Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/11515524.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Graphic_Depictions_Of_Violence, Underage
  Category:
      F/M
  Fandom:
      Harry_Potter_-_J._K._Rowling
  Relationship:
      Poppy/Sirius_Black
  Character:
      Poppy, Harry_Potter, Hermione_Granger, Ron_Weasley, Albus_Dumbledore,
      Sirius_Black, James_Potter, Lily_Evans_Potter, Ginny_Weasley
  Additional Tags:
      Harry_Has_a_Twin, Animagus, Trauma, Angst_and_Humor, Family_Secrets,
      Falling_In_Love, James_and_Lily_back_from_the_dead
  Collections:
      Harry_Potter_fanfics
  Stats:
      Published: 2017-07-16 Updated: 2018-02-19 Chapters: 19/? Words: 158166
****** Splintered Dimension ******
by TheTruffalo
Summary
     "What do you mean Poppy doesn't know she's Potter! Why didn't you
     bloody well tell her?" James snarled at his former headmaster. He
     couldn't believe that no one had explained it to her in five years at
     Hogwarts. Lily spoke up from his side, "What...what happened to her
     while we were gone? How did she get those scars?" She whispered.
     (AU; starts off angsty then becomes more humorous and romantic)
***** Chapter 1 *****
"Potter, Harry" The stern Scottish woman called from her parchment.
Poppy yawned discreetly, after the excitement and thrill of the train journey
she was feeling rather weary. Not to mention the scars on her back were itching
as she hadn't applied any ointment since she first woke up.
Part of her was thrilled to be here another was rather bored. She had read the
customary Hogwarts, a history which was honestly a great read but some facts
seemed a bit embellished and other facts curiously absent. Poppy honestly
didn't think she would ever be here. Her papa wasn't too fond of Hogwarts. Then
again, her uncle attended Hogwarts and made a few comments about what house she
might be in before he died and she went to live with her papa. She couldn't
really remember because she was so young but thought back fondly on him talking
about the Houses.
Poppy watched in fascination as the Harry Potter sat upon the stool, the
sorting hat looking ridiculously large atop his head. He was just a young boy –
surprisingly her age – and looked no greater than any other first year. In
fact, he looked scruffier and smaller than most. Poppy evaluated the boy in
front of her with shrewd eyes like she was taught. Untidy, home cut hair
meaning his guardian doesn't care about his outward appearance and presentation
to the world. Reasonably expensive robes, tailored but not buttoned and wearing
in the correct manner so he has money but no one has shown him the differences
in styles. Glasses were outdated, unfashionable and looked cheap. Thin and
small. Very thin and small. Quiet manner looks uncomfortable in front of a
crowd and is hunching as if ashamed – low self-esteem and confidence. From her
knowledge of Harry Potter, he was an orphan like her. His guardians must not
care for him. Not physically abused, but emotionally and mentally? Yes,
neglected. He cares too much what others think of him but doesn't know how to
make a good public front, definitely neglect but not too severely.
As Poppy analysed the boy, she remembered what her papa said to her, "Poppy
dear, Harry Potter survived a killing curse but this does not make him
powerful. He is merely a part of the bigger picture. Different magic and forces
protected him, those unique circumstances happen once in a lifetime but nothing
the boy did, or is, had any influence. If it was you, it would have had the
same outcome"
Poppy knows she shouldn't look up to the papa anymore. After all, she did run
away and start a new life at bloody Hogwarts to get away from him. But
he never lied to her. She didn't agree with his dark magic and twisted view of
the world but he was rarely wrong. Try as she might, she still loved him.
Shaking her head she came back into focus as the sorting hat screamed,
"GRYFFINDOR"
The table on the right roared and praised the boy-who-lived as a member of
their House. She actually thought some might be weeping. Poppy felt pity for
the boy, she knew what it was like to try and live up to unachievable
expectations. She decided then she would try to give some normalcy to him.
"Stark, Poppy" The Scottish women called again.
Poppy made her way confidently to the front. She had an easy smile and big
hopeful eyes but inside she was sweating and heart was pounding.
That was because Poppy had no idea why she received a Hogwarts letter.
You see, she was abandoned in an orphanage just before her first birthday. She
never knew her biological parents but was luckily adopted by her uncle. He was
a British Wizard and attended Hogwarts but only actual British citizens ever
received letters. It meant that she, herself, was British. It gave her a tiny
clue to her identity - though something that could be reasonably assumed - it
was now confirmed. Her uncle never spoke to her about where she came from or
who her parents were but it was quite possible, very possible, if they were
magical (which statistically was more likely) they would have attended
Hogwarts.
She didn't know if the Professors would recognise her, maybe she looked like
her parents? Or her sperm donor and egg carrier she preferred to think of them
as. The ignored the old familiar pang of shame when thinking of being
abandoned. She never knew why she was unwanted and from then on a desire to be
the best was her goal in life... Unfortunately, that path led her to her papa
after her uncle's death.
Anyway, Poppy didn't have a second name and the letter didn't even state a
surname as she couldn't really go by her uncle's surname and definitely would
not go by her papas.
In the letter to accept, she wrote her current second name and it must have
been added.
As Poppy sat on the stool, she ignored the stunned and cliche 'like she's seen
a ghost look' from the Professor at her side as Poppy looked back and smiled
calmly. She hoped to god no one knew of her biological donors. Poppy's hair was
dark – almost black and eyes a bright emerald. Her hair was streaked with two
white lines that framed her face. This was the result of her great escape from
her papa and proof of her animagus form. She tried to dye the hair but it would
not budge. The pure white lines would stay. Evidence.
The hat was placed atop her head.
'Now now... where to put you...' The hat spoke inside her mind.
Poppy did not outwardly react to the surprise. Making brief eye contact with
the Professor, she saw the woman visibly startle at seeing her eyes, her own
brown orbs widening in response. She ignored her.
'I don't suppose Slytherin?' She asked hopefully.
The hat chuckled and replied, 'You do have surprisingly sharp cunning and
ruthless mind for a child but these traits aren't you natural for you. I
understand you rebelled quite strongly against this...'
Poppy felt a stab of panic and shame at the mention.
'You have little to no ambition and this would not suit Slytherin, perhaps
Ravenclaw might suit you well... truly brilliant mind. You will go far, of that
I have no doubt. I have never been wrong. Very loyal, hard working, seen
horrors no one, never mind child should have seen...'
Poppy ignored the thundering of her heart and kept her limbs relaxed, a look of
small nervousness and excitement masked firmly on her face.
She felt eyes boring into her back from the Professor's table and the looks the
Professor at her side was giving someone behind her wasn't helping.
'I believe either Slytherin or Gryffindor for you, your preferred choice?'
'Slytherin' She replied immediately, with a little relief.
The hat seemed to hum, 'are you sure not Gryffindor? you would do exceptionally
well there. House of the brave. Your strongest trait is your courage and
resilience. It was very brave to leave everything behind to start a new life'
'No, Slytherin's fine for me. I'm bloody tired of being brave' She replied,
irritation seeping into her body. Who wanted to be brave? No, it was something
you had to be, not wanted to be. Being afraid and doing what has to be done to
survive. That was bravery. It wasn't something she wished upon anybody. Why
would she want to keep being afraid?
The hat nodded on her head, 'good choice, many great witches and wizards have
come from Slytherin House'
Poppy immediately scowled and struggled to keep her face impassive, 'I don't
want to be great' she protested internally, 'I want to be good'
Almost immediately the hat bellowed, "GRYFFINDOR"
Poppy tried to keep the rage from showing on her face. Bloody hat. How dare it.
Outwardly she sent a lazily grin to the Professor on her right who was looking
a little teary eyed and a little bit like she, Poppy, was a miracle... The
newly sorted first year beamed and waved, being accepted into the loudly
cheering table. Poppy sat down next to Harry Potter and smiled at him happily.
"Hey, Poppy Stark. And you?" She asked, pretending she and everyone in this
Hall didn't know.
The boy looked pleasantly surprised and a little awkward sitting there, "Harry.
Harry Potter" He said quickly with a grim smile.
She nodded happily, "Lovely to meet you Harry, Harry Potter. Is it just me that
finds the goo-goo eyes and obsessive looks in our direction ridiculously
creepy?" She raised her voice at the end and pointedly started at a few people
further down the table. The girls blushed and looked away while whispering to
each other.
The boy looked surprised, perhaps by her bluntness but smiled genuinely, "You
have no idea. People actually bowed to me in Diagon Alley" He confessed quietly
but with a little relief.
Poppy threw her head back and laughed, "bowed? Like what you were a prince or
dictator" She guffawed incredulously. As her papa used to say, 'never be
surprised by the idiocy of the masses'.
She donned a star gazed look and gasped, "My deepest apologies, Prince Harry.
How shameful of me not to worship myself at your feet? I am so embarrassed,
grand emperor. Would you like to me hand feed you? Kiss your hand? Anything to
make up for my slight upon your honour, your majesty" She gushed.
Harry himself, was chuckling and nodding with wide eyes as if to say, 'that's
exactly how people are acting. Crazy isn't it?'
At that moment, someone decided to but into the conversation from across the
table.
"No way. I can't believe it. Your really Harry Potter. Did you really survive
the killing curse? Can I see your scar?" The boy gushed, he must have been a
third year perhaps but clearly had more bravery than the people around him who
were all staring avidly at the fringe of Harry's hair.
It made her feel sick.
Harry seemed to duck his head and look uncomfortable again. She hated idiots.
"Are you actually kidding me? Who do you think you are? How rude can a person
get" She demanded with a frown.
The boy with sandy hair, looked surprised then scoffed at her, "Rude? Your the
one hogging Harry Potter to yourself"
Poppy started directly into the boys eyes with a look of intense dislike,
"Hogging him? He isn't a toy, he's a human being. I am not hogging him and
actually, I was referring to you asking him to recount the night his parents
were murdered. What is wrong with you? Can I see your scars? Has anyone ever
tried to murder you? Or permanently scarred your body? Would you like to tell
the whole bloody story to the Great Hall? Maybe it's rude
and disgustingly shameful to ask someone to recount the night again, their
parents were murdered" Poppy did not shout at the end but almost hissed the
words. Her temper did not burst and was not fiery but was ice cold burning that
crept through her veins like blood. The boy paled, muttered an apology and ran
away from her.
This was the house of the brave?
Poppy scoffed and then continued listening to the last few people getting
sorted. A red head boy just came to sit next to her, a few other redheads
clapped him on the back in congratulations.
She felt a tap on her shoulder and looked at the boy on her left.
He looked serious but kind of startled, "Um thanks for that... people don't
really put two and two together and how hard for me to talk about it..." He
said very quietly, eyes cast down.
Poppy sighed, "don't worry about it. I know how much it sucks. I'm an orphan
too and my 'parents' weren't killed. They just didn't want me. So I know how it
feels to be alone and how insensitive people can be. I always get asked why my
parents didn't want me. Didn't all parents love their children? Why not me?"
She confessed and made it sound non-nonchalant but the boys head shot up and
they made eye contact for the first time.
Poppy blinked in surprised, "Hey, we have exactly the same eye colour-" She
began but was interrupted by the voice of the Headmaster.
The great and powerful Albus Dumbledore.
Poppy took the man in and didn't for a second believe his genteel manner. He
was more powerful than he let on. She gulped. The robes were ridiculously
bright and he looked frailer than he actually was with that beard. She looked
curiously for his wand, wondering where he might be hiding it and if he would
be demonstrating any magic for them. Probably not. But it would be interesting
to see.
She ignored the welcoming speech and silly words of the Wizard before food
suddenly appeared before them. A few people oohed and ahhed at this but she
ignored it and began eating calmly.
Her mind drifted to the course work and wondered how difficult it would be. She
probably already covered most of it with her papa. Yay for his disregard for
laws and regulations and obsession with training her. But that left her utterly
bored. Though she could be the best and drive ahead, what good would it do her
really? It would draw attention to herself. Then uncomfortable questions would
be asked.
Yes, she would get praise and attention but Poppy quickly learned that did not
equate to acceptance and love. No, it meant expectations and responsibility.
She was tired of that. That was her life with her papa and she ran away for
something different. True love, acceptance and family. Like before with her
uncle. That's what she wanted.
Poppy ate silently as she pondered her revelation. That's why she was put into
this House, her previous ambition and hard work didn't motivate her anymore.
What good was being great when you were alone? Her papa said love was a
weakness well who cared? She would rather be weak and happy than strong and
alone.
Poppy decided to be honest with herself. The last few years of her life were
hard, full of pain and work. So much work. She worked to be better, the best.
In the end, she worked so hard to finally be accepted and loved but she
realised that would never happen. Love and acceptance were unconditional. What
did she want now?
...To be happy.
That's it really. Happiness. She enjoyed studying and reading but the strenuous
schedule really sucked the fun out of learning. Deep down, deep deep down in a
place she would never admit to under veritaserum all she truly longed for in
life was a family. But her biological donors didn't want her.
The depressive thoughts swirled around her and absorbed her attention so
completely she didn't even notice the redheaded boy on her right stealing
glances to the bespectacled boy on her left and said boy on her left looking
increasingly despondent and uncomfortable with stares.
Suddenly Poppy snapped out of it, so what if her 'family' didn't love her? She
had a wonderful loving uncle for years until he died which was more than most.
How dare she be so upset and put his memory to vain. She would find
a new family. She was an adult now, in school. She didn't have a guardian or
anyone to protect her. She was on her own, who cared if she wasn't loved? She
would love herself twice as much! She would be herself and be bloody happy that
way. She could finally have friends and build a life around her full of fun,
happiness and love.
With a new found determination that she lacked since running away, Poppy turned
to her left and inwardly decided Harry Potter would be her new family. He
didn't have parents either and looked lonely too. Not to mention he looked as
depressed as she was a moment ago.
Poppy turned with a bright smile, used all of her charm and friendliness on the
boy beside her. He smiled and gasped and chuckled at her antics and Poppy knew
she had scored a winner. A friend. He would be. Harry looked like he needed
acceptance as much as she.
Poppy let the boy on her right - desperate to talk to the boy on her left -
into the conversation. She joked and used her people skills to lessen the
awkwardness and tension and soon everyone was happy.
Though one thing started to bother her as the night wore on. Poppy thought the
stares from the staff table were towards the boy on her left. It would make
sense, Harry was a celebrity but it soon became obvious they were on her.
Suspicious and panicky Poppy did not let it show despite her increasing levels
of anxiety. Did they know about her past? Were they suspicious?
Poppy ignored to looks and continued on happily with her new friends, despite
the creeping level of foreboding clutching at her heart. Something wasn't right
and she had a feeling there would be a problem sooner rather than later.
===============================================================================
The feast was a success. Poppy really hit it off with the redhead; Ron Weasley
his name was and her future friend Harry. Poppy was excited with how quickly
her plan was working. Of course, it would take years and tough times to
formulate a friendship that was strong enough to be considered family but she
was hopeful. Ron, although apparently had a huge family, they were all kind and
welcoming it seemed. Well known pureblood family, the Weasleys. Secretly, she
preferred Harry. Poppy may be biased but she swore she had an instant
connection with him. As soon as she spoke to him it just felt right. Like they
were supposed to be together. A team.
But then Harry made her feel less alone and alienated. Poppy noticed the people
around her were just so... immature and young. The naivety, from even older
kids was astounding to her. Her uncle was a firm believer in, 'knowledge is
power. Naivety puts you at a disadvantage' and if that was his view, her papas
with ten thousand that. He taught her so much and it was evident she just had
more... life experience than these kids.
They didn't know what it was like to feel ashamed of yourself, to strive so
hard for acceptance and recognition only to realise that you couldn't earn it.
They didn't know what it was like to not sleep at night because your muscles
burned and wounds screamed in protest from laying on them. They didn't know
about nightmares, terror, pain, controlling emotions, manipulating others and
strict self-discipline. That was clear. She was different.
These depressive thoughts swirled until she took a quiet deep breath to
concentrate her thoughts. Her recent readings on muggle mediations and of
course occulemcy were extremely helpful dealing with the stress and chaotic
thoughts after running away. Poppy laughed and made a funny comment about the
story from the boy on her right and the rest of the table laughed. Not once did
her mask slip.
Not once did her mask slip.
Positive thoughts, positive thoughts, positive thoughts... Well, honestly she
wasn't completely different from everybody around. The closest Poppy could
relate was to the boy on her left. Harry. He seemed subdued and knew how lucky
he was to be there. The rest of the table seemed almost entitled as if they
deserved to be there but he did not. He did nothing to keep the happy, elated
and almost at peace look on his face. He didn't have a mask. None of these
children did.
Another chubby boy who claimed himself to be near squib and the funny – abusive
– ways in which his 'family' tried to 'get the magic out of him'. She related
to a little. He yearned for acceptance, to be a good wizard, so did she at one
point. Unfortunately, this was a lesson she couldn't tell him. Eventually he
would learn to accept himself.
Then there was a bushy haired girl sat on the periphery of the conversation,
occasionally looking in and making a comment or two. Although these comments
were rude you could see her genuine desire to fit in and have friends. Poppy
didn't know about her. She was intelligent, yes but it depended if deep down,
after all of her annoying, self-righteous and superior attitude, she was a good
person. Poppy would wait.
The feast ended and the Hall was to be led to their common rooms by
prefects. Thank Merlin, Poppy thought. She could see being sociable, bold and
funny was very important in this House and acted accordingly, not that it was
difficult – honestly quite fun – but she was still exhausted from the
interaction. Being around people was truthfully exhausting at the moment and
she just wanted to apply ointment to her back wounds, meditate to clear her
mind before bed and catch a decent four hours. That sounded heavenly.
Although it seemed her hopes were for nought as the strict woman who placed the
hat on her head – her Head of House – approached her.
"Miss... Stark. If you would please accompany me to the headmaster's office for
a few short moments. I shall escort you to your common room afterwards" she
explained with a less stern look to her than usual.
Poppy traded a confused look with the boys and looked back to the Professor
blinking, "I can't be in trouble already" She gasped, looking comically
horrified.
A few people chuckled and sniggered at her antics, particularly a set of twins.
The professors genial look disappeared and were replaced with a sterner and
reprimanding expression.
"Follow me, Miss Stark" She commanded primly.
Poppy nodded and followed the Professor, waving to the boys who were now making
their way out of the Great Hall. Poppy walked with a skip in her step and smile
but deep down was thinking back to when the Professor first addressed
her, 'Miss... Stark'.
She knew something about her biological parents. The Professor knew
something. She knew something. She knew something. She knew something.
This was her internal mantra as she smiled and asked dumb questions that Poppy
already knew from Hogwarts, a history and smiled every time the professor
pointed out errors. Teeny, tiny errors but still, it said a lot. Also asking
general questions about the curriculum and wanted to moan in complete horror at
the... easiness of it. But then again, she knew everyone had to start at the
beginning, of course, they did. They would reach more advanced things later on
in the year.
They reached a gargoyle and the Professor gave the name of a sweet and stairs
appeared. She was not surprised but made a mental note about Albus Dumbledore,
'he was silly. Probably did this to be more approachable to students'. It was
amusing but cunning.
Poppy hummed a muggle song and rocked back and forth on her toes.
Walking into the office, Poppy was very strict in keeping her body language and
face from giving anything away. She continued humming and looked curiously
around but not in a suspicious manner but merely as a child, looking a little
intimidated with a dash of wonder.
Secretly, she was rather annoyed by the act she had to play. She ran away to
get rid of this and be herself but reasoned after she settled in then she would
let it go.
Poppy continued looking around as the Transfiguration Professor moved up behind
the desk to a chair seated conveniently beside the Headmasters desk. She was
not the only one. A man with a hooked nose, greasy hair was glaring at her in
condemnation. He was sat at the staffs table during the feast. Poppy could tell
despite the proper manner of the Transfiguration Professor, she was sympathetic
and slightly protective of her. Poppy was excellent at discovering others
motives. Perhaps it was being in her House? Or something to do with her
biological donors? Whatever motivated the slight protective instincts of the
woman were clearly also motivating the man beside her to a completely different
outcome.
Poppy did not make eye contact with Professor Dumbledore though she could feel
his gaze on her. It was foolish to believe he wasn't a Legimens. Heart beating
erratically and sweat dripping down her back, burning her wounds, were signs
she desperately tried to hide. Poppy prayed to every deity that she knew that
Dumbledore wasn't a suspicious or naturally unforgiving man.
Either way, she would tread carefully.
Poppy bounced, pretending to be anxious in a childish way and not a, 'actually
guilty' and hiding secrets way. Yes, it was an awkward thing to try and
achieve.
"I'm not in trouble already am I?" She spoke nervously, true worry seeping into
her voice.
Poppy looked at the Headmaster but avoided direct eye contact. The man smiled
gently and welcomingly at her when a musical whistle and gust of warm air
swirled around the office, caressing her face.
The girl tried not to outwardly show her annoyance or panic at the realisation,
a Phoenix was in the room! Merlin's Beard, why in the name of all that is holy
is a Phoenix in the room with them?!
Poppy's eyes darted to the side of the room where a perch that one might have
for an owl was mounted beside the desk. It was much larger of course and much
fancier. She made direct eye contact with the Phoenix and sent out slight waves
of magical energy. Dark swirling eyes, suspicious and dangerous eyes locked
with hers.
Poppy had come across a Phoenix before. After she first managed animangi
transformation, one found her and at first, she was relieved as it acted as
sort of a guide but Poppy quickly found out one thing. A fellow light creature
or not did not make them innocent. The creature was curious and treated her
more like a novelty. It tried to protect her, yes, but within this it also
tried to control her. Poppy didn't know anything about her animangi form before
she first changed and there still wasnt much information out there. But she did
know it wasn't normal that she retained some magical abilities and two stripes
of white hair as a consequence but there wasn't anything to be done about it.
She was also a magical creature and not an animal.
Part of her felt bad as they weren't truly malicious but Pheonix's were really
too intelligent for their own good. She was done being controlled and the
presence of one here within the Headmasters office was certainly not a good
sign.
Poppy let out tiny wave of invisible light magic as a warning - courtesy of her
animagus form - and the Phoenix shook his head and immediately flattened his
wings. The creature bowed it's head in respect to her but she simply stared
back blankly, deciding not to fall for its charms.
The bird ruffled it's magnificent feathers and let out a soft welcoming call as
if to show a child to show not to be afraid but Poppy did not move her stance
of an intense blank stare. The bird dropped his head in sorrow but eyes also
took her in greedily.
She had found out that these creatures were extremely curious and this one must
be infinitely so about her. Was she was a witch or magical creature? Who knew
anymore.
The bird swayed it's head elegantly and was gone in a flurry of flames only to
appear by the Headmasters side. Poppy's eyes followed this progress
unblinkingly and did not miss the very same extremely curious blue gaze now on
the Headmaster as he idly began stroking the bird absent-mindedly.
Poppy tried to keep her expression blank but did not like this development at
all. The Phoenix had bound itself to Albus Dumbledore. She could feel the faint
pulses of it in the air. This was not good. In some ways, her papa would be
jealous but mostly scoff at the foolishness of such a thing. Witches and
Wizards believed that being bound to a Phoenix was a bit like having an owl. It
was not. These were near eternal light creatures that have possessed and had
control over magic longer than the oldest pureblood family line. If you were
bound to a Phoenix it was more like you were it's pet, under it's protection
and scrutiny. It was much like a partnership in many ways but this proud and
independently minded creature would bow to no one.
The fact that this Phoenix was bound to the Headmaster told Poppy a lot about
his character. Then again, if he was bound to a Phoenix then the things this
said about him may be even worse for her...
"Very curious, he has never reacted this way to anyone before. I do so
apologise if he startled you Miss Stark" Dumbledore spoke in a curious but not
yet suspicious manner. Either way, Poppy knew he would not stop until he found
an answer and was most likely creating several theories already.
Poppy nodded her head shortly but kept her face stony, eyes drifting
impassively from the creature to the Headmaster. She was uncomfortable and her
act was slipping but for the life of her she couldn't keep up her ruse at the
moment. Her spine was military stiff, hands folded behind her back and she
could tell if she didn't stop this soon the curiosity and confusion would mount
to suspicion, as it was starting to do.
The young girl closed her eyes and took a deep breath, 'your only a child. Use
this to your advantage'
When she opened them again, she allowed the wariness, slight fear to enter her
green eyes. She deliberately made eye contact with every adult in the room to
make this known. Fortunately, they all seemed somewhat intuitive and all saw
what she was trying to convey. The Transfiguration Professor's own eyes
softened, the Headmaster shifted his face into something more comforting and
the greasy haired man... well he stared deeply into her eyes then darted his
own dark eyes away very quickly as if scalded. That was an interesting
development, the man had seemed gruff and antagonistic until this point.
Poppy took a steadying breath and took the seat across from the desk and
ignored her wave of irritation at being at some a... subservient position to
anyone. 'no, that's just papa talking. Your not like that'.
Try as she might, his disrespect for authority was ingrained into every part of
her.
"I'm sorry, sir... I don't really like Phoenix's" She said quietly but
honestly. She let this show in her voice.
The first year kept her head down but could almost feel the confusion and
curiosity in the room rise.
"You have met a Pheonix before?" The headmaster asked curiously.
Poppy nodded her head jerkily, "Yes and I don't really want to talk about it"
Her voice was tight and uncomfortable which was not faked. She was extremely
uncomfortable and let everyone in the room know this through her body language.
She kept her gaze firmly on the floor.
"I see. Forgive me my dear for my curiosity, it is just very rare for a Phoenix
to reveal themselves to anyone" He said genially.
Poppy jerked her head a little and sighed, finally looking up. She made eye
contact and was pleasantly surprised he did not try to penetrate her mind.
"Yeah, it was... a special circumstance I guess. And your probably wondering
why I don't seem to like them much. It's nothing too bad I suppose I just find
them stupidly noble and too nosey for their own good" Poppy huffed and crossed
her arms across her chest and shot a look at the creature that cawed in
indignation at her assessment.
Albus Dumbledore chuckled kindly, "I understand my dear but I can assure you
that Fawkes will not harm you. I believe he is just being, as you said, 'too
nosey for his own good' when it comes to you" The man appeared amused by the
entire situation but blue gaze also swirling and extremely curious.
Poppy nodded her head quickly then sighed, "Is there a reason that I'm here
sir? Not to be rude but I am quite tired"
The old man's face lost his deeply curious look and became much softer and more
hesitant. It appeared he wasn't certain how to begin the conversation. Poppy
had a good idea it was about her past but kept quiet waiting for the Headmaster
to take the lead.
Albus Dumbledore continued to stroke Fawkes as the bird stared deeply at her
but seemed to put his musings on the backburner before he spoke, "Please excuse
our questioning but we were hoping that you would answer some rather personal
questions if you don't mind, Miss Stark"
Poppy was not surprised and nodded jerkily, like a child would and smiled a
little, "Okay, sir" She replied, feeling rather uncomfortable as she had only
ever addressed her papa as 'sir' before.
"You see when a magical child in born in Britain or to British parents then
they are automatically registered on the reserved list for Hogwarts students.
This isn't something I, or any board members have any control over. So I was a
little surprised that your initial letter did not state a surname and in your
acceptance letter you had to provide one for us. Do you have any idea why this
is?" He asked her, continuing to watch her, peering down through his glasses.
His interest was more than Headmaster duties. This was not good for her.
Poppy tried not to frown. The old man gave her little snippets of information
to distract her then asked a very broad question in order to probe for
information. It would be rude to ask outright her background but he done it in
a very subtle way. Sly old bugger.
Poppy nodded her head, "No I don't but I can wager a fairly good guess" She
replied calmly, watching as the two other Professors in the room looked more
interested and paid close attention to her.
