alright? Do you feel sick? Dizzy? Anything?”
Lotus shook her head slowly, still staring at her reflection. “I… no, not really. I just… my hair’s different. That’s all. I feel fine.” She looked at Fred and George. “I guess you really did follow up on what you said.”
Fred chuckled, but Mrs. Weasley let out a huff, relieved but still furious. “Fred, George, you apologize this instant!”
The twins looked like scolded puppies. “We’re sorry, Lotus,” they said in unison, not looking very sorry at all.
George added with a grin, “We just thought you’d look brilliant.”
“And you do!” Fred chimed in. “Honestly, we’ve outdone ourselves.”
Lotus flushed brightly, gripping the plate tighter. “...I guess it’s.. Not bad .” She mumbled.
Hermione leaned closer, studying the new hair with awe. “It’s a nice shade, it doesn’t clash with your skin.” She smiled. “So I’m guessing you don’t need an antidote?”
“Mm-mm.” She shook her head. “I’m fine with this.”
Ron muttered under his breath, “Still should’ve asked first…”
Mr. Weasley, meanwhile, was peering at her with fascinated eyes. “Magical hair alteratuions… fascinating work. Very subtle! Permanent or temporary, boys?”
The two went quiet.
“...BOYS!” Mrs. Weasley screamed.
── .✦
On the drive to King’s Cross—in cars provided by the Ministry, mostly to protect Harry, charmed with the Undetectable Extension Charm to fit all of them—Harry was tying Lotus’s hair back. Or trying to. He was giving her several styles.
“Oh, Harry,” Hermione scooted over, “let me try.” She grabbed half of the two bangs from both sides of Lotus’s head (who looked sleepy from the handling) and tied them back with the small rubber band. “Is this good, Lotus?”
“I don’t really mind what you do,” Lotus glanced back at her, “I’d like it anyways.” The sound of Mrs. Weasley fussing over Ginny, while Percy was talking to his father. Lotus blinks. She rarely talked to Percy Weasley–he was boring, too serious. However, she did like that he was very devoted to a cause, aka law and order. If he wanted to join the Ministry, she wouldn’t be surprised. Actually, she was pretty sure she heard Ron mention that in an offhanded comment about his older brother.
Speaking of the Weasleys, she really only saw the ones at school. Ron had told her about his other two older brothers, William “Bill” Arthur Weasley and Charles Weasley. Bill was a Curse Breaker for Gringotts Bank (whom the family had come to visit him in their Egypt trip, she remembered reading in the newspaper just yesterday) and Charles was a “Dragonologist” in Romania.
Wow… Dragons! He must be so cool!
She looked over at Ron. “Ron, what do you want to be when you grow up?”
“A Quidditch player. A really good one .” Ron smirked.
“I think you’ll have some competition with Harry,” Ginny spoke up, which caused his smile to twitch slightly.
“Yeah, yeah, whatever.”
It was as busy as she remembered: students scrambling to get on, say their goodbyes to their families and make sure they left nothing behind. Lotus handed her luggage and Marco Polo off to the handlers when Draco walked past with Pansy, Crabbe, and Goyle.
He paused mid-step, giving her a one-over before his brow lifted ever so slightly. “New look?” he drawled, arms crossed and a smirk tugging at his lips. Pansy giggled in that high, shrill way Lotus had never quie gotten used to.
Crabbe glanced at Lotus, squinting at her new hair with mild confusion before al lopsided grin spread across his face. “Hey, nice hair, Lotus. Real dedicated to Gryffindor, huh?”
Draco sharply elbowed Crabbe in the side with an annoyed look. “Don’t compliment her.”
Crabbe winced. “Ow—what?”
Draco shot him a look. “I said don’t compliment her. ”
Lotus chuckled. “Um, thanks, it wasn’t my choice, though,” she replied, “Fred and George.”
Draco snorted. “Of course it was the Weasley twins.” He looked like he was going to add on with some other ridiculous quip, but instead gave a lazy shrug and turned to boad the train. “See you around, Inag.”
Lotus narrowed her eyes at his back. She wasn’t sure if that was meant to be friendly, or just his usual Malfoy-brand of snobbery.
Behind her, Ron emerged with Harry and Hermione. Hermioen was carrying Crookshanks’ basket and Ron was trying not to trip over his own trunk. “Was that Malfoy?” He asked, squinting.
“Yeah,” Lotus said absently.
“What did he want?”
“To insult my hair, probably.”
“Well,” Harry said, adjusting his bang on his shoulder, “I think your hair looks great.”
Lotus smiled warmly. “Aw. Thanks, Harry. I know you all love it.”
After saying their goodbyes, they all began to board the train. Ron sighs and began to pat his pockets. Then froze. He looked around. “Uh oh. Oh no. Oh no !”
“What?” Harry asked, as Ron ran to the open window.
“Mum!” Ron yelled. At the same time, Mrs. Weasley was running through the crowd, holding a ragged rat–oh, yeah, Scabbers–to catch up with the Hogwarts Express.
“Ron! Ron!” She managed to hold it up high enough (and Harry and Hermione held onto Ron as he leaned out to grab it) and Ron snatched Scabbers, nearly falling back in with the combined effort to yank him back into safety. “Oh, for goodness sake, don’t lose him!”
“Bye, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley!!” Lotus and Harry waved.
Students began to wave as the train pulled out of the station. Lotus shook her head as she closed the window, looking at Ron, who was making sure Scabbers didn’t die of a heart attack.
“Is Scabbers okay?” Lotus asked as Hermione began to walk off to find a compartment. Harry helped Ron up before the three followed her. “Yeah, he’s been around for twelve years, he’s a tough guy,” Ron smoothed out Scabbers’ fur.
Lotus’s eyes widened. “ Twelve? Ron, most rats live up to at least four to five years. Seven at best in extreme cases! How is it twelve?!”
“Maybe it’s a magic rat ,” Harry said with a sarcastic grin. Lotus shook her head. The conversation shifted to Harry’s Aunt Margaret and how he made her swell up out of his own anger causing his magic to act up. He sighs–prideful yet ashamed. “I didn’t mean to blow her up, I just - I lost control.”
Ron cackled. “Brilliant!”
“Honestly, Ron, it’s not funny. Harry was lucky not to be expelled,” Hermione scolded, looking through all the compartments. For some reason, they all seemed full. Lotus grumbled.
“I should force these people to leave. Move! I have an illness and I get tired easily! ” She mimicked, to which Harry snickered.
“I think I was lucky to not be arrested, actually.” Harry added.
“I still think it was brilliant.” Ron shrugged.
Suddenly, the four reached a compartment. Inside, it was all empty save for a man sleeping in the corner, a blanket pulled completely over him except for his legs and a part of his head. A bottle of some clear water-like liquid (though she suspected it actually wasn’t water) rested on the pulled up mini-table next to him.
“Do staff usually board the Express, too?” Lotus asks. “What do you think he’s going to teach?”
“Defense Against the Dark Arts, probably–” Hermione tensed, looking at her. Lotus’s look grew distant, the grip on the compartment door slacking slightly. “...C’mon, everywhere else is full.” She opened the door and she and Ron walked in to sit across from the man. Harry was about to enter when he looked back at Lotus, who still had that somber, distant look.
“It’ll be okay,” Harry reassured. “If you want… I can sit beside him. You don’t have to sit next–”
“ Yes please. ” Her voice was small, as she held onto Harry’s arm. “I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s fine,” he waved her concerns, before he led her inside. The compartment door slowly shut as he sat down next to the sleeping man, Lotus sitting beside him. Despite her frayed nerves, her legs, tired from all that walking, seemed content on relaxing. Eventually she did too.
DOODLE:
Hey All! I kinda didn't really like Lotus's look as I went on, so I tweaked it a bit. No.2 is her redesign, No.3 is what she looks like as of this school year (and rn), and No.4 was just a possibility I considered (which I didn't like because that shade of black didn't clash well).
(Oh, and disregard the note I wrote there about her adding the yellow streaks in herself--apparently in Harry Potter:Magic Awakened Year 2, if you add two different shellls in canonically you can get this sort of mixture (idk you just kinda have to look it up yourself but trust trust!!)
(NOTE: HELLO THIS IS ME FROM JULY 14th, 2025!! -- HER REDESIGN IS NOW AN EVEN DARKER SHADE OF BROWN, lol almost black but it's brown in the sunlight if you feel me ,,,, sorry for changing so much </3)
Chapter 16: ⛓ Hell Is Empty, And All The Devils Are Here
Summary:
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
The group has a run in with a "Dementor", until the sleeping man steps in to help. Lotus learns some upsetting news.
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
☒ 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 ☒
- PTSD
- mention of abuse (during Dementor encounter)
Notes:
oh my god, I am SO SO SO SORRY this took so long to create! I had (and still am going to have, as the school year comes to a steady close) such a busy week, with tests and my school's Drama Club.
But now, I hope you enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The man beside Harry and Lotus was an enigma– well, not really. She for sure knew he was a teacher. Defense Against the Dark Arts, too. But he didn’t carry the air of deception and false-bravery Lo–
…
He-Who-Must-Also-Not-Be-Named – had carried when Lotus got to know him better. His face, or what little the group saw, looked aged and scarred. “He’s probably Professor Snape’s age,” Lotus turned to the group.
“Who d’you think that is, anyways?” Ron questioned, quirking an eyebrow up.
“ Professor R.J. Lupin,” Hermione replied.
“D’you know everything?” Ron asked incredulously before looking at the other two. “How is it she knows everything?”
Hermione grumbled, jabbing a finger towards Professor Lupin’s suitcase. “It’s on his suitcase, Ronald.”
Ron blinked. “Oh.”
Lotus tilted her head. Lupin? If she remembered right, it came from the word ‘lupus’, which she knew meant wolf. She smiled lopsidedly.
What if, the kicker for this dude, is that he’s a werewolf?
She shook her head. Sure, her common sense was right a lot of the times—the perks of using her God-given brain—but that might be a stretch. She brought her knees to her chest, the hem of her long skirt riding up to the top of her ankles which gave that uncomfortable breeze. She grumbled, tugging it down.
“Do you think he’s really asleep?” Harry asked, feeling like he wanted to poke the man on the shoulder.
“Seems to be. Why?” Hermione tilted her head, frowning.
Harry looked over at Lotus. “Please close the door. I’ve gotta tell you something.”
She nodded, reaching out and shutting the compartment door, before returning to her original position with a confused expression. ‘What’s wrong? Is he going to tell us what Mr. Weasley said to him earlier?’
“So… what I said before, about Sirius Black possibly being after me…” Harry started.
“Oh, yeah, about that…” Ron sighs, “no one’s ever broken out of Azkaban before.”
Lotus huffed. “First time for everything? Maybe security was loose that day.”
Ron grumbled, shaking his head. “ It should never be loose , Azkaban is, like, the worst place for the worst wizards and witches out there!”
“Ohhh, so kind of like Alcatraz, Harry.” Lotus turned to Harry. “A British, magical Alcatraz. ”
“Focus, please,” Harry huffs, though he couldn’t fight the smile off his lips.
“But they’ll catch Black, won’t they? I mean, everyone’s looking for him.” Hermione rested her head on her arm, which was leaning on the windowsill.
“Yeah, butttt… he’s a murderous raving lunatic.” Ron blinked.
Harry glanced at him, deadpanning. “Thanks, Ron.”
Lotus chuckled. “As I said before, I’m sure Dumbledore’s installed some measures in Hogwarts. Besides, isn’t Apparating not– I mean, can’t you not Apparate in Hogwarts? Like protective charms?”
“Yes,” Hermione nodded, “Hogwarts has an Anti-Apparition Charm and Anti-Disapparition Jinx cast for most occasions. No doubt it’s in much more effect now!”
“And to catch the worst of the worst, wouldn’t they send guards from Azkaban to Hogwarts to search or protect?” Lotus smiled.
“That’s the thing…” Ron murmured. Though, all of a sudden, the train slowly skidded to a halt. “Huh?” He looked around wildly, confused. They were in the middle of a curve in the railroad viaduct, held up by a bridge that loomed over thousands of feet below. The windows started to become foggy—not from heat, but from the sudden chill outside. Frost began to cover the surface, covering the entire glass and the same happened to the bottle beside Mr. Lupin, the liquid inside solidifying into ice and the glass texture freezing up. Lotus exhaled, out of fear, and noticed that small puffs exited her mouth.
“I-is it me or did this place suddenly get much more colder than it was supposed to…?” Lotus looked around.
“Not just you– jeez, ” Ron hugged himself, shuddering.
“Why are we stopping? We can’t be there yet.” Hermione frowned. Harry stooped up and walked to the compartment door, peeking out. There, he saw other students doing the same, all in total confusion until the whole train started to shake, throwing Harry back into the compartment.
“Harry!” Lotus pulled him back up into his seat. “Are you okay???”
He grimaced, nodding weakly. Ron grumbled. “What’s going on?”
“Dunno. Maybe we’ve broken down,” Harry replied cautiously. Unexpectedly, the lights went out and the only source left was from outside— though there was barely any in the first place due to the fact it was dim and stormy out.
The four shuffled around. Lotus winced as Hermione let out a small yelp of pain. “Ouch, Ron, that was my foot!”
Ron apologized before he looked outside the frost-tinted window. “There’s something moving out there,” he announced with a small whimper.
Lotus quickly got up and ran to the compartment door, pushing it open. In other rooms, the lights all started to flicker out. “Uh oh– oh no !” She backed away, nearly stumbling on the seat which sent her falling onto it. “Ow–”
“I think… someone’s coming aboard,” Ron whispered.
Harry sat up straighter, much more alert, only to nearly slump back when the train shook several more times. Then, another violent shake happened.
Ron gripped the edge of the windowsill. “Bloody hell! What’s happening?!”
“And why is it so cold ?!” Lotus fretted. The four suddenly paled when a black-cloaked figure approached their compartment from nowhere. As it drew near, the glass began to ice over as well. A huge, skeletal hand emerged from the black cloak of pure nightmares and wrapped around the slightly open door. It slowly pushed the door open, looming over in the doorway. A frightened Crookshanks hissed defensively, curling up in Hermione’s lap, while a terrified Scabbers let out a shrill squeak and hid under the chair.
Lotus suddenly felt like all joy in her life had vanished instantly . The kind of mood-killing feeling where you were told bad news right after something went well a moment before. She blanched as she shrunk against her seat, suddenly very scared . Her heart felt like it was ready to burst out of her chest and her knees felt cold and numb.
Get up, her mind screamed, get up and run!
How am I meant to outrun this thing?!
And all of a sudden, her mind screamed something very familiar.
You’re a Gryffindor.
No.
You can do it.
No.
You’re brave.
You’re courageous.
NO.
You got put in for a reason.
Don’t be a coward.
Don’t freeze.
Lotus felt hot tears shedding her eyes as her mind felt like it was being torn open and all her happy memories and thoughts were being sucked right out of her.
Suddenly she felt eight again, helpless and doubting.
Suddenly she felt seven again when she was in the Gardens Home, taking care of kids when she too was a kid herself.
Suddenly she felt five again in the Karas Home, playing servant to two people who never wanted her, and made her condition worse.
Suddenly she felt four again when she lived with the Millers. Scraping to be free from the burning home.
Suddenly she felt three again, watching her father collapse to the ground, dead. She was too young to understand what was going on, why she suddenly felt like she was in so much pain–physically and mentally.
Lotus let out a sharp gasp, tearing up. She felt Lockhart’s hands on her, something she had tried so hard to desperately scrub off many nights in a row.
The feeling— the pull, the emptiness, the self-loathing—was all too familiar. She stumbled, grabbing onto the edge of the seat to steady herself, hands shaking as the old wounds resurfaced. The dark, hooded creature’s chilling influence tore into her, dragging her back into the dark recesses of her memories, those long-forgotten horrors that she had buried so deep.
Her father. The pain. The loss. The confusion. It all rushed back with an intensity that threatened to suffocate her.
Her throat constricted. No, not now. Not here.
She tried to push it away, but the weight of it was suffocating. She felt small again, so small, as the image of her father’s lifeless body flashed in her mind. A scream clawed its way up her throat, but she could barely manage to choke on it as the figure’s grip tightened around her heart.
Then, a sharp sound broke through the haze, a loud THUD beside her. She snapped her eyes toward the source just as Harry collapsed in a heap, his face pale and his body trembling. He looked completely unhinged, his essence slipping away, just like it had in the nightmare she couldn't shake.
“Harry!” she cried out, her voice breaking, panic rising. Her limbs refused to cooperate, but the sharp sound of Lupin’s voice calling out snapped her from the haze, his presence like a lifeline.
Her eyes darted to him, watching as Lupin stepped forward, wand outstretched. The tip of his wand pulsed with soft, glowing blue light, casting a shimmering warmth over the space. The creature screeched as the light encased the room, its chilling form recoiling in agony before retreating into the dark corners of the train.
Lotus’s knees buckled, and she collapsed onto the seat, her breath ragged, still feeling the lingering cold that refused to leave her bones. The world seemed muffled, as though she were underwater, fighting to keep her thoughts clear.
Harry was still unconscious, and she reached out, trembling fingers brushing his shoulder. “Harry…” she whispered, her voice cracked. Ron and Hermione joined over, equally as frightened.
“Blimey…” Ron gasped out as Hermione smoothed Harry’s hair out.
Lupin hurried over, kneeling beside her. “He’ll be alright. Just a few moments more, kids. You’re all safe now.”
But she could barely hear him. Her chest felt tight, the coldness of that… that thing still clinging to her. She shut her eyes for a moment, wishing the nightmares would stop.
They wouldn’t. But at least for now, they had been driven away.
Minutes later, the lights came back on and the Express started to move along the viaduct once again, the frost receding—a sign that that horrible thing had left the train. Lotus sighed in relief, yet her heart never stopped pounding, threatening to rip out of her chest.
Her body felt drained, even though that weird figure hadn’t done to her what it had done to Harry. She felt like a battery ; all of her energy was suddenly zapped out and now she was struggling to recharge.
Which was odd, she only really ever felt this way when doing spells—especially taxing ones like Incarcerous or Fumos Duo . Was it because this creature was magic-based?
Or was it draining what little life she presumed she had left?
How ridiculous of a thought.
Lotus sat Harry up, frowning. “What was that thing, Professor?” she asked Lupin, who replied with a grim look and even darker tone.
“A Dementor. Nasty things, really.”
“I– I’m sorry, a what? ” Lotus questioned as Harry suddenly groaned. He slowly sat up, wincing.
“Harry? Harry, are you alright?” Hermione frowned. Lotus looked over, immediately checking his forehead’s temperature, and his heartbeat.
“You seem fine…maybe just a bit winded,” Lotus murmured. Meanwhile, Harry looked around, disoriented and confused.
“What are we…. We… what–” he pauses as Hermione handed him his glasses, which he, nor Lotus, had realized been knocked off his face when the Dementor came and basically tried to kill Harry. “Thank you.”
Lupin leaned over, holding out a chocolate bar. “Here, eat this, it’ll help.”
He smiled warmly, despite Harry’s hesitance. “It’s all right, it’s chocolate.” Reluctantly, Harry took the chocolate and tore it open.
“Lucky bugger, I want some chocolate,” Ron huffed.
“The trolley’s coming soon, most likely, so hold on, Ron,” Hermione chided.
Lotus chuckled as Harry chipped a piece off, handing it to her. “Oh, thanks.”
“What was that thing… that came?” Harry glanced over at Lupin, whose smile faded slightly, back to that somber tone that he had addressed Lotus second prior before Harry woke up.
“It was a Dementor,” Lupin replied swiftly as he put his jacket on, “one of the guards of Azkaban. It’s gone now. It was searching the train for Sirius Black.” He paused for a moment, expression hardening, before he forced himself to calm down.
Now that Lotus really saw his face, she blinked, a little surprised. It was aged. Of course, this man was probably in his 30s.
Did he know her father as well?
She shook that thought from her head. Face is heavily scarred, like he often partook in battles. Or got bullied a lot– no, wait, unless the bully used a lashing spell on him, those scars look more like scratches .
Woah.
“Now, if you’ll excuse me,” Lupin got up, patting his pants, “I need to have a little word with the driver.” He walked over to the compartment door, placing his hand on the doorframe and leaned back to look at Harry with a tentative smile. “Eat. You’ll feel better.”
As he left, Harry chewed on the chocolate thoughtfully. Lotus did the same, smiling.
“Mmh, it melts nice. Just like how I want it to.”
“What happened to me?” Harry asked, tilting his head.
“Oh, when that Dementor came, you sort of went rigid,” Ron explained. “We thought maybe you were having a fit or something.”
“And then it looked like the Dementor was trying to suck your soul out, which then you promptly passed out,” Lotus added.
“And did either of you three… you know… pass out?” Harry rose an eyebrow.
Ron shook his head vehemently. “No. I felt weird, though. Like I’d never be cheerful again .” Hermione nodded in agreement.
Lotus shifted awkwardly, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable. “I dunno. I felt the same as Ron did, but, like, a million times more panicked. I think I would’ve burst into tears or screamed if Harry hadn’t collapsed and Lupin hadn’t came in to save the day. I feel drained and exhausted, though.”
“But someone was screaming, a woman,” Harry blinked in surprise.
“...Well,” Lotus chuckled, slightly embarrassed, “I did scream your name when you collapsed. I was worried.”
“No, no– I know what you sound like… but this woman, she sounded older, very… echo-y.” Harry fumbled with his hands, but the three looked confused.
“Harry… no on else beside Lotus screamed,” Hermione explained, worried.
“Are you hearing things, mate?” Ron asked.
“Wouldn’t be the first time.” Harry replied, suddenly very frightened.
Lotus shifted to pat his back. “Well, if it helps, I trust you. But let’s try to put that behind us, because this isn’t a good mindset to have when returning to Hogwarts.”
“Right.”
── .✦
Arriving at Hogwarts—or rather, the castle grounds before the actual school—Lotus looked around.
“Right, we don’t take the ferry. Only first years…” she murmured, running a hand through her fiery hair.
Harry nodded, chuckling. “Correct, we get the spooky carriages with no tether to what’s leading them.”
Lotus was about to laugh herself when she merely casted a glance at the carriages, about to hop in, and did a double-take.
In front of the carriages were pegasus-like creatures, except they weren’t pegasi , as they looked skeletal and had bat-like wings instead of feathery wings one would be used to seeing on a pegasi. Lotus, hand resting on the edge of the doorway, leaned slightly.
“Hey, guys,” she started, “what do you mean nothing leading them? I can clearly see skeleton looking creatures. They look kinda cute, actually.”
Lotus’s words hung in the air as she leaned slightly out of the carriage door, her eyes fixed on the skeletal creatures standing in front of them. Their bat-like wings fluttered silently in the breeze, and despite their eerie appearance, they were oddly graceful, their long, spindly legs standing tall like statues.
Dark, boney statues.
They were boney, thin, looked awfully frail—though Lotus was sure they were anything but frail—with a long, slender tail. Their heads resembled a living skull with thin skin applied over it, glowing white eyes and horns that poked back (tiny, but present). They looked almost malnourished, though she knew they were probably well-fed, especially by Hagrid’s creature-loving attitude.
They looked frail.
But were mighty. Lotus found herself staring a bit more—perhaps in envy. How could such delicate-looking things, no matter how frightening they look, also be powerful enough to pull along heavy carriages that held several students?
In other words, I wanna be them, Lotus thought.
Harry blinked, looking at Lotus in confusion, and then glanced at where she was looking. His brow furrowed, his gaze shifting from them to her. “What… what do you mean? I don’t see anything,” he said, squinting his eyes as if trying to force them into existence.
Hermione, who had been a few paces behind, caught up and stopped beside Harry. She peered in the direction Lotus was looking at and tilted her head in confusion. “What do you mean, Lotus? There isn’t anything there.”
Ron, who had finished looking at the ground as he tried to keep his feet from tripping over theu neven path, overheard and paused, confused. “Wait, what’re you three talking about? What skeletal creatures? There’s nothing there!” He glanced up and down the row of carriages, eyeing each on in turn.
“I… never mind,” Lotus shook her head, “not that important.” She watched Ron shrug and climb on, settling across from Hermione and Harry. Lotus stared at the creatures for a few seconds longer, before she got on as well.
As rain pitter-pattered against the windows of the carriages, Lotus leaned against the side, trying to steady herself.
I should really get to know these creatures names. They might honestly be my new favorite.
She winced as her legs ached, so she shifted, catching the odd stare from Ron.
“Are you good, mate?” he asked, scooting away as if to give her space. Lotus nodded weakly.
“Yeah, sorry, come back, you’re not taking up any space, just… my body still seems so tired.”
The coldness from the Dementor’s attack earlier still lingered deep within her bones, though it was easier to breathe now, at least. She stared out the carriage window, watching the towering silhouette of Hogwarts come into view as they left Hogsmeade. The sky above darkened with clouds as the storm carried in.
The distant sound of thunder rumbled ominously, making her shiver despite herself. She leaned inward a little, tugging on a strand of her hair; Lotus winced at the pain, though it kept her tethered. She felt a dull ache in her chest that hadn’t quite gone away, a heavy weight that was hard to shake off. Lotus looked up at Harry, who was also looking out the window of the carriage, equally quiet and tired-looking.
Look at us, we’re both frail, she murmured internally, I hope he’s doing okay, though.
The carriage jolted as it climbed higher on the path toward the castle, and she closed her eyes for a moment, breathing deeply. She tried to focus, tried to push through.
Tried to remember that Hogwarts was a safe place. That her threat was gone . That there was no one left to jeapordize her safety—no, she wouldn’t allow it. She’d rather face Avada Kedavra multiple times over, dead and cold, before she’d allow herself to be the victim again.
But that mindset made her frown. It was the mindset set up for failure, too much expectations on her to act so much more grown and mature, despite the fact that, internally, she was still a scared little girl who was too afraid to show the turmoils in her mind.
As the carriage finally came to a stop, Lotus and the others stood, stepping out onto the soft ground. The night air was crisp, the chill still lingering in the wind. Lotus looked back one last time at the skeletal creatures lowering their head slightly, as if taking a small break from bringing the students to the castle grounds.
She smiled. “Thank you, skeleton horses,” she spoke softly, waving. She had wanted to actually get closer, but wasn’t sure if they were easily provoked or not, so she just hurried away, following Harry, Ron, and Hermione, her steps a little slower than usual, but she made her way inside with the rest of them.
The enormous doors of the Great Hall swung open, and the sound of a thousand whispers rose as students found their seats. She looked around, her gaze sweeping across the staff table where the professors sat, then up to the enchanted ceiling. The lightning outside lit the room in flashes, making the floating candles flicker ominously. There were a group of students in front of the staff table, all holding large frogs, while Flitwick marched over and stopped right in front of them.
She tilted her head. I didn’t know we had a choir, she wondered in awe. But as the scene settled in, Lotus suddenly felt sick. Very sick. She held onto Harry’s arm, shaking her head. “Harry, I can’t do this,” she whispered, voice starting to go desperate.
“It’s too much, all of it.” Her mind started to relent, letting in those merciless half-memories and feelings fester. She felt like she was back to being hunted, and even though He-Who-Must-Not-Also-Be-Named isn’t here anymore, she didn’t feel any safer.
Suddenly, returning here felt like a terrible mistake.
But as she tried to think of a way to escape—vanish? Run into the fireplace with Floo Powder and risk ending up somewhere random?— Harryshifted a bit so she let go of his arm and now was holding hands.
“It’s okay,” he murmured, “it’ll be okay.”
With the resolute and persuasive look in his eyes, she forced herself to steady and relax as they finally found their seats at the Gryffindor table. Her fingers, the ones not interlocked with Harry’s, loosened slightly from the deathly grip on her robes.
“W-woah! Nice hair, Lotus!” Neville smiled kindly. Several other people voiced their compliments as well.
“It looks great,” Dean confirmed.
“I’m a little jealous,” Seamus grinned.
“Thanks, everyone,” Lotus replied, voice a little on the high-end due to forcing herself to speak. Fred and George smirked, Fred slinging an arm around her shoulder.
“The hard work was all done by me and George,” he bragged.
“Hard work, as in trying to prank her?” Ron mused, to which Fred feigned offense.
“Ronald Bilius Weasley!” Fred cried out. “I was simply giving this little flower a major upgrade! Not that she ever needed one, she looks beautiful without it.”
At this, Neville rose an eyebrow, and Lotus shrugged, mouthing ‘don’t bother’ as she shrugged Fred’s arm off.
Everyone silenced as Flitwick rose his baton, and waved it, initiating whatever song they were going to sing.
The choir’s voices, clear and harmonious, mingled with the frogs who croaked after every beat, filled the Great Hall and sent a shiver down her spine.
“Double, double, toil and trouble;
Fire burn and cauldron bubble.
Double, double, toil and trouble;
Something wicked this way comes!
Eye of newt and toe of frog,
Wool of bat and tongue of dog,
Adder’s fork and blind-worm’s sting,
Lizard’s leg and howlet’s wing.
Double, double, toil and trouble;
Fire burn and cauldron bubble.
Double, double, toil and trouble;
Something wicked this way comes!”
Lotus leaned slightly, resting the side of her head on her closed palm. Were they singing lines from Macbeth?
She blinked. I didn’t even know they knew Macbeth. Honestly, I don’t know what they do and don’t know of Muggle culture.
As Lotus listened, the chill in her body tightened once more. The choir’s voices rose in haunting crescendo, harmonizing perfectly with the rumble of the storm outside, as if the weather itself was part of the tension in the air.
“In the cauldron boil and bake,
Fillet of a fenny snake,
Scale of dragon, tooth of wolf,
Witches’ mummy, maw and gulf.
Double, double, toil and trouble;
Fire burn and cauldron bubble.
Double, double, toil and trouble;
Frie burn and cauldron bubble.
Double, double, toil and trouble;
Fire burn and cauldron bubble…
Something wicked this way comes! ”
As Flitwick held his hands out to signify the end and cut off, the frogs croaked unanimously. The children all separated to give the frogs back and return to their seats, while the other students (and faculty) clapped. Lotus clapped as loud as she could, smiling despite the uncomfortable feeling in her stomach.
She looked over at Harry, who shared the feeling of discomfort. She knew it, she could tell from his face. And it seemed he also knew her true feelings because he gave her a half-shrug with a weak-willed smile.
Dumbledore arose from his seat, crossed around the staff table (seriously, how does he do it, she wondered), and approached the podium.
His aged face displayed his usual smile that emanated warmth, yet his eyes, stormy and grey, told a different story—one of uncertainty and, perhaps, worry.
“Welcome, welcome to another year at Hogwarts,” he rose his arms slightly, “now, I’d like to say a few words before we become too befuddled by our excellent feast. First, I’m pleased to welcome Professor R.J. Lupin, who’s kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Good luck, Professor.”
As Lupin rose, tucking his hand against his stomach for a brief—yet polite—bow, students clapped in earnest. Lotus lagged behind.
I didn’t mean to, she thought, I don’t know why.
He seems kind enough, right?
Suddenly, a familiar snobbish voice whispered over to them from behind.
“Potter.”
The four turned to look over at Draco, who looked both smug and surprised.
“Potter! Is it true you fainted? I mean, you actually fainted?” He asked, eyes wide, voice too cruelly curious. Beside him, Blaise mocked Harry, feigning terror and fainting.
Ron growled. “Shove off, Malfoy!” He turned around. Harry glared at him as well, before he and Hermione followed suit. Lotus just blinked, then tilted her head over at the other three.
“How did he find out?” Harry frowned, as the sounds of the other Slytherins nearby snickering filled his ears.
Hermione shook her head. “Just forget it.”
Dumbledore waited, before continuing. “Our Care of Magical Creatures teacher for many years, has decided to retire in order to spend more time with his remaining limbs.”
Some students chuckled. Lotus giggled, while Harry gave an amused smile.
“Fortunately,” Dumbledore added with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I’m delighted to announce that his place will be taken by none other than our own… Rubeus Hagrid!”
As Hagrid stood to receive applause, he accidentally hit the dining table, causing it to jump and several things to clatter and fall. The other professors desperately tried to save their plates, most to no avail.
Lotus could swear she had seen Professor Snape give Hagrid the most ‘ I despise you ’ glare ever, though she couldn’t quite confirm if it was that or his everyday face. After Hagrid stood, everyone clapped—especially the Gryffindor table.
Especially Lotus, Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
“YAYYY!!!” Lotus yells. “GOOD JOB, HAGRID!!!” Harry followed with a loud ‘WHOOP’ after. As soon as Hagrid sat and Dumbledore raised his hand, the four tables all ceased clapping.
The Headmaster cleared his throat. “Finally, on a more disquieting note, at the request of the Ministry of Magic, Hogwarts will, until further notice, play host to the Dementors of Azkaban until such a time is captured.”
Everyone began to murmur in surprise, perhaps fear.
For Lotus, it was definitely fear. She looked at the three. “What?!” She hissed. “When I mentioned Dumbledore definitely having a plan to keep us safe, this isn’t what I— no!”
“Unfortunately, they’re the only ones who can deal with Sirius Black,” Ron replied.
“ Yes, but, the encounter with one earlier left me so physically and emotionally drained! I’m sensitive to magic, moreso than you guys,” she whimpered, “what if the Dementor slips up again and attacks us? I’ll die, most likely!”
“It’ll be okay,” Hermione rubbed her back, “shh, it’s alright. The Dementors won’t mess it up again—whatever happened earlier, they must’ve sensed something off with Harry. Not again, okay? I’m sure they’ll behave with Dumbledore around—and Professor Lupin, too, with that spell!”
“I– I guess…” she looked away, and then at Harry, who looked disturbed.
“Dementors… here. How lovely ,” he murmured grimly.
“The Dementors will be stationed at every entrance to the grounds,” Dumbledore informed. “Now, whilst I’ve been assured that their presence will not disrupt our day-to-day activities, a word of caution — Dementors are vicious creatures.”
He leaned in towards the podium slightly. “They will not distinguish between the one they hunt and the one that gets in their way. Therefore, I must warn each and every one of you to give them no reason to harm you. It is not in the nature of a Dementor to be forgiving.”
He canned across the room and drank in each student’s uneasy stare. “But, you know,” he continued, “happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times…” The elderly wizard waved his hand, as one of the candles on his podium goes out in turn. “If one only remembers to turn on the light.”
Dumbledore leaned back. “Now, time to dig in.”
All the food began to appear on their plates, all enticing and tantalizing. Within a matter of seconds, most students forgot the terrifying news of a group the equivalent of demonic, ghostly vampires at Hogwarts, even at the entrances and a good distance away, and began to dig in.
Even Harry, who looked hesitant, seemed slightly comforted from Dumbledore’s usual cryptic (yet calming) ending line, and eventually began to eat.
Lotus could not.
She stared at the many plates of food like it would stand up and punch her in the face. Lotus simply picked up her cup and poured some water, before sipping it. It seemed all she could stomach right now was that , and that alone. Despite the time since the encounter, she still didn’t feel well enough to eat. She slumped forward a little, hand curling around a tuft of her red-gold hair, and then tugged.
And tugged. And tugged, until she felt like she’d rip it out, and let go. Neville looked up, swallowing thickly.
“L-Lotus,” he started, pointing his fork at her plate, “aren’t you going to eat something?”
Then, he flushed, embarrassed. “U-unless your condition’s making you feel too bad to eat, right now…”
Thank Neville for his sweet concerns, but she also wanted to hide away into herself when other students looked at her. Ron, with a chicken wing in his mouth, let out a concerned ‘hmm?’, while Hermione’s eyebrows furrowed.
“Lotus, I know you might not feel well, but you have to eat something!” She instructed, setting a scoop of rice, and a chicken wing on her plate. “You don’t have to eat it all, but have some so you’re not starving in bed until next morning.”
“Ah…right, well,” Lotus laughed a little, feeling embarrassed herself. “I– I guess. I’m okay, guys…”
Harry leaned in slightly as Hermione and Ron resumed talking amongst themselves. The noise in the Great Hall meant that everyone was occupied, the sound of utensils against plates and idle chatter masking any secret conversations. “
“You sure you’re okay?” he asked gently, his elbow resting on the table beside her. “You look a little… pale. Come on, we’re both meant to be the colored ones,” he lamely attempted at a poor joke.
But the poor joke landed, and Lotus snickered. “That was lame, and somewhat offensively funny?”
She tilted her head, her lips tugging into a dry smile. “Guess I’m still shaken from the train.”
“Fair enough. Your illness—er, condition—was caused by magic, right?”
“If memory serves, from ten years ago, then yeah.”
“That would make sense on why you’re so sensitive to magic. I mean, when it attacked me , I passed out, because it was trying to suck my life out… if you–” his eyes widened. “If it went after you , would… would you have…”
“Died?” Lotus finished, equally as horrified. She turned away, breath quickening.
“No, no no—” he fumbled, pulling her back to face him. Beside him, Ron and Hermione glanced over, confused, but he shook his head, so the two went right back to talking. Lotus could swear she saw the faintest hint of blush to their faces—it would be sweet, if she wasn’t so mortified right now. “Listen, ignore what I said–”
“No, I can’t,” Lotus whined. “Harry, because I have less strength than the average person, any encounter with the Dementor would worsen me and siphon what little I have left!”
She leaned in, holding his wrist. “And, with what happened last year, and all my trauma, I’ll be… I’ll just suffer . I’m still fresh from the torment. Like you, like last year with the Basilisk and watching people get Petrified—”
Lotus’s voice dropped. “Harry, I’m so scared.”
She stood up quickly, shaking.
“Lotus–”
People began to look over.
“I should’ve never come back,” she said, voice shaky and high. She failed to notice the staff noticing her .
Professor McGonagall stood up to go investigate the matter, but Professor Snape held his hand up. His expression was unreadable, eyes narrowed just slightly as he observed Lotus from the staff table.
“Severus,” Professor Flitwick started, “perhaps we let Minerva deal with her own student—”
“Let her be,” he muttered under his breath. McGonagall gave him a sharp look, but hesitated, lowering herself back into her seat.
Meanwhile, Harry stood up too, catching her by the arm gently, not tightly enough to stop her, but gentle enough to let her know he was still there . Now students around them watched.
“Lotus, please,” Harry said, voice low, trying not to make a scene. “You’re not alone anymore. And haven’t I said? Anything happens, we face it together. All four of us.”
Lotus froze. A flush of shame, fear, and helplessness fought inside her chest. She felt hot, dizzy, knees wobbling slightly.
“I don’t want to die,” she said quietly, barely audible to anyone but Harry.
“I know,” Harry said, “and you won’t. We’ll… we’ll go to McGonagall right now–or tomorrow, if that suits you better. Ask her and Dumbledore for some help, some accommodations—”
“They’ve given me enough already,” Lotus gestured to the small vials of Calming Draught, Stamina, and Strengthening potions in her pocket.
“They can give you more. You’re a magically-sensitively-ill student. I don’t think Hogwarts wants yet another student death on their hands since Myrtle,” Harry sat down, guiding her to sit beside him again. She followed without objection.
“...” Lotus sighs. “Okay, I’ll ask them… tomorrow. Tonight… I want to try to feel safe here.”
Harry smiled softly. “Alright. Now, try something small. Doesn’t even have to be the food Hermione gave you, could be just a slice of bread.” He nudged a bit of bread closer to her plate. “Not for me. For yourself.”
Lotus blinked at him, and then slowly nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “Okay.”
Just then, a pair of second-year girls passed by their end of the table. One of them—freckled, with her hair tied into two big buns—whispered a little too loudly, “Her hair looks like actual fire! D’you think it’s a spell?”
The other girl giggled, clearly unaware Lotus could hear. “I think so, last year she had dark brown hair, so I think it was a spell.”
“Actually, misses, it was a prank, set by us ,” Fred turned, flashing a grin. The two girls, Lotus could see now that they were Hufflepuffs , gasped, now finally realizing they were speaking too loud, and quickly hurried off.
However, she didn’t stop smiling. She touched her hair, reflexively. “I’m glad people liked it. I mean, Neville, Seamus, and Dean did, but– you know…’
Harry smirked. “Yeah, I know. Don’t worry, makes you look tons more devoted. Now, go on, eat.”
Lotus nodded, chuckling as she bit into the bread. “ Mmph, ‘kay .”
── .✦
Back in the dormitories, Lotus laid in her bed, curtains completely drawn and covered on both to give her full privacy ( if only the front had a cover too) . She heard Parvati and Lavender talk, catching each other up on their summer adventures. Meanwhile, Hermione was to her right, furiously scribbling away in her book.
The corner of her lip quirked up into a small smile. It was good to be back, to hear the usual chatter, to hear Hermione recite her lessons into her book to memorize the information, and to have someone to talk to.
Her physical fatigue was, at this point, mostly gone. All she felt now was drowsiness… and the slight lingering fear.
She knew, no matter how much she tried, it would never go away.
But no one would hurt her like he had, right?
No.
I won’t let that happen, she thought. I won’t be so naive ever again.
But as she said that, she wasn’t sure if she was able to uphold her own promise to herself.
She turned to the side, drawing the covers over her.
Just sleep it off. Sleep today off.
It’ll be okay.
Lotus closed her eyes, and the sound of quill on paper or the chatter of two excited girls faded away.
Notes:
I might tweak a little things in the near future.
Also:
- Since Lotus has ADS (arcane decay syndrome), this makes her more weak and susceptible to the physical and mental strain Dementors have on people---we've all seen how Harry reacted. I like to think he fainted because it was sucking the life out of him (which is literally what happened), so that meant Lotus didn't straight up die. If it actually honed in on HER, she would probably be done for. She's a half-empty cup compared to Harry and the other's full glasses.
Chapter 17: ⛓ Too Early
Summary:
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
“No amount of me trying to explain myself was doing any good. I didn't even know what was going on inside of me, so how could I have explained it to them?”
-- Sierra D. Waters, Debbie.The First Day at Hogwarts usually spells out how things'll be for the rest of the year. This time, Lotus gets confronted way too early.
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
☒ 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 ☒
- PTSD
- Trauma Response (Freeze)
- Triggering content (being faced against your greatest trauma)
- emetophobia warning at the end
Notes:
This was a chapter I've been really wanting to write since Chapter 9, because I wanted to write how she'd react to the Boggart taking form of the man she fears most, and almost everyone (except for Harry, Ron, and Hermione) to be confused. Of course, I had to tweak the scene a little so it fit.
I hope you enjoy.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
In the early morning, Lotus had decided to wake up early—approximately 6:30 AM. So she could shower before anyone else, dress up before anyone else, and still have an hour before breakfast started.
At 6:52, she hurried down the quiet halls. To her left were paintings of knights, people playing cards, and philosophers in deep thought—except they were all sleeping. She smiled slightly. Despite being mere imitations, they’re pretty alive .
At that, she tilted her head. Aren’t they technically alive? Or is it like that, er, thing called Artificial Intelligence?
Lotus shook her head, pushing a few strands of her phoenix-esque hair out of her face. She would go to someone—anyone, any professor who was awake. Or, if the password stays the same, visit Dumbledore. With a stroke of luck (and politely asking a disgruntled painting who didn’t seem so happy that he was being woken up) she had found the Headmaster’s office, guarded by that same large and ugly stone gargoyle.
“Uhm…” she put a finger to her lip, tilting her head. “Sherbert lemon?”
To her surprise, the gargoyle turned with a loud, grating screech as stone moved against stone, before revealing the staircase.
She blinks. “Wow, I guess that still works… um…”
She hesitated for a few moments, but then started to walk up the steps. Tap… tap… tap… Her shoes clicked against the cold surface as she ascended until the chill air of the stairwell was replaced with the comforting warmth of Dumbledore’s office. She looked around, drinking in the sight—she remembered the last time she was in here, as of last year when–
“Ah, Ms. Inag,” Dumbledore’s voice startled her out of her thoughts. She quickly turned, fist gripping her robes, only to relax upon seeing Headmaster Dumbledore and… Professor McGonagall.
For the second time, she blinked in shock. Well, not entirely shock, mostly surprise. She was surprised McGonagall was awake.
“To what do we owe the pleasure?” Dumbledore inquired.
“How did you get in?” McGonagall asked, suspicious.
“Well, from last year, I remember Filch saying the password and tried it out. I didn’t think it’d work…” she trailed off, looking at the two. “I can, um, come back later…?”
“No, no, stay. It’s fine.” McGonagall shook her head.
“Indeed,” Dumbledore gestured for her to take a seat, which she did so immediately, “what’s the matter? Must be important if you’re here early at…” he checked the time, “7:05 AM. Twenty-five minutes before breakfast starts.”
Lotus shifted awkwardly in her seat. “About the Dementors, Professors…” she started, keeping her eyes downcast. “I’m, um, I know you guys have given me so many accommodations already, a-and I’m totally grateful— but I found out yesterday , that, um, it seems I’m… sensitive to them?” She looked up, trying to figure out their reactions.
Dumbledore’s smile seemed to have dimmed a bit, and McGonagall looked curious.
Headmaster Dumbledore nodded. “That does indeed make sense, young one. You, who bears the burden of a magically-induced illness, to become frailer the more you give… yes, I suppose Dementors, creatures who take, will harm you especially more than others.”
“Harry too,” Lotus spoke up, “I–I think, at least. I mean, they did try to suck his soul out—for what reason, I don’t know—and he fainted… but I guess Harry’s not slowly dying from a condition.”
She waved her hands rapidly. “O-okay, I’m getting off-track—what I mean is, that, I’d… like another request… okay, yes, they are nowhere near school grounds, because I’m sure you know their danger level better than anyone here, but I’d just like to… not have a reason to worry.”
Dumbledore’s eyes softened as he crossed over the table, placing a hand on her shoulder. A brief flash of white, hot panic coursed through her body, merciless and unstoppable, but she hid the flinch as well as she could. “Lotus,” he spoke, voice lulling and calming, “I assure you there is nothing to fear from the Dementors. Yes, while they make no distinction of friend or foe, they are nowhere near you and I will never let them near students and faculty—vulnerable or strong. Especially vulnerable .”
His eyes narrowed, not in accusation, but in knowing. That there was more to Lotus’s concerns than her ailment, more that he could not yet probe himself, but that he would not choose to pry if she wasn’t willing to give it up first. “That being said, if you truly do feel unsafe, feel free to cut around hallways, just don’t get stuck somewhere you shouldn’t. If anyone gives you any trouble…”
He leaned in, winking. “Tell them I do not mind.”
Lotus giggled. Something about the headmaster always made her feel relaxed and comforted, like he was a gentler (yet far more mysterious) version of Rich.
“Okay, Professor Dumbledore.” Lotus glanced over at Professor McGonagall, who had been silent for most of the time.
McGonagall caught her stare, and offered a small smile of her own. “Just know we are concerned for your safety, Ms. Inag. You are a special case, yet I do not regret having you in my House. Now go, hurry, your time here was short, but well-spent if it eased any of your worries. Go and have some breakfast, I hear your first lesson is in Divination.”
Lotus nodded, standing up as Dumbledore pulled away. “Thank you, both of you, really. I know I should’ve never had any doubts, but I was worried since you basically called them unpredictable and I was concerned for my own health. But I trust you, so… yeah.” She gave an awkward smile, before turning around and speeding off to the stairwell to go down to the Great Hall.
McGonagall sighed, looking at Dumbledore. “She is right to worry, I do hope she’ll stay out of trouble this year.”
Dumbledore gave a short, brief laugh. “No, no she won’t. But I believe she’s surrounded by people who care and will help. And she is not entirely helpless, no, Harry had told me of her quick thinking last year. She is capable, she just does not know it yet.”
── .✦
As she padded down the halls, she couldn’t help but laugh at her own anxieties. Clearly they knew what they were doing, clearly she’ll be okay .
But then again, this was Hogwarts, danger magnet with the possibility of a serial-killer coming here! She had to take her precautions.
And he was presumably after Harry?
The poor kid, her best friend, always went through too much. It seemed like fate had destined him for this.
Speaking of fate, didn’t McGonagall say her first class was Divination?
Lotus blinked. She wasn’t really one to be into that sort of stuff, but it would be fun to dabble in things that read the future. She just hoped whatever future she had for herself … wasn’t terrible.
She walked into the Great Hall, rubbing her eyes as a sudden wave of fatigue hit her like a bullet train. Perhaps waking up at 6:30 AM—especially after getting used to staying up so late in the Summer (either from having panic attacks or lying in bed and contemplating her problems)—really wasn’t good for the long run.
“Oi! Lotus!” Startled from her thoughts, she glanced over. Ron waved at her from their usual spot on the table. Harry sat alone on one side while Ron and Hermione sat together on the other. Lotus waved back, seating herself beside Harry with a tired smile.
“Hi, everyone.”
“Where were you? I came to wake you up, but you were already out,” Hermione asked, brushing a strand of her curly hazel-brown hair out of her face.
“Sorry,” Lotus laughed a little, “I wanted to meet with Dumbledore to discuss the Dementors.”
“What?” Ron stared at her. “Why?”
“Because they’re magical creatures that suck the life out of you if they think you’re a foe. Or food,” Lotus explained. “I can’t have that happen to me, I have less life than anyone here.”
The group fell into an uncomfortable silence for a few seconds, until Harry spoke.
“Aw, I thought you and I were gonna do that together,” he joked.
“Sorry, Harry,” she smiled, “I didn’t wanna wake you so early. Plus, I remembered that the stairs have their magical defense against the opposite gender entering a dormitory they’re not supposed to be in.”
“Hold on, but didn’t that… like… not work last year?” Ron blinked.
Lotus shook her head. “ Then I don’t know what to tell you .”
Suddenly, Hermione scoffed. The three turned to her as she glared at her schedule.
“Divination? How ludicrous,” she scowled. “We’re never gonna need any of that!”
Lotus propped her elbow on the table and rested her chin on the palm of her hand. “Why do you think that , ‘Mione?”
“Well, it’s more of a skill that you either have or you don’t,” she explained, animatedly waving her hands around. “ Besides , I do believe that prophecies can exist, you know? I just don’t think Divination ,” she winced, “could help in that.”
Ron snorted. “For a bright-minded witch, you sure are narrow-minded.”
“ Ron! ” Hermione snapped, as Ron snickered.
Lotus furrowed her eyebrows. “So you accept the fact you’re a witch, go to a wizarding school, know a Guy-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named who somehow came back—being the backside of a man’s head, live near a forest that has centaurs and giant spiders, can perform spells that fix items or killed, but you don’t like Divination?”
“It’s too foggy!” Hermione cried out, shooting her hands up. “Too wish-washy, too unpredictable! I like facts, guys, and I like to know what I’m doing.”
“More power to you,” Lotus agreed. “Ron, what’re the people who major in, uh, Divination called?”
“There isn’t a name for that kind of practice, but there are people who can give prophecies and can see the future—they’re called Seers,” Ron explained, “but it’s really rare.”
Hermione nodded in agreement. “That’s why harnessing the future, especially to get such muddy results, in some classroom, isn’t a good idea.”
Lotus tilted her head. “Okay.”
Harry was trying not to snicker the entire time, amused at Hermione’s lively rants—something he never really saw, so he knew this topic got her going —and simply picked up the cup of pumpkin juice that spawned in front of them. “Okay, everyone, let’s eat some breakfast before Hermione pops a blood vessel.”
“I wasn’t—”
Ron placed a hand on her shoulder, and she stopped speaking, shaking her head.
“R–right, sorry,” she murmured, face gaining a faint flush, hoping no one noticed.
Lotus and Harry noticed.
The two looked at each other, smiling lopsidedly.
“What? What’s so funny?” Ron asked, his hand slipping from her shoulder, now joined with the other in a crossed formation.
“ Oh, nothing ,” Lotus giggled.
“Yes, absolutely nothing, Ronald,” Harry hid his smile behind his cup.
“Oh, it is absolutely something! ” Ron snapped.
── .✦
“Welcome, my children,” Professor Trelawney smiled. She was lanky, thin, with frazzled and thin hair, though it certainly ‘gained volume’ in the center. She had big, round glasses with extra thick prescription lenses. She wore a large shawl that seemed to consume her back, and had a bunch of beads around her neck and necklaces tied to something in a small vial. Rings and bangles adorned her arms and hands.
All in all, this woman was a total mess to the eyes, but in a good way. Lotus attributed her to a… crazy aunt, but not ‘hoards garbage’ crazy, but ‘cat lady who pays a fortune for weird things’ crazy.
Actually, she seemed like she’d inhibit both traits.
“In this room, you shall explore the noble art of Divination.” Her voice was wispy, mysterious, and ethereal. Lotus shifted, becoming a little bit more excited. “In this room, you shall discover if you possess… The Sight! ”
She jolted a little when her hip bumped into a table, causing some things to clatter. Her hands shot out to grab the items before they fell, as some students laughed. She gave an amused smile at her own clumsiness, before setting it back and straightening herself. “Hello. I am Professor Trelawney . Together, we shall cast ourselves into the future! This term, we shall be focusing on tasseomancy, which is the art of reading tea leaves .” She gestured to the tea cups on Ron and Harry’s desk. Meanwhile, Lotus heard yet another scoff from Hermione.
She blinked and turned to face her. “Hold on, when did you–”
“ The truth lies buried like a sentence deep within a book, waiting to be read!” Professor Trelawney exclaimed, cutting Lotus off. “But first, you must broaden your minds. First, you must look beyond!” She added with a raspy edge in her tone.
Hermione crossed her arms. “What a load of rubbish.”
Ron jolted at the sound of her voice. “Where did you come from?” He asked, face pale with surprise.
“Me?” Hermione frowns. “I’ve been here all this time .”
Lotus shook her head, “I swear you didn’t walk in with us earlier… but alright.” She opened the book up. “Come on, Hermione, at least read my future, I’m curious.”
Hermione opened her mouth to argue, but upon looking at Lotus, she closed her mouth, grumbled quietly to herself, and opened the book up. The two of them swapped cups after.
Lotus picked up Hermione’s cup, using her left hand to grab the handle. “Good thing I’m a left hander,” she hummed. Hermione followed suit, then moved the cup in a counter-clockwise direction once.
Then, they set their cups down, and Lotus smiled.
“Now we wait.”
“Now we wait,” Hermione echoed with that skeptical look in her eyes. The girls looked over, mostly to see how Ron and Harry were doing, which the two were bickering about the symbols.
“I think that’s an S, Ron,” Harry peered into Ron’s cup.
“No, I think that’s a snake,” Ron replied. “Must mean… uh… oh! Oh. Bad omen.”
“Ron, you’re not supposed to read your own cup! ” Harry snapped but didn’t seem actually mad. “And we’re supposed to let it rest for a minute.”
“Right…”
Ron snuck a peek at Harry’s cup in front of him. “That looks like a dog.”
“We won’t know until a minute’s passed.”
Lotus laughed, and even Hermione’s scowl broke into a slight smirk.
“At least they’re having fun,” Hermione rested her chin on her palm.
“Yeah, at least ,” Lotus agreed.
Beside them, Neville was sitting with another Gryffindor student, peering nervously at his and their cups, when Professor Trelawney treaded over.
“You, boy, is your grandmother quite well?” She asked.
Surprised, Neville looked up, face filled with anxiety and confusion. “Uh, I-I think so.”
Then, Trelawney gasps, and Neville looks like he might faint. “I–I wouldn’t be so sure of that. Give me the cup,” she insisted. When Neville forked his cup over, she picked it up with a sort of gentleness and care you wouldn’t have expected from someone like her, and observed whatever was in Neville’s cup . Then, she gasped again, a sound full of pity.
“Oh…hmm… Pity…” She slowly set it down and patted Neville on the shoulder, who now looked pale and oh so terrified. She moved past him, humming. “Broaden your minds…”
Lotus leaned over, patting Neville’s arm as best as she could, being someone leaning over in an awkward position. “It’s okay Neville, I’m sure it’s not that bad.”
“Uh-huh,” he nodded absently. She pulled back with a guilty look and turned to Hermione, who gave a shrug.
“See? Rubbish. All it does is make people worry more about what they can’t avoid,” she chided.
Meanwhile, Professor Trelawney seemed to have suddenly gained an interest in Ron and Harry, striding over to lean towards Ron. Her bangles and necklaces clinked against each other as she approached, her bug-eyes (well, regular eyes magnified about ten times due to her large prescriptions) staring at the two—well, mainly Ron—with keen interest. “Oh! Your aura is pulsing, dear. Are you in the beyond? I think you are!”
“Sure…” Ron replied, uneasy.
“Oo, you reckon Ron’s secretly a Seer and he doesn’t know it?” Lotus turned to Hermione, who stared at her like she was suggesting ripping up homework.
“No, Lotus, I don’t think so,” Hermione replied flatly. “ Someone in either side of his parent’s lineage would be legally recognized as such, and then that would explain if Ron was a Seer or not.”
“But, like, what if he’s the first ? Wouldn’t that be cool? To be the first in your family to have the cool ability to read the future?” Lotus asked.
“If he was a Seer, he’d already be able to tell the future,” Hermione replied doubtfully. “And he hasn’t.”
“Yet,” Lotus giggled.
“Look at the cup. Tell me what you see !” Trelawney urged. Harry looked uncomfortable, yet intrigued at what Ron might see.
Ron nodded. “Oh, yeah, um, well…” He picked up the cup, and glanced at the book beside him. “Harry’s got sort of a wonky cross. That’s… trials and suffering .”
“See?” Lotus gestured. “Maybe he’s not a Seer, okay, but he’s dang good at this.”
“... And, uh, that there could be the sun, and that’s happiness. So, uh, you’re gonna suffer… but you’re gonna be happy about it.”
Harry gave Ron an incredulous look, while Lotus faltered a little. Hermione smirked.
“Oh, yes, dang good at it he is indeed.”
“Shush.”
Trelawney looked unsure and held her hand out, waving a little. “Give me the cup.”
Once Ron relinquished it to her, she tipped the cup, staring at it, only to gasp—no, nearly shriek , almost dropping it. She gripped the cup and the handle tightly, shaking.
Everyone was suddenly interested, trying to get a look at what Trelawney might have seen.
“Oh, my dear boy. My dear… you have… the Grim,” she spoke somberly.
Students began to gasp, some with pity in their eyes and some just plain scared .
Because if Harry Potter has… whatever the Grim is, then that means this year just got a whole lot worse, Lotus thought.
“The whuh? Huh?” Lotus looked around.
“The grin? What’s the grin?” Seamus asked, equally as confused.
Bem stopped flipping the page and held up the book. “Not the grin, you idiot, the Grim.”
Harry, still wearing his expression of alarm, turned to Bem.
“ Taking form of a giant spectral dog, it’s amongst the darkest omens in our world. It’s an omen… of death ,” he read.
The room grew cold with shock. Then, Hermione turned away. She tried to look unbothered , but Lotus saw the faint crease on her forehead, signaling worry. She looked back at Harry, leaning over to pat his shoulder.
“Hey, I’m sure that omen’s far away,” Lotus said. “O-or, the omen is about the Dementors! See, there’s a lot of reasons! Doesn’t mean anything bad will happen to you soon …”
Harry gave a disgruntled nod, and looked at his teacup. Ron and Lotus eyed each other, wincing.
This isn’t good, Ron seemed to mentally say.
No, no it isn’t, Lotus replied (also mentally) with a small nod, before sitting down again.
“Oh, right, our teacups…”
As everyone tried to calm down from Trelawney’s revelation (Harry still very much looking muted), Lotus picked up the cup.
“O-oh, look, Hermione, you’ve got, um… oh! A hat. That means… success in life! At least… at least we know your future is secured?” She smiled, though blinked. “Wait… there’s an umbrella too, it’s, like, right next to the hat… that means difficulty—oh, well, what path in life isn’t filled with difficulties?”
She shrugged, and Hermione chuckled.
“Say I entertained this… it sounds like a lot of mixed signals.”
“Yeah, but at least you’ll be successful through all the trouble, right?” Lotus set the cup down.
Hermione gave an exasperated sigh, but the faintest smile tugged at her lips. “Well, when you put it that way…”
Lotus sighed in relief, and added with a gentle nudge, “Okay, okay, do mine!”
Hermione leaned in, squinting her eyes. “Oh, look. You’ve got that bloody Grim too.”
“Oh, okay,” Lotus nodded.
“Aren’t you scared?”
“Well, I mean, I’m gonna die anyways. Whether old age, someone killing me, or my illness—it’ll happen some day.”
“What a way to put it…” Hermione looked back down. “An owl… and a rat. They’re near the center… let’s see.” She flipped through the pages.
“Aha! Look, an owl’s a… oh, it means sickness. And the rat means loss.”
Lotus’s smile faded just a little bit more. “... Oh. okay.”
Great.
She was trying to be optimistic, but this is fine, or whatever.
── .✦
“You don’t think that Grim thing’s got anything to do with Sirius Black, do you?” Ron questioned the other three as they walked down the path outside of Hogwart’s entrance and towards the area of the Forbidden Forest, behind Hagrid’s hut, where a bunch of students were already gathered.
Hermione rolled her eyes. “Oh, honestly, Ron. If you ask me, Divination’s a very woolly discipline. Now, Ancient Runes, that’s a fascinating subject.”
Lotus whistled. “I mean, I guess?”
Ron looked bewildered. “ Ancient Runes ? Exactly how many classes are you taking this term?”
Hermione shrugged, smiling in a rather smug way. “A fair few.”
Ron was quiet for a moment, before he stared at her. Hard. Scrutinizingly. “Hang on, that’s not possible. Ancient Runes is in the same time as Divination. You have to be in two classes at once.”
“Oh, yeah, did you just, like, run to Divination or something?” Lotus asked. “We really didn’t see you when we entered.”
Harry nodded quietly.
Hermione vehemently shook her head. “Don’t be silly, everyone. How could anyone be in two classes at once?”
“Maybe they would have a device to travel back in time,” Lotus replied wryly. She didn’t miss the slight tick in her smile.
“Perhaps, but I’m simply just a very schedule-filled person…” She laughs, before mocking Trelawney, voice turning hoarse and shaky. “Broaden your minds. Use your inner eye to see the future!” She cackled, placing a hand on her chest.
“Laugh all you want, but it’s a pretty interesting class,” Lotus spoke.
“ Really? Why?”
“Well… I don’t have much control over my own life . I’d like to know, even if it is fake, if there’s a future out there where I’m okay,” Lotus replied sheepishly. “Sorry, I know that killed the moment.”
Hermione softened. “Oh… no, not at all.”
“A little,” Harry admitted, “but I have similar thoughts.”
“Sorry, Lotus,” Hermione smiled weakly. “I didn’t think about it your way.”
“No! It’s fine, you’re just someone who prefers the logical things in life, I don’t blame you at all,” Lotus responded.
They reached the entrance, leaves crunching under their feet and trees surrounding them, possibly hiding curious woodland observers.
Beyond them, Hagrid was waiting patiently. When he saw a mostly full class , he grinned widely.
“That’s it. Come on, now. Come closer. Less talking if you don’t mind.” The students—Slytherin, she realized—who were whispering amongst themselves shut up, faces slightly tinted pink. “I got a real treat for you today. A great lesson. So follow me.” Hagrid turned and swiftly made his way deeper. The hoard of students followed suit.
“I wonder what he’s gonna show us,” Lotus murmured to Harry.
“Knowing him? And the odd… ‘pets’ he had first year?” Harry spoke.
“Fluffy? Norbert?” Ron mused.
“Yes, I’m sure whatever Hagrid shows us will be nothing short of amazing!” Hermione beamed. Once they reached the clearing, a spot where the Sun barely peeked in from the trees protecting their shade, though a few rays hit Lotus as she walked under them.
Lotus hummed, not really minding the heat. She liked Summer, anyways. Suddenly, she heard whispers around her. About her .
“Her hair’s so… nice!”
“It’s tacky.”
“It’s corny…”
“I wish I was that brave…”
She felt a small bout of irritation but carried on. What do they know? She didn’t mind Fred and George’s prank at all. She looked amazing. She looked down at her growling book, running her finger down its spine. It shuddered, purring as it became content enough for her to open.
“How did you do that?” Hermione asked sharply.
“Well, you—”
“Right, you lot.” Hagrid turned to them once again. “Less chattering. Form a group over there , and open your books to page 49.”
Draco scoffed behind her. “Exactly how do we do that?”
Hagrid rose an eyebrow, waving his hand. “Well, you just stroke the spine, of course. Goodness me.”
The students stared in stunned silence, before grumbling, following his instructions. Lotus chuckled as Hermione, Ron, and Harry all fumbled in appeasing their Monster Book of Monsters. Meanwhile, Neville was struggling—his hand shook as he tried to stroke the book’s spine, when suddenly it started to growl and attack him, snapping at his hand. He yelped, jerking his hand away, falling to the ground. Surrounding students began to laugh.
“Neville—” Lotus reached out, but Draco sneered.
“Don’t be such a wimp, Longbottom.”
Neville stammered. “I-I’m okay, okay…” He screamed as the book kept attacking him.
“Neville!” Lotus caught the book before it could scratch at his face, stroking the spine. It struggled, only to unwind, opening in a docile state. Neville scrambled to his feet, ears red, muttering thanks as she handed it back to him with a kind smile.
“I think they’re funny,” Hermione argued.
“Oh, yeah, terribly funny,” Draco spat. “Really witty. God, this place has gone to the dogs. Wait until my father hears that Dumbledore’s got this oaf teaching clases.”
As Crabbe and Goyle chuckled, Lotus frowned.
“You really rely on your dad a lot, do you actually ever do anything useful?”
Draco’s eyes widened, snapping. “Shut it, Inag. I wouldn’t say that if I were you.”
“But I just did.”
“Shut up, Malfoy.” Harry grumbled.
All the Slytherins began to ‘ooh’, Draco grimaced and tok his bag off from his shoulder and approached Harry and Lotus. He glanced up, freezing, then stumbled backward, stuttering, pointing at the sky.
“D-Dementor! Dementor!”
Students gasped, as Harry turned as fast as humanly possible to look at the sky, while Lotus just stared at Draco. The Slytherins laughed like a pack of hyenas while Draco and his goons pulled up their cloak hoods and pretended to be the Dementors.
“Ooooooh…” They cackled.
Harry turned back, face red from embarrassment. Lotus crossed her arms.
“What’s wrong, Inag? Not as gullible as I thought, hm?” Draco smirked.
“...I don’t know. You didn’t seem convincing enough. If you genuinely were scared, I believe you’d have ran off without alerting any of us,” she replied. “And you know, it’s not funny to joke about creatures that can and will kill anyone. Even you, Draco, if it believes you’re hiding Sirius Black or if it believes you’re a hinderance to its’ mission.”
Draco’s smirk faltered–just slightly.
“But I guess acting like a fool is easy when you don’t have much for the Dementors to feed off, I bet they wouldn’t like a rotten soul like yours.”
The Slytherins began to whisper, as Draco growled and turned away, trying to create a distance.
“Oh, by the way, I still think we can be friends, but you need to stop being such a jerk!” Lotus called out, before turning to Harry, Ron, and Hermione. “See, the trick is to show you’re not bothered. They get bored, or flustered, and it makes them look stupid. You guys let Draco get to you so easily.”
Ron barked with laughter. “ That was brilliant! ”
Hermione nodded. “Interesting tactic.”
Harry? He still looked miffed, but nodded as well.
“Just turn away, Harry,” Hermione murmured.
Hagrid cleared his throat, approaching the students. “Ta-da!” Beside him, a winged creature who looked like a griffin yet not quite , cooed. “Isn’t he beautiful? Say hello to Buckbeak.”
Ron’s jaw dropped. “Hagrid, what exactly is that?”
Hagrid smiled, wide and proud, clearly so. “That, Ron, is a hippogriff. A horse and an eagle, yes! First thing you want to know oabout hippogriffs is that they’re very proud creatures . Very easily offended. You do not want to insult a hippogriff. It may just be the last thing you ever do .”
The students all around paled. Lotus felt a little nervous, but admittedly she really, really wanted to meet this thing.
“Now, who’d like to come and say hello?”
The students all collectively took a step back. Harry didn’t. Lotus took a step forward, clutching her robes. She heard a grunt as Ron shoved Harry forward, who whipped back with a betrayed look.
“I wanna go first!” Lotus offered. “O-or… me and Harry could? I guess?”
Lotus stayed rooted near the front, hands clasped tightly, watching intently as Hagrid instructed, “You have to let him make the first move. It’s only polite. So, you step up, give him a nice bow. Then you wait and see if he bows back. And if he does, you can go and touch him. If not… well, we’ll get to that later.”
Lotus nodded, before she bent over, giving a small bow. Harry hesitated, then followed suit. Buckbeak squawked suddenly, wings flaring. Lotus’s breath caught in her throat.
Did we overwhelm him? How are we messing up already??
“Back off, you two! Back off!” Hagrid shouted as Harry grabbed Lotus’s arm and took a step back.
“Keep still. Keep still…” Hagrid muttered, tense.
Lotus didn’t blink, to the point of her eyes watering.
Buckbeak’s wings slowly lowered. His fierce eyes studied the two—then, slowly, the creature dipped into a bow, one leg bent down, head hung low.
Hagrid chuckled as Buckbeak stood up. “Well done, Lotus, Harry! Well done! Eh, you big brute, you!” he added fondly to Buckbeak, tossing him a dead ferret, which the hippogriff snatched from the air with ease.
“Right, I think you can pat him now. Go on, don’t be shy.”
Draco and his goons pusehd forward for a better view. Draco smirked, hoping—no, praying that this went south.
“Nice and slow there. Nice and slow— Not so fast, Harry,” Hagrid warned as Buckbeak squawked again and jerked forward, causing Harry to flinch. Lotus looked at him with worry, then looked back—just in time to catch Hermione gasping, grabbing Ron’s wrist tightly. She blinked as the two realized the action, Hermione pulling away with a flushed expression, while Ron looked equally surprised.
Lotus smiled, turning back.
“What?” Harry asked, slowing down, lowering his head.
Lotus followed, whispering. “D’ya think our friends might like each other?”
A snort escaped his lips as the hippogriff stepped forward. With careful grace, Harry placed a hand on Buckbeak’s feathered head, shifting aside so Lotus could also do the same.
Lotus finally exhaled, smiling. “Oh, thank God… there we are, Buckbeak…my, your feathers are incredibly soft. I can tell you’re well-groomed.”
Buckbeak let out a croon of approval.
The students clapped (Draco and his goons looked disappointed) as Hagrid grinned. “Yes! Well done, well done! I think he may let you ride him now.”
The two froze.
“What.”
“Come on,” Hagrid said, lifting Harry with ease.
“Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey! H-Hagrid!” Harry protested.
Lotus tried to back away, but Hagrid grabbed her too. She shrieked as he placed the two of them on Buckbeak’s back.
“Put you here… just behind the wing joint.” Buckbeak squawked as Lotus wrapped her arms around Harry’s waist, shaking.
“Hagrid, I don’t think I can—”
“ Don’t you dare leave me—” Harry snapped.
“Don’t pull out any of his feathers—he won’t thank you for that.”
“Whoa!”
“Hey!” Hagrid chuckled, before slapping Buckbeak’s hind leg. The hippogriff reared up, before running forward. His large wings spread, brushing against branches as he took flight, soaring into the sky.
“OH MY GOD!” Lotus screamed in terror.
Students shouted—both in concern and encouragement— down below. Harry clung to his back, while Lotus clung to him .
“A-at least this isn’t as bad as when Fawkes had to carry all of us out of the Chambers!” Harry yelled, the wind cutting his voice.
Lotus buried her face into his back. “Shut up!” she whimpers, shaking with a small laugh. Soon, Buckbeak flies above Hogwarts school, then dipped down to the Black Lake, dragging his talons along the water to create ripples.
Lotus lifted her face slightly, looking over, at her reflection, or a blurry, rapid version of it. She smiled slightly, feeling her initial fear lessening, relaxing as she looked back at Harry, who slowly outstretched his arms, cheering.
He looked carefree. Like the years of terror and trauma hadn’t hit him at all, and he was a boy merely having fun. His eyes were full of awe and wonder, shoulders shaking from laughter.
She didn’t cheer or raise her arms as well. Just watched with a big smile. Simply reveling in it.
In him.
In the boy who, despite everything, still had wonder left in his eyes.
The moment was broken when Buckbeak shot up, and Harry gasped, holding onto his back again, in turn causing Lotus to tighten her hold on his waist. The hippogriff spun back, returning to the clearing. Hagrid’s whistle urged to call him down, and so he did. He descended down, trotting forward as he moved along to slow himself down, then shook his head, feathers ruffled from the wind. Lotus and Harry climbed off, both grinning from ear to ear as they ran back.
Students applauded, especially Ron and Hermione.
“Well done, Harry!” A boy said.
“Well done, Lotus!” A girl added.
“Well done, you two. And well done, Buckbeak,” Hagrid congratulated. Buckbeak held his head up high, puffing his chest with pride.
“Oh, that was wicked, you two!” Another boy smiled.
“Oh, please.” Draco grumbled, lifting himself off of the tree he’s been leaning on.
“Well done, well done…” Hagrid then leaned in. “How am I doing me first day?”
“Brilliant, professor,” Harry replied in earnest.
Lotus nodded, fixing her hair. “Yeah! I bet I looked like a torch withstanding wind currents—you’re doing amazing, Professor Hagrid , I can’t wait to see more!”
Hagrid felt warmth in his chest, beaming.
The moment was soured when Draco pushed his way through the crowd, approaching Buckbeak. “Yes. You’re not dangerous at all, are you, you great ugly brute? ”
Hagrid froze, whipping around, hand outstretched. “Malfoy. No.”
Buckbeak, startled that Draco approached, and with such disrespect, reared back, screeching, before slashing his talons at Draco’s arm. The boy yelled and fell back, stumbling into the dirt.
Students screamed as Hagrid ran over, standing in front of Draco. “Buckbeak!” He roared, trying to calm the creature. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Whoa. Buckbeak?”
The hippogriff lowered back down to all fours with a hiss as Hagrid threw a dead ferret away from them. “Away, you silly creature.”
Meanwhile, Lotus, despite herself, ran over, kneeling down. “Looks like a decent scar that could be healed with Episkey…” she admits.
“No, no!” Draco whimpered. “It’s killed me. It’s killed me!”
“Don’t be so dramatic,” Lotus huffed, “I’ve faced worse, it doesn’t hurt that bad… does it?”
Hagrid walked over, hands shaking. “Calm down. I-it’s just a scratch!”
“Hagrid! He has to be taken to the hospital,” Hermione urged.
“Seriously?” Lotus blinked in surprise.
“I’m the teacher, I’ll do it,” Hagrid lifted him up, Draco whimpering.
“Oh! Oh, you’re gonna regret this…”
“Class dismissed,” Hagrid shouted over his shoulder as he hurried off.
“You and your bloody chicken…!”
Lotus stifled a little giggle.
“What?” Several students groaned at the news.
“We didn’t even get to touch ‘im…” Ron sighed.
Meanwhile, Buckbeak walked over, licking Lotus’s fiery hair.
“Huh? Oh, thanks.” Lotus smiled as Buckbeak headed over to Harry, who was still watching the scene in surprise. Harry glanced over, jumping in shock as he saw Buckbeak so close, who pushed his head toward Harry’s face. Harry stroked his feathers hesitantly.
── .✦
Lotus chewed on a bacon strip, frowning.
“He’s really exaggerating,” she murmured. Indeed, on the other side, Draco was sitting with his friend, Pansy Parkinson .
“Does it hurt terribly, Draco?” she asked, batting her eyelashes.
“It comes and it goes. Still, I consider myself very lucky. According to Madam Pofmrey, another minute or two, and I, uh, could’v elost my arm. I couldn’t possibly do any homework for weeks.”
“Not funny!” Lotus yells, making Draco wince, grimace, and glare at her. She merely returned to eating her bacon.
“Listen to the idiot,” Ron sighed, stabbing his fork into a cutlet of steak. “He’s really laying it on thick, isn’t he?”
“Please, don’t touch it…” Draco’s exaggerated tone waved into the conversation.
“Yeah, but at least Hagrid didn’t get fired,” Harry added.
“Well, it was Draco’s own arrogance and stupidity that got him into that situation. Hagrid expressed multiple times that hippogriffs are prideful creatures… and he goes and insults Buckbeak? ” Lotus grumbled.
“Yeah, but I heard Draco’s father’s furious. We haven’t heard the end of this, I’m afraid,” Hermione shook her head.
Suddenly, Seamus’s voice was heard as he ran over to the Gryffindor table. “He’s been sighted, he’s been sighted!”
“Who?” Ron asked, quizzically.
“Sirius Black!” Seamus replied frantically. Students gasped as he slammed the newspaper down, revealing the newest headlines about sightings of Sirius.
“Duffton?” Hermione spoke, voice high with fear. “That’s not far from here!”
“Y-You don’t think he’d come to Hogwarts, do you?” Neville asked.
“With Dementors at every entrance?” A boy scoffed.
“Dementors,” Seamus shook his head in disbelief. “He’s already slipped past them once, hasn’t he? Who’s to say he won’t do it again?”
Bem nodded. “That’s right. Black could be anywhere. It’s like trying to catch smoke. Like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands.”
Others shuddered at his words. Lotus blinked.
Where did he come from?
Lotus and Harry both looked at the picture of Sirius Black’s mugshot, which was stuck in an endless loop of silent screams and thrashes.
“I’m sure he’s…” Lotus trailed off, not quite sure how to reason or justify this.
Harry shook his head, standing up. “We’ve got Defense Against the Dark Arts.”
Lotus tensed. Harry softened.
“Um… let’s go.”
Lotus nodded, as Ron shoved the last of his steak into his mouth, looking around. Hermione sighed and handed him his napkin, to which he thanked with muffled words and dabbed his lips and chin.
“Agh, Ronald, don’t speak with your mouth full!” she chided.
Ron shrugged, setting the napkin down, before walking ahead. Hermione followed him. Lotus and Harry met the two at the end of the table, before they headed off.
As they exited the Great Hall, the buzz of students heading to their next class filled the corridor. The clatter of shoes and murmured conversations surrounded them like white noise, but all Lotus could hear is the growing static in her brain.
Ron led the way, ranting on about something she didn’t care to listen in on at the moment. Harry walked beside Lotus, checking his book bag, glancing at her every now and then.
Lotus walked slower.
Her steps faltered as they entered the hallway leading to the DADA classroom. The doors crept into view, students piling in. The closer they got, the more rigid her limbs became. The more she felt herself trying to pull away.
No, don’t go back in there!
Danger. Danger. DANGER! GET BACK!
Her breaths became shallower, and it felt like cotton was in her ears, as everything became all muffled. All muddied. It felt like the shadows grew longer, like she was stepping closer towards Hell, towards eternal damnation.
And it’s only been the first day of school.
Her eyes flickered up, catching the room inside—vastly different from how he had decorated it: pictures upon pictures of himself. No, the room looked barer, a skeleton hanging over the ceiling, windows open, all of them , with the shoulder of Lupin visible from where she stood—the very same room that trapped her in a memory of a lack of one, constant fear, distrust, and a man who should’ve never been allowed to teach at all.
She stopped walking altogether.
Harry noticed immediately. He took a few more steps before realizing she wasn’t beside him anymore. Turning, he saw her frozen in the middle of the corridor, the crowd parting around her like she didn’t exist.
Her eyes were glassy, lips trembling. She clutched the strap of her satchel so tightly her knuckles were white. He walked back to her, careful not to startle her.
“Lotus?” he said softly.
“... should’ve never come back…”
“Huh?”
Lotus didn’t respond. She didn’t seem to hear. She was trapped in a sickening memory of her second year—the feeling of freezing up, her lungs losing air in how long that damned kiss was , what she couldn’t remember but her body could feel, the echo of her own helpless sobs, Draco of all people looking concerned as the two of them hid from him—that rushed back like a tidal wave striking a beach.
She leaned forward slightly, feeling like her lunch was coming back, shaking.
Draco passed. He looked ahead, then looked back. Then he looked forward and kept walking, snapping at his goons to stay quiet.
After all of that, he could sense something was seriously wrong.
And he didn’t exploit it? Lotus could laugh. If she wasn’t so scared.
“Lotus,” Harry said again, this time gently placing a hand near her arm but not quite rushing. “You don’t have to rush.”
Lotus looked up. Her eyes finally met him, wide and stricken. She looked past him, seeing Ron, who had finally realized what was going on. Ron looked greatly concerned, ready to stride over and comfort her if need be.
“I–I know I’m safe now,” she whispered. “I know it’s not the same. I know. But my body doesn’t. It keeps—keeps thinking I’m back there. That he’s back there. No, he’s in St. Mungo’s, rotting away like he deserves… but–” she gripped a strand of hair without realizing, sniffling as she tugged harshly. “It’s stupid, I know it’s stupid—”
“It’s not stupid,” Harry interrupted firmly, grabbing her wrist, before gently uncurling her fingers, lowering it. “It’s not.”
She blinked, and a tear could slip down before she could stop it.
The hallway ahead still waited, but Harry made sure to face her fully.
“I’ll walk in with you. You can… keep your eyes closed, or something. Trust me, I’ll.. pick us a seat furthest back–”
“No, I don’t… want that. Just—please, stay with me.”
Harry nodded. “We’ll go slow. You don’t, um, have to talk. You’re not alone. You have us three.”
Lotus merely nodded, and then, with trembling limbs, took one step forward. She held Harry’s hand tightly but thought nothing of it, walking inside with him and Ron.
Ron continued to talk, to show that the moment hasn’t totally been lost on them, to give her a sense of normalcy. The three saw that no one was sitting, but rather
The sound of rustling caught her attention. She looked back ahead, hand still tightly gripping her satchel. The cabinet in front of them shook violently, as if whatever was in there desperately wanted out.
“Intruiging, isn’t it?” Lupin called out, coming from behind the cabinet. “Would anyone like to venture a guess as to what is inside?”
“That’s a boggart, that is,” Dean said.
“Very good, Mr. Thomas. Now, can anyone tell me what a boggart looks like? ”
Hermione suddenly spoke. “No one knows.”
Lotus, Harry, and Ron jumped slightly. Lotus blinked.
“I swear, you keep… ” Lotus murmured.
“When did she get here?” Ron spoke in awe.
“Boggarts are shape-shifters. They take shape of whatever a particular person fears the most. That’s what makes them so–”
Lotus tensed as Lupin interrupted with a small smile. “So terrifying. Yes. Yes, yes, yes… Luckily, a very simple charm exits to repel a boggart. After me: Riddikulus. ”
All the students, except for Lotus, repeated. “Riddikulus!”
“Very good. A little louder, and very clear. Listen. Riddikulus, ” he announciated.
“Riddikulus!” They echoed.
Draco scoffed from behind, leaning against a pillar. “This class is ridiculous.”
Lotus started to hear static again. Her legs felt like lead.
The room tilted ever so slightly. In her vision. A murmur of laughter—somewhere far off— fluttered around the classroom like wind-chimes caught in a storm. Her fingers curled into the fabric of her skirt. Her throat was dry.
“Very good,” Lupin nods. “Well, so much for the easy part.” Several students laughed, but Lotus felt like a troll was very slowly laying on her, using her as a pillow. “You see, the incantation alone is not enough. What really finishes a boggart is laughter . You need to force it to assume a shape you find truly amusing. Let me explain…” He scanned the group for a willing participant. Except no one looked quite willing.
Lotus could hardly breathe. The cabinet in front of them rattled again. The sound made her flinch. Her stomach dropped to the floor.
Don’t open it. Don’t open it. Her thoughts blurred, tangled. Please don’t let it be me. Please don’t call my name.
She squeezed her eyes shut and took a step back. Instinctively, Harry subtly stepped in front of her, as if to say, pick me, not her.
Lupin must’ve noticed. His gaze lingered a moment longer on her face, but he didn’t call her forward. Not yet.
“Uh, Neville. Will you join me please?” Neville’s eyes widened, though he took several hesitant steps forward.
Oh, thank God.
Lupin gently urged him waving him over. “Come on. Come on, Hello,” he smiled. “Neville, what frightens you most of all?”
Neville stuttered, before muttering something under his breath.
Lupin tilted his head.
“Professor Snape.”
Several students chuckled, and so did Lupin—in a light-hearted tone. Lotus blinks.
Yeah, I guess he could be pretty scary. Especially to Neville.
Lupin nodded. “Professor Snape? Yes. Frightens all. And I believe you live with your grandmother…?”
“Y-yes.” Neville then backtracked, panicked. “But I don’t want that boggart to turn into her either!”
Lupin reassured him, shaking his head. “No. It won’t. I want you to picture her clothes - only her clothes - very clearly in your mind.”
Neville began. “She carries a red handbag—”
“We don’t need to hear,” he interrupts again, chuckling gently. “As long as you see it, we’ll see it. Now, when I open that wardrobe, here’s what I want you to do. Excuse me.” He whispers in Neville’s ear, before pulling back. “Can you do that?”
Neville nods. “Yes.”
Lupin hummed. “Want at the ready, then. One, two, three.” He flicked his wand, and the cabinet unlocks. Then, very slowly, the door creaked open, only for a pale hand with long fingers to rip the edge, and Professor Snape stepped out. He looked around, trying to understand his surroundings, before he locked eyes with Neville. Neville squeaked in terror as Professor Snape approached Neville, with a hateful look.
Lotus’s eyes widened, her fear momentarily forgotten by how accurate the boggart looked.
However, before Professor Snape could do anything, Neville raised his wand.
“Riddikulus!” He yelled, and Professor Snape stumbled back as his robes were changed into a large, fur-lined green coat, with a bird hat and a red handbag. Students began to laugh. Lotus chuckled a tiny bit, but still felt an air of anxiety.
Lupin claps. “Wonderful, wonderful, Neville! Wonderful! Incredible! Okay. To the back, Neville. Everyone, form a line.”
Lotus blinked. Suddenly, everyone pushed and clamoured for a spot in a line, and she found herself behind Harry, Parvati, and Ron. “I want everyone to picture the thing they fear the most and turn it into something funny . Next. Ron!” He calls out, as he began to play music with a record player.
Ron whimpered as he stepped forward, Professor Snape transforming into a massive spider.
“R-Riddikulus!” Ron shouted, and with a loud pop! , roller skates appeared on each foot of the spider’s eight legs. The spider’s legs slipped and splayed out from under it, causing it to skid and spin across the floor, desperately trying to get up.
He let out a weak chuckle, before laughing more confidently, the other students chuckling.
Lupin nodded. “Yes! You see? Very good, very good. Marvelous. Absolutely, very, very enjoyable . Parvati!” He slammed the desk slightly, not enough to startle, but enough to call the next student forward. Ron skipped back, high-fiving Harry, while Parvati stepped forward.
“Next! Parvati, show us what you see,” Lupin urged.
The boggart stared into her eyes, before whipping and changing, turning into a massive snake, coiling and hissing with fangs bared.
“Keep your nerves steady.”
Parvati’s eyes widened, taking a small step back, though before it could strike her, she yanked her wand in front of her.
“Riddikulus!” Students snickered and howled with laughter as the snake turned into a large, wide-eyed clown jack-in-a-box. The music swelled as Parvati grinned, turning around and hurried to the back.
Lotus felt even more sicker as Harry came up next.
“And next! Step up, step up. Wonderful, wonderful. Very good!” Lupin praised, wringing his hands together like a cheer. Harry stared at the clown as it sprung back and forth, its eyes following him, analyzing him, until it shifted.
It flew into the air, whipping and melting and mixing until it turned into a Dementor . Laughter ceased, and Lotus tensed. Harry froze, unable to raise his wand in time as it dove down towards him.
Lupin suddenly jumped in front of Harry, yelling. “Here!” Distracted and startled, the boggart shifted into what looked to be a pair of clouds, parting to reveal a bright full moon .
Lotus’s eyes widened.
No way.
There’s no way.
But just before she could say anything, or react, Lupin shouted.
“Riddikulus!” The moon snapped from the clouds, turning into a white balloon that flew around the class. Lupin ran to the cabinet, opening it as many students gasped and dodged out of the way.
Lotus, unfortunately, was not lucky enough to move fast enough. She yelped when it hit her straight in the face, before sinking down like an ice cream slipping from the cone after someone leans the dessert forward too much. She staggered back, rubbing her nose with an annoyed grunt.
“Ow…” she murmured, staring down. The balloon twitched, before it began to stretch, way, way above, until it loomed over her.
Lupin’s eyes widened in realization. “Get back!” he caled—but the boggart had already shifted, drawn to the fear still clinging to Lotus like a scent.
The ballon twisted in the air, reshaping.
Taking shape. White parts became well-groomed brown hair, face structured into a defined jaw and an unforgettable grin , outfit flashy and sparkly.
Students gaped as Gilderoy Lockhart stood over Lotus, who, right now, looked like she was getting convicted of a death sentence.
His pearly teeth gleamed, just like they had in every cover of Magical Me , and his eyes sparkled with that same, false warmth. But he looked exaggerated. Too big, too real. Like the boggart had copy-pasted how she had perceived that devil-of-a-man and brought him into reality—too tall, too shiny , too fake.
He took a step forward.
Don’t freeze.
DON’T FREEZE!
STOP IT! NO!
Lotus shuddered far more than she should’ve, letting out a pitiful whine as Lockhart reached out, caressing her cheek with cold, defined fingers.
Please, someone help me, she internally begged, eyes welling up with tears.
She had tried so hard to feel an inch of a bit better to return, and now it was all unraveling because of a monster that could turn into her biggest fear. Her firearm-like wand trembled in her hand. She wasn’t sure if it, too, was scared, or if it was urging her to cast the spell. But no words came.
She let out an involuntary shudder, one full of disdain, disgust, and fear, as his fingertips tilted her chin up, forcing their eyes to meet.
No, no no no.
Her eyes darted over, spotting the confused and horrified looks of several students, as the situation seemed to dawn on them. Some looked disgusted— at her? At Lockhart? — and Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked petrified. Harry stepped forward, in an attempt to help, but Lupin swept in once again.
Lockhart’s grin melted away into the full moon once again, unraveling from behind the smoke.
“Riddikulus!” He shouted, and yet again the moon turned into a balloon, but this time he had grabbed it and shoved it into the cabinet, slamming the door shut. The cabinet began to rattle.
The class was dead silent.
Lupin stood frozen for a beat, one hand still pressed firmly against the rattling cabinet. His eyes darted towards Lotus.
She stood stiffly, wand still shaking at her side, face as red as her hair, burning from embarrassment, shame , and humiliation . Tears clung to her lashes, and her breathing was ragged, like she’d just run a marathon barefoot on broken glass. She didn’t speak. Didn’t move.
“Lotus,” Lupin said gently, his voice almost inaudibe over the creaking of the cabinet. “You’re safe, now.”
Safe. How extremely, utterly laughable.
She took a step back. And then another.
Lotus turned on her heel and ran, bumping into Draco on the way out. Draco looked stunned, stumbling back slightly when her shoulder collided with his. Lotus could barely hear Harry calling out for her, nor did she hear Lupin’s unsure voice call for an early dismissal. However, no one moved. Not yet.
A sob tore from her throat as she stumbled down the steps, collapsing onto her knees. The impact scraped her skin against the cold, unforgiving tiles, but she didn’t care, staying there as she curled up into a ball. She wrapped her arms around herself, digging her nails into her sleeves with a choked whimper, shaking.
She had tried so hard over the summer to cope the best she could. To return here, even with the occasional flinch, to try to enjoy what Lockhart had broken.
And instead, she found herself betrayed yet again.
“I’m not safe here,” she concluded, “and this just solidified it— hic …”
“Lotus!” Harry turned the corner and saw her at the bottom of the stairs, running down just in time for the staircase to start shifting away from the platform. He leapt down, kneeling beside her, hands hovering over her back, but not quite touching.
“They saw,” Lotus wailed, “they saw the pathetic wreck I really am! I’m no Gryffindor, I’m just a stupid, fragile girl who can’t get over what some guy did to her—hic—”
“No, no, shhh, you’re not stupid!” Harry argued. “The stupid one here should be that stupid boggart, or, or… or Professor Lupin, he started this in the first place—”
“No!” she shouted, shaking. “He didn’t know. No one knew, no one knew until now .”
“You’re right,” Harry agreed immediately. “Do… do you want to go back to the Common Room? Or—”
“No,” She surprised herself by saying this. “N…no. I… I don’t want to hide, knowing people know. If they have a heart they won’t bring this up. I…I just…” she looked at him, desperately hoping he’d understand.
Harry nodded, helping her up to her feet. He pushed her spilled things back into her satchel, before handing it to her. “Okay, come on, let’s just… get ready for… Potions, okay?”
Lotus replied with a hoarse cough and another sob, clinging to his robes.
“Lotus?”
“Okay,” she murmured miserably.
This was her own fault—oh, not the boggart, but her forcing herself to head to class and act as if nothing happened. When she knows the very same people who had witnessed her greatest trauma manifest in front of her and scare her in ways no child should ever have been scared (to the point she couldn’t even cast Riddikulus) will be there and might ask questions… that is, if they were truly as heartless as her own heart believed.
She lurched forward, covering her mouth. “Oh, god,” she gasped before she retched, vomiting onto the tile. Harry jerked back, flinching.
“Oh, Lotus, shit, are you okay?!” She hiccupied pitifully and leaned against the wall. “Sorry, stupid question…” Harry whipped his wand out, fumbling through spells in his mind until he found one that could help.
He pointed his wand at the small puddle of vomit. “Tergeo,” he said smoothly. The wand siphoned away the puddle and the smell, before turning to Lotus, who wiped her chin with her sleeve. “Now are you sure we should head to Potions? I don’t know if your stomach can handle all the odd smells.”
Lotus gave a meek shrug.
“Then I’m dropping you off to the Common Room. Come on.”
Lotus didn’t argue as he grabbed onto her arm again with a gentleness that didn’t spook her, leading her to Gryffindor tower.
Too early , she thought, it’s too early to be dealing with this.
If this sets the mood for the rest of her year, she was doomed. Officially, utterly doomed.
Notes:
No, I'm not wrong about the Artifical Intelligence reference, too. Artifical Intelligence (or the field of research of it) was first coined in the Dartmouth College in 1956 :D.
I've never been the best writer (well, I can articulate my thoughts but I get repetitive) so this story is giving me the best work to better my writing.
--
Jeez I wrote almost 9.5k words
Chapter 18: ⛓ Inscrutable Feelings
Summary:
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
in·scru·ta·ble
[inˈskro͞odəb(ə)l]
adjective
impossible to understand or interpret.Lotus struggles with having her past put on display to people who will run their mouths. When the students are finally allowed to go to Hogsmeade, she chooses to stay behind to think while alone. There, a certain DADA Professor goes to talk... at a distance.
Sirius Black finally reaches Hogwarts, and Harry and Lotus find comfort in each other late at night.
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
☒ 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 ☒
- just talking about the past
- the fear of your past being exposed to everyone'
- mentioned SA
Notes:
I finished my AP exam as of 5/14/25, really hated the "Look at me" prompt or wtv
The original title was "Anemoia", but there really wasn't anything related to that feeling in this when I was planning it out. Then I went on a whole search to find fancy words like Anemoia or Sonder.
anyways, I hope you enjoy <:)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
She had missed out on Potions class but calmed herself down enough to go to Herbology after Lunch.
In some way, Lotus wished she had just stayed in the dormitories. Enough time had passed where students who ran their mouths, and who were also there when it happened, had spread the word of her emotional breakdown, and the fact her boggart was a famous-hunk-turned-brainless-fraud raised some eyebrows.
This wasn’t how she wanted to reveal what happened. What little she remembered. She had wanted it at her own pace, just like when she told Ron, like when she told her grandparents, like when she told Harry and Hermione, like when she told Professor Snape. Despite her hesitance, she had wanted to speak what little truth she could remember and know that these people—people she trusted closely —would keep the secret for as long as she wanted them to.
But now? Her truth was laid bare and exposed to kids who may not understand and might scrutinize her pain, who might take things out of proportion and dream up things she wouldn’t ever think.
That she might have wanted it at first.
Did she? Did she want it? She had been entranced and charmed by his looks, his voice, and everything about him . He exuberated confidence, filling what little she had in herself.
She had trusted him, in her own way, to be the bigger person and not indulge and manipulate her behavior.
And he had broken it.
Lotus hugged herself as she walked down the stone steps, exiting Hogwarts’ entrance. It took everything she had in her to not get dizzy and fall.
“I missed Potions,” she reminded herself, “I need to get notes from Hermione…”
Suddenly, someone called out to her.
“L-Lotus!” She froze in her steps and turned, seeing Neville awkwardly jog up to her. He offered a nervous smile, one she could not return. Instead, Lotus gave a stiff nod and began to walk. Neville followed, clutching the strap of his messenger bag. “S-so… um, are you feeling any better?” he asked, concerned. “Harry… told us you needed some rest. B-by the way, I have notes from Professor Snape’s class!”
Lotus nodded. “Thanks, Neville. I do need that.”
A tense silence filled the air as they walked.
Neville cleared his throat. “U-uhm, Professor Snape told me to tell you to… take it easy… and… relax.”
Lotus snorted. “Professor Snape? Tell me to relax?”
“That’s basically what he said,” Neville smiled a little, glad he got a reaction.
Lotus offered a dry, humorless chuckle. “If he ever truly told anyone to relax, I’d start checking for Polyjuice Potion.”
Neville laughed and rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, I thought it was a bit weird too… and you know, I’m scared of him, so I thought he was going to criticize me until he asked where you were. I told him… I told him what Harry told us, and he just nodded and looked sort of… I guess, worried? In his own Snape-y way. Like, he’s not personally worried, but the fact you missed class irks him.”
Lotus nodded gently. “Mmh. Okay.”
She glanced sideways, watching Neville fumbling through his bag, pulling out a few rolled parchments.
“These are Potions notes… Oh—and this one’s got my sketches of the ingredient diagrams. Sorry, they’re a bit smudged.”
Lotus blinked as he handed them over. “It looks fine to me, Neville. Thank you,” she nodded, putting them away.
“Anytime,” Neville flushed a little. “You can keep them for a bit. I don’t mind.”
“I should have this back to you by breakfast,” she nodded.
As the two entered the Greenhouse, Lotus’s initial nauseating fear returned; several students were talking until they saw her, to which they stared for a second, and whispered to each other as Lotus resigned herself to a far corner. Neville, bless him, joined her.
“Neville.”
“H-huh?”
“You don’t have to pity me,” Lotus murmured. “Or… whatever it is you’re doing.”
“I’m not,” Neville argued, voice a little high-pitched in defense, “I-I swear—”
“All I ask is that you don’t think of me any less, from what you saw and what you will hear,” she rubbed her arm. “I just wanted this school year to be better. But it’s already down the shitter on my first day.”
Neville winced, feeling pity. He shook his head, slowly raising his hand to put it on her shoulder. However, he froze, fingers twitching, hovering just above.
“It’s fine, Neville.”
To that, he hesitantly patted her shoulder. “You’re a really nice person, Lotus, a-and if what I think happened did happen—”
“It did,” she confirmed miserably.
“Then… then you didn’t deserve that. No one deserves that happening to them, and… and the fact that no one knew…”
Lotus shook her head. “People know. Just way too late. That’s my fault.”
“No, don’t say that!” Neville frowns. “It never is! You were dealing with someone who wiped other witches' and wizards’ memories to take their credit! What you remember now is probably a quarter of what he had done!”
Lotus winced. He was right. She took a deep breath, nodding. “You’re right,” she confirmed. “It’s just hard to think right now.”
Neville nodded understandingly as Professor Sprout walked in. Her face faltered as she saw Lotus, but forced her warm smile back up.
“Good afternoon, class!”
“Good afternoon, Professor Sprout!” the students replied.
“For this year, we are going to learn more fascinating magical plants,” she announced. “We’ll be studying Puffapods, which produce pink seedpods filled with shining beans that flower instantly upon contact with soil. They’re quite delightful and safe to handle.”
She moved to the main table displaying various plants.
“Later in the term, we’ll examine Mandrakes yet again, the Valerian, Mimbulus mimbletonia—resembling a cactus, but has boils that secret Stinksap when prodded— and much more.”
The students leaned in, intrigued.
“Now for today’s lesson, we’ll start with the Puffapods. Please gather around and observe as I demonstrate the proper planting techniques.”
As the class gathered, Professor Sprout glanced at Lotus.
“Ms. Inag, would you like to assist me with the demonstration?”
Lotus staggered back, eyes a little wide. “M-me? I…” she looked at Neville.
Why not Neville?
She looked back, nodding. “Uhm, okay.” She hesitantly made her way past the crowd and put her gloves on.
“Excellent,” Sprout said gently. “While Puffapods are safe to handle, I must warn you that their beans are delicate. Do handle them with care.”
Lotus nodded, gently scooping them up before she lowered her hand into the small little hole Sprout had just dug. As soon as she removed her hands and let it fall into the soil, it immediately blossomed into a vibrant flower. The class applauded softly, while Neville clapped with more enthusiasm.
“Well done, Ms. Iang,” Sprout praised. “Your touch is just right.”
Lotus offered a small smile, the warmth of the moment easing her tension.
See? It’s alright. It’s not too bad.
If Hogwarts wants to preserve their reputation, they’d best be on their guard to dispel the growing whispers.
But Myrtle… she was bullied severely, and I’m sure they didn’t try to help her.
To be fair, does Hogwarts do much of anything outside of trying to appear the best?
That poisonous thought made her cringe.
Sprout addressed the class, “Now, pair up and try planting your Puffapods. Remember to be gentle.”
As the students dispersed to their tasks, Sprout leaned toward Lotus.
“If you ever need to talk or require assistance, my door is always open,” she said softly.
Lotus didn’t look at her. Instead, she watched as Neville approached her and Sprout, eager to be Lotus’s partner. “Thank you, Professor,” she mumbled, voice far away but present all the same.
She then met Neville halfway, smiling a little. “Let’s plant Puffapods, Nev.”
He nodded.
── .✦
At dinner, the whispers seemed to have faded.
For the most part.
Lotus sat next to Harry, who did well to deter anyone from staring at her with a withering glare.
A glare from the Boy Who Lived does wonders to keep people away.
Ron and Hermione sat opposite, as always, and Hermione was ranting on about Muggle Studies, mostly to set a calming atmosphere. Ron dug into his dessert. She was currently copying Neville’s notes, sometimes offhandedly picking at her shepherd’s pie. The usual chatter seemed… quieter. Like someone had dialed the noise down a notch, the way you might when your downstairs neighbor had yelled at you to turn the radio down.
No one looked at her directly, but she could feel it. The glances, the awkward pauses mid-conversation when she passed by, the sudden drops in volume.
They all judged her without saying anything, and she didn’t know if that was worse than verbal scrutiny.
She stared at the candlelight flickering above the table, half-listening to Hermione babble on about how important it is for wizards and witches to know about Muggles—not that she disagreed anyway.
Hagrid strutted past, mumbling to himself. He did a double take when he saw Lotus, his expression softening. “Blimey, look at yeh…”
He flinched when he saw Lotus shrink in more, and Ron shook his head, waving a flat hand side-to-side near his throat that screamed ‘Stop!’
“Ah—er,” Hagrid fumbled, scratching at the back of his thick neck awkwardly. “Didn’ mean nothin’ by it,” he muttered, eyes flickering down. “Just—glad you’re up an’ about.”
Lotus nodded stiffly, eyes focused on her food. She had done well to eat more than usual, but she was worried she might vomit it all up soon from high stress.
But she needed this. Needed to keep going, because she had more than trauma to deal with—she had nearly forgotten about her illness all this time. And no doubt the stress was making it worse.
I’m glad I didn’t have Charms today, she thought.