Albus Dumbledore nodded in a way that said, 'continue' so she did, "I don't
technically have a surname. I was dropped off at an orphanage when I was around
one so that's probably why I don't have a name in the letter. I go by Stark now
but I suppose it isn't my legal surname" Poppy shrugged. She left out that she
was adopted by her Uncle almost immediately and that her legal surname was his
surname, of course. If she also implied she still lived inside an Orphanage,
well it isn't her fault that they assumed things.
The Professor's looked between themselves before the old man shot a warning
look to the Transfiguration Professor. The woman frowned, looking silently
furious with thinned lips as if she was trying to contain herself. McGonagall
looked away. The greasy haired man looked on impassively, none too bothered by
the exchange and simply watching her with dark eyes. Something about this man
made her curious and suspicious, she decided to do a background check on the
Professor. Apparently, the three of them had a disagreement of sorts and her
Head of House does not look pleased with the development.
Albus Dumbledore looked back to her and smiled calmly, "I see. We were just
checking because for our records we must we aware of the guardians of our
students, in the event of an emergency" He said to her. 'Dragon dung' she
thought internally but nodded dutifully.
"What is the name of the orphanage you live in?" He asked. Poppy had some sort
of a revelation. The man was looking for holes or an explanation. He knew
something about her past... Albus Dumbledore knew something didn't add up. It
would make sense. The man had been a Professor here for almost one hundred
years. The older woman must have been teaching for quite a while as well. They
knew something about her being abandoned as a child and the identity of her
donors. Perhaps she resembled them in some way.
Poppy had a choice here and the decision she made then was something she would
come to regret years down the line when she was blind-sighted with the truth.
Her uncle warned her ignorance was dangerous. Her papa told her that knowledge
was power and without it you were weak. She should have listened to them.
She decided not to inquire about her biological donors. The young girl didn't
think she could handle it, to be truthful. She was emotionally fragile as it
was, she didn't need anymore baggage. She didn't care who these people were
that didn't want her. No she didn't.
"Well I was dropped off at St James' Orphanage in Scotland in 1981 but I was
adopted very soon after. Unfortunately it didn't stick and I was sent back into
care but because I had moved down to London with that family, I went to Wools
Orphanage instead" Poppy was fortunate she had background knowledge on this.
Her almost year in different care homes and Orphanages before her papa took her
in after her uncle died was something she would never likely forget.
Curiously Albus Dumbledore's blue eyes flashed with something dangerous at the
mention of the despicable place they dare to keep children but it was gone so
fast she wasn't sure it was even there in the first place. He evidently didn't
have a good opinion of the place. He must know of it well. Good.
Albus Dumbledore paused noticeably at the revelation and then nodded before
asking, "I see. Your letter was addressed to a small inn in Rothenburg,
Germany. Forgive me for being so curious, my dear" He asked while watching her
still.
The old man was sharp as she expected. Truthfully she had hoped not to garner
enough attention yet but it seems like luck was not on her side. The wizard
didn't have cause to be suspicious of her yet and hopefully was softer on
children.
Poppy just smiled a childish grin before nodding her head swiftly, "Yeah, it
was great! Because I'm still quite young I get fostered out a lot and the
Marshall family was so great they took us on a holiday. Me and three other
kids, it was great. Ben moaned that it wasn't a sun holiday but we were right
next to the forest and it had unicorns in it. Sarah didn't believe me but she's
muggle and I gave them all a big fright when an owl swooped in and dropped off
the letter" Poppy giggled at the fabricated story.
The adults seemed to believe her, after all, why would she make this up? Would
they believe the truth that she had just run away from her papa and was
travelling around to hide from him in different inns and hunting in the wilds
in her animagus form before the letter arrived? No, probably not.
Dumbledore nodded again, still curious but it seemed to have been sated for the
moment.
Poppy yawned then and McGonagall stood and spoke tersely, "I see, well I
believe that's all we needed to know, Miss Stark. I will show you the way to
your common room and dormitories. You will need to get a good rest tonight for
classes tomorrow"
Poppy nodded and waved tiredly to the other men in the room that watched her
leave and she knew that she would be the topic of conversation as she left. The
greasy haired man did not look pleased but was still impassive as she shuffled
out the room with the Transfiguration Professor looming beside her.
The Professor beside her was silent and provided her with the password to the
common room which was lovely and showed her her new room which she shared with
three other girls. That was bothersome but not too problematic.
Poppy nodded sleepily as the Professor left her. The other girls curtains were
drawn and were all hopefully deep in slumber for she had a lot to get done
tonight.
Poppy pulled her curtains for privacy before shifting silently into her
animagus form. Her paws sunk uncomfortably in the mattress and she watched the
room through her new advanced vision. Seeing through the bits of fabric
covering the beds she noted that her roommates were asleep.
Poppy used her abilities to turn herself invisible before creeping silently
through the room to the wall facing the grounds. Closing her eyes and calling
her magic she shifted into a wispy, light creature version of the flesh and
blood animal she was before. She tried not to glow so brightly before she
slipped through the wall and flew through the night, racing off into the dark.
She had business to attend to.
***** Chapter 2 *****
Poppy woke on her first day at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
groaning lightly. The girls were puttering loudly around the room and it was
impossible to sleep through, especially with her advanced hearing. She lay on
her stomach and grumbled into her pillow. She had a good three hours sleep but
was still tired. Her back still ached a little but was healing nicely, she
couldn't wait to get back to sleeping on her back like she usually did.
Yawning and drawing her curtains back, she saw her roommates for the first
time. A pretty Indian girl who looked reserved but still bubbly, a blonde girl
who seemed wholly unremarkable and a frizzy brunette girl with a determined
face and eagerness that she took note of. She would have to find more about
these girls.
The girls weren't shy and changed in front of each other, the blonde and Indian
girl chatting amongst themselves. Poppy took her uniform and changed in the
toilets so they wouldn't be horrified at her scars and most recent wounds.
Looking at herself in the mirror, Poppy decided to play up the innocent air she
had. She braided her hair childishly but prettily, leaving her two white
strands in loose curls to frame her face. She also used a quick charm to take
away the chalky paleness and dark circles away from her eyes. Her bright green
eyes didn't sparkle as much as they used to and her face had a natural hardness
to it that spoke of the horrors she'd seen.
Closing her eyes and reminding herself, 'new start, new start, this is a new
start, Poppy. No expectations. No one is going to hurt you. Your allowed to be
a child. Your allowed to enjoy yourself'
Opening her eyes, she looked calmer and happier.
It was show time.
Bouncing down to the common room she saw a few first years – including Harry
and Ron - about to walk down to the Great Hall together not to get lost. Poppy
didn't necessarily need to go with them, she could use her advanced sense of
smell to lead her but she didn't want to do that. Poppy ran to catch up with
them.
"Hey wait up" She shouted and the group paused to look back.
The first year eyed her year mates as they left and decided to jump right to
it. She turned to the Indian girl she had woken up beside to, "Hey we didn't
meet properly. I'm Poppy Stark" She smiled brightly and the girl smiled back.
"Hi I'm Parvati and this is Lavender" She motioned to the blonde girl.
Poppy smiled at the blonde girl and got one back. The boys were walking up
front and talking amongst themselves. She watched Ron as he talked happily and
another Irish boy who was quite loud. Harry laughed and made a comment here or
there but didn't seem like a very boisterous person.
Lavender moved right up next to her and leant into her side, silly smile on her
face, "You were talking to Harry Potter at the feast weren't you" She giggled.
Poppy raised her eyebrows and nodded, Parvati giggled at her other side also
coming closer. She tried not to feel uncomfortable at the proximity. And
failed.
"Like, what did he say? What's he like?" She whispered, eyes glancing to where
the boy himself was walking. He was short and looked very unremarkable next to
his peers.
Poppy was silent for a moment and then turned back to Lavender, "Uh, why don't
you just go talk to him?" She asked, which was apparently a dumb question as
the girl huffed and gave her a look.
"Like I'm just going to go up and talk to the Harry Potter. What would I say?"
She whispered, again checking the boy in question wasn't looking her way.
Poppy thought the girl in front of her was an utter moron and wished for a
brief moment she had taken up the Dark Arts like her papa pushed her to
relentlessly.
"Hi" She intoned and now the Indian girl was frustrated with her.
She peered around Poppy's body, "She doesn't get it. Stark isn't a Wizarding
name, she's probably muggle-born and doesn't know what the big deal is" She
explained to Lavender, over her shoulder like she didn't exist. Frustration
started to build but she ignored it. Lavender nodded sympathetically and began
to explain.
The chatter was beyond moronic. Poppy thought the conversation was actually
making her dumber by the second. The things they believed the boy did was
hilarious if it wasn't so painfully stupid. He was a hero for doing nothing but
surviving. 'Why the hell am I not Mahatma Gandhi and Merlin rolled into one
then?' She thought bitterly.
Poppy didn't like the way she talked about her future friend as if he was a
piece of meat or not a real person. It was rude and impersonal. She didn't
think her and the girls were going to become her great friends. They were too
childish for her.
Finally reaching the table, she was bold and made a space in between Harry and
the Irish boy – not Ron because she liked him – and the boy huffed and made a
rude comment to which she hit him on the back of the head in response.
"Don't be a tosser, I just wanted to sit next to my friend Harry. It was weird
that you were trying to sniff his hair anyway" She responded seriously. The boy
was horror struck and immediately protested he wasn't trying to sniff Harry's
air and even moved to sit further away.
A few people around the table snickered and began whispering into each other's
ears at the new piece of gossip.
Harry turned to look at her, green eyes curious but face a little unsure, "Was
he really trying to sniff my hair?" He asked quietly, part way not wanting to
know the answer.
Poppy chuckled, "No, he was just annoying me" She smiled mischievously. Harry
smiled but shook his head as if to say, 'your mental but I like it'.
Turning around she saw the boy still loudly defending himself. She snickered
and Harry even laughed a little. It was wonderful.
Poppy ate a large breakfast for energy. She had a long night of creating fake
documentation in case Albus Dumbledore came sniffing around and a few memory
modification charms couldn't hurt. Again, although she objected to her
papas... lifestyle, the things he taught her were useful. Thank Merlin she
didn't have an underage trace on her that would alert the Ministry or she would
be splinched.
Poppy made idle chatter with Ron and Harry, enjoying and desperate to become
friends with them. She didn't understand it but something drew her to Harry
Potter and only an idiot would ignore this instinct. So she didn't.
Poppy felt a few Professors at the staff table watch her interact with Harry
and wanted to know why but pushed her curiosity away for better things. This
was a new life, no need to be so paranoid.
Their first class was History of Magic and she was not impressed. Not one bit.
Poppy genuinely had some interest in the subject, it was the least draining
being taught by her papa and a chore she hated with her uncle but deeply
regretted due to the little time she had with him. She would spend the rest of
her life listening to Uncle's boring talks about bloodlines and etiquette if it
would bring him back.
Poppy sat next to a nervous boy named Neville that was an accident waiting to
happen. He was the least confident person she'd ever seen. Didn't he understand
fearing magic and not embracing it was dangerous? Foolish boy. She tried to
help him but he was teetering on the edge of fearing himself and being ashamed.
She avoided him her next class where they would be using their wands.
It was Charms and they did nothing but listen to the literal basics of the
subject. Poppy skimmed by most of this with her papa but most of it was just
common sense. Either way, she dutifully took notes, the bushy haired girl she
didn't yet know the name of religiously and obsessively note taking beside her.
By her third class, she was bored to tears and couldn't believe she had to
endure this tedium much longer. It was Transfiguration with the Head of her
House and by this point, she was slouching in her seat and only bothered to
make scarce notes and her attention dwindled.
The most noteworthy part of the class was that Professor Minerva McGonagall was
an animagus like her. Fascinating. She had a new respect for the woman as it
was not an easy task to accomplish. It took her two years to achieve by working
literally every day. It was her only choice of escaping really otherwise her
papa would have found her. Poppy wanted to ask her questions or even talk to
her but it would probably get back to Albus Dumbledore who would be probably
keeping an eye on her from now on as it was.
Again she sat next to the brown hair girl – Hermione – her parchment proclaimed
her to be. Poppy noted she was desperate for attention and was constantly
waving her hand in the air. Though she was very smart for her age. They
actually got to perform some magic in this class. Poppy let her pronunciation
be off the first ten times and was surprised the girl got it right the first
time, she sat smugly the rest of her class, reading over other textbooks. Poppy
got it right and was given a pleased look by the Professor and a House point.
She noticed Hermione sent her an appraising look, she tried not to guffaw
stupidly. The striped haired girl was surprised the rest of the class didn't
manage the menial task.
On their way to Potions the girls walked together instead of her making her way
to Harry's side, Poppy decided to take action, "I'm Poppy, your Hermione
right?"
The girl blinked and straighten up her spine, looking at her from the corner of
her eye, "Yes I am. We share a dormitory" She told her as if she didn't know,
"You did well in class. Your pronunciation was off and wand movement a little
disjointed but you have a very good handle already with your wand. Have you
been practising like I have?" She boldly asked.
Poppy shook her head, lying, "No I guess I just read that in the textbook"
The girl brightened, "Yes the Transfiguration textbooks are quite well written
unlike the History of Magic books or Potions ones. I don't like the layout,
it's illogical and assumes that the student already knows the basics. It took
me a few tries to figure it out" She huffed unhappily.
Poppy was amused. The girl had drive, Poppy remembered when she was like this
and was a little nostalgic. She allowed the girl to give her pointers and tell
her things she already knew. Hermione was a talker and she was content to
listen. She liked to show off her knowledge and Poppy understood that to an
extent. She remembered the feeling of pride and accomplishment showing off new
spells she had mastered to her papa. It didn't feel like you'd achieved
anything until he nodded and smiled slightly at her. It was a wonderful
feeling. And a dangerous one.
Poppy manoeuvred herself with Harry on one side and Hermione on the other in
Potions class. Ron was on Harry's other side and Neville beside Hermione. She
was quite happy with the arrangement. Suddenly the door to the Potions
classroom banged open dramatically and most first years jumped. She didn't but
watched the greasy haired man from last night stalk into the room, impassively.
Severus Snape his name was. She did not have much time last night but did do a
little preliminary research on the man. He is a former Death Eater that Albus
Dumbledore got off as he had evidently turned spy. Poppy tried to eye his left
wrist discretely but it was of course covered. He wore black Wizarding robes
and eyes swept the room in an aggressive manner. He did not look pleased to see
her and the boy to her right.
Whomever this Death Eater was, is Dumbledores right hand man, she deduced. He
works alongside the Headmaster and his presence at the meeting last night was
very telling. McGonagall also seems important to the Wizard but her presence
could be because the woman is her new Head of House. Either way, this man has a
powerful Wizard's confidence or at least more than most people do. He works for
Dumbledore and the Headmaster must have some dirt or something tying him here.
There was more to this situation that it first appeared. More research was
needed.
Poppy watched as the class fell silent, intimidated by the Wizard, "There will
be no foolish wand waving or silly incantations in this class" He began voice
stony, "I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact
art of Potion making. However, for those select few" The man then sent a
pointed look towards a very light haired blond haired Slytherin boy, a Malfoy
perhaps? Distinct hair but could also be a Nott,
"Who possess the predisposition..." Professor Snape continued.
The class was as silent as the grave. Clearly, the man showed favouritism
towards Slytherins. It would make sense if he was a spy for Dumbledore against
Voldemort. He would need to pretend to be on the side of the Dark Lord by
favouring that House. Poppy thought she might have been lucky to miss being
sorted into this House. Despite the Dark Wizard being 'defeated' years before
he still has a large influence in British society and Hogwarts school. The
blonde boy was most likely the son of a Death Eater. She had more extensive
research to do tonight.
Severus Snape continued his speech, "I can teach you how to bewitch the mind,
ensnare the senses, I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory and even put
a stopper in death"
Poppy wanted to quirk her lips in amusement at his dramatics. True she had
never enjoyed the 'subtle science and exact art' of Potion making but she
appreciated it all the same. Her papa didn't bother with it too much so perhaps
this class will be interesting.
Professor Snape was now staring directly at Harry who was writing his words on
his parchment, "Then again, maybe some of you have come to Hogwarts in
possession of abilities so formidable that you feel comfortable enough to, not,
pay, attention" His voice became sharp and filled with malice at the end. It is
logical that he would be cruel towards the boy-who-lived but there was
something in his dark eyes...
Poppy nudged her friend and he looked up swiftly, immediately sitting quietly
and paying attention. She wanted to smile, he was such a good boy.
"Ah, Mister Potter, our new celebrity" He stated with a soft, almost dangerous
voice, "Mr Potter, what would get through an infusion of asphodel and
wormwood?"
'A sleeping Potion called Draught of the Living Death' She thought immediately.
The class was silent and Harry obviously didn't know. Hermione's hand waved
frantically in the air.
Harry didn't say anything.
Severus Snape was still staring at Harry deeply, "Tell me, where would you find
a bezoar?" He asked another question.
'In the stomach of a goat' Poppy thought and Hermione's hand kept waving
desperately.
Harry still didn't answer.
"What is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane, Mr Potter" He asked
again, clearly trying to humiliate the boy as the Slytherin's were now
snickering between themselves. Poppy didn't care for much immature methods of
humiliation and was too hardened to care but Harry did and he looked nervous
though he was trying to hide it. Poppy moved her hand to clasp his under the
desk in support. He held back but didn't acknowledge her otherwise.
She felt good that she could help him in some way.
Harry did answer this time but spoke quietly, "I don't know sir" He admitted.
Professor Snape didn't seem as pleased as he ought to be but his dark eyes
still watched the boy in a creepy way, "Clearly fame isn't everything" He
summarised, intending to hurt him.
Poppy tried, she did, but couldn't hold in the snort, "By drawing attention to
Harry and giving him different treatment says you clearly think his fame is
worth something, Professor Snape" She snarked with amusement. Silly man
contradicting himself.
He jerked back and glared at her, "Five points from Gryffindor for your cheek,
Miss Stark" He quipped, glowing at her.
Poppy simply raised her eyebrows, "For pointing out errors in your logic? An
excellent way for a Professor to operate, especially in a subject that is
a subtle science and exact art" She quoted him, amusement now clearly ringing
in her voice. This man was very careless to let his emotions run through his
intelligence.
The man's nostrils flared and fist tightened. She touched her wand in her
pocket just in case the man tried something.
Severus Snape's lips curved over his teeth, "Ten points will be taken from
Gryffindor for your backtalk and trying to make me look like a fool,
Miss Stark, do it again and you'll be in detention tonight" He hissed at her,
eyes daring her to defy him.
She was never very obedient to authority figures, "I am being punished for
being correct? How very tyrannical of you Professor Snape, it seems like you
don't need my help looking like a fool" She said calmly, unimpressed with the
man.
"Detention! Tonight, six o'clock" He did snarl at her this time and swiftly
walked away to begin the lesson. Poppy ignored the spike of fear in her heart
and knowledge of being alone in a detention with the man. How would he punish
her?
Leaving the Potions classroom, it seemed as if she had become quite popular.
Ron and Harry on either side of her with Hermione closing into Harry. She
smiled, happy people were drawn to her.
"That was bloody brilliant" Ron exclaimed and waved his arms in the air. She
looked at him in confusion but smiled anyway at the compliment. They all made
their way towards the Great Hall for dinner.
"It is very disrespectful to speak to a Professor like that" Hermione tut from
the side with a frown and nose in the air.
Poppy tilted her head and quirked an eyebrow at her, "It was very disrespectful
for a Professor to purposefully pick on a student" She said back quickly.
Hermione's frown deepened into a scowl. Poppy turned to see Harry grinning at
her. She grinned back.
Hermione huffed loudly and moved up to the side Ron was previously at, "It is
not your place to question Professor Snape's teaching methods. You don't know
anything about him, he could be tough on students he thinks has potential" She
explained in a superior voice.
The striped haired girl merely rolled her eyes at her fellow Gryffindor first
year, "You don't know anything about the man either. He could have just been
bullying Harry. It's not my place to sit back and allow someone to walk all
over and abuse my new friends" She replied calmly.
They had entered the Great Hall at that moment. Poppy hummed a jaunty tune and
looked around with a smile at the laughs, yells and fun of everyone around
here. Hogwarts certainly had a welcoming and homey atmosphere. She sighed in
longing.
Hermione was relentless, "Yes but you can't be so disrespectful to a Professor
Poppy. He probably knows best" She continued with a firm note to her voice as
if to sway her.
They had finally made it to an empty place at the busy Gryffindor table up near
the Professors table. She sighed heavily and turned to her brown eyes, buck-
toothed friend to look directly into her eyes.
"So, you believe I should sit back and allow injustice and abuse to happen to
my friend and do nothing-"
Immediately Hermione opened her mouth with a frown. Poppy placed her finger on
the girls lips to stop her.
"-I understand that I may not know but neither do you. I don't judge people
based on whether they are authority figures, prefects, girls, boys, smart or
stupid. I like to look at the content of someone's character. If I'm wrong then
I'm wrong but either way, I am not going to be that person to sit back and
watch as something awful happens. That's just as bad as doing it yourself, you
know" She shot the girl a lazy grin then, amused at their fun little back and
forth.
"You tell her Poppy" Ron mumbled through a chicken wing. She smirked at him and
then at Hermione who's nose scrunched up in distaste at Ron's table manner.
Harry was sipping on some pumpkin juice and sniggering to himself at the girls
silly bantering. She practically glowed from the inside. It felt so wonderful
to be so carefree.
Hermione looked at her a little incredulously and frustrated. She stomped her
foot, "That is not the point! He's a Hogwarts Professor, not a foreign
dictator. You can't be so rude to a Professor. It's not brave, it is impulsive
and disrespectful" The girl tried to order her, looking stern. Poppy was so
amused at this point and simply smiled back.
"It's called being a Gryffindor, love" Poppy explained with a sweet smile and
sympathetic look, moving in to kiss the girl on the cheek before sitting at the
table. Everyone around them that had watched them began laughing at her
comment.
Hermione harrumphed but sat down next to her. Displeasure clearly showed on her
face but Poppy did see a tiny spark of amusement in her pretty brown eyes.
Maybe she wasn't a lost cause after all.
They began eating dinner and Poppy leant over to whisper to Hermione, "And I
know you agree with me on some level or else you wouldn't be sorted into
Gryffindor" She whispered and then winked at the girl.
Hermione's lips twitched before she turned to berate Ron for eating with his
mouth full.
Yes, this was definitely the beginning of a new and beautiful friendship.
===============================================================================
Poppy retired early from dinner to go and shower before detention and get some
books from the library. She got some old Hogwarts year books about previous
students and History of Magic books for idle reading. The first year girl was
quite displeased at the limited range of muggle books and wished she had the
money to buy herself some. The girl barely managed to get money for books and
uniform by stealing from people in Knockturn alley.
The animagus first year frowned as she pondered her predicament as she
showered, cringing only slightly at the cuts on her back. They were healing
nicely though it had been a few months. Dark magic wounds take longer to heal,
unfortunately. They stop bleeding randomly but are still a little tender.
She applied more dittany and ointment to her cuts and dressed for detention,
slipping her mask in place for whatever punishment the greasy haired death
eater would give her.
Poppy arrived at the Potions room and rasped on the door twice before a droll
voice called, "Enter"
She walked inside with a straight back and stoic expression. Severus Snape
peered up to sneer at her before pointing a finger to various cauldrons
littering the room.
"Clean every size two caldron's on the tables. By hand. And there had better
not be any suds left or I will make you start again from the beginning" He
drawled, looking up with a smirk.
Poppy watched the man for a moment. Was he... being serious? Clean some dirty
cauldrons? She tried not to laugh and smack herself for thinking the worse. Of
course, he wouldn't use magic on her! How silly could she be, but really?
Menial cleaning. How awful. The look on the man's face was the best however, he
looked triumphant and amused as if she would be horror stricken at doing a
little cleaning.
She held in a smile as she made her way over to the first dirty pot. How
terrible indeed.
It was two hours later she walked back to the common room, just before curfew.
She was smiling and feeling relaxed. The task was pointless and silly but truly
not much of a punishment. No pain, humiliation or painful reprimands? It
actually soothed her a little. The task of using her hands without thinking was
a little peaceful. She practised clearing her mind and improving her occulemcy.
She would need it with Albus Dumbledore about.
Entering the common room with a smile, her grin widened as she saw Harry
immediately jump to his feet from a sofa around the fireplace to shake Ron
awake. The bespeckled boy looked her over and was frowning.
"Are you okay Poppy? Detention wasn't too bad?" Harry asked, looking vaguely
worried. A warmth crept up inside her. He was worried about her.
Ron moved up beside his dorm-mate and yawned loudly, "The greasy git wasn't too
horrible to you, was he? Right tosser he is" He muttered, wiping the sleep from
his eye. Poppy smiled.
"It was fine, nothing I couldn't handle. Pointless and a little boring? Yeah,
but scrubbing dirty cauldrons wasn't exactly a trial" She rolled her eyes.
Harry's shoulders dropped in relief and Ron grumbled about doing dirty dishes.
She smiled at the pair of boys. Poppy moved forward to hug both boys with a
smile.
Her friends.
***** Chapter 3 *****
Poppy stayed up quite late every night the first two weeks of her Hogwarts
career gathering information about the Professors and fellow students. She
needed to know if there was any potential dangers or liabilities about. It made
her more comfortable researching those around her to know who the biggest
threat was. Students, Professor's, family history and background information on
everyone was something that kept her feeling anxious and suspicious in this new
place.
Although the obvious choice for suspicion seemed like Severus Snape, 'former'
death eater, the most unpredictable would be the Defense Against the Dark Arts
Professor Quirrell. Nothing much was known about the man. Every year someone a
new person took up the position. Why? Cursed perhaps but who could curse a
teaching position? How could that be done?
Though it was not all research and information, the secrets of the castle
intrigued her and did a little exploring when she could.
On this particular night, Poppy had a nightmare that woke her up drenched in
sweat and shouting in Russian so she was fixated on Snape's yearbook to keep
her mind occupied. Her research into Snape revealed some fascinating but
confusing information. He was in the same year at school as Harry's parents –
James and Lily Potter. This was because Harry's dad was a Quidditch star and
was plastered all over the yearbook. James Potter and Lily Evans were head boy
and girls in Snape's year. Harry looked so much like his father it was
surprising. Severus Snape was under the thumb of Albus Dumbledore so it terms
of danger it was pretty unnecessary. She would still keep an eye on him but
wasn't too concerned.
Very little about Snape was actually in the yearbook except that he graduated
second top of his year with Lily Evans beating him out barely then Remus Lupin
was third. Sirius Black was eighth and James Potter fifth. There were a lot of
photos of four boys together with James Potter and Lily Evans. Poppy wondered
if she should show these to Harry or not. She would have to, wouldn't she? What
was the connection between Severus Snape and Harry's parents? Is that why he
hated Harry? More research was needed. Harry would appreciate seeing photo's of
his parents if he hadn't seen these already.
That day she was especially tired, her obsessive researching really draining
her. Poppy only got two hours sleep and her wounds were quite itchy. She didn't
pay attention in her classes and Harry had to keep nudging her awake. Although
she answered all questions correctly much to the irritation of McGonnagall and
Hermoine and she really should have dumbed herself down a little beforehand.
Today Harry and Ron chattered excitedly beside her which was basically white
noise to her. They had their first flying lesson today. Hermione hovered on the
outside of the trio only to be let in when Poppy was there as Ron found her
annoying and Harry didn't like how judgemental she was – though he would never
say anything. Poppy wasn't too sure how she felt about this dynamics. She liked
all of them.