Hagrid lingered for a beat longer, clearly torn, then gave a gentle pat to Harry’s shoulder instead and carried on down the Hall to the staff table.
No one spoke for a minute. Then Lotus handed the scroll back to Neville. “All done.”
“Oh, goodie. That was fast,” he admitted.
“I have Astronomy later, I didn’t want this weighing on my mind to do as soon as I got back from Sinistra’s,” she replied quietly, sipping some pumpkin juice.
Neville nodded. Harry leaned over. “Hey, Lotus,” he murmured, “Dumbledore’s coming.”
Lotus blinked, then glanced over to see the elderly man, in all his silvery glory, stride over.
Professor Dumbledore’s silvery robes shimmered as he strolled down, students turning their heads instinctively. His expression was pleasant as always, but his eyes—stormy, unreadable, unpredictable, yet warm eyes—were fixed on Lotus.
Lotus blinked, then sat straighter in her seat, hands folded in her lap.
“Ms. Inag,” he greeted gently, his voice warm but carrying an undercurrent of gravity. “Might I borrow a moment of your attention?”
“Yes…” Lotus replied, throat tight. “Yes, Professor.”
Dumbledore nodded once, then leaned down, his voice low enough for only those nearby to hear. “If you can: my office. Ten o’clock tonight. The password is Acid Pops ,” his eyes twinkled with slight humor, “I had to change it after you got in earlier,” he added to lighten the tension.
Lotus smiled weakly but nodded.
“I believe we have much to discuss there,” he concluded. His gaze lingered for just a second longer before he gave a kind smile and turned away, heading back to the staff table.
The others looked at her. Ron swallowed thickly. “Whaddya think he wants to discuss?”
“Isn’t it obvious? The rumors—er, well, insensitive claims,” Hermione huffed. “I think you should talk to him, and put a stop to the whole thing.”
“Technically it is stopped…” Lotus replied.
“Lotus,” Harry frowns, “it’s halted. But it hasn’t stopped. They’re just waiting until you leave— Oh, for Merlin’s sake. ”
Lotus perked up when another person approached her. Blonde, cast-wielding, Slytherin robe.
She felt herself grow anxious. “Draco.”
Draco stood there, posture rigid, lips pursed like he was holding back more than just words. His gaze swept over the group and then settled on Lotus.
He looked… conflicted. Not sneering, not smug. Just tense. She noticed his usual group wasn’t with him either.
“Lotus,” he said evenly.
She stiffened more at the sound of her name. “What do you want?” she asked, her tone tired. She couldn’t afford another scene. Not here. Not now.
Draco glanced down, fingers tightening on the sling of his cast. “You know, it all makes sense now. Last year. When you… so rudely grabbed my hand and forced us both to hide in the courtyard from him.”
The blood drained from Lotus’s face. The air felt too thin. “Yeah.”
He looked more uncomfortable. “If you want, I can report this to the Ministry—to my father—and take action. This school needs to be punished for letting this go on for so long.”
Lotus shot up, startling him, while shaking her head. “Oh, dear God , Draco, no, please,” she begged. “It’s hard enough right now, now that everyone knows something bad had happened to me. But I don’t need— I don’t need that attention. Okay? I’m not ready. And I don’t want… to compromise this place. I– You get it, right? You understand?”
Draco stood stiffly, before nodding, voice calculating and cool. “Yes, I do, Inag. I won’t use this to my advantage—no. It feels too… unfair.”
Harry glared at him but didn’t say anything. Hermione looked miffed, and Ron was ready to shout, so Draco turned and left.
Lotus sat down, throat dry, heart pounding in her ears as she watched him leave. “Right… right.”
── .✦
9:58 PM.
Lotus was sure of it. She made sure to check the clock by peering out the window. Two minus before her scheduled meeting with Professor Dumbledore. To say she was ‘nervous’ was an understatement.
She was terrified.
She rocked back and forth, shifting from heel to toe, standing in front of the stone gargoyle.
“U-uhm, Acid Pops ,” Lotus squeaked. The gargoyle gave an annoyed huff, before turning away, presenting the staircase up. She reached out to the wall to steady herself, her heart nearly beating out of her chest as she slowly ascended.
One step at a time, Lo, she thought to herself, it’ll be okay. Really. He just wants to talk.
… Alone.
… No, Dumbledore would never.
She gulped anxiously once she reached the top, entering the familiar office. It used to bring warmth, the kind you get when entering your house after a long day of playing in the snow, but right now, Lotus didn’t feel the chill in her bones melt away. She forced herself to look up, seeing Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall. The tenseness in her shoulders relaxed as she timidly walked over, finger locked with the other in some sort of awkward fiddle.
“P–Professor Dumbledore. Professor McGonagall.”
“Ms. Inag,” Professor McGonagall nodded. “Please, take a seat.”
Lotus shifted her satchel to the side, before looking at her chair.
Close. Too close.
Without looking at them, she dragged it back a few inches, the legs scraping against the wood before she sat down. Lotus looked up, hands folded on her satchel, which rested on her lap. “Am I… in trouble?”
“No need to pretend,” Professor Dumbledore chuckled softly. “You are in anything but trouble. In fact, it is us who are in trouble.”
Her eyes shot up. “L-legally?!”
“No, morally,” Dumbledore replied. “While we will not stop you if you wish to report us for our negligence, I want to extend our deepest apologies. And… if you’d like, for us to understand as much as possible.”
Lotus gripped the clasp of her satchel. “Oh… um… okay, but… why is— why is Professor McGonagall here?”
“Because I am your Head of House, Ms. Inag,” McGonagall replied curtly, “whatever happened should never have happened under my watch.”
Her voice held guilt. Heavy guilt, and also some frustration. “I… I am so sorry, Lotus. For what Lock– he had done to you.”
Lotus leaned back against the chair, trying to will her eyes to not brim with hot tears. “It’s… okay. Trust me, I– I… if I had remembered, I would’ve reported. I didn’t when I did because… I was scared.” She took a deep breath and began to explain.
“As any other girl, I was a huge fan. Here, a brilliant wizard with such a charming smile. He was so nice, a figure I could look up to. I mean, I kinda had a crush on him, but in an admiral way,” she looked down, her feet swinging back and forth gently. “He took advantage of that. Started to keep me around to help ‘clean’. And then called me so many nice things, and then winter break he asked me to stay behind so he could teach me more defensive spells. To his credit, he did.”
She looked at them. “But at that point, I was starting to feel like I had forgotten some things and felt awkward at him. Then…” her lip trembled. “He kissed me. It hurt. It was breathtaking… but in a bad way. He said something about this being like my other reactions—implying he’s done this before—and then moved to erase my memory, but then Hermione came knocking so he forgot.”
She continued to ramble, not catching the worried look on Dumbledore’s face or the horrified expression on McGonagall’s.
“ A-and then, and then that time when I used the Smokescreen Spell and he talked about how happy he was and everything and… I fled, ran into Draco, and forced him to hide with me, away from him, and then Professor Snape found us— ”
Lotus looked up, face ashen. “I’m sorry, that’s really all I can remember. Oh, besides, um, the time he tried to Obliviate me, Harry, and Ron… but you know that. Everyone will always know that because that’s what revealed him to be a fraud.”
The two elders were in silence for a brief moment, before they spoke to each other in hushed tones. She frowned, looked away, and locked eyes with a mirror.
God, I look pathetic, she thought. Her oxblood-red hair and golden yellow streaks didn’t make her feel so brave anymore. She felt quite the opposite.
“...I don’t… belong to Gryffindor,” she murmured. “I’m not brave at all.”
McGonagall paused, then shook her head. “Nonsense. Mr. Potter has told me numerous times of you saving him, of you standing up against Mr. Malfoy, or your unrelenting kindness and loyalty to those you hold dear,” she said. “What you felt in the moment was fear, and even the bravest has felt— and will keep feeling —fear. That does not mean you don’t belong to Gryffindor. The fact that you returned shows bravery.”
Lotus swallowed thickly as Dumbledore stood.
“Ms. Inag,” he began, “I do not expect words to mend what you endured. What I can offer is support—in any form you feel is best. I’m sure you’re familiar with Madam Pomfrey’s aid, as well as Professor Snape’s.”
Lotus nodded. “Uh-huh.”
“They will be happy to help anytime.”
She snorted. Snape? Happy?
Dumbledore seemed to chuckle heartily too, before his voice returned to its remorseful tone. “As for the whispers, I can wipe everyone’s mind of the event—as in, of the Boggart situation. If you would. Be that Obliviation or the Forgetfulness Potion , put in their goblets come breakfast.”
Lotus blinked, sitting up straighter. “You can do that?... Thank you, Professor.”
She should be feeling relief. But the mere mention of wiping memories made her stomach churn in a sour way.
He offered a small smile. “You are not the one who should be thanking anyone, Ms. Inag. It is us who owe you that.”
McGonagall gave her a firm but kind look. “And should anything else come back to you—even fragments—as well as anyone spouting harsh sayings, you come to me immediately. No questions asked.”
Lotus gave a quiet, “Yes, ma’am,” still clutching her satchel. But this time, the grip was a little looser. She stood up, smiling weakly. “I… don’t add the Potion. Or use the Charm. It feels… wrong. Especially after what I went through. If they want to talk… let them. I know I have people who’ll get revenge.”
Dumbledore’s eyes softened. “I see. Well, then, you should be off, Ms. Inag. You are a very brave and a very kind soul. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight,” she replied, turning away too fast, leaving too fast.
Walking down the steps and to the Astronomy Tower, she felt a little calmer. But she didn’t trust it. At this point? Anytime she tried to be calm, anytime she felt better in general, there was always something to ruin it. To mess it up.
But now people knew. And these people wanted to help… or at the very least be there for her.
She pulled out her wand, staring at it.
She had been very excited back then. A custom-made, accommodating wand. All for her. And funnily enough, shaped like a long-barrel pistol. A single-wielding shotgun. It made her look cooler.
As if sensing her hidden sadness, it twitched.
“I’m sorry that I didn’t use you earlier… I was too scared. I shouldn’t let fear like that make me freeze in the heat of the moment. That’s why I keep getting hurt,” she murmured helplessly, holding it close.
“I promise. I’ll use you as much as I can, and for good, not evil. No matter how many times I want to turn Draco’s hair rainbow,” she chuckled softly. “Okay… stop talking to your wand, Lotus. Time to head to class.”
── .✦
The bell chimed in the high tower above as students started to crowd around the entrance grounds, holding their permission slips as McGonagall addressed the rules to them. Why? Because today was the first weekend of the month. According to the permission slip, Third Years and above were allowed to go to Hogsmeade Village (with the permission slip signed by the student’s parent or guardian, of course) bi-monthly, on the first and third weekend of every month.
She clutched the slip in her hands, though she didn’t feel like going. Not really. Charms and Transfiguration back-to-back had made her very tired, as well as Double Potions for her first two periods. That and the fact that Harry couldn’t go.
“Now remember,” Professor McGonagall said, “these visits to Hogsmeade Village are a privilege. Should your behavior reflect poorly on the school in any way, that privilege shall not be extended again.” She took slips from students as they exited the grounds, meeting up with each other. Filch stood there, waiting patiently. As patient as he could be.
McGonagall’s eyes glanced over at Harry as he walked up to her. “No permission form signed, no visiting the village. That’s the rule, Potter.”
Harry frowned, as Filch yelled. “All those with permission, follow me. Those without, stay put!”
“But professor, but I thought if you signed it, then I could go,” Harry spoke with a tone in his voice that said ‘please, please sign it.’
However, McGonagall didn’t relent, despite the slight guilt in her eyes saying otherwise. “I can’t. Only a parent or guardian can sign. Since I am neither, it would be inappropriate. I’m sorry, Potter, that’s my final word.”
Lotus gripped the paper more tightly, as Hermione and Ron gave Harry a sad look.
“Forget about it, guys. See you later,” Harry murmured bitterly.
“Don’t worry, Harry, I, uh, just wanted to give McGonagall the slip. We can stay together,” Lotus said, holding it out. Hermione and Ron hesitantly followed the fleeing crowd, and McGonagall walked away.
“No, it’s fine, really,” Harry replied. He looked over, spotting Professor Lupin. “And I, um, need to talk to someone.”
“Oh,” Lotus blinks. “Okay, fair enough. I am tired, so I do need some rest. Or maybe some time alone.”
Harry smiled sadly, hugging her with one arm. “Rest up. You had a hellish week.”
“Damn right I did,” Lotus laughed. He pulled away, then hurried off to talk to Professor Lupin.
Lotus watched the two start a conversation, hearing the words ‘Boggart’ and ‘Lord Voldemort’, before she turned around and left.
Her feet crunched under the leaves as she left the entrance grounds and entered the school again, wandering aimlessly. What to do now?
Well, she could try getting some of that ‘alone time’ she had just preached about seconds ago. With a slight huff, she turned at the corner and kept walking.
Ridiculous, I can’t find my own peace right now.
Lotus looked up, blinking. “Hold on, I don’t really recognize these areas,” she murmured. “Where am I?” When the scent of food hit her nose, her eyes widened. Oh, right, she was near the Kitchen.
…Oh, what the hell. No one was around, they wouldn’t mind her nabbing a snack. She walked over, seeing the smell wafting from behind a large door-sized painting.
It was tall, with a curved arch at the top. The painting itself consisted of a bunch of fruits on a dark tray, a silver basket, and even a wooden basket in the back. Grapes, pears, apples, cherries, and all the like were featured.
What a befitting painting to hide such a lovely place.
Of course, they’d be protective of making sure no one intrudes on the chef’s work.
Lotus frowned, tilting her head.
Then, she remembered something Fred once told her during her second year.
“Sometimes–okay, often, we sneak over to the Kitchen and get in by tickling the pear, which turns into a doorknob. The House Elves there are more than happy to sneak out food for us/”
He grinned like it was the best secret in the world.
She narrowed her eyes slightly at the green pear. “Time to see if you were telling the truth, Frederick Weasley.” Lotus reached out, lightly tickling the pear in the painting. It shivered slightly, before morphing into a large, green door handle.
Grinning slightly, she opened it, peering in, expecting to see witches and wizards cooking about. But no, she, instead, saw a bunch of tiny, nearly hairless creatures, wearing tiny tarps that hung past their knees, with big round eyes. They worked diligently, talking amongst each other rarely—only to bark orders or to laugh at something the other had said. Shelves upon shelves of pots, pants, and other utensils were lined up along the long walls, and Lotus realized that the four tables—as well as the one staff table in the front—mirrored the Great Hall.
So, this was how their food was magically appearing.
Then, before she could think of it anymore, one of them froze when they saw her.
“Uh—hi,” Lotus said lamely. “I’m—”
“Lotus,” it squeaked. “Yes, yes, we know you.”
“Aw, geez, is it the hair?” she lightly joked.
The elf paused, then said with complete sincerity, “Sure it is, miss.”
He then turned around, carrying the plate with him.
Lotus stood awkwardly at the entrance for a moment, unsure if she should stick around. Finally, she stepped forward, weaving carefully between the tiny, busy elves. “Um, excuse me?” she asked, tapping gently on the shoulder of the nearest elf not holding something boiling or sharp.
The small creature turned around, eyes wide and blinking up at her. He wore a tea towel with a butterbeer logo stitched on the corner.
“Yes, miss?” he said, voice squeaky but kind.
“I—uh, sorry to bother you,” Lotus said, rubbing the back of her neck. “But… any chance I could snag a snack?”
The elf didn’t blink. “Snack?”
“Yeah, just something small. Nothing fancy,” she added quickly. “Just… y’know, mid-day. Like a small pastry.”
The elf’s expression lit up like she’d just asked for a birthday cake. “Of course, of course! We are always happy to help students with empty stomachs! Yes, wait right here!”
Before she could say thank you, he zipped away, weaving expertly between other elves. Lotus blinked, stunned at the speed. Within moments, he returned, holding a small bag of warm, soft scones. “Oh,” she said, eyes wide. “That’s way more than I expected.”
The elf beamed. “Is it to your liking, miss?”
“It’s great, thanks.” She smiled, picking up the small bag. “You and the other elves might just be the best part of Hogwarts. Thank you for constantly feeding us.”
The elf puffed up proudly. “We are glad to serve!”
Lotus laughed, before taking a scone out, biting into it. “Mmmph, it’s so warm…” she turned around, walking away. “I’ll take my leave now—but again, thank you!”
“You’re welcome!” he chirped enthusiastically, then promptly returned back to work.
── .✦
She chewed slowly, thoughtfully, as she resumed wandering. If anyone asked, she’d just say her grandparents sent this to her the day prior and she used a Charm to heat it. Lotus looked up, realizing she had just exited onto the entrance yet again. “Oh,” she sighs. “Great…”
Before she could leave, a voice called out.
“Ah, Ms. Inag!”
Blinking, she turned slightly, seeing Professor Lupin and Harry at the Covered Bridge. The sight of Professor Lupin made her stomach turn inwards, and she had a slight wince to her expression.
Lupin’s smile faltered slightly. He must have noticed the twitch.
Lotus walked over to them, wrapping her scarf around her an extra time to protect against the chilling air. “Hi, Harry. Hi… Professor Lupin,” she muttered, stopping next to Harry, far from Lupin. “Wanna try a scone?”
“Where’d you get this from?” Harry asked as she opened up the bag, reaching in to grab one. “Do you want one, Professor?”
“Oh, no, no, I’m not hungry,” he waved it off slightly, arms resting on the railings of the Covered Bridge. “I do ask as well— where did you get these? ”
“Gift from grandparents yesterday.”
“Lotus, you forget I sit next to you every day,” Harry humored. “You got these from the Kitchen, didn’t you?”
“Will I get in trouble for it?” she asked, voice muffled from the scone she was chewing as she put the bag away.
Lupin chuckled. “I hardly consider that a misdemeanor. In fact, Harry, your father, James, always snuck into the Kitchen.”
Harry let out a slight laugh. “Really?”
As the two resumed conversation, Lotus looked ahead, red hair flowing in the wind, streaks of gold interrupting each pattern. Eventually, Harry started to walk away, and Lotus pushed herself off of the railing to follow him, when Lupin held his hand up.
“Hold on, Lotus, could you stay?”
Lotus froze. She felt every bone in her body locks into place. Harry paused, looking back.
“Professor, I don’t think she…”
“It’s fine,” Lotus said quickly— too quickly . It wasn’t fine. Not at all. But she gave Harry a shaky nod, and he frowned, turning back around.
“I’ll wait for you at the entrance. Don’t worry, I can still see you,” he told her, before walking off. Once Harry was at a reasonable distance, Lupin slowly knelt down.
Lotus jumped, taking an instinctive step back, drawing her wand. But when she realized what she was about to do, she slapped a hand over her wielding arm, shoving it down.
“S-sorry,” she frantically apologized, “I d-didn’t mean to—”
“It’s okay,” he replied softly, drawing his own wand. Not to point at her…
But to set it down. Once he did, it rolled slightly, before bumping into the toe of her shoe. Shocked, Lotus looked up at Lupin, who slowly stood up once again.
“Professor…”
“I figured that would make you feel more safe and trust me,” he explained. “Is it working?”
Lotus paused, then nodded. “Y-yeah, kinda.”
“Good.”
He smiled again, folding his arms against his chest, before leaning slightly. “I would like to apologize,” he spoke, tone genuine and remorseful now. “For the Boggart. That was a completely insensitive thing of me to do.”
Lotus rushed. “You had no idea—”
“You’re right. I didn’t. But that meant I should’ve been more considerate. Calculating. See, I had expected Harry’s Boggart to turn into Lord Voldemort but was surprised when it turned into the Dementor. Either way, the result was bad. Before his, everyone else’s was… light or reasonable. And then you came along.”
Lotus winced.
“Your fear, of Lockhart,” he continued, “sorry— of him , I hadn’t anticipated a student to have been…”
He went silent, before leaning forward slightly. “Would you mind if I told you a secret?”
Curiosity hit her, and she leaned as well, except instinctively. “I wouldn’t mind…only if you want to tell.”
Lupin pursed his lips together, his mind wracking over what to tell her—no, how to tell her his secret.
“One night, when I was five… before my birthday, you see, I was asleep in bed. There was this… man , no… a monster named Fenrir Greyback. He… had an argument with my father, you see. And as a result, he went up to my bedroom and…”
He trailed off. Lotus’s eyes turned wide like saucers. A hand slapped over her mouth, gasping.
“Oh, Professor, I didn’t know—”
“You didn’t. But that’s the thing with these… kinds of attacks,” he gently replied, “no one knows. No one sees. Until you tell someone, or it’s forcefully exposed. And that’s what I had done to you. And for that, I would like to—no, want to apologize. If you will forgive me. I promise that you don’t have to face it alone, or at all. I will accommodate your final exam so that you don’t have to face it, instead write an essay about it, if you wish…”
Lotus rubbed her arm, extremely guilty now. “I… no, you don’t have to… I…” Despite the coldness, she felt something hot on her face. Tears. Lupin jumped slightly, startled to see her tear up.
“Lotus, I didn’t mean to…” he reached into his pocket to pull out a handkerchief, but Lotus shook her head, wiping the tears away on her sleeves.
“No, Professor, it’s okay.” She sniffled, looking back at him. “Really. What you’ve told me… it… it makes me feel heard. Like there’s people here who understand what I’m going through.”
Lupin smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “... Yes, I’m glad you think so. It’s okay if you don’t trust me fully now, I just want you to feel safer in my classroom. Is there anything I can do for you to feel safe in my classroom?”
With me?
Those words were unspoken, and yet, Lotus heard them loud and clear.
“...” She bent down and picked up his wand. About 10 inches. Cypress, she believed. She didn’t know the core.
Lotus looked up. “Could you… t-teach me how to cast spells better?” Her voice shook, definitely cracked. Like it took everything in her to say that.
And Lotus didn’t last another second, letting out a choked sob of disgust as she staggered back.
“Lotus?” Lupin softened, concerned.
“I–I’m sorry. He offered to teach me personally… that’s why I… I…”
Lupin nodded understandingly. “It’s okay. Tell you what—I will. I will teach you… and someone else. Harry.”
“Harry?”
“He needs help with casting a powerful spell to defend himself from Dementors. I believe you need this spell too, as well as mastering Riddikulus from that Boggart if you want to face it again for finals. However, if you don’t wish for that, then I am more than happy to teach you anything and everything I know about defensive and offensive spells. That is my job, after all.” His eyes twinkled with hope as she stared at him deeply.
“...Okay,” her voice was small, but trusting. She handed over his wand, and he looked down, fingers brushing his wand. Only to freeze when he saw the slightly glowing cracks on her fingertips.
Lotus followed his glance and smiled. “Oh, you didn’t know? Of my condition?”
“Condition?” he questioned. “Oh, yes, Professor Dumbledore’s told me something, but he said to simply be careful with you…”
Lotus let him take the wand, before she hums, feeling a bit more relaxed now. “Well… it’s this magically developed condition—like Harry with the lightning bolt scar after he survived Voldemort’s Avada Kedavra , but an actual debilitating issue. The more I use magic, the more of my life I siphon and lose. And I guess my body seems to be getting worse. That’s why I’m scared to take any advanced Charms or Transfiguration classes, or even cast spells in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Not like I won’t… but I’ll be hesitant.”
The whole time she spoke, Lupin’s eyes had filled with worry again, staring at the unnatural cracks. Tiny, unnoticeable at first. But soon, he knew it’d spread.
“Is this hereditary? From your mother? Or from Leo?”
“You knew my dad?”
“Yes, he wasn’t a terrible person, a pretty nice Slytherin— but out of topic, is it?” He pressed.
“No,” she shook her head. “It happened after this Death Eater tortured and killed my dad, but a speck of it hit me. I survived, but, like, the speck—the stray magic—that never meant to get me, did. And then it sort of ruined my body. I can’t eat too much, I get fatigued too easily… I’m just trying to go through life one mess at a time,” she joked.
Lupin hummed while looking back at the vast emptiness in front of them, watching birds fly by. “I see. I am terribly sorry for your father’s death,” he started, “but I’m sure he’d be proud of such a wonderful child you turned out to be.”
Lotus’s eyes narrowed, staring at her hands. “Are… are you sure ? Are you sure he would like someone like me? That he’d… No, you’re probably right.” She glanced over at him, seeing he now had a chocolate bar outstretched.
“It’ll make you feel better,” he offered.
Lotus stared, hesitant, before she took it, chipping the top two pieces off to chew on. After swallowing, she smiled sheepishly.
“Thank you, Professor.”
“No problem. As I’ve said, do tell me if anything I do ever gets a bad reaction from you again, alright?” He pushed himself off of the railing, and began to walk back. “Now, I’m sure Harry’s tired of waiting.”
Lotus chuckled. “Yeah… probably.” She walked with him up the steps, before reaching Harry, who was staring at the clouds passing by. He looked back down, seeing the two in front of him.
“Oh,” he blinked, “you guys done? Okay, let’s go. It’s getting a bit cold.”
“Yeah…” Lotus nodded.
As the three walked, Lupin more in front, Harry leaned slightly. Lotus followed. “Are you okay? What did he say?” he whispered.
“He apologized for the Boggart. What about you?” she whispered back, voice so quiet it nearly got carried away by the wind.
“Talked about my Boggart too, and then about my parents,” he replied.
“Similar conversations, then.”
“Yeah,” Lotus hummed, “but… in a way, I feel a bit more… safe? Like I actually can trust him?”
“That’s an improvement.”
And Lupin, pretending not to hear, kept walking, though a hint of a smile tugged at his lips.
── .✦
“Honeydukes Sweet Shop is brilliant ,” Ron ranted. “But nothing beats Zonko’s Joke Shop. We never did get a chance to go to the Shrieking Shack, though. You heard that it’s the most-”
“The most haunted building in Britain, yeah, I heard,” Harry replied. Lotus and Harry had just met with Hermione and Ron after visiting Hogsmeade.
“I haven’t,” Lotus blinked in surprise. “What’s the Shrieking Shack, besides it being so haunted? Well… what makes it so haunted, I guess is what I mean to ask.”
Hermione and Ron looked at each other.
“Well, villagers reported hearing screams coming from the inside,” Hermione replied, tilting her head. “Though they say it stopped since… almost, what, a decade ago? That doesn’t stop the rumors and witnesses claiming they heard something.”
Lotus frowns. “Huh. I’ll have to check it out next time.”
The four found themself unable to walk more when they stopped in front of a crowd that surrounded the Gryffindor common room entrance.
“Eh?” Harry said, confused. “What’s going on?”
Ron snorted. “Huh, probably Neville’s forgotten the password again.”
However, from behind, Nevile interjected, frowning. “Hey!”
Ron looked back, startled. “Oh. You’re there.”
Just then, Percy pushed through, trying to flaunt his status to get past. “Uh, let me through, please. Excuse me, I’m Head Boy .”
He stopped, staring at the portrait. His eyes widened in shock. Lotus and the others pushed past, and Lotus peered from behind Percy, gasping.
“The Fat Lady’s painting…” She murmured.
“Get back,” Percy hissed, holding his arm out, “all of you. No one is to enter this dormitory until it has been fully searched .”
Ginny appeared, tugging on Ron’s arm. “The Fat Lady. She’s gone!”
Paintings nearby were also leaning in from their spots, crossing to other frames and canvases to observe the scene. “Who goes there?” A knight asked.
“Serves her right,” Ron huffed. “She was a terrible singer.”
Hermione elbowed his side, to which he flinched. “It’s not funny, Ron!” she snapped. All around, students and paintings continue to chatter anxiously as Percy tries to do damage control.
“Keep calm, everyone. Ravenclaws,” he spun to other Prefects,” back to your common room.” The other two Prefects nodded, before ushering their students back. Percy winced as the paintings groaned and cried in horror. “All right, be quiet…”
Suddenly, Filch’s voice rang out. “Make way!” he shouted, tone hoarse.
“The Headmaster’s here,” Percy stepped to the side.
“Come on, move. Move!” Filch snapped.
“You heard! Move!” Percy yelled, as the students all moved aside. Lotus grabbed Harry’s arm, tense.
“Where could she be?” Lotus whispered, looking around.
Filch sped past the group at a brisk pace, Dumbledore behind him. The headmaster observed the damage—the painting the Fat Lady usually stayed in, was empty, devoid of the boisterous woman who sang at a tone even bugs hated, and was slashed, pieces of the canvas flaying.
“Mr. Filch? Round up the ghosts,” Dumbledore spoke calmly. “Tell them to search every painting in the castle to find the Fat Lady.”
Meanwhile, Lotus’s eyes widened as she heard whimpering, and looked up, catching the Fat Lady hiding behind a hippopotamus in a wildlife painting. She reached out, tugging on Filch’s arm.
“M–Mr. Filch, look!” She pointed up, and Filch narrowed his eyes at the upper floor, his scowl deepening.
“There’s no need for ghosts, Professor. The Fat Lady is there.” He pointed up as well, causing students alike to gasp and run up the stairs.
Harry pulled Lotus along, weaving through the crowd.
“Hey!” Percy shouted helplessly as everyone ignored him. “Mind where you’re going! Slow down! You listen! I’m Head Boy!!! Come back here!”
“Keep moving,” Dumbledore said smoothly.
“Make way, make way!” Filch screeched. “Go, go, go!”
Dumbledore moved to the front again, pity in his eyes as he asked gently, “Dear Lady, who did this to you?”
The Fat Lady, sniffling and shaking like a leaf, slowly rested her fingers on the back of the hippo as it chewed, unaware. She lifted herself up, eyes wet with tears and voice shaky. “E-Eyes like the Devil, he’s got. And a soul as dark as his name… It’s him , Headmaster,” she adds, voice hitching, “the one they all talk about. He’s here, somewhere in this castle. Sirius Black!” She shrieked, cowering behind the hippo again.
Lotus paled, looking at Harry, who shared the same look of absolute terror .
“I knew it,” Harry spoke breathlessly, turning away to storm off.
“Harry—” Lotus started, but Dumbledore spoke louder.
“Secure the castle, Mr. Filch. The rest of you, to the Great Hall,” he ordered. His voice hadn’t risen or lowered, hadn’t lost its’ calm that made him so unique, but it felt more secure, guarded, and serious.
Percy immediately took action, gesturing students to follow him as he waved his hand. “Now don’t stop. Just keep going,” he spoke, tone the same as Dumbledore’s.
Though, Lotus was just sure that was his regular voice.
She ran ahead with Ron and Hermione, catching up to Harry.
“Harry, I’m sure it’ll be okay, mate—” Ron said.
Harry whipped around, forcing the other three to stop.
“It’s not!” He cried out. “ How did he even get in?! How did he ever get out of Azkaban?! He’s here, which means the Dementors had failed to do their jobs, which means I’m SCREWED! As usual!”
Harry turned to Lotus. “Use your common sense, make sense of this. Ground me in some way so it feels like I can understand!”
“Are you sure? I think I’ll only end up scaring you more,” Lotus said, as Hermione and Ron gently urged Harry along.
“I think he might’ve used a Polyjuice Potion,” Ron offered.
“No way, there were claw marks, ones that no human, no matter the nails, could ever make,” Hermione stated. “And he couldn’t have used animal-infused Polyjuice Potions, because… well, remember what happened to me?” She looked embarrassed. “And how long it took for me to turn back?”
Lotus tapped her finger against her chin nervously. “Well, there’s always the idea that… you know, he could…”
“Could what?” Harry asked, voice shaky.
Her voice dropped to a whisper—low, conspiratorial. “He could be an Animagus.”
Hermione and Ron stopped short.
“Now, I don’t think…” Ron said. “He’s not even registered, Lo.”
“You think he’d register himself? That’d make it ten times easier for everyone to locate him,” Lotus argued.
As they entered the Great Hall, Hermione shook her head.
“Becoming an Animagi is an egregious process…” Hermione mumbled.
“But if done correctly, and not registered, one could get away with so many crimes,” Lotus said. “Befitting for a serial killer in the Wizarding World, right?”
Harry nodded. He looked calmer, somehow. The idea of speculation, of guessing, distracted him from the fact some lunatic was on the loose in Hogwarts, aiming for his head to finish off Voldemort’s plan. “Yeah… yeah, that makes sense. He could’ve snuck in by being an animal.”
He turned to Lotus. “Quick, tell me something else. You too, Ron, Hermione.”
“I’ve got a new bag of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans that we could distract ourselves with,” Ron offered meekly. Hermione nodded.
“I don’t usually like to be involved in that stuff, but I would love to if it meant you’d feel safer, Harry. Or happier.”
Lotus thinks. “I wanna try to become an Animagi.”
The three froze.
“Can you just… do that?” Harry asked.
“Think about it. I can, uhm, be a huge help.”
“Will you register?” Hermione frowned.
“Yeah,” Lotus nodded. But she wasn’t sure if she actually would. Eventually, their conversation died out, and Dumbledore instructed the Gryffindor students to sleep in the Great Hall for the night, given sleeping bags.
Lotus laid there as many students around her snored or were drifting off. But she couldn’t sleep. One, the fear of Sirius Black being around the corner haunted her. And second, the fear of Harry and any of her friends getting hurt haunted her as well. She turned her head, squinting her eyes in the dark, as they hadn’t quite adjusted just yet. She tried to make out Harry in the bodies that covered the ground and eventually spotted him shifting. She slowly got up, tiptoeing over in every available space in between sleeping bags until she loomed over his sleeping bag.
“Harry,” she murmured softly. When he didn’t stir, she knelt down, shaking him. “Harry,” she repeated.
He looked up, stopping his false sleep. “Lotus?” he mumbled quietly. “What’re you doing up?”
“What’re you doing up?” she echoed. He chuckled, and she sat down. “I couldn’t sleep. Can I sleep with you?”
He seemed to hesitate but nodded. “Sure. But have an answer ready when they find us like this.”
Lotus grinned. “They’ll be the weirdos for thinking anything weird. Besides, you’re the only one I trust to be so close. Besides my grandparents, Hermione, and Ron. Hermione and Ron have their own slow-burn romance going on, though.” She slipped under the sleeping bag’s blanket, laying next to him as he shifted to make room.
“Yeah,” Harry nodded. “How long you think it’ll take until they’re together?”
“A long time,” she replied, and for some reason, she felt like it might take years. “Ron’s free-spirited, immature, insensitive, and argumentative. Hermione’s smart but her logic limits itself in ways that make her put her beliefs over reality. Oh, and she’s also very blunt with her opinions and the two bicker often.”
She paused. “But did you see when she held his hand? Oh, and when the two greeted each other after Hermione was released last year? Ron looked like he wanted to hug her a lot but held back.”
The two snickered into their hands, only to flinch when footsteps were heard coming into the Great Hall.
“ Shh, shh…” Lotus whispered, and Harry rolled his eyes.
“What do you think I’m trying to do?” He murmured, before he rolled onto his back, one arm outstretched to hook around Lotus, who leaned on the part where his torso and shoulder connected, and crossed a leg over both of Harry’s—a position the two found comfort in.
Closeness, without all the icky romance. That’s why Lotus liked being with Harry so much. They were in too much danger constantly to think of being in love, yes, but the two were always too alike to like each other in that way.
He’s like a brother, she thought, as the voices were now growing louder.
“I’ve searched the Astronomy Tower and the Owlery, sir, but there’s nothing there,” Filch reported, voice low.
“Ah, thank you,” Dumbledore replied gently.
“The third floor’s clean too, sir,” Flitwick chimed in, voice a whisper. Behind them, Snape strode in last, shoes clicking in the silent room.
“Very good,” Dumbledore said again, his tone patient.”
There was a beat of silence, before Snape reached them. “I’ve done the dungeons, Headmaster,” came Snape’s familiar silken tone. “No sign of Black, nor anywhere else in that castle.”
Lotus, without opening her eyes, felt Harry stiffen ever so slightly beside her.
“I didn’t expect him to linger,” Dumbledore mumbled thoughtfully. Flitwick and Filch separated from the two, checking the students near the walls, while Dumbledore and Snape strode up and down the aisles in the middle.
Snape’s steps stopped—right where they lay.
“Remarkable feat, don’t you think?” he said slowly, with a clear edge and a hint of disdain. “To enter Hogwarts Castle on one’s own, completely undetected.”
“Quite remarkable, yes,” Dumbledore agreed.
“Any theories on how he might have managed it?”
Dumbledore hummed. “Many. each as unlikely as the next.”
There was a soft rustling as someone moved closer to them. A pause.
“You may recall,” Professor Snape said carefully, “prior to the start of the term, I did express concerns about your appointment of Professor Lupin—”
Dumbledore interrupted, voice stern but not unkind. “Not a single professor inside this castle would help Sirius Black to enter it. No, I’m quite convinced the castle is safe. And I’m more than willing to send the students back to their houses.”
Lotus’s hand clenched under the blanket. Why is he so convinced? We have Dementors outside and capable professors in, but there’s still those dark corners students could often be vulnerable in and…
“What about Potter?” Snape asked, and there was a faintest note of suggestion in his voice. “Should he be warned?”
Lotus heard Dumbledore approach and felt his eyes settle on them. A long pause, thoughtful.
“Perhaps,” he said at least, his voice quieter now. “But for now, let him sleep. For in dreams, we enter a world that’s entirely our own. Let him sweep in the deepest ocean… or glide over the highest cloud. ”
The voices faded slightly as the adults began to move again. Lotus barely opened one eye to catch a glimpse of the enchanted ceiling—glittering with stars like an endless sky. She could still feel Snape’s eyes on them, lingering, skeptical.
“I suppose,” Snape murmured to no one in particular, “they’ve grown fond of napping arrangements.”
Dumbledore chuckled—a rich, old sound. “Let them rest. Wariness weighs even heavier on the young.”
As the adults’ footsteps finally faded, Lotus let out the breath she’d been holding.
“That was close,” Harry muttered under his breath.
Lotus didn’t respond right away. She just curled in a little closer, suddenly much more tired than she ever was before.
Notes:
5/22/25 -- He mentions Fenrir because he knows Lotus knows nothing of the wizarding world, and she wouldn't be the type to pry if it's so sensitive.
I figured out, unfortunately, that Sirius Black attempted to enter Gryffindor's common room on HALLOWEEN, not the first weekend of September in which the students first arrived
Chapter 19: ⛓ Trouble in Every Turn
Summary:
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
With The Fat Lady refusing to guard, they pick a new painting. Lotus learns about werewolves, and might pick up on some cues.
Also, she starts the process of becoming an Animagi.
Harry gets attacked by a Dementor mid-Quidditch game and loses his broom.
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉☒ 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 ☒
- N/A
Notes:
Hi! :)
- Lotus wants to become an Animagi because she figures it'll be one of her only options.
(She might do Potions In her foreseeable future, as it's more hands-on than it requires actual magic spells, something that takes a toll on her already. And while being an Animagi might be taxing on her initially, it'll become second nature and it won't ask for much, I believe.)
(also just now I asked my online sibling to pick between a Marten, a Weasel, and a Tortoiseshell Cat and she picked the cat LETS GO GOATED)
+ I looked up when the Full Moon is during September 1993, and it's the 30th, which (canonically to the movie's timeline) is weeks after Sirius tried to enter the Gryffindor Common Room. So let's just say a whole lot of time passed.
Chapter Text
She hated the new Painting.
Okay, hate is a strong word.
She disliked the new Painting.
It’s not that Sir Cadogan was a terrible person, but he doesn’t exactly play his role that well.
“What villains are these to trespass upon my private lands?” He roared, one foot propped on a rock, one arm leaning on his sword. “Who dares challenge Sir Cadogan? Back, you scurvy blackguards, You—”
He leaned too far back, shouting as he fell backward.
Lotus blinked, bleary-eyed and still tired.
“He’s barking mad,” Seamus shook his head. “We just want to get in, you fool!”
“What did you expect?” Dean sighed, equally as unamused. “After what happened to the Fat Lady, none of the other pictures would take the job.”
Neville piped up. “But he keeps changing the password! That’s twice only this morning . I’ve taken to keeping a list.”
“I need that list. Or a copy of it,” Lotus looked at him as Harry stepped out, fixing his hair.
“Wait, Harry—” Lotus and the others groaned as the painting closed behind him.
“Huh?” He frowns.
“Nothing,” Neville sighed. “There goes our last chance… we should probably head to breakfast, then.”
“Mmm–hmm.” Lotus walked with Harry and the rest. Harry still looked confused.
“What did you guys need??” Harry asked.
“Oh, just some extra quills,” Seamus replied. “That and I’d really liked to have seen my room before we head to class, but Sir Cadogan keeps changing the damn password.”
“Farewell, comrades. If ever you have need of a noble heart and steely sinew, call upon Sir Cadogan,” Cadogan grinned.
“Yeah, we’ll call you, if we ever need anyone mental ,” Ron grumbled. Several students, including Harry and Lotus, laughed.
“By the way,” Ron added, “the morning after we had to sleep in the Great Hall, me and ‘Mione went to find you and Lotus, Harry, and Hermione didn’t find Lotus in her sleeping bag… er,” he grinned awkwardly, “we, uh, did find her with you, however. Pretty comfy.”
Hermione huffed. “Ronald, they’re always that close. Remember last year when you basically took them from their homes so they had to sleep at the Burrow?”
“I— we were rescuing Harry! Lotus was just a plus one… not that you were unwelcome, you were part of our plan, ” Ron turned to Lotus, who chuckled.
Harry shifted awkwardly under the stares of the other students.
“Awww, Lo, I thought we had something going on,” Fred teased.
“Please,” George snorted. “You said the same thing to Angelina this morning.”
“Yes, but we dyed her hair for her! She looks stunning!” Fred argued playfully.
“That was a prank,” Lotus said blankly, though her face was a slight tint close to her hair. “So, uh, that doesn’t count as a love confession…”
Fred clutched his heart. “Wounded. Betrayed. After all we’ve been through.”
“Oh, come off it,” Ron said, rolling his eyes. “You two act like she’s your muse or something.”
“Maybe she is,” Fred said with a wink. “She’s got a phoenix's hair and a Niffler's attitude.”
“Wh– hey, what does that mean?” Lotus blinked, crossing her arms.
“Whatever you wanted it to mean, my dear,” George bowed rather dramatically, almost tripping.
When they entered the Great Hall, Lotus looked up to scan the staff table. To her surprise, Professor Lupin was nowhere to be seen.
“Hey, where’s Lupin?” she murmured.
“I dunno. Sick, maybe?” Ron shrugged. “Who’s gonna substitute for his class, then?”
“Hopefully not Professor Snape. Didn’t you say he’s been gunning for this job for so long?” Lotus asked. “I like him, but I don’t think I’d like him as a Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor.”
The other two shuddered at the very thought.
Sitting down, Lotus looked at the food as it appeared on her plate. She picked up her fork, picking at the eggs.
Runny, as always. She felt her stomach twist in displeasure, though she just ran it over her rice to make it better. Harry watched, as he always did, before Neville moved over and held a small vial out to her, containing a few Mandrake leaves.
“H-here, Lotus,” he said, “for your Potion.”
Lotus smiled, taking it. “Thanks, Neville. It’s hard to get to the Greenhouse since my last lesson with Sprout was two days ago. And Heaven forbid I ask Snape for a piece.”
Neville nodded, shifting back to talk to the others. Hermione narrowed her eyes as Lotus slid the small vial into her pocket.
Lotus looked up, meeting Hermione’s questioning stare, and mouthed, ‘We’ll talk after’.
‘Why not now?’ her eyes seemed to ask with that raised brow.
‘It’s complicated’, said a shrug of the former’s shoulders.
“What are you two doing?” Ron interrupted, biting into a piece of toast. “You look like you’re playing charades.”
“Really badly, too,” Harry added.
Hermione waved it off. “It’s nothing, you two.”
It’s everything , Lotus thought. Nothing can get past Hermione…
── .✦
After breakfast, Lotus waved her hand off. “Ron, Harry, go on without Hermione and I.” The two didn’t question it, not wanting to be late for their Transfiguration classes.
“I have Double Potions,” Lotus murmured.
“Then we should talk later ,” Hermione replied. “Don’t want to risk losing points for being late.”
“No, I wanna talk now.”
“Fine, then what are you really doing with that Mandrake leaf?” Hermione crossed her arms, then she gasped. “You’re really going to try to be an Animagus, aren’t you?”
“Shh, not so loud!” Lotus said, voice dropping down to a whisper as students filed out of the Great Hall past their little spot in a secluded hallway. “Yes, I am.”
Hermione grabbed her arm, eyes wide. “Lotus, you of all people can’t risk this. The Animagus transformation is complex—dangerous, even for healthy witches and wizards. You have Arcane Decay Syndrome . Do you even know what kind of strain that’ll put on your body?”
“I know,” Lotus whispered, her voice firm but not entirely defensive. “I’ve researched it in the past few weeks, ‘Mione. I know the risks. But if I can pull it off… I’ll have a form that’s fast, or strong, or safe Something I can use when things get bad.”
Hermione’s brows furrowed. “You don’t have to do this alone, you know. You’re not in some foster home anymore, fighting for your life, or against people like… Lockhart … You’ve got people now—people who’d fight for you.”
“I know that,” Lotus said, her voice cracking slightly. “But what if they’re not here in time? What if I freeze again? Or I’m too slow to run?” She lifted her hand. The sleeves bunched at her elbows, showing the faint cracks. “And these are all from the past two years I’ve been here… I can’t keep waiting for someone to save me. I want to have something that lets me protect myself. Just once.”
Hermione was silent for a beat, then sighed. “Then promise me you’ll let me help you. I’m not going to sit by and watch you break yourself—or gain weird animal traits— trying to be strong.”
Lotus nodded. “I promise. But you have to swear you won’t tell anyone. Not Harry, not Ron, at least not yet, and especially not Professor McGonagall or Professor Snape—not that I think you’d have a reason to talk to him.”
Hermione looked deeply conflicted, but finally said, “Fine. But if anything goes wrong, I’m telling her —”
“Hermione, we can just go to Madame Pomfrey, she won’t tell—”
“I know, but still. No matter how mad you get at me, I need to ensure your safety.”
“...Fine, at least go to Pomfrey first, and then McGonagall–”
“Lotus,” Hermione frowns.
Lotus gave her a sheepish smile. “Fine, deal.”
They didn’t say anything more as Hermione gave her a brief side hug—awkward, but sincere. Lotus hugged back in full, which made Hermione’s awkwardness melt and hug fully.
Then, they parted, Lotus walking to the staircase leading to the dungeons, and Hermione to the Ancient Runes Classroom.
Lotus descended alone, her fingers brushing the hidden pocket in her robes where the Mandrake leaves rested.
One step closer to protection, right?
── .✦
Lotus entered the Dungeons, looking around. Still the first one here…
Just her and Professor Snape.
The familiar feeling of habitual fear tugged in her heart, gripping her lungs, and yet, it seemed diluted.
Like she knew nothing would happen here. Right?
It’s not like Potions was a bad course, it’s just that not everyone liked the man who taught the course. Speaking of, he was hunched over his table, body leaning forward but not too much, like he had trained himself not to lean so close.
“Good morning, Professor Snape,” Lotus said, to which he looked up and blankly stared at her, before looking back down.
“I wish I could say the same, Ms. Inag.” His quill paused, looking back up. “I hope my potions have been treating you well.”
This time it was her turn to pause. “Your potions?”
“Don’t insult me by acting dense.”
“... Oh,” she laughed a little. “Yes, um, they’ve helped a lot. Much more than before… the, uh, slightly… added dosage of the Calming Draught helps… and the Sleeping Draught helps me get so tired that I can’t have nightmares.”
She set her bag down. “So I guess it’s satisfactory.”
“Mhm.” Professor Snape stood up. “Since you are here early, I will not let you sit around and be lazy. Come on. We need to restock my supply shelf after your fellow students were so careless with it.”
“Okay,” she nodded, glad to have something to do.
Lotus followed him deeper into the classroom, toward the tall, dim shelf in the corner. Bottles clinked softly as he gestured toward the disorganized rows.
“Alphabetize by name, not use. And if you spill anything, you’ll clean it without magic.”
“Yes, sir,” she murmured, tugging at her sleeves just enough to hide the cracks on her arms.
Snape’s gaze flickered over briefly. He said nothing, but there was a tightness in the silence between them.
She began sorting the bottles—Asphodel, Knotgrass, Shivelfig—while humming. She ran her cracked fingers through the smooth, yet faded labels before setting them where they belonged. Snape returned to his desk, though he didn’t sit or write. He stood still, as though calculating something unspoken.
“You’re quieter than usual,” he said at last.
Lotus snorted. “I didn’t know there was a ‘usual’, sir.”
“There is,” he replied, dry as ever. “And you’re disrupting it.”
Lotus stilled, then went back to her task. “Just a weird morning. Sir Cadogan is… interesting. It’s fun to get locked out of your House for the second time this morning.”
He didn’t respond to that. But after a pause, he added, “If this is about Lockhart…”
“It’s not,” she replied too fast.
There was another silence. He stepped forward and lifted a half-empty bottle of Moonstone from the shelf with two fingers. “Fill this. And if I find out you’re brewing anything unauthorized in some abandoned corridor, I will make an example of you.”
“I’m not,” she said quickly, her heartbeat speeding up. “I wouldn’t—I mean, not anymore… Besides, that was last year, a–and that was Hermione who did that…”
Snape raised an eyebrow. “I know.”
“I’m not doing anything dangerous,” she added, quieter now.
“You’ve had enough of that,” he said simply, before turning to his desk.
Lotus stood still, gripping the Moonstone bottle.
“... T-this is used to make Wolfsbane Potion, right?” she asked, half curious, half attempting to fill the silence.
Snape looked over, narrowing his eyes. “Yes, it is. Curious now, are we?”
“A little,” she murmured. Suddenly, students all began to pile in, chatting with each other. “Is… Professor Lupin alright? I didn’t see him at breakfast—”
“Ms. Inag, I assure you that Professor Lupin’s health status is of no concern to you,” he cut her off, rather sharply.
But Lotus simply stared.
I didn’t mention his health, she thought.
She eventually nodded. “Alright, Professor Snape,” she said, then sat down. As the man busied himself with his usual scowl, she popped the vial open under the desk. Tilting it to its’ side, she shook out one of the Mandrake leaves and slipped it under her mouth. She blinked at the unexpected taste. For a shrieking, sentient plant baby whose scream could knock you out—or worse, kill you as an adult—she’d expect something more bitter. Earthy, even. Not this faint, citrusy flavor (with a slight sting to it) that reminded her, weirdly, of strawberries. Especially when she knew it’s non-sentient counterpart’s (the Mandrake , an herb Muggles knew well) leaves and roots were poisonous.
No, Lotus, don’t chew it. Don’t enjoy it. It needs to stay in your mouth for an entire month, starting today.
But it tastes so good , she wanted to argue.
Instead, she shifted it with her tongue until it rested under her tongue. Her throat tensed. She gave a slow swallow, testing her ability to manage around it without letting it shift.
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught the boy at the desk beside her raising an eyebrow.
I must look disgusted right now, huh?
She gave him a thumbs-up and forced a smile like she’d just swallowed a bug and wanted to pretend it was fine.
This means I can’t talk as much, or eat as much.
Lotus shrugged.
I never ate much to begin with, so it’s not a huge issue.
As Professor Snape started the lesson—something about the Shrinking Solution — her mind wandered for a brief moment, absentmindedly tapping her finger on the worn wood of her desk.
Snape was scribbling instructions across the blackboard with his usual flair of aggressive precision. “Today you’ll be brewing the Shrinking Solution. Yes, the one you’ve been taking notes on. The potion is delicate. Incorrect stirring or overboiling will result in the opposite effect—which, if you’re particularly dimwitted, would mean swelling instead of shrinking. Do not give me reason to explain that again.”
Lotus exhaled and tried not to fall into the instinct of swallowing or chewing the mandrake leaf.
One month. One month. You’ve done harder things.
Still, the feeling of something in her mouth—and the feeling of having to keep it trapped there—was slowly growing uncomfortable. It’s not like it was hard to hold it under her tongue, as it was a pretty decent-sized leaf that wouldn’t easily slip, but it made swallowing much harder.
Lotus reached for her knife to begin prepping her ingredients. She tried to ignore the stickiness building at the corners of her mouth from holding back so many swallows. She sniffled, subtly, and wiped her nose with the back of her sleeve. The potion wasn’t even the hard part today— anything she couldn’t get done now would be done in the other half of Double Potions, anyway.
Just don’t draw attention. You know how he gets when people look distracted .
She set out her four daisy roots, and five hairy caterpillars, and took out two Shrivelfigs. After getting the rest from the ingredient closet (thank God she remembered where they were from sorting it earlier), she made her way back and picked up the two Shrivelfigs, hovering them over her cauldron and juicing them, squeezing them tightly to extract their ‘ruby blood.’
Snape prowled past her table as he often did—his robe brushing the flagstone floor with a hiss like a serpent through the grass.
He paused beside her for one brief second too long. He watched her stir slowly, heating the Potion, before starting to mince and chop the daisy roots.
“Your knife work’s gotten sloppier,” he said.
She paused, looked up, and tilted her head ever so slightly, before giving a small nod. This time, Lotus started again, more delicately. Snape said nothing else, merely swapping on to the next cauldron.
Close call , she thought.
The bubbling from a few rows back was getting out of hand. Someone had added their rat spleen too early. There was a faint pop—followed by a yelp—and the unmistakable scent of singed hair.
“Idiot,” Snape snarled, gliding back toward the mess with a swish of his cloak. “Ten points from Ravenclaw, and another five for sheer incompetence.”
Lotus winced sympathetically for whoever messed up that badly. She carefully dropped her own ingredients in, stirring clockwise as the recipe dictated. She was halfway through her third step when she coughed.
Snape’s eyes snapped to her from across the room, sharp as a hawk’s. He said nothing, just watched.
Lotus shook her head. I’m fine, she signaled with that action, the smell is just off to me .
Snape’s eyes narrowed. After a beat, he turned again, deciding that other students’ failures are much more important to pay attention to. Once class ended, Lotus swiftly picked up her bag, chanted an incantation to clean her cauldron out, and then left before anyone could hold her back. She was sure she heard Professor Snape attempt to talk to her, but she ignored it in favor of getting the hell out of there.
── .✦
It was the final class of the day and Lotus still hadn’t seen Professor Lupin.
“Isn’t it a bit strange that Professor Lupin’s out?” Lotus looked at Harry and Ron as they headed to the Defense Against the Dark Art’s classroom. “I mean, I don’t really want to pry too much, but he’s a nice guy. We should make him a get-well dessert.”
Ron chuckled. “You think too kindly. I’m sure he just caught the common cold, Lo.”
Harry nodded in agreement. “I just hope we get a good substitute teacher—and hopefully we don’t have to learn about Redpunks or Hinky Caps .”
“Red Caps and Hinkypunks,” Lotus corrected. “But I agree. I want a rest day… today’s been off.”
The three sat down at the two desks—front and back—and began to unpack and talk as the other students filed in. Lotus hummed as she took her book out, skimming through the pages to pass some time. Suddenly the door flung open, and Professor Snape briskly strolled in.
Students immediately quieted, staring at him in shock. Ron’s jaw slackened and Harry was wide-eyed with disbelief. Lotus nearly swallowed thickly and almost ate the Mandrake leaf from how surprised she was. She also swore she heard Ron mutter ‘oh, not him,’ as Snape passed. The older man waved his wand, the windows slamming shut and dimming the room, before stopping in front of the class, flicking his wand to drop down a large, white screen.
He spun to face the gobsmacked children, sneering. “Turn to page 394.”
Lotus blinked. Students looked at each other in confusion. Harry looked like he wanted to die. Draco opened his book while Lotus tipped the pages to flip to page 394. Eventually, coming out of their shocked states, students reluctantly followed suit.
Harry scooted forward slightly, a frown etched on his face as Snape walked around, making sure everyone got to the correct chapter. “Excuse me, sir. Where’s Professor Lupin?”
Snape stopped and stared at him, an eyebrow quirked upwards. “That’s not really your concern, is it, Potter? Suffice to say that your professor finds himself incapable of teaching at the present time — Turn to page 394 .” He stormed back to a podium, where an antique-looking projector rested. Snape glanced over, spotting Ron struggling to find the right page. He scowled again, using his wand to snap Ron’s textbook to the correct page.
Ron jumped back, startled before he read the title. “ ‘Werewolves?’ ” He spoke aloud, confused.
“Hm,” Lotus blinked. “Not what we’re supposed to be learning about.”
How suspicious, she thought. What a coincidence .
“But sir,” Hermione suddenly spoke as if she had Apparated into the classroom, “we’ve just begun learning about Red Caps and Hinkypunks. We’re not meant to start nocturnal beasts for weeks.”
“Quiet,” Snape snapped.
Ron, now even more bewildered, looks at Lotus and Harry, whispering. “When did she come in? Did you see her come in? ”
Lotus squinted at Hermione, before looking back ahead at Professor Snape.
“Now, which one of you can tell me the difference between an Animagus and a werewolf?” Snape drawled, turning around just as soon as Hermione’s hand shot up. “No one? How disappointing.”
Lotus sensed that whatever Hermione might say might embarrass her, so she gently pulled Hermione’s hand down, before raising her own.
Snape’s cold gaze landed on Lotus’s raised hand. His eyes narrowed slightly, but not out of disdain—more as if calculating. “Ms. Inag,” he said slowly, “enlighten us, if you would.”
Lotus nodded, tapping her fingers once against the desk, buying half a second more.
“An Animagus is a witch or wizard who has learned to transform into an animal at will,” she said clearly. “They retain their control, and can choose when and whether to transform.”
“A werewolf,” she continued, “is someone who was bitten and cursed… They have no control during the full moon and are highly dangerous to anyone they meet–even if they are family. Wolfsbane Potion has been known to help mitigate and lessen these effects…”
There was a pause. A tight one.
“Acceptable,” Professor Snape said, turning back to the board. “Five points to Gryffindor.”
Hermione looked pleasantly surprised. Ron raised his brows at Lotus, mouthing, Nice save , while Harry offered a small, approving nod.
Then, just as Snape flicked through the slides in the projector, he said idly. “On my desk by Monday morning, two rolls of parchment on the werewolf, with particular emphasis on recognizing it.”
Students groaned, protesting. Harry nearly shot up, alarmed.
“Sir, it’s Quidditch tomorrow,” he argued.
Snape leaned forward, and with a menacing stare, spoke. “Then I suggest you take extra care, Mr. Potter. Loss of limb will not excuse you.”
A deafening moment of silence.
“Page 394.”
He leaned back, speaking. “The term ‘werewolf’ is a contraction of the Anglo-Saxon word “were,” which means “man,” and “wolf.” “Werewolf.” “Man-wolf.” There are several ways to become a werewolf…”
Professor Snape’s words drowned out as Lotus glanced over at Harry, who was looking at a wrinkled paper, eyebrows furrowed in disdain. Confused, she leaned over slightly, seeing an animated illustration— rather nicely done, however, she thought —of Harry on his broom during the Quidditch match tomorrow, getting hit by a Bludger and then struck by lightning. His hair became frizzly and his face charred with a dead expression.
“Draco?” Lotus whispered as she leaned back into her seat, looking at the book. Harry nodded bitterly and crumpled the paper up, before sliding it into his bag.
“Ignore him. He’s just a massive weirdo. So obsessed with you,” Lotus snorted as she took notes.
“...”
── .✦
“Hermione, are you actually gonna write that essay?” Lotus asked her as the two girls prepared to head to bed. Well, Lotus was, when she noticed Hermione still had her lamp on, writing furiously and already on her second parchment.
“Yes, Lotus,” Hermione nodded. “Even if it’s substitute work, and Lupin might not even take it, I still have to try my best.”
“I get it,” Lotus sat beside her, pulling her knees up to her chest. “I did it too, but only got to my first page. You should relax a little, Hermione, Monday’s a few days later.”
“I know, I know,” Hermione lowered the quill. She rubbed her eyes, frowning. “I just… I don’t like falling behind. I’m Hermione Granger, I’m punctual and informative, and… Even if Professor Snape assigned it to be cruel, it still matters. I want to be ready in case Professor Lupin comes back.”
Lotus nodded thoughtfully, resting her chin on her knees. “I get that. I just don’t want you to burn out either.”
There was a beat of silence. The only sound was the scratching of Hermione’s quill as she went back to writing for a moment, but then she paused again.
“I’ve been… having a stressful time, to be honest.”
“I bet. So many classes, from what I’ve been seeing. How do you manage?”
“Barely.” Hermione sighs. “I don’t know how you’re managing all this either, Lotus,” she adds, voice quieter now. “Classes, your health, the… Animagus process… everything.”
Lotus smiled faintly. “Barely,” she echoed in a joking matter. “But I have to keep going. I don’t want this—” she gestured vaguely to the room, to Hogwarts itself, “—to slip through my fingers.”
Hermione looked at her with something between admiration and worry. “You’re powerful, you know.”
Lotus beams and let herself fall back onto the mattress, bouncing slightly. “You too, ‘Mione. Come on, just five minutes. A small break. I wanted to talk about something with you…. Because I feel with our combined brains we’ll figure out the truth.”
Hermione hesitated, but Lotus’s eagerness was too infectious to resist. She set the parchment on the table and put the quill in the ink bottle before scooting beside her, both girls now laying side by side on the bed, staring up at the wooden beams of the ceilings.
“Well?” Hermione asked. “What is it you wanted to talk about?”
Lotus hummed. “Professor Lupin.”
Hermione frowned, brows furrowing. “What about him?”
Lotus glanced towards the dorm door, then to Lavender and Parvati—both were sound asleep–and then back. “Don’t you think it’s a bit odd? His Boggart is a full moon, He disappears today, which is conveniently the Full Moon. And his whole name is a red flag too: Remus, the name from the pair of twins Romulus and Remus, both raised and suckled by a she-wolf and then Lupin– coming from Lupinus , ‘of a wolf’. And that essay Snape gave us today about werewolves…”
Hermione’s eyes widened. “You think—”
“I know it’s not just a coincidence,” Lotus said, voice hushed but firm. “I think Professor Snape’s trying to tell us something without outright saying it.”
Hermione sat up slightly, eyes narrowed in thought. “You may be right. I… I didn’t want to admit it. Or believe it. But it all makes sense…”
“Holy crap,” Lotus gasps, “then that means, if we’re right…”
“Professor Lupin is a werewolf!”
Both girls looked at each other in realization.
“... Look at us. Solving mysteries in our pajamas,” Lotus giggled.
Hermione looked a bit worried, but rolled her eyes with a small grin as they both sat up. “Sherlock and Watson.”
“Only way cooler,” Lotus whispered, bumping her shoulder into Hermione’s. “Then that makes me wonder on why Dumbledore asked him here.”
“Dumbledore must really trust him. I’m sure being a werewolf isn’t something you could easily hide, especially if you were a student here. I’m sure the staff knew and so built accommodations for him— dang. Lupin and I really are alike,” Lotus admitted. “Anyways, so Dumbledore must know…”
“And we should trust Dumbledore,” Hermione adds. “He always has Hogwart’s best interest in mind.”
“Yeah, you aren’t wrong there. We should probably set up, like, those detective bulletin boards and steadily add information to it,” Lotus humored.
Then, she paused. “But, um, I don’t want to dig in too much.”
“Why the sudden change?” Hermione inquired. Lotus looked at her. What Lupin had told her last week, of the man who had hurt him , came into her mind. He looked vulnerable upon mentioning it to her, and for her to pry into his life when he had never tried to felt like sort of betrayal.
“I dunno. He… was open with me. Told me something personal. And I don’t want to dig too far into his life just in case I find out something I might regret knowing—and what might make him hate and never trust me again. He’s been good at regaining my trust, after all.”
Hermione softened. “That’s fair,” she said quietly. “You’re respecting his boundaries, even when the curiosity is tempting. You’re a far better person than most.”
Lotus hugged her knees. “Thanks– I just don’t want things to go bad, you know?”
Hermione nodded solemnly. “Sometimes the kindest thing we can do is not ask questions.”
“Exactly,” Lotus murmured. “And even if he is a werewolf, that doesn’t change what he’s shown me. Or how kind he’s been. I know how it feels to have something in you that changes people’s perspective of you if they knew.”
Hermione reached over and placed a gentle hand on Lotus’s arm. “We don’t need to solve everything. Just enough to understand and be safe. If he’s ever a genuine danger, then we’ll reveal what we know. For now, he’s just a sweet, fun teacher.”
Lotus exhaled. “Still… detective boards would be kind of fun.”
The two girls laughed. “We’ll save that for an actual mystery worth chasing,” Hermione smirked.
“Okay, now you can go back to your essay. Or sleep,” Lotus suggested, getting off the bed and hurrying to her own. “Night, ‘Mione.”
“Goodnight, Lotus.”
── .✦
There weren’t many exceptions to canceling Quidditch. It was the type of sport where you had to see it through, no matter the situation, scenario, or problem.
Well, except when someone obviously dies, but Ron had told her many times when the match went on for months because no Seeker could find the Snitch.
She had, at least, hoped that Quidditch would’ve been delayed to a much more sunnier day, because she didn’t appreciate having to withstand the biting rain just for a flying football tournament.
“GO, HARRY! GO, HARRY!” Hermione yelled beside her and Ron, pumping her fist.
Ron cupped his mouth with both hands, yelling. “Oi, mate, kill ‘em!”
Lotus shivered, drawing her hood over her head. “This can’t be healthy for any of us come tomorrow…”
The crowd shouted in surprise when lightning shot down, hitting one of the players. He let out a small yelped as Harry dashed past his falling body and broomstick. Harry, the poor boy, was fighting the strong gusts of wind that hit like a particularly hard slap to the face the more he ascended in the air. Squinting his eyes, he noticed the Hufflepuff Seeker not too far off, who was bolting after the Snitch. Harry veered sharply, chasing after him.
Lotus had to nearly fall back onto someone else to avoid the two as they shot up over the Gryffindor stand.
“HEY! BE MORE CAREFUL!” Lotus yelled, blinking rapidly and searching just as fast to locate where they had gone. “Where did they go??”
“Up in the clouds!” Hermione yelled back. “But it’s so blurry, and it’s raining so much, I couldn’t see them after.”
“I’m a little worried, guys,” Lotus lowered her head and turned to them. “I have a bad feeling something terrible is going to happen soon.”
“It’s Hogwarts,” Ron snorted. “Everything is going to happen. I trust Harry, he’s very capable on that broom of his.”
“Well, yes , but still. A boy on a very fast broom can only evade so much until he gets struck out of the blue.”
“Even if he did, there’ll be people flocking to capture him right in their arms. Or to put a spell on him to fall slowly and heal him,” Ron shrugged.
Lotus shook her head and looked back up. The crowds were all quiet now. Even the other Quidditch players seemed less interested in their own game; Everyone was waiting for Harry to come back—either with the Snitch or by him and his broom falling.
And the latter happened. Someone screamed when they noticed two things descending at a rapid speed. Then, many people realized what was going on and also yelled.
“HARRY!” Hermione shrieked in terror.
Lotus realized last second— Harry. Harry had gotten struck (by lightning? By something else?) and was plummeting to his death. Before she could react, Dumbledore stood up and outstretched his hand.
“ARRESTO MOMENTUM!” He roared, and a huge flash of light occurred. Then, Harry’s plummet slowed to a pleasant fall, landing safely on the ground.
At that time, almost everyone had rushed out to meet him. Pomfrey was quick to get him on a stretcher, addressing any injuries, McGonagall was trying to assess the situation and keep everyone calm, Dumbledore had stormed off to God knows where, and Snape had the same eerily neutral expression. Yet Lotus knew he was barely managing to conceal any surprise and, surprisingly , concern. Perhaps not for Harry himself, but for the fact a student nearly died.
Lotus slowed her jog once she caught up to Pomfrey and Hooch carrying the stretcher. “Is he okay?! Any broken bones?! Fried nerves?!”
“He’s exhausted, and unconscious, Ms. Inag,” Hooch replied sharply. “Out of the way, everyone!---”
“He has no signs of extreme injuries as well, just some bruises. He’ll be okay, with heavy rest and some potions,” Pomfrey added. “Please, return back to your friends.”
Lotus didn’t want to, but she knew she had to leave Harry to Madam Pomfrey, so she nodded, meeting back with Hermione and Ron.
“They said he’ll be okay,” Lotus explained.
“It’s a miracle he will be!” Ron said. “With that kind of fall? Jeez, what hit him up there!?”
“I don’t know— it can’t have been the Dementors, right?” Hermione asks, “they’re not allowed to step a foot — or… float anywhere near Hogwarts…”
“Dumbledore look pissed. I think it was the Dementors, otherwise he wouldn’t have stormed off like that,” Lotus shook her head. “And Harry’s broom— it kind of flew off… any idea where?”
“Oh, yeah, it went this way! Come on!” Ron turned and ran, the other two following. Lotus gasped the further she got, the mushy dirt definitely not helping with keeping steady.
“Slow— down— please—”
“Shit, sorry,” Ron murmured apologetically. As they slowed, Lotus put her hands on her knees, shoulders shaking. Ron patted her back as Hermione looked around for the broom.
“We went out all the way to Hagrid’s Hut and the Forest, and I still can’t find it! We have to get back inside, it’s pounding at this point!” Hermione shrieked.
“Wait,” Lotus stood up again, “over there!”
She pointed over to the Whomping Willow, which currently looked like it was wrestling with something in the same manner as a girl would brushing her hair that had tangled knots—that is, to say, a struggle. As the three drew closer, the Whomping Willow had finished weaving whatever it was fighting out of its branches and nearly chucked it at them, had Ron not pulled them all back two feet.
“Jeez! That thing needs to take some Anger Management classes,” Ron hissed, before looking down. His eyes widened like saucers when lightning struck, illuminating the entire castle grounds, and as a result, what laid in front of them.
“No…” Hermione covered her mouth.
“Harry’s broom,” Lotus whispered pitifully. She took off her sopping wet scarf, before quickly wrapping it up. “Quick.”
The other two nodded, and they made their way back, unsure of how to break the news to Harry once he woke.
── .✦
In the Hospital Wing, Lotus stood behind the group that crowded over Harry. She clutched the white bundle, the frown never quite leaving her face ever since she, Hermione, and Ron had found Harry’s broken Nimbus 2000. Hermione, Ron, Fred, George, Angelina, Neville and Seamus were all surrounding Harry, hovering the unconscious boy.
‘What’s he gonna say?’ Lotus thought. ‘He’s gonna be so mad. Or depressed. He loved that broom like a friend… and it was his first real gift in Hogwarts.’
“He looks a bit peaky, doesn’t he?” Ron wondered aloud, causing Lotus to break from her thoughts of guilt and snort slightly.
Fred responded in a sarcastic tone. “Yeah, come on, Ron. Let’s walk you off the Astronomy Tower and see what you look like.”
Harry’s weary voice was heard, and Lotus took a step closer. “Probably a right sight better than he normally does.”
Hermione’s lips parted, a slight breath of relief escaping her as the others chuckled.
Harry smiled, slowly sitting up with a small grunt.
“How are you feeling?” Hermione asks softly.
“Oh, brilliant,” Harry groans.
“We were so scared, Harry,” Lotus spoke, now behind Hermione and Ron.
“You gave us a right good scare there, mate,” George nodded.
Harry looked at all of them. “What happened?”
Ron frowns. “Well, you fell off your broom.”
Harry sighs, “Really? I meant the match.” Ron blinked in slight embarrassment but snickered at himself. “Who won?”
Then, a tense silence settled over the group. Hermione leaned forward a little again to speak. “Um, no one blames you, Harry. The Dementors aren’t supposed to come inside the grounds. Dumbledore was furious. As soon as he saved you, he sent them straight off.”
“Yeah, he really was… intimidating. Made me remember he’s a powerful wizard and not some old kind man who likes candy,” Lotus shrugged the bundle into a cradling position.
“There’s, uh, something else you should know, too, Harry,” Ron added. “Um… when you fell, your broom, it-it sort of blew into the Whomping Willow, and…”
He turned to Lotus, who stepped forward again, holding out the wrapped bundle. Ron slowly peeled the layers back until the splintered and broken Nimbus 2000 spilled forth Ron picked up the bristles of the broom by the connecting piece, raising it up slightly. “Well, it’s, uh… “
Lotus saw how Harry’s eyes widened and glossed over like he had witnessed his puppy die.
Her heart tightened. “D-don’t worry, Harry— I– I’m sure we can get a new one…” She frankly didn’t know how to comfort him in this way, because this item was quite sentimental.
Harry didn’t say anything at first.
He just stared down at the broom—the shattered remains of it—as if trying to will the pieces to fit back together. His hands hung uselessly at his sides as Ron wrapped it back up and Lotus set it on the bedside table. Lotus bit her lip, watching his expression carefully, heart aching with secondhand grief. She reached forward slightly, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. “It’s okay to be upset,” she murmured. “This is a huge— huge —loss… but you’ll fly again. I promise! You— you can… I know this sounds shallow, but you can get a new one, right?”
Harry’s eyes met her, slightly angry, mostly sad. “But that Nimbus meant so much to me.”
She flinched, withdrawing. “I know. But it wasn’t just the broom that made you so special, it’s your natural-Seeker skills. You can get a new broom, but you’ll always be the amazing Seeker that Gryffindor is so lucky to have.”
He softened, before nodding slowly, silent. He gave them all a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
As everyone but Ron, Hermione, and Lotus began to disperse, Harry laid back down with a hefty sigh again.
“Cheer up, mate, we’ll get you something nice from Hogsmeade,” Ron promised.
“Yeah,” Hermione nodded. “It might make you feel better.”
Lotus sat on his bed. “My bones are still shaking from the cold rain. How can anyone survive a round of Quidditch?”
Harry laughed hoarsely. “Pure skill. Oh, and playing Quidditch gives you an adrenaline rush, I suppose…”
As the four talked, Lotus looked at at Harry. He still looked sad, but he wasn’t as devastated as when his eyes laid on the broken broom.
That was a good thing.
Chapter 20: ⛓ A Series of Unfortunate Events
Summary:
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
Lotus, Ron and Hermione try to be there for Harry as he mopes about his treasured broomstick, all broken.Alternatively, Lotus has been succeeding scarily well at becoming an Animagus. Just what should she become?
Who knows.They find out the (half) truth of Sirius Black.
" Just look away ... look away ... there's nothing but horror and inconvenience on the way ... ask any stable man should they watch and they will say: look away , look away ..."
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉☒ 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 ☒
- Traumatic reaction to a scenario similar to traumatic event!
Notes:
yeah sorry this took so long. I really have no excuse, lol. But I'll still say-- had massive burnout for the rest of June, worked a lot on yards (and still kinda am), I had a Segment 2 test passed, which means I can drive on my own, and I became House Manager for my Drama Club. Yippiee!! RESPONSIBILITIES!!
I might go get a j*b soon too./hjLook at me doing my research!!
NOTE: I HAD TO EDIT THE DATE AT THE END (jan 10-->jan 5) BECAUSE OF PLOT RELEVANCE ! NOTHING CHANGED IT'S JUST A DAY BEFORE THE NEXT EVENT! happy reading!
12:13 PM --- Godddd, I had to do so much research and pull up a timeline thing on when Harry got the Marauder's Map from Fred and George, so I could accurately pin a time on when to drop certain events.
I went through such lengths to make my information as accurate as possible,, here's November 29's nightsky:
https://theskylive.com/planetarium?objects=sun-moon-mercury-venus-mars-jupiter-saturn-uranus-neptune-pluto&localdata=51.48%7C0%7CGreenwich%2C%20UK%7CEurope%2FLondon%7C0&obj=sun&h=23&m=55&date=1993-11-28#ra|9.687320358891405|dec|15.916248737051014|fov|62- ALSO, I CHANGED LOTUS'S ANIMAGUS! She isn't a Tortoiseshell cat, but rather a Bombay Cat. Also, I found out a wizard/witch's appearance change doesn't affect the Animagus lmfao
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Nothing much happened since. Harry was out of Quidditch. He couldn’t play with a broken broom, of course.
“Listen, Harry,” Lotus spoke one day, on the third weekend of November, “I can get you a replacement, or something… You don’t have to stop playing completely. I get that Nimbus was really important to you, but Quidditch is too, right? You can’t let this setback ruin any potential you have in becoming pro.”
Harry didn’t say anything at first.
He just stared down at his plate, trying hard not to think of his broom, which he had firmly decided to keep and not throw out. It had meant something important to him, and he would sooner get himself wrangled up by the Dementor again than throw it out.
The Nimbus 2000 hadn’t just been a broom given to him by Professor McGonagall; it had been a gift, the very first real thing he could own and feel proud of—not that he wasn’t proud of Hedwig or his wand , or even the Invisibility Cloak , but Hedwig was her own… bird… he’d rather think of her as his first friend. His wand was literally twin with a wand owned by the man who killed his parents (and failed to kill him), and the Invisibility Cloak was his father’s, and most likely passed down from his father’s father , and so on up.
It was his. Undoubtedly, wholly, indisputably his.
And now it was broken.
It was beyond repair. He was sure they didn’t even get the whole piece back, too.
Lotus bit her lip, watching his expression carefully. She never liked seeing Harry sad—this was something she had often noted herself, always to keep the boy happy. His life was bad enough, as if being The Chosen One, the one who seems to always get into trouble, and the one who just couldn’t catch a break . She reached forward slowly, gently placing a hand on his arm. “It’s okay to be upset,” she murmured. “You’ve lost something very important… but… you’ll fly again. You’re still a Seeker—even without that broom…”
Harry’s eyes met hers, frustrated but quiet. “It’s just… Quidditch means a lot to me– That broom meant a lot to me. ”
“I know,” she said softly, squeezing his arm. “But that broom didn’t make you belong. You did that all on your own—remember? You flew fast, skillfully, amazingly, to get Neville’s Remembrall? And you didn’t have your Nimbus 2000 with you then. McGonagall recognized talent and gave you that broom to help you be better. You’ll be set back a bit, but you’re still going to be Gryffindor’s Star Seeker.”
Ron awkwardly patted Harry’s back. “We’ll find you a better one, mate. One that’ll make that old stick look like a twig in comparison. Right, Lo?”
Lotus chuckled. “I mean, none of us has the funds to cover that expense. Harry does, but I don’t think he can quite message Gringotts to extract some Galleons to buy a new broom within a day. Still, we’ll help you get one. Maybe a school broomstick for the time being.”
Harry finally nodded, still silent, but he gave them both a small, quiet smile—one of those rare ones that meant more than words ever would.
“Thanks,” he says softly. “I’m… gonna go talk to Lupin, to clear my head.”
“Yeah, you go do that,” Lotus nodded.
“Yeah, I’m gonna get ready for my trip to Hogsmeade,” Ron stood up. “You coming this time with me and ‘Mione, Lo?”
“Oh, actually,” Lotus laughed a little. “I’m staying.”
He gawked. “ What? You’re leaving us behind?? Again??? ” To that, Harry smirked.
“I doubt she's doing it on purpose, Ron.”
“Still!” Ron huffed. “Whatever, I’ll do good without you anyway.”
Lotus giggled. “Sure, Ron. Have fun.”
Ron couldn’t help but smile, waving her off. “Yeah, yeah. Hope you have fun doing… whatever.”
“Studying?”
“Ugh.”
As Harry and Ron departed in both directions, Lotus stood up, turning to head to the Library. She had one goal in mind.
To record her progress on becoming an Animagus.
An entirely laughable goal at first, but when she woke up the morning after she started the ritual with the Mandrake Leaf still in her mouth, she knew things were getting serious.
She had taken as much precaution as necessary—not eating foods that would require her to swallow thickly, or moreso than usual, just to clear her mouth, running the risk of swallowing the leaf, or not talking as much.
The whole developing saliva naturally thing bothered her, though.
Damn You, Human Body!
She wasn’t going to mess this up. Not now, not ever. Especially since there were only seven recorded ( recorded. ) Animagi in the world, and she intended to add to it.
…That or stay completely silent.
Probably stay silent. She’d be sneaky, but not careless. Again, the risk of hiding such a tremendous secret was time in Azkaban, and she had had enough of Dementors after what they had tried to do to Harry.
Nine more days , she reminded herself. The Mandrake leaf still rested beneath her tongue, slightly off-tasting now from the almost month since the hours it had been pressed there. No eating, barely talking, no forgetting for even a second—this was commitment in its purest form. And today, she just wanted to do something light.
Maybe some research, maybe some light reading. Just to get her mind off the slight hunger, fatigue, and itch in her gums every so often.
Madam Pince glanced up as she entered, but Lotus only gave a polite smile before moving towards one of the aisles. Books fluttered above her like restless birds with no clear destination. The library was sparse, almost empty, as most students would rather be going out in Hogsmeade (or, if you were a first and second year, just hang around in the Courtyard). This gave her ample space for her to lounge back and read.
Lotus found the thick, narrow aisle that housed Transfiguration books, and scanned the spines with her eyes until one stood out: Animagi: More Than Just Transfiguration .
She tugged it free and tucked herself into a corner table, flipping it open with care. Her fingers were a little stiff, the cracks on her knuckles more prevalent than they’d been yesterday.
A warning, quiet but growing louder. Dormant, but not away.
An Animagus (pl. Animagi) was a witch or wizard who could transform themselves into an animal and back again at will. It was a skill that could be learned, unlike the hereditary ability of a Metamorphmagus.
Any witch or wizard who wished to become an Animagus had to undergo a ritual-like process in order to achieve the ability—
“Yeah, I know that part,” she murmured and skipped ahead.
At the next visible full moon (if the night happened to be cloudy, one would have to start over– )
“Are you kidding me?” she groaned. “Now I have to make sure my efforts aren’t in vain because of one bad night of terrible weather.”
The wizard had to spit the saliva-filled leaf into a small crystal phial that received the moon’s pure rays. To the moon-struck phial, the wizard or witch must then add one of their own hairs, a silver teaspoon of dew taken from a place that had not seen sunlight or been touched by a human feet for a full seven days, and the chrysalis of a Death’s-head Hawk Moth. The resulting mixture then had to be put in a quiet, dark place, and could not be disturbed in any way.
The next thing that had to happen was for the wizard to wait for an electrical storm, whenever that might be.
“That’s a shame,” she sighed. “Could’ve needed that storm earlier.”
During this waiting period, the wizard would have to, at sunrise and sundown everyday without fail, chant the incantation Amato Animo Animato Animagus with the tip of their wand placed over the heart. If one kept repeating the incantaiton, there would come a time when a second heartbeat may have been sensed with the touch of the wand-tip to the chest.
Ignore it, as it’s perfectly normal. Do not let it cause any disturbance to the process.
When, at last, there was a lightning storm, the wizard had to retrieve the phial, which, if everything was done right, should have been found to contain a blood-red potion. The wizard had to immediately move to a large and secure place; somewhere they could achieve the transformation safely and without alarming anyone. To complete the process, the wizard had to point their wand at their heart and recite the incantation one final time, and then drink the Animagus potion.
She stared. “ If any part of this process was done incorrectly, it had the potential to backfire and cause the transformation to go wrong, ” she recited. A small frown pulled at Lotus’s lips as she sat back in the chair.
A horribly wrong transformation.
She had to be extremely careful. She exhaled through her nose and leaned forward, pulling a slip of paper out and her quill, rereading the section slowly, taking note of the dew requirement, the moth chrysalis, the chant. The second heartbeat. The moonlight, the lighting.
“Dammit, I really thought that the 29th was over for it. I guess I should’ve done more research beforehand… still. This is probably the most challenging part. The hardest is getting the timing right and finding a nice place to transform. Oo,” she tapped the quill’s feathers against her chin—probably to mimic tapping a pen to her chin, but all it did was brush gently against her face–thoughtfully, “I wonder what I’ll become…”
“Hopefully nothing… tiny. And defenseless. That’s entirely the opposite of what I want to be,” she looked up at the ceiling. It stared back down at her. She swore she saw a spider wink.
It’s not just about becoming an Animagus.
It’s about having control over something for once.
She wanted to feel strong. To have an out. To be alone when she can. To not be found if someone bad tried to look for her. To be useful if someone ever needed her.
No sickness. No Lockhart. No fear.
Whatever animal she became (or bug, that could be acceptable to some extent), she’d accept it.
── .✦
September 29th. She had been acting too giddy.
“Did someone spike your drink?” Ron asked. “Fred and George tampered it with some Emotion Potion instead of your hair this time?”
Speaking of, her hair was still fiery red. Nope. Not gonna rid of it yet!
Lotus smiled, the balls of her feet rocking a little, causing her feet to tap. “Nope. Just excited.”
“I don’t know what’s happening this Monday for you to be excited, then,” Harry added, barely lifting his head from notes in Potions.
Hermione, meanwhile, had known why today was so special. “It’s Marco Polo’s birthday,” she chirped.
“Mhm!” Lotus nodded. She honestly didn’t know when her own owl was born, so she was eager to support this.
“Oh,” Ron blinked. “Neat, I guess?”
“Enough idle-talking,” Professor Snape barked, passing by them. “I could hear you from across the class. Ms. Inag, I assure you, the birth of an owl is not that important for today’s lesson.”
But Lotus simply smiled. “Alright, Professor Snape. Sorry,” she then looked back down, checking her notes for the Shrinking Solution. Momentarily stunned, he eyed her. She was passive, but not dismissive in this way.
However, he simply turned and left.
Harry stared, lips parting slightly in confusion as he leaned toward Lotus.
“...Okay, what was that?” He whispered, glancing at her from the corner of his eye. “You just disarmed Snape. Surprised him.”
Lotus bit the inside of her cheek, still fighting the grin that threatened to resurface. “I’m allowed to smile, you know.”
“Yeah, but at him? ” Ron whispered, horrified. “We get he’s, like, a bit nicer to you because he makes your Potions when you’re sick, but– but that’s like offering a handshake to a Blast-Ended Skrewt!”
Hermione rolled her eyes. “She’s just in a good mood. Let her enjoy it.” She, too, was holding back a knowing smile.
“She smiled at Snape , Hermione. That’s not just good mood behavior, that’s ‘I just robbed Gringotts and got away with it’ behavior.”
“Guys, I’ve literally smiled at him before!” Lotus huffed. “Whatever, let’s just continue with our notes.”
The truth was, she was feeling light. That strange, anxious coil in her chest that she normally lived with had loosened today.
Because she hadn’t swallowed the Mandrake leaf. Not once.
Because she was mere hours before the Full Moon would rise, given it wasn’t a cloudy night, and she would be one step closer to her goals.
Because she just unofficially gave her owl a new birthday, and would have to abide by that every year.
She should stop by the Owlery and give Marco Polo a snack.
She glanced up just briefly, catching Snape’s eye as he moved toward the front of the class again.
For a moment, his stare lingered—curious, sharp, unreadable.
Then, he turned away without a word.
Lotus scribbled a note in the corner of her parchment:
29th. Full Moon. Steady. Stay steady.
Then she turned to Hermione and whispered, “You think Marco Polo would like owl treats or rats?”
Hermione smiled softly. “Rats. Give him a once-in-a-while treat.”
Ron shuddered. “Not Scabbers.”
── .✦
For Defense Against the Dark Arts, there was yet another substitute teacher. This time, it was Professor McGonagall, of all teachers. Of course, someone as sharp and experienced as her had already set up a small schedule planner for what the kids should be doing that day—some random study about Kappas.
“Ugly things, aren’t they?” Ron muttered to the other three. Harry nodded in slight agreement, while Hermione scrunched her nose.
“If they heard you say that, they’d probably strangle you.”
“They’re Japanese, right?” Lotus mumbled.
“Yeah,” Hermione nodded. “Oh! Speaking of Asian-located creatures, Lotus, what kind of creatures are in the Philippines? America?”
Lotus blinked at that question. “Oh, uhm..”
“You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to…”
“No, it’s just sudden.”
She leaned back a little. “The coolest, yet most impossible-to-exist one, in my opinion? Definitely the Bakunawa.”
“Baku-what?”
“It’s basically this huge serpent who eats the Moon. Says to be the cause of eclipses, earthquakes, rains, and wind… It’s really interesting. There’s also the Manananggal, which kinda is like a vampire , but can separate its upper torso from the lower part of its body.”
She moved to quickly sketch it out on fresh paper. As she drew the decrepit aswang with only half of its body, its entrails hanging out, the three looked mildly disturbed.
“I think it, like, eats babies or something.”
“ Eats babies? ” Hermione cried out. “... I can’t lie, that’s a little interesting. Morbid… but interesting.”
“I know, right?” Lotus chuckled. “Well, those are two of many. As for American creatures… uhm… I dunno. You’d have to ask a Native American that,” she shrugged. “But there’s this sick bipedal creature called the Mothman! He’s from West Virginia…”
As she talked, Lotus noticed the sound of a slight bump coming from the office upstairs. Glancing up, she felt the familiar claw of fear grip her, but as soon as her eyes locked onto the door, Professor McGonagall came into view.
“Ms. Inag? Is something the matter?”
“Oh,” she blinked. “Is– um, I heard a sound, is all… did something happen up there?”
“Hm? What noise?” She replied, turning her head slightly. “I didn’t hear anything.”
Other students were staring at her now, so she shrank slightly. “Never mind, then. Probably part of my imagination…”
McGonagall nodded and turned to leave.
Lotus looked at the other three, who looked confused.
“Yeah, what noise?” Hermione questioned.
“I dunno. I just heard a weird ‘thud’ or something coming from the office upstairs. You don’t think that’s Lupin up there, right? Or… the boggart he has?”
Harry shivered. “Hopefully it’s just Lupin and he’s doing God knows what. Not that Boggart. Wouldn’t want it learning how to open the door and terrorizing us all… Especially you.”
Lotus tensed a little. Especially you.
He wasn’t wrong, but it hurt a little.
She simply nodded. “Yeah.”
As they all continued to work, Hermione scooted closer to Lotus, leaning slightly. Her puffy, untamed hair brushed against Lotus’s shoulder.
“What do you need today?” she asked gently.
“To be alone,” Lotus replied without looking up from the sheet of paper. “Up high, where I can catch the moon in its full glory.”
“Astronomy Tower,” Hermione shook her head barely. “That’s extremely risky, but…”
“It won’t, remember I have Astronomy today?” Lotus spoke. “I have full permission to be up there.”
Hermione smiled. “Right. Well, then it sounds like you have everything under control.”
“Yep. I need you to talk Professor Sinistra’s ear off tonight, kay, ‘Mione?”
“Of course. But you’re quite the lucky person, I think you’ll be okay.”
“Yeah– ow!”
“Lotus?”
Lotus drew back, clutching her wrist. “Cramp.”
Hermione stared before laughing.
── .✦
Lotus waited, stationed near the furthest area from the entrance, and in the most visible to the Full Moon–which, by God’s grace, the weather was clear.
She glanced over at Hermione, who was scrawling down the constellations.
In the night sky, familiar constellations such as Orion…
Draco, she thought humoredly, I forgot he was named after a constellation. I wonder if his parents knew that.
Her eyes kept scanning the skies. Pegasus, Hercules, Cygnus, Canis Major
She snorted. What an omen. The guy himself is probably prowling around Hogwarts, and here the Star is, glowing the brightest in the night sky.
… And…
Leo .
Lotus spent an unnecessarily long time staring at the bundle of stars that made up the Lion Constellation.
It had been a hot minute since she really thought about him.
The pit in her stomach grew slightly, and she felt a little sick.
Dad , she thought. I miss my dad. I miss him so much.
All she had were photos to go off, and the small, almost minuscule memory of him reading to her, and also defending her on that day .
She wished both of them had perished.
She wished Alistair had better aim. Had better power. Didn’t suck so much in the art of murder.
Suddenly, she remembered her goal. Her main objective. Right, she thought, I have to do it.
Swiftly, she looked back at Hermione and nodded. The girl turned and went for Professor Sinistra’s attention.
“Professor, I think I’ve found Cassiopeia, but I’m not entirely sure—it looks like the stars are shifting too much near the horizon,” Hermione called, voice steady but just loud enough to divert the attention of the Astronomy teacher. Professor Sinistra, intrigued, began her elegant stride across the Tower to check Hermione’s star map. The moment her back was turned. Lotus moved.
Among the sleepy students, who were all waiting for class to end, she shifted so her body hid what she was doing. She pulled the phial out, holding it up to catch the Full Moon’s brilliant shining rays of pale blue. Its surface shimmered faintly, and then, gradually, light poured into the vessel like water, filling it with a subtle blue-silver glow.
She brought the phial to her lips, spitting the Mandrake leaf into it—saliva thick from how dry her mouth had gotten—and then sighed in relief.
Finally. It felt weird, being able to feel the bottom of her mouth without a leaf obstructing her way, but it felt refreshing. She plucked one of her own hairs, fiery red with a tinge of gold from the fade from red to yellow, and dropped it in. She brought out another bottle, small, and opened it, dipping in her silver teaspoon and taking out the dew, dipping it into the phial, before finally adding the chrysalis of a Death’s-head Hawk Moth.
She nodded in satisfaction, sealing it shut and tucking it away. She picked up her books, coughing. “Professor, I think it’s 12 AM now, I think we should all head to our dormitories..?”
Professor Sinistra blinked and looked at her, clasping her hands together. “Oh, yes, you all should. Goodnight, students, and remember to do your homework for Wednesday!”
“Goodnight, Professor,” came from the entourage of students who suddenly seemed all too happy to descend.
As Lotus walked down, Hermione met her. “Did you do it?” Hermione asked. “I mean, I was kinda watching you, but still.”
“Yep,” Lotus nodded. “Just need to shove it inside the tiny little shoebox in my drawer.”
Hermione grinned, clutching her star chart to her chest. “I knew you could pull it off.”
Lotus gave a tired little laugh, unable to stop herself from swallowing. “Honestly, me neither. It felt way too smooth. No slipping, no mess-ups, no one looking up and seeing me holding a glowing phial— but I’m happy. I’m lucky, happy, and grateful nothing happened. … I’m gonna need a lot of water tomorrow morning. And for once, I think I’ll over-eat.”
They reached the Gryffindor common room door and gave the password. The Fat Lady barely blinked as she swung open with a yawn.
Inside, the room was dim, the fire reduced to embers. Most of the students had long since gone to bed. Lotus quietly slipped upstairs with Hermione, and once in their dorm, she moved over to her drawer. Gingerly, reverently, she placed the glowing vial in the shoebox and nestled it between some spare parchment and a folded sock for cushioning. She stared at it a moment longer, watching the faint shimmer of moonlight swirl within the fluid.
Lotus stood back up and walked to the window next to her bed, sitting on the windowsill. She tilted, enough to spot it again.
Leo .
She rested her cheek on her knee, frowning.
Are you proud of me, Dad?
I think I’m doing a good job, right?
I hope you’re proud of me.
Goodnight.
I love you, Dad.
── .✦
She was a little bit worried. What came with the winter season came snow, which narrowed her chances down to zero for the next step of becoming an Animagus. So, she prayed to whatever God above— and perhaps Merlin, too –for a rainstorm. No, a thunderstorm. It had specifically asked for that, after all.
And she hadn’t forgotten to recite the incantation ‘Amato Animo Animato Animagus’ at sunrise and sunset every day. Still, a cause for concern.
However, her wishes were granted on December 12th, when an intense rainstorm hit Great Britain.
She had woken up, seeing the gloomier–than–ever—mood in the sky, and instantly knew. She grinned, reaching to grab the shoebox, and delicately moved the phial into her pocket. When she had opened the lid, to her delight (and shock), it had turned an eerie blood-red.
Nothing to be alarmed of, she thought, this is exactly how it’s supposed to be!
Still a little scary, though.
When she descended down for breakfast, Hermione was waiting for her at the entrance of the Great Hall. Ron and Harry had already gone to the tables and began chowing down on breakfast, but Hermione had insisted on staying behind for her.
“Good morning, ‘Mione,” Lotus chirped upon approach.
“Morning, Lo,” Hermione replied in earnest. “I noticed the weather seems awful today. Does that mean…?”
“Yes!” Lotus nodded eagerly. “And it’s turned red, which means I’m doing it all right.”
She put a finger to her bottom lip in thought. “Still. I’m not the best in Potions, I’m surprised I could pull this off so easily.”
“Well, you are pretty smart,” Hermione murmured, crossing her arms. Her bushy hair was pulled back with a headband, and her usual outfit was replaced for something more comfortable, as she intended to stay inside all day to study. “Plus, it was more hard labour than it was potion-making.”
“True,” Lotus chuckled. “The instructions say I need to find a large, spacious room and be by myself. Any idea where that could be?”
Hermione blinked, then shook her head. “No, I… don’t. I’m sorry.”
“That’s alright,” Lotus shook her head. “I’m giving myself an hour until I have to do it, because that’s when storms are usually in their prime… so that gives me ample time to explore and find a good enough room. Besides, you’ve done more than enough for me for the past few weeks, Hermione, covering for me and all. I’m surprised Ron and Harry aren’t as suspicious as I thought they’d be.”
“They probably are,” Hermione noted as the two girls began to walk in, “but are just too polite to say anything.”
“Really? Harry? Ron? Too polite to be nosey?”
“C’mon, they probably think it’s some ‘nasty girl stuff’ and wouldn’t want to know.”
Lotus laughed softly. The two sat beside Ron and Harry, to which the two boys looked up.
“Took you long enough,” Ron murmured whilst in the process of stuffing his face full of chicken, “was seriously thinking of eating your food.”
“You wouldn’t dare…” Lotus smirked.
“I would, Lo, I would.”
“So,” Harry spoke up, swallowing his meal. “What do we all plan to do on this miserable Sunday?”
“I have to do some personal studying,” Lotus said.
“Really? You’ve been on your own for a while. Are you good?” Harry asked.
“Geez, what’s with you two and being so odd?” Ron inquired. “First, this one, ” he gestured to Hermione with his fork, “seems to be catching up on five-thousand classes without fail, and you’re parading around and coming back late,” his eyes set on Lotus.
Lotus shook her head. “How perceptive… listen, I promise I’ll tell you all if things go right. If they don’t, you’ll find out yourselves.”
“That doesn’t make things any better!” Harry retorted.
“It so does,” Lotus protested.
“Lotus, you know you can tell us, right?” Harry frowned. “We’re all close, and we’ve all told each other to be open to one another…”
“I know.” Lotus looked up at him and softened. “But trust me, this is really important. I’ll tell you when I can.”
“... Okay. I trust you.”
“Really?”
“Yes, because it’s clear you won’t tell me. And I have my fair share of… secrets. I can’t talk,” Harry snorted.
Lotus smiled. “Alright, thanks.”
After several minutes of full silence, to switch the mood of the conversation, she added, “What do you guys plan to do?”
“Play wizard chess with Harry,” Ron replied.
“Play wizard chess with Ron,” Harry murmured humoredly.
“Go to the library,” Hermione hummed sweetly.
“Great—oh, I’ve gotta go,” Lotus said, standing up.
Harry frowned. “Ah, uhm, alright. Good luck in… whatever it is you’re doing.”
“Thanks,” she responded, hurriedly leaving the three.
Harry watched her leave, his frown deepening. “Hermione, you wouldn’t happen to know what she’s up to, would you?”
Hermione froze. “Well…”
“You do !” Ron howled. “What is it?”
“I can’t just tell you ! That’s a breach of trust and privacy!”
“Yeah? Well, so is hiding things from your friends,” Harry replied a little too coldly; Hermione flinched.
“I’m sorry, Harry…”
“No, I’m sorry,” he immediately regretted his tone. “It’s just… I don’t like people hiding things from me. It makes me feel… weird.”
“I know,” Hermione nodded. “As she said, trust her on this.”
“... She’s not getting hurt, is she?” Harry asked.
“No! No… not like… not like last year,” Hermione’s voice quieted. The three sat in quietness.
“Then… fine. I trust her.”
── .✦
Lotus paced back and forth. “I need a spot. A large spot. A nice, lonely, large spot…”
Students who passed by watched her walk, confused. She knew she looked crazy right now, but she didn’t care. Time was ticking, and storms normally don’t last the entire day. She had walked back up to Gryffindor’s Common Room and was merely plotting at this point.
She wished she had browsed around more often; perhaps she’d know.
“Hey, Lo, what’re you doing there?” Fred teased. The twins had recently left Gryffindor’s Common Room and noticed her.
“Oh,” she flushed, “uhm, well… some soul-searching? Trying to, uh, figure out something too.”
“Well,” George smirked. “I hope you figure out something soon. You look like a wreck.”
Fred tilted his head, crossing his arms with a grin. “You know, Lol, if you’re looking for a big, lonely spot, I know one with an excellent view… and two charming redheads already in it.”
Lotus snorted, cheeks reddening. “Um… tempting, but I think I need something more… isolating. Besides, then it’ll just be three redheads. Or… two-and-a-half plus one-quarter-gold redheads.”
“Oh, how dramatically lonely,” George added, feigning a scared look.
She rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lip. “Yep, that’s me. Lone bat.”
Fred leaned in, a little mock-conspiratorial. “Careful, Lotus. With how much you’re pacing, people might think you’re plotting mischief . And you know we’re experts in that field.”
“I’ll make sure not to steal your brand,” she replied, amused.
George winked. “No promises if you keep being this mysterious. You’re bound to break a few hearts. Maybe even two.”
Fred gave a dramatic sigh. “Tragic, really. I guess we’ll just leave you to your stormy… brooding.”
“Try not to disappear too long, or else we’ll miss you too much,” George said with a salute. “And you know we cherish you.”
And with a pair of exaggerated bows, they turned and strolled off the corridor, still chuckling.
Lotus stared at them, both exasperated and endeared. Then turned back to her pacing.
Now, where in Merlin’s name can I safely transform without accidentally being a disgusting mess to anyone?
She paused. Did I really say ‘Merlin’?
Before she could entertain that thought further, the sound of stone shifting filled her ears. She looked around, seeing no one in sight, before her eyes locked onto the door behind her.
“Huh… that… wasn’t there before.”
Hesitantly, she walked over and slowly swung it open. To her delight, the room was perfect: a wide chamber. Round, quiet, dimly lit by lanterns that floated near the vault ceiling like sleepy fireflies. Open windows that peeked out to the stormy weather, some raindrops falling in like warriors led astray. The roof tapered into a domed, curved top, perfect for extra room.
She stepped in cautiously, letting the door ease shut behind her.
No desks. No furniture. No portraits. No eyes.
Just space. Blessed, private, echoing space.
“...No way,” she murmured. “Perfect. Too perfect. Is this a magical room, or something? What is this place…”
No time to question it now. Time is of the essence.
“Thanks, I guess,” she whispered aloud, unsure if she was talking to Hogwarts or the universe.
She slowly pulled the phial from her pocket and walked to the center of the room.
Now, so close to the moment of truth…
She felt doubt cloud her senses.
Oh, not now! She wanted to yell, but her hand shook in protest. She looked down, seeing her slightly glowing cracks littering her hands.
What if this went horribly wrong?
What if she got immensely hurt? She had considered her own fragile state several times, but she kept convincing herself this wouldn’t hurt as bad as she would think.
Would her illness cause this to backfire? She wasn’t as strong as many people…
Oh, screw it!
She’s had enough of feeling weak. Limited. The fact she’s been doing this right must be because she’s good enough. Right?
She took out her wand, fingers tightening around the handle, then sliding her hand up more to a comfortable position and then pointed it against her chest.
“Animago Animo Animato Animagus,” she chanted. The tip of her wand glowed before she popped the phial open, swallowing its contents.
She shivered, a low groan tearing from her chest as she fell to her knees. A horrible, fiery pain ran through her body, and she doubled over, screaming.
Oh, God , it hurt so bad.
She so desperately wanted to beg- ‘oh, god, please make it stop’, but was interrupted by the sensation of her heartbeat.