It finally reached their flying lesson and Poppy was now blinking heavily to
try and stay awake. Her back stung and itched horribly though she could not
touch it. Poppy stood in line with Harry on one side and Hermione on the other.
She yawned loudly as Madam Hooch began her lesson.
"You girl- your name" She shouted and it took Poppy a moment to realise it was
her she was speaking to. She turned slowly and blinked heavily, the field was a
little fuzzy.
"Poppy Stark" She muttered back and tried to focus on the woman's face. She had
bright eyes.
The Professor frowned from her place down the field and the young girl looked
around her to realise that everyone was now shouting 'UP' furiously at the
brooms by their side. Some smugly held their brooms in their hands already and
were watching her with varying looks of concern and destain.
A blond haired boy looked superior and was smirking – Draco Malfoy she had
found out – and Harry was eyeing her in concern, broom in hand. Hermione was
too busy furiously shouting 'up' to notice.
The Professor reached her and was making tutting noises. She watched the women
hum and frown at her in confusion.
"Miss Stark you look about to faint. Everyone is nervous their first time
flying. You don't have any medical conditions I should know about, do you?" She
frowned and then gently grabbed her face only to turn in here and there. Bright
glowing yellow eyes looked concerned.
"I-uh. Pardon?" She warbled, her attention waning to the laughing and pointing
of Draco Malfoy. She was very confused and dizzy.
"Right, off to the hospital wing it is. Can't have you getting on a broom in
the state your in" She declared then stood upright.
Harry then came into her vision with bright green concerned eyes, "Poppy, are
you okay?" He whispered.
She stared at her friend and gulped. Was she okay? Her wounds were itchy and
her eyes heavy but she was fine. She smiled tightly, "Fine. Just sleepy, this
place is exciting you know?" She smiled again but it might not have turned out
right for the way Harry was eyeing her.
Madam Hooch gave everyone explicit instructions not to fly while she was gone.
Many people have her the stink eye because of it. Poppy walked slowly off the
field with the woman beside her. Panic and dread started to fill her.
She couldn't go to the hospital wing. One mild diagnosis charm and then she
would be ruined. Albus Dumbledore would all over her. Determination filled her
and she took a deep breath.
They wandered around the castle, Madam Hooch walking at a brisk pace but her
eyes drifting over to Poppy one in a while.
Idly looking out the window and wondering if she would need to make a break for
it in her animagus form, she saw something that made her grin. Draco Malfoy on
his broom.
Poppy gasped and pointed out the window, "Madam Hooch, Draco Malfoy is on his
broom and going really fast!"
Immediately, the flying instructor ran to the windows and looked furious and
began muttering threats. When the woman's eyes flashed towards hers Poppy spoke
up,
"I'll be fine, you should go, he could really hurt himself" She said while
trying to hide a smile and sounding concerned.
The woman seemed uncertain though did leave swiftly after giving her explicit
instructions and directions to the hospital wing.
Poppy did not follow them. In fact, she dragged her feet all the way to her
head of House – Minerva McGonagall - as she knew that Poppy needed some
assurances she wouldn't be sent back to the hospital wing and an ally. The
woman had a soft spot for Poppy, she was certain. The first year girl had no
idea why but was happy to use it to her advantage.
Reaching the door to the Transfiguration classroom she peeked inside to see her
head of House walking down aisles and checking students work. She sighed and
rubbed her eyes, not in the mood or having the energy for this. It could be
worse.
Rapping on the door, she entered and immediately the class turned to look at
her. Older kids, third or fourth years maybe? Her eyes were heavy and she did
not care one bit how she looked.
McGonagall did not look happy to see her, "Miss Stark, what are you doing
outside of class?" She frowned as she approached. Apparently, McGonagall's eyes
took her in also and she frowned heavily.
"Can I speak to you outside Professor?" Her voice was small and gravely from
fatigue. It worked to her advantage as she followed her immediately outside
with a worried frown.
The woman was kind enough to shut the door behind them and then turned to her
expectantly.
Poppy began immediately, "Sorry I'm not in class, I was sent to the hospital
wing. Madam Hooch didn't think I should be flying in my state" She explained
quietly.
The woman huffed, "Well she is certainly right, Miss Stark, you look like the
living dead. Why is it that you did not go straight to the hospital wing as
instructed?" She was not happy and seemed to be telling her off but Poppy knew
the difference. The woman seemed actually concerned and not truly angry. Poppy
knew the difference.
The girl sighed again and looked out the window again, Madam Hooch had not made
it down yet and now Harry was on his broom. What was going on? Not wanting to
draw attention to her friends misbehaviour she spoke quickly to distract the
professor.
"I will if you insist professor but I wanted to talk to you first. There isn't
anything wrong with me. I am just really tired. I haven't slept much at all
since getting here and unless she wants to give me some sleeping potions there
isn't much to be done" She explained, hoping she would buy it.
The woman did not look appeased so she continued, "Look, professor, I have a
muggle condition called insomnia" – thank Merlin for her muggle reading – "and
it means I have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. It isn't too bad
usually but the move to the castle is just a little stressful" She explained.
McGonagall kept watching her. The woman was not easily fooled. As much as this
pleased Poppy she was also just frustrated and exhausted at that moment.
"Please don't tell anyone Professor. I don't need to go to the hospital wing
yet. I am fine. I will go to bed extra early tonight. I don't want anyone
knowing. Aside from being tired I'll be alright. The condition is fairly common
in orphans and I get a lot of nightmares. I really don't want to be known as
the girl who misses home too much and then people will start asking about my
home life and..." Poppy trailed off and looked up straight into the Professor's
eyes. Poppy noticed people were usually more sympathetic and yielding when you
looked them directly in the eye. Especially children. McGonagall was no
exception.
The transfiguration's Professor's eyes looked concerned and sharp. Surely a
good sign.
The woman's lips were tight as she gave her verdict, "Very well Miss Stark. I
will not force you to go to the hospital wing, however, I will insist that you
go straight to your dormitory and get some sleep. I'm afraid I will also be
informing Madam Hooch of your inability to fly due to a medical condition" The
woman looked ready for her to violently object. She kept quiet, feeling only
relief and nodding in agreement.
McGongall continued, "If you feel you are not sleeping well enough then come to
me and I will take you discretely to the hospital wing or provide you with the
necessary Potions. It was very mature of you to come and explain the situation
to me and not take things into your own hands"
Oh yeah, the woman was a big softy inside shielded with steel. Poppy liked her.
The Gryffindor first year nodded her head meekly to her professor.
"Good. Now off to bed Miss St- what on earth?" The woman gasped and strode
right over to the tall windows.
At that moment, Harry came flying right up and caught a ball in his hand before
zooming away. Poppy smiled and shook her head at the same time.
McGongall was flustered and eyes bright as she turned back around, "Off you go
Miss Stark. I have an issue I need to attend" She spoke tersely.
The woman marched down the corridor in a determined fashion.
Poppy walked back slowly to the common room with a feeling of great relief and
buoyancy with only a little concern for Harry. McGongall was alright.
The striped haired girl slept straight till dinner, glad she had a legitimate
excuse to leave classes. She stretched and took a quick shower while her
roommates were out and began to rethink her situation.
Poppy needed to relax. All of this research and suspicion was too much. She
was safe here. To an extent, obviously. Albus Dumbledore would keep dark
wizards and her papa away and any danger here is clearly not comparable to her
life before. She needed to stop being so paranoid.
Finishing her shower and applying more ointment, she felt quite relaxed. Her
scars had healed over mostly by now. They were just so itchy.
Research was okay. Being suspicious and aware of everyone around you was okay.
What was not okay by any means was allowing it to intrude on her life and
happiness. This was a new start. A new start. Poppy needed to put the past
behind her and focus on her increasingly wonderful looking future.
Poppy made her way to dinner that night feeling a dark shadow clinging to her
mood. It was like a dementor was on her shoulder and she didn't feel much like
eating or speaking with anyone tonight.
Ignoring her feelings, she plastered a bright smile on her face as she sat down
next to Harry.
"Hey" She beamed and immediately started piling her plate high.
Ron immediately rounded on her, "Poppy you will never guess what happened" He
shouted through potatoes, using hand gesticulations.
She tilted her head and began picking apart food with her cutlery eagerly.
"Harry made the house team" He declared with a sweeping motion to her friend.
Harry himself looked proud but sheepish. She hugged him very tightly in
congratulation.
Yes, she was moving on.
===============================================================================
Her classes continued monotonously, as usual, her only saving grace was the
Hogwarts library. This Saturday, Harry was off at his flying lessons and she
decided to spend the day reading some of its wondrous delights.
Entering the library, she winked at the librarian who frowned back. This was
the most positive reaction she gave anybody, she liked Poppy and her
appreciation for books.
Browsing the shelves she saw a book about Potions, History and development of
popular Potions. She picked it up, knowing potions was one of her weak points
and looked around for a place to sit. The library was mostly empty so early on
a Saturday but she did see Hermione frowning and writing on her parchment.
She made her way over with a smile, "Hey 'Mione. Getting a head start on her
homework?" She asked easily. The bushy haired girl looked up with a frown.
"Yes of course. What are you doing here? Your homework also?" She asked and
looked a little eager, sitting up straight.
Poppy shook her head with a smile, "Nah, got plenty time for that. Just having
a wee browse about" she answered back easily, taking a seat at the table and
placing her book on her lap.
Hermione did not look too happy, "You really should get a start on your
homework. If you did then maybe you would perform better in class"
Poppy's somewhat friend really annoyed her at that moment. Lectures and a bossy
attitude were starting to grate on her nerves and the animagus girl then
decided to take her book and never go back to the library again, lest she is
lectured again. Poppy was there every few days but Hermione
essentially lived there. She could take books out and read them in peace.
Poppy grew increasingly closer to Harry as sometimes they felt lonely and the
sting of being Orphans. Like at mealtimes when the owls would swoop down, never
with anything for them.
There were problems though. Draco Malfoy and Harry's rivalry which was
ridiculous. Hermione's presence would irritate Ron so much, that was just a
bubbling cauldron waiting to explode. Severus Snape's attitude and the curious
pain Harry would receive from his scar.
Poppy spent a lot of time researching dark scars from then on and found
absolutely nothing. She also started researching light magic and found it
fascinating and exciting. It was very similar to dark magic in many ways as it
was emotion fuelled. It was even rarer than the Dark Arts but that didn't stop
her from practising it constantly whenever she was alone.
She was currently trying to master the Patronus charm. She could only manage
wisps of pale blue smoke, reminding her very much of her animagus form.
The troll incident at Halloween immediately sparked her survival instincts and
paranoia but it brought all of her friends close together that there was
thankfully no more tension anymore. They were now a foursome instead of
disjointed friendships between a few of them.
The new and strengthened friendship between the four Gryffindor first years
gave Poppy a new sense of belonging and feelings of home. It gave her
inspiration and joy waking up in the mornings. Her future looked bright.
***** Chapter 4 *****
Chapter Notes
     Hey, so I've been told that Poppy is a bit of a Mary Sue. I really
     hope that anyone who reads this doesn't think that. I didn't try to
     make her one. Poppy is deeply flawed. She's traumatised - you could
     argue mentally ill at some points as I do pepper my story with
     anxiety, depression and PTSD - she's needy, reckless, disrespectful,
     doesn't care at all about rules and laws, overly paranoid,
     distrusting with deep self-esteem issues.
     I did make her pretty and very smart but I don't think that qualifies
     as being too perfect. She is great at charming people but she doesn't
     really connect closely with others except for Harry - she is even a
     little hesitant with Ron and Hermione. All in all, on the outside she
     appears perfect but I was hoping that I managed to get across how
     below the surface she has problems, both regular teenager and not.
     Please let me know you think she's a bit of a Mary Sue and I'm not
     making her flaws obvious enough. Thanks. I hope you enjoy.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
The months passed in a blur; spending time with her four friends, reading as
usual and acting as carefree and impulsive as she wanted. It was amazing. Then
Christmas day rolled around and for the first time in years, she was excited
for she had her friends to celebrate with.
Poppy grinned as she bounced out of bed to an empty dormitory. The striped
haired girl dashed to the window to watch the snow fall peacefully and felt
great relief and harmony inside of her.
Rushing to the bathroom, she fixed her hair carefully, braiding some of it at
the back and brushing the rest of it so that it fell in soft waves down her
back. A small spell to make it neat was also used. As her Uncle always said –
you always needed to look your best because you don't know who might be
watching.
Poppy eyed her body in the full-length mirror and pursed her lips. Her back had
scarred over quite nicely, showing the many lashes she had been given. Little
cuts and scratches from curses were here and there but the absolute worst was
the brand on her upper left arm. It looked raw and deep, sunken into her skin
even though it was one of her oldest.
All in all, she was very happy with how well she was healing. She might be
broken on the inside and her body was proof of that but no one would ever see.
Changing into a casual red dress with long sleeves and knee-high green socks,
she felt very Christmasy and beamed at herself in the mirror. Poppy had managed
to steal twenty galleons thanks to her animagus form and the invisibility she
had along with it. This time of year everyone carried around extra gold for
shopping.
With a definite bounce in her step, she collected her two gifts to her friends
and walked down to the common room. It was empty so no one must be awake yet.
Poppy waited calmly for Harry and Ron to come down to meet her, glad her two
friends did not return home for the holidays.
It wasn't long before thundering footsteps reached her ears as Ron raced down
the steps with Harry following behind with a smile.
"Presents!" Ron exclaimed and made a mad dash for a small pile. Poppy watched
with happiness and fondness as Ron opened a home made maroon coloured sweater
and a box of homemade fudge. Her heart warmed at the kind and caring gifts.
"You two not going to open your presents?" Ron finally looked up with a
quizzical face. Poppy and Harry met each other's eyes and seemed to think the
same thing 'what presents?' though before any of them could reply, Ron picked
up another gift under the tree and said,
"These are for you Harry" He pointed at the small pile.
The bespectacled first year eyes widened and a boyish and heartfelt look
reached his green eyes – so similar to hers it was scary.
Harry rushed over and opened up a present that was a lovely homemade jumper
from Ron's mum and again homemade fudge. Seeing the happiness, delight, awe and
disbelief on her friends face made her quite emotional and feel a certain
kindred spirit with him. Poppy was very glad Harry had presents.
"Poppy, you're not-" Ron began with a completely perplexed face, eyeing her as
if she was mental and idly looking around the room as her presents were hiding
underneath the sofa.
A fresh stab of pain and loneliness entered her heart but Poppy only shook her
head with a carefully controlled smile, "-Nah, I'm an orphan, Ron. Who would
get me any presents?"
A lump of fudge fell from Ron's eyes as his eyes widened in disbelief and his
face turned as red as his hair. Poor boy. Hadn't she told him she was an
orphan? Perhaps not. Fortunately for him, Harry immediately interrupted with-
"Hey it's a cloak. I wonder who got me this" He said and pulled out a grown
man's sized cloak. Poppy frowned suspiciously at the material and asked, "You
don't know who got you it?" She inquired while lifting her wand in case any
nasty hexes or dark magic was embedded into the material.
"Go on, try it on then" Ron encouraged as Harry carefully put it around his
shoulders.
Poppy's breath caught in a panic and she jumped from her seat with a "Wait-don-
" She gasped but was rendered speechless as Harry's body disappeared.
Poppy watched with a dull sense of comprehension as Harry and Ron wondered
over... over... this invisibility cloak. Time stopped and her heart thudded in
her ears painfully. Sweat broke out on her skin and she felt herself tremble.
She stood staring at the cloak with sharp, intense eyes and was pulled out of
her trance as Ron quietly asked the other boy, "What's up with her?"
Harry approached her and she stumbled away as the cloak was still in his hands.
She needed to get away.
"I-I need to go" She choked out through a tight throat and sped up her
dormitory steps in terror.
Poppy avoided the boys for the rest of the Christmas break. In fact, she
sneaked out the castle in her animagus form with its own invisibility to get
away and pull herself together. She would break down when no one could see her.
She eventually brought herself back from her hysteria as school started up. At
breakfast, that morning when she finally re-emerged Harry and Ron both stared
at her. Ron with wide and pity filled eyes, no doubt believing her state was
from a lack of presents and family. Harry was more subtle with shifting green
eyes that lingered with guilt. Hermione was her usual bossy self and did not
notice the tension, too focused on their holiday homework. It was a great
relief.
It wasn't until Charms where Poppy sat beside Harry that he turned to her. The
boy-who-lived eyes darted to hers before he shifted and whispered.
"Are you ok?" His voice was quiet and barely there but held true worry and
caring that made Poppy felt less alone in life. His words were drowned out by
the loud incessant chatter of the first years around them as they waited for
Professor Flitwick to arrive.
She turned to her best friend and smiled sadly, "I will be" She promised
quietly.
Harry took her hand under the table for the rest of the class.
===============================================================================
Poppy was decidedly nervous a few weeks later when Harry announced he was going
to use his cloak to go researching about Nicolas Flamel in the forbidden
section in the library. This whole misadventure with the stone was ridiculous,
they were first years in a castle guarded by Albus Dumbledore. If it was such a
danger then the headmaster would deal with it. As he was such a great wizard
after all. Poppy was none too keen on jumping unnecessarily into danger as four
first years were hardly the most competent for the task, were they?
Though she would do anything for her friends. Poppy would try to be the
rational one when even Hermione jumped on board the nosey and hero train and
was unsuccessful. The orphan girl would willingly take a crucio for her friends
and follow them anywhere. They were all she had.
The night Harry disappeared with the invisibility cloak, the hairs on the back
of her neck stood up and she felt sick to her stomach as she attempted read a
book in the common room after curfew.
Poppy made Ron sit with her while she fretted. He had long since fallen asleep
curled up on the sofa and the striped hair girl focused on deep breathing and
remaining calm.
Eventually, Harry burst through the common room portrait panting as only a
floating head. She leapt up from her seat with her heart pounding.
"Come quick, it's my parents" He breathed, utterly delighted, glasses tilted on
his face, hair messy though his face was bright with happiness.
Poppy watched as Harry shook Ron awake excitedly and watched with dull
detachment and dread as Harry explained seeing his parents. Ron was tired and
skeptical, Poppy was alert and angry with her wand clutched tightly in her
hand. People did not come back from the dead. What kind of dark magic was this?
The two first years followed their excitable friend through the dark and quiet
halls of Hogwarts. They ran at full pace with Poppy's eyes darting around the
corridor and using her advanced smelling and hearing for signs of trouble,
ready to whip out a full body bind at the flick of her wrist.
They reached the empty darkened classroom where a large floor length mirror lay
on the far side of the room. The three first years approached it with Harry
eagerly leading the pair. The mirror was beautifully encrusted with gold and
Ron stumbled along with Harry while Poppy lingered in the background eyeing the
mirror suspiciously.
"There look-" Harry sighed with a smile. Ron began squinting in the mirror as
Poppy crept closer slowly, wand in hand, noticing an inscription at the top of
the mirror.
'Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi'
It was not Russian. Nor German or French. Not Gobbledygook or another creature
tongue. Poppy needed to focus more on her foreign languages. She continued
staring at it in concentration. It appeared English.
"I see myself... and I won the Quidditch cup! And I'm Head boy!" Ron gasped
with wide eyes. Harry's happiness seemed to deflate as he looked back into the
mirror despondently with surprised disappointment.
Perhaps it was merely a trick mirror? Cautiously approaching, Poppy looked into
the mirror to see for herself. Ron and Harry stood on the outskirts of the
mirror as opposed to right beside her where they actually were.
Ron and Harry were smiling and laughing together with Hermione. More figures
appeared in the mirror.
A man and a woman materialised on either side of her. One with long red hair
and green eyes and another man that looked much like Harry. She had seen enough
photo's of them in their yearbooks. James and Lily Potter.
Her eyes drifted towards Harry uneasily. He did say his parents were in the
mirror, didn't he? Why did Ron see something different?
The Potters had a hand on each of her reflections shoulders proudly, smiling
with watery eyes. James Potter's grin was the brightest whilst Lily Potters
smile looked more emotional and loving.
More people appeared. Poppy couldn't contain her gasp as her uncle appeared
right by Lily Potters side. He was smiling at her. It wasn't as bright or
unconstrained as James and Lily Potters but it was very small and yet filled
with pure adoration. It was her uncle's true smile, barely there but eyes that
swam with affection.
Tears filled her eyes and she reached a shaking hand out as if she could touch
him. Her uncle, the only person who ever loved her.
Another man appeared by James Potter, standing tall and regally. He had long
dark wavy hair and a mischievous smile. More and more people appeared whom she
did not know. The mirror was filled with people staring at her in love and joy.
Poppy trembled.
Right at the very back, standing on the outskirts of the strange assortment of
people that seemed to go together, was...her papa.
He was tall and stood rigidly as usual. His clothes were impeccable, hair white
as snow and face wrinkled with age though holding no signs of frailty. He
watched her kindly with a carefree smile she had never once seen on his face
before. He nodded to her and looked amused. Her papa held out his arms wide in
a welcoming and beckoning gesture of acceptance.
Poppy stumbled back gasping in a panic with acidic longing. What was all of
this? Harry was at her back and caught her immediately.
"Poppy? Poppy, are you okay? Poppy?" His voice was worried and stressed as he
stood her up and supported her shaking frame. His worried green eyes met her
own green orbs as he looked her over. She continued trembling in his arms.
Ron stood silently to the side but kept sneaking glances at the mirror,
"What... what did you see?" Ron whispered in puzzlement.
Harry's arms tightened around her protectively and she eyed the mirror again.
Harry's parents and everyone were now looking at her in worry. 'Why do I see
Harry's parents and a bunch of people I do not know?'
Looking up again at the words crafted onto the mirror, she finally realised
that it was actually English only written backwards.
"I show not your face but your heart's desire"
Poppy stared blankly at the words and felt a painful numbness sweep through
her. She felt Harry and Ron dragging her back to the common room and she
allowed herself to be taken. The boys exchanged whispered and worried words
between themselves.
She felt herself being sat down on the sofa in the common room as they
continued whispering, a weariness like she'd never known crept up inside of her
and she sighed heavily.
"I'm fine guys, I just want to go to bed" She muttered quietly.
Harry and Ron exchanged worried looks.
"Poppy what did you see?" Harry quietly asked her.
She debated whether or not to tell them but decided that friendships were a
give and take and that she needed to tell them. It would be dishonest not to.
That is what she told herself. She was not weak and had to rely on others for
emotional support. No, she didn't.
"...family. I saw myself having a family" The broken orphan girl whispered.
In many ways, it was a lie of omission but another it was the biggest
confession she had ever given anyone. Her late uncle and papa were present.
Harry, Ron and Hermione were there. Lots of people she did not know were there
too. It wasn't too hard to figure it out if she was being honest with herself.
What she saw was what she had always wanted. To be surrounded by love.
Harry and Ron again looked at each other helplessly.
Poppy sighed and slouched on the sofa, rubbing her face, "The mirror had an
inscription at the top. It says that the mirror show's not our face but your
hearts desire. I guess I was just startled. All I want is to be surrounded by
love and family" She muttered again, keeping her head down. Poppy was weak and
pathetic. She shouldn't let her emotions rule her.
It was a few moments later that the two boys approached her on either side of
her in an attempt to comfort.
Harry took her hand in a silent support of union but Ron just looked lost and
helpless, "Blimey, that's awful. I don't know what I'd do without my family and
they can be right gits at times" His face was anxious and serious. Poppy
couldn't help it.
She chuckled at Ron. He looked towards her uncertainly with a little smile. She
smiled back genuinely, "You both should get to bed. It's really late now and
we've got Potions first thing in the morning" Ron groaned loudly and
immediately stood up muttering about greasy gits and making his way up the
stairs.
Harry didn't move.
Poppy waited patiently for him to leave and kept her eyes on her feet. But he
didn't.
"I know how it feels to not have a family" He confessed quietly. Poppy
hesitantly lifted her head only to see Harry staring into the now extinguished
fireplace with a pensive expression.
The striped haired girl waited for him to continue, "I know how lonely and
awful it feels, not having a family. It's all I've ever wanted really" He
sighed and then looked back at her with a worried face but continued speaking,
"When I first saw the mirror I was shocked and overwhelmed but in a good way,
you know? It was like a dream come true... I've... I've never seen my parents
faces before" Harry's voice had become a little hoarse and Poppy immediately
reached for his hand.
She tried to smile at him though it probably didn't work too well and quietly
muttered back, "Me neither, I don't even know who they are" She again tried to
smile as if it was a joke but Harry saw right through her.
"I just-Poppy I was so happy and it was wonderful when I saw my parents who
loved me. But you... you looked shocked, confused and then really scared. Why
did you look like you'd seen a ghost?" He whispered, knowing that it was a very
sensitive subject.
Poppy felt tears well in her eyes for the first time in years and took a
steadying breath, feeling the words pour out of her uncontrollably, "I saw lots
of people and I don't even know who they are. I only recognised a couple. I
saw... I saw my uncle..." Surprise flittered across Harry's face as she'd
already told him she didn't know who her parents were so she explained, "I was
adopted before my first birthday by a Wizard. He was amazing, my family... but
he died when I was five. I was then taken in a couple months later
by another Wizard... my papa" She whispered, "I loved my papa. I only ever
wanted his acceptance and approval. But he didn't love me, he was just using
me" Harry sucked in a breath at the onslaught of personal information she was
telling him.
Taking an unsteady breath she confessed, "I saw them both in the mirror. My
uncle was still alive and...and my papa loved and accepted me for who I am"
Poppy's voice cracked and broke as she finished speaking. This felt like both
the worst mistake and the most freeing moment of her life.
Harry was silent as he processed the information that she gave him. Poppy let
him gather his thoughts.
"Do-do you still live with your papa?" He asked looking extremely worried and a
little determined. Her heart went out for her amazing and selfless friend.
Poppy shook her head with a sad smile, "No I ran away a couple months ago and
came back to Britain when I got my Hogwarts letter"
Harry nodded his head but his green eyes, although caring and understanding,
swam with questions she probably didn't want to answer.
Harry furrowed his brows and did dare a question, "How... how did you uncle
die?" He asked quietly. Poppy was pleasantly surprised that he didn't ask what
she meant when she was her uncle 'used her'. It could mean a great many, awful
things but he was tactful and considerate enough not to ask. What did she do to
deserve such a wonderful friend?
The first year girls hand tightened in his, knowing very well that he could
hate her after this. But Poppy couldn't not tell him. That would be so much
worse, "He was murdered. The killing curse. I remember it clear as day. You
don't forget that bright green light too easily" It had been many years for
Poppy but her body still trembled and she still felt the aching emptiness
clutching in her chest.
Harry's hand got a little too tight in her hand and he looked both sympathetic
and furious. He would hate her for this...
"But... my uncle... as much as I loved him and how great he was to me..." Poppy
drifted off and then closed her eyes painfully.
"What" Harry whispered.
The broken first year orphan opened her eyes and smiled at him sadly, "He was
also a Death Eater"
Harry sucked in breath very sharply it was almost a hiss. He looked both
surprised and shaken. Poppy laughed joylessly, feeling warm tears trickle down
her cheeks.
She spoke breathlessly, "He never treated me differently. You know? Even though
he was pureblood and I wasn't. Obviously, I wasn't pureblood. If I was
pureblood I would have had a family. I haveno idea why he even took me in. He
protected me and raised me as one of his-his own" She hiccuped and Harry
uncertainly moved to rub her back as she sobbed.
"The worst part is that I don't care if he was a Death Eater. He was my uncle.
He tucked me into bed at night and let me sleep with him when I had nightmares.
He read me stories and taught me to read. He was... he was my family" Poppy had
reached the hysteria stage as she wept in pain.