Thump. Thump.
Then, an intense second heartbeat immediately after.
She froze, hand gripping her pants. Was that it? Was that her Animagus ?
She closed her eyes shut, trying to calm herself down. Panicking was the last thing she wanted to do in this situation.
She then felt her body shift. Uncomfortably, agonizingly, her clothes began to tighten around her, until her bones began to pull inward, joints popping, skin crawling like fire ants had taken root beneath it. She gasped—no, yowled—as her spine curved, body crumpling forward, as her center of gravity shifted. Her hands slammed to the stone floor—
Only… they weren’t hands anymore.
Small, shaking paws trembled against the ground, thin and sharp claws unsheathing instinctively. Her vision blurred and then sharpened, the torches suddenly flaring too bright, every sound unbearably loud—dripping water, crackling fire, the soft rustle of her own breath—
No. Fur.
Lotus opened her eyes fully, blinking rapidly, and caught sight of herself in one of the tall mirrors across the room.
A cat. She had a dark coat, with short, yet fluffy fur, and soft, amber-golden eyes. Even in feline form, there was something fragile about her—thin legs, petite frame—but also undeniably stealthy . Quick-footed. Watchful.
Her breathing slowed, and while the disorientation lingered, the pain slowly subsided.
It had worked.
She’d done it.
She padded awkwardly, one foot– paw –outstretched after another, towards the mirror, still unused to her body. Her reflection stared back: wide-eyed, a little startled, definitely afraid, but not so much so that she freaked out.
She pawed at the ground and then sat, curling her tail around herself, fur puffing slightly.
She lifted a paw, looking at it. Her claws were unsheathed, but the cracks on her hands seemed to have unfortunately transferred onto her feline form. They appeared as scars, where fur had ceased to grow, jagged like branches gone wild.
Lotus grimaced the best way a cat could, before looking at her abandoned wand. Oh, she hadn’t quite thought that far.
She trotted over, picking it up with her teeth, before she rushed towards the door. Luckily, by some odd miracle—probably the being above who keeps giving her such insane luck, depending on the time of day—a table sat next to the door, so she readied herself…
And clumsily leapt up. Admittedly, she had failed almost immediately, yowling and sliding back, desperately clawing to hold on, only to fall. She landed on her rear, jolting and circling around.
With wounded pride, she reared back and tried again.
Fail.
A few more tries before her hind legs got used to kicking off at the correct time, and she managed to land on the table. Lotus then shot her paw out, hitting the door handle.
A few more attempts, before she remembered that these weren’t the type of doors she was used to back in America. Right, they had their own.. And they were pushed…
Her ears flattened against her head in embarrassment and annoyance. She leapt back down and, with all her might, pushed against the door until it swung open. She skipped out with her wand in her mouth, alert with every step. Her wand was too unique, and no one had ever seen a cat like her before. This would spell bad news for her.
Oh, and the fact that she was a black cat , a symbol of ‘bad luck’ to many people.
I wonder how Professor Trelawney would react upon seeing me…
So, she had to manage to find her way back to Gryffindor’s Common Room, or hide out somewhere until she figured out how to change back to normal.
Hopefully, it didn’t take days. Or else she’d be reported missing. That would be a pain to go through.
Lotus rounded the corner when she froze. A group of kids was coming her way . She freaked out and turned, running towards the sixth-floor staircase.
The feline ran down, ignoring the paintings as some called her out.
“Hey, whose familiar is that?”
“Why does it have a wand?”
Stop talking about me! She thought, annoyed. Unfortunately, just like her human self, she couldn’t run long enough. She slowed, panting, and was eventually forced to sit, dropping her wand. Her body heaved with heavy pants, tongue sticking out slightly.
The wand rolled just barely, due to its shape, but was ultimately stopped when it collided with the foot of a rather tired-looking man, who was simply enjoying the cool breeze from the rain on the sixth floor.
Lotus looked up and froze, shrinking back.
Professor Lupin looked down at her, eyes wide with disbelief.
“Ah, you must be a student’s familiar,” he replied gently, lowering himself to one knee. “But this wand… It’s Ms. Inag’s, I believe?”
He looked up at her, and she couldn’t respond. Not even in a ‘mew’.
“Hm, I swear she once mentioned she had an owl , and you don’t look too familiar… just who are you and why do you have Ms. Inag’s wand… unles—”
His eyes widened a fraction. He moved forward, stretching his hand out.
Danger .
That old, sinking feeling in her stomach roared like a dog (despite her cat appearance), and she hissed despite herself, backing away. Her fur all stood on end, a clear warning sign.
Professor Lupin retracted his hand, instead raising both, bare and wand-wielding, to show he meant no harm.
“Of course, I— I forgot about your past, Ms. Inag, if that is you. I— would you please let me take you away from here? To… my office?”
That should’ve been some sort of grace for her. Instead, she only grew more violent. Her growl deepened, claws showing, scraping against the stone.
Lupin froze.
Not from fear—no, it was something else. A kind of quiet, mournful understanding flickered behind his tired eyes.
He didn’t move. He just remained crouched, giving her space, the rain pounding on the windows that surrounded them. “I won’t touch you,” he said softly, barely above a whisper. “I promise, Ms. Inag. It was foolish of me to try to put my hands on you as if you were some common house-cat, but no. You are… a fully aware human being behind dark fur. You’re safe. But I… I need to make sure you’re alright.”
Her chest heaved with shallow breaths. Every inch of her fur bristled. She didn’t want to panic too much to the point of being like this— feral . But her body reacted before her heart could speak, as it always did when fear clawed up her throat first.
Professor Lupin slowly stood up. “Can I tell you something? Perhaps it’ll make you trust me.”
She blinked.
His voice was too calm, too steady, too knowing. It made her hesitate. Her claws still scraped faintly at the floor, but the growl in her throat faded to a simmering silence.
“I don’t think anyone else would’ve even succeeded in the transformation as young as you. And yet… here you are. James took three years to master that craft, you know.” He offered a small, strained smile. “I’m… proud of you.”
That caught her.
James? As in Harry’s dad? Professor Lupin was friends with him? And…
Hold on, He was an Animagi too?
For a beat, the air between them was heavy—then slowly, her fur began to flatten, her ears swiveling cautiously forward instead of pinned back.
Remus turned, but kept his eye on her. “Whenever you’re ready,” he murmured. “I’ll just… walk ahead. You don’t have to follow if you don’t want to.”
He then stopped eyeing her and began walking, leaving space behind him.
Lotus watched him. Torn. Huddled in her small, trembling feline form.
And then—after a long, tense moment—she padded forward.
As they trekked, Lotus’s mind felt like a huge mess.
She had hoped for a form, no matter what, to not make her feel so small.
And yet, the first thing she felt was small. And weak. And insignificant.
Everything she did not want to be.
Lotus looked up, seeing Professor Lupin walk with rigid steps, like he was unsure what to make of the situation.
“Mew,” she spoke, though she really meant ‘what’s wrong?’
As if he could sense her words (or perhaps he was just filling in the lines), he chuckled sadly. “Oh, nothing. Just… tired. Ms. Inag, you know, people like us, we’re very fatigued from… conditions.”
“Mrrow,” she nodded in agreement, tail swishing.
After a while, they eventually arrived at his office. Lotus started to feel the sinking fear once again—it was instinctual, now. She looked around, mewling helplessly.
The same walls that witnessed…
The same door that kept her locked in…
The same table that she was trapped against…
She stiffened, the door closing behind her. She was utterly trapped by his whims, as well. Whatever he wanted…
No, Professor Lupin wasn’t like that… right?
“Mew,” She sniffled, curling up into a ball at the entrance of the office. Lupin set her wand down on his table before looking back at her in worry.
“Lotus…” Professor Lupin sighed. “You don’t have to come in,” he added gently, voice catching on something tight in his throat.
He stood still at his table, not daring to force her inside. “I didn’t think,” he added quietly. “Of course you’d remember. Of course, your body would remember.”
She remembered he mentioned his own childhood experience that’s haunted him since. She knew he logically would never attempt anything.
Lotus’s ears flattened. Her tail wrapped tightly around her was formed like a shield. She gave a small, choked hiss.
“I know,” he murmured, kneeling down, the rain still brushing against the windows. “You’re doing more than anyone ever should’ve had to.”
He glanced back at the desk. “No need to go in any further than this,” he gestured towards her. “But I’m here to help you now.”
She tilted her head.
“It’ll be tough to turn back into a human, but I want you to think about it hard— try your best to visualize your human form and body . While I’d help you with a spell that reverses the effects, I want you to learn it and harness it. The more practice, the better. I’m sure you’ll be far better than James was; he was stuck for several days because he couldn’t quite grasp it,” Professor Lupin chuckled.
Lotus stared up at him. He had a fond smile on his face, most likely recalling a memory with Harry’s dad. She then closed her eyes.
Visualize my human form.
Tan skin. Red-gold hair. Cracks on hands and neck, and cheek… Amber eyes…
What followed was a searing pain all over, as her body shifted, bones snapping and stretching to fit a human’s once again. She knew she had let out some whimpers, but Professor Lupin didn’t judge.
Paw became hand, fur became fles,h and clothes. She sat there, hunched over, shaking.
“Lotus.” She looked up, seeing a chocolate bar presented to her. “Eat, this’ll make you feel better.”
“Thank you…” She reached out and took the chocolate, biting into it. Lotus sighed softly, getting up with laboured breath, stumbling over to the chair.
Professor Lupin sat on the other side of the desk, crossing a leg over the other. “Now, if you don’t mind me asking, what prompted you to become an Animagus? How long have you been trying?”
She shifted uncomfortably. “A month? No… a month and a couple of weeks. One for the mandrake leaf, and another few weeks for the thunderstorm today.”
His eyes widened with surprise and a hint of admiration. “ Really? That’s so much faster than James and the others!”
“Really?” Lotus perked up.
“Yes, they took three years,” he humored, propping his elbow on the table and resting his chin on his palm. “Not til they were 15.”
“... Professor, you keep mentioning that they’ve become Animagi, but you never seem to include yourself in it.”
He stopped.
“Are you an Animagus too? Or…”
He was silent now, and Lotus began to panic.
“S-sorry, I didn’t mean to— I—”
“It’s alright,” Professor Lupin replied gently. “Just… my own personal issues, I suppose. I’m frail, more frail than they. I couldn’t possibly have—”
“—Become an Animagus too?” Lotus guessed. “If so, I’m sorry, but that’s… not the mentality you should’ve had. I mean—look at me! I’m an Animagus, I guess, and… I’m frail too. Weak. Dying. Limited… and yet I still am .”
She leaned forward to grab her wand, her hand inching hesitantly like she was asking for permission to grab her own wand . When Professor Lupin didn’t stop her, she pulled it back and put it in her pocket.
Lupin sighed softly. “You are so much smarter than I was at my age. And so much better, Ms. Inag. Look at you, you’re bright, and you try not to let the things that hold you down get in the way. You are quite resilient.”
Lotus blinked. She knew they were genuine compliments, but it felt weird hearing them.
“Oh. Uhm, thanks.”
Lupin chuckled at her awkwardness, the kind that only came from people who received praise in a manner before that had exploitative and manipulative intentions.
“I mean it,” he said, settling back into his chair with a quiet sigh. “You remind me of someone I used to know. A bit too hard on himself, never thought he belonged with the rest of us. Brilliant, though. And brave… as brave as he could be.”
Lotus lowered her gaze, fingers brushing the edge of her pocket where her wand now rested again. “He sounds kind of like you.”
That made him pause. His smile faltered just slightly, but there was something warmer behind it now. “Maybe. Or maybe you’re the one teaching me a thing or two.”
She gave a tiny, shy huff of a laugh. “You’re just saying that because I turned into a cat. Successfully. For my first time.”
“Well, it was a rather impressive cat,” he teased lightly. “Though I’d like to hear what prompted the Animagus journey. It’s not exactly… common for a third-year to try.”
Lotus shifted in her seat, curling her fingers together tightly. “I guess… I just wanted to stop being afraid of what I couldn’t control. You get it? Like–if I’m able to do this , then what could I be more capable of? This is amazing! And I don’t… feel any repercussions yet, and that’s a wonderful sign! I grew up being frail. Unable to do much of anything. Both my situation and my home lives prevented that. But now, I have a real chance to prove myself. To prove it to others that I’m not a lost cause.”
“... You do understand that you must tell the Ministry about this?”
“… I…” She blinked. “Hold on, are you going to tell? I mean, I’ve read there are so few Animagi that are recorded, and no registry mentions Mr. Potter. If you didn’t tell on your friend, are you going to tell on me?”
Lupin stiffened again. Like she had hit a chord somewhere—somewhere in him that didn’t quite have the spine to stand up to someone. The passive, meek part of him that didn’t quite know how to tell someone no, or how to tell someone to stop.
It struck a familiar chord in her.
Man, it was pathetic how much she related to this guy.
“... You raise a wonderful point, Ms. Inag,” Lupin replied evenly.
Lotus flinched. Had she pushed it too far?
“Wait, please don’t hurt me,” she blurted, “I just don’t want—”
“No, no,” Lupin interjected. “Really, I would never hurt you. Never . But you make a good point. I won’t tell, but don’t take it as me covering you constantly, alright? I won’t tell if they ask, but if you get caught, I can’t help.”
Lotus nodded. “Alright… thank you.”
She sighed. “I should… probably get going…”
“Perhaps,” he conceded, “you should. Good day, Ms. Inag.”
“Thank you, Professor Lupin,” Lotus offered him soft, sad smile.
As she moved to stand, her head started to hurt, and she let out a surprised gasp, leaning on the desk with one hand. Lupin immediately jumped up, circling the table and stopping beside her. His hand hovered over her back, concern etched over his previous indescribable expression.
“Ms. Inag, are you alright?!”
“I…” Lotus grimaced, clutching her robe. That was a bad choice, as she felt her fingers begin to burn and prickling sensations surrounded her limb, as if she had leapt arm-first into a sea of cacti. She pulled her clutched hand back, seeing the crack spread, like ice cracking under pressure. “I’m alright, really, I just need to get to my common room to get… the… the potion, it…”
“I’ll help you,” he replied firmly, holding his arm out. “Please, trust me and hold on. It’ll be a ways up, three floors.”
She hesitated, but then realized now wasn’t the time. Clearly the reaction was delayed, and damn, that transformation hurt . She hobbled beside him, lungs pushing extra hard to breathe in and out.
“Professor Lupin,” came a curt voice near the fourth-floor staircase. Professor Snape passed by them, with an arched brow. “Whatever is the matter?” he drawled, looking down at Lotus.
“Hi, Professor… uhm, just… a bit of an episode,” Lotus coughed. “Magic… and all… please, hurry!”
Lupin nodded. “Later, Snape,” he said, before heading up. Snape watched them leave, his expression softening slightly before he kept walking down.
“Shouldn’t we bring you to Madame Pomfrey?” Lupin asked. “She… she was always someone I went to when I was sick…”
“No dice,” Lotus replied. “Snape made me Potions, uhm, they’re in my room, that’s why…”
She missed how Lupin’s face darkened as he led her along. Like second-nature (perhaps he was a Gryffindor himself), he ended up in front of Gryffindor’s Common Room. Sir Cadogan was still there, valiantly challenging anyone who came nearby.
“Ha! You there, I challenge thee to—”
“Shut up!” Lotus snapped, voice hoarse. This temperament surprised Lupin, whose eyes momentarily widened. Even Sir Cadogan froze a little.
“W-well, I—”
“Flibbertigibbet.”
“No, you-”
“Oddsbodikins.”
“Still, no–”
“Dammit, Scurvy Cur!” She stomped her foot, then promptly swore and whimpered, tears brimming as she reached down and tried to grasp her foot , but her fingers just wouldn’t unlock, and if they could, it took her great agonizing pain. It was as if her body was clay, hardened and solid, only to be forced in a different position, to which would take great effort and a bunch of cracks to form until it completely split.
Sir Cadogan murmured something about manners, and the portrait swung open. Lotus pulled away, staggering forward. Her hair was in front of her face now, and maybe she preferred it this way if no one saw the kind of mess she was.
“Will you be okay, making it up the stairs?” Lupin asked.
“Yes—stairs wouldn’t even let you up—wouldn’t even bring you up with me ,” she gasped. “Th–thank you, Professor Lupin, really…”
Her voice softened at that. Genuine, despite the agony.
Lupin smiled sadly. “Keep yourself safe, Lotus.”
Then, Remus waited until she fully got in and Sir Cadogan swung shut, before he left.
── .✦
It was December 18th, a week before Christmas. Today, students were allowed to visit Hogsmeade again.
This time, Lotus busied herself and after she said goodbye to a solemn Harry, she walked with Ron and Hermione to the carriages that’d bring them downtown. Snow trickled down in unrelenting waves as they trekked through the streets of Hogsmeade, chatting.
“Man! Me Hermione and I’ve got lots of places to show you, Lotus,” Ron exclaimed. “Like— like Honeydukes, Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shop, Dominic Maestro’s Music Shop, The Three Broomsticks Inn– well, we’re all too young to get in, but one day– oh, and Zonko’s Joke Shop–”
“I’m sure she’s excited, Ron,” Hermione said, “but let’s start it easy. Honeydukes?”
Lotus nodded. “Mm, I’ve been itching to buy just… a lot of chocolate. A whole lot.”
As they entered, she took in the busy place. Every inch of the walls was stocked full of confections and other sugary treats that made her mouth water, but her stomach protested. More towards the center, there were tables of displays that ranged from Acid Pops (man, Dumbledore must really love these, she thought), Golden Snitches in chocolate form, Treacle fudge, various types of Ice Mice, Chocoballs, many different animals in chocolate form as well, and lollipops.
“Jeez, this place is designed to really drain your pockets, huh? No wonder it’s so popular,” Lotus sighed. “Well, what did you guys— oh?”
She blinked, seeing they had vanished from her side. “Errrm, rude,” she laughed. She eventually noticed them at the counter, so she went to go get her own snacks.
She got the Chocolate Golden Snitch for Harry, and several other candies for him, before getting herself, as she promised, a ton of chocolate-related treats.
When she paid and met up with Ron and Hermione again, they were busy eating away at their snacks— Hermione had a Milk Chocolate Wand, and Ron had Dragon Claws.
“‘Mione, you really ‘ould ea’ some of ‘is,” Ron nearly choked, as Hermione smirked, chomping on the tip of the wand.
“No, thanks, Ron.”
Lotus cracked open her White Chocolate Skull, the texture almost realistic to an actual skull (at least that’s what the label promised. She didn’t want to think too much about it), and took a bite, strolling with them.
They explored the other shops, but didn’t buy as much due to not wanting to blow all their money—she especially didn’t want to dwindle her father’s savings. It felt like a form of disrespect.
Eventually, they ended up at the edge of town, down a path that led to a fenced-off area. It overlooked a snowy field and a single, tall, lone house that stood at the end.
“What’s this place?” Lotus asked.
“The Shrieking Shack. It’s meant to be the most haunted building in Britain. Did I mention that?” Hermione replied.
“Twice,” Ron chuckled.
“Oh. Well, apparently, it started almost twenty years ago, when people heard screams and shouts. They say it’s lessened in activity since 1978, though. But people claim to still hear sounds of interest.”
“Hm. Since 1978?” Lotus murmured, looking at them. “What a specific date, ‘Mione.”
“I know, right?” Hermione sighs. “Well, do you want to move closer?”
Ron blanched. “Huh?”
“To the Shrieking Shack.”
“Oh-oh, actually, I’m-I’m fine here,” Ron stammered.
Lotus snickered.
“Well, well, look who’s here.”
The three spun, seeing Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle. Ron immediately looked pissed, and Hermione looked bothered. Lotus, however, just looked tired.
Draco smirked, waving an arm. “You two shopping for your new dream home? A bit grand for you, isn’t it, Weasel-Bee? Don’t your family sleep in, uh, one room?”
Ron seethed. “Shut your mouth, Malfoy.”
The blonde chuckled venomously. “Ooh, not very friendly. Boys, I think it’s time we teach Weasle-Bee how to respect his superiors.”
Hermione laughed and was about to speak, but Lotus raised her hand. “Don’t bother,” she grumbled, before walking over. “Draco, the hell are you doing?”
Draco blinked. “Inag, step aside, I’d hate to ruin our acquaintanceship.”
She crossed her arms, the bag’s strap slipping to her elbow. She knew she looked quite silly like this, standing up to Draco in a passive way.
“Yeah, me too, but honestly, this isn’t the way to go,” she murmured. “What are you gonna do now? Call me a mudblood ?”
Ron and Hermione winced.
Lotus smiled. “I don’t really care. I’ve been called worse, and it sounds ridiculous, Draco.”
Draco stammered, lost a little. “Why, you—”
“Oi! Draco, we should give her a lesson!” Crabbe sneered. Goyle grunted in agreement.
Draco’s fingers twitched slightly at his sides as he looked extra flustered, trying to find the words to say. Or what to do.
But as soon as he took a step forward, a snowball suddenly careened out of nowhere and landed right on his head. Draco stumbled back, startled. He looked around wildly, trying to locate the assailant.
“Who’s there?!”
Silence. Lotus looked up, only to immediately back away as an entourage of snowballs began to rain down on Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle. The three boys began to yell and flail around, Draco getting the worst of it. “Don’t just stand there, do something!” He shrieked.
Crabbe wailed,” WHAT?!”
Crabbe then cried out as his trousers were yanked down to his ankles and something hit his rear so hard he fell over. Hermione laughed, entertained, as Goyle’s scarf was grabbed, before going around, spinning him. Draco backed away, in an attempt to escape, but tripped over Crabbe, who was still face down in the snow, trying to put his pants back up.
Draco screamed as his legs were grabbed, getting dragged towards the Shrieking Shack. He anxiously gripped the snow, to no avail.
Lotus’s mouth fell open as she took a step forward, then looked at Goyle, who had fled. She looked down at Crabbe and grabbed his arm, helping him up.
He pushed away from her in terror, stumbling back into the snow.
“I tried to help,” she grumbled, before looking at Draco. “Draco—!”
“What’s up, Malfoy? Lost your skis?” Ron taunted.
Draco stumbled up, legs kicking in the snow to run. As soon as Crabbe got up, Draco pushed him for a boost. “Get out of the way!! Move!”
Crabbe shouted, “Malfoy! Wait, wait! ”
Ron and Hermione laughed loudly, like this whole thing was extremely humorous for them. Lotus glanced at them, still at a loss for words.
The puffy ends of Ron’s hat started to wiggle around, and his humored expression turned mildly horrified, until Hermione smirked.
“Harry!”
Harry chuckled, removing the Invisibility Cloak. Ron put a hand on his chest, sighing in relief. “Bloody hell, Harry. That was not funny.”
“You were laughing,” Harry grinned. Lotus walked over, laughing a little.
“I admit, it was a little funny,” Lotus smiled, “but I felt a little bad for Draco, he was stammering and everything. And so scared.”
Harry sighs, “Yeah, but he was insulting Ron and Hermione.”
“Nah, don’t worry,” Lotus replied. “Serves him right.”
The four laughed.
“By the way, what’s this place?” Harry glanced at the Shrieking Shack.
“Shrieking Shack, supposedly haunted. I’d like to get closer, like Hermione offered,” Lotus mentioned.
“ OOooookay, why don’t we just head back?! ” Ron shouted, pushing everyone away as they walked.
Hermione grinned.
“What’s the matter, Ron? Scared?”
“Not in the slightest!”
Lotus looked at Harry, lifting her arm. “Here, I have some snacks for you from Honeydukes. Take the Golden Snitch one.”
His eyes lit up as he reached in and pulled out the small box holding the chocolate Golden Snitch. “Wow– thanks! You know me so well.”
“Mhmmm.”
── .✦
As they walked around Hogsmeade, Harry explained to them how he ended up here, and the Marauder’s Map.
Lotus blinked. “No wonder they can get anywhere and everywhere all of the time, they knew exactly where to go! And… Moony, Padfoot, Prongs, and Wormtail?”
“Creators of the Map,” he replied keenly. “Huge thanks to them…”
“Those weasels!” Ron growled. “They never told me about any Marauder’s Map!”
“But Harry isn’t going to keep it,” Hermione said. “He’s going to turn it over to Professor McGonagall, are you?” She leaned to look at Harry.
Harry gulped.
“Oh, sure, along with his invisibility cloak,” Ron rolled his eyes.
“I think he should keep it,” Lotus added, “it could definitely help in locating Sirius Black, y’know. If this place really does locate everyone all around Hogwarts.”
“You know, that’s actually a good reason,” Hermione admitted, “still, he’s got to be careful!”
The four stopped upon seeing a woman fixing a hanging sign. The sign read ‘The Three Broomsticks Inn’. She was a very pretty woman, Lotus thought, with long, wavy blonde hair and green eyes that looked like emeralds.
Rosmerta was her name, Lotus remembered, especially with the way Ron talked about her.
“Oh, look who it is,” Hermione mused. “ Madam Rosmerta — Ron fancies her.” She elbowed Ron, whose face turned a dark shade of red.
“That’s not true!” He protested, pulling away.
Suddenly, a carriage stopped just outside the Three Broomsticks Inn. Lotus then noticed two of her professors there as well— Professor McGonagall and Hagrid. From the carriage, a rather ugly-looking man with a nervous smile stepped out.
“Professor McGonagall!” He bellowed, beaming politely.
“Cornelius!” McGonagall replied, greeting him back.
“Allow me, Minister,” Hagrid started, attempting to grab Fudge’s suitcase. However, due to his intense strength, he really only just pried it open on accident.
“Oh, Hagrid…” Fudge sighed.
“Sorry about that,” Hagrid hummed apologetically.
“So he’s from the Ministry of Magic,” Lotus said, “wonder what they’re doing out here.”
The other two said nothing; Harry stared with keen interest, eyes narrowed like a wolf stalking prey.
“Rosmerta, my dear,” Fudge strolled over to her. “I hope business is good!”
Rosmerta put her hands on her hips, frowning. “It’d be a lot better if the Ministry wasn’t sending Dementors into the pub every other night!”
Fudge panted, struggling to move his feet along the snow. “We have a killer on the loose!”
The landlady tilted her head. “Oh, Sirius Black in Hogsmeade! And what would bring him here?” She asked, sarcasm filling her voice.
Fudge looked around, then leaned in, whispering.
“Harry Potter.”
Her eyes widened, and she shouted, “HARRY POTTER?!”
Fudge immediately waved his hands to stop her. “Shh! Come.” Fudge headed inside, and so did the other two.
Lotus blinked. “I wonder what they’re– Harry, Harry wait! No!” She protested, seeing that he was now gone… but she saw his footprints press into the ground, stepping closer to the Inn.
“Harry!” Hermione yelled. The three ran after him and would’ve been able to grab him, had there not been two shrunken heads tied to a pillar, facing the door.
“I say,” the first Shrunken Head hummed snidely, “no underage wizzards allowed in today. Shut the damn door!”
“We need to nab our friend, he’s–” Lotus tried to explain, but the Shrunken Head cut her off with a rude cackle.
“Ugh, whatever!” Lotus snapped.
Hermione glared. “So rude!”
Ron murmured under his breath, “Thick heads.”
It gasped in offense. “Thick heads?!”
“How dare they? Who are they calling thick heads? Young whippersnappers!” The second Shrunken Head screeched as the door closed behind the other three, exiting the Inn.
“What do we do now?” Ron questioned, kicking a bit of snow.
“Just wait for him,” Lotus leaned against the wall of the Inn. “He’ll eventually come out… I just hope whatever is said in there won’t hurt him.”
Hermione nodded in agreement. She and Ron sat down on the bench, and the three just quietly ate their snacks until Lotus spoke up.
“Do you guys think… the reason why Sirius Black hasn’t been caught yet was because he… is always in a different form?”
“What do you mean?” Ron asked, swallowing some candy floss.
“Lotus, are you suggesting that Sirius is an Animagus?” Hermione sat up straighter.
“Yeah, I mean, I guess,” she shrugs. “You know, when the Fat Lady was scared half to death from Sirius trying to break in, she had those huge slash marks. No human, even if they haven’t cut their nails, could do that kind of damage. And it was only three slashes, not a full five like a human’s.”
“Blimey, Lotus, you might be an amazing detective!” Ron stood up. “We should go tell this theory to Dumbledore!”
“Hold on, it’s just conjecture,” Lotus argued. “We’d need more evidence.”
“What evidence could we give? We’re 13, we know next to nothing, and the adults keep us away every time we do try to figure things out.”
As they bickered, the door flung open and Harry, still cloaked and invisible, rushed out. Hermione glanced over, seeing the footprints rapidly move away, stood up. “Ron, Lotus, look!” She pointed. The other two stopped talking and looked over.
Lotus winced as Harry’s invisible form pushed through a small group of carolers. They fell like parted waves, shouting in surprise and startlement. The three quickly ran over.
“Sorry, sorry. Excuse me…” Hermione side-stepped and hurried past them.
“Merry Christmas!” Ron weakly added, moving ahead.
“So sorry,” Lotus turned as she walked, helping some of them up.
The carolers complained as other wizards and witches came forward to help them up, letting Lotus back away and catch up with Harry, Ron and Hermione. They ended up in the forest again, the snow falling harder. Lotus pulled her hood over her head, shivering.
“Harry?” Lotus called out. “Harry, where are you? It’s not safe to be here—we’ve got to head back! You’ve got to sneak back, please!”
“The footsteps end here,” Ron gestured to a clearing, with a lone rock just a bit off-center. The three winced as they heard sobbing.
It was ugly, trembling, yet quiet. Hermione slowly approached, reaching out, and pinched the air.
Luckily, she managed to slip the Invisibility Cloak off Harry. As it slid, more of his face was revealed. His cheeks were slightly red from the cold, puffs of air in the chill setting escaping his lips. But his eyes…
Oh, his eyes. They were puffy and constantly dripping with tears.
Whatever he witnessed must’ve been horrible, Lotus thought.
“Harry, what happened?” Hermione probed gently.
Harry hiccuped, shaking with anger and grief. “He was their friend… and he betrayed them,” he muttered, voice light.
Then, he repeated, this time yelling. “ He was their friend! ”
The three flinched.
“Harry…” Ron murmured.
“I hope he finds me,” Harry sobbed. “Cause when he does, I’m going to be ready. When he does, I’m going to kill him!”
Such a bold proclamation made Lotus freeze. Then, she forced herself to keep moving, wrapping her arms around him.
“Harry… I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry,” she whispered, her voice trembling like a branch in a storm.
Harry didn’t move at first. His whole body was stiff, like he was holding himself together by sheer force of will. But when Lotus wrapped her arms around him, something in him shattered more. He buried his face in her neck, crying more.
“ He was their friend… ” Harry choked out again, this time quieter, smaller. “ They trusted him… they died because they trusted him… ”
“I know,” Lotus murmured. “I know. That’s not fair. None of it is.”
There was so much she wanted to say—about how it wasn’t Harry’s fault, how grief could twist a heart into knots, how vengeance never healed it—but she didn’t. Not now. Not when his soul was unraveling by the second.
Hermione reached out, gently setting her hand on his knee. “You’re not alone, Harry,” she said softly. “Whatever happens, we’ll face it together.”
Ron finally knelt down, awkward but genuine. “We’re with you, mate,” he added. “ Always .”
Harry didn’t answer right away. But the tears kept falling, slower now. And in the center of that clearing, the cold didn’t feel quite so sharp anymore.
── .✦
“Hermione,” Lotus murmured. The two girls were in their dormitory now. Lavender, Parvati, and the third girl were all asleep, tuckered out from having fun.
“What?” Hermione leaned on her side, looking at Lotus. Lotus had her wand lit and propped up against her bed, curtains drawn on one side so as to not disturb Parvati with the light. She was currently writing yet another end-of-week letter to her grandparents.
Not explaining much. Refusing to, in person, in risk of owl interception. Just the small stuff.
“Remember what I said earlier? About Sirius Black possibly being an Animagus?”
“Yeah?”
“Well, that’s not all I wanted to admit. I think… Professor Lupin really is a werewolf.”
She set the closed envelope on her bedside table, sitting on the edge of the bed. “Professor Lupin mentioned Mr. Potter being one of his friends, as well as this one guy named Peter. And when Harry said that Sirius Black was Mr. and Mrs. Potter’s friends and betrayed them, that got me thinking a bit back… that means Lupin’s friends with him too.”
“What does this have to do with…?”
“Listen, this is outlandish…” Lotus crossed over, sitting beside Hermione.
“Jeez, okay, okay, I won’t say anything,” she smiled.
“Okay. So, this means there’s four of them. Professor Lupin… told me that James and Peter became Animagi. This is reasonable to believe that Sirius is also an Animagus too, because why would you do it and exclude someone? But then, I wondered, why? By the way, this is all conjecture .”
“Why do you keep saying conjecture–”
“Not important,” Lotus lies back. “The fact Professor Lupin didn’t become a Animagus makes me suspicious. He told me it was because he was sick, too. I… believe him, but I also find it an odd explanation. And the Marauder’s Map… four people. Moony, Padfoot, Prongs, and Wormtail. That matches a four-friend group with Lupin and his friends. And…”
“ Moony ,” Hermione said, sitting up. “Oh my. No, Lotus, listen, this somewhat solidifies it! Snape’s essay made me connect the dots, but I didn’t want to accuse an innocent man.”
Lotus looked at her. “Wow. Now what do we do? Same thing as before— nothing, unless he causes harm?”
Hermione looked at her. “I’m afraid that’s the only thing to do for now. Lupin’s a nice man, we should… probably leave it alone. I don’t want him to face more prejudice from his peers as is, so I’ve kept my mouth shut.”
“Huh… no, that makes sense,” Lotus sat up again. “That’s so nice of you, Hermione. You really are the brightest witch of our age.”
Hermione flushed a bright red. “C’mon, not you too…”
“It’s the truth, ‘Mione.” She walked back to her bed and sat down, picking up her wand. “ Nox .”
The light died out. “Goodnight, Hermione. Let’s get well-rested for tomorrow.”
“Mhm, goodnight.”
── .✦
It was weeks later, January 5th. Lotus had gained the habit of sneaking out. Not to cause any mischief… just to practice her Animagus form more.
She was really getting the hang of it. One disadvantage she disliked was the horrible after-effects her body would get, which would almost hospitalize her one time.
You have to stop whatever you’re doing, Pomfrey huffed, and Lotus simply nodded, apologizing.
Currently in her feline form, she pranced around, grateful that her dark fur masked her well in the night. She had also been skilled enough from experience to evade Filch, Mrs. Norris, and even Snape.
She had entered the courtyard when she heard unfamiliar padding against the grass. Lotus’s ears perked up, her eyes widening as she looked around.
Perhaps it’s me, perhaps…
No, she could still sense and hear it. Walking. Prodding. 8 steps, not two.
It can’t be people. She’d hear the swish of robes or even the barest of conversation. She ran towards a bush, but froze upon seeing two figures appear from a corridor and into the courtyard.
One, a big, ginger-coloured cat— no, a Half-Kneazle cat—with a grumpy and squished face, with a big, bushy tail and yellow eyes that seemed to glow in the dark.
Crookshanks! She rose her head up more, tail lowering. Who’s that with him…?
Beside the cat was a tall, mangy, shaggy-haired black dog with sharp eyes.
She felt her fur stand in fear.
Is that him?
Sirius Black?
What’s Crookshanks doing with him?!
She backed away, which proved to be the wrong move as both animals heard her step. Instantly, their heads spun to her, and she let out an instinctive hiss, lowering herself slightly, ears pinned to her head.
The dog, which really was humongous in her opinion , squinted his eyes and slowly padded over. Crookshanks hissed as well, but then looked at the canine, meowing something unintelligible to her.
Lotus mewled, before yowling, claws bared. I’m so fucking scared right now. But don’t get closer, or else I will scar you.
As if he understood (which he probably did), the dog pulled back, gave her one last look, and then rushed off into the night with Crookshanks.
Startled, she slowly sat down, feeling the blood resume its flow all throughout her body.
…What the hell was that?
a little doodle
Notes:
some things to note:
- "He was sure they didn’t even get the whole piece back, too. " Is a reference to how in Harry Potter: Magic Awakened, apparently the MC found a splitner of Harry's broomstick nearby the Whomping Willow, implying that that's the real reason why they couldn't fix it, because they didn't have all the pieces :)!
- Before you say anything, "Animagi: More Than Just Transfiguration", is not a real book in the canon universe. I had a hard time searching up any Transfiguration book that includes Animagi in it, so I made up my own using HP Wiki's definitions and etymology/stories of it! I did plan to have McGonagall have a class on it, but who knows. I'm writing this section premetively, so if I did, yippiee! IF I didn't, oh well...
- I know a rainstorm hit Great Britain on December 12th, 1993, but I know it wasn't as intense or stormy as I wanted it to be, so I fabricated a little bit of a lie. Sorry ^^"
- “… I…” She blinked. “Hold on, are you going to tell? I mean, I’ve read there are so few Animagi that are recorded, and no registry mentions Mr. Potter. If you didn’t tell on your friend, are you going to tell on me?”
- I originally included Sirius and Peter to this, but then realized that if he blurted that Sirius was an Animagus, she'd realize THAT'S how Sirius escaped Azkaban and go to tell Dumbledore or something, thus jeopardizing the whole plot of PoA and also severely fucking over Lupin for keeping such a secret-Lupin smiled sadly. “Keep yourself safe, Lotus.”
Then, Remus waited until she fully got in and Sir Cadogan swung shut, before he left.
+ Name changes are never accidental, at least I try to be conscious of that! I instead change it for how comfortable Lotus is around them. Or like relatively how close they are to Lotus in the story,,, like how, despite Lockhart telling Lotus to call him Gilderoy, it always stayed as Lockhart because he was never meant to be that personal with her
Chapter 21: ⛓ Lost Girl
Summary:
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
With winter comes snow, comes melancholy.
Lotus tries to enjoy winter, as it is her favorite, though she struggles. Her worst events happened in the winter time, as much as she loved the season.Alternatively, in spring, things seem to lighten up.
Remus Lupin keeps his word, and tutors Harry and Lotus. Helpful practice, Harry calls it. Exposure therapy, Lotus thinks.The worst is yet to come, as Buckbeak's execution is right around the corner.
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
☒ 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 ☒
- traumatic flashback, uneasiness in a similar setting to when trauma happened (but the danger isn't there)
Notes:
With the release of Deltarune Chapter 3+4 coming out, I slapped some scenes that were definitely deltarune inspired into this fic (lmao). See if you can spot the few!
The title is also a reference to December Holiday's Theme/Motif :3. I also think the somber tone works for Lotus too.
It's a real doozy, getting this done. School is legitimately around the corner and I'm pissed.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
January 6th.
Lotus was nervous because this was the day Professor Lupin promised to teach Harry some spells to defend himself.
And, by proxy, her.
She forgot the exact details on what Professor Lupin agreed to (she probably repressed it), but she found herself sitting eerily still as everyone else left class. Everyone except her and Harry.
“See you two later,” Ron waved.
“Try not to take too long,” Hermione hummed. “Not that I think Professor Lupin’d hold you back, but…”
“Yeah, got it,” Harry nodded. He then turned to look at Lotus, softening. “You okay?”
“ Am I okay? ” She responded in a shaky tone. “ This is, like, my worst nightmare. Ever. I hate it… so much. ”
He frowned. “You don’t have to—”
“You’re right, I know I don’t have to, but I need to,” she interjected. “I know I’m just torturing myself, but… maybe this could be good for me. Maybe I need it, you know? Plus… Lupin’d… never…”
She stood up, clenching her fists as Lupin smiled at the last bunch of students leaving, then turned to the two. “Come, come.”
“Huh?” Harry tilted his head.
“I figured it would be better in a… different setting,” Lupin looked at Lotus, who probably looked nauseous. “Besides, a smaller space is probably best. The.. History of Magic Classroom, is that good?”
“Sure,” Lotus and Harry confirmed in unison.
He clasped his hands together. “Wonderful—now, follow me.”
Lupin picked up an old packing case (which shook every now and then), and began to walk out.
Harry looked at Lotus again. “Again, you don’t have to.”
“I know,” she finished gathering her things. “But with you around, it won’t be so bad.”
On the walk to the History of Magic Classroom, Lotus still felt that weird pit in her stomach. It was like swallowing fish hooks—the tips dragging alongside your stomach as it went down. It felt painful and tingly.
Upon arriving at the class, Lupin began to set up by pushing the case over near the bottom of the stairs, humming softly.
Lotus looked around. The History of Magic classroom, as always, looked much more lively than the professor who taught the class (Professor Biggs), with ancient charts draped along the walls, small displays of wizard history scattered around the room, and several floating spines. That last part made her shiver a little.
I never really paid attention to the class until now. Jeez, it’s scary.
“You sure about this, you two?” Lupin asked, spinning to face them. Worry was etched on his face, as if he thought the two couldn’t handle it.
How laughable, Lotus had seen Harry kill a Basilisk . He could handle it, for sure. “This is very advanced magic. Well beyond Ordinary Wizarding Level.”
Harry nodded. “If Black can fight the Dementors, I need to know how too.”
“That, and if a Dementor veers close to the school again and decides it wants to snack on Harry’s hopes and happy memories, that would be very helpful,” Lotus chimed in. Harry snickered and Lupin cracked a soft smile. Then he looked at the two— Lotus first, then Harry, with a conflicted expression —then decided.
“Very well,” he sighed. “The spell I’m going to teach you is called the Patronus Charm . Ever hear of it?”
Harry shook his head, but Lotus shrugged.
“Not really, but is it the one you did on the train?”
“No, that was another spell. One not quite as powerful, but effective enough to drive it away,” Professor Lupin explained. “A Patronus is a kind of positive force. For the wizard who can conjure one, the Patronus works something like a shield. The Dementor feeds on it instead of him.”
It… instead of…
Lotus staggered back a step, then sat down on a chair, hands folded on her lap.
Would this hurt? Bad? It required magic. She could use magic. But it would drain her.
So this is yet another thing that sped up her—
STOP IT! STOP BEING SO—
She grit her teeth, bumping her fist against her thigh.
Stop being so negative.
But I’m simply just caring about my health.
The trunk suddenly rattled violently, startling both of the kids. Harry glanced over quickly as soon as Lupin snapped his fingers, bringing the attention back to him.
“But in order for it to work, you must think of a memory. And not just any. This memory needs to be a very happy one. And powerful.”
Harry frowned, and thought.
Lotus looked up.
“I have one,” Lotus offered. “I… um, can go first.”
Lupin smiled gently. “Alright— still, I must explain the rest first: Let it fill you up. Lose yourself in it. Then speak the incantation: Expecto Patronum .”
Lotus and Harry reached for their wands, but Lupin held his hand up. “Without your wand, please…”
Bashfully, the two laughed at each other’s mistake, before taking deep breaths.
“Expecto… Patronum…” both murmured.
Lupin nodded proudly. “Right then. Shall we?”
Lotus nodded, taking her wand out. Lupin hesitated, ghosting his hand alongside the locks. They magically flew open, and the lid slowly rose.
“You’ve got this, just concentrate,” Lupin murmured.
As the lid flung open, Lotus gasped as the Dementor rose up above, emitting whirring and whispering sounds. The torches and candles all flickered, and the room dropped several degrees more.
Lotus raised her wand.
“Expecto Patronum!”
Her mind pounded, her heart skipped beats, and her hand shook so bad she nearly dropped her wand. The tip of her wand was emitting a soft, shaky white glow, which flickered.
The Dementor seemed to be pushed back a bit, but eventually screeched, pushing forward.
“Crap,” she murmured under her breath, pushing her wand forward. But it was clear she was going to fail, so Lupin stood, whipping his wand out to cast a white orb, which pulled the Dementor back into the trunk. He shut and locked it again, and Lotus coughed, leaning forward a little. Harry ran forward, placing a hand on her back as she wheezed into her palm.
“Lotus! You good?!” he asked.
Lotus lifted her head, nodding shakily. “... I could be better…”
Lupin walked over, handing her a chocolate bar. “Eat. It helps.”
“Do you have more?” As he nodded, she smiled. “Okay. I’ll keep this to myself, then,” she joked.
Lupin blinked, then snorted. “I fear I’ve been robbed.”
Professor Lupin sat down on the trunk, tilting his head curiously. “If you don’t mind me asking, what were you thinking of?”
Lotus looked at him. “Oh, when I, um… when my grandparents adopted me. Saved me from foster care.”
Lupin softened. “I see. What a wonderful memory. I’m sure it was particularly happy.”
Lotus nodded. “It was.”
“...Now, do you wish to do that again? You look…”
“How I look shouldn’t be a problem,” Lotus shook her head. “I’d like to try again. I was going somewhere. Perhaps I wasn’t doing it good enough, but it looked like progress was made.”
“Alright, then.”
And again, the Dementor was set out.
Lotus aimed her wand up high again and shouted, “EXPECTO… PATRONUM!”
Her wand emitted yet another light— this time, a mix of whites and blues. It swirled softly before letting out a high-pitched bark. She tilted her head— was that a dog just now?
But no. As the seconds passed, the blue glow took form, revealing two perky ears, a long, bushy tail, tiny paws, and a sneaky smile in the shape of a snout. A fox. A red fox, if she thought hard enough.
It let out another bark, prancing around the room, before it leapt towards the Dementor, who made a loud shriek as it was pushed back towards the trunk. Lupin and Harry’s eyes were lit up with amazement (and with the light). Harry cheered as Lupin shut the trunk once the Dementor was fully in, running over to Lotus again.
“That was— th– that was amazing! Brilliant! ” Harry shouted. “A Fox as your Patronus? Who would’ve known?! I always thought a cat was better, ” he admitted, to which she chuckled nervously.
“Y.. yeah… um…” she winced, holding her hands close to her chest. “Yeah. Was that— was that good? I know it wasn’t the strongest…” She looked at Professor Lupin, who nodded gleefully.
“Indeed! But I would never expect master work from you. As Harry rightfully exclaimed, it was brilliant, and you’ll do best to remember that you’re still growing,” he wagged his finger slightly as he handed the bar of chocolate over.
But Lotus didn’t grab it, causing it to fall to the floor. Instead, she had frozen, staring at him with wide, terrified eyes.
“Lotus?” Lupin blinked. “You dropped the… Well, you already had a full bar, so…” He knelt down to pick it up, and Lotus startled back, taking a few steps to keep away.
Her breath picked up in panic, shaking. “I–I… uhm…”
You’re still growing.
He said that too.
He had said that too.
Oh, God, she tried hard not to, but her mind was plummeting back to last year. She gasped sharply as she felt a hand on her arm—Harry, who was concerned and asking her if she was alright— but she shook her head.
“I– I’m– I’m fine, I… I…”
Harry’s eyes widened when it clicked for him. His expression shifted, and he backed off. “Hey, Lotus, sit down. P– please, enjoy that chocolate, it’ll be okay, no one’s going to hurt you. Not here…”
Lotus wordlessly sat down, feeling droplets of tears sting at her eyes. Lupin had watched all of this quietly, guilt etched on his face.
“Lotus– I apologize, I did it again, didn’t I? I—”
Lotus sniffled. “It’s okay… you didn’t mean to. Um…” She looked at Harry, desperately hoping for him to change the mood. Harry nodded, speaking up.
“Well, what did you think of for such a powerful cast?”
In. Out. Deep breaths.
After several shuddering breaths, Lotus looked down. “... Uhm… my… my dad. I thought of my Dad. It was… well, I could hardly remember, but it was my second birthday, and I got cake all over the floor— I think so, at least, my grandparents told me that from a letter they got from him telling them about it… and he had to clean it up. He wished he could use magic in that instance, but he had sworn off that life and simply laughed, eating the rest with little old… baby me,” she laughed wetly. “It’s not one I remember all that much, but it was something I really liked.”
“Quite the sad, yet happy memory,” Lupin nodded. “Leo was a great man. Again, he was kinder than most Slytherins back then, and always helped me out whenever I looked too sick to carry my own things. Even if I could’ve used my magic, he wanted to help in a way that felt genuine, I suppose. I see him in you, Ms. Inag.”
Lotus smiled fondly. “Thank you.”
She no longer felt the banging panic. Well, it was still there, but just a faint whisper that she could easily ignore and tune out. She then turned to Harry, biting a piece of the chocolate. “Your turn, Harry.”
He blinked, straightened up again, and stood, turning to Lupin, who nodded.
“Right, yes…”
Professor Lupin flung open the case as Harry pulled his wand out, eyeing the Dementor as it flew out yet again. Surely it’s getting tired of this, right?
“Expecto… Patronum…” Harry chanted. And yet, his wand didn’t obey him. The Dementor edged closer, its’ ghastly arms raised to grab him.
Harry paled, as his eyes started to roll up. “Expecto… Expecto… ”
Lupin immediately got into action. “Here—! Riddikulus!”
A loud crack was heard before the Dementor writhed and curled, forming into a silvery white orb. Lupin flicked his wand, sending the orb flying back into the packing case. Harry’s eyes rolled back into position, and he clutched his shirt, panting, dazed. “Wh… what…”
Lupin hurried to fish a Chocolate Frog from his pocket, pressing it into Harry’s trembling hand. “Quickly, eat.”
Harry looked at the Chocolate Frog, wriggling in his grasp, before he lifted it up and bit its head. Lotus looked at him, frowning.
“Are you okay, Harry? You looked like you were getting possessed.”
Harry shrugged. “I’m… tired. That’s one nasty Dementor.”
“I think that was a Boggart, because Professor Lupin said ‘Riddikulus’, instead of ‘Expecto Patronum’,” Lotus tilted her head. Lupin nodded in agreement.
“Indeed. The real thing would be much, much worse. … Just out of interest, what were you thinking of? What memory did you choose?” he questioned curiously.
Harry looked at Lupin, rubbing his eyes under his glasses. “I guess… the first time I rode a broom.”
“Aw, how sweet. Yeah, I remember how happy you were when you told me,” Lotus blinked. “Still surprised McGonagall was excited, instead of angry.”
Lupin shook his head, a faint smile (but with a hint of disapprobation) on his face. “That’s not good enough, Harry. Not nearly.”
Harry frowned before glancing towards the window. “There’s another. It’s not happy exactly . I mean, it is. It’s the happiest I’ve ever felt. But it’s… complicated .”
Lupin raised an eyebrow. “Is it strong?”
Harry looked back into Lupin’s eyes with a sense of vulnerability, nodding.
Professor Lupin hummed, returning to the trunk. “Then let’s try it.”
Harry took a deep breath, handing the half-remains of the Chocolate Frog to Lotus, who set it on her lap, before poising himself.
“Think, Harry, think—” Lupin tried to speak, but Harry snapped.
“ Just do it! ”
Lotus frowned as Lupin blinked in surprise at Harry’s quiet fierceness, before he nodded and opened the packing case. Lotus suddenly winced, looking down at her hands.
“Wh…”
The glowing white cracks on her hands… they seemed to grow . Slightly. The part that ended near her middle finger and the part that started just above her wrist finally connected, and it felt like a stinging sensation to touch.
What is this? Why… why…
She looked at the chocolate bar she was eating. She was eating it, so why didn’t she feel that much better?
Perhaps she was never meant to do magic this strong so early.
Perhaps she just got cocky.
Shame and anger filled her mind, but panic did as well.
“ EXPECTO PATRONUM! ”
Lotus blinked and looked up, seeing a huge silver shadow bursting from the end of his wand, lighting up the entire room. Lupin’s eyes were wide, mouth open from pure pride and joy as the ‘forcefield’ pushed the Dementor down, lower and lower until it returned to the briefcase.
Lupin slammed the suitcase shut before looking up at Harry through his bangs. A grin started to form as he eyed the boy with a kind of awe.
“Well done.”
Lotus groaned as she got up, forcing a smile as she patted Harry’s shoulder. “Great job, Harry! That was so cool! And, well, so much brighter than my spell,” she laughed. “Here, the rest of your Chocolate Frog.”
“Thanks…” Harry mumbled, voice tinged with fatigue. He grabbed the Chocolate Frog and began to chew on a leg, sighing. “I think I’ve had enough. For today.”
Lupin nodded in agreement, watching the two head towards the door.
“Oh, crap, dinner!” Lotus gasped. “I… well, I don’t really feel up for it. But it’s still dinner, so… we should all…”
Harry hummed. “Yep.”
Lupin put a hand on his hip, smiling fondly. “Don’t wait up, children. I still have to haul this back. Easy work.”
Before the kids left, Lupin added, “So you know, Harry: you’d have given your father a run for his money. And, believe me, that’s saying something.”
Lotus chuckled. “I bet. This means you’re much better than your old man, Harry!”
Harry smiled a little, pondering this. He then turned slightly to speak. “I was… thinking of him, actually. And Mum. Seeing their faces. They’re just… talking to me. Just talking. That was the memory I chose… I don’t even know if it’s real…”
Harry gripped the door, pushing it open. He let Lotus pass first, before finishing his words.
“But it’s the best I have.”
“Hey, it’s enough,” Lotus nodded as the door closed.
As they walked, Lotus couldn’t help but feel even more sick. Her head spun, and she hugged herself.
“Are you okay?” Harry asked.
“Not really, but so are you,” she shrugged. “We’re both tired. I think… I changed my mind. I’m gonna go rest.”
“... You do that, okay?” Harry replied. “I’m starving, but you look miserable.”
“Wow, thanks,” she snorted.
“Sorry, but you know I mean it in the most genuine way.”
“Yeah, yeah,” she laughed. “See you, like, tomorrow, probably. So glad I don’t have Astronomy tonight…”
Once they reached the staircase, Lotus separated from Harry, walking up as he descended down to the Great Hall. She waited until she was at a good distance from him, before crashing to her knees. She whimpered, tucking her head in a little.
“It hurts. It hurts so bad.”
What did she used to do when it got this bad?
She would go crying to her grandparents, that’s what.
But they weren’t here.
Dammit, so what do I do then?
She sniffled. “Go sleep, probably. Give myself that one Potion before I go to bed and knock out. Yeah, that seems like the best route. Besides, I’ve been too much of a whiny mess and problem for people today…”
Lotus forced herself up, before she staggered away.
── .✦
Lotus told them in the early morning on January 20th.
Lotus had barely slept. Her stomach was knotted, palms clammy even after drying them on her robes several times. The sun hadn’t even crested the horizon when she was able to finally go down for breakfast, and that’s when she remembered.
Oh, shit, I forgot to tell Ron and Harry I’m an Animagus.
Might as well do it now.
She took a breath. Then another. Then said it.
“I’m an Animagus.”
There was a pause. A beat. Then—
“Wait, you WHAT?! ” Ron exploded.
Several Slytherin students lounging nearby turned sharply at the outburst, shooting glares. Hermione immediately smacked Ron’s arm.
“ Ron! ” she hissed. “Shut up!”
“Sorry, sorry,” he muttered, hands up in mock surrender, eyes wide. “It’s just— that’s insane! You— all those weeks —it finally makes sense! That you were so avoidant, and tired, and—and—”
“First of all, hey, I’m tired all the time,” Lotus huffed. “Second of all, yeah,” she rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly. “I was just trying to make sure I wasn’t, uhm, swallowing a Mandrake Leaf every time I ate breakfast.”
Harry’s brows knit tightly. “And you didn’t tell us?”
A rush of guilt stabbed her in the chest. She looked down, suddenly unable to meet his eyes.
“Harry, it was a personal thing—”
“Apparently Hermione knew,” Harry replied, his voice clipped, like he was trying not to raise it. Hermione suddenly looked very interested in her breakfast.
“Oh, is that potato in my soup…”
“Because Hermione’s a genius,” Lotus said dryly. “And can pick up a lot of hidden signs.”
Harry didn’t respond right away, just nodded once, stiffly. As mad as he was, he couldn’t deny that. Even though he was clearly upset, she could see the wheels turning in his head. He didn’t blame her. But that didn’t make it feel any better.
“I’m sorry,” she said softly. “But if I told either of you early and something did happen… you’d be in trouble for even knowing and not stopping me. Remember what McGonagall said during the Animagus lesson—any unauthorized Animagus attempt that isn’t reported to the Ministry is a straight shot to Azkaban. Azkaban, Harry. What would they do to you if they found out you knew and said nothing? Sure you’re the Chosen One, maybe they’d let you off with a slap on the wrist, but what about Ron? Hermione?”
“I’d— we’d let ourselves get jailed,” Harry said simply, his brows drawn together.
“We?” Ron murmured.
“If it meant helping you.”
“No, you wouldn’t,” Lotus shook her head, smiling tightly. “I wouldn’t let you.”
“You’d what—take away our memory?”
The air changed.
He didn’t yell it. He didn’t sound furious. But the sharpness of that sentence cut the room like a blade.
Lotus didn’t answer. She couldn’t.
Her fingers curled tightly, nails biting into her palms, biting into the cracks. Harry’s eyes widened as the silence fell thick around them. Hermione looked between them, alarm on her face. Ron’s mouth opened slightly, as though preparing to intervene—but he didn’t know what to say.
“Harry!” Hermione cried out, voice cracked from shock.
The silence stretched.
“Lotus?” Hermione said gently, her voice soft like she was calming a frightened animal.
“I—” Harry blinked, his anger dropping out of his face like a heavy weight. “Lotus, I didn’t mean— I wasn’t thinking, I just—”
“Haha!” Lotus laughed, too sharp, too forced. She waved her hand in the air like she was swatting a particularly annoying bug away. “It’s fine! It— I— it’s okay. I would never, personally, but I get it. You’re upset. You have every right to be.”
But inside, something ached.
You asshole.
I’d kill you.
Why would you say that?
From him ? The boy who hated secrets being kept from him, who spent years not knowing the real truth on why his parents died until two years ago, who only just knew about Sirius Black’s relation to him, and the fact that there’s more about Voldemort that the adults wouldn’t let in? He had every reason to ask. And yet the assumption stung.
What he said wasn’t just wrong—it cut deep, dragging behind it the shadow of what had been done to her merely last year, on many occasions. Many memories stolen, never given back. A hole in her head she never asked for.
She blinked fast, eyes stinging. Not now. Not in front of them. You cry too much already.
“Lotus, mate—” Ron started, but Harry cut him off.
“I’m sorry,” Harry said, stepping closer. “That was— really out of line. I wasn’t thinking. I get mad when— well, you know. But that doesn’t make it okay for me to— accuse you like that. ”
She said nothing. Just sniffled and gave him a shaky smile. “I just…” she exhaled, voice cracking. “Wanted something to go my way. Something that made me feel like I’ve earned it. Like it’s my power, and that it makes me feel safe.”
Harry nodded solemnly. “I understand. Still. I should be the one apologizing. Not you. I was acting like such a…”
“You’re forgiven if you stop talking. I don’t want you to hurl a British metaphor about you being a douche,” Lotus laughed, wiping her eyes with her sleeve. Harry blinked, before he, Ron and Hermione laughed.
Ron let out a breath. “Glad you told us, mate, but… now that you did—you’ve got to tell us. What are you? As an… y’know. Animal.”
Lotus rubbed her arm, smiling awkwardly. “A black cat.”
The moment she said it, Harry blinked—then smirked. “Oh, brilliant. So I’ve got Sirius Black, the Grim, and now you ? The trio of unluckiness. This is starting to feel like a cruel prank from Hallows Eve.”
“Hey, I didn’t choose it!” Lotus laughed, her voice a little hoarse. “It just happened. Apparently, it fits.”
“Well,” Ron said thoughtfully, “I think it’s perfect. Small, sneaky, very ‘you’. Also very good for sneaking food into the common room…”
“Ron!” Hermione snapped, but her lips twitched like she wanted to smile.
“What?” he grinned. “I’m just saying— if we’ve got a cat on the team now, maybe we can finally get some midnight snacks from the kitchen.”
“I’m not getting in trouble for you ,” Lotus teased. “...But I might be convinced if the occasion is right.”
“Good enough!” Ron grinned.
Harry leaned against the arm of the chair, arms folded. “So… did Hermione help?”
“A little,” Lotus admitted. “She made up excuses for me when I had to go off and… well, do whatever I needed to do. But most of it I did on my own. Though, um, except that time when Neville brought me the Mandrake Leaves. That’s when Hermione figured it out.”
Hermione nodded smugly. “No one we knew was Petrified, and none of our lessons or her healing potions required Mandrake Leaves, so I figured out pretty quickly that something was up.”
Lotus groaned. “Should’ve plotted it better.”
For a moment, they all stood in thoughtful silence. Then—
“I wonder what my Animagus would be,” Harry mused aloud. “Something flashy, probably.”
Ron puffed up his chest. “Mine’s probably a lion. Obviously. Gryffindor pride.”
“Oh, please,” Hermione said, rolling her eyes. “You’d probably be a terrier.”
“What?” Ron choked. “How dare you!”
They burst into laughter again. This time, it felt different—lighter. Not forced. Like the knot in Lotus’s chest had finally started to unwind.
Almost had a bad moment there, she thought. But I’m glad we talked things out.
And for the first time in weeks, she didn’t feel like she had something to hide.
── .✦
With chill comes winter, and with winter comes snow.
Perhaps Lotus’s favorite weather out of all.
How ironic, you’d never expect it from her at first glance—a girl named Lotus, perhaps a flower more related to spring, more accustomed to winter?
But no, Lotus Inag loved the winter most. People moved less in the winter. She was required to do less in the past, rather than running around and spreading herself too thin.
Don’t get me wrong, I still have to do a lot of that here, but at least it’s for a good reason, she thought.
Besides, with her condition, her body hurt regularly. The summer heat amplified it tenfold, but the winter chill brought a feeling of numbness in her bones that would make her yearn to lie in the snow for hours, if it didn’t mean she’d die of hypothermia.
Wintertime was always calm and quiet at night, too. She would stay up during those nights when her grandparents retired early, sneaking out of her room to sit on the porch and simply watch the snow fall down in slow, unexpected patterns.
Oh, how the quietness—the lack of bugs, the lack of background noise besides the wind whispering in her ears—soothed her aching bones.
Winter was her favorite season.
Lotus looked up from her letter. It was currently February 5th, a quiet Saturday. A rarity, but welcome nonetheless. She was in Gryffindor’s Common Room, the fireplace warming her skin as she sat, nestled on the couch. Nearby was the usual suspects goofing off—Harry and Ron. Hermione was out, as Lotus had told her to take a nap.
Honestly, the poor girl looked like she was about to collapse.
Lotus didn’t know what she had going on, but she knew that Hermione had a ton of classes, and someone under that much pressure, even if that someone was Hermione, a total genius, they needed the downtime to rest.
“It’s okay, you’ve got Sunday to make work up, you know,” she told her. “We can skip out on Hogsmeade this one time, anyways.”
Lotus smirked a little as she continued to watch Harry and Ron bicker over Quidditch formations and whatnot, before looking back at her letter.
Dear Granny and Grandpa,
I can’t believe it’s already almost been two years since I got enrolled into Hogwarts. It feels like yesterday when I was saved by Professor Grumpy-Pants and was told I could do magic!
It’s surreal to think about it…. So I’ll try not to, haha.
This letter might be as short as last week’s—nothing eventful happened since January. You know, I really thought the whole Sirius Black thing would still haunt the halls, but everyone’s here being jolly and all. Perhaps they’re holding out hope and trying to remain calm. It’s all they have left.
I don’t blame them, really.
Anyways, I kinda flunked my Potions Assignment yesterday so I have to retake it on Sunday. Wish me luck, Snape was SOOO angry I wasted a few Chizpurfle cara-whatever you call them.
Yeah, apparently they’re really difficult to split open, a Chizpurfle. He sure tore me a new one, and I had to spend the rest of my free day yesterday feeding them to Venomous Tentaculas and then getting the carapace from it.
Oh well, I’ll do much better next time.
It was fun, returning home for the Holidays. I managed to convince a House Elf called Zippy to let me use the kitchen to cook some Lumpia, I even shared some with Harry, Ron and Hermione. They really liked it and wanted more, but I got a bit greedy and ate the rest.
Hey, it’s one of the few foods I can eat in large quantities! My stomach triumphs over illness.
Anyways, writing this on Saturday, I’ll hold off until sending it tomorrow as per usual, just in case something happens.
Hopefully not, haha.
Lots of Love, Lottie (nickname by Ron)
She folded the letter neatly and tucked it away in her pocket, before she stood up.
“Hm? Where are you going?” Harry asked curiously.
“Oh, I really like the snow. So.. I think I’ll just wander around,” she replied, throwing her jacket on. “Maybe talk to some people, explore. Maybe crawl into the Chamber of Secrets again,” she joked.
The other two boys blanched, but laughed.
“Don’t get killed, then,” Ron looked back at the Chocolate Frog trading cards consisting of famous Quidditch players. Harry mildly swore as he realized he had less than Ron.
“I won’t,” she replied over her shoulder as she left the common room.
She hummed, wrapping the red and gold scarf around her neck as she walked down the steps. Several ghosts passed, and she waved at them with a warm smile, to which they returned. Lotus turned the corner and nearly squealed when she ran into Draco.
“Agh! Watch where you’re going, you–” Draco sneered, but stopped when he saw it was Lotus. “Oh, you.”
He straightened up his look, scoffing. “D’you need glasses or something?”
“My bad, okay?” Lotus huffed. “I was… lost in my thoughts. I like snow, I was just thinking about it.”
A moment of silence fell upon the two, before Lotus spoke again.
“Hey, wanna walk around with me?”
Draco laughed bitterly. “You? Me? Walk around?”
“Yes,” Lotus replied. “I mean, what are you doing?”
That shut him up.
He grumbled, “Fine. I guess I can.”
Lotus smiled again, nodding. “Okay!”
Draco joined the party! she thought.
The two wandered around the hallways, occasionally stopping to check out the paintings.
"Tch, I've seen better quality," Draco crossed his arms with a huff.
"EXCUSE ME?!" The painting was of a short and stout man with a round belly and those large hats old explorers used to wear, and a feather that protruded from the back. He shook his fist at the boy, but Lotus laughed awkwardly and hurriedly walked away, pushing Draco with her.
"Draco, shut up!" she hissed. He smirked a little.
“What? I’m just telling the truth.”
“Well your truth was not needed! ”
They continued to walk around until they entered the Courtyard near the Clock Tower, completely submerged in a fine layer of snow. Draco pulled his hat further on his head, before looking around.
“...It’s not so bad when people aren’t around,” he admitted.
“Yeah, I know, right?” she hummed. “Let’s head out near Hagrid’s.”
She saw the odd look on his face, and laughed. “Hear me out, Draco, I just want to make snow angels.”
“Snow angels?” He questioned with a skeptical tilt of his head. “Isn’t that a bit… childish?”
Lotus rolled her eyes. “Oh, come on. That’s the point , Draco. We’re allowed to be kids sometimes, you know. We’re literally 13? We’re still growing.”
She stopped smiling a little. “... And I don’t know if we have much time left in the future to be childish.”
Draco frowned. He looked unconvinced, so she narrowed her eyes and added with mock severity, “Unless you’re scared you’ll get snow in your expensive blonde hair.”
Draco scoffed, visibly offended. “I am not scared –”
“Then prove it!” She ran out of the Courtyard and began to spring towards Hagrid’s Hut, or just nearby it. Draco grumbled and ran after her, face slightly tinted red—she wasn’t sure if it was from the cold or from embarrassment.
She drove dramatically into the clearing besides Hagrid’s Hut, sighing as she felt the cool start to settle into her back. Draco paused, watching her flail her arms and elgs in the snow like a loon, giggling the entire time. He shook his head, clearly scorned and bewildered, the corners of his mouth twitching. “Merlin, you’re absolutely mad.”
“Yep,” Lotus grinned up at him, still lying in her angel shape. “Come on, Malfoy. Be mad with me– plus, you might make a better one~ ”
With a groan (and the sudden new urge to outdo her), Draco slowly lowered himself down next to her, muttering the entire time. “If anyone sees this, I’m blaming you.”
Lotus smiled wider. “Naturally.”
As they lay there, carving childish wings into the cold ground, the sounds of Lotus’s laughs and Draco’s half-hearted insults filled the air.
After they finished, the two stood up, patting the snow off their bodies.
“Whew, let’s compare!” Lotus panted.
As expected, Draco’s was more stiff-looking and larger than Lotus’s, and yet hers looked better. More natural, more angel-like. That being said, Lotus always did this ritual every year, while Draco probably stayed inside or sulked or played with the newest wizard-toy his parents bought him.
Draco was silent, apprehensive to comment on his snow angel, as if he was mulling it over in his mind too.
She knelt down. “Hey, I think there’s more down here, Draco.” She spread her fingers, wiping the snow angel’s wings until it looked fluffier than hers.
“There we go,” she stood up, stuffing her chilling fingers in her pocket. She liked it when they went numb, but then had the lingering fear that it would shatter like cracked vases.
Draco stared, a little wide-eyed. “You– it didn’t— really?” he asked, looking at her.
“Really. I think you did do better,” she beamed, crossing her arms. “Good job, beginner’s luck, I’m afraid,” she added teasingly.
A rare smirk pulled at his lips, to which he crossed his arms. “Hm, I suppose you did good as well.”
Lotus laughed. “Thank you, Draco Malfoy, for such a compliment. Okay, let’s get inside, my hands are starting to freeze.”
“And why didn’t you grab gloves?”
“Well, I didn’t initially plan to go out and make a snow angel,” she retorted, walking back to the Courtyard.
As soon as they reached the entrance, Lotus looked back. The snow had accumulated again, creating a small, fine layer over their snow angels, filling in the holes left by them.
“Inag?”
She looked at Draco, smiling a little. “Sorry, got sidetracked.”
“Hmph,” he crossed his arms, “hurry up. It’s starting to get colder.”
“I know, I know…”
When the two entered again, they headed into the Great Hall to warm up under the many candles and sconces lighting up the room. Several people eyed them—they were, after all, polar opposites, and normally wouldn’t be seen with each other like that. At least, most people wouldn’t assume so.
“Ms. Inag. Mr. Malfoy.” The two jumped, hands raised up near a sconce (Lotus had to be on her toes to reach). They turned to see Professor Snape, eyeing them.
“What an odd combination,” he drawled, “and for what?”
“We were just wandering, Professor,” Lotus explained. Draco’s face was a deep shade of ruby red, looking away. “That’s all.”
“I don’t see you two ever hanging out ,” he replied simply.
“Well, we’re an unlikely pair. That makes us all the more rare,” she rhymed in a sing-songy tone. His mouth twitched into a deep scowl.
“You shouldn’t keep your hands too close to the fire. You might trip and burn yourself,” Snape said, before he walked away.
“Yeah, yeah, I know,” Lotus smiled, before she looked at Draco. “I should go, the others are probably wondering where we are–both sides.”
He nodded quietly, withdrawing his hands. “I suppose it was a… tolerable time with you.”
“Right back at you, Draco,” she hummed. “See you in class, Monday.”
When Lotus returned to Gryffindor’s Common Room, Harry was only there. He had been working on something, but the second he saw her lift her head from the tunnel-like entrance, he immediately pushed it under the couch.
“Lotus!” he sat up, “how was, uh, whatever you were doing? Wandering?”
“Um,” she blinked. “It was fine. I ran into Draco, so I kinda dragged him along.”
Harry’s face changed into one of mild discontent. “ Draco? Really? ”
“Yes, really,” Lotus laughed a little. “I’m wearing him down, I swear.”
“Lotus, He called Hermione—”
“I know what he called her,” she sighs, “and that wasn’t okay. But rather than being brash and violent to someone— I’m not that way at all—the best I can do is… well, fix it? Fix him?” She shrugs. “Or just make him like Muggle-Borns.”
Harry scoffed. “Whatever.”
“Hey, I’m sorry,” she frowns, sitting beside him. “You’re still my best friend, you know that, right? I’m your first friend, and you’re my first… real friend. We’ve both been through bad things, and found comfort in each other.”
She held his hands, smiling gently. “No one is going to replace that.”
That made Harry smile a little. “Yeah, just—be careful with him, okay?”
“Okay, I promise I will,” she accepted. “What were you doing while I was out?”
Harry stammered. “Well, I, uh–”
“Never mind, probably something secret,” she winked. “It’s okay. I won’t press.”
He sighed in relief. “Thanks, Lo.”
“No problem. Hey, let’s go to dinner,” she stood up. “Should be about that time, anyways!”
“Yeah,” he smiled. “Should be.”
“Okay, go get Ron. I’ll wake Hermione,” she turned, the two walking to the dormitory stairs. They then split up to wake their respective friend.
── .✦
After dinner, all the kids retired to bed. Lotus shifted slightly, feeling slightly uncomfortable. Perhaps it was just the cold still not vanishing, but the blanket wouldn’t warm her.
She grumbled, turning to her side.
Before she could will herself to sleep (probably by counting sheep), she suddenly heard a loud scream. Muffled, but still piercing.
She shot up, scared.
Parvarti and Lavender also woke up, alarmed.
“What’s going on?” Lavender questioned, frightened. “What’s that noise? Who screamed just now?”
Hermione climbed out of bed at the same time Lotus did. Lotus grabbed her wand before she quickly ran down the stairs with Hermione.
There was no one in the Common Room, but Lotus heard more commotion from the boy’s dormitory.
“Wh…” Lotus yawned, squinting her eyes. Hermione walked over to the staircase.
“ ARE YOU GUYS OKAY?! ” Hermione shouted. Harry and Ron descended, Ron looking terrified while Harry looked bewildered.
“He–I– there was some— there was Sirius Black! He was in our room! H- he–” Ron stammered, teeth clattering from pure fright.
“We gotta get Professor McGonagall,” Harry commented. Hermione nodded, and she ran off to the entrance with Percy, who looked confused when Hermione dragged him along.
Lotus lowered her wand, walking over. “Ron… how could he have entered in?”
“I– I don’t know!” Ron whimpered. “He was loomin’ over, yeah? And then I woke up and saw him and—”
“Screamed like a little girl,” Fred growled with impatience as he entered the Common Room. “Why’d you have to go and wake up the entire House for, Ron?”
“He claims Sirius Black was standing over him,” Harry said. “I saw a figure looming over, and then they jumped out the open window, but I didn’t correctly see…”
Fred’s face paled.
Later, the entire Gryffindor House, all in pajamas, stood before Professor McGonagall. She wore a tartan robe, and her expression was one of irritation—to be fair, at how late it was in the night, Lotus would’ve been upset too if she had been woken up.
As Ron shakily recounted his story, she looked more and more apprehensive.
“That’s preposterous, Weasley. How could Sirius Black possibly got through the portrait hole?” she questioned, crossing her arms.
“I don’t know how he got in!” Ron snapped. “I was a bit busy dodging his knife!”
Just then, the fluffy ginger Half-Kneazle known as Crookshanks weaved through Ron’s legs, purring contentedly—awfully calm for the situation.
Ron growled. “And this bloody cat ate my rat!”
Hermione gasped sharply, picking Crookshanks up. “That’s a lie!”
Ron turned to her. “It is not, and you bloody know it !”
“Ron, to be fair, Scabbers doesn’t matter right now when Sirius Black may have tried to kill you–” Lotus tried to chime in, but McGonagall raised her hands.
“Silence!”
“Percy, have you seen Sir Cadogan?”
“I–” Percy stammered, uncurling his arms as he looked around. “I- uh– um, oh! Over there.”
Professor McGonagall swiftly turned to Sir Cadogan. The man was not in his painting, but rather feeling up a woman . But upon sensing McGonagall’s hawk-eyes on her, he stiffened and perked up, looking over at her.
“Sir Cadogan. Is it possible that you let a mysterious man enter Gryffindor Tower tonight?”
Sir Cadogan smiled proudly. “Certainly, good lady! He had the password. Had the whole week’s, in fact. On a little piece of paper.”
Everyone gasped at that. Lotus covered her mouth, and then looked at Neville, who suddenly paled in realization.
Professor McGonagall clenched her fists. “Which abysmally foolish person wrote down the passwords and then proceeded to lose them!”
Everyone then looked over at Neville, to which McGonagall sighed.
“Is it always going ot be you, Longbottom?”
Neville’s shoulders sagged as Lotus patted his back. “I’m afraid so, ma’am.”
Professor McGonagall turned to the group again, frowning. “While we know Sirius Black is gone tonight, I think you can safely assume he will, at some future time, attempt ot return. Let me be clear. You are not to move about the castle alone. And you are not to write down the password! Understood?! ”
They all nodded, to which McGonagall adjusted her robe with a sharp tug, collected herself, and exited.
“It’s okay, Neville, don’t blame yourself too much,” Lotus weakly exclaimed.
“But he got in with my note,” Neville murmured miserably.
“Hm, at least Sir Cadogan’s gonna change it again. But this time, let’s tell him to keep it one password only,” she sighed. He nodded, and she turned to Harry, Ron and Hermione.
Ron casted one last angry glance toward Hermione, who now holds Crookshanks in her arms.
“Ron,” Lotus frowned. “Crookshanks is Half-Kneazle, this means he’s more intelligent than most full cats. Perhaps less than Full Kneazles.”
Crookshanks eyed her.
“...But I don’t think Crookshanks would hunt Scabbers… without reason.”
“Lotus!” Hermione snapped.
“Hold on— can you please suspend belief for now, that Scabbers is hurt or dead or something?” Lotus said. “He’s a, what, 12-year-old rat? Who’s been Fred and George’s and Percy’s pet? He knows his way around Hogwarts, if I’m correct. He’s… probably kicking it up with other rats.”
“So you think that little mangy furball didn’t kill him?” Ron glared at her.
“I don’t think he didn’t… I don’t think he did, too,” Lotus huffed. “You should just be glad that you survived. I’m sorry, but as I said, Scabbers wasn’t the main point here. You are. I’m glad you’re okay.”
Ron softened. “... Right, yeah.” He turned to head upstairs.
“I could’ve killed him.”
Lotus and Hermione turned, seeing Harry staring out the window.
“He was right there,” Harry continued. “Close enough to touch. I could’ve killed him.”
Lotus frowned. “Perhaps. Better luck next time.”
── .✦
February 14th.
The day of love.
Her day of birth.
Lotus finally let go of the flame hair.
It was fun, but she missed having her normal hair.
So, she had Professor Snape help her make the Potion the day prior, and then take it in the morning during breakfast.
Hermione had been pleasantly surprised, Ron a little saddened, and Harry just smiled.
Meanwhile, Fred and George had less humane reactions. Of course, all for the love of joking, but it still was a little awkward.
“Noooo!” Fred had wailed.
“Just a little bit longer!” George added dramatically, both on their knees.
“Guys,” she said, turning to them, “I like the hair, I just want to look like myself again.”
Then, Professor Snape promptly passed by and gave the two boys the deadliest glare.
“Do not make a fool of yourselves,” he hissed. “Get up off the floor ! 10 points.”
Which cuts to now. Lotus and Harry were in Potions, concentrating— well, not really —on whatever Professor Snape was going on about. Undetectable Poisons and whatever.
“How does it feel to be 14?” Harry asked with a slight grin.
“Ummm, pretty good, I guess,” Lotus shrugged. “You know what I wanna do?”
“What?”
“Remember the Frog Choir at the beginning of the year? I noticed one of them playing the piano, so I… uh, wanted to ask Professor Flitwick later when I have his class next hour to use the piano. Simply to… just practice. I guess. Play a few old pieces I really liked.”
“You play the piano?” Harry blinked in surprise.
“Harry, I can tell you’re trying not to look at my fingers—anyways, yeah, I do. Did. My first foster home…”
She trailed off. “Um, Mrs. Millers taught me. Though, she really only taught, like, one song. And that was chopsticks. Other than that, she didn’t pay much attention… But when my grandparents got custody of me, Grandpa Rich, heard I liked the piano, so he decided to teach me more. His hands always guided mine. Especially when I felt… weaker,” she smiled fondly. “But I kind of stopped. Because I was getting too busy with life. Sometimes, while they weren’t home, I’d sit on the bench and play a few chords… but then my fingers would start to hurt badly… so I stopped. I doubt I’m in any better condition to play again, but…” she looked up at him.
“I get it. You just want to try?” Harry asked.
“Yeah. Who knows, I might make a concert for you,” she winked. “If you want to tag along.”
“O- oh!” He blinked. “Sure, I’d love to hear.”
Snape’s voice droned on in the background, but it was little more than muffled thunder against their whispered conversation. The classroom was dimly lit as always, quills scraping furiously against papers, a sign of the stressed out students desperately trying to keep up with the lesson. Harry pretended to pay attention, though it was mostly habit to keep his quill moving.
“What song would you like to do?” he whispered.
“Hm…” she trailed off for a moment, watching as Professor Snape walked from one side of the room to another, holding up a bottle full of something that probably tasted like rotten fruit.
“I dunno, actually. Probably something nice and small. Not Chopsticks … I haven’t learned Für Elise well enough…”
Lotus leaned back. “No clue. I’ll just make up whatever. I’m pretty good at doing that.”
“You should do it,” he said softly. “Even if it hurts, even if you only get through halfway. It shows you still got it. Not all hope is lost.”
Lotus blinked, as if surprised. Then she gave a little nod.
“Thanks, Harry,” she murmured, nudging his foot under the table.
“You’re welcome. And hey, if you do decide to throw that concert, just—uh—give me time to grab earplugs. You know. Just in case.” He grinned.
“Oh, you jerk ,” she laughed under her breath, trying to keep quiet so Snape wouldn’t hear. “I’m gonna demolish the keys now and hurt your eardrums.”
“No, you wouldn’t.”
“Yes, I would—”
Behind them, Snape’s voice cut sharply through the air:
“ Ms. Inag. Mr. Potter. ”
Both Lotus and Harry flinched. Slowly, she turned in her seat. “Yeeeees Professor?”
“Would you care to enlighten the class to the effects of Aconite when distilled improperly, or shall I assume you and Mr. Potter were chattering like a pair of Shrunken Heads ?” He spoke evenly- hell, almost smugly, like he had caught them in a moment they couldn’t recover from.
A few Slytherins snickered. Harry glared daggers.
Lotus cleared her throat. “If.. um, distilled improperly… Aconite can result in a thick, paralyzing gel, rather than a clean, poisonous draft. Ingested, it would cause… the victim… to collapse within minutes! Yeah– and… oh, but the death would take longer and be more… visible . Like twitching, shallow breathing, cold skin. All of that.”
She put her hands together, smiling awkwardly.
Snape blinked once, then slowly turned back to the board. “Correct,” he said dryly. “For the sake of everyone’s safety, I suggest you devote your cleverness to today’s lesson, rather than serenading Mr. Potter.”
“Just because it’s your birthday does not mean you get to slack off,” he added.
“I know, I’m sorry,” she sighed.
“.. Wait, what was that part about Harry and I?”
── .✦
Flitwick clasped his hands together when the two asked him after school.
Why couldn’t they ask him during class? Well, he had denied any topics that weren’t lesson-related, perhaps to make up for the fact they were a bit behind in her class.
“You two are aware that there is a Music Classroom, yes?” he asked.
“Well, uh, no. It was never really made aware to us,” Lotus shrugged. “Plus, the Frog Choir’s performance was the first time I heard of any musical group in Hogwarts.”
“Ah, fair point,” he nodded. “Yes, well, I teach that class. Why do you ask about it?”
Harry tilted his head slightly, fixing his glasses. “Lotus wanted to play the piano for her birthday.”
“Just a few tunes. Notes. Maybe a few chords,” Lotus added.
“Ah, are you…” Flitwick glanced towards Lotus’s fingers. “Are you sure about that, Ms. Inag?”
She frowned. “Yes, I— I guess, I yeah. I’d really like to try, at least.”
“Well, then, I don’t see anything wrong with letting you play the piano… it’s in the fifth-floor corridor, you won’t miss it.”
“Thanks, Professor!” Lotus waved as she and Harry set off to find the room.
After almost getting lost three times, they finally entered the fifth floor, which lacked any activity as almost everyone was at their common rooms.
Lotus walked around, footsteps echoing through the hall. “Let’s see… big door… big door… oh, there we go!”
She ran towards a huge door and swung it open, exposing a large room with several tainted glass art windows, all depicting an instrument. The ground was covered with smooth stone tiles, and the walls were all uneven patterns of stone. Pillars were lined up along the walls, all decorated with intricate patterns that vaguely looked like measures. Near the back were two rows of seven seats, all with a stand in front of them and several music sheets. What looked to be an older form of a drum ( perhaps they aren’t as advanced as she thought ) sat closest to the wall where the door was at, a conductor’s stand stood proudly in the middle, and behind it was a blackboard of music notes and other expressions.
And at the far end corner was it .
The piano.
She giddily skipped over, pulling the bench back slightly and sat down, cracking her knuckles a few times.
“Okay, seriously, I’m a little rusty,” she explained.
“I know,” Harry replied, leaning against one of the pillars to her right.
Lotus stared at the keys, before closing her eyes.
“See, Lo, you spread your fingers out like this…”
“Hh… but…”
“Rich, her fingers are too tiny.”
“Ahaha, I forget you’re such a small flower, kiddo. Here, fine, let’s do something simple. Oh—rest your fingers on the keys, and I’ll put my own on top.”
Lotus reached out, resting her fingers on the white keys.
“Steady now, your hands are shaking… even now.”
“Perhaps we should stop—”
“No! Wait, please. I want… I wanna learn. I really do. I’ll tough it out. I just wanna be good at something. For once.”
Her grandpa had looked at her with a mix of pity and pride, and then was quiet for a few more moments before his hands returned to rest over hers, and gently guided her through normal chord practices.
Slowly and steadily, she had practiced more and more, until one day when she was eleven—months before she was alerted of the Wizarding World—she suddenly became much more frail and ill. Perhaps it was a warning, but she was too tired to play.
And her fingers shook much more than when she was eight.
So, she stopped.
Much to her own dismay. She had cried for hours, apologizing to no one in particular. Perhaps herself.
That she couldn’t keep up with something that she loved. That her own conditions limited her from having something that was truly hers.
How long until her magic gets too much for her to handle? How long until this becomes yet another thing she has to give up?
How long until being an Animagus, something she took weeks in cultivating and preparing, something she took massive pride in doing when it’s such a rare feat, stops?
She didn’t want to think about it.
But eventually, she’d have to give these things up.
“Lotus?”
She opened her eyes again, turning to the right to see a concerned looking Harry.
“You haven’t played anything yet. And… are you crying?”
He tried to push himself away from the pillar to approach her, but she rose one hand, the other wiping her tears.
“Um, no, I’m okay. Just… remembering something.”
Taking a deep breath, she set her (now shaking) hands on the keys once again, and began to play.
Her fingers stumbled as they danced along the ivory bars, messing up and pausing every now and then to reposition herself. She swayed her body, mostly to reach for some keys that she couldn’t fully outstretch to, and the more she played, the more her hands started to ache.
It was a faint sting before it became the equivalent of a huge sore.
‘Tsk’ing, she lifted her right hand off and gripped her left wrist, forcing it to move along the keyboard.
“Sweetie, you can barely move your hands.”
“No, I can’t… I don’t… want to give this up too. Not this one. Not…”
Plink~!
Harry jolted a little, startled. “Wh– oh, you’re finished?”
Lotus stared at the keys with misty eyes and a somber expression. “Um, yeah.”
“... It was nice. What was it called?”
“I don’t know.”
She brought her legs up to her chest, hugging it. “I… my hands hurt a ton.”
“Yeah, that’s to be expected,” he rubbed the back of his neck. “I liked it a lot.”
“Are you– are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’ll live,” she murmured, standing up. “It’s fine, really. This just… this just shows me that I’ve still got it.”
She let out a weak-willed laugh, smiling at him, though she was sure she was crying again. However, Harry didn’t comment on it and nodded instead.
“Let’s… go to dinner, yeah?”
“Yeah,” she nodded, uncurling and getting up from the bench. Harry wrapped his arm around her shoulder, and the two exited the room.
“You know, what you played just now, sort of gave me this weird feeling,” Harry explained. “Just… a feeling of melancholy, I guess. I could almost imagine being with my parents… on a rainy day, all three of us bundled up and eating snacks. Laughing because our pet— dog, cat, whatever—did something adorably funny…”
“That’s nice,” Lotus smiled softly.
“Yeah, totally got lost in the magic, and got kinda scared when you then pressed that key that woke me up,” he laughed. “Well– right… you… you did good, did I say that already?”
“Kinda,” she shrugged. “But it’s alright.”
More silence.
“Harry, would you like it if you stayed with me and my grandparents?”
Harry blinked, eyes wide. “Wh– really?”
“Yeah, I’m sure the Dursleys would love to get you off their hands,” she joked, “and that means my best friend lives with me.”
“Hah…” Harry looked ahead. “I’d like that. I think that would be great—but would that be okay? I’d be an extra kid you’d have to take care of… not unless you have an extra room?”
“Could always make more room in mine,” she smirked. “Don’t worry.”
“Then I’d be glad to!” Harry grinned.
“Great.”
“Lotus?”
“Yeah?”
“Happy Birthday.”
“You already said that, too.”
“Still.”
“Haha, thank you, then.”
when writing this chapter, I drew a few doodles. here they are :3
" Wintertime was always calm and quiet at night, too. She would stay up during those nights when her grandparents retired early, sneaking out of her room to sit on the porch and simply watch the snow fall down in slow, unexpected patterns. "
“Ahaha, I forget you’re such a small flower, kiddo. Here, fine, let’s do something simple. Oh—rest your fingers on the keys, and I’ll put my own on top.”
‘Tsk’ing, she lifted her right hand off and gripped her left wrist, forcing it to move along the keyboard.
The glowing white cracks on her hands… they seemed to grow. Slightly. The part that ended near her middle finger and the part that started just above her wrist finally connected, and it felt like a stinging sensation to touch.
Notes:
I wanted to develop Draco and Lotus's friendship more. Sorry the iconic Hermione-Punch scene wasn't there, I forgot if it even was in the books in the first place, but it didn't make sense for that to happen in this fic if Draco is starting to become more friendlier and warmer to Lotus and turn right around and call Hermione a slur that applies to Lotus. Lotus wouldn't get mad if he called her that, but if he called Hermione that, Lotus would probably teach him a lesson by pushing him down the hill, no magic required.
THE ORIGINAL PIANO SHEET IS FROM THE SONG "piano that may not be played that well", SHEET LINKED BELOW!
https://musescore.com/user/33605901/scores/25641025
Chapter 22: ⛓ Something Wicked This Way Comes!
Summary:
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
Buckbeak's execution draws near. Lotus faces her fears one last time (hopefully forever) in her final exams. Ron finds Scabbers, gets the group attacked by the Whomping Willow, is dragged off by a black dog, then are met face-to-face with the one, the only, the infamous Sirius Black.
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
☒ 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 ☒
- PTSD
- General Upsetting Themes
- Assault (fighting) + Unsavory Words said by the Boggart
Notes:
I was working on this for approx. two weeks. I'm also uploading this on no sleep. School starts in a week. Help :').
Anyways, I hope you enjoy. I know some parts are lacking, but I was seriously so tired and wanted to pump this out sooner rather than later. I know, I know.
Also jeez, y3 is so jam packed full of content. I’m just gonna put everything into the last chapter for y3…
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Lotus had sort of… stopped the lessons at some point during April. She had grown too sluggish and tired to continue, but she would happily watch as Harry steadily perfected the Patronus Charm.
The scare of Sirius Black seemed to have died down just a little, and everyone had worse things to worry about: final exams were coming up soon.
Lotus was especially worried. She hadn’t felt right ever since January. This is the price of learning magic, she thought. Yet, it still made her a bit pissy. She was, rightfully so, worried about how she’d end up during the lessons.
Maybe she’ll drop dead by accident and get a free pass, or, now that she remembered about Myrtle, she wasn’t sure if she’d get any compensation from that. No sorry, we killed you, no here’s a graduation letter or whatever they give to show you finished Hogwarts.
“Beautiful day,” Hermione chirped. She, Lotus, Ron, and Harry were walking to Hagrid’s, crossing through the courtyard that led to the Covered Bridge.
Lotus nodded. “Mhm—”
“Gorgeous,” Ron replied sarcastically. “Unless, of course, you’ve been ripped to pieces!”
Harry looked at Lotus, frowned, and then looked at Ron. “Ripped to pieces? What are you talking about?”
Hermione sighed. “Ronald has lost his rat.”
“Oh, poor Scabbers,” Lotus murmured.
Ron glared at Hermione. “I haven’t lost anything! Your cat killed him!”
“Oh,” Lotus blinked. “We’re… doing this again?”
“Rubbish,” Hermione grumbled. Lotus and Harry traded glances, both equally as awkward in this situation. It didn’t help that usually those two were in the middle, so Ron and Hermione spewed insults and accusations at one another, and the two of them had no choice but to withstand it. Ron spun to Harry, while Lotus crossed her arms.
“Harry, Lotus, you’ve seen the way that bloodthirsty beast of hers is always lurking about. And Scabbers is gone!”
“No offense, but that thing looked like he was one windy day away from flying off,” Harry sighed.
“He’s, like, twelve years old, Ron. If anything, he probably passed somewhere on his own,” Lotus gently offered. “I know it’s not the best outlook, but… I don’t believe Crookshanks could do it. Look at the guy,” she glanced at Crookshanks, who waddled past them, “I think Scabbers could run faster. But Crookshanks is smarter…. Hm. I’d say my own owl has a better chance of murking your rat than Crookshanks.”
Ron looked at her with full offense as Hermione spoke up.
“Well, maybe you should learn to take better care of your pets!” Meanwhile, Crookshanks climbed onto one of the stone walls, looking around, as if he were scouting for a particular rat-shaped fiend. As they stepped onto the Covered Bridge, Ron’s voice had grown louder with rage.
“Your cat killed him!”
“Did not!”
“Did!”
“Didn’t!”
“Ron!” Lotus snapped. “Hermione! Isn’t that one small owl of yours your pet??”
Ron blinked. “What? Errol? He’s our family owl. Not my pet. Scabbers is important to me!... I think.”
“Don’t say that after you’ve been snapping at Hermione for the past few months,” Lotus snickered. “Ron, despite what I said, Scabbers might be alive. I mean, how has he lived for twelve years when he’s so small and there are so many predators out there, ready to gobble him up? I think he’s doing just fine, honestly.”
Ron relaxed—just barely. “Yeah, well, I guess you’re right.”
Hermione, arms still crossed, just let out a ‘hmph’ as they arrived at Hagrid’s Hut.
“Huh. He’s not here,” Harry muttered. “Let’s go check the lake nearby. Might be there.”
“Might be,” Lotus agreed. The four turned towards the woods and lake shore, walking over. Upon getting closer, Lotus recognized the place as the area where she and Draco talked for a bit in her second year. Just a bit away from the shore stood Hagrid, pants rolled up to his knees (because he’s knee-deep in the water, which Lotus was sure to be really cold from the chilly spring season) and miserably throwing flat-ish stones. They skipped with the same energy as Hagrid— none; a few skips and then it made a small crash. Hagrid sighed sadly as the four stopped at the shore.
“Hagrid?” Lotus called out.
“How’d it go, Hagrid?” Hermione asked softly. “The hearing?”
Hagrid didn’t turn to look at them, his head low. “Well, first off, the Committee members took turns talking about why we were there.”
He then threw another rock, which bounced across the lake. “Then, I got up and did my piece. Said how Buckbeak was a good hippogriff, always cleaned his feathers.”
Not the strongest case, but I’m sure he’s just recapping, Lotus wondered.
“And then, Lucius Malfoy got up. Well, you can imagine, he said, Buckbeak was a deadly and dangerous creature who would kill you as soon as look at you.” Hagrid sniffled pathetically.
Harry’s face contorted to one of anger, but he stayed silent.
Lotus took a slight step forward. “He is very friendly. Don’t listen to Mr. Malfoy; Buckbeak only does that if you’re disrespectful … Which Draco was.”
“And then?” Hermione pressed.
Hagrid skipped another rock, this time more shakily. “Then he asked for the worst, did old Lucius.”
“They’re not sacking you!” Ron protested, outraged. “Merlin, you can’t keep going through—”
“No, no, I’m not sacked,” Hagrid interrupted. He then sniffled again, before he spoke, voice breaking. “Buckbeak’s been sentenced to death!”
With a sob, he chucked his last rock into the water with a loud splash and covered his face.
Harry perked up, eyes wide with shock and anger. “What…”
“They can’t do that!” Ron snapped.
“They can,” Hermione argued sadly. Lotus inched forward more, before she shook her head, kicked her shoes, pulled her socks off, and went into the water.
OH GOD OH GOD IT’S SO COLD OH GOD OH MY GOD—
“H-Hagrid,” she says, teeth clattering as she hugs his arm. “It’ll be okay. We’ll figure something out–we always do! Right, guys?”
She looked back, seeing the three all too hesitant to get in the water.
Seriously?
At that, Hagrid sobbed more, hugging Lotus tightly. She gasped, feeling as if her ribs had shattered upon impact, coughing as he shook her left and right from his sheer emotions. “Oh, y’er such a sweetheart, b-but I don’t think— we can’t— Oh, Buckbeaaaaak!”
“There, there…?” Lotus murmured, squeezing her hand out enough to pat his beard. She winced at the relief of all that pressure off her hand made it sting.
“Screw it,” Harry kicked his own shoes off before running to join the hug.
“We don’t have to, right?” Ron asked as Hermione followed suit. “We don’t— fine, I guess we are.”
So they stood there, hugging Hagrid as he poured his feelings out.
Big guy deserves it, Lotus thought.
But in all seriousness, how are we going to get Buckbeak out of this one? D’we gotta do something seriously heroic?
Lotus shivered. I hope not. But if the situation ever arose, I don’t think I’d decline.
She began to pant softly as she suddenly found it hard to keep up with the others. Harry glanced back, tilting his head in concern. Lotus waved it off, smiling awkwardly as she mouthed ‘I’m fine’ to him. However, she felt all but fine.
It’s okay. Right? It’s fine that she’s feeling more tired than usual.
Probably.
── .✦
It wasn’t fine. She had tried hard to practice the usage of her Animagus form, as well as juggle the spells Flitwick and McGonagall were teaching, but it was harming her more than usual.
Perhaps it was all the back-to-back lessons. I’m seriously going to need some accommodations once I’m in my fifth year, she thought with a small chuckle. After strenuous classes like one particularly tough Defense Against the Dark Arts class, where Lupin had taught them the Freezing Spell.
“The Freezing Spell’s incantation is Glacius,” Lupin instructed, writing it clearly on the chalkboard with a flick of his wand. He turned to them, voice patient and warm as always. “Wand movement is just as important: imagine the outline of two hilltops—one a bit taller than the other—and then sweep downward with a wide ‘w’. Like this.”
He demonstrated it, and an icy blast erupted from his wand, coating the front of a testing dummy in sharp white frost. The dummy gave a dramatic shudder and then stood still again, now wearing a frosty coat like it had just wandered into a blizzard.
“Remember,” he continued. “The Freezing Spell can be used for a multitude of ways— extinguishing fires, freezing waters and enemies. It all depends on willpower—what you intend.”
Hermione mastered it within her third attempt, freezing an entire arm of the training dummy with elegance and precision. Ron, in typical Ron fashion, managed to almost freeze his own wand, causing Lupin to call over quickly before Ron had to consider begging his parents for another new wand. Harry took his time, practicing the motion in the air a few times before even trying the spell. A puff of cold mist escaped on his second try, and he grinned, excited. “Getting close,” Lupin had encouraged him.
Lotus, though… when she cast the spell, it was different.
She murmured “Glacius,” flicked her wand, and watched as a beam of light-blue escaped her wand and hit the training dummy.
Although there was a small layer of frost on the dummy’s body, something far worse happened.
It was like someone had socked her in the stomach. She stumbled backward a step, the wind knocked clean from her lungs, and her knees nearly gave out. A coldness bloomed in her chest, making her wince.
Her vision doubled, for just a second, before Harry leaned over.
“Lotus?” He whispered, brows furrowed.
“I’m good,” she said, standing too quickly, rubbing her wrist. “Just a small reaction…”
But it wasn’t small, was it?
After class, she walked to the Hospital Wing, mostly to get some headache reliever from Pomfrey. As she entered, she probably regretted even coming when she saw what was happening:
Professor Snape, two students, and an exasperated Madame Pomfrey, who was aiding the students. One kid, Hufflepuff, who was probably a fifth-year, had warts on her face, while the other, a sixth-year Slytherin, sat on the opposite cot to her, arms crossed. His face had smoke coming off of it, like he had just been dunked in a vat of acid and his face was still cooling off.
“McKinley, Addison, you two should’ve been much more careful! Oh, you’re lucky we have the supplies to fix this. Yes, yes, you’ll be out after taking these potions and some good rest,” Pomfrey chided. Snape just scoffed.
“Your idiocy landed you here. Let’s just be glad you didn’t take out the entire classroom.” He then looked over and noticed Lotus. His expression toned down—just a smidge—and sighed.
“Ms. Inag, it seems your visits are becoming more… frequent.”
“Seriously?” Lotus blinked. “I didn’t even know. Uhm, potion accident?” she looked at McKinley and Addison.
“Potion disaster,” he replied disdainfully. “And what a shame, too. They were too busy goofing off and didn’t realize they let their potions stir for too long.”
“Yikes,” Lotus stifled a giggle. McKinley glared at her. Pomfrey handed the two their antidote bottles before turning to Lotus.
“What’s the matter, dear? I hope a teacher didn’t send you down here,” she crossed her arms.
“No, no, Madame Pomfrey, uhm…” Lotus laughed a little. “I, uhm, actually just want another one of those headache-reliever potions. The… Wiggenweld Potion?”
Madame Pomfrey sighed. “Oh, dear. Your stock is all out? I thought I just gave you one a month ago.”
“Yes, well, I’ve started to take… a little more?” she shrugged. “I know that might not be okay, but I’m really hurting more often. I could use the numbing sensation.”
Madame Pomfrey gave her a long, disapproving look. The kind that sliced through most teenage defenses like a hot knife through butter. Lotus deflated a little, rubbing the back of her neck with a nervous laugh.
“Listen here, Ms. Inag,” Ms. Pomfrey said sternly, “you cannot rely on potions like they’re sweets from Honeydukes. The Wiggenweld is strong—too strong if you take too much.” She stepped behind her supply cabinet, muttering something about ‘children and their reckless habits.’
Lotus shrugged. “I know, uh, yeah, that’s the same for Muggle medication. I admit I was a little foolish…” She shifted her weight awkwardly, glancing toward the occupied cots. McKinley was drinking her potion under protest, while Addison let the smoke curl lazily off his cheek, eyes closed like he was dreaming of hexing McKinley.
Snape, however, was still watching her. His arms folded, expression unreadable—except for a subtle crease in his brow. Concern that she didn’t collapse yet? Annoyance that she dared to be stupid? Humor that she was?
“I’m not abusing it,” Lotus argued. “I’ve just had more… migraines lately.”
“And spells that drain your body like a sponge left in the Sun?” Snape said, almost offhandedly, though he kept his gaze locked on her. “You complain to Mr. Potter about it a lot during my classes.”
Lotus looked down at the floor.
Pomfrey returned with a small vial—far less than a full dose. “This is it. No more for another few weeks unless I see proof you need it.” She handed it to Lotus, who blinked.
“Wh– but— wait a minute—” she stammered. But when Pomfrey raised her eyebrow with that stern stare, she faltered. “Yes, ma’am.”
Snape stepped closer, voice low but direct. “You do realize it’s reckless to keep pushing like this.”
Lotus gave a tired smile. “I know. Also, you’ve told me this before, Professor.”
“And I’ll continue to,” he said. “There is no pride in pretending you’re fine.”