Time passed as only her painful sobs made any noise in the common room.
Eventually, she calmed down, feeling emotionally drained but lighter and freer.
"I'm sorry" She choked out shamefully. His parents were murdered by Voldemort
himself. He would hate her now. He should, "Oh Merlin Harry I am so sorry"
When she finally looked up at Harry he looked sad and swallowed, "I-I don't
know what to say, Poppy. You were so young and I don't blame you. It wasn't you
who killed my parents or even your uncle. I know your not a bad person" He
sounded so sure of her. Poppy let out a bitter laugh that made her sound years
older. He didn't know the half of it or he wouldn't be so forgiving.
"No but he was a dark wizard Harry and after he died I went back into the
system only to be found by my papa, another dark wizard" She made a noise that
was a part laugh and part hysteria.
Harry rubbed her back as she pondered how unlucky she was.
"That doesn't make you bad Poppy" He muttered quietly but softly. Harry's back
was rigid and eyes bright. He looked so surprised, worried, compassionate,
angry, bewildered and protective or her.
She looked up with big puffy eyes, refusing to feel hopeful, "I know dark
magic, Harry. My papa taught me it. He-" Her throat gradually closed up as she
continued talking until she was incoherent.
Harry moved forward to hug her tightly, in a move that seemed very unusual for
the shy boy not used to physical contact.
"I don't care. I know you didn't want to and your still my friend. You stuck up
for me at the welcoming feast and don't let Snape bring you down. Your good. I
know it" His whisper was fierce and held no room for argument. Pure joy and
hope threatened to drown her.
Poppy only wished that he was right.
The very next night, with her talk with Harry fresh in her mind, she conjured
her first ever corporal Patronus.
Chapter End Notes
     Any guesses to who her uncle is? Or papa? I will give you props if
     you can guess her Patronus or animagus form. All will be revealed
     eventually anyway. Poppy's Patronus and animagus forms are different
     but both very rare. Wow, I have a lot of secrets here. Hopefully, it
     makes my story interesting and not annoying! Let me know what you
     think!
***** Chapter 5 *****
After her confessions to Harry at Christmas, they were closer than ever. It was
not unusual for her to lean against him in the common room, give him frequent
hugs and grab his hand. Sometimes she got funny looks from people but she
didn't care. It was comforting and wonderful and she didn't care if others
cared. It felt so wonderful, knowing he accepted her.
They sat together in both Transfiguration and Charms and Poppy frequently held
his hand under the table unless he had to concentrate.
One day at the end of January, they were trying to turn match sticks to needles
in Transfiguration. Poppy didn't even attempt the boring task. She sat with a
focused face as Harry as many others around her constantly repeated the
incantation over and over as she waved her wand discretely under the table.
Poppy was trying to move the match stick. The easiest of easiest of spells.
Though she was trying to do it silently.
The match twitched and she smirked in triumph.
"Miss Stark have you even attempted to transfigure your match stick?" A sharp
voice interrupted her from her almost success.
Poppy, not wanting to break her concentration, merely peered up at the
expectant face of Professor McGonagall and replied honestly, "No Professor"
She looked back down and stared intensely at the little piece of wood again.
Too busy focusing, Poppy failed the notice the classroom go deadly silent.
"...Excu-Miss- is there a particular reason you feel you are above
participating in my lesson?" McGonagall was not at all happy. Poppy looked back
up and wondered why the Professor was now looming over her table, face like
thunder.
The striped haired girl blinked and then answered with a confused frown, "It's
not that I think myself above this lesson, I just find it boring and completely
unnecessary. Why would I ever want to turn a match stick into a needle? I have
a wand and can just repario any clothes I want and for that matter, why would I
need a match stick when I can incendo anything. This lesson is really
unnecessary and confusing" She explained patiently to the Professor.
Incredulous stared were aimed her way but Poppy only had eyes for the
increasingly frustrated looking Transfiguration Professor.
Minerva McGonagall's face had turned a little red and her veins were more
prominent. The woman was probably embarrassed she had thought up such useless
lesson plans.
Poppy decided to be helpful, "Professor, Perhaps if you taught us things that
are more relevant and applicable to everyday life then it would be more
interesting" Poppy said with a comforting smile.
McGonagall took another deep breath and then looked directly at her, "Be that
as it may, Miss Stark, I have given you a task and I expect you to complete it
unless you would rather discuss this in detention tonight?" She asked with a
warning and pointed look.
Poppy nodded, "That sounds good Professor, I can help you come up with more
exciting lesson plans" She agreed, thinking that it may be interesting and give
her a better idea of the current curriculum and what she could practice on her
own to avoid being bored.
McGonagall looked completely flabbergasted and she heard Harry sigh next to her
and whisper, "Poppy, stop talking" He begged, sounding pleading and sheepish at
the same time. She turned to look at Harry's embarrassed face with a frown.
"What-why-" She began but then Harry cut in again, "-She wasn't actually asking
Poppy, just try the spell" He explained with a touch of exasperation.
"But the Professor said-" She immediately began to retort.
McGonagall had evidently been listening and then decided to speak again,
"Listen to Mr Potter" She warned.
Poppy looked back and forth between them and said, "What? But can't we discuss
lesson plans?"
Harry sighed heavily and people were snickering now, "She isn't going to
discuss lessons plans with you, Poppy, please just do your work"
The first year girl looked to see McGonagall nodding in agreement with Harry.
She now sighed heavily, "Fine. I don't understand why you would suggest such a
thing if you had no intention of following through Professor" She grumbled and
then turned back to her match stick once again,
"Ligno Ferrum" She chanted with a swish of her wand. Immediately the match
stick changed to a needle. She smiled and then looked up at her head of House.
"Now can we discuss lesson plans?" Poppy asked expectantly.
Harry banged his head on the table.
The incident in Transfiguration wasn't the only hiccup Poppy had. She was
notoriously known for not having a verbal filter. On the one hand, she was a
very naturally honest person. On the other, she lacked proper respect for
authority figures and wasn't used to acknowledging others feelings. Thank you,
papa. It wasn't though she didn't care. Poppy was never deliberately malicious
but her brutal quick honesty and sharp tongue landed her trouble, more often
than not. The first year earned quite the reputation among the Professors for
her honesty or 'lacking any semblance and understanding of tact' as her head of
House would claim.
Harry was often seen explaining things to her patients with pink cheeks, Ron
with wide gaping eyes and laughing himself silly and Hermione looking comically
scandalised. She loved her friends.
===============================================================================
It was mid February when Hermione started to get very stressed about upcoming
exams. They were still months away but that did not stop her bushy haired
friend from spending most of her time in the library and with her entire face
sequestered in a book.
Because of this, Poppy began chatting with the other girls in her dormitory.
The animagus girl still wasn't too fond of them but did occasionally spend some
time conversing with them. It was late one night when the Gryffindor girls were
braiding each others hair so that when they slept on it, it would be lovely and
curly the next day. It was menial and pointless but Poppy joined her roommates
in as they discussed the student body of Hogwarts.
Poppy was sitting on the floor with her back to Parvati's bed. Parvati herself
was seated on the bed with her legs open so she could fit in the space in
between. Lavenders hair was already finished and she was admiring it in a hand
mirror.
Just before curfew, Hermione entered the dorm humphing a large and heavy
looking book in her arms. When her brunette friend saw Poppy seated there, she
scowled, "You really should be studying for your Ancient Ruins. You dropped a
few very easy marks in the last test" She huffed. Poppy rolled her eyes
thinking the whole test was very easy.
Hermione then made her way to her bed and dropped the heavy book and pulled
more parchment from her bag. Lavender rolled her eyes, "Just because Poppy
wants to have a life" She giggled.
Poppy frowned and her eyes darted up to Hermione. Her friend lowered her head
further as if embarrassed. The animagus turned her head slowly, "Hey 'Mione,
wanna join us braiding hair?" She called out. Hermione's head shot up and a
smile started to stretch across her face before Lavender spoke up.
"I'm not going anywhere near her hair" She giggled. The two other girls giggled
at each other.
Poppy stood up swiftly and looked down at the two girls, "And what is wrong
with her hair?" She asked calmly, dangerously.
The sudden hostility must have startled the girls as they exchanged unsure
looked before Parvati spoke up, "We didn't mean anything by it, just that
it's... a bit much to handle"
Poppy licked her teeth and hummed in thought, "I see. If hear either of you
picking on my friend for the way she looks, you will be sorry. Do you
understand?" Poppy's voice was strong and did not waver though it sounded
perfectly polite. She made eye contact with both girls.
"Y-yes" Parvati stuttered while Lavender just stared with wide fearful eyes.
Poppy then moved to sit next to Hermione on her bed and pulled her curtain
closed for privacy. Hermione looked both shocked and emotional. Poppy gave her
a hug, "Don't listen to them. You are beautiful and very smart. Don't measure
your self-worth on how other people see you. It doesn't matter what they or
anybody else thinks. I think you're beautiful" She whispered.
Hermione clutched her tighter.
After that day, whenever anyone dared to ridicule or make a comment about
Hermione's hair, teeth or appearance her friend would stand tall and not let a
flicker of pain reach her face. But when she peered back at Poppy hesitantly,
the striped haired girl would wink back and mouth 'Beautiful'.
===============================================================================
At the end of March, Poppy was bored. Harry had an upcoming Quidditch match
against Slytherin soon and Oliver Wood was working the team extra hard.
Similarly, they had a small practice test in Charms and Hermione had been
camping out in the library, only to emerge to snap at others, nag at her
friends for not studying, and of course, pester Flitwick. Oh and she did also
get some food now and then.
On a fresh Sunday morning, Poppy watched sadly as Harry left breakfast early
with the rest of the team and Hermione only appeared briefly to grab some
fruit. The girl sulked and watched Ron devour his food like a man starved. She
nibbled on some toast in thought.
"We should do something today" Poppy announced to her ginger haired friend who
was currently slouched over and concentrating solely on his food. She often
wondered why he ate like it was his last meal.
Ron immediately looked up but didn't stop eating. In fact, he furrowed his
eyebrows with a frown, "We not just gonna hang about the common room? We could
get a game of chess. Seamus and Dean are going to listen to the Chuddley Canons
and Puddlemere United match on the-" Ron began talking, skilfully without food
falling out of his mouth.
Poppy interrupted his spiel with a long and drawn out part way yawn and part
way groan. Ron sighed heavily.
"Can we not go exploring the castle? Or the grounds? Or the Forbidden Forest?"
Poppy perked up immediately. She hadn't explored the forest in anything other
than her animagus form and that was while invisible. The magical creatures –
such as unicorns, centaurs and bowtruckle – seemed to sense her presence.
Whenever she was about, her paths were sniffed curiously and followed by
curious creatures. They weren't malicious or anything but she overheard the
centaurs debates and confusion. It was pretty funny. She wondered what would
happen if she appeared in her human form.
Ron's eyes widened in fright, "The forbidden forest! Bloody mental you are.
Never again, you have no idea what kinds of things lurk in there Poppy, we
could get killed!" He gasped dramatically.
Poppy rolled her eyes. As if a creature could ever harm her. She opened her
mouth to say otherwise but then paused. Ron didn't know about her animagus
form. Should she tell him?
Poppy shook her head and then continued, "Please Ron! Just exploring the castle
and grounds then. Only Harry ever comes with me and I bet we could find more
hidden passageways if we tried" Poppy beamed to her friend.
She and Harry had come across a hidden passage behind a tapestry that led to
the Transfiguration classroom. It was amazing and since then she'd been itching
to find more. There must be hundreds.
Ron sighed again, looking as if the mere thought exhausted him. It had taken a
while and bribery as she promised to do his Care of Magical Creatures essay
until he finally agreed.
Four hours later Ron was still grumbling and complaining. Poppy had tried to
get him outside, only it was raining and he refused. She then wandered the
mostly empty corridors and felt around the walls with a concentrated look on
her face. Ron followed her sullenly the entire time.
"Could be listening to the Canons right now" Her freckled friend muttered as he
kicked some dust on the ground as she suspiciously poked a tapestry.
Poppy, finally at the end of her patience, turned around with a glare, "Can you
stop whining like baby Ron?" She huffed angrily.
The animagus senses alerted her to the fact that they weren't alone just before
she heard a voice call out, "I don't believe he can. Weak and whiny Weasleys
are, aren't they?" A superior sounding voice called out.
Poppy turned to see none other than Draco Malfoy standing at the end of the
corridor flanked by Crabbe and Goyle. The young girl was very
disappointed knowing Draco Malfoy. He was an utter disgrace of a human being
and she'd never met someone who thought so highly of themselves but were
actually weak and worthless.
Crabbe and Goyle snickered and agreed. Ron swivelled around and pointed his
wand at the first year Slytherins with a red face, looking pretty angry.
"No one asked you. Now get going" Ron attempted to sound intimidating with his
wand still pointed directly at them. Poppy had her own wand in hand and was
ready to send out some paralysing spells if she had to. Her ginger friend
hadn't noticed that the three Slytherin boys also had their wands in hand.
Draco Malfoy appeared only amused and superior, "Oh and what are you going to
do about it Weasel" He snickered and edged her friend on. Poppy snorted at the
pathetic insult he used.
Ron, wand still up and arm trembling, he opened his mouth to speak back but at
that moment Draco Malfoy shot forward much like his House's animal.
Poppy didn't even let one spell come out of Draco's mouth before she flicked
her wand and muttered under her breath, "Asinus Retro"
A pink shot of light came swiftly from her wand and directly hit the young
pureblood. Immediately Draco Malfoy shifted and the lower half of his body
transformed into something like a centaur, only shorter and more goat like.
Malfoy stumbled and fell to the ground, making loud donkey noises.
Ron let his arm drop and turned to look at her incredulously and then turned
back to Malfoy. The part Wizard part animal was flailing around and Crabbe and
Goyle, desperately trying to help him and shouting at themselves.
Crabbe straightened up and then pulled his wand out, "Inc-" He began but
couldn't finish when Poppy shot out her wand faster, "Rubrum Capillus" Poppy
hissed.
Crabbe's hair turned bright red – more so than Ron's and grew long, long past
his shoulders and down to his bottom. It was quite beautiful actually. She
thought with an amused smile.
The spells weren't malicious in any way but the young boy was freaked out. Ron
Weasley was now doubled over in laughter at the group with Goyle desperately
trying to help his two friends.
Noises down the corridor altered her to people swiftly moving in. She waited
until they approached.
"What is going on here?" Professor McGonagall's voice rang out. Poppy turned
around to see a group of Professors closing in on them. Her eyebrows rose, they
must have come from a staff meeting.
The Head of Gryffindor came charging forward with a furious face while
Professor Sprout came up to her side with a frown. Filius Flitwick looked
surprised as he assessed the scene. Severus Snape was perhaps the most furious
looking as he stormed towards his first years and began waving his wand in a
diagnostic manner. It did not look good.
Dumbledore stood at the back of the small grouping of Professors.
"Well, will one of you like to tell me what happened" McGonagall's eyes pierced
right into Ron and her. Her friends face had turned a deathly pale and he both
looked shocked and worried.
Immediately Draco Malfoy spoke up, apparently able to speak now thanks to Snape
even though his bottom half was still transfigurated, "We were on our way to
the Common Room when Weasley just came out of nowhere and attacked us!" His
voice was high and indignant. Immediately, Crabbe and Goyle started to agree.
Poppy was not amused. Ron immediately started protesting desperately, not
making much sense.
Snape stood back up with a snarl on his face, "Quiet you imbecile. Just how do
you suggest this happened then? You're caught red handed, don't you lie to me-
" He started advancing towards an increasingly shrinking back Ron.
"I did it" Poppy spoke up for the first time. Everyone in the corridor turned
to look at her in surprise.
McGonagall looked especially startled as she looked at the first year girl with
wide eyes, "You did this to Mr Malfoy and Mr Crabbe?" She asked, her voice
incredulous.
Poppy nodded her head with a smile. Ron turned to look at her wide a surprised
face but thankful eyes.
"Why you little-" Snape's voice hissed and immediately McGonagall turned to him
to silence him with a look.
"Severus, let me deal with my own House while you deal with yours" She snapped
and then turned back towards Poppy, still furious. Her demeanour would perhaps
have been quite intimidating if she didn't know the woman would never really
hurt her.
"Care to explain why you would viciously attack fellow first years, Miss
Stark?" Her questions seemed more rhetorical and angry than anything.
The trio of Slytherins immediately started giving suggestions, Goyle even said
'she's out to get us, she was trying to kill us'
Poppy tried not to snort and turned to the Transfiguration Professor calmly,
"Well they were trying to attack Ron here, Professor. Me and Ron were exploring
the castle when the boys found us and starting calling Ron names and trying to
provoke a fight. Ron got quite mad and pulled his wand us and warned him to go.
Malfoy was about to hex him so I hit him first. Then Crabbe was about to cast
another spell so I hit him too" She explained rationally.
The whole corridor of professors was looking at her strangely as if confused by
her behaviour. The Slytherins began immediately protesting and declaring their
innocence.
Snape scoffed loudly and drifted over to her with dark eyes glaring, "Oh and we
are just supposed to believe your story? Where is the evidence of their spells
then? No doubt you and Mr Weasley thought it would be quite funny. You thought
you could get away with-" He attempted to degrade her but Poppy wouldn't stand
down.
She looked directly into his eyes and raised an eyebrow, "Well you could check
our wands, if you like Professor. Or get some Veritaserum. Or ask the Portrait
over there for what he saw" She pointed to a portrait of a man that was hiding
behind something in his frame. The Professor's all turned to look.
Professor Sprout nodded to McGonagall, "I shall see what he has to say" and
wandered off
McGonagall nodded and continued eyeing the striped haired girl suspiciously,
"If this is true Miss Stark, why would you not simply stun the boys if this was
all in self-defence" She frowned and watched her closely over her glasses.
Poppy shrugged her shoulders, "Because we haven't learned to stun in Defense
yet? Because I only knew those two spells because you recommended reading on
partial human-animal transfiguration and Professor Flitwick was telling us all
about a hair growing charm last week" She explained and continued, "But mostly
I did it because they were trying to humiliate Ron and they've been picking on
him since the beginning of the year and been quite nasty. I wanted to give them
a taste of their own medicine so to speak" She smiled then.
Everyone just stared at her, "What? I don't like bullies" She stated to
everyone.
McGonagall was quietly considering her and seeming more surprised than angry at
this point "You do realise you just admitted to attempting trans-species
Transfiguration after I gave an hour long lecture in why it was
so dangerous" The woman was now glaring at her in exasperation.
She nodded and said, "But he was being such as Ass Professor" Her face was
puzzled and gave a significant look to her head of House. The girl then looked
towards Draco Malfoy that upper half was human and lower was still half part
donkey.
Flitwick snorted and stifled a smile.
McGonagall's lips thinned but she swore that she saw the strict woman express a
little bit of amusement for a moment.
"Very well, I am afraid I will have to take ten House points and give you
detention for the next week" She explained.
Poppy nodded calmly.
Professor Sprout then appeared and explained the same story that Poppy had
told. The Slytherins now glaring at her in hatred but received the same
punishment as she.
Poppy served her detentions and took her admonishment like a champ. From that
moment Ron hero worshipped the grown she walked on – for a few days at least –
and was sure to tell everyone about how she owned the Slytherins.
The Weasley twins, in particular, were impressed and many upper years
congratulated her. Her bond with Ron only grew from there and she was glad that
she grew closer to her freckled friend.
Since then, Ron always eagerly followed her whenever she wanted to explore the
castle.
***** Chapter 6 *****
Poppy settled into a familiar and welcoming routine during her first year at
Hogwarts. She would wake at five am and go for a run in the Forbidden Forest to
clear her mind of its usual nightmares. She was very fortunate that her
animagus abilities had an optional coat of invisibility. She would then shower
before the rest of the girls awoke and would religiously spend time on her
appearance. It was nothing too elaborate but she always made certain her
uniform was perfectly pressed and shoes shined. Her hair would be fixed
properly and her face clear and bright, displaying her supposed youthful
innocence in the best light. If she appeared weak then it would make her
opponents underestimate her. No one could know what was really going on inside
of her. No one could know how damaged and ugly she was. If she looked good on
the outside, no one would question the inside.
Poppy would then go to breakfast and chatter with her friends while making sure
to be as impulsive and carefree as she wanted. Then she would attend classes
where she would pay the barest amount of attention though she sometimes
practised her wordless magic if she was bored and other times – such as during
Binns' class – furthered her meditation. It helped with her brief bouts of
panic, creeping thoughts of worry and clinging apathy.
She would spend her free time in the common room with Ron and Harry or Hermione
when she wasn't studying. Each of them had their own pastime. Harry played
Quidditch, Hermione would study and Ron... well he would catch up on extra
sleep. Poppy would usually go to bed early in order to keep up appearances to
McGonagall to appease her 'medical condition' but actually read for a couple
hours at whatever stroked her fancy. Her Head of House usually granted her a
few days absence every few weeks when Poppy would become overwhelmed and needed
to isolate herself.
Poppy would then spend an hour meditating as a hope to keep nightmares away and
to calm her mind and body before getting a deep and wonderful four hours of
sleep. Five if she was feeling especially tired. The young girl functioned on
very little sleep thanks for her papa.
The only hiccups in her life were Professor Snape and this adventure with the
Philosophers stone.
If she was being honest, Poppy didn't care. She did not care that Albus
Dumbledore was stupid enough to hide something so valuable in a school of
impressionable children. The whole situation was very uninteresting to her. It
was not her concern nor her responsibility. It was Albus Dumbledores.
Yet she still followed her persistent friends and aided them as much as she
could. Which was very little, to her own disgust. Poppy could duel but
protecting her friends from their own need to meddle in dangerous affairs was
very difficult. Especially as Harry had been targeted that year and his
determination to find out who made it harder to keep him safe. Poppy did not
regret one bit setting fire to the Quidditch stands on Harry's first ever
match.
After all was said and done - and Poppy had a minor mental breakdown in worry
for her friends - Albus Dumbledore revealed that he had suspicions of Quirrell
and it only made her angry at the man. Why did he not sort out his own mess
then? Harry spent a few nights in the hospital wing because of that fool. She
slept on the floor beside his bed in her animagus form completely invisible,
feeling ashamed as she was unable to protect him. She wanted to make sure he
was safe.
The end of the year exams were pathetic and she decided to perform at a
mediocre level to avoid arousing suspicion. When they finally completed their
first year and the time came for them all to leave, it was painful. Her friends
had become a part of her and leaving them seemed unquestionable.
The last day of the year, Poppy and her three friends were all smiles and
giddiness at winning the House cup even though it was only a result of their
misadventure with the stone. They ran through the halls with smiles on their
faces that slowly faded as they collected their trunks and made it onto the
train.
The four first years sat quietly on the Express in sadness and in silence.
"I can't believe our first years over, went by quickly didn't it?" Ron sighed,
the most upbeat of all of them.
Hermione nodded, "It certainly did. It wasn't as productive as I hoped it would
be but I still managed to do alright" She said seriously.
Ron's eye widened and he looked to both me and Harry incredulously, "Done
alright? You were top of our bloody year, that's a bit better than alright I'd
say" He breathed with wide eyes and then looked at us, "Honestly? Alright" he
repeated with a head shake.
Hermione just huffed and then looked towards Poppy, "You did better than I
expected. Next year if you really apply yourself then you could get better
results"
The animagus girl merely raised her eyebrows and tilted her head to the side,
"Pardon? How could I do better? How do you even know how I did?" Poppy frowned.
Hermione's eyes bulged, "You didn't even check your results!" She gasped as if
it was a great scandal.
Poppy cringed at the slight wail in her voice, "No no, I did. Got the parchment
from McGonagall. I did fine" She placated her bossy friend who's bushy hair
seemed wilder than usual in her agitation.
"No. Did you not look for your place in the top ten grades of the year? It's
posted outside the Great Hall" Hermione was extremely irritated as she
basically bit the words out.
Poppy just stared at the girl impassively, "Obviously not" She droned.
Hermione huffed again deeper and turned to the two boys, "You two checked,
didn't you?" seeming to dare them to refuse.
Ron was wide eyed, "Bloody hell, don't drag me into this" He gasped
incredulously.
Harry looked sheepish, "We weren't on the list, were we?" The bespeckled boy
asked tentatively.
Hermione shook her head with a frown, "Well no-but-"
Ron cut her off, "-No! Why are you pitching a fit then? Honestly, girls mate"
He turned to Harry. The boy-who-lived was trying to fight off a smile.
Hermione groaned again loudly, "If you would just listen to me, I was trying to
say that Poppy made the list" Her words rushed out of her mouth desperately.
The orphan girl merely blinked in surprise. Did she really? That is not
at all what she was going for. She frowned. Poppy wanted to remain firmly
average. Happily normal.
Ron smiled at her, "That's great Poppy! Well done, always knew you were proper
smart, always reading and that" He congratulated with a happy face. Poppy
was very amused and pleased at Ron's approval.
Harry smiled at her also and said, "Wow, that's great Poppy, congratulations.
Where was she on the list Hermione?" The dark haired boy turned to her.
Hermione was now the one frowning but did answer, "She was number ten" She
sniffed then looked away out of the window.
Ron was still quite pleased, unable notice Hermione's mounting anger even if
Harry's eyes did dart to her worriedly, "Good for you Poppy" Ron cheered.
Hermione's patience snapped, "Honestly Ronald, you didn't congratulate me for
getting the top place. No one went on about it"
Ron just looked completely bewildered, "You went on about it. How did you want
to keep talking about it?"
Hermione's face went red and hair cackled in anger, "Yes but you didn't even
congratulate me" She snapped back.
The bickering between Ron and Hermione was nothing new, though their ability to
remain friends after was quite remarkable.
Poppy turned to Harry to simply roll her eyes. He smiled back. Her friends were
strange and sometimes annoying but she wouldn't change them for the world. They
accepted her after all.
===============================================================================
The summer between first and second year was the worst summer Poppy ever had.
She was essentially homeless but now knew what it was like to live a carefree
and comfortable life. She was fortunate that she didn't have a magical trace so
was able to use her magic to make her life easier.
Such as by being able to; Scourgify her clothes when they started the
smell, Augmenti herself clean in some sort of semblance of a shower, Shrink her
belongings and trunk so they fit neatly in her jeans pocket.
Around three weeks in, Poppy got frustrated running around in her invisible
animagus form and sleeping in the cold. She took risky measures and broke into
muggles houses when they were away. It was summer so more often than not,
families were packing away and flying somewhere warmer.
Poppy shamelessly let herself in and lived in their houses until she could
think of a more permanent solution. How could she make money? She couldn't get
a job yet as she was too young. She would definitely not be selling herself
like other homeless children did. The young witch had no shame in stealing,
however, which is exactly what she did. Mostly to drunks and awful people
lurking in Knockturn Alley. She needed the galleons to buy next years textbooks
and clothes after all.
The girl was also very worried her papa would find her without the protection
of Hogwarts. She did run away without a goodbye and did not know if he would be
looking for her. Probably, he spent a lot of time and effort into her and would
be furious. Although she didn't much like living in her animal form she did in
fear of being found by her papa or even Muggle authorities.
The young Orphan didn't even notice her birthday passing and when her Hogwarts
letter finally came she almost wept with relief.
That summer was also particularly awful as Harry hasn't replied to her letters.
She was sick with worry and berated herself constantly for not getting an
address so she could check in on him. She would not be making that mistake next
year.
It was with both hope and desperate longing when she finally left for Hogwarts
to start her second year.
***** Chapter 7 *****
Poppy's second year at Hogwarts began as a disaster. The animagus was frantic
that Ron and Harry did not show up on the Express. After Harry not replying to
her letters and now Ron disappearing, she had a brief episode of sheer panic on
the train. For the entire journey, she wept and hyperventilated in Hermione's
arms swearing and blaming herself for not protecting them. Her fellow
Gryffindor promised her they would be at the welcoming feast.
They weren't.
Poppy didn't sleep her first night of second year and spent all night rocking
back and forth imagining all the ways in which they were dead. She thought her
life was crumbling all around her and slept in Hermione's bed, clutching the
girl desperately and breathing shakily as sleep would not come.
The only reason she moved that day was because her bushy haired friend that
forced her to dress, get ready and leave the dorm.
When they reached the common room, Poppy gasped seeing her boys safe and
waiting for the girls. The animagus proceeded to then berate the boys in a
manner that would make both McGonagall and Hermione proud. In fact, Hermoine
sent a lovely stinging hex to both of boys for the pain Poppy was put through.
Poppy loved that swot.
That breakfast she clung to both Harry and Ron desperately, still not knowing
the story or caring at the moment. If people gave her funny looks for her pale
face, wide eyes and almost desperate expression then she didn't care either.
Her friends were safe.
It was only later that night that she discovered that they were not safe. Or
Harry wasn't anyway. A house elf warned him his life was in danger. What family
did this elf belong to? What was going on? It was all very suspicious. Either
way, Poppy would not be letting anyone hurt her friends.
The striped haired girl clung to her friends the first week of second year like
Devils snare. Harry was very understanding and simply indulged her as she
cuddled into his arm, draped over him in the common room or grabbed his hand.
Ron was not as tolerant and eventually shoved her off, though Poppy mostly just
kept the ginger boy in her eyesight.
One early morning the foursome left their Transfiguration classroom when a
voice brought them to an abrupt halt just outside the doorway, "Ah Harry, my
boy, how are you this morning?" A man's voice reached her ears. Poppy didn't
recognise it and immediately turned around to frown.
The man that spoke was conventionally handsome with blond wavy hair. He was
dressed in Wizarding finery in ostentatious gold and emerald colours that would
look more suitable at a ball or formal event. He was smiling charmingly though
this was all a mask Poppy could clearly see. His teeth were blindingly white
and his hair charmed and coiffed to perfection. It was all an elaborate charade
that did not impress the hardened girl one bit.
Harry looked sheepish and uncomfortable as he replied, "Sorry sir, I was just
on my way to class" He mumbled. Ron grumbled and crossed his arms over his
chest moodily. Hermione smiled and looked up at the man with big brown
sparkling eyes that were excited and giddy. What in Merlin's beard? Who was
this man?
All of the other second years had left by this point leaving only Harry,
herself, Ron and Hermione standing awkwardly as the man smiled at her messy
haired friend with eyes that gleamed hungrily. Poppy stood beside Harry closely
with an impassive expression and wand at the ready.
McGonagall then appeared in the doorway to her classroom frowning at those
clustered in front of her.
The Head of Gryffindor House cleared her throat, "Is there a particular reason
you four are all loitering in the hallways when you should be on the way to
your next class?" She pointedly asked the four of them, peering over her
glasses disapprovingly.
The wavy haired man then cleared his throat and leant back pompously with a
small grin, "Forgive me, Professor McGonagall, I was just talking to young
Harry here" He continued smiling, obnoxiously in Poppy's opinion and she
immediately stepped in when the man tried to put his arm around Harry's
shoulder.
"Excuse me, I don't believe we've met" Poppy spoke up dryly and looked at the
man expectantly. Lockheart turned as if surprised by her presence and he did
not even notice her standing right beside the boy he was fawning over.
He smiled indulgently at her and flipped his hair to the side. Hermione sighed
dreamily, "Gilderoy Lockheart, my dear, your new Defense Against the Dark Arts
Professor" He boasted loudly and flipped his hair again. Poppy was startled.
She paused noticeably and her eyes widened in shock. The man had an air of
arrogance that appeared as if he was gracing Hogwarts with his divine presence.
She turned to look at Professor McGonagall who's patience seemed to be wearing
dangerously thin. Her lips were tight and face unamused. Poppy looked directly
at Lockheart and said, "Your joking" She deadpanned.
The man looked surprised for a moment and then laughed as if it was all some
big joke. Poppy turned back to look at her Transfiguration Professor, "This is
all some elaborate prank, isn't it?" She asked seriously and a little hopefully
to the older woman. Hermione jabbed her harshly in the back and Ron let out a
snort of amusement.
They were not joking!
The man was smiling at her in a condescending and indulgent way that was making
her itch for her wand, "My dear, it is most unfortunate that you truly do not
know whom I am, it is understandable, you are so young yet and you have not
have had the pleasure of your first Defense class I'm afraid"
Poppy's jaw dropped. The man could not be so stupid, could he? Did he think
boasting like this was subtle and would make people admire him? Humbragging.
That is exactly what he was doing.
The man then pulled a book from inside of his elaborate robes and handed it to
her with a flourish. Poppy peered down at the book that showed a massive
picture of the man before her beaming as fireworks went off in the background.
She absently flipped the book to read the back.
Poppy whipped her head to look at the man after reading the first couple
sentences, "This says you used a spell to turn a werewolf back into
human. What! that's-that's just-dangerously insane! If you were going to just
make stuff up then you could at least do something more believable!" She
exclaimed with a puff of air, wondering how on earth anyone would publish such
nonsense. It was a book comprised of a grown man telling tall tales and grossly
over exaggerating his accomplishment like a five-year-old child.
Hermione grabbed roughly by the back of her arm and hissed in her ear. The man
stood back in shock and McGonagall's lips twitched as she shifted.
"Enough Miss Stark, you four had best be getting to class" The head of her
House told her quite calmly.
"-Get back to my... Professor this is madness! This says he took on a banshee
single handily as well as a group of Trolls" Poppy's eyed were bulging wide at
the ridiculousness of the entire situation.
Poppy looked frantically around her, baffled as to why no one else thought this
was utter madness. Albus Dumbledore hired this man?!
"Poppy come on, we need to get going" Harry whispered in her ear, though his
voice was shaky as if he was trying to hold back laughter.
"What" She yelped, still looking around for some sort of support. McGonagall
was trying to hide a smile, Hermione looked thunderous with her hair cackling
madly and Ron was sniggering.
"Come on" Harry emphasised and then dragged her to Charms class.
Hermione didn't speak to her for a week.
===============================================================================
Her first few months of second year were unremarkable. The orphan girl kept an
eye out for the 'danger' Harry was in and found nothing. The most interesting
development was during Duelling club when they found out Harry was a
Parselmouth.
The descendants of Slytherin were Parselmouth. She explained this to Harry and
began researching dark scars, dark magic and the killing curse furiously by
sneaking into the forbidden section of the library in worry of her friend. Most
of the information she already knew. How could Harry gain this completely
unique ability passed only through blood from surviving a killing curse? It
made no sense. His scar wasn't a dark scar. That much was evident. What on
earth was it?
Poppy continued practising her magic by the forbidden forest or black lake
where no one would find her. It was a quiet Sunday night at the end of
September when Poppy made her way down to the lake alone. Most of the students
and staff would be at dinner so she didn't need to worry about anyone seeing
her.
Closing her eyes, Poppy concentrated and took a deep breath of the cool and
damp air. A medium sized rock sat at the bed on the river. She focused on it
and pointed her wand.
'Winggardium Levisa' She said lazily in her mind. Immediately the rock lifted
easily into the air and floated. The young girl was improving at casting
wordless magic.
'lepus mutatio' Poppy waved her wand and Transfigured the rock into a rabbit.
Her wordless magic had definitely improved. It was almost second nature to her.
She believed it was time to begin wandless magic.
Poppy paused her wand movements as she heard figures approaching her from
behind. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to identify their
scents. Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle. She kept her back to them but remained alert
in the event they attempted to curse her while her back was turned.
"Out all alone, Stark? Dangerous creatures lurk here at night you know,
hopefully, you'll get eaten" Malfoy's smug and amused voice spoke out from
behind her.
Poppy turned slowly to look at the Malfoy heir surrounded by his two other
pureblood 'friends'. The pathetic boy really wasn't worth her time. She
regarded him coolly for a moment before turning her back to him again.
"Thanks for the concern Malfoy but I'm sure I'll be fine" Poppy's voice was
both dismissive and definitely amused. A creature attack her? Right. For some
reason, magical creatures always were courteous and accepting of her.
Poppy heard the boy hiss out an angry breath and march closer to her
threateningly. The Orphan girl turned around again swiftly and saw his wand
directed right at her nose. Draco Malfoy's face was twisted into an ugly snarl.
"How dare you turn your back to me, filthy little Mudblood" He spat.
Poppy bit her lip anxiously, eyeing the wand. She felt her heart rate increase
and adrenaline pump through her. The spoiled boy was only a second year so it
was doubtful he could do much damage. Though he was a pureblood. And his father
a Death Eater. He could know a host of dark spells. Poppy was quite aware what
could go wrong. It was all her fault for not being more cautious.
Her wand was clutched in her hand tightly and she was hyper focused on the boy
in front of her, intent to not make another mistake. The girl didn't even
realise she was so tense that she bit her lip too hard.
Draco Malfoy jerked back from her with an expression of pure disgust, "Keep
your filthy blood away from me"
Poppy lifted her left hand up to her lip to see her fingers stained crimson
with blood. The girl got a devious thought then. She really shouldn't... The
animagus smirked at the pureblood in front of her and held out her bloody
digit, "It doesn't look dirty to me... want to see?" Her voice was sweetly
innocent as held her hand out for him to inspect.
Draco Malfoy's eyes widened and he stepped back further, "Keep your dirty blood
away from me" His voice was definitely less confident.
Poppy could help it. She really couldn't. Anyone in her situation would have
probably done the same thing. The striped haired girl sprung forward suddenly,
like a snake, grabbing Draco Malfoy by the shoulders and smashed her lips
against his.
The Slytherin boy jerked heavily in her arms as she rubbed her mouth all over
the boys own lips and forcing it into his mouth. After a few moments, she was
finally ripped away with the two other spectator Slytherin boys and Draco
Malfoy was pale and shaking with wide eyes with red lips. No, he looked a
little green actually.
Poppy snickered. The two boys stared in terror and Malfoy was now whimpering
and frantically wiping his mouth on his sleeve and spitting.
"How was it, taste dirty?" She asked dryly, immediately the boys whipped their
head around to her and then it seemed to register how near she was as they
bolted away from her in a panic.
She laughed outright then as they got further and further away. Poppy couldn't
resist shouting one last time before they were out of view, "That was great! We
should do it again sometime!"
The striped hair animagus second year dropped to the ground in laughter.
===============================================================================
Potions class was something of a trial in patience for Poppy where she worked
on controlling her emotions. Severus Snape was a very unpleasant man and made
life as difficult as possible for herself and Harry. The animagus didn't let it
bother her as she saw the man as emotionally weak and allowed himself to be
miserable but it bothered Harry. Her friend was starting to become angry and
bitter about his treatment and if it bothered Harry, well, then she would need
to do something about that. Wouldn't she?
Harry and Poppy were working quietly on a Potion together when her friend
absently ruffled his hair, "Enough Mr Potter" Snape barked. "No amount of
grooming will tame that birds nest atop your head. Two points from Gryffindor
for your pathetic vanity" The Potions Professor sneered at the boy-who-lived.
The Slytherins in the Potions room all snickered and smirked at her friend.
Poppy slowed her stirring of the Potion and when she had finished, looked up to
see Severus Snape smirking with dark amusement. Harry had his head ducked down
and face was flushed.
Poppy let out a loud scoff and looked directly into the dark eyes of the former
Death Eater, "I can't believe you just commented on the state of someones hair.
You know you can't take House points away because Harry's touched his hair.
Maybe you would too-if you actually washed it" Poppy now smirked at the man.
His face changed colour – not quite red but more of a blotchy pink – and
twisted into something very unattractive, "You should try it sometime" She
winked cheekily.
Poppy was given two weeks worth of detentions but she didn't care.
Harry had lifted his head and laughed.
===============================================================================
Mid way through October Poppy entered the Great Hall late for dinner. She had
been down visiting Hagrid but knew she had to grab some food before her
detention tonight. The striped haired girl entered the side door of the Hall –
the one usually used by Professors - instead of the main entrance in an attempt
to save some time.
She walked jauntily by the Professor's table and heard Lockhearts loud and
honeyed voice drifting over her. Poppy looked over. Poor Professor's must lose
their appetite.
"-Anyway" Lockheart laughed, "I managed to talk down those vicious Vampires-
only after defeating their leader of course" He send a wink towards Professor
Sprout who immediately looked away in disgust.
Poppy stopped at the table and bend backwards in an arrogant gesture and
grinned pompously, "Right you did, my good man" She stepped forward and spoke
with an inflection that sounded uncanningly like Lockheart, "Just this morning
swimming in the black lake I had to fight off those vicious Merfolk! They were
jealous, you see, of my enchanting beauty and wonderful voice, no mere mermaid
could compare" Poppy flailed her arms and grinned again, showing off lots of
teeth.
By this point she was drawing the attention of quite a few people. Poppy then
slapped her leg as if in rememerance, "But all of that was before breakfast, of
course, on my way to class several dementors appeared out of thin air and I had
to battle to them to the death. My patronus was so powerful that they burned
from the inside out-" She gasped and grabbed her heart dramatically.
Lockheart, for the first time ever, was not smiling pompously. He was glaring
with an unhappy face that was frozen into something that he was trying to
appear amused and non-chalant. It was not working.
Professor McGongall cut in, "Miss Stark what nonsense are you on about? Are you
quite finished" Her voice was not amused, though several Professors around her
with sniggering to themselves and hiding smiles.
Poppy shook her head with another bright grin, "Not quite, I haven't reached
the part where I mastered Animagi transformation or learned to fly without a
broom. Oh and I simply must tell you about the galleons that I pulled from my
arse the other day-"
"Ten points from Gryffindor for your foul language. You will go sit down and
stop making a specticle of yourself or you will have a weeks worth of
detentions" McGongall glared at her in warning.
Poppy deflated from her arrogant pose and sighed looking deeply contrire, "I'm
sorry Professor, I thought you were playing a game. See who could make up the
most nonsense" She grinned then, more mischievously than before.
Poppy winked and moved forward to nick some roast potatoes from Lockhearts
plate. Like the pathetic man could do anything about it.
McGongall looked horrified and enraged by her complete disrespect so she held
up her hands in defense with a sheepish smile, still chewing her food. Her Head
of House was about to open her mouth when Poppy interjected.
"-I'm sorry, I know, I will graciously concede defeat this time around. I know
when I've been beaten. Didn't even come close, I'm afraid" She continued
smiling. The girl then cheekily reached over for a slice of grilled chicken
from the foolish man's plate.
Poppy made a sound of intense enjoyment and spoke through a mouth full of food,
"Mm the house elfs really outdone themselves tonight" She commented idly.
Lockheart had lifted his plate and snatched it away from her prying hands by
this point.
"Detention tonight and for the next week for your complete disrespect of a
staff member and inapropriate behaviour" McGongall breathed angrily. Though
Poppy was observing the woman closely and could have swore the woman held a
little amusement in her eyes.
Poppy sighed heavily and backed off then towards the Gryffindor table. On the
way she passed Albus Dumbledore and spoke to him as she passed, he was watching
her with amusement glittering in his bright blue eyes, she gave him a pointed
look "Just so you know, I've lost a lot of respect towards you for hiring that
man" She said quietly, though still loud enough for the other staff members to
hear.
"Two weeks worth of detention. Starting tonight" McGongall snapped loudly as
she continued walking. Poppy's back was to the Professor so she simply lifted
her hand in acknowledgement and called back loudly so she could hear,
"Sorry Minnie, I've got a date with Snape every night for the rest of the week
but I'll see you on Monday"
Poppy finally reached her friends, seeing Hermione's white and thunderous face,
Ron's incredulous face and Harry's amused but exasperated face.
She merely grinned then began eating her dinner.
===============================================================================
The night of Halloween, four second year Gryffindors bolted down the corridor
as fast as their feet would take them. What had just happened? What had
petrified Mrs Norris. More importantly, who wrote, 'The Chambers of Secrets has
been opened. Enemies of the heir beware' in humam blood.
These thoughts were swirling around each of their brains as they finally
reached the common room. It was thankfully empty as everyone was still at the
scene of the attack most likely.
"It's just strange" Hermione exhaled and then flopped down in front of the
quietly flickering fire place.
"What is?" Harry asked quietly and moved to sit on the sofa. Poppy sat down
beside him.
"It's just-you hear a voice that only you can hear and then Mrs Norris turns up
petrified, it's just strange" Hermione finished with a contemplative frown
towards Harry.
Ron looked still startled and dismayed. Harry furrowed his brows, "do you think
I should have told them? Dumbledore and the others?" He asked worriedly.
"No-"
"-Are you mad?!"
Both Poppy and Ron spoke simultaneously.
The striped haired girl sent a stern look towards Harry. Hermione continued
speaking, "Even in the Wizarding World, hearing voices isn't a good sign" Her
voice was tight and comercerned.
Harry looked dejected and Poppy moved to give him a hug. The boy-who-lived
merely sighed in response, pat her arm and then retired for the night, dragging
his feet up the stairs.
Poppy sat with Hermione as the two boys walked up to their dormitories for the
night.
"Do you have any books on Hogwarts history upstairs?" Poppy questioned as the
common room became flooded with people once more whispering and gossiping about
what had transpired that night.
Hermione frowned and stood, "Of course"
Poppy nodded in response, "So do I, care to do a little research tonight?" She
asked, sending a curious look to her friend.
Hermione smiled excitedly in response.
Poppy and Hermione only stayed up around two hours before the other girl begged
off to get some sleep for classes the next day. That was fine with Poppy. The
green eyed girl planned on sneaking out that night to see what clues she could
find from the scene of the crime in her animagus form. People were already
whispering about Harry being to blame and hearing strange voices? That
was definitely worrying.
Shifting into four legs silently, Poppy made herself invisible and sped through
the common room, through the walls and floated through the many Hogwarts
corridors until she reached the place where they had found Mrs Norris.
Poppy immediately stopped and surveyed the place with her different eyes. She
was lower to the ground of course and someone – probably Filch or the
Professor's – had already cleaned the area. She let out a tiny exasperated
growl.
Fortunately, the ground was no longer wet but the walls were not dripping in
blood either. How irritating. If even a tinyest bit of blood was still there
she could have scented and found the owner of the blood. She huffed and stalked
closer to the wall, sniffing intently and scenting for anything.
Too many people had come and gone for her to identify.
Standing up on her back legs and paws against the wall, she sniffed long and
hard for even the tinest trace of scent.
Wait. There is was.
Poppy breathed in and out liberally. The scent was small and barely there but
she found it. The animagus did not recognise it and it was too little for her
to remember if she bumped into the owner of the scent. It was young and...
Spicy? Too common.
Letting out another frustrated growl she sped back to her dormetry in seconds
fat, once again fading through walls.
Poppy would need to keep her eye out. Something wasn't right.
===============================================================================
It was two weeks of randomly patrolling the hallways of Hogwarts castle that
Poppy finally caught an unusual scent. An unusual creature scent. Only it
wasn't present and did not leave a trail. It was almost like the walls had been
washed with it's scent and even more frustrating yet, she could not idnetify
the odor.
Poppy was no expert in magical creatures even though one could argue
she was one. The girl had only encountered a few in her life and would remember
their unique smell anywhere. It was the same with magical and muggle scents,
magic had its own identifier and so did magical creatures.
The only thing she knew for certain was that it was large and covered a lot of
surface area. It was not warm blooded or it would linger more. It
positively reeked of dark magic that was sour and unpleasant to her nose. So
much so, she would get sniffs of it during the day in class times making her
sneeze and only frustrating her further.
The smell was unique... almost like an Runespoor or an Ashwinder...Wait. Was
this some kind of snake creature? It would explain the noises Harry was
hearing.
This revelation came to her in the middle of dinner one night and she
immediately shuddered then bolted out of the Great Hall to research in the
library.
Poppy didn't sleep that night. It didn't take long for her to find the creature
that fit the profile and it only terrified her to the point of true insomnia.
A Basilisk. A creature that could kill you by making eye contact. Poison that
could kill you in minutes. It could grow massive in size and live for thousands
of years. How could she save her friends from this? What did the bloody house
elf have to do with it? How was Mrs Norris only petrified and not killed? How
was this creature travelling through the school unnoticed?!
Poppy needed to tell Harry.
Thus, she paced the common room before breakfast waiting for her messy haired
friend to finally wake up so she could explain it to him. Many Gryffindors
passed her and gave her odd looks but she simply ignored them, pacing in her
pjamas.
"Poppy?" Harrys confused voice called out.
The girl's head snapped up, "Harry, I need to speak with you now" Her voice was
tight and urgent. The bespeckled boy immediately grabbed her arm carefully and
looked her up and down, emerald eyes so much like her own fixating on her in
worry.
"Poppy, are you okay? What's wrong? You look awful" He whispered and continued
looking for signs of injury or the like.
The striped haired girl checked for anyone lurking about and no one was close
enough to listen. She leaned in to whisper, "I know what petrified Mrs Norris.
I know what Slytherin's creature is" Her quiet voice confessed.
Harry immediately pulled back to look at her with wide eyes. He stared at her
for a moment, waiting.
"It's a Basilisk" Her stranged voice choked out.
Harry hurried off to his first class that morning – Transfiguration – Poppy was
fortunate that McGongall allowed her a few days off now and then for her
'condition'. Since she stayed ahead in her studies, her Head of House was quite
understanding. Poppy had nightmares at least once a week, sometimes more, so
catching up on sleep was always essential though she didn't always take days.
Only a couple every few weeks. So her lack of presence that day would not be
questioned.
Poppy was now in quite the predicament and sat all day nervously fidgeting in
her bed, attempting to sleep.
But she couldn't. That was because Harry had to immediately rush off to class
but only after Poppy made him promise not to tell Ron or Hermione. Harry was
confused and wanted to know how she figured it out. She had to tell him, didn't
she? He was her best friend. She had to tell him she was a bloody animagi! How
could she not? It would be dishonest not to.
The only problem was his reaction. It wasn't normal for such a young girl able
to master something so advanced. It wasn't normal for her anamagi form to be a
magical creature and not an animal. Nothing about this situation was normal.
She prayed to Merlin everything would work out.
That night, around two in the morning, two second year Gyriffindors sneaked out
of their beds to meet in the common room. The girl had been seated there for a
few hours already; waiting. Waiting for something wonderful or awful to happen.
The boy yawned and crept down with a cloak clutched in his hands and
immediately spotted the girl, hunched over on the sofa looking defeated.
He walked over slowly and sat down next to her.
"Whatever it is can't be that bad. Your still my friend no matter what" Harry
promised her. Poppy's big green eyes opened and blinked up at him sadly and
hopefully.
She took a deep breath, "Before I came to Hogwarts I was living with my papa,
you know that right?" She bit her lip uncertainty. Harry nodded, face serious.
"Well, he was a very powerful wizard and had dark magic, I couldn't just run
away from him. I needed to be certain he wouldn't-couldn't follow me. So,
everyday for around two years I plotted a way to escape" She whispered, eyes
continuously darting around the room hoping no one overheard.
Harry nodded with a confused frown on his face, listening closely, "At first,
it wasn't to run away... but then as time when on it was my only hope" Abruptly
Poppy stood up to stand before Harry with a shaky breath.
He watched her carefully.
"I-I'm a-" She cut off, uncharacteristically uncertain, "It's better if I
showed you" She whispered.
Poppy then quickly shifted into her animagus form.
Harry's eyes widened and he leant back a little in his seat, gaze transfixed on
her form that was now much lower to the ground. Poppy sat down on her hind legs
to appear less intimidating and let out a small low pitched whine, her ears
folding back into her head.
Harry was still staring in shock and awe his hand lifted forward hesitantly as
if he wanted to touch her but then pulled back. She whined again and dipped her
large canine head in a welcoming gesture.
The second year boy took this for the permission that he needed and gently
stroked her head with his palm and touched her muzzle. Poppy's big green canine
eyes closed, her tail twitching idly behind her. The anigmaus enjoyed the
sensation of hands rubbing carefully through her pure white fur, gentle but
firm. It felt wonderful. Before she knew it a strange rumbling – not unlike a
purr – started from her chest.
At Harry's chuckle, she looked up again. He was smiling warmly at her, "Your a
wolf" He stated, oddly calm.
Poppy then knew she had to demonstrate the extent of the strangeness. He
probably thought she was an ordinary wolf – perhaps even part dog as she was a
little on the small side. She backed off and Harry watched again, fascinated.
She shifted her body so that all that remained was a wispy light creature
version on the flesh and blood animal she was before.
Poppy looked much like a Patronus when she was like this. Harry's green eyes
sparked in the scarce light and he gazed at her in complete awe as if she was
the most precious work of art.
The wolf-creature darted around the room, in whispy light form, quick as
lightning to demonstrate her abilities, in and out through the walls and
Invisibility flickering on and off. Harry's eyes followed her closely and his
mouth hung open.
Poppy finally landed back in front of Harry on the sofa and shifted back to
human. The strange blue glowing lightness that reached every corner of the
common room was immediately extinguished and Poppy felt uncomfortable in the
dark again.
The second year girl looked up hesitantly. Harry's face was nothing but filled
with marvel and happiness.
She decided to explain, "So in order to escape I became an animagus" She
finished rather lamely after her spectacular show.
Harry opened his mouth to speak but she cut him off abruptly, "-But I don't
know what I am" She hit out with in a frustrated tone, starting to pace back
and forth in the common room, "I mean, animagi are magical folk who turn
into animals I'm not an animal as you can see" She turned around to look
helplessly at Harry who now looked concerned, "I am a magical creature. But I
don't even know what kind. Other magical creatures recognise me, Harry and I
can recognise them. Even in witch form, I can tell. It's like a scent... and
scents! Why can I still recognise scents as a human! Why is my hearing better
and vision clearer and-and-"
Harry had stood up and enveloped her in a hug. She immediately sagged in his
arms. Harry was not a physically affectionate sort. He definitely was not. Only
with her.
He spoke quietly but tone held no room for arguments or objections, "I don't
care what you are, your still and always will be my friend Poppy"
The second year animagus girl started to weep.
===============================================================================
Poppy was not in a good mood. No, ever since telling Harry about the Basilisk
and then tentatively informing the rest of their friends – withholding her
animagus status - Harry has been dead set on finding the beast and taking care
of it.
The entire idea was insane. His logic being that because he was the only known
parcelmouth that he could do something. No. Poppy suggested quite strongly to
give this information to Albus Dumbledore. He was the headmaster. Allow him to
deal with it!
But no. Hermione and the rest of them were afraid if they found out how bad it
was then the school would be shut down. That stopped Poppy for the moment,
knowing she was homeless and didn't have anywhere to go. But really the
Professors should at least deal with it. This was not their responsibility.
People could die.
They were bloody second years!
It was in this frame of mind that Poppy sent jyxes and hex's to a couple of
dummies she'd conjured at a small hidden area just before the forbidden forest.
She has essentially mastered non-verbal magic and did not even think before
sending various rapid spells at her targets.
Pausing to take a deep breath, she focused her mind and Occulmency shields. She
calmed and focused her mind, tucking her wand away in her sleeve and holding
out her hand. She could do wordless and wandless magic but not excellently and
powerfully. Now was the time to practice.
'Bombarda' she thought loudly and waved her hand.
The dummy exploded. Poppy smiled.