Pomfrey huffed. “Finally. Someone said it.”
“Thank you,” Lotus mumbled, and tucked the bottle into her coat. She started toward the door, pausing only briefly when Snape spoke again.
“Next time you feel faint, you come to me first,” he ordered. “Before you collapse. Understood?”
Lotus stared at him before smiling gently. “Understood, Professor.”
Then she left, rather quickly, so as not to be late for her next class.
── .✦
When the first week of June started, Lotus was extremely nervous, considering it was final exam time.
She had spent days studying. While not completely burning her brain to a crisp like Hermione had, or cramming it in last-minute like Ron and Harry had been doing Sunday night, she just did what she always does: study it in bits. Or rather, study the subject with the highest priority at that moment.
On Monday, she had Transfiguration and Charms, Tuesday, Care of Magical Creatures, Potions (she shuddered to think of what Snape had concocted this year; if his last year's exams were hard, then this must be terrible) and Astronomy, Wednesday was History of Magic and Herbology, and Thursday was Defense Against the Dark Arts and Diviniation. She didn't realize Flying Lessons didn't really have a final exam, but then realized that if Madame Hooch had been able to give a final exam, she'd have kids make loops in the air and try to catch a Quaffle mid-dive. Maybe try to locate any possible next-year Quidditch players.
The Transfiguration exam was as difficult as she had dreaded, and would rather not like to talk about it. It all mostly focused on transforming animals to objects and vice versa (figures,) the effectiveness of some of these spells yielded less than ideal results.
Some Slytherin girl had created an amalgamation lovechild between a rabbit and a kettle, several kids' tortoises still had tails, could breathe steam, and had willow-patterned shells. Then, at some point, one kid cast a spell so destructive that everyone, even the tortoises and teapots, was covered in a small layer of ash. Harry had sputtered, blinking rapidly. Lotus opened her mouth, letting out a dry cough.
"Some of it got in my mouth," she whimpered. "And my eyes."
Harry shook his head, taking his glasses off to clean it with the underside of his sleeve. His face was all a shade darker from the ash, with a funny outline of where his glasses took the brunt of the assault, leaving his skin mostly safe in that spot.
Lotus didn't do too hot herself, though, so she couldn't exactly rip on any of these kids. Her teapot looked alright at first, but when Professor McGonagall opened the lid, she gasped, seeing internal organs.
"Whoops," Lotus stammered, immediately trying to fix it. The ache in her hands spiked in that instance, and she winced, sending out a weaker wave of power that didn't quite fix the teapot, but made it so the heart stopped beating.
She wasn't sure if that was any better.
Charms was a little better. She had managed to do well on several of the charms due to the break in between exams (since she had only two. Hermione… she didn't even know.) But when her hands started to cramp and her head started to spin, she overdid the Freezing Spell, encasing the target dummy in a huge block of ice. Then, when Neville awkwardly tried to fix it with Incendio, he, instead, shattered the dummy, causing them to have to get another one.
Lotus tried to be as gentle as possible when administering the Cheering Charm on Neville, which led to quite the amusing encounter.
Neville grinned, his smile reaching from ear to ear. "Wow, Lotus! That work was so good! And the incantation was nicely pronounced, a-and oh, the sunlight is so warm and beautiful today!"
Lotus chuckled. "Thanks, Neville."
When Neville casted it on her, he had overdone it—like Harry had done to Ron. Lotus laughed so hard that day, her ribs hurt, and she damn-near passed out sobbing from fits of laughter.
"Oh—My—God—Please— End this!" she wailed, giggling as she kicked her feet. "I'm laughing, but it hurts so bad, I can't breathe—"
Neville freaked out as Flitwick jogged over, waving his wand. The chains of hysteria left her, and she just laid there on the ground, shaking.
"God… God… Neville… that…"
"I'm so sorry!" He shrieked, dropping to her side. "Are you okay!? Do you need to lie down somewhere more comfortable?!"
"'m fine… just… oh, my ribs…"
Monday's exams sure were something.
That night, she didn't sleep a wink—yes, bad decision on her part— to study for Potions. Knowing Hagrid, whatever his exam would be was probably going to be very easy. Astronomy was going to happen at night, and she excelled at it, so no need to study until probably dinner.
During the Potions exam, Lotus… actually didn't suck? She was surprised herself. But as she stood over her Confusing Concotion, which churned with a scent that made her forget if she added enough scurvy grass or not, she knew she did well. Professor Snape loomed a few feet in front of her, eyeing the potion for a few moments, before he nodded. Nodded. She almost jumped for joy.
"I see your Double-Potions classes haven't been in vain," he muttered in a tone surprisingly pleased, unlike the look that reeked of shaudenfraude that he donned when he witnessed Harry's mess of a Confusing Potion.
"Whatever," Harry murmured across from her as Snape moved on to another student, and Lotus chuckled.
In Care of Magical Creatures, they had to keep a Flobberworm alive for one hour, something they've already done constantly.
"Ew," Ron sneered at the round blob of a worm as Hagrid set it in front of him.
"Now, don't go being mean to it, you're supposed to take care of it!" Lotus huffed, holding hers like a baby. "Besides, it's going to be super easy. We can just chat with Hagrid."
"We should've had something more impactful," Harry added, awkwardly pushing some lettuce down the mouth of his Flobberworm.
"Remember, Harry, it was Draco who killed Hagrid's confidence with that report," Hermione reminded, "it's Draco's fault that we only really did… less interesting things."
The four walked over, Lotus cooing softly as she shifted it to another arm, after it began to leak mucus on her sleeve. "Oh, that's… um… okay…"
"Not so cute now, ain't it?" Ron smirked.
"Wh—it is!" Lotus argued. She carefully placed her Flobberworm in a small nest of lettuce leaves on the table. "See? All happy and slimy."
"Reckon it's just happy you're not making it eat your jumper," Ron muttered, prodding his own worm with the tip of his quill. It let out a faint shlup sound and oozed away.
Hagrid lumbered over, baeming. "Tha's it! Jus' keep 'em comfy. Bit o' lettuce here, maybe a cabbage leaf if yeh've got it."
"They're so weird looking, that's why I love them," Lotus muttered to Hermione, who blinked.
"They're not exactly lively, are they?" Harry said, watching his Flobberworm inch forward a grand total of two centimeters.
"Tha's the beauty of it," Hagrid said proudly. Can't go wrong with Flobberworms. Hardy little things. Don' bite, don' kick, don' breathe fire—"
"Don't do much of anything," Ron muttered under his breath.
"Ronald," Hermione hissed.
Hagrid's gaze flicked between them, but his grin didn't fade. "Yeh’ll thank me when yeh’ve passed the exam easy. Anyway, how’ve yeh been keepin’?”
Lotus brightened at that. “Busy. You wouldn’t believe how much homework we’ve had this year. And I’ve been coming to see you less—sorry about that.”
“No need t’apologise, lass,” Hagrid said, leaning on the fence. “I’ve been busy meself. Got me hands full—well, not literally this time,” he chuckled. “An’ I’ve been thinkin’ ‘bout next year’s lessons. Got a few creatures in mind…”
Hermione’s eyes lit up. “Oh? What kind?”
“Well…” Hagrid’s eyes darted sideways. “That’d be tellin’, wouldn’t it? But yeh’ll like ‘em. Not too dangerous. Well—some of ‘em.”
Ron groaned. “Here we go again.”
Lotus grinned, rocking her Flobberworm slightly like it was a pet rabbit. “If it’s dangerous, I’m in.”
Hagrid laughed, a booming sound that startled Ron’s Flobberworm into hiding under the lettuce.
"Awww," Lotus cooed.
"Coward," Ron hissed.
Astronomy was, as predicted a walk in the park. A piece of cake.
She ran out of things to relate to how easy it was.
Filling in blank star charts based on observation, finding a constellation, and correctly labeling it was child's play. Nothing much to say about that, except for how she passed out as soon as she got to bed, because her lack of sleep the night prior had hit her like a truck.
Wednesday was nothing special either; she had to answer questions about the medieval Witch-hunts in History of Magic, and she had to nurture and harvest some plants such as Wormwood, Shrivelfig, safely collecting bubotuber pus from Bubotubers, and correctly did the Herbivicus Charm.
"Hey, Hermione, are you sure you don't want to take a moment?" Lotus asked her. She looked less of a wreck, now that… most likely half of her thousands of classes were already done and over with. But still a major wreck.
"Oh, uhm, no, I'm.. I'm fine," Hermione managed hazily. "I've got to…"
"Drink something and eat a snack. You're going to die, and that means a lot from me," Lotus said pointedly. She forced her to sit down at the Great Hall as Harry and Ron returned with four cups of water and some pastries from the end of the table.
"Delivery from downtown!" Ron joked, sliding each plate in place.
"Thank you, Ron," Lotus smiled.
"Now, how's everyone going to do in tomorrow's exams?" Harry asked.
Ron shivered. "Oh, Divination, rubbish. I'll make something up. Hermione'll pass Muggle Studies with ease, and Defense Against the Dark Arts— I'm sure that's fine, right?"
He looked around. "Right?"
"I hope Professor Lupin doesn't bring that boggart back," Hermione said.
Lotus nearly spat out her cup of water. The boggart.
She had damn-near forgotten about that blasted thing. The three stared at her, who was still wide-eyed, a small stream of water trickling down from the corner of her lip.
"Hey, wake back to reality," Ron gently prodded her shoulder. "Is this—-oh, is this about him being the Boggart? Hey, I'm sure Professor Lupin would make an accommodation, he's a reasonable man!"
Lotus nodded weakly, setting her cup down as she dabbed at her mouth and chin with the napkin. "Yeah. Sure."
Oh, she was fucked.
On Thursday, she found herself sitting outside Trelawney's office, tapping her foot impatiently. Professor Trelawney had told everyone that her exam was to have a one-on-one session in looking into a crystal ball and explaining what they saw. Many students had made it all up, and Trelawney seemed pleased despite it.
So, that gave her some hope.
When it was her turn, she stood up and walked in. The hanging jewels clinked ominously as she stepped deeper into the darkness. The windows were shut to provide a spookier effect, some candles lit here and there. Trelawney sat at her table, the scene reminscent of those psychics at a carnival who rip you off for $5.
"Good morning, Professor," Lotus smiled weakly, sitting in front of her.
"Ah, my dear," Trelawney's voice floated from the shadows as though she had been waiting centuries. She clasped her many rings together dramatically. "Open your mind to the whispers of the Beyond… are you ready, child?"
Lotus sat a little straighter, trying not to wrinkle her nose at the heavy scent of incense. "Right— yes!" se folded her hands neatly on her lap, watching as Trelawney drifted her long fingers over the crystal ball like it was a baby bird.
Lotus leaned forward, peering into the crystal. The swirling mist inside shifted faintly under the candlelight, but all she could think about was of how much it looked like one of those cheap fog machines she'd once seen at a Halloween shop. She did not doubt Trelawney's profession, rather she doubted her own skill at it.
"Do you see it?" Trelawney breathed. "A vision forming… something terrible… or something wondrous?"
Lotus blinked, tilting her head. "I see… I think… oh, wait, hold on!"
She leaned forward more, mildly startling the woman as she picked up the crystal ball.
"Dear, careful, that is fragile!" Professor Trelawney frowned.
"Sorry, sorry, just… I see… Me. I think. I'm… I'm… I have this weird long stick."
"A wand, perhaps?"
"Long, weird, boney-like. And I'm running. What looks to be… Hogwarts? But destroyed?"
Trelawney's eyes widened. "Oh, dear… It seems you might be facing off against someone huge—someone dangerous, darling."
Lotus left the room feeling unnerved. When Ron and Harry explained theirs, they said they made it up. So, she agreed on doing that too.
Now, the class she dreaded the most. Defense Against the Dark Arts. Professor Lupin led them all outside to a field that had been repurposed into an obstacle course. Students gawked as their eyes scanned accross a paddling pool, potholes, a patch of marsh, and at the end was an old trunk that shook slightly.
Lupin smiled gently. He clapped his hands together, his warm smile never faltering even as some of the students looked ready to write their obituraries to their academic experience.
"Now," he said, pacing a little as he gestured to the course, "this exam isn't meant to frighten you. It's designed to test how well you can think on your feet. Each of these obstacles involves a creature we've studied this year. You'll need to use the proper strategies to make it through."
A murmur ran through the crowd.
"You will start with the Grindylow in the pool," Lupin continued, pointing to the dark green water where faint ripples stirred. "After that, you'll cross the potholes filled with Red Caps—-stunning spells are useful, but speed and caution will serve you better. Then, the Hinkypunk. Remember, it will try to lead you astray. Keep your head clear."
Finally, he gestured to the trunk, which gave a violent rattle. "And at the end… the Boggart. Show me you remember how to disarm it."
Ron whispered to Harry, "Blimey. That's… intense."
Hermione, of course, looked like she'd been waiting for this all week. Lotus wished she shared the same sentiment.
"Step forward when I call your name," Lupin said gently.
One boy one, the students made their way through. Some got drenched in the pool when the Grindylow proved stronger than expected. A few stumbled in the potholes, shrieking as the Red Caps leapt at their ankles. The marsh and its misleading lights. Ron failed at that, despite having battled six in September. Lupin had to guide some students back with a flick of his wand. The Boggart—-always eager to play on fears—shifted into everything from giant spiders to clowns.
:Excellent, Harry," Lupin had muttered when Harry climbed out of the trunk grinning ear-to-ear. He lingered around to watch Ron and Hermione. Enough said on Ron, but Hermione had ran out of the trunk screaming.
"Hermione!" Lupin yelled, startled. "What's the matter?"
"P—P—Professor McGonagall!" Hermione sobbed, pointing into the trunk. Lotus awkwardly patted her back. "Sh—she said I'd failed everything!"
After that fiasco, Neville had been up. Lotus let Ron and Harry comfort Hermione, as she stalked off back to the start. Sooner or later, it would be her turn.
And then I'd have to deal with him, she realized. The thought of it made her queasy.
I need to sit down.
She looked over, spotting a tree. Lotus walked over, quietly sitting down, leaning back against it.
I don't think I've learned enough, she thought. Or at all. Lupin seemed hesitant to bring the Boggart back after my meltdown.
She lowered her head. And I stubbornly told myself I never wanted to have the chance to meet him again, even if it meant not learning the right way to—
"Lotus?" She perked up, seeing Lupin standing in front of her. He had a concerned smile, his shadow looming over her. "You're up."
Lotus stood almost immediately, nodding. She kept her head down and walked past him. "Yes, Professor…"
"Lotus—"
"I'm on it."
"Wait," he said quickly, stepping in front of her. His tone was calm, but there was a weight to it that made her stop. Lotus froze, her fists tightening at her sides. She kept her gaze fixed firmly on the grass.
"Professor, I'll just…get it over with."
Lupin tilted his head, studying her with quiet patience. "Lotus, this isn't about rushing through. The point is to prove that you learned something in my classes and to be able to defend yourself. Hence, the name," he gave a joking smile. Awkward, but an attempt.
"I don't think I can," she admitted, her voice smaller than she wanted it ot be. The words stumbled out before she could stop them. "I'm not like Ron, Harry or Hermione. The only quality I have is being too sick."
There was a long pause, and then Lupin crouched a little so he could meet her eye level. "That was very brave of you to admit. It's not true, the quality part, however."
Her breath caught.
"Come," Lupin said gently. "You don't have to do it perfectly. Heck, I believe you'll get much farther than Ron. Oh, don't tell him I said that." He chuckled.
Lotus giggled, and walked toward the paddling pool. Harry, Ron and Hermione stood at the end, waiting patiently. Hermione cheered.
"You got this, Lotus!"
Lotus looked up, and gripped her wand, before she entered the pool. She began to swim, paddling her arms like the way her grandfather always told her to. She then let out a surprised yelp as she felt something started to cling to her, hoisting itself up and pulling her down. She leaned to her side so one arm kept paddling and her legs kept kicking and whipped her wand towards the Grindylow, shouting, "RELASHIO!"
It screeched, releasing their grip and retreating. She panted as she kept paddling over, throwing her wand onto the ground and then climbed out, picked it up, and ran along, panting. Lotus then entered the area full of potholes. Before she ran through, she thought of a strategy.
She began to jog along, as Red Caps started to crawl out, ready to tackle and grab her. She casted the Area Spell, blasting a shockwave that caused them to screech and get stunned, falling back. Watching carefully to make sure she didn't trip over a pothole, she managed to make her way out of that.
"Woo! You're halfway done!" Ron shouted.
Lotus smiled shakily, but then suddenly slowed once she entered the marsh. When doing so, the weight of a boulder slammed into her. She lurched forward, resting her hands on her knees, shaking with wet coughs. Forcing herself to stay resilient, she stood back up, taking a huge breath and ran through the marsh.
Just keep straight, she thought. I took a good look outside. Just keep… straight.
She noticed the glowing lights before they appeared, the Hinkypunks. She grit her teeth, gripping her wand. Stay out of their throwing range… There was no corner or tight space, so the most she could do was just cast Protego to keep herself safe.
"Eep!" She bent at an awkward angle to dodge a flame, stumbling. Her legs kicked to run faster. She spun back slightly when one flame bolted towards her, casting, "Protego!"
The flame slammed into the invisible force field, and so did the following flames. She kept waving her wand every time, looking ahead again, only to trip on a patch of grass.
She shouted, tumbling forward in the style of a tumbleweed, crashing into the trunket. The Hinkypunk stopped at the edge, about to attack, but Lupin fended it off, causing it to retreat.
"Lotus!" Harry ran over. "You good?"
"Oh.. god… I'm so dizzy…" Lotus murmured. "My head is spinning…"
"Oh, mate, you should've seen how you tumbled! You looked so funny!" Ron roared, placing a hand on his stomach.
"Ron!" Hermione snapped, but there was a hint of a smile on her face, too.
Lotus giggled weakly, standing up.
"Admirable job," Lupin hid a chuckle with a cough, walking over. "Now for your final test. Into the trunk, if you will." He opened the trunk just enough for her to be able to climb in.
"…" Lotus stared blankly, her nerves rising yet again. In the quick run she made across the obstacle course, she had yet again forgotten.
"… Or," Lupin spoke, "I could have you face something else that's just as challenging."
"What? That's cheating," Ron blinked.
"Not cheating, Mr. Weasley," Lupin corrected gently, closing the trunk with a quiet thud. "It's teaching. Every student learns differently. Some need to face their fears directly… others may need to confront something that challenges them in another way."
Lotus rubbed the back of her neck.
Something else?
A chance to run away. Yet again. To not face him . To not face him all alone and scared.
Take it, that part of her urged. Take it and be safe.
"No."
Lupin looked surprised.
"What does that make me?" Lotus frowned. "A coward for not being able to face my fears?"
"That doesn't make you a coward, it just shows you know how to handle your own peace," Hermione said softly.
"No, Hermione," Lotus shook her head. "As much as I want to run, as much as I want to take the easy way out— that's not going to be an option all the time."
She marched over to the trunk, slamming it open. "I'm going in there. And I'm not getting out until I overtake him. Either by beating the Boggart, or by straight up maiming it."
"What?" Ron blinked.
"Lotus—" Professor Lupin said, but Lotus grabbed the edge of the lid, jumped in, and let go, causing it to fall onto itself. Lotus crashed to the ground, the wand bouncing a few inches away from her.
She groaned, crawling over to pick it up and stood, looking around. Lotus found herself trapped in what looked to be a dark void. "Hello?" she called out.
Her voice echoed in the void. The darkness pulsed, and footsteps echoed on nothing. Slow, deliberate.
And then she saw him. At first, just the shadow, but when the trunk opened from far away, casting a light in the void, she saw his smooth hair, his polished smile, and his sharp jaw that had once been the envy of the Prophet's glossy pages.
Gilderoy Lockhart stepped forward, his golden robes gleaming even in the void. His teeth glinted as he grinned at her.
"Ah, my little flower," he crooned. "You thought you could forget me?"
Lotus's stomach flipped. Her grip tightened on her wand, but her knees locked, unwilling to move.
"No—" she breathed, but the sound cracked. "No, stay calm…"
"Ha," his grin widened, cruel now, twisted mockery of the charming mask he once wore in public. He began to circle her, boots clacking against the nothingness beneath them. "Do you know how special you are, Lotus? How utterly… breakable?"
Lotus raised her wand, but the hand holding it shook violently. "R—Ridikkulus!" The word barely left her lips, fragile, paper-thin, weak-willed.
Nothing.
Lockhart's laugh was low and dark. "Oh, come now. Is that all? You really think waving a stick like that around will save you? No one ever came for you then, did they?"
Her chest heaved. The void around them seemed to constrict, choking her. She staggered back. "No—they—"
"You're weak. Helpless. Worth absolutely nothing." He was closing in, voice curling with venom. "And you'll always be mine."
The wand dropped from her trembling hand.
Lotus' vision blurred—every memory she tried to lock away slamming against her mind, dragging her into those suffocating days. The smell of his cologne, the weight in the air, the smirk, the way she let it happen, the way she never could remember—
"No," she whimpered.
Lockhart lunged, slamming her onto her back. She gasped.
"No, no no no no no no—!" She cried, struggling against the crushing, familiar weight pinning her down. She could never remember a moment like this, but her body could. His false-perfect face loomed above hers.
"You are mine. You belong under me," he hissed, his hand gripping her wrists tightly enough to burn, pulling them apart and resting them above her head. "Say it."
"Stop!" Lotus thrashed, her breath ragged, panic exploding in her chest. "Get the fuck off of me!" She tried to kick, but his knees pinned her legs down, pressing into her lower leg's bones in an uncomfortable, aching way.
He shifted both her wrists to one of his hands, while the other ran its fingers along her jaw, then gripped tightly. "Say it," he repeated softly, like he wasn't attacking her, like his fingers that were gripping her jaw hadn't let go and found themselves wrapped around her neck.
She was hyperventilating, sputtering, choking, already regretting ever doing this.
Then, "Lotus—" the sound of Lupin yelling. He seemed to have heard her screams and faintly saw her getting pinned.
The shame burned deep.
You couldn't even defend yourself in front of someone. And now you need someone to come to your rescue.
"P— pl— plea—"
Her vision swirled. The place felt suffocating.
This position. This situation. This humiliation.
This sparked something else into existence. Rage.
Lotus inched back, and he followed, not realizing both of them were getting closer to her wand. Her fingers stretched back, the pads flicking the underside of the wand until it rolled into her grip. He was too focused on trying to keep her still, face so close to hers, that he didn't notice.
Lotus gripped her wand tightly, in case he would try to rip it out of her hand, as she chanted, "Amato Animo Animato Animagus—"
The Boggart blinked, looking up. As he did, her body immediately shifted. Hands to paws, skin to fur. She shrank, allowing herself to escape from his grasp.
"What— shit!" Lockhart cursed as Lotus hissed, leaping onto his face and began to hack and scratch away. Her claws were coated in a small layer of blood by the time Lockhart ripped her away, but she fell back, landing on her feet.
Lockhart staggered, clutching his gouged, ruined face. "You—filthy beast!" he screamed.
Lotus shifted back, panting hard, raising her wand again. "Die in hell…"
Lockhart lurched forward, still sneering, but his balance and bad eyesight from her nearly clawing his eyes to blindness caused him to stumble.
She flicked her wand, voice raw. "RIDDIKULUS!"
A snap like thunder. His form bubbled, then ballooned and shrank, turning into a fish. It flailed uselessly, out of water.
Lotus stared, shoulders shaking, uniform disheveled, hair a mess. Then, she laughed.
A low, unsure laugh, before it snowballed into a loud, victorious, cruel, and relieved laugh.
"HA! HAHAHA! HA HA! Take that, you son of a bitch!" She screamed, tears rolling down. "Go to hell! Die! Die die die!" She waved her wand. casting various spells on the fish. It got hit, flailing around more and more. "DIE! DIE—"
"Lotus!" Lupin put his hand on her arm, stopping her.
She gasped, spinning around quickly and ripping her hand away. "P—Professor!"
Lupin's eyes widened as he took in the sight—Lotus, wild-eyed and trembling, wand still raised, standing over the writhing fish that had sustained some injuries. Her breaths came in harsh, ragged gasps, and every nerve in her body seemed electric.
"Lotus," he said softly. "I— I heard you… cast it. Wonderful job, but… this…"
Lotus looked back at the fish, laughing a little. "I— I was just… letting off some steam. I mean, I can't attack the actual him. And I don't… have an outlet to this. It just happened, you— I—"
She hesitated, fingers tightening around her wand. For a moment, the fish flopped helplessly at her feet.
"… Was that bad?" she said quietly.
Lupin crouched slightly, keeping his hands visible but careful not to make any sudden movements. His eyes were full of concern, though he kept his voice calm.
"No, Lotus… not bad, per se," he said gently. "What you did was correct and… justified. You cast Riddikulus and beat your biggest fear. But…" he sighed, searching for the right words. His eyes drifted to her neck, which was beginning to form a bruise.
"The intensity… it was frightening. I had to step in to make sure you weren't lost in it. That's all. You were safe, and I had to be certain of that."
Lotus blinked, lowering her wand, but still standing tensely. "Safe… right. I—I wasn't thinking about being safe. I was pinned. I was being strangled—"
"And I was going to step in," he replied.
"I know. I heard you, but I just couldn't… couldn't let you take this from me. I couldn't feel humiliated that I couldn't save myself." She closed her eyes. "I had to make him pay."
Her voice cracked on the last words, almost a whisper.
"I understand," Lupin said softly, standing a little straighter. "I know you've been through a lot with him, and what the Boggart did was all too real. You were courageous. Like a true Gryffindor."
Lotus looked up. "Really? Th… Thanks." She smiled, for once.
Lotus then looked at the fish again. "Okay, let's get out of here."
Lupin nodded, gesturing for her to go first, following after her.
"You did really well," he said softly, walking beside her. "Even better than you might realize."
Lotus nodded, eyes flicking to meet Harry, Ron, and Hermione once she stepped out.
"I heard screaming!" Hermione said.
"And maniacal laughing," Ron added.
"Are you okay?" Harry asked hesitantly.
"… Yeah," Lotus smiled.
"Are you sure? Mate, your wrists and neck are bruised like hell! What the bloody hell did you go through in there?" Ron demanded, worried. Hermione frowned, holding her wand up, but Lotus shook her head.
"No. Please don't get rid of it. It…" she placed her hand on her neck, wincing at the slight pain. "Like a battle scar, yknow? Just there until… it fades."
Hermione nodded, putting her wand away. "Alright."
"Well," Harry says, "that was eventful for all of us, right? We should go eat!"
Lupin chuckled. "I'm envious. I still need to test the next batch of kids… you all did well. Even if two of you couldn't quite finish." At that, Hermione and Ron blushed in embarrassment. "Remember, no matter what, you're still learning. Four years from now, when you graduate, you're going to be so much better than you are now."
"Okay, Professor!" All four responded. Ron then wrapped his arms around the others, leading them along.
"Now, time to get some snacks…"
"Ron…"
Lotus chuckled. She looked back at Professor Lupin, who was watching them. She waved goodbye. Startled, he blinked before breaking into a soft smile himself, waving back.
── .✦
Professor Snape had made her stay after class on Friday, when he noticed (now in close proximity of a classroom) the bruises.
"Stay." His jaw was tight, voice cold.
She froze, clutching her bag, then slowly turned back as the door shut behind a very pitying Harry. Snape swept around his desk, arms folded, eyes narrowing.
"Explain."
Lotus blinked. "…What?"
He gave a sharp nod towards her wrists. Then, gestured a hand to her neck. "Do not waste my time with foolish excuses. Professor Lupin told me you had gotten injured. But choked? Gripped? What happened?"
"It was the Boggart, sir," Lotus explained. "That should be enough information."
Snape's eyes darkened further, his mouth curling as though the word Boggart offended him. "And you thought parading those marks about was… what? A sign of bravery?"
Lotus pressed her lips together. "Yeah, sure. For once I finally had something to prove that wasn't me throwing up at the mere sight of him."
For a long, tense moment, he said nothing. He only studied her; the way she squared her shoulders, hands on her hips.
Finally, he spoke, voice low. "You are a fool."
Her stomach dropped, but before she could protest, he continued.
"You are a fool to think you need to prove anything to anyone. Those marks are not badges of honor. They are evidence of carelessness. Yours and Professor Lupins. Why he didn't step in, I wonder."
"He tried to, but I lost my shit—" A glare. "—Sorry, I lost my cool and started… attacking."
"Attacking," he echoed flatly. "Well. Dismissed."
Awkwardly, she turned away to leave. Snape watched, softening just a fraction.
"Foolish."
The following Monday, June 6th, the bruises had deepened to a dark blue. People were concerned, but Lotus told them it was from her Boggart. Pomfrey urged to heal the bruises, but Lotus was insistent on wearing them like a badge of honor.
What had happened did happen, and now she had something, besides her memory, to show for it. It was slightly green around the edges, especially around the edges of the fingers. The boggart's nails dug into her wrists, one on the left wrist and four on the right.
Work was light after final exams, as she mostly either lounged around in some classes, talked to Professor Lupin and Hagrid, helped collect ingredients with Professor Snape, who was prepping the dungeon for when he would leave, and then simply just observed the stars whenever Sinistra offered the class; she did not have much to do.
So here she was after class, walking with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. They were all planning to head to Hagrid to check up on him.
The sky seemed unusually pale and bleak for June, with a murder of crows flying around. Lotus felt uneasy as the sounds of Ron and Hermione reached her ears. They were talking. Talking? Arguing. Perhaps over Scabbers.
She looked up, groaning slightly, only to flinch. The other three noticed and shared her reaction as they passed by a figure in black. He had a pot-belly and sat on a bench in the Courtyard whilst sharpening his axe.
The Executioner, she thought.
They stood still for too long because he looked up at them.
Shhhhhhhwook!
He slowed his sharpening, holding the stare. Harry mumbled something, pushing the others along.
"Who was that just now?" Ron grunted.
"The executioner for Buckbeak, I suppose," Lotus tilted her head back slightly, before looking ahead.
"I can't believe they're going to kill Buckbeak! It's too horrible," Hermione wallowed.
Harry froze in his spot. "It just got worse."
"What?" Hermione, Ron, and Lotus looked down, spotting Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle, lurking near a group of monolithic menhirs. Draco had a binocular in hand, all three snickering. They were spying on Hagrid, who was standing in the pumpkin patch, tossing dead ferrets to Buckbeak, who gobbled them up. None the wiser. Hagrid wiped a tear from his eyes, sniffling, before he trudged back to his hut.
Draco set the binoculars away from his face, smirking. "Did you see the big, fat blubbering oaf?! Oh, this is going to be rich. Did I tell you, Father said I can keep the head—" he stopped when he saw the four approaching. "Ah. Come to see the show?"
Hermione sneered, walking closer than the others. "You… foul… loathsome… evil… little cockroach!!" Malfoy stumbled back, eyes wide with fear and nearly letting out a squeak, going cross-eyed when she jabbed the tip of her wand against his nose.
Ron rushed forward, pulling Hermione back with one arm. "Hermione, no!" Draco stood there, whimpering. Lotus was sure he probably almost soiled himself with how close Hermione's wand tip was against his throat. But as Hermione lowered it and turned away, Draco chuckled.
Hermione stopped, then—
BAM.
Draco shrieked, stumbling to the ground. Lotus jolted, taking a step forward, hand slightly risen. "Wait, you're fine, just walk it off or get some ice from Pomfrey," she said quickly, turning to Hermione. "You good?"
"Malfoy? Are you okay?! Run!" Crabbe yelled as he and Goyle helped Malfoy up. The three promptly scurried away like fleeing dogs.
Hermione panted, grinning. "That felt good."
Harry looked over, seeing Ron bug-eyed. "Ron."
"…"
"Ron!"
"—Oh. Yeah. Sorry."
Lotus checked Hermione's knuckles before sighing. "Yeah, you're okay too. Need to head to Pomfrey's later as well."
"Who knows, I might just keep it as a reminder," Hermione joked.
Lotus gave a wry smile. "Oh, will you now?"
The four made their way down the slope, entering the pumpkin patch. Lotus eagerly waved at Buckbeak, who was digging into and tearing the head of a ferret with deep, satiated satisfaction. Harry walked to the door, knocked, and stood back.
Hagrid swung the door open, eyes red with obvious signs of having cried himself to sleep the night prior. "O-oh," he blubbered, "come in, kids."
"Hi Hagrid, you doing okay?" Hermione asked gently.
"Right as rain," he replied bitterly. Hermione nodded silently, hurrying off to make tea as Ron and Harry sat. Lotus just sat on Hagrid's bed, quietly remarking to herself at how big and soft it was. Hagrid, meanwhile, looked out the window, watching Buckbeak in all his Hippogriff glory.
"Look at 'em," Hagrid mourned. "Loves the smell o' the trees when the wind blows…"
"I say we set him free," Harry proposed. Lotus nodded.
Hagrid, however, shook his head in protest. "They'd know I did it. And tha' would only get Dumbledore in trouble. Gonna come down, yeh know. Says he wants ter be with me when it… when it happens." He sniffled. "Great man, Dumbledore."
"Sure is," Lotus nodded in full agreement.
"We'll stay with you too, Hagrid," Hermione added, setting the teapot and cups out on the table.
Hagrid spun quickly, frown deep on his face. "Yeh will not! Think I wan' yah seein' a thing like this? No!" The four deflated slightly. "Yeh'll drink yer tea an' be off. But before yeh do—I wan' ter see you an' Ron shake hands, Harry."
Ron and Harry exchange a glance, then look to Hagrid in confusion.
"Thin' I haven' seen 'ow it's bin betw'n you two? Go on now…" Hagrid urged.
"You two did kinda have something. Just a bit," Lotus shrugged. "I was too wrapped up in… my own personal issues to notice."
Reluctantly, Harry and Ron leaned over the table, shaking hands in an awkward, stiff motion. They pulled back, however, with faint, weird smiles.
"Good," Hagrid hummed, pleased. "Now then. Ron, I wan' ter see you give Hermione a hug."
"WHAT?!" Ron and Hermione shrieked.
Lotus and Harry snickered.
"Finally," Lotus mocked.
"I was waiting for this moment for so long. Maybe you two can stop squawking at each other," Harry crossed his arms.
"Go on!" Hagrid nodded in agreement. "You two've been at it all year. An' I'm sick o' it."
With deeply uncomfortable glares, Ron stood up and Hermione edged closer, held their hands out, then slowly moved in for what may perhaps be the most pathetic hug Lotus and the ancient walls of Hogarts has ever seen.
Even Hagrid felt it. "Crikey, tha's jus' abou' the most pathetic hug I e'er seen," he laughed. "But yeh did it, an' tha's what matters. There's jus' one other thing…"
Ron sneered. "I'm not kissing Fang if that's what you're thinking, Hagrid."
"Kiss Fang! Kiss Fang!" Lotus chanted. Fang, hearing his name, looked up, his tail thumping happily. Hagrid turned, moving to the shelf near his bed, and took the lid from a flour tin. When a tiny head, accompanied by the familiar black-grey fur, shabby at best, appeared, ears and paws flecked in powder, everyone gasped.
"No fucking way," Lotus, and Harry said.
"Scabbers!" Ron cried out. "You're alive!" He ran over, quickly scooping the powdered rat from the flour tin, holding him close.
"Are you kidding me?! I was ready to host his stupid funeral!" Lotus yelled.
"Yeh should keep a closer eye on yer pets, Ron," Hagrid scolded.
"Yes, Ron," Harry imitated.
Hermione crossed her arms. "I think you owe someone an apology."
Ron turned, his nose high. "Right. Next time I see Crookshanks, I'll let him know."
"She means her!" "I meant me." Lotus and Hermione, respectively, snap.
"Crikey," Hagrid groaned. "Here we go again."
Before another full argument could break out, one of Hagrid's glass jars suddenly shattered. Lotus squealed, hiding behind Harry. He gave her a slight look (jokingly?) as Hermione moved forward, scooping up the jagged star-shaped stone. As she does so, a second stone suddenly hits Harry on the head.
"Ow!" he winced, shutting his eyes quickly and rubbing his forehead. But as they neared the upper part, he opened his eyes, resting on three figures steadily approaching. Harry paled. "Hagrid."
Hagrid looked out the window, eyes widening as he saw them too. He quickly began to usher them towards the back door. "Yeh got to go! It's almost dark. Anyone sees you outside the castle it'll be trouble! Big trouble! 'Specially you, Harry—"
BANG! BANG! BANG!
The door shakes with the effort of the knocker, and Hagrid stiffens in fear. Before he could shout or panic more, Lotus placed a comforting arm on his lower back, rubbing in comfort, while Harry whispered to the others.
"C'mon."
One by one, they snuck out the back door. As soon as the door closed on Lotus, Fudge, Dumbledore, and the Executioner entered.
"Quick," Lotus whispered. The same crows from earlier—at least she believes so—are now quickly gathering in the pumpkin patch, growing as the seconds ticked. All circling Buckbeaf, like they knew he was going to die and wanted to have first row seats.
The four hid behind the pumpkins, listening to the almost inaudible words of Hagrid greeting the others in a solemn, depressive tone. Dumbledore is soft spoken, and Fudge reeked of someone who really didn't care about what was happening right now. The Executioner was too busy staring into nothingness, trying to seem edgy. Probably.
Just then, Hermione quickly turned around. Lotus blinked, confused.
"What?" She and Harry said at the same time.
"Nothing, I just thought I saw… Never mind," Hermione shook her head, dazed.
"Come on, yall," Lotus gestured for them to sneak into the trees. They ran like madmen to the stone path and the path back up. They reached the Clock Tower, in which, while panting heavily, Lotus looked back.
The bell began to toll.
DING!
DING!
DING!
Hermione's eyes were shedding tears, and a fine glossy layer even grazed Harry's eyes. Ron looked guilty. Lotus stared, eyes aching. Four distant lumps that were the people they just left all exited the hut. Dumbledore pointed at something far off, distracting the three men and looking away from Buckbeak, who was currently hidden by the trees, but the four could hear his squawks. Dumbledore then seemed to retract his words, speaking lightly, then—
CAW! CAW! The crows all shrieked with sadistic enjoyment (surprisingly, it feels the same as what she felt when she attacked the Boggart when it was a fish), and the Executioner moved behind the trees.
DING!
In that moment, everything became muted. Silent. She couldn't even hear her own pants anymore, not the crows squawking, not the sounds of Hermione fighting back sobs.
DING!
The Executioner raised his axe, the Sun catching in its sharpened blade.
DING!
Hermione turned as soon as the Executioner swung down. A loud, sick slice was heard, with a thud that cut it off. Lotus gasped, stepping back slightly as Hermione began to weep. Ron slowly brought an arm around Hermione, half shielding her from it all and half hugging her for comfort. Harry leaned in, awkwardly attempting to do the same. Lotus simply leaned close, cheek pressed to the nape of Hermione's neck.
Suddenly, Ron jerked back, cursing. "Ow!" The other three, startled, pull back as soon as Scabbers fell from Ron's grasp, running off. Ron's hand trembled, a small, thin stream of blood trickling down his palm.
"He bit me, Scabbers!" Ron yelled, taking off after the rat.
"Ron! No!" Hermione shouted as she, Harry, and Lotus gave chase.
"The rat's not worth it, Ron!" Lotus argued. "Come back! We're going to get our asses kicked because of it!"
"Ron!" Harry called out. As Ron reached the summit of the hill and descended, they blindly followed—only to skid to a stop when they realized where they were at now. Lotus tripped on the uneven dirt, stumbling forward with a loud yelp.
"OW!" She groaned, looking up.
"Harry, Lotus… You do realize what tree this is…?" Hermione whispered.
Ron nearly tackled Scabbers, hunched over slightly as he cradled him in his bloody palm. "Now, behave yourself," he chided.
"That's not good," Harry whispered.
"Ron— RON!" Lotus screamed.
"RON! RUN!" Harry screamed louder.
Ron turned to look at them, perhaps to yell back, only to pale. "HARRY! RUN!"
Harry's eyes shifted quickly, spinning, only to be met face to face with an enormous, jet-black, ragged dog. Harry gasped.
"The Grim?" Lotus heard Hermione whisper in disbelief. Lotus, meanwhile, was freaking out.
She remembered that stupid dog. She remembered how she saw it with Crookshanks.
Either way, she ran forward, tackling Harry as the dog pounced towards them… only to leap over.
Ron began to shriek like a banshee when he realized that the terrifying black dog was not after Harry, but in fact after him.The dog unhinged it's jaw, before snapping shut, clamping around Ron's foot. It began to move back, dragging him away.
"AAA!!! HELP!!!"
Harry and Lotus rushed forward, pulling on Ron's hand, but the power of the dog overpowered them, as he continued to drag poor Ron.
"I've got you!" Hermione yelped, pitching herself onto Harry's feet. And yet, the three of them got pulled along so easily.
"HARRY!" Ron wailed. Harry looked up, seeing the dog vanishing into the gap at the base of the tree. Ron began to go deeper into the darkness, basically sobbing at this point.
"Hold on, Ron!" Harry shouted.
"We've got you!" Lotus tried to pull harder, to no avail. The dog yanked back, pulling the four closer into the hole.
"No, Ron," Harry suddenly said, staring at the boy.
"What?" Lotus managed, looking up. "What is— Ron, wait— no!" she gasped as Ron began to slowly release his fingers from Harry's forearm.
Ron screamed, eyes shut as he descended into the hole.
"Ron!" Lotus yelled, leaping in after him.
"Lotus!" Harry shouted, standing up with Hermione. But as soon as they do, and as soon as Lotus looks back, something thick and heavy knocks them back and grabs them.
"OH MY GOD! HARRY! HERMIONE!" Lotus climbed, nearly enough to sort of poke her head out, watching the Whomping Willow grab her friends, chucking them around in its rage.
The branches take them through the gap in the tree, get hit, get swept off. At some point, Harry was on the ground, looking desperately for his glasses as Hermione got swept up by a branch. As soon as Harry put them on, he noticed a branch moving down with the speed of a military jet. He immediately rolled over just in time to not get pulverized.
"Harry! Hermione— wait—" Lotus pulled her wand out. "Hold on tight, you two!" As they quickly tried to hold hands, she waved her wand.
"CARPE RETRACTUM!" She casted. From her wand shot a magical cord of light, wrapping around Hermione and Harry. She yanked back hard, sending them flying towards her into the secret passageway.
She quickly backed away, disabling the spell as they crashed into the dirt.
"Ugh…" Hermione groaned, standing. "My back…"
"My head," Harry moaned.
"Thanks," Hermione told Lotus.
"Don't mention it," she smiled.
"Lumos," Harry raised his wand, lighting up a long tunnel that seemed to stretch on for ages.
"Where do you suppose this goes?" Hermione coughed, dusting off her pants.
"I have a hunch," Harry muttered. "I just hope I'm wrong…"
"You do?" Lotus said, wrapping an arm around his, using the other hand to wave her wand around rapidly. Hermione stuck to the other side of Harry, following him.
The tunnel took minutes to cross—Lotus was sure it was dark already by the time they re-emerged into… a shabby, run-down looking building. Lotus noticed from the boarded-up windows that it was still decently light.
"Figures," she shook her head. "What is this place?"
Harry pulled Hermione up, silent. He looked about; paper was peeling from the walls, stains—that looked suspiciously like blood stains—were scattered all over the floorboards, while shattered furniture lay strewn everywhere. There were also scratches on the wall.
"Did they keep a beast in here? I don't really see a door out," Lotus noted.
"We're in the Shrieking Shack, aren't we?" Hermione murmured.
"Wait, we are? Sick." Lotus mumbled.
"Nox," Harry cast. The light died out instantly. The three looked around until they noticed a glistening trail, disturbed amongst a sea of dust on the floor. And it led upwards. Lotus placed both hands on her wand, wrapped around the handle like a real pistol. She tiptoed, Harry and Hermione following suit.
Perhaps it was her years in the foster home that taught her so well, and it was Harry's bad treatment from the Dursley's, because Hermione was doing a little worse, wincing at one creak.
They stopped outside a door upstairs, and the two of them exchanged looks.
Hermione and Lotus nodded, wands at the ready, before Harry kicked the door aside, the three of them running in.
Lotus gasped. "Ron…"
Ron was sitting on a sagging bed, clutching his bloody foot, shaking.
"Ron!" Hermione smiled shakily. "You're okay—"
Harry stammered. "The dog—where's the—"
Ron whimpered. "I-It's a trap, Harry. He's the dog. He's an Animagus!" he lifted a trembling hand, pointing past them. Harry looked down, noticing paw prints. He followed them, watching as they slowly became a pair of human feet. The group looked up slowly, meeting the eyes of a man standing in the shadows, closing the creaking door.
He had been behind the door this entire time. No wonder Lotus didn't hear a loud thud.
Hermione gasped. Harry narrowed his eyes. Lotus growled. All three drew their wands.
Sirius Black. He was here.
As always, obligatory doodle at the end? Mayhaps?
Notes:
I originally didn't intend for the Boggart fight to be that violent; I intended it to be calmer. But then I realized that it isn't interesting enough, if everything is solved with 'taking a huge breath and realizing you're more powerful than what you fear'. Not everyone can reach that state in the same steps; some do it kicking and screaming.
Chapter 23: ⛓️ It’s Going Down Now
Summary:
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
The time of reckoning has arrived. The four meet the infamous Sirius Black, and learn that their Professor sides with him.
A rat is exposed, and then escapes narrowly.Two innocent souls are saved, and Lotus talks with Professor Lupin one last time, at least for a while.
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
Notes:
Sooo sorry I put this off for so long. School’s started 3 weeks ago and has been kicking me in the ass. Anyways, I hope you enjoy ^^!!!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Lotus screamed.
She hadn't meant to, of course, but it was a shrill, terrified, and awkward scream. After her initial protective stance, she soon realized she was, after all, just a little kid. So, she screamed and stumbled back, all while screaming, "DEPULSO!"
Sirius Black let out a soft oof as he was knocked back, but only slightly. His feet stumbled just barely, catching his body and balancing well for someone who looked like he was ratty, homeless, filthy, and skin and bones.
Speaking of, he was disgusting to smell and look at. She wondered how no one smelled him when he snuck out— Was that rude? She didn't care. His hair, which Lotus assumed was probably much neater and curlier back in his youth, was now long, matted, and reaching just past his shoulders. The familiar black-and-grey stripe pattern of a prisoner (just from anywhere, not exclusive to Azkaban) was dirtied with stains she assumed was either blood, dust or dirt, and slightly torn at the edges. His shirt was undone at the level of his chest, showing off a few tattooed symbols, and he bore a long coat that was as worn and torn as he.
Not to mention his feet, absolutely terrifying to look at on their own.
If this is what Azkaban does to people, I don't ever want to get caught for being an Animagus, she thought with a shudder.
Hermione suddenly leapt forward in front of Harry as soon as Harry drew his wand. "If you want to kill Harry, you'll—" she stammered, "you'll… have to kill us too!"
Black only smiled a wide, yellow-toothed grin. "No," he spoke evenly. "Only one will die tonight."
Harry charged forward, cursing. "Then it'll be you!"
"Harry!" Lotus shouted.
"Harry! No!" Hermione yelled as Harry grabbed Black and took him down to the ground, pointing his wand at him with the intent to blast his face off with one powerful spell.
Black's eyes widened, but then a manic laugh escaped his rough throat. "Heh, heh—! Are you going to kill me, Harry? Heh, heh, heh!!"
Just as soon as Lotus was about to step forward, Professor Lupin burst in. "Expelliarmus!!" He shouted, and Harry's wand was knocked out of his hand. Harry's eyes widened with surprise, looking up at Lupin quickly. Lupin gestured with his wand for the boy to move aside, and so he did, standing and moving back towards Lotus. Lotus grabbed Harry's arm, lowering her own wand.
Lupin's here. Lupin's here to help, right? she thought, pushing him behind her. Professor Lupin stared down at Black, his wand still raised cautiously. "Well, well, Black," he spat, "looking rather ragged, aren't we? Finally, the flesh reflects the madness within."
Black coughed, chuckling. "Well, you'd know all about the madness within, wouldn't you, Remus?"
"Huh?" Lotus blinked. Oh, wait, right. Lupin knew Mr. and Mrs. Potter, whom knew Black. Of course they'd be friends.
Lupin stared down at Black for a hard moment, a silence so tense you could hardly breathe without drawing attention to yourself. Then, suddenly, Lupin lowered his wand.
"What? Wait-" Lotus's eyes widened as Lupin helped Black to his feet and embraced him. "Wait, no—" she looked at Hermione, who looked as horrified as she did.
No, not him. He can't. He can't.
She looked at Harry, who seemed to be having the same sort of revelation.
Black let out a choked sob, voice full of glee. "I found him!"
"I know," Lupin agred.
"It's him!"
"I understand."
"Let's kill him!"
"NO!" Hermione and Lotus's voices rang loud and clear, and Lotus raised her wand again, this time angry.
"I trusted you, and all this time, you've been his friend!" Hermione screamed.
"You hound! No— you wolf!" Lotus sneered. At that, Hermione pointed at Lupin, turning to Ron and Harry.
"He's a werewolf! That's why he's been missing classes!"
Harry and Ron stare, utterly dumbfounded. Black howled with laughter, bitterly amused at the revelation. The traitor eyed him, and then turned to the girls.
"How long have you known?" he asked in such a curious tone you'd believe they were still in class.
"Since Professor Snape set the essay," Hermione frowned.
"Actually, earlier," Lotus corrected. "Your name. It's such a dead giveaway, Lupin! Really?! We only really came to the hard conclusion after Snape gave the essay."
Lupin stared at them, then folded his arms slightly, wand still raised, smiling. "Well, well, well, you two really the brightest witch of your age I've met."
"Oh, its all Hermione, really, I'm just common sense— WAIT! I TRUSTED YOU!" Lotus screamed suddenly, startling even Hermione. "You lying bastard! You filthy rat!"
At that, Black snickered, eyeing Ron. Or rather, the rat in his arms. Ron squeaked, hugging Scabbers tighter, who seemed to be squirming to get away.
The fool held his hands up now. "Now, Lotus—"
"Shut the fuck up!" she interjected, raising her own wand. "I'll do it! I don't care if I go to Azkaban! Maybe I can kill Alistair while I'm at it!"
Lupin took a step back. Black raised an eyebrow, unimpressed, but didn't say anything.
"And— and, wait, if you're a werewolf, then— wait, Fenrir— that man, I had done a bit of research— he was a werewolf— he— he— you— he must've— did he—"
"You are correct," Lupin nodded.
Lotus lowered her wand. Her mind hurt, a lot.
"…Oh." Hermione looked at her. "Oh. So you really are like me."
"Yes. We were both betrayed by someone older."
"I trusted you," Lotus echoed. "I let you help me deal with Lockhart."
"And I'm happy you trusted me," Lupin comforted, "I'm happy you put that trust in me to help you recover—"
"And all this time, you wanted my friend dead," she said, sniffling, "and all this time, you're just as bad as him."
Lupin froze, only slightly.
"Why is every Defense Teacher bad?" Lotus's voice broke. "I related to you. We're both weak. We both struggled with something irreversible. We're both… ill. I thought I could find a mentor in you."
Remus tried to speak, but Black interjected. "Enough talk, Remus! Come on, let's kill him!"
"Wait!" Lupin turned to him.
"I DID MY WAITING!" Black screamed, his voice shaking. "TWELVE YEARS OF IT! IN AZKABAN!"
Lupin's shoulders stiffened as he looked at the four, then at Black. He looked back at Lotus, who had her wand raised again.
She was seeing him as an enemy, someone she'd fight.
"Very well, kill him," Lupin waved his hands.
"No!" Harry shouted.
Black grinned as the traitor handed his wand to him, but then Lupin spoke again. "But wait one more minute. Harry has the right to know why."
Harry sneered. "I know why. You betrayed my parents. You're the reason they're dead."
The traitor shook his head. "No, Harry, it wasn't him. Somebody did betray your parents, but it was somebody hwo, until quite recently, I believed to be dead!"
At this, Harry paused, looking at Lotus, Ron and Hermione. There was only one person he knew, in recent memory from that night, that could fit that description. Despite it, he questioned, "Who was it then?"
"Pe-ter Pet-ti-grew!" Black spat, drawing the name out like a curse. "And he's in this room right now. Come out, come out, Peter! Come out, come out, and play!" he rose his arms, shouting in a sing-songy way.
"You're mad," Ron gasped. Harry's eyes shift from Ron's face to his hands, where Scabbers twists violently, squeaking in desperation. Just as soon as he grew curious, something happened.
"EXPELLIARMUS!"
Professor Snape rushed in, whipping his wand fast. In that instance, the traitor's wand flew out of Black's hand, disarming him. The others turned to him, and Lotus's eyes widened.
Help.
Safety.
"PROFESSOR SNAPE!" she cried out, running to him and stood beside him, raising her wand in a similar position. "Thank God you're here! You can help us take these two pathetic bastards down!"
"Stand back," he snapped, though he softened slightly. "Stay back, I'll handle this."
"O-oh, right—" Lotus nodded.
Snape looked back at the two men. "Oh, vengeance is sweet!" he crooned viciously. "How I hoped I'd be the one to catch you."
The idiot wolf eyed him cautiously. "Severus—"
"I told Dumbledore you were helping your old friend into the castle. And here's the proof," Snape went on.
Black clapped. "Brilliant! And— as usual—dead wrong. Now give me the wand back. Remus and I have a bit of unfinished business to tend to." As he approached, Snape jabbed his wand to Black's neck.
"Give me a reason," he muttered darkly. Threateningly. "I beg you."
"Don't be a fool, Severus!" The traitor stepped forward.
"Shut up!" Lotus hissed. "You are a bigger fool than he is, siding with him!"
"He can't help it," Black snickered at Remus, "it's a habit by now."
"Quiet, Black!" The traitor snapped.
Snape clicked his tongue, chuckling bitterly. "Listen to you two. Quarreling like an old married couple. The creature and the criminal."
Black rolled his eyes, though a faint tone in his voice suggested he took personal offense. "Piss off."
Snape chuckled. "Witty as ever I see. Tell me, will you be so irreverent when I turn you over to the Dementors?"
At this, Black's manic behavior shifts, the curve of his lip twitches, and Snape catches it.
"Do I detect a hint of fear? One can only imagine what it must be like to endure the Dementor's Kiss. It's said to be unbearable to witness… But I'll do my best."
He then gestured to the door. "After you."
Defeated, Black and Remus start to head to the door. Lotus turned to help Hermione get Ron, but noticed Harry staring at Lupin's wand on the table. Before she could react, he grabbed the wand and pointed it to Snape.
"Expelliarmus!"
Snape was wide-eyed as he flew into the air, hitting the banisters of the old bed and crashing into the mattress, getting knocked out.
Lotus gasped, eyes wide in shock and horror. Ron and Hermione gape.
"You attacked a teacher. Harry," Hermione gasped.
"Harry— HARRY!" Lotus screamed. "WHY!?"
This cannot be real.
No. HARRY!
Harry ignored her, shocked by own action, then turns to Black.
"you said Peter before. Tell me about Peter Pettigrew!" he demanded.
Lupin waved his hand. "Pettigrew. He was at school with us. We thought he was a murderer."
Harry shook his head, disbelieving. "No. Pettigrew's dead," he pointed at Black. "He killed him."
At this, Black laughed mirthlessly.
"I thought so, too," Lupin explained. "Until you menitoned seeing Pettigrew on the Map."
Harry shook his head again, eyes wide. "The Map was lying then—"
"Hold on, you saw someone on the Map?" Lotus blinked. "Peter?"
"The Map never lies," Black sighed. "Pettigrew's alive. And he's right there!"
He extended a skinny, shaky finger at… Ron. Ron blinked, paling with fear.
"M-me? It's lunatic…" he started, but Black rolled his eyes, growling.
"Not you, you idiot. Your rat!" he barked.
"Scabbers?" Ron's voice heightened with surprise. "Scabbers has been in my family for—"
Sirius Black intterupted bitterly. "Twelve years. A curiously long life for a common garden rat. He's mising a toe, isn't he?!" At that, he took a dog-eared clipping from the Daily Prophet out of his chest pocket, unfolding it, showing Ron in Egypt with his family. In there, he held Scabbers.
Ron frowned. "So what?"
Harry looked down, eyebrows furrowed together. "All they could find of Pettigrew was his—"
"Finger," Black finished triumphantly, as if he were a lawyer discussing his case and was on the brink of winning the jury's favor. "Dirty cowrad cut it off so everyone owuld think he was dead. Then he transformed into a rat."
Harry stared into Black's sunken, miserable, insane eyes. He wanted to believe him, really. He turned to Lotus.
She met his eyes, her earlier anger burning into curiosity.
He nodded.
"Harry…"
"Please."
She sighed, then nodded as well, and lowered her wand finally, instead pointing it to herself.
Her body began to shrink, bones clicking. Flesh became fur, round pupils became slit, full of cautiousness. Sirius Black's eyes widened in awe and surprise, and Lupin had the faint trace of a smile.
Soon, she was a cat, sitting there, waiting. Harry then looked at Black and Lupin again.
"Show me," Harry announced. She heard the squeak of Scabbers as Ron whimpered.
"W-What are you going to do to him?" he asked who she believed was Lupin and Sirius. Black closed the door, eager to not let Scabbers get away. However, a lone hole remained an opening for him, so she kept a watchful eye.
Honestly, she didn't believe those men still. But if this was all a huge lie, and Sirius was innocent… she needed to keep her faith. Her patience.
This very same naivety is what hurt her many times over. But if Harry seemed to trust Lupin and that psycho-godfather of his, then she will too.
Black and Remus were wrestling Scabbers away from Ron, who was honestly going into hysterics. Hermione had her hand on his arm to try and ease the boy into letting go of the rat.
"Scabbers! Leave him alone! Get off him! What are you doing?!"
After he was set on the piano, Scabbers freaked out. He immediately tried to flee, scurrying across the keys. Black, who now had Remus's wand, and Lupin, who took Severus's abandoned wand, shot spells at him. They missed each time, hitting the piano, causing off-key 'PLINKS!'.
Scabbers hopped off the piano and began to make a beeline to the door. He tried to leap towards the hole when Lotus rushed forward, tackling him with her outstretched claws, yeowling.
In that moment,Black's spell hits the two of them, and Scabbers lets out a shrill shriek that morphs into one of an off-kilter wail as he and Lotus flew. In her paws, Scabbers began to change in an instance, and so did she. His tiny body morphed into one of a very short and plump man, sending the two of them through the wall. She let out a cough as her own body shifted back to normal and was ultimately pinned against the jagged edge of the hole as she and "Scabbers" were now trapped, her hands around his body.
Scabbers—or rather, Peter, now unmasked— had his grubby hands close together like a rats would, sniffling the air in desperation. He was pale, had thinning hair, and a rather disgusting face, with teeth similar to a rat's— wow, yeah, he would've fit the rat Animagus.
Lotus let out a soft moan of agony as her back pressed against the jagged wood. "Ow…"
"Lotus!" Harry, and Hermione called out.
Ron is stunned (and disgusted) into silence as Lupin and Black stepped forward, prying the two out of the door's hole. Sirius pulled Pettigrew to his feet, as Lupin helped Lotus up.
"Are you alright?" he asked softly.
Lotus looked up at him, then nodded shakily. "M— mhm, yes… Ow…"
The two looked over at Pettigrew, who was sniveling.
"R-Remus? Sirius…? My old friends!" he whimpered pathetically, before tryingto make a break towards the door, but was promptly snatched again by the two men.
Peter's nose twitched, looking over at Harry. Instinctively, Lotus stepped away, getting in front of him. Peter's hands fluttered nervously, fidgeting and twitching, revealing a missing index finger.
"H-Harry!" he spoke, as if Lotus wasn't even in the wa. "Look at you! Y-you look just like your father…."
He took a step forward. "Like James. We were the best of friends, he and I—"
"Shut up!" Sirius roared. At this, Pettigrew became more desperate.
"I didn't mean to! The Dark Lord, you have no idea the weapons he possesses! Ask yourself what you would have done, Sirius. What would you have done!"
Sirius jabbed a finger into Pettigrew's chest, causing the man to flinch with a pained whine. "Died! Died rather than betray my friends!"
Peter tries to escape under the piano again, and to the door, only for Harry to move in front of the doorway.
"Harry," the pathetic man begged, "James wouldn't have wanted me killed. Your dad, your dad would have spared me. He would have shown me MERCY—"
Again, Lupin and Sirius grabbed him away from Harry and pulled him back to the center of the room. Sirius scoffed. "And you should have realized, Peter, if Voldemort didn't kill you…"
"We would," Lupin finished, a cold look in his normally calm eyes.
"No… Please…" Pettigrew stepped back, eyes darting. He found Ron and rushed forward. "Ron! Haven't I been a good friend? A good pet? You won't let them kill me, will you? I was your rat…!"
Ron grimaced, drawing back in disgust. Hermione glared hard at him. Peter turned to Hermione, voice turning softer, pleading.
"Sweet girl. Clever girl. Surely you won't let them…"
Lupin and Black raise their wands together, pointing them at Peter. He shrinks back, then looks at Lotus. But she simply stared down at him, then spit in his face. He cried out in fear, wiping excessively with a sleeve, closing his eyes. As soon as the men approached, Harry spoke.
"No."
Peter opens his eyes, surprised. Lupin and Sirius turned, staggered.
"Harry, this man…" Lupin started.
"I know," Harry argued. "I know what he is. But we'll take him to the castle."
Peter scrambled to Harry, grabbing at his knees. "Bess you, boy!" he cried. "Bless you—"
Harry snarled, swatting him away. "Get off! I said we're take you to the castle. After that, the Dementors can have you."
Lotus watched as Peter's face melted into one of fear yet again. She stepped forward. "If I may?" she spoke softly. Sirius nodded, stepping aside. Lotus looked Peter, then waved her wand. "Incarcerous."
The spell tasted vile on her tongue, tied to bad memories, and yet, she could only feel sick thrill as Peter was bound by a sort of golden rope. He squealed, struggling slightly, but eventually gave up.
"Hah! Smart girl!" Sirius barked, slapping her on the back in complimentary motion. Lotus flinched, glaring at him, in which he drew back. "Ah— my— my apologies."
"Come on, let's head back. Ron, can you stand?" Lotus asked.
"I wish," Ron moaned, "my leg is ruined."
"Then Mr. Black, Harry. You two help Ron. Hermione, you can handle Professor Snape?"
Hermione nodded.
"Okay, Professor Lupin, you and I…" she scoffed. "Handle this doofus."
The five worked to get Snape and Pettigrew out through the tunnel. Ron is still groaning about his pains, all while Sirius and Harry try their best. Hermione makes sure she turns back every now and then, trying to guide a sleepwalking Snape—why that was her choice, Lotus didn't want to question. Meanwhile, Lotus had the tip of her wand poking into Peter's back, all while Lupin dragged the man through the dirt.
Sirius turned to Ron. "Sorry about the bite. I reckon that twinges a bit."
"A bit?" Ron spoke, aghast, "a bit?! You almost tore my leg off!!"
Sirius chuckled faintly. "Now, I was going for the rat. NOrmally I have a very sweet disposition of a dog. In fact, more than once, James suggested that Imake the change permanent. The tail I could live with, but the fleas…"
"Not so wonderful," Lotus muttered.
"Exactly!" Sirius nodded. Ron simply rolled his eyes.
"Now, dear," Sirius said, as they neared the entrance below the Whomping Willow, "where in the world did you learn to become an Animagus? How long did it take? I bet it took years— but you're only in your third year, did you start first year? Are you—"
"I'm a Muggle," she replied sharply. "From my dad, Leo Inag. I hope you knew him."
Sirius scrunched his nose slightly. "Slytherin, yes. He was, however, despite his House, a good man."
"I didn't know about magic. It took me a good two months, probably," she shrugged. Sirius's eyes widened like saucers.
"I— two months?" he looked at Lupin. "Moony, neither James nor Peter or I could— neither us guys took that short of a time!"
"I know," Lupin chuckled softly.
"Huh?" Lotus blinked. "Oh, wait, yeah, I guess you also are… James's friend. Yeah, Professor Lupin mentioned it took you guys until you were fifteen to finalize it. Why?"
"Well, during his time as a werewolf under the full moon, Professor Lupin wouldn't share the same aggression towards animals as he would a human," Hermione answered.
"Correct," Lupin nodded gently. "Harry's father, Sirius, and…" he glared at Peter, who shrank in the ropes, "him, those three wanted to make me feel more comfortable when I turned."
"Aw, that's sweet," Lotus said.
As they emerged from the gap, Pettigrew began to beg again, but Lotus hardly paid attention. She was helping Snape lay down again, in a much more comfortable position, all while Sirius poked jabs at Peter.
Lupin knelt beside Lotus.
"… I'm sorry," Lotus spoke.
"Hm?"
"For what I said. For calling you bad things. And for— for being so awful," she said.
"It's warranted," he shrugged. "I deserved it. And you were right to behave like that. You are sweet, Lotus, but after what you've been through? I'd call you a fool if you didn't act the way you had."
Lotus laughed bitterly. "Yeah… Still." She looked back at Sirius. "So, he's really innocent?"
"Mhm."
"I guess… he isn't so bad."
"He isn't. He's one of my closest friends, besides James," Remus muttered fondly. Too fondly. She looked at him as he stared at Sirius with a soft smile.
Lotus grinned, but didn't say anything as Lupin returned to Peter just as soon as Sirius was approaching Harry, who was further away from the group. She looked back down at Snape, who was stirring in his unconscious state. Frowning a little, she brushed his hair from his forehead, checking for any bruise from when he hit the banisters. Lotus did the same for his back—well, tried to. She just brushed her fingers over the spot and hoped he didn't flinch or wake. When she was done, she simply sat there, staring at him.
Still as nice-looking as when you saved me from Alistair, she thought.
"Harry!"
Lotus froze and looked over just as soon as Harry did. Hermione was pointing at the Moon, except now it was in it's full state. Lotus stood up quickly, eyes widening as Lupin looked over as well, freezing up.
Rigidly, his pupils grew, and his hands began to shake violently. He began to moan in pain as his body twitched. Sirius ran over panickedly, hands hovering. "Remus, old friend… did you take your potion tonight?!"
Lupin, whilst twitching, shook his head. Hermione backed away, holding onto Ron. Harry moved in front of them as Peter was suddenly left alone. Pettigrew eyed the situation, taking it in, then slowly glanced down at Lupin's wand, which was slowly sliding out of his slowly uncurling fist.
Sirius turned to the kids. "Run— All of you. Now!"
But none of them do, all too scared. All too tranfixed. Bristles poke through Lupin's skin, his teeth growing and drool seeping down from the corner of his lips as he curled in on himself, gasping. Sirius panicked, wrapping his arms around his best friend, trying to comfort him.
"You know the man you truly are, Remus," he said shakily, "this flesh is only flesh!" He began to pound on Lupin's chest, shouting. "This heart is where you truly live. This heart! Here!"
But Lupin is too weak. The wand drops from his hand from loss of control and Pettigrew leaps at the opportunity, wrapping his slimey little fingers around the wand.
"NO!" Harry moved into action, flicking his wand. "EXPELLIARMUS!"
Lupin's wand flew out of Pettigrew's hand. The man freezes, but then slowly turns, smiling a disgusting, toothy smile as his body shrinks. Pettigrew waves as whiskers emerge from his cheeks, eyes turning beady and hideous.
"No!" Lotus shouted. He's escaping!
She turned her wand on herself, and her own body transformed back into the black cat. She hissed, darting after the rat. The two of them vanished into the bushes just as soon as Lotus heard a howl from Lupin, who was no longer himself.
Lotus weaved through bushes, hearing the scritching and squeaks of a rat desperately trying to evade capture. At some point, she hears another rustle and leaps for it, only to miss. She yeowled, shaking.
Dammit. I missed him!
Couldn’t be helped, she thought bitterly—Pettigrew was far more skilled than her.
Her paws struck the ground one last time before shifting, stretching, reshaping—claws curling into fingers, fur retreating into skin. She stumbled forward on human legs again, breath ragged, heart pounding. By the time Lotus reached the clearing, the world had already twisted into nightmare. Lupin was gone—no, not gone, transformed. The creature that wore his shape prowled forward on all fours, its glowing eyes locked on Hermione, Ron, and Harry.
And standing between them, wand outstretched, cloak billowing like a shield, was Professor Snape. His body formed a barrier, sharp and unyielding, between the children and the wolf. "Crap—" Lotus murmured, looking over at the werewolf. Suddenly, a giant black dog leapt over her and tackled the werewolf just as soon as it tried to charge at the four.
In a fierce tangle of flashing teeth, growling, and scratches, the two fought— Sirius, to keep his friend from hurting innocents, and Remus, out of his control, to kill. Lotus ran over to Snape and the trio.
"Are you guys alright?!" she asked. "I couldn't get Peter, he was too fast—"
"It's alright—" Hermione replied.
"No it isn't! Now Sirius'll be guilty and we'll have no evidence otherwise!" Lotus snapped.
"We have to get out of here," Snape interjected, trying to pull the group along, when the werewolf flings Sirius into the bush. The dog yelped in pain, crashing into leaves. As the werewolf charged after the dog, Harry pushed past Snape, running after them.
"Sirius!" Harry yelled, panicked.
Hermione tried to follow, but Snape held her back.
"No!" He growled.
"Harry!" Hermione shrieked. "Come back!"
"Harry!" Lotus shouted. "Dammit—!"
Snape turned to the group, staring at them hard. "You two. Take Mr. Weasley to the Hospital Wing. Now!" he ordered.
Flinching, Lotus nodded. "Come on, Hermione— Professor Snape'll help Harry!"
Hermione stared at her with disbelief, but when she looked back at Ron, who was limping on his injured foot, she couldn't argue. Lotus and Hermione grabbed Ron on both arms, leading him back towards the castle whilst Snape rushed off to get Harry.
It took a while to even head back to Hogwarts' entrance, and all the while Ron was wailing about his injured leg.
"Honestly, Ron, if I could make you a cane, I would," Lotus muttered.
"Please."
Madame Pomfrey was extremely horrified when the three entered the Hospital Wing past curfew, with someone's leg mauled by fangs.
"Why is it always you lot?" she asked, hurrying over to take Ron from them and lay him down on the cot. "At least you're here… Ah, ouch, this looks horrible…"
"Indeed, I can hardly walk…" Ron lamented.
"Are either of you injured as well?" Pomfrey asked when she passed by them to grab some potions for Ron's leg.
"No, I don't think so," Lotus shrugged.
"Scratches, a few bruises," Hermione answered. Lotus looked at her for a moment, then blinked.
Right, the Whomping Willow, Lotus realized.
── .✦
Half an hour had passed when Professor Snape returned with an unconscious Harry Potter. Lotus, being the only one not forced by Pomfrey to be bound to a hospital bed, ran over as Snape set him down on the cot. Pomfrey immediately set to work, drawing the curtains shut and tending to Harry.
"Harry! Professor Snape, is he—"
"Fine. He'll be fine," Snape remarked, bitterly so. "I had heard a loud noise and saw blinding lights, and found him passed out with that wretched filth Sirius Black. I handed Black over to the Ministry, so you should be lucky."
"What?" Lotus gaped. "No— No! Wait! No—"
"No, Professor—" Hermione started.
"Funny thing is, he's innocent—" Ron tried to explain.
"Silence!" Snape shouted. The three quieted as Snape turned to them. "You have broken far more rules than any student I know, much more than the Weasley twins, perhaps."
"Okay, that's not true—" Lotus huffed.
"You should be lucky you're alive after encountering Black. I do not care to know what happened, I do not care to understand why Professor Lupin had not taken his Wolfsbane Potion like I ordered him to—that in itself is his own fault. I only care that you four hadn't been killed by the werewolf or by Sirius Black himself! Now, take this time to rest." He glared at them. "Because tomorrow, you will face severe punishment."
Before the others could argue, Snape turned quickly and stormed out, robes billowing behind him in that same dramatic fashion. Pomfrey exited the curtain and stared at him as he left, sighing.
"Dramatic as ever, that boy…" she muttered, hurrying off to the shelves.
Lotus huffed in annoyance. "Whatever."
"What do we do now?" Ron asked. "We're, like, the only four who know the truth! Professor Lupin is off losing his mind somewhere, Peter Pettigrew—our only real evidence—is missing, and Sirius is being holed up somewhere."
"I don't know.." Lotus sat down on the chair. "Let's… Let's wait."
"Wait?" Ron stared at her incredulously. "Wait nothing! We can't wait!"
Suddenly, the curtains that covered Harry's bed started to ripple, and fingers curled around one of the edges and pushed it aside. Harry leaned out, blinking blearily. He was covered in bandages, bandaids, and there were healing potions on the bedside table. He took in the state of Ron and Hermione—especially Ron—then looked at Lotus.
Hermione, who had now been pacing after Snape left, stopped.
"Harry—"
"I saw my dad," he uttered faintly.
"…What…?" Hermione wondered.
"He sent the Dementors away… I saw him. Across the lake…" Harry explained, still in that listless, awe-filled tone.
Hermione, Lotus and Ron all exchanged curious looks.
"Did he hit his head out there?" Ron whispered. "Probably saw Snape's silhouette do it. Or hallucinated."
"Listen, Harry," Hermione explained, "they've captured Sirius. Any minute the Dementors are going to perform the Kiss."
Harry blinked, confused. "The Kiss…?"
"It's what Dementors do to those they want to destroy," Hermione said. "Theyvy clamp their jaws over the victim's mouth and… suck out his soul."
Lotus shrugged. "Like what they tried to do to you that one Quidditch match, I think."
Harry looked panicked now. "You mean, they're going to kill Sirius?"
"No," Hermione shook her head. "It's worse. Much worse. You go on living. But you have no memory. No sense of self. You're just a shell. An empty shell…"
Harry shot out from the curtains, taking a few steps forward in a flurry of worry. In that instant, the doors open and Dumbledore enters, arms folded neatly behind him. Hermione spun to face him.
"Headmaster! You've got to stop them! They've got the wrong man!" she pleaded.
"It's true, sir," Harry spoke as Lotus nodded wordlessly. "Sirius is innocent—"
"It's Scabbers who did it!" Ron cried out.
Dumbledore stared at him, one eyebrow raised, head tilted curiously. "Scabbers…?"
Ron's face flushed a soft crimson. "My rat, sir," he tried to clarify. "Only he's not really a rat. Well, he was a rat. You see, he used to be my brother Percy's—"
"The point is," Hermione interrupted, "we know the truth. Please, sir, you must believe us."
Dumbledore smiled sadly. "I do, Ms. Granger. But I'm sorry to say the word of four thirteen-year-old wizards will convince few others. A child's voice, however honest and true, is meaningless ot those who have forgotten how to listen."
They seemed to deflate as Dumbledore walked towards the window, staring at the sky. Suddenly, a shooting star streaked through the sky, leaving behind a thin white line that faded.
"Ah… a shooting star," he hummed. "If ever one was to make a wish, now would be the time. But time, I'm afraid, is precisely our problem."
On cue, the midnight bell begins to chime. Lotus, confused, stared at Dumbledore like he had gained a second head. Ron did as well, but Hermione's eyes began to light up in recognition.
"Mysteirous thing, time. Powerful. And, when meddled with… dangerous." Dumbledore looked at Hermione. "Sirius Black is in the topmost cell of the Dark Tower. You know the laws, Ms. Granger. You must not be seen. And you would, I feel, do well to return before this last chime. If not… well, the consequences are really too ghastly to discuss. Three turns should do it, I think."
Hermione nodded quickly as Dumbledore began to rummage through his pockets.
"Oi, what is he talking about?" Ron murmured.
"If you succeed, more than one innocent life may be spared tonight." He pulled his sleeve out, handing Harry and Hermione each a stick of chocolate. He starts to walk away, but then stops. "By the way, when in doubt, I find retracing my steps to be a wise place to begin… Good luck."
He smiled knowingly, then exits. Harry glanced curiously at the chocolate, as Ron sat up more, confused.
"What in bloody hell was all that about?" Ron asked.
"I know, right?" Lotus blinked. "Hermione, can you time travel?" she gasped as Hermione doesn't reply, instead getting close to Harry and looping a pendant's long chain around Harry's neck as well as her own. "Is this how you've been getting through all your classes?"
"Yes," she replied hastily. "Sorry, Ron. But seeing as you can't walk… and Lotus…?"
"I'll stay put. I think three might risk the mission," Lotus weakly joked, plopping down beside Ron, who was exchanging curious glances with Harry. The bell continues to chime.
DING!
Hermione began to twist the little notches at the ends of the weird thing on the pendant, making her and Harry slowly fade away.
DING!
Just then, the door opens again. Harry and Hermione run in, much more ragged and messier than when the two had last seen them mere moments before. Lotus sat up a little, blinking.
"Wow, how'd it go?"
Ron, meanwhile, was shocked. "How'd you two get over there?" he asked, jabbing a finger to them. "We were just talking to you… over there… I…" his finger dragged to where they had just been. He glanced to the other side of the room, frowning. Meanwhile, Hermione glances mischeviously to Harry, grinning.
"What d'you think, Harry? Too much for him— everything that's happened tonight?" she asked teasingly.
Lotus giggled as Harry agreed. "Afraid so. Always been a bit of the nervous type, Ron has."
Ron stares at them, confounded. Slowly, they grin. "Well, alright then…" he said, looking at Lotus, who shrugged.
── .✦
The next day has come, and the news of Sirius Black having escaped his cell gradually died down as students were more excited on leaving Hogwarts. Lotus knew she couldn't tell her grandparents the truth—not yet, anyways—and opted to wait until she got home.
Marco Polo sat perched on her shoulder as she walked down the hall. Harry had told her, earlier, in a fit of fury, that someone (Snape, she had said immediately. "That's what I said, too," Harry grumbled) had let slip that Lupin was a werewolf, and so the man would be resigning. To this, she too, was angry. And she was going to visit him.
"Professor?"
Lupin looked back at her through the office door. He looked exhausted, tired, and weak. Same thing she'd feel often as well. "You look a mess," she joked.
"I've seen better days," he agreed with a lazy smile. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Lotus walked over as Marco Polo took off, landing on Lupin's desk with a soft hoot. Lupin chuckled, holding a finger out, to which the owl gently nuzzled. "Is this the elusive owl you told me of?" he guessed. "He is quite adorable."
"Thanks," she smiled. "And, um, I was just here to check on you. Pretty shitty thing Professor Snape did."
"Language."
"Sorry."
Lotus looked at the packed bags, and crossed her arms. "Hey."
"Hm?"
"Do you have any… advice for me?"
"Pardon?" he tilted his head.
"We're both sick. We're stuck with it for life. I know you're in agony without the Wolfsbane Potion. So how do you handle it?"
He paused for a long moment, staring at the floor as if weighing every word. The lamplight caught the lines around his eyes, the faint tremor in his hands. Finally, he spoke, voice low and steady.
“Discipline,” he said. “Routine. Accepting that there are things beyond your control, and learning to bend yourself around them rather than break against them. Pain… it’s always there. You can’t ignore it, and you can’t run from it—but you can use it to anchor yourself. To remember who you are.”
He met her eyes then, and for a fleeting second, there was something softer there, something almost like understanding.
"And,” he added after a pause, “never be afraid to rely on the people who care for you. Pride… is the worst enemy of suffering.”
Lotus stared at him for a few moments as Lupin gently stroked the feathery head of Marco Polo, who crooned affectionately. Perhaps so long that Lupin seemed a little nervous.
"Are you still there?" he tried to joke.
"I'm going to die."
That shifted the mood heavily.
"Wh— what?" he asked.
"I'm going to die. Soon? Maybe. Later? Maybe. I just know that as I grow, as I develop my magical prowess, I'm going to die because of it," she murmured. "I probably should've never enrolled in Hogwarts. Perhaps I could instead live until I'm 50. Now, I don't see a future in where I live past 18."
She held her hands up, the sleeves falling down to her elbows, showing the cracks. "I don't… want to compare. But… I think I'm jealous of you, Professor. You have… you still have you. After all this time."
Lupin’s chest tightened, a sharp ache blooming in his chest as he looked at her. He reached out slowly, hesitating just a fraction, unsure if touching her would be comforting or intrusive. He finally let his hand hover near hers, then rested it lightly on her forearm, careful not to press.
“Lotus…” he said softly, voice gentle but steady. “I—I don’t have all the answers. None of us do, really. But… what you’re feeling—that fear, that awareness—it’s real, and it’s valid. I can see it in you.”
He shifted closer, crouching slightly so he wasn’t looming, keeping his tone calm, reassuring. “You’re not alone in this. I can’t change what you’re going through, but as I said, there people who will be with you. No matter what. You’ve survived so much already… that strength isn’t gone, Lotus. It’s still inside you.”
His eyes met hers fully, patient and unwavering. “You may see a short path ahead, but living isn’t just about time. It’s about the moments you make while you’re here. We can… find some light together, even if it’s small.”
He waited, giving her space to respond, his hand still lightly resting near hers, a quiet offer of support.
Lotus sighed, before she pulled her arm away. He deflated slightly, thinking he may have hurt instead of helped, only for Lotus to move forward, wrapping her arms around his torso. Lupin flinched, hands hovering.
He hadn't expected this.
Neither did Lotus, but she simply just hugged tighter. "Thank you, Professor."
"No… no problem," he replied, eyes wide. He slowly hugged back, before shifting one of his hands on her head, patting gently.
After a few seconds, she pulled away. "I'm also sorry that I couldn't catch Peter. He's far more nimble and used to being an Animagi than me."
"It's not your fault. You tried," he reasoned. "Now go, I'm sure your owl's getting antsy."
Lotus looked back, seeing Marco Polo shifting from one claw to the other, hooting quietly. She giggled. "Oh, yeah, he is. He's probably hungry…" She turned to face Lupin again. "Is it okay if, um, I call you Remus? Since you're not going to be my teacher anymore and— well—" she stammered, face slightly flushed from sheer embarrasment. "Nevermind—"
"Sure you can, Lotus," Remus smiled gently. "I don't see the harm in it."
Lotus nodded slowly, before backing away. Marco Polo chirped, taking off and perching on her shoulder. "Good— good… um. Bye, Remus. It was really nice having you as a teacher."
"And it was wonderful having you as a student. I am glad we patched our rough start." He folded his hands politely, smiling as she left. Lotus walked down the stairs, waving one last hello to the portraits before she had to go home the next day. Upon entering the Great Hall, she was confused to see a bunch of the Gryffindor students surrounding a part of the long table. There were also students from other Houses glancing over, trying to sneak a peek at… whatever was going on.
As she approached, Marco Polo screeched. This startled a few kids, allowing her to push through. "Excuse me, sorry, haha…" she smiled weakly, then glanced over at the source of the crowding.
It was Harry, holding a sleek, new broom. It was an orange-brown at the tips, but faded to a lighter brown near the middle, where then the wood (which started at the underside) became grey. Ash wood, I assume, she thought. The broom, unlike previous ones she's seen, seemed nicely trimmed and the shape was thoughtful of the ideas of physics— the rounded end must make it better for soaring through the skies— and the footrests' metal shined beautifully.
"Woaah, Harry, is this yours?" Lotus asked, leaning over. Marco Polo tilted his head, chirped, and then became interested in someone's forgotten bread.
"Yes," he said, voice light, like he was still processing his new broom.
"It looks a heck of a ton better than your Nimbus. What is it?"
"A Firebolt," Ron grinned proudly. "The fastest broom ever! It could reach accelerations of up to 150 miles an hour in ten seconds, and has an unbreakable Slowing Charm."
"Wow!!" Lotus gasped. "Man, I bet it's costly."
"Extremely," Hermione agreed. "It's a gift for Harry." Lotus noticed the large grey feather in Hermione's hand, then smiled.
"Go on, then!" Lotus clapped Harry on the shoulder. "Take it for a test drive!"
"Yeah!" Ron nodded. A bunch of other Gryffindors all clamoured, agreeing with the two. At this push, Harry smiled and ran off, the group following after him. He pushed the doors open, running into the Courtyard. Lotus noticed Hagrid amongst the crowd (who must've seen the group of kids run out and wanted to join in once he saw the "familiar four,") as well as Draco, Crabbe and Goyle— perhaps they wanted to know what the commotoin was about?
As Harry mounts the broom, he licked his finger and jabbed it into the air. A few others, like other Quidditch members, follow suit. Then, Harry placed his hands on the broom, gripped the wood tightly, then…
Frowns.
"What's wrong?" Fred and George asked, arms crossed almost impatiently.
"I don't think it works," Harry murmured. "I think it's defective."
A collective groan left students.
"What?" Ron murmured.
"Awww, come on," Lotus huffed. "That's a rather cruel prank."
Some students, now disappointed, began to walk back towards the castle. Harry's lip twitched as he called out to them.
"Oh, come on now. It's just a broom."
Hagrid nodded sagely. "Just a broom."
Harry's eyes shift to Ron, Hermione, and Lotus. Then, he winked. "The fastest broom in the world."
A loud whoosh startles the three, as well as those who turned back at the sound, only to see a blur of black, red, and yellow as Harry jets off, screaming.
"WOAH!" Ron yelled. "Crap, that really is fast!"
"He's just a tiny little dot!" A student cried out.
"Oh, the other teams are so getting their asses kicked next Quidditch season," Lotus snickered. At this, Draco paled, grumbled, and stormed off.
Eventually, Harry came down. Some students cheered, while Lotus just smiled, hands folded.
Look at that smile, she thought, observing. I haven't seen him smile like that since, well, in a while.
Good. He deserved it.
Lotus walked over, brushing a few wild strands back into place. No use, they sprang back up. She chuckled. "Glad to see you still have it in you, Harry."
He nodded, a relieved sigh escaping his lips. "So glad everything turned out alright."
"Mhm."
── .✦
Lotus was home already. The train ride back felt slightly bittersweet, now that the third year of her seven years here had now come and passed. It wasn't the worst, no, nothing could beat second year, she was sure of it.
Yet, the scare of Sirius Black roaming around, the whole Boggart thing, was certainly not helping her feel more comfortable at Hogwarts. However, in her own way, she had acclimated back.
Harm was gone, hurt was gone. With her friends, she could prevail. He wasn't here anymore. He couldn't possibly hurt her anymore. Nobody could possibly hurt her like that ever again.
She'd kill them before they'd get the chance.
Lotus stepped through the furnace in her home, wiping off some of the ash from the Floo Powder travel. The chirp of Marco Polo made her sigh in relief. Although she was used to the idea of her luggage (and pet) traveling separate from her every time she came home from Hogwarts, simply because she wasn't sure how they would fare via Floo, she was still nervous about losing them in any sort of way.
"Lotus, is that you?" she heard her grandmother's voice call out from the kitchen.
Then, following that, came her grandfather's voice. "Welcome back, kid!"
She spun, and smiled. "Grandpa," she mumbled as he walked over to her. Rich had a smile on his face as well until he noticed her hands, now outstretched to embrace him. Startled, he stumbled back.
"Gramps?"
"Oh, dear, your fingers— they're worse," he mumbled. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Well, I mean— it's not the worst," she shrugged. "Wiggenwauld Potion and other health potions are really helping…"
He stared her dead in the eyes, before sighing, and hugged her. "My sweet girl, always putting herself in danger. Now," he pulled away, patting her on the head. "Come have dinner, your grandma made your favorite!"
Her eyes lit up. "Oh, thank God! Great, as we eat, I'll tell you everything I couldn't in our last letter!"
"Sounds like a worrying conversation we'll be having," he roared with laughter. "Oh, hold on- wash your hands first, otherwise your grandmother will scold both of us."
"Yes, Gramps," she chuckled, hurrying off to the bathroom. Rich watched her leave, and then looked over at a framed picture on the wall.
It was of a boy who looked to be Lotus's age, perhaps a bit older. He had wild, amber brown hair (similar to that of a lion), a huge grin on his face, and donned the iconic green and silver colors of Slytherin. Rich and Wisteria were behind him, each person's hand on his shoulder. All three of them looked warm, happy, and unaware of what they'd become like in the future.
Rich's smile faded slightly, drinking in the image. For the sake of Muggle guests, the two had requested they capture the event on a Muggle camera, although now he wished he had a kept a magical copy. Just so he could have a piece of his son that was as lively as the real man he once was.
"She's doing fine now, Leo. I know she's making you proud. I hope she knows that too," he mumbled, turning to return to the kitchen.
Notes:
I’m gonna get started on Summer Epilogue 3, which’ll be a bit longer since it introduces a “new” (made a while ago) oc that’s my friends that I made for her lmao
also, thank you for sticking around for as long as you have! I’m glad people like my passion project :). <333
Chapter 24: ˖ ִֶָ𐀔 A Slightly Better Summer
Summary:
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
During the Summer, Lotus makes a new friend.
At the end, she gets invited by Mr. Weasley and Ron to go watch the Quidditch World Cup.
─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
Notes:
quickly written! Also, couldn’t wait to write this to include a friend for Lotus in America :). I made Euna as an OC for my friend! yippiee
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
This year's summer was far better than the last. The last, she had seriously been considering walking off into oncoming traffic to get rid of this ache in her chest.
But now? She fared a little better.
She was finally enjoying her old activities, such as playing catch with Rich, bake and read with Wisteria, and going to the park to play. It felt nice to feel like a kid again, after all.
She woke up early on July 4th to simply sit outside, taking in the crisp chill air and the morning dew that clung to the grass.
This was nice. Far better.
When Lotus told them of what trranspired during the previous school year, they damn near exploded.
"What?" Rich yelled. "You made contact with a serial killer—"
"A wrongfully convicted one," she interrupted.
"—twice? And you never told anyone the first time?"
"Well, then I'd have to explain why I was out, and how Sirius Black didn't kill me because I, well…"
"Was a cat," Wisteria finished. "Could you possibly show us?"
"I mean, I guess," she looked around, "I don't think the Ministry'll pick up on this? I've been slowly trying to learn wandless Animagus transformation."
The two stepped back, allowing Lotus to take a deep breath. Rich and Wisteria gasped in awe as Lotus's body shrank, turning into that familiar black cat.
"Aw, sweetie!" Wisteria cried out. "You look so adorable!"
"I'll say," Rich chuckled, picking her up.
"Mew," Lotus's tail wagged slowly, her tiny mouth curved to a semi-smile.
Of course, they had her be more careful since the cracks on her fingers were getting worse. They had found out since second year's ended that no Muggle could really see the cracks, but they could get a sense of how frail she was from look alone.
Okay, rude. But true.
But despite this, she tried her best to help around.
More often than not, she also found herself sitting in front of the photos of her father. It was a comfort she sought out on days that seemed to grow closer in between, and she wasn't sure if that was something to raise concern about. But since Rich and Wisteria didn't, she hoped it wasn't the case.
One day, she was talking to her grandparents in the backyard—a safe haven, for her. It was nicely spaced, not large enough to require hours of mowing, but not small enough to feel like a cramped city-house's backyard. The grass was healthy and lush, tall enough to flow gently in the wind. Flowers were in patches in some spots, and some individual flowers strayed further. A large tree sat a bit near the edge of the fence (just a few yards before), and one of the branches (sturdy and ol' reliable) had two swings tied to it. The fence that lined the edges of their yard were the typical cream-white, just a bit off from the white-picket fence that belonged to every family's dreams. At the middle, there were five hand-prints. Three were near the upper half. Two were larger, one blue and one orange (Rich and Wisteria), and one was a tiny, red one (Leo.)
Near the bottom, there was that same red-colored handprint, but this time larger, and beside it was a tiny yellow handprint, belonging to Lotus when she was two.
In the past, Rich added more support to accomodate for Leo's growth, who would always adore the swings, no matter his age. Leo, in his last years alive, had taken Lotus to this house and gently swung the little toddler, who looked extremely pleased as a soft field of magic kept her tethered to the seat that was twice her size.
"So, then, Harry tells me these Dementors then tried to administer the Kiss to Sirius Black, and I think to him too, when someone came in and casted a perfect Patronus Charm to counter them!" she smiled. She didn't want to openly expose what Harry told her, but Rich and Wisteria, at this point, could deduct who the someone was.
"That's extremely harrowing," Wisteria muttered softly.
"Yes, ugh, Leo told me of Dementors when he got around to learning them. Nasty buggers, sadistic demons," Rich shook his head, drinking root beer. "You didn't get a run in after the one at the train, right?"
"Nope," she shook her head. "I was lucky. Unfortunately, Harry wasn't. Anyways…"
Suddenly, someone called out to them.
"Excuse me…" The three perked up and looked over, seeing a girl peering over the fence. She had a similar tan-brown skin tone to Lotus, however she had darker hair and pink eyes.
How peculiar, Lotus thought, squinting her eyes slightly.
"Oh, you're the Mae's daughter," Rich hummed, then turned to Lotus. "Lotus, this is Euna. She moved in while you were at, er, your friend's during you second year."
Lotus blinked, then smiled politely. "Hi, Euna! It's nice to meet you!"
"Me too," she responded. "Your grandparents speak so highly of you."
"Aww, they do?" Lotus glanced at her grandparents, smirking, "thanks."
"Actually, um," she shifted on what Lotus assumed to be a ladder. Or a stool. "I wanted to ask you something."
"Sure!"
"What you were talking about just now… was it— were you talking about Dementors?"
Lotus froze. "Oh, crap. Um, I—" she sighed. "Yeah, but, they're, um—"
"Really?" Euna had a happy look on her face now. "Are you a witch like me?"
This stunned the three.
"Hold on, you're a witch?" Rich pointed a finger slightly. When Euna nodded, he let out a hoarse laugh. "Damn! I knew it was suspicious that you also go to a year-long academy, rather than take public school."
"Who knows, she could've been rich as heck," Lotus chuckled, getting up to walk over.
"Yes, Rich, don't make assumptions," Wisteria joked. Rich shook his head, a small smile on his face.
Lotus looked up at her. "Are you a Pureblood, Half, or Muggle?"
"Half," Euna replied. "My dad's a Pureblood, and my mom's a Muggle."
"Mom," Lotus repeated softly, "hah, in London they say mum."
Euna giggled a little. "Oh, right, they do. Hey, if you're a witch, how come I've never seen you in Ilvermorny?" Her eyes briefly flickered over to Lotus's hands and her chin, but didn't say more.
"Oh," Lotus rubbed the back of her neck. "That's because I go to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, not, um, Ilvermorny."
"Why?" Euna tilted her head, surprised.
"Because my dad went, and, y'know, uh…" she looked back at her grandparents. "I forgot. Why, again?"
"Because your dad simply requested you go to the school he went to, and Dumbledore obliged," Rich replied, sneaking a bite of Lotus's muffin, but Wisteria slapped his hand away. "Yeowch, dear."
"Yeah, that's why," Lotus looked back up at Euna. "Hey, wanna come over and hang out a bit? We can talk about our school and friends!"
"Sure!" Euna brightened, "lemme ask my parents! They can come over too, right?"
"Of course, your father and mother already know me well," Rich waved his hand.
So, a few minutes later, a very surprised (and excited-looking) pair of adults and Euna, holding a black cat, arrived at their doorstep.
"Selene, Robert," Rich welcomed them in. "Robert, I'm rather happy to know you're a wizard."
"I'm surprised that your granddaughter's a witch. Oh, and one that goes to Hogwarts, too? Wonderful! How is it, dear girl?" Robert asked as he draped his coat on the rack.
"It's alright. Food is great," Lotus shrugged, then grinned. "But 'cause I'm different, I get to have better food. Only 'cause I asked."
"I should do that," Euna snickered.
"Oh, oh my!" Selene gasped. "Those cracks on your face and hands, little one! What's the matter?"
"This? Uhm, not much," Lotus shrugged. "Just an illness… but it doesn't hurt that much!"
"Ah, I didn't wanna ask in case it was sensitive," Euna nodded.
"Thanks— anyways, come on, Euna! Let's get a snack! Cute cat, by the way."
"Thank you! Her name's Moon," Euna beamed, scratching Moon's chin, who purred contentedly in her arms. "She's my familiar and best friend."
Moon was nicely groomed, Lotus could tell. Well-loved and taken care for. She looked decently young, so Euna must've gotten her when shopping for school supplies in her first year (as a gift or direct buy) or maybe must've gotten her a bit before that.
"Nice, I have a rather lively owl named Marco Polo." She spun around. "Marco!"
A loud screech responded to her, and Marco Polo flew from the living room, landing on her shoulder. He shifted a bit, then stared at Euna and Moon.
"Wowww, he's so pretty!" Euna gasped. "Looks like a Great Horned Owl."
"He is," Lotus responded, walking with Euna to the kitchen. At this, Marco Polo sleepily took off, retreating to the dim shadows of his cage to continue his nap. After grabbing some candy, the two headed to the backyard and sat on the swings, immediately engaging in conversation. Talks of Hogwarts and Ilvermorny, the professors ("We've gone through three Defense Against the Dark Arts Professors cause there's some curse on the position… probably. My favorite was the most recent one. I hated the other two." "Wow… yeah, we have Professor Hicks, for Charms— she's amazing! Most of our professors are fine, but there's this one that scares me…"), their friends— Euna was shocked, but not surprised to hear that Lotus was best friends with the Harry Potter.
"Huh. How's he like?" she asked curiously. "I only know a bit from, well, what my dad told me when He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named reigned for a while."
"Harry's amazing, loyal, friendly, and sometimes a little sassy. Okay, very sassy almost all the time." The two girls laughed. "But with him, Ron, Hermione and I, we make this tightly-knit group. I hope to stay friends with them for as long as possible."
She avoided saying forever. She knew she didn't have forever.
Euna nodded. "My friends— I don't have much, but the few I do, they're extremely loyal. I couldn't have picked better friends."
"Well, I'm a new friend of yours!" Lotus declared. "Increase that by one."
"Haha, really? Well, I'm your new friend now, too."
The whole time, Moon was eyeing Lotus.
"Ignore that, she just does that sometimes," Euna offhandedly remarked.
"Oh, I think I might know why," Lotus hummed. "But you gotta promise me you won't tell anyone. Not even your parents."
Curious, Euna rose an eyebrow. "Uh, alright…?"
"Promise me!" Lotus leaned forward slightly.
Startled, Euna rose one hand. "Alright, alright! I, Euna Mae, promise to not tell anyone your super big and important secret on why my cat seems interested in you."
Lotus giggled a little, then leaned again more. At this, Euna tilted her body over the swing.
"I'm an Animagus," Lotus whispered in her ear. "But, uh, not the most legal kind."
Euna drew back, eyes wide. "What? You did it and didn't register with neither M.A.C.U.S.A or M.O.M?"
"No, I probably should, but— y'know, I wanted something to myself. So, uh, better keep your promise! Cause I don't want to go to Azkaban, ha ha," Lotus laughed awkwardly. "I hope it wasn't a lot that I dropped this bomb on you so early."
"No, no. I'm glad you did. What's your… you know?"
"A black cat. Like Moon."
"Oh, how cute!"
"Thanks!" Lotus replied. Euna's brows knitted together as she looked at the fence, deep in thought.
"My Dad teaches me a lot of Charms spells and has me cast them from his wand. Since it's from his wand, the detection is kind of skewed since there's an adult wizard in the house, and they can't tell it's me. He teaches me useful spells, and then there'll be a day I can use some without a wand!"
"That's great!" Lotus nodded. "I'm… a bit sensitive to magic, as in I can use them, but I'm still a little tired after. And maybe fatigued. But I've been getting better at Potions, all thanks to my Double Potions classes."
After an hour of talking, the Sun began to slowly settle down behind the trees, turning in for the night. At this, the Maes decided they'd do the same.
"Goodnight, Lotus!" Euna waved goodbye as she rushed to her house next door with her mother. Robert hung back a bit to talk to Rich, before eventually retiring to his abode. Rich walked inside the house, and looked at Lotus.
"Did you have fun with her?"
"Of course! I feel happy knowing I have someone here who I can, well, relate with." Lotus hummed. The sound of Marco Polo's chirps on the other side of the living room indicated he had just woken up, and was getting ready to go out at night to hunt. She kicked back on the couch, and soon the other two joined her on both sides.
"I'm so glad you're happy now, sweetheart," Wisteria murmured, rubbing her thumb on Lotus's shoulder as Rich turned on the tv.
"Thanks, Granny," she mumbled sleepily. As she found herself dozing off, exhausted from talking so much with a new friend, she felt Rich settle again, ruffling her hair gently. She closed her eyes, relaxing in the warmth.
Things are getting better, they are.
On August 12th, Lotus and Euna were relaxing in the living room, playing video games, when the furnace roared.
The two girls screamed, scrambling back, seeing the flames turn a bright green, and a figure emerging. No, two.
"HOLY SHIT!" Lotus yelled, raising the tv remote as a sort of weapon. Euna grabbed the newspaper, folding it quickly, ready to bat the hell out of the people.
Rich ran in. "What's going on!?"
The person stepped out of the fire, and Lotus relaxed. Barely.
"Mr. Weasley," Lotus said shakily. "And… Ron?"
Ron entered behind his father, smiling. Though, the expression faded into embarrassment and confusion when he saw how the two girls were posted up, ready to attack. "Um, hi."
Lotus and Euna lowered their shoddy weapons, tossing them back on the couch.
"Ron, what're you doing here?"
"Bloody hell, did we just scar a Muggle?" Ron muttered, looking at Euna.
"Wh— no, she's a Halfblood!" Lotus explained. "Goes to Ilvermorny."
Euna awkwardly rose her hand to wave at the two men.
"I'm so terribly sorry we scared you two," Arthur apologized, then turned to Rich. "Mr. Inag! It's a pleasure to meet you at last! So you're the grandfather Lotus spoke so happily about."
"And you're… er, wait. Ron's father?" Rich guessed.
"Yes, how diid you guess?" Arthur joked. Lotus could tell he was barely hiding his excitement.
"Sorry, Euna," Lotus muttered. "Anyways, Grandpa, Mr. Weasley, um, adores all things Muggles. Runs the Muggle department in the M.O.M, helps disenchant Muggle things and protects them."
"What a respectful, protective job," Rich complimented. "Now, why're you here?"
"We wanted to see if Lotus wanted to stay with us and watch the Quidditch World Cup," Ron offered meekly.
"First it's a rescue mission to save Potter, now you're kidnapping my granddaughter again for a Quidditch match?" Rich asked, in a sharp tone. While Mr. Weasley and Ron flinched, Lotus tried to hide her laughter. He uses this tone when he wants to fuck with people, she thought.
Euna caught onto her shaking shoulders, and smiled, standing.
"W-well, see," Mr. Weasley started, voice a little bit higher, "only if—"
"Ahh, I'm just messin'," Rich laughed, clapping the now less-anxious man on the back. "I remember when Leo begged us to let him go with his friends during 1974's Quidditch World Cup."
"Won by Syria's Quidditch Team," Ron recalled.
"I think Leo would flay me if I didn't let his little girl come see. So, yes, fine. But you guys come back tomorrow to pick her up, alright?"
"Alright! Um, bye, Lotus," Ron waved. "And, uh, er…"
"Euna," Euna chucked.
"Euna, yes, bye," Ron waved again, before he marched back to the fireplace, transporting back to the Burrow. Mr. Weasley smiled warmly at Lotus and Euna, then followed suit.
Lotus blinked, then turned to Euna. "Let's finish this game, then I gotta go pack."
"Okay!" Euna nodded, the two girls picking up their controllers again. Rich shook his head, muttering something about 'get's weirder every year' and then walked away.
full art rendition of their talk :)
Notes:
this marks the “end” of y3!
To year 4 we go! And welcome the traumas with it!
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