===============================================================================
Her Second year was more eventful than first year and even more tedious dealing
with that utter fool Lockheart. They were all extremely fortunate that children
were only petrified and none killed. Poppy attacked and killed tons of
arachnomantualla in attempt to keep Ron and Harry safe after they became
desperate when Hermione was attacked.
Poppy also followed Harry and Ron into the chamber of secrets – unbeknownst to
the ginger boy and the clueless defence Professor – in her wolf animagus form
and invisible. Harry was the only one that knew and kept a steady grip in the
pure white fur on her back as she kept an eye out for the basilisk.
It could not look into her eyes if it did not see them, she theoried.
Poppy attacked the giant snake and blinded it before she was thrown off
violently. Fawkes then came to the rescue and Harry managed to kill the beast.
Everything turned out fine in the end, to her great relief.
Poppy couldn't believe how difficult it was to keep her friends alive.
===============================================================================
On the train journey home that year, the foursome were huddled together,
talking in quiet tones. Poppy was unashemedly latched onto Harry as he talked
Quiddich with Ron.
Poppy rolled her eyes to Hermione over the boys heads. Trust them to return to
talking about Quiddich after two of them almost died.
"Wood said that next year he will be starting training on the second day of
term, can you believe it, Quiddich mad he is" Ron exclaimed as he ruffled
around in his bag for something.
Harry laughed and Ron pulled his arm out, "There you are Scabbers" He smiled.
Poppy was now looking out the window when a strange scent hit her. She looked
around the carriage with a frown wondering if someone had suddenly entered. No.
The animagus look another deep breath. Why did she smell... a man? An older
man?
Her eyes then reached the rat sleeping innocently on Ron's lap.
It was one of the moments when it seems like time is frozen as she watched the
slumbering rat in a dark state of detachment. A rat... a rat... a rat...
The man with the watery eyes smiled though it was slimy and greedy. Poppy was
scared. She was in his arms. How did this strange man get into her bedroom? Why
was he here? Poppy sniffed and tried to be brave, telling herself that she was
a big girl now.
Poppy's eyes connected with her Uncle. He was standing tall and poised staring
helplessly at the pair in the doorway. Poppy tried to struggle and go to him
but the man held on and his wand was pointed right at her throat. She wanted
her uncle.
Warm tears fell from her eyes.
"Alright, I promise. Just give me Poppy" Uncle's voice was desperate and filled
with worry. She wanted to hug him.
The pudgy man at her side pushed her towards her uncle standing in the doorway
to her room. She stumbled a little but uncle caught her.
"I've got you Poppy. Your safe. Your safe" He whispered desperately at her.
They hugged each other fiercely but only for a moment. Her uncle then stood,
keeping his body angled in front of her in an odd way to keep the strange man
with two large front teeth and twitching nose from view.
He then turned around and nudged her out the room. The small family was quite
relieved to get away when a large hiss came from behind them as soon as uncle
had turned his back fully to the man.
"Avada Kadavdra"
Poppy heard a thump and swivelled around to see a strange green light settle on
her uncle, who was now lying on the ground motionless with his eyes open.
She stared, completely uncomprehending.
The man tried to approach and say something but she couldn't hear as her heart
was ringing in her ears, still not knowning. She knelt on the ground and shook
her uncle in panic.
A loud 'pop' echo'd throughout her bedroom and a house elf appearec looking
furious with large eyes glittering with madness, insanity and hate as it began
attacking the strange man and destroying her room.
The man tried to defend himself but he was startled and the sheer onslaught of
the elf was too much. He began to shrink and Poppy watched with a strange sense
of confusion as he turned into a rat.
The rat ran forward, close to her. She watched it closely. It was fat and brown
with beady eyes and a big fat worm like tail. It's little claws scuttled on the
floor, though, right at the front, it had one toe that was noiseably missing.
The elf blasted the floor as it got near to her, in attempt to kill it.
Poppy screamed and ran. She didn't stop.
The memory hit her suddenly and her heart began to thunder in her ears. It
couldn't be. It wasn't. She had seen many rats over the years. She was being
ridiculous. But why did this sumblering fat rat smell so much like a man?
Poppy counted the toes on the rat.
One...two...three...four...five...six...seven...eight...nine...nine...
Rage and fear became overwhleming for long moments.
"Hey Ron?" She asked quietly, gaze fixated on the rat.
Her ginger friend turned to look at her questioningly,
She smiled calmly, mask in place through her eyes were probably unusually
bright and hard. "Can I borrow your rat this summer?"
***** Chapter 8 *****
The summer between her second and third year was the most taxing and stressful
of her life. It happened as suddenly as a lightning bolt but now it seemed she
had found her uncle's murder, disguised as Ron's pet. The disgusting and evil
man that taken her only family away. She had him. Part of Poppy was maliciously
pleased and another agitated and paranoid being in such close proximity.
Poppy had taken the rat and placed upon it a very powerful sleeping spell
so it would not awaken. She then placed wards, imprisonment spells and mild
curses around its cage so that it could not escape.
That summer, Poppy obliviated a Muggle man for accommodation. She gave him the
idea to move to France for the next few months and then she lived in his small
flat for free. The flat was just around the corner from Diagon Alley. Poppy
began brewing and selling advanced Potions illegally for gold. It was lucky
that she had learned how to brew Polyjuice that year and it inspired her as a
way of making galleons. She would drink the Polyjuice twice a week and sell her
Potions down Knockturn Alley. It was not an honest way of living but she
couldn't exactly get a job now, could she? Who would hire an almost thirteen-
year-old? She didn't have a choice nor did she particularly care.
It felt like she did not relax once that summer, her eyes constantly shifting
towards the innocent looking cage and mediocre looking rat. The animagus girl
spent hours staring at the cage and imagining what she could do to him. He
killed her uncle. She began to train and practice her spells almost obsessively
in her fear. Although the rat was locked away - in another room and under many
protective and borderline dark spells - she was afraid. It was like seeing a
spider in the corner of your room and knowing it was there but you need
to watch it constantly to know it was still in the same place and hasn't
suddenly disappeared.
Poppy was afraid and felt both helpless and spiteful. This rat killed her
uncle. Why did he kill him? This rat was also a Death Eater so that could not
have because of her uncle's life choices. Was it in revenge? Poppy didn't know
but she became increasingly desperate as the weeks wore on and she still hadn't
done anything.
It was at the beginning of July that she finally plucked up the courage to do
something. Poppy released him from his cage and turned him back human - though
heavily bound to a chair with all kinds of enchantments to stop him shifting
again. Poppy stared hard at the killer for a solid hour as he dangled limply,
still unconscious. Small eyes. Watery mouth with large yellow bucked teeth
poking out. Balding head. Fat and lumpy.
The murderer was pathetic. He was not the incarnation of all evil as she'd
imagined but he looked weak, distasteful and worthless. She did not know if
that made it easier or worse. It was another half hour of agitation where it
felt like she had flobberworms wriggling under her skin and her breath came in
pants until she finally awoke him,
"Rennervate" Poppy whispered with a flick of her wand.
The man jerked in his seat and she took a sharp breath. Poppy sent him a
bruising hex right on his knee cap, feeling dark satisfaction at the act. The
rat gasped and sniffed the air frantically, much like his animagus part and
beady eyes flickered all around the room when they finally landed on her. Poppy
snarled and sent him a blistering hex on his neck. Painful looking pus filled
sores appeared.
The murdering rat screamed. Poppy didn't enjoy the sound and she flinched away.
She wanted to do this, didn't she? This man should pay for murdering her uncle.
The thing started to plead, "Please please don't-don't hurt me. I-I-I'll do
anything. Sweet Poppy, your little Poppy aren't you? Ron's friend, Ron's such a
good master-" The murderer sobbed and pleaded though also pulling on his
bindings that only grew tighter and more bruising as it struggled.
Poppy felt fear squeeze the breath from her lungs, "Don't you dare speak Ron's
name" She snarled and moved forward threateningly, brandishing her wand, "Illud
e loco" She hissed and immediately the rats shoulder dislocated in its socket
with a sickening crack. The rat shrieked and pleaded, mucus flowing freely down
his face. Poppy's face was completely impassive as her papa had taught but on
the inside, she felt... a little ill and hollow. Why didn't see feel good at
making this man pay? Because it didn't feel good, it only felt like something
inside of her was unsettled and ashamed.
Resolving to try a different method, she decided to try and penetrate his mind.
Poppy was exceptionally well read when it came to the mind arts and had
extensive experience in Occulemcy through her papa. Eventually when the rat
made eye contact with her she whipped her wand out,
"Legilimens" She said forcefully.
Immediately Poppy was transported into his mind. It was a swirling mass of
chaos that was more like a landscape filled with different colours - memories -
completely disjointed. It was confusing and nauseating. She left his mind with
a gasp. The rat was panting, sweating and whimpering when she left. She panted
as well.
The second time she attempted it, the rat tried to fight back though she pushed
through it. The first memory hit her.
It was a rat scuttling through an alley, suddenly picked up with grubby and
sticky hands. It flailed desperately before a soft voice cooed, "Your alright,
little man, I'll take care of you" It was young and boy like. The rat slumped
in the hands.
"Oh my- Charlie put that down! Probably ridden with diseases" A woman's voice
scolded.
"No mum, I want to keep him, pleaaase" The boys voice pleaded cutely.
A man chuckled, "Let him have it Molly, hopefully, it will stop him asking for
a pet dragon" He said with amusement.
Poppy gasped as she retreated from the mind again. This went on for a few days.
Poppy getting accustomed to entering his mind and looking around. She just
wanted to know why he killed her uncle. She didn't want to know all of
this useless information about the thing. His favourite sweet was liquorice
wands. His name was Peter Pettigrew. He was afraid of cats. It meant nothing to
her.
Eventually, when she found the memory and reason for why he had killed her
uncle, she threw up.
Poppy didn't return to him for days even though she really ought to have fed
him. She did not sleep. She did not eat. She did not bathe. She sipped water
and curled on the floor. She actually spent that time hyperventilating and
mourning her uncle's death all over again. It was so tragic and devastating,
though a small part of her was relieved that the rat didn't kill him because
of her. That would have destroyed Poppy, she knew.
The young girl finally returned and saw the man weakened and slumped in his
chair. He looked even worse than when she had first turned him back human. More
of his hair had fallen out. His skin was now a sickly yellow, pale from lack of
proper nutrition. He was still fat though had lost weight noticeably enough
that his skin sagged a little. He wheezed. One of his shoulders was limp. Down
his neck was red blisters.
Guilt seized up inside of her. Who was she? If her uncle could see her now he
would be ashamed. Is this what she was doing with the life he gave her? Poppy
swallowed. She would kill him and stop his suffering. Yes. It was the only
solution. It was justice. He deserved to die.
Poppy had never used the Killing Curse before. She'd seen her papa use
it. Conviction, intent, desire to kill. She told herself. Poppy knew all about
it... She'd seen her uncle fall from it.
The striped haired teenagers focused face fell. Her uncle was murdered from it.
Suddenly uncertain, Poppy decided to take one last look into the rats mind. She
waved her wand and he gasped as she looked inside,
"Alright there Wormtail? That bird still got you in a tiff?" A handsome curly
dark haired man threw his arm around a small beady eyed blond boy. They walked
through the halls of Hogwarts, not having changed at all in the years to come.
The two boys wore ties of crimson and gold.
"Oi Padfoot, Peter wait up" Another boy shouted from down the corridor. Poppy
now realised the young beady eyed and chubby boy was... the rat. The murderer.
His crimson and gold tie glared at her. The boy that had shouted wore glasses
and was tall with a black fringe of messy hair. Harry. Only it wasn't. He was
older and had a confident and cheeky grin that would never be on her best
friends face.
The Harry look alike caught up with the boys as they reached the Gryffindor
common room. They entered and it was empty aside from another sandy haired boy
and a red haired girl reading a textbook. They both looked up as the boys
entered.
The messy haired boy grinned and pushed forward, grinning at the girl, "Evans,
lovely to see you again, you're looking simply ravishing this evening" He
winked and when the girl lifted her head fully, Poppy jolted. Green eyes
exactly like hers. Sweet face, very young but this was definitely Harry's mum.
She recognised her from her photos. Which meant the boy was Harry's dad...
Harry's mum rolled her eyes and huffed, approaching the chubby boy with a
sympathetic face, "Hey Peter, I heard what Mary said to you at dinner. Don't
worry about it. I'm sure you'll find a girl that will like you for who you are"
She smiled kindly.
The boy blushed bright red though looked pleased, "T-thanks Lily" He muttered.
The girl gave him a comforting smile and then left.
The memory made her fall to her knee's. She had seen that chubby boy before in
Harry's parent's yearbook! He was always in them. That was... that was the rat?
The man that killed her uncle? He was... he was friends with Harry's parents.
Poppy heaved violently on the floor, bile trickling down her chin.
He didn't look evil in the memory. He was a young, shy boy with great friends.
What happened? He became a Death Eater.
Poppy remembered his crimson and gold tie. He was a Gryffindor. Like her. Poppy
stood up shakily with a new sense of determination. She could not kill him. She
wanted nothing to do with the Dark Arts. She wanted to be nothing like this
rat. Only he wasn't a rat... was he? He was a person. A person that had a life,
had hopes, dreams and friends. He was friends with Harry's parents. His name
was Peter.
Dear Merlin.
Feeling both at peace and a little disappointed, Poppy had made her decision
with what to do with him.
===============================================================================
By the time her birthday rolled around, the orphan was more than ready to get
rid of him. She still battled back and forth between getting revenge and
justice. In the end, she knew she couldn't kill him. Poppy didn't want to be a
murderer. It was a slippery slope and she didn't trust herself. She didn't want
to be dark. His... Peters crimson tie flashing in her mind.
It was at the dawn on her birthday that Poppy gobbled down some Polyjuice,
gathered a bound and unconscious Peter with a note stuck to his forehead. She
side-along apparated with the rat. She was Polyjuiced herself to appear as an
elderly man in case there were any witnesses. She was fortunate she had already
learned to apparate though she usually just used her animagus form to travel.
She found herself just outside of Hogwarts wards and stared up at the large
gate, suddenly unsure. Was this the right decision? To not seek revenge. Poppy
didn't want to be someone her uncle disapproved of. She didn't want to be a
killer. No matter how she tried to justify it, the man at her feet was exactly
that. A man. Not a rat.
Poppy took out her wand and waved it over the man's head one last time. She was
securing the mental block she had made in his mind. It was not overly
complicated but she had hidden several of his memories from prying eyes. It was
not impossible for another legilimens to find but it would be difficult and
that's all that mattered. It was unlikely that these memories would interest an
observer as he had much more incriminating ones. Poppy wanted to hide his
memories or her and her uncle away. She didn't Obliviate him because she wanted
the man to know the full extent of his wretched crimes. Perhaps he would feel
remorse when he was sent to Azbakan.
It was with a shaky breath and still feeling uncertain that she called out in a
raspy voice, "Fawkes"
Immediately a flurry of flames appeared before her. Fawkes cawed out in
question and stared at her, perched on Hogwarts gate with dark piercing eyes,
flapping his magnificent wings. She let out a burst of light magic to show who
she was without revealing herself.
The Pheonix settled down and then watched her expectantly.
"Go and get Albus Dumbledore. I have something for him" Her voice croaked.
The Pheonix let out a caw and immediately disappeared. Poppy's attention went
to the man at her feet. Peter. He would get what he deserved. It may not be
revenge but it was enough for her. She didn't want to end up like Peter
himself. A crimson and gold tie...
Poppy shifted into her animagus form and slunk away to the shadows. She wanted
to be absolutely certain that he was picked up.
Albus Dumbledore appeared and walked swiftly for a man his age, colourful robes
billowing behind him towards the gate. His face was taught and serious, giving
him a fierceness that he did not show in his career as a Headmaster. The
kindness and playful expressions were all gone.
McGonagall walked behind him on one side with her wand in hand and brows
furrowed while Snape slunk at his other side, eyes darting here and there.
As the gates swung open, they all saw the unconscious man and immediately the
woman knelt down on the ground to inspect him for injuries. Poppy had quite
obviously and prominently displayed his dark mark for all to see and
immediately the Gryffindor head of House gasped and covered her mouth.
"Death Eater" Snape's voice drawled.
Albus Dumbledore picked up her note and read it quietly.
"It can't be" Professor McGonagall gasped and then all eyes flew to her as she
crouched over the man and from her position only she could see his face, "It
can't be. It looks like but-" She fret, looking unusually emotional and frantic
compared to her usually calm and composed manner.
"Minerva, who is it?" Dumbledore's voice was grave as he clutched the note in
his hand.
"Oh my- it looks like- but it can't be" She said quietly and then turned the
unconscious body over.
The man's face looked right up at them.
"Peter Pettigrew" Snape's voice was uncharacteristically soft.
Poppy then bolted from the area and heard Fawkes soft voice call out to her.
They knew. That was enough. Albus Dumbledore would take it from there.
Dumbledore looked back down to the note in his hand. It read;
'If you want to know who he is, look at his wrist.
If you want to know the truth, look into his mind.
Your welcome.
PS – He is a rat animagus, be careful'
***** Chapter 9 *****
Poppy's third year started out as quite unremarkable. She was delighted to see
her friends again and happy to finally be old enough to qualify for Hogsmeade
visits.
The only hiccup was Ron as he was very annoyed that she didn't return Scabbers.
Poppy spent the train ride apologising over and over to her ginger friend,
explaining that his rat had finally died of old age and gave him a small box of
ashes over. It was deceptive of her but in the end, she didn't know how she
could explain the truth to him. It would also be quite traumatising. Ron looked
only marginally sad before Poppy presented him with a lovely miniature and
excitable owl as a gift. It cheered him right up and he quickly forgot about
his recently deceased 'pet'. If only he was really dead.
At the sorting feast, Poppy attached herself to Harry as usual but watched
Albus Dumbledore curiously. The man looked older, not in years but in
conscious. He stood giving his speech in a more tired and listless manner than
the year before though it was barely noticeable to the eye. She wondered if
this was because the rat she had sent him a month prior. The headmaster smiled
and introduced the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor; Dedalus Diggle.
Professor Diggle stood up with a smile and wave. He was a small man that had a
top hat placed upon the table and smiled impishly towards the student body who
clapped politely. Poppy was not impressed though did not dislike him.
The four third year Gryffindors caught up with tales of their summer, Ron
showing off his new owl and telling everyone about his trip to Egypt. Poppy
only listened half-heartedly as she watched Albus Dumbledore out of the corner
of her eye.
She wondered what his game was. The orphan girl had been keeping an eye on the
Daily Prophet and nothing had been published about a Death Eater being
discovered. What was the old man up to? Perhaps it was idiotic of her to trust
him and she should have left the rat on the ministry door step. Would Poppy
need to take things into her own hands?
"What did you get up to this summer Poppy?" Ron asked kindly as he then filled
his mouth up with potatoes. She smiled and started talking.
The next morning the headlines read, 'MINISTRY FAILURE: DEATH EATER DISCOVERED
YEARS AFTER BEING PRONOUNCED DEAD AND AWARDED ORDER OF MERLIN FIRST CLASS'
Poppy smiled into her porridge.
===============================================================================
It was during Poppy's third year that she began taking her appearance more
seriously and how attractive she looked. Before the beginning of term, Poppy
bought a whole new wardrobe of both Muggle and Wizarding clothes. She had made
quite a bit of gold from selling her illegal Potions and decided to do
something practical with it.
Last year, Lockheart was an irritation. Though she had learned something very
useful from him. Appearance counted for a lot. More so than she had originally
believed. Those that were attracted to the man seemed completely oblivious to
his so many flaws. Including Hermione, who was pretty sharp.
Therefore, she began learning beauty spells to remove unwanted hair, sculpt
eyebrows, soften skin and make hair shine. It seemed rather vain of her but to
be truthful she just wanted people to not notice her flaws. Or to notice how
broken she was on the inside. Humans admired and were naturally drawn to people
that were more attractive, it was a sad fact but also true. If she looked good
on the outside then most people wouldn't notice anything deeper. Much like
Lockheart and his legions of fans.
It worked. Her only popularity grew.
Early Sunday morning Poppy sat alone at the Gryffindor table. Harry left
already for Quidditch practice, Ron was sleeping in late and Hermione had
retreated to the library as they had two tests in Transfiguration and Ancient
Runes the next day.
Poppy sat quite contentedly eating her breakfast and planning on practising her
wandless magic that day when a voice cleared their throat from behind her.
"Hey, Poppy? We were going to sit by the lake and work on our Herbology
homework, wanna come?" A hopeful voice spoke up. Poppy blinked and turned
around to see Hannah Abbott and Susan Bones standing side by side. They looked
a little uncertain and shy. What were the girls up to? The animagus touched her
wand in reassurance.
The striped haired girl blinked but then smiled winningly, "Sounds great. I
really need some help" She lied and stood up happily, wanting to know what this
was all about. The girls looked a little relieved. Houses didn't usually mix
too much so it was a little strange. Not unwelcome but still strange.
The two Hufflepuff girls and Poppy reached the black lake no bother. It was
late September and the day was bright and sunny though the air was chilled. It
was great weather considering the time of year.
Poppy flopped down in an exaggerated casual manner and grinned at the girls who
looked a little shy. Why did they ask her here? They had to have a reason.
Poppy was determined to make them feel at ease and immediately began talking
about Herbology.
Twenty minutes later, the trio of girls was laughing together. Poppy's
impression of McGonagall getting into a verbal sparring match with Snape was
spot on. Susan was now laying on her back, stretched out languidly and Hannah
was seated on her knee's comfortably beside her friend. The striped haired girl
sat back in a relaxed pose though she was quite alert and watching the girls
closely.
Poppy then decided to bring up her suspicions, "So, not that I don't like
hanging out with you guys, but is there a particular reason you invited me out
today?" She leant back and smiled in a welcoming way when the girls exchanged
unsure looks.
Susan was the brave one and cleared her throat, "Well, it's just-we talk a lot
in class and you seem to do really well without even trying, so we just wanted
to see what your secret was" She grinned. It was true, Poppy did talk to the
girls quite a bit. Especially in Herbology but to be fair, she talked with
everyone and anyone excluding Slytherins who liked to keep to their own House
and away from 'Mudbloods'. It was necessary for it would seem strange for her
to only speak with Harry, Ron and Hermione.
Poppy scoffed back but was admittedly a little flattered but also alarmed that
people were noticing her intelligence, "It's no secret, sweetie, just a swotty
best friend making you study" Her voice was dry but also filled with undeniable
fondness.
The girls giggled at her.
Susan then sat up seriously and bit her lip, "And well... to be honest, we just
wanted to know what kind of spells you use on your hair" She confessed
sheepishly. Realisation hit Poppy like a Lumos. They were drawn to her because
she started taking more care of her appearance. Satisfaction filled her about
her correct assumptions that people would like her better if she was more
attractive.
Hannah looked appalled and embarrassed and hit her friend lightly on the arm,
"Susan, that's so rude! We did not just want to know that"
Susan rolled her eyes at her sheepish friend, "Come on Hannah, you want to know
as well as me. Maybe then we would have the boys drooling all over us too" She
wiggled her eyebrows then.
Poppy blinked, "Come again?"
The two Hufflepuff girls stopped their bickering to look at her. It was Hannah
that answered with a kind smile, "Come on, you must notice boys watching you
all the time. Your smart, funny and they all look at you like lost Puppies. I
wish I was that lucky" She sighed.
It took Poppy only three seconds to process what she said and it made her very
uncomfortable. Perhaps this was the flip side to it all. Were boys attracted to
her? She was bloody thirteen! Had they even reached puberty yet? She tried not
to sigh. It was all so shallow really, none of them really liked her for who
she was. Then again, if anyone saw what was on her inside they would run away
screaming or try to hex her. As long as they were looking at her outside and
did not pry on her inside, she was fine.
She had her friends.
Poppy scoffed and then lay back, "Ugh I did not notice and who cares really? I
mean boys are idiots and if there staring at me then it's obviously because
they don't see how sweet you are Hannah" She said kindly, trying to flatter the
girl.
Hannah blushed and dipped her head bashfully. Susan smirked at her friends
embarrassment. Poppy sat up again, "Who needs boys right? I am awesome on my
own without caring how attractive boys find me and you shouldn't care either
Hannah"
Hannah lifted her head and nodded in agreement happily. Poppy continued, "Now,
I'll show you the spells but only because you girls will look brilliant with
them" She beamed.
The Hufflepuff students giggled and the three third year girls spent the day
swapping beauty spells and tips. Poppy felt almost like a normal girl that day.
===============================================================================
Poppy's biggest issue in her third year was her nightmares. It could have been
the stress and emotionally tense situation that occurred during the summer or
just her usual fears rearing their head but either way she found sleep
difficult to come by. Her nightmares increased to once every two days. She
would wake up panting, swearing and drenched in sweat.
She would often spend those night roaming the Forbidden Forest on four legs and
relishing in the sense of freedom and joy it brought her. Other times she would
sit quietly in the common room alone until other students began trickling down
for breakfast and then she would go and get ready in her dorm, expertly
removing all evidence of her sleepless nights.
Two months into the year, Harry began to notice her constantly tired state and
on one night - around midnight - crept down to the common room to sit with her.
Poppy could not see him approach but could smell him. Her best friends scent
was very recognisable to her by this point.
He pulled the invisibility cloak from his shoulders and sat down gently beside
her on the sofa. Poppy stared desolately at the empty fireplace. Her bespeckled
friend allowed her a few moments before hesitantly speaking up,
"I get nightmare too, you know" He confessed quietly in the darkness of the
common room.
The striped haired girl looked up slowly and observed him with her lifeless
green eyes, "What about?" She whispered back. Harry just sighed then and shook
his head, "I don't know. Most of the time I don't remember"
Poppy nodded her head in acknowledgement but frowned when Harry itched his
scar.
He then spoke up again, "You can talk to me about it, if you like" His voice
calm and matter of fact, it was not trying to sway her either way. She sighed
heavily and rubbed her stinging and heavy feeling eyes.
"It's not that I don't trust you, I just don't want you to look at me any
differently" She admitted. Harry nudged closer to her and Poppy grabbed his
hand, squeezing it tightly and enjoying the feeling of his warm palm against
hers.
"I don't care what you've done in your past. You're my best friend and the
bravest person I know. That's not going to change" Again, Harry's voice was
matter-of-fact and it made her heart ache and soften.
Poppy sighed again, "I don't think I can talk about it-its just-too much" She
replied hoarsely.
Harry began rubbing his thumb across her knuckles soothingly, "I understand. If
you ever need me, I will be here" He promised seriously.
Poppy felt pain and relief ripple through her. It was like she was no longer
alone and had an anchor, someone to keep her grounded. She wanted to tell Harry
then. Wanted it more than anything but didn't think she could speak the words.
Speaking just made it all real. Her past was something like a horrible
nightmare to her now. It was years ago and she tried her best to pretend it
never happened.
Poppy made a decision then and stood up. Harry watched her silently, "I-I can't
talk about it" She began and then started unbuttoning her pyjama top, "But I
can show you" She whispered. Poppy wore a long checkered shirt to bed with a
white vest underneath. Harry looked confused and a little uncomfortable as she
removed her top layer.
When it was finally off, his green eyes immediately darted to the large brand
on her upper left arm. He stood silently and approached her, hand raised as if
to touch it. Her friend paused and looked to her for permission. She nodded.
Harry then used to fingers to trace the strange pattern and feel the charred
flesh. It was an old one and had sunken into her skin in a dark pink colour.
The skin was fleshy and numb. Poppy didn't feel his fingers tracing the
pattern. He frowned as he studied it.
"What is it?" He muttered.
Poppy just let out a bitter laugh, "You don't want to know, trust me" The girl
then slowly turned around to let him look at her back. She heard a sharp hiss
of breath. Fingers again traced the scars on her back, this time winding down
like snakes and twisting this way and that. The scars on her back were not as
deep as her brand but they were more distinctive and obvious.
"Is-is this..." Harry trailed off and barely breathed out the word, "Whip
lashes?"
Poppy turned back around, feeling warmth race down her face. Harry tucked her
into his arms. Poppy shook and tears continued to fall endlessly though she
didn't make a sound. Her breath came out shaky and in quick little pants but
she still did not make a sound.
It was a long time after she had calmed down. The animagus took deep breathes
to comfort herself with Harry's scent, "Why would he do such a thing" Harry's
voice croaked. He being her papa, of course. Poppy pulled back to see tears
falling down Harry's cheeks as well. She reached up to clear them off, feeling
a sharp stab of guilt for making him cry.
"Punishment?" She said bitterly with a dark twist to her mouth, "It encourages
resilience and strength. It makes me more stoic in the face of-"
Harry interrupted her, "It is nothing but sick and twisted" He snarled, his
voice dripping with venom. Although he sounded furious and even a little scary
this only comforted her even more. He would protect her. Just like she would
always protect him. It didn't matter what happened to her before. She had
something to fight for now, to be a person that her friends would be proud of.
She had Harry. Her best friend.
===============================================================================
Poppy yawned and stretched as she stood from the table. The library was quiet
as it was only an hour away from closing. Technically, animagus didn't really
need to be there. It wasn't as if she needed to study for Arithmancy but she
wanted to spend some time with the others. Normal people socialised with
others.
"Is that you off?" Padma asked her as she straightened her own back from it's
no doubt uncomfortable position in being slouched over an old tome.
Poppy sighed and continued stretching, "Yeah, I'm beat. You guys all staying
until closing?" She asked the table.
Terry Boot looked up, his eyes a little bleary, "Yeah, go ahead" He muttered
then put his head back down.
Mandy Brockhurst only hummed in agreement and Anthony Goldstein merely grunted.
Poppy giggled as she collected her belongings.
"Ravenclaws" She sighed dramatically as she left.
Padma threw a wadded up piece of parchment at her as she left.
Poppy laughed as she walked out the library being glared at by Madam Pince.
===============================================================================
On the day of her first ever Hogsmeade visit, Poppy was not in a good mood as
she sat poking her breakfast with a spoon. This was because Harry had not had
his permission slip signed and therefore couldn't go. It was all so ridiculous
and petty and yet he was still not allowed to visit the small village. Harry
also seemed a little -upset? pensive? - Poppy had asked him what was wrong, he
opened his mouth looking conflicted but then Ron came barging over ruined the
moment. Was Harry alright? What was going on with him?
Poppy thundered down the snowy and beautiful path towards the village with
Hermione and Ron scrambling behind her. Ron and Hermione marvelled at the snowy
little village and wandered about quite happily, Poppy following moodily behind
them.
Eventually, the trio of Gryffindors split up when Ron wanted to hang about
Zonko's joke shop and Hermione sequestered herself in the book shop. Poppy
explored the village herself. She wanted a drink. The three broomsticks was
bustling, overheated and too busy so Poppy looked for somewhere else to sit and
sulk in quiet.
Madam Puddifoots tea shop looked promising until Poppy saw all of the 'couples'
of teenagers attempting to have a romantic day together. She groaned and
stomped around. After a while, she found a quiet and run down looking pub
named Hogs Head and decided to make her way inside. The inside looked dirty and
there were only two patrons on either far side of the dingy pub. One man was
hooded and nursing a drink and the other was slouched on a table appearing to
be asleep.
Poppy made her way to the bar where an old man with long grey hair was wiping a
glass with his back to her, "Hey, can I get a firewhisky?" She asked.
The old man paused and turned around only to take his time to eye her up and
down.
Poppy frowned, "Yes, I do exist, now can I get that drink?" She asked
expectantly.
The man let out a mocking laugh and then slammed his glass down on the bar. He
was old with a long beard and grey shabby looking robes. His hair was mostly
white but streaked with dark grey.
"Ain't you a bit young to go about ordering firewhisky?" He scoffed and sent
her a scowl. Poppy merely raised her eyebrows in response as if questioning if
she was supposed to be intimidated.
He scowled deeper and then turned back around, "Run along now before I report
you to your Headmaster" He warned.
Poppy tilted her head back and let out a laugh. Yeah right! As
if Dumbledore would do anything to her. She was Harry's best friend and clearly
knew that she was therefore entitled to better treatment. He had his favourites
and through her proximity to the boy-who-lived, she was definitely one.
The old man glared at her this time and moved forward threateningly, "Find
something funny, missy?"
Poppy got comfortable in her little bar stool and sent the strange old man a
charming smile, "Why yes I do, be sure to tell Dumbledore, I'm curious to see
what would happen" The amusement was ringing loud and clear in her voice and it
made the man pause and frown at her.
He drifted closer and although he still did not look happy, he appeared
intrigued, "Don't think you'd get into trouble, little girl?" He grumbled, eyes
taking her in.
Poppy shook her head with a confident smile, "Nah, don't you know who I am? If
you report me being up to no good, all I'll get is a slap on the wrist, nice
little chat about 'responsibility' all the while Dumbledore's trying to fight
off a smile"
The old man was now watching her with a frown, "Who exactly are you then?" He
asked, less disgruntled than before.
"Poppy Stark" She explained with a smile.
The man paused noticeably and furrowed his brows. He then took her in again
properly, blue eyes lingering on her own greens and looked like he was trying
to figure out a puzzle for a moment or two.
"Stark, you say?" He inquired quite casually but he did not fool Poppy,
something about her intrigued him.
Poppy smirked, "Yes, it isn't a Wizarding name. You going to kick me out?" She
asked calmly while drawing small imaginary patterns on the dusty bar table.
The man snorted, "Think I can afford to be kicking out paying customers 'cos ah
there blood status?" He snorted with a pointed look around his humble
establishment.
Poppy looked back to the two men and hummed in agreement. She then turned
around with a big grin towards the old man, "Great so can I get my drink now?"
The barkeep let out kind of an exasperated laugh, "I still don't see what's so
special about you, missy" He asked, still watching her.
Poppy explained patiently, "Well I'm best friends with the wonderful and oh so
famous boy-who-lived. Dumbledore isn't going to punish me too harshly" She
laughed at the mere thought.
The man slammed another glass harshly onto the bar table with a growl. It did
not startle her and she just tilted her head to the side,
"Think you're entitled to special treatment then, eh, girly?" He grumbled at
her. Poppy shook her head and began bouncing her legs.
"Nope but that doesn't mean I'm not given it" She explained. His anger seemed
to deflate then he watched her again with a frown. She continued, "By the
headmaster at least" She added as an afterthought thinking of Snape.
The old man didn't appear happy by what she said. He stomped away and began
clunking his glasses about and whipping an old rag on the dirty bar table
angrily. Poppy watched him for a couple moments before speaking up,
"I know it's not fair but I mean after how many times me and my friends have
almost died because he was an incompetent headmaster, it is kind of fair"
The man paused here and then threw his head back and laughed loudly, "Never
heard anyone call him incompetent before" He sent her a smirk.
She smiled back, "Well he is" Poppy lifted her hand to begin counting off
fingers, "Rampant bullying, incompetent Professors, mountain trolls roaming the
school, a Basilisk, children getting petrified, mudblood being tossed around
like a quaffle" She paused and then thought hard for a moment and snapped her
fingers, "The worst part is everyone worships the ground he walks on, I mean,
seriously?" She sent him a look.
The old man smirked again and shook her head, "You'll need to explain all of
that to me, 'cept the whole Mudblood thing, two guesses it's Slytherins"
Poppy hummed, "You would not need those two guesses" She acknowledged with a
head tilt. The man came back over and continued watching her,
"But first, your muggleborn, aye?" He asked looking very skeptical and even
suspicious.
His sudden interest in her was a little strange and should be alarming but
Poppy at this point felt a little happy finally being able to release her
frustrations about Albus Dumbledore, even if it was to an old barkeep.
"Yep" Poppy acknowledged, "Well-I mean kind of"
The old man raised an eyebrow but waited for her to continue with a frown, "I'm
an orphan and I don't know who my parents are so that basically means I'm
muggleborn. To be fair, muggleborns are a bit of a step up from me, they at
least have families" She sighed.
The old man looked angry again and hummed in a tense manner. She watched him,
it didn't appear as if he was angry at her this time.
"Right, where'd the Stark name come from then?" He questioned her further as if
she was this mysterious puzzle.
Poppy shrugged her shoulders, "I made it up" She laughed.
The old man shook his head at her and then walked away only to come back with a
butterbeer. Her eyes lit up immediately. He sat it down in front of her and
warned, "Now don't be telling your headmaster about this or I'll be telling him
about your badmouthing" He smirked as if the whole situation was very funny to
him.
"Thanks" She beamed and then took a long sip. The man then moved to disappear
into the back of the building, "Hey wait, what was your name again?" She asked
idly, taking another sip of beer.
The old man paused and turned to look at her with a devilish expression and
smirking, "Aberforth..." He began and she nodded, "Aberforth... Dumbledore"
Poppy paused and her eyes went wide. The man then walked into the back of the
store, leaving her dumbfounded.
Poppy sat in the quiet, dingy old pub feeling the silence was a little
oppressive, "Well that was awkward"
===============================================================================
It was a week later when Poppy finally cornered Harry in the common room. He
had been moody all week and at first, the girl simply thought he was upset at
missing the Hogsmeade visit but when his dark, pensive mood remained she
decided to take action.
Harry sighed and his eyes darted about the busy common room uneasily, "It's
nothing Poppy-I'm fine" Her best friend spoke quietly through the dark shadows
under his eyes and pale face was very telling.
Poppy folded her arms across her chest in an exasperated manner, "You are not.
Your not sleeping, you've been quiet and subdued all week Harry. Please just
let me know what's wrong" Poppy whispered, true worry seeping into her voice
then.
Harry sighed again and ruffled his hand through his hair nervously, "It's
nothing bad really-" He began again but Poppy cut him off.
"Don't you trust me?" Poppy whispered, feeling devastated. She had revealed so
much of herself and parts of her past that she was so ashamed of. Maybe their
friendship isn't what she thought it was.
Seeing the forlorn expression on her face made Harry pause and grab her hand.
He dragged her to a secluded table in the corner of the room where no one could
hear. Harry sat down and rubbed his face tiredly. Poppy waited patiently for
him to begin.
"I-I got this letter" He began and pulled out a very crumpled piece of
parchment from his robes. It looked like it had been opened and refolded many
times.
Poppy nodded.
Harry's green eyes looked around the common room again before leaning in closer
to her, "It's from a man I've never heard of before. He-he claims to be my
godfather" Harry whispered with wide uncertain eyes.
Poppy's mouth dropped open.
Harry sat back and started fiddling with the small piece of parchment
nervously, "He apologises over and over for not being there for me and said
that he's been away for years and only now is able to contact me. He says that
my mum and dad wanted him to take care of me" Harry's voice got noticeable
hoarser here and she took his hand.
The messy haired teen squeezed her hand tightly and continued, keeping his eyes
on the letter, "He says that he wants to get to know me and if I wanted then I
could go and live with him" Harry finished talking and Poppy was very excited
for her friend.
"Whats his name?" She asked casually, trying to hide a small smile.
Harry looked up for a moment before looking back down, "Sirius Black" He
mumbled. Poppy held in a gasp but couldn't help the grin that spread over her
face. She squeezed Harrys hand so hard that he looked up again,
"Harry that's great!" Poppy whisper yelled at him with a bright smile.
Harry frowned uncertainly, "How do I even know he is telling the truth? I've
never heard that I had a godfather before, it all just seems-seems to perfect"
He confessed quietly.
Poppy reached over to give him a quick hug and then pulled back with a gentle
smile, "Harry, I don't know if he is your godfather or not but Sirius
Black was your dads best friend in school" She explained.
Harry's confusion only deepened with his frown, "What-how did you know that?"
He asked.
Poppy smacked her forehead with her hand and groaned, "I am so sorry Harry, I
found your parents year book a few years ago and completely forgot to tell you.
It's in the school library, come on" Poppy stood up quickly with a smile and
Harry stood up equally as fast.
The striped haired girl went to leave the common room but Harry leant in to
whisper, "It's getting near curfew, I'll get the cloak so we don't get caught"
He said quietly and then ran up to his dormitory to fetch it. Poppy smiled as
she watched him leave and made her way to the entrance.
Poppy was aware of the people around her, of course, as her heightened senses
alerted her to everyone in close proximity. To her surprise, a wave of
strawberry shampoo suddenly moved directly into her pathway. Poppy felt someone
beat their shoulder against her.
Poppy stopped to sniff the air to identify who it was and blinked at Ginny
Weasley's scowling face, "Excuse me" Poppy said and then continued walking. Was
the girl dizzy or confused? She stumbled right in front of her.
"Excuse you is right" Ginny muttered snidely under her breath, Poppy only
hearing it due to her animagus abilities.
Harry then rushed through the common room and the pair left swiftly hoping not
to be noticed. Poppy and Harry didn't run to the library but walked at a fast
pace. They didn't speak and Harry looked both determined and excited to see his
parents yearbook.
The library was still open but only for another fifteen minutes. They sneaked
behind Madam Pince and Poppy quickly located the correct yearbook and then sat
down at a table hidden from view. Harry immediately began flipping through the
pages with an eager expression.
Poppy sat next to him quietly, allowing him to absorb the information.
"Head boy and head girl" He muttered under his breath with an expression of awe
and longing.
Poppy smiled slightly as he turned the page. The picture showed James Potter
lounging by the black lake and tossing a snitch into the air. He had two other
boys beside him.
Poppy pointed to the black curly haired handsome boy, "That's Sirius Black. He
and your dad were best friends" She explained. Harry leant down to squint at
the picture of the boy that looked like a sixth year in the photo.
It was quiet for another couple minutes when Poppy pointed to the next boy
reading a book quietly, "That's Remus Lupin" She said quietly.
Harry jerked his head up and said, "Sirius mentioned a Remus in the letter.
Think it's the same one?" He whispered.
Poppy nodded her head firmly, "Yeah, most likely" She said back quietly. Harry
continued flicking through the pages quietly and Poppy looked outside the
window to give him some semblance of privacy.
When Harry spoke up, he was quiet, "Why...why did he only contact me now? I
don't get it. What was so bad that I didn't even know he existed until now"
Harry's voice was filled with pain and confusion.
Poppy took his hand again and took an unsteady breath, "Sirius Black was in
Azbakan Harry" She whispered.
Confusion washed through his features so she explained, "It's like Wizarding
prison. He was accused of being a Death Eater and sentenced without a trial. He
must have only been found innocent recently and been released" She explained
quietly.
Harry's eyes widened and darted back to the picture of the dark haired boy
laughing carelessly with his father in the photo below him, "Are you sure he's
innocent. What-"
Poppy cut him off in a voice sharper than she intended, "Yes I am sure" She bit
out. Harry paused and looked at her for a moment.
"What do you know?" He asked, staring at her expectantly.
Poppy sighed heavily and explained about Peter Pettigrew and her adventures
that summer. She explained how the rat was believed to be killed by Sirius
Black but he faked his death and framed him. She also revealed that she learned
this by going through his mind.
The girl also quietly confessed that the rat was the man that killed her uncle.
Harry hugged her then.
The two Gryfinndor third years walked quietly back to the common room, lost in
their own thoughts. It wasn't much past curfew and neither much felt like
talking though a definite lightness had settled into Harry's face.
Before they entered the common room Poppy turned to face her friend, "Hey, can
I see that letter?" She asked, only out of curiosity, wondering what the letter
said. Harry paused but handed the letter over easily before giving the fat lady
the password and entering the common room.
Poppy unfolded the very creased parchment and read;
Dear Harry,
You don't know who I am but I would very much like to change that. My name is
Sirius Black and I am your godfather.
I know you've probably never heard of me but your parents named me your
godfather and asked me to take care of you if anything ever happened to them. I
am so sorry that I've not been around and you've had to live with your Aunt and
Uncle. I wish I could have been there for you.
I hope it's not too late and I can still be a part of your life. I would very
much like it if you came to live with me and we could be a proper family but I
know that might be too much to ask.
I have been away since the day you were given to your Aunt and Uncle and if I
could go back and change things then I definitely would. I can't explain why in
a letter but please know that it was out of my control and if I could I would
have raised you like I should have done.
I know this is a lot to take in so I will stop my letter now. Right now I am
staying with my old friend Remus and you are more than welcome to come live
with us for the summer once I get things sorted.
Take your time to reply and know that I will always be here for you,
Sincerely yours,
Sirius Black.
===============================================================================
Her third year was unremarkable but very safe. She spent the whole year
practising wandless magic in duelling and studying on spell development and how
they are created for extra reading.
She became relatively popular that year and talked with all kinds of people
from different Houses and remained friendly with everyone. These 'friendships'
were rather superficial but necessary and she still cherished her time with her
best friends – Harry, Ron and Hermoine.
Professor Diggle was not completely incompetent as a Defence professor though
Poppy always refused to actually duel in class. The man wasn't stern enough to
force her so class was always rather boring for the young animagus.
Curiously, one of her favourite times of the year was her visits to Hogsmeade
and subsequently her strange visits with one Aberforth Dumbledore.
"Morning Abbie" She called out with a big grin and she entered the dingy little
pub she had grown very fond of.
The owner of the pub, Aberforth emerged from the back rooms scowling and
quickly sent her a mild stinging hex that she only barely managed to dodge out
of the way while laughing.
He moved behind the desk, waving his wand threateningly in her direction,
"Don't be calling me that again missy or you'll be getting worse than a few
hexes" He warned her.
Poppy gasped dramatically, "Oh no! How ever will Dumbledore react when he hears
his innocent baby brother is attacking his students" She fanned herself as if
it was some great scandal.
Aberforth snorted inelegantly and started pouring her a butterbeer, "I reckon
he'll be understanding when he spends more than a minute in your presence" He
slid over the warm beverage to her. She breathed in its wonderful aroma before
taking a sip. Aberforth would only ever sell her one. Two if he was in a
particularly good mood. If she asked for any more than that then he would
attempt to hex her.
Poppy grinned with an upper lip covered in foam, "Oh he's spent more than a
minute in my presence" She winked but then sighed in an over exaggerated sad
manner, "But my little humble presence is over shadowed by the incredible boy-
who-lived" Poppy let out a long suffering sigh at that moment.
Aberforth grumbled under his breath, "Humble presence my arse"
Poppy beamed again and winked at the man, "You know you love me. This is my
last visit you know, don't lie and say you aren't going to miss me terribly
over the summer" She smirked.
It was strange yet Poppy had come to really enjoy her visits to Hogs Head and
chats with Aberforth. She didn't reveal any of her secrets but did explain
about her misadventures with her friends in the castle and it was somewhat
gratifying to see the anger on his face at the danger her friends got into when
the issues should have been dealt with by his older brother. She didn't know
what kind of family issues they had and didn't really want to know.
Aberforth grumbled and asked in a much too casual voice, "What will you be
doing over the summer then, missy? Where is it that you live anyway?"
Poppy lifted her eyebrows and finished the last of her beer with a happy
sighing sound, "Don't know. Here and there. Orphan remember? Trust me when I
say being homeless is better than an orphanage as a witch" She shuddered then
and recalled some of her experiences.
The owner of Hogs Head then paused and looked at her with a frown, "What's that
supposed to mean?" He asked in a dangerous voice.
Poppy sighed and swivelled the dregs of her beer around the bottom of the mug,
"Just that non-magical folk don't take too well to children doing strange
things. They either want you to show them how to do it or think you're some
sort of demon" Poppy rolled her eyes here and noticed the vaguely worried look
in the old man's eyes and hastened to take it away, "It wouldn't be as bad now
anyway since my magical isn't accidental" Poppy sent him a grin to ease his
worries.
He only grunted in acknowledgement, "So you'll be what, sleeping on the streets
and raiding bins for food this summer?" He scowled at her as if she was a
gigantic idiot.
Poppy gaped, "Hey, it isn't exactly my choice you know and I'll probably just
find a job. I don't steal my school supplies and clothes you know" The animagus
rolled her eyes. Aberforth then paused for a moment before swearing foully. He
poured her another butterbeer and she smiled happily.
The old man did not speak to her for the rest of her visit. He stalked and
grumbled around his small pub and Poppy only watched in amusement as she
finished off her beer.
"Well I'm off, I'll see you next year" She shouted as she put her coat back on.
Aberforth stepped out of the back rooms with a defeated and vaguely angry
expression.
"Wait-I've got an offer for you" He grumbled and stalked back over to her.
===============================================================================
Poppy's third year at Hogwarts was actually lots of fun. The four Gryffindors
sat on the Express discussing how strange it was for their life not to be in
any danger for once. Harry was smiling and kept looking out the window in an
unusually upbeat mood.
Poppy nudged him with her elbow, "What up with you?" She grinned and he grinned
back.
"Well, it's just-I'll be meeting Sirius this summer" He relayed happily. Poppy
grinned and gave him a hug in congratulations. Harry had been tentatively
writing to his godfather throughout the year and found out that he was in
recovery from his time in Azbakan and staying with his friend Remus.
Unfortunately, the ministry was dragging their feet on announcing him to be
innocent as it would only reflect atrociously on them and until Sirius was
declared a free man, Harry couldn't go live with him. When her friend first
found this out he had an awful tantrum and was in a foul mood for a week. Poppy
eventually soothed her friend and told him to be patient. He was extremely
lucky to have found a lost family member as it was. Harry was also appeased by
the fact that he would be meeting the man soon.
"Sirius? Sirius who?" Hermione interjected with a frown. Harry and Poppy
exchanged a look. The messy haired teen decided to tell his two other friends.
After his explanation, Ron looked happy for him but Hermione was frowning
worriedly, "But Harry, how do you know he is telling the truth" She asked,
biting her lower lip anxiously.
"Well I spoke to Dumbledore and he said it was true" Harry said back with a
smile.
Hermione expelled a large breath of air, "That poor man spending twelve years
in Azbakan for a crime he didn't commit" She raged, looking indignant on Sirius
Black's behalf.
Ron turned to Harry then, ignoring Hermione's rant, "So you've been writing him
all year, yeah? What you been saying?"
Poppy looked at Harry curiously. The bespeckled boy just grinned, "Just getting
to know each other, really. He has a lot of good stories about my parents. He
asks a lot of questions about me and my school work and Quidditch, obviously"
He grinned happily.
Harry then turned to look at her, "He asks about you guys also and talks about
the importance of friendship. Asks about you tonnes too Poppy" He said absently
with a tiny furrowed brow.
Poppy raised her own eyebrows in surprise but answered back cheekily, "That's
because he must know that I am the most awesome of your friends" She winked at
him.
Harry rolled his eyes with a smile.
"What will you be doing this summer Poppy?" Hermione asked her as they boys
conversation inevitably turned to Quidditch.
Poppy let out a bright grin, "Well I got a part time job" She declared proudly.
***** Chapter 10 *****
The summer between third and fourth year was the most tedious of her life.
Aberforth was kind enough to provide her with a small yet scarcely furnished
room in the back of Hogs Head pub. It was very generous of the surly man to
offer her a part time position for the summer. That being said, Poppy was
forced to work every day in order to earn her keep. Well, perhaps
not every single day but she helped out due to sheer boredom.
Helping out entailed cleaning, lots of cleaning. The worst part was the grumpy
Hogs Head owner made her do it all by hand as he could get into trouble by
allowing an underage witch to use magic in his establishment. How ridiculous,
most of the patrons did not even know she was underage judging by the way they
ogled her.
The animagus spent that summer mostly reading and practising her occlumency and
legilimency. After last summer, she recognised how useful the skill was and
began practising entering someone's mind without using the incantation. It was
actually easier to enter someone's mind if they were drunk, surprisingly, and
they didn't even notice her intrusion. She also continued her reading into
spell creation and started off extremely small in attempting to create her own
spells. She was unsuccessful but continued trying.
Poppy wrote her friends a lot that summer. In particular to Harry but as he
knew about her animagus form she simply stopped by his house on Privet Drive
and dropped him off food and the two friends would chat. Harry didn't like her
visiting too much as hearing the Dursleys would make him embarrassed so she
only actually visited him twice. He would make it up to her with lots of
letters.
Hey Poppy,
The summer has been a bit boring like it usually is. I'll be staying with the
Weasleys again before the term begins. How have you been? How does it feel
working in Hogs Head? At least you've got something to do and are right next to
the Forbidden Forest if you want to go for a run.
I met Sirius yesterday. He's great. I was picked up by his friend - your
remember Remus - and he brought me to where he and Sirius are staying for the
moment. It's a lovely little cottage in the woods. It's where I will be staying
when I go to live with him. Sirius was disappointed he couldn't take me out for
the day but seeing as he's still technically a wanted fugitive it wasn't
possible. He's really eager to make up for lost time. He bought me a firebolt.
Can you believe it, it's amazing, he said that he will definitely be sneaking
into Hogwarts to see me play this year. Dad was really brilliant at Quidditch,
he said.
The day with Sirius was great but he was very annoyed at how the ministry was
handling the situation. They are avoiding him and taking ages to reply to his
owls and he can't exactly barge into the Ministry for a meeting, can he? They
say it's because they're swamped with the Quidditch World Cup coming up.
Speaking of, I will be going with the Weasleys. Sirius is gutted he can't go
but wishes me the best. I'm disappointed you can't come. We will miss you
there. I'll be meeting Sirius a few more times before September first. He was
asking about you. Would you like to come meet him? He'll be meeting Ron when he
drops me off at the Weasleys but he's really eager to meet you.
Let me know,
Harry
Poppy did not go meet Sirius that summer. Mostly because she didn't want to
intrude on their time together. Sirius was probably just asking lots of
questions about Harry's friends and Harry was eager for someone else to meet
his godfather. Perhaps it was because they were both a little awkward together.
They were family but didn't really know each other. She did not envy their
situation and didn't want to involve herself. They would be fine.
Aberforth was oddly protective of his goats and refused to allow her near them.
Lounging around a dingy old pub every day made her feel lazy so she became more
active in taking a run around Hogsmeade every day in her human form. Poppy
usually went on runs in her animagus form, relishing in the freedom of the
Forbidden Forest but wanted to keep her human body in physical shape too. Poppy
also roped Aberforth into practising duelling with her. Well, it was more like
he threw spells at her and she practised evading and dodging them physically.
Again, Poppy bought a whole new wardrobe and even got a hair cut this year. She
was shooting through her puberty as girls typically did at her age and wanted
to use her new mature body to her advantage. She was still keenly aware of the
power that being attractive held and powerful mask and shield it provided her.
Poppy took it a step further and used some of her own savings from last summer
to pay for a personal stylist in the muggle world. Poppy was admittedly
uncertain of Muggle fashions and therefore got professional help. The man that
helped her was strange. He was giddy, hyper and cuttingly honest when he bought
her clothes. Apparently, her arse and tits were to die for but would make her
look too trashy in some of the more popular styles. The man was in his early
twenties and wore brightly coloured clothes and gold hoop earrings. He even
introduced her to muggle 'make-up' though she was pretty uncertain about most
of it and preferred her spells when it came to skin care. This was the most fun
she had all summer and promised to return to him next year.
The animagus didn't consider herself vain but more hyper aware of her
presentation to the world. Men's eyes would follow her as she walked by and she
had developed fairly well for her age even though she still had growing to do.
She didn't consider herself to be more attractive than the other girls her year
but the effort she put in did show. Like Hermione had lovely tanned skin and
such wild beautiful hair. It was important to look the best she could however
as people didn't usually listen to what she said or noticed her occasional
unusual behaviour if she looked pretty. It was both infuriating and demeaning
but as long as it worked to her advantage, Poppy didn't care. The teenage girl
was extremely aware of how an individuals posture, facial expression, hair and
the care that they took with their appearance told you about their character.
For example; McGonagall's perfect bun and lovely but neatly pressed and
conservative robes. This told her that McGonagall was a serious woman who held
herself in high respect and was confident in was assertive at times such as not
shy in standing up for what she believed in.
Similarly, Albus Dumbledore with his brightly coloured and silly patterned
robes and a long beard. His mind was keenly unique and he enjoyed the simple
pleasantries in life such as amusing robes with dancing pumpkins at Halloween.
However, the robes were soft and comfortable looking and he did not appear to
care how attractive he looked, his mind was more important to him than his
body. The odd colours showed how unique and eccentric he was and how did not
like to conform to traditional fashions and liked to think outside of the box.
He didn't care what anyone else believes but stuck by what he himself liked.
Poppy, herself, decided to wear mostly conservative looking clothes that
covered most of her skin - and scars - but clung to her figure attractively.
They were neither the height of fashion nor careless but they were pretty, bold
colours that emphasised her growing assets. They were still relatively childish
clothes and somewhat innocent as she still wanted to be underestimated by her
opponent. All in all, Poppy wanted to convey that she was bright faced, naive
and innocent young girl. She wanted to look like she did not care overly about
her appearance but still made an effort to look nice. Her personality was as
bright as her clothes and they did not draw attention away from her big green
eyes and wavy hair.
One definite benefit of living in the Hogs Head that summer was the newspapers
she could read to keep up to date with the Wizarding World. It was very useful,
especially when she read the Daily Prophet the day after the Quidditch world
cup, knowing her friends had attended. It had given her a heart attack and
certainly startled Aberforth. He didn't really know how to deal with a
hysterical teenage girl. It would have been amusing if she wasn't so freaked
out. She had failed her friends. Yet again.
She checked in with her friends – in invisible animagus form – from time to
time since the attack and became even more focused in practising her duelling
abilities so she would be properly equipt to deal with any danger. It was only
to Harry did she reveal herself and had taken to stopping by as a wolf at least
once a week by the end of summer.
It was only a week later that another dreadful headline put her into another
mood;
Azkaban Breakout;  Peter Pettigrew, recently captured Death Eater and mass
murderer escapes
Poppy was furious with Albus Dumbledore and wanted to go and curse the man. She
had to take deep breaths from running off and confronting the imbecile. He was
an utter failure. He did not deal with the situation and instead showed himself
to be an incompetent old fool. Poppy sliced open her palm that day squeezing a
glass too hard. It was how she discovered she had slight more strength than an
average girl her age. The younger Dumbledore brother stitched her up silently.
She was grateful and returned to him later when scratched her arms too harshly
when crying. He didn't say a word.
Aberforth was surprisingly well off and generous with his gold. When her
Hogwarts letter arrived and she read the list of school books, he gave her more
than double the necessary galleons for the items and told her it was her pay
for the summer. She was pleasantly surprised as she assumed her pay was her
board but apparently not. She tried to hug the man in gratitude but he sent her
a hex in response that had her limping for a week.
Poppy felt refreshed and ready to take on the world when she finally left for
her fourth year at Hogwarts.
***** Chapter 11 *****
The start of Poppy's fourth year was extremely busy. That year she did not
board the Express and instead simply walked to the school from the Hogs Head
pub. She did not see the point in travelling all the way to London only to sit
on a train all day to return to where she was. The new fourth-year girl stood
silently by the carriages and fondly pet the Threstals while waiting for the
train to arrive.
The train boarded and hundreds of students all gathered around the carriages.
Poppy waited for her friends. When the striped haired teenager finally spotted
a head of messy black hair she grinned and called out. Harry darted forward and
gripped her in a fierce and mildly suffocating embrace, "I thought something
had happened to you, why weren't you on the train?" He breathed, looking very
relieved. She smiled at him sheepishly.
Their Defence Professor that year was a former Auror named Moody that seemed
paranoid and overly aggressive. His scars fascinated her as did his magical
eye. Poppy was intrigued and actually looked forward to Defence class that
year.
When Albus Dumbledore announced later at the welcoming feast that their school
would be competing in the 'Tri-Wizard' tournament Poppy slammed her
head hard on the Gryffindor table. Why was this man always trying to endanger
her and her friends? It was a great relief to learn that none of her friends
were old enough to qualify. Only Ron seemed a little interested, though not
overly so.
Needless to say, when Harry's name was spat from the goblet, she was utterly
furious.
===============================================================================
Poppy's fourth year was the most productive of her Hogwarts career; though it
was the most stressful for her friendships. It was perhaps the time for strains
to emerge for they had all been friends for years and were bound to have their
tiffs at some point. As a result, she spent a lot of time constantly
researching and practising her duelling, knowing someone was again out to kill
Harry. She became obsessive much like the beginning of her first year and took
more days off than usual, still using her 'insomnia' excuse to Professor
McGonagall.
She continued researching spell creation because she knew that she would need
her own spells to have an advantage over others. Her primary focus was learning
counter curses from the Dark Magic she had learned before Hogwarts. Poppy
became closer to her Ravenclaw 'friends' as she was always in the library that
year and didn't really want to study with Hermione. She loved the bushy haired
girl but she had a tendency to nag.
At the beginning of November, Poppy sat on her bed in Gryffindor tower and
determinedly repeated the incantation of her invented spell. Her curtains were
closed and a silencing spell had been raised so none of her roommates would
hear.
Poppy decided to create a healing spell, thinking that it would be the most
useful at the moment. It was quite ambitious for her as healing spells were not
exactly easy but it only motivated Poppy more. The striped haired teenager
possessed extra abilities that others didn't and she was more than prepared to
use it to her advantage. This was the light magic she retained from her
animagus form. It was not especially powerful but she decided to harness it by
twisting known spells and adding her own brand of light magic.
The spell she was attempting that night was the Vulnera Sanentur which closed
deep gashes from cutting or slicing spells. The only issue was that if the
spell used to pierce the flesh was dark magic then a scar would be left and the
victim would become weak until the dark residue was flushed from their system.
It was not fatal but this was a good place to start. It would test her brand of
light magic against dark spells.
Therefore Poppy had sliced her palm open with a dark hex and was repeatedly
trying to close it. Her hand was stained a deep burgundy red as was the small
towel she had conjured, uncaring that the blood had soaked through and had
pooled on her mattress. The wound was deep but the blood had mostly clogged up
by this point so that only it only oozed lightly.
"Proxima Tenebris" Poppy hissed, brandishing her wand.
Nothing happened.
"Proxima Tenebris" She repeated again. Still, nothing happened.
Finally, Poppy took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She used her meditation
techniques and closed her mind.
"Proxima Tenebris" She tried again. No effect. Poppy continued trying to
concentrate and forcibly called the place inside of her that was a different
sort of light magic associated with her wolf form.
"Promina Tenebris" The animagus said calmly and immediately a pale blue wispy
light shot from her wand and closed the wound up expertly. It tingled and Poppy
excitedly waved her wand to inspect for any signs of dark magic residue.
There was none. It was a success.
===============================================================================
It was strange when the students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang arrived. The
students of Hogwarts were in two minds of their guests. The first was that they
were fascinating and exotic and immediately wanted to befriend them. The other
was that they were a nuisance and invading their privacy. Poppy leant towards
the latter.
Unfortunately, it was all that her 'friends' went on about or rather the groups
of people she socialised with outside of Gryffindor. House tables became a
little bit more divided that year to make room for the guests. Poppy was wary
and suspicious of the arrivals. They were strangers and could not be trusted.
Though both sets of students were rather arrogant and stuck up so she did not
perceive them to be too much of a threat.
"Do you think they speak any English?" Mandy Brockhurst asked the table
curiously. Terry Boot shrugged his shoulders. The rest of the Ravenclaw table
was staring avidly at the three Beauxbaton girls several places down.
Poppy tried not to sigh. She had taken a break from her friends that evening as
Ron had fallen out with Harry because of the whole tournament and she couldn't
deal with the sudden hostility. Hermione and Poppy decided to stay out of the
nonsense but that meant Poppy usually spent time with Harry and Hermione was
with Ron. That dinner Harry stormed from the Great Hall because of a snide
comment made by her ginger friend. Poppy quickly stood, whacked Ron on the back
of the head and then calmly walked over the to Ravenclaw table. She started to
regret it.
"Of course they do" Poppy said idly while cutting up her chicken. All eyes
turned to her, "Perhaps not well but I know they understand us" She explained
calmly. It was obvious from the way they would tilt their heads and respond to
remarks made about them in English.
Just then Poppy heard a loud bout of laughter from the Beauxbaton girls. They
were attracting quite the attention and not attempting to quieten their voices,
"Vous penseriez qu'ils apprendraient au moins les sorts de toilettage de base à
se révéler fondamentalement présentables"'You would think that they would learn
at least the basic grooming spells to look passably presentable' one of the
girls scoffed. The animagus frowned. Poppy knew her French. It was the second
language she learned, thanks to her uncle. He was quite adamant in teaching
her. It was a pureblood custom. Poppy continued to learn it even after he died,
in memory of him.
"Je connais. Avez-vous vu leur postures, ils se heurtent terriblement dans ces
selles" 'I know. Have you seen their postures, they slouch awfully in these
stools' Another girl began. The girls tittered in amusement. The Ravenclaws
around her watched them with idealised expressions. It made her irritated.
"Oui et avez-vous vu les cheveux du champion des Cheleurs de Poudlard? On
dirait que quelque chose s'est glissé sur sa tête et est mort"'Yes, and have
you seen the hair of the cheaters Hogwarts champion? It looks like something
crawled on his head and died' they giggled.
Poppy stood up. The striped haired girl ignored all around her. It felt
fiendfyre had been unleashed inside of her raging to get out. She kept it in
though, the only indicator of her burning rage was her almost glowing green
eyes. As she walked over, her posture was overly languid and smooth. Poppy was
imagining all of the different ways she could curse the girls. Perhaps make
their hair fall out? Too petty. Swell their tongues so they choked? Too vulgar.
With her mind flashing with possibilities she stopped behind the girls. The
hardened teenager spoke up calmly, "Excuse me, ladies"
The Beauxbaton students turned around all looking a little surprised at being
directly addressed. The three girls eyes took her in critically. Poppy watched
them calmly with a blank expression, her wand in hand.
"Yes? I do not believe we've met" One of the girls smiled sweetly as if she
wasn't a vicious bitch on the inside. Her English was fairly decent. The other
girls' eyes showed their visible approval of her. Poppy's wand hand twitched.
How dare they insult her best friend in both character and appearance in one
measly breath. They would pay.
Another girl from the other side of the table spoke up, "Indeed, I do believe
we would have remembered if we've seen you before" She spoke charmingly. Her
hair was spun gold and eyes a dark brown. The girls all nodded their heads in
unison. The third offered her to join them.
"And why would you have remembered me?" Poppy inquired, her voice still
unflappably calm with a hint of a drawl. It was almost dead sounding. Poppy
would have tried to sound more human if all her concentration wasn't on holding
in her anger. It would be wrong to curse them. Even if they deserved it.
It seemed that her mood was finally noticed by the girls as they exchanged
uneasy looks. One was even brave enough to flip her long hair, "You are clearly
cut from better stock than your Hogwarts peers" She said with a smile as if
insulting her entire school was flatting to her, "You are obviously more
cultured. Please join us" She winked and then motioned for her to sit.
Poppy stood frozen for all of seven seconds. In those seconds she stared
directly into the girl's dark brown eyes. She was silent and her face was stoic
as she considered her options. A mild jynx would not be too offensive. Would
it? Everything about these girls rubbed her the wrong way from their nasty
behaviour to their shallow countenance. It was awful how they appeared to be
lovely on the outside but were rotten on the inside. If it weren't for all of
the beauty Charms and effort, they would be as average as everyone else.
The atmosphere around the table grew frosty in the silence. Poppy gently tilted
her head and took a deep breath and spoke with great restraint, "No I will not
join you ladies. Nor now or anytime in the future" She spoke almost softly but
her eyes made sharp eye contact with the girls at the table, "I genuinely don't
think I could stomach listening to any of you for a significant period of time.
I would lose the tiny thread on my temper" She said calmly with iron clad
restraint. The girls looked mildly alarmed. If it was by her words or her
strange behaviour, she was not certain.
Poppy continued, "I do not find it flatting for you to insult my entire school
or the complete student body. If you insist on continuing to spout your hate
then I will do something about it, are we clear?" Poppy's voice asked
conversationally, carefully keeping her face blank. It would be very weak to
shout and lose all composure. She was stronger than that. She was in control of
her emotions they did not control her.
The girls fearfully nodded their heads. Poppy then left the Great Hall. She
needed to let off some steam. The girls were imbeciles and utterly shallow but
that did not make them deserving of being cursed of hexed. The animagus would
be sending a few mild Jynx's if they continued, however. They had been warned.
===============================================================================
Midway through November, Poppy noticed an unusual scent drifting through the
corridors of Hogwarts. It appeared quite suddenly but the odour almost
immediately permeated almost all of the air space of the castle and tickled her
nose familiarly. It was sharp and warm with hints of spice. She wasn't certain
what it was and it only served to irritate her.
This bothered the animagus for around two days before she went to investigate.
It was on a very early Sunday morning when she shifted into her wolf form,
turned invisible and followed the strange burnt, musky and powerful scent. The
only issue was that it was everywhere. It drifted in the breeze and did not
seem concentrated in any one area. It took her quite a while but eventually, it
led her right to the Forbidden Forest.
The wolf stalked slowly, tail flicking agitatedly and eyes darting this way and
that. Tents had appeared to have been erected. The wolf smelled the many
different scents of wizards and witches in the area. These were not the odours
that bothered her. That smell was magical and different and clung to the air
like smoke. It called her to her and intrigued her. The smell was almost
overwhelming as she got closer it blocked out all of the different fragrances
in the forest.
She crept slowly through the woods, feeling her paws sink softly into the
forest floor. A sudden booming roar echoed throughout the forest and Poppy's
ears shot up and her tail twitched. She continued approaching hesitantly as the
scent seemed to warn her to be cautious. When the smell started to burn her
hyper sensitive nose, she finally saw it.
Off in the distance, surrounded by what looked like a pen for farm animals were
four large Dragons.
The wolf froze for three long seconds before bolting away and flying through
the air, straight into Gryffindor tower where the students would be already up
and at breakfast.
Poppy immediately entered her dorm and seeing it empty, shifted and barrelled
down the stairs, wanting, no needing to find Harry and warn him about the first
task for why else would four dragons be hiding in the Forbidden Forest.
It was sheer luck that Harry and Hermione were huddled in the common room
alone. Poppy ignored the shocked and bewildered look she received Hermione and
immediately approached Harry and breathed, "Dragons"
The teenage boy blinked and frowned, looking confused and eyeing her in a
concerned manner. Poppy grabbed his arms worriedly, "It's Dragons Harry, the
first task" She explained, her voice high and distressed. How would her friend
deal with them? Were the people who arranged this whole thing mad?
Harry's face drained of all blood and the looked aghast, "D-dragons are you
sure?" He asked sounding almost hopeful she was mistaken. Poppy shook her head
with a sigh.
"No, it is, I saw them. I've been smelling them recently and-" She began
frantically.
The two emerald eyed best friends seemed to forget the presence of their bushy
haired friend as she suddenly cut in.
"-You've been smelling them? What is that supposed to mean?" Hermione demanded
with a frown and placed her hands on her hips with a confused and frustrated
face.
"For that matter, where were you? I checked all of upstairs and you were
not there. How could you have just appeared in the dorm? What is going on, what
are you two not telling me" She demanded again, whisky eyes darting back and
fourth between her and Harry.
Poppy and Harry exchanged uncertain looks before the striped haired teenager
nodded minutely. Turning back around to her female best friend she took her
hand gently, "'Mione, I've got something to tell you" She said quietly.
Poppy then confessed and showed Hermione her animagus form. She also explained
the situation surrounding it. It shouldn't have been a surprise that Hermione
seemed disbelieving and little jealous that Poppy had achieved something so
advanced before studying magic. It was strangely Harry that sorted Hermione out
with strong words and a disappointed face. Hermione went red.
The three Gryffindors missed breakfast and despite having thousands of
questions for Poppy, Hermione insisted they attend lessons. Poppy wanted to use
her 'insomnia' excuse but Hermione didn't let her. The muggleborn witch sat
beside Poppy in every class that day asking menial and confusing questions
about her other form. Most of them Poppy didn't even know.
Hermione spent every spare moment of the next few days furiously researching
everything that could help Harry and find more about Poppy's mysterious and
unknown animagus form.
===============================================================================
Two days before the first task, Poppy yawned and slouched tiredly at the
Gryffindor table when the owls swooped in. That morning a letter dropped in
front of Harry. He grinned brightly and eagerly as he opened it.
Poppy smiled at his enthusiasm and yawned, "That from Padfoot?" She muttered
sleepily. Harry's bright grin was her reply as he read over the letter. Padfoot
was a nickname that Sirius Black had told Harry to call him to not arouse
suspicion. The ministry still hadn't declared the Black heir innocent or
announced he had been released from Azbakan. They were trying all kinds of
underhanded ways to avoid telling the public as it would reflect horrendously
on them. Sirius even said they tried to bribe him handsomely if he would live
out his life in isolation.
Hermione's loud gasp as she opened her Daily Prophet alerted Poppy that
something major had happened. Immediately her brown haired friend stood and
squeezed herself in on Poppy's left, throwing the paper down in front of both
her and Harry.
The teenage boy had finished his letter and was grinning in such an
unrestrained manner that it made Poppy giddy and curious.
Hermione tapped the newspaper in front of them to draw their attention, "Harry
look" She gasped excitedly. Poppy skimmed the article. It showed a picture of a
handsome man with dark curly hair standing beside Minister Fudge and looking
unamused as reporters tried to hound him.
'Sirius Black found innocent of all charges and released from Azkaban'
The Ministry of Magic is guilty of one of the biggest mismarriages of justice
in the last thousand years. Sirius Black, heir to the most Noble and Ancient
House of Black, has been proven innocent of his supposed 'mass murder' and
support of You-Know-Who.
Twelve years sentenced to Azkaban while the true culprit was awarded an Order
of Merlin first class.
The rest of the article viciously attacked the ministry and spouted Black as a
supposed saint. Poppy peered up to Harry who's green eyes were staring at the
paper with brightly. She grabbed his hand under the table.
"This is great" He breathed his joy and looked up to her eagerly, "This means
that I can go and live with him this summer" Poppy had never seen Harry this
giddy before.
Poppy leant over to give him a quick hug. The three friends chattered excitedly
about the ramifications of Sirius' declared innocence.
Just before breakfast ended Harry turned to Poppy, "Oh and Sirius really wants
to meet you this summer" He said with a smile.
Poppy's eyebrows flew to her head, "Just me? Not all of us?" She asked and
gestured to Ron - further down the table as he was still put out with Harry -
and Hermione.
Harry furrowed his brows and nodded, "Well he's already met Ron when he dropped
me off at the Weasleys. Remus wants to meet you too. They ask about you tons.
Not sure why" Harry sounded like it seemed a bit strange, not bad, but simply
strange.
Poppy was quick to agree, "Sure, I can meet him this summer " The friends
grinned at each other again.
===============================================================================
The first task was much like Poppy's boggart come to life. Seeing Harry going
against a Dragon and being unable to help him. Hermione physically restrained
her. Poppy let out her frustrations by screaming at Ron for being a prat. What
if Harry died and they never made up? The students in the rows surrounding her
would look back to watch her like she was mental. Poppy would then scream at
them for having sick enjoyment in watching a boy fight for his life. Lots of
people shuffled away.
Needless to say, when a huge party was thrown in Gryffindor tower to celebrate
their champion Poppy was not amused.
"But they bullied him for a solid month and have been complete arseholes. No
loyalty whatsoever" Poppy huffed, slumped on the sofa by the fire. They were
all waiting for Harry to arrive and show off his egg. Hermione rolled her eyes
and nodded her head,
"I know that but they are proud a Gryffindor did so well. Don't start screaming
at them like you did during the task" Hermione warned, looking stern. Poppy
slumped even further. They deserved to be berated!
"Right so he's not a Gryffindor when he's accused of cheating but he is when he
wins" The striped haired teenager summarised dryly.
Ron then turned around and stood up as a crowd of cheering Gryffindors entered
the common room. Poppy watched with a scowl as her best friend was hoisted on
shoulders and cheered on. Fickle bastards. The screaming inside the egg was
oddly satisfying to her even if she doubled over in pain. So did the rest of
the false idiots so it was alright.
Harry approached his friends and Poppy latched onto him like a leech, "Thank
Merlin your safe. I would have killed every last judge if something had
happened to you" She said seriously. Harry squeezed her tighter and let out a
strange laugh.
When Poppy pulled back, Ron was staring at her with wide and slightly alarmed
eyes at her comment. She gave him a small smile and shrug in response. Hermione
let out a laugh. Her ginger friend then turned to the boy-who-lived, "Listen,
mate, I-I'm sorry for doubting you. You would have been suicidal to put your
name in that Goblet" Ron Weasley voice was quiet and subdued. Poppy watched
with sparkling eyes, relieved her friends were making up.
Poppy slid up next to Ron and put her arm around him, "And you're sorry for
hurting his feelings. Not believing in him was one thing but you were pretty
hurtful" Poppy frowned. Harry looked very relieved that their argument was over
but also a little amused at her antics.
Ron huffed and smiled, "Yeah" Poppy squeezed his shoulder and nudged his hip
with hers and stared at him with narrowed eyes, "Say it" She prompted
expectantly.
Ron gave her a look to tell her she was mental before sighing heavily and
turning to see Harry's very amused and a little smug face, "I am sorry for
hurting your feelings" Ron huffed, speaking mostly sarcastically.
Poppy beamed brightly and gave him a quick hug. Poppy then moved to Harry's
side and put her arm around him and smiled at him expectantly, "Tell him thanks
for apologising and coming to this realisation after a good screaming" She
inclined her head.
Hermione by this point tried to stop her but the animagus didn't budge. Harry
repeated what she said. Ron's shoulders then dropped in relief and he moved to
walk away. Poppy then spoke up sharply "Is that all? You've been his best
friend for four years and that's all your going to say? Dam it man! You crushed
the poor boys feelings" Poppy barked to a suddenly startled Ron. He backed up
with an incredulous expression. Poppy glared, "The sweet boy was up all night
crying his pretty green eyes out-"
"-I was not-" Harry cut in quickly. Poppy ignored him and continued, "And all
you give him is a measly apology" Poppy turned back to Harry with a frown, "I
think you should make him work for it" Poppy advised her best friend in low
tones.
Ron let out a shout, "Oi" He said irately.
Harry openly laughed then and gave her a hug back, "Thanks, Poppy but I think
we should just move on" He smiled at her, green eyes happier than they'd been
since Halloween.
Poppy beamed brightly and moved so that each of her arms were around her two
male best friends shoulders, "Well thank god that's over. It made me so
uncomfortable" She confessed easily.
Ron grumbled even more and removed her arm, "I know exactly how you feel" He
muttered. The two boys then started catching up and Poppy watched them with a
fond little smile. The striped haired girl turned to her brunette friend,
"Boys, they're so weird, aren't they?" She smiled a little.
Hermione looked up at her, stared, opened her mouth, closed it and then shook
her head, "Yes Poppy... yes they are" She ended up sighing and letting out a
small disbelieving laugh.
Her friends were all together again. That's all that mattered.
===============================================================================
It seemed like her little confrontation a few week previous with the Beauxbaton
students became common knowledge within the school. She shouldn't be surprised
really as the rumour mill at Hogwarts was legendary. In many ways, she was
praised and seen as a hero amongst her own school. The only issues it caused
was the sudden hostility and French insults aimed her way. Poppy ignored the
childish pettiness, though did send a dark smile to the shallow girls she had
spoken to every now and then to remind them that they were being watched and
her warning still held true.
It came as quite a surprise to her when at the start of December she was given
a note that told her to go the Headmasters office. The striped haired girl
became extremely paranoid and worried Dumbledore knew something he shouldn't.
Entering the office through the strange winding stairs, she was rather
surprised to see Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Madam Maxine and of
course the three trouble making girls from before. Poppy had an inclination of
what this was about and was greatly relieved. Dumbledore did not know anything.
Albus Dumbledore sat behind his desk with McGonagall beside him. The very tall
half-giant lady sat off to the side with her students surrounding her and
gazing at her superiorly.
Poppy smiled as she entered, a little amused. These girls should not be looking
so smug for they were afraid enough to tell on her. It was actually a little
sad for she hadn't actually done anything. Yet.
"Miss Stark, do you know why you have been called here?" Dumbledore asked her,
peering at her over his glasses. The old man did not look angry at her but
merely observant and was watching her carefully.
Poppy nodded her head, "I believe so sir, I assume this is to do with my
disagreement with the Beauxbaton students?" She began calmly. McGonagall
frowned and sent her a reprimanding look that was very frustrated.
Madam Maxine made an irate humming noise. The girl with the long blond hair
turned to her headmistress, "Est-ce que tu vois? Elle l'admet" 'Do you see? She
admits it' The girl said passionately. Poppy watched the group impassively.
Another girl spoke up, sounding falsely sad, "Elle nous menace et nous
terrorise" 'She has been threatening and terrorising us'
Poppy watched the expressions on Albus Dumbledore's face and knew that he had
understood. It was not exactly surprising that he spoke French. McGonagall did
not however and waited patiently. Poppy realised with a start that they did not
know she understood either.
Madam Maxine turned around with a deep frown, "You admit to your acts?" She
spoke in a heavy French accent, directly at Poppy this time. The woman did not
even wait for her reply and then turned directly to Albus Dumbledore, "I demand
action be taken for this atrocious behaviour" Her French accent grew more
pronounced as she got angry.
The girls spoke up again, "Elle nous a fait du harcèlement et nous
terrorise" 'Keep her away from us, we don't feel safe'
Poppy snorted then. McGonagall looked about to burst, "Do you find
this amusing Miss Stark?" She cracked.
The animagus shook her head with a small smile and turned to Madam Maxine,
"Est-ce que je peux dire mon côté de l'histoire? Est-ce ainsi que vous dirigez
votre école, madame? Jugement rapide et partial?" 'Am I allowed to tell my side
of the story? Is this how you run your school, Madam? Quick and bias
judgement?' She spoke in fluent French and raised her eyebrow. The three girls
gasped.
Madam Maxine looked surprised as did McGonagall. Dumbledore hid it well so she
was not certain, "Vous parlez français, jeune femme?" 'You speak French, young
lady?' The Headmistress sounded pleasantly surprised.
Poppy tilted her head in an acknowledgement gesture, "Oui, Madame, peut-être
que nous pourrions continuer cela en anglais, car tout le monde dans cette
salle le dit. Mon chef de maison ne connaît pas le français et nous sommes très
désagréables. Ensuite, nous pourrions aborder ces accusations qui ont été
étiquetées contre moi et parlé dans une langue que vous présumez que je ne
comprends pas afin que je ne puisse pas me défendre"
'Yes Madam, perhaps we might continue this in English as everyone in this room
speaks it. My Head of House does not know French and we are being very rude.
Then we might address these accusations that have been labelled against me and
spoken in a language that you presume I don't understand so that I cannot
defend myself'
Poppy said this all calmly and watched with satisfaction as the blood drained
from the girls faces.
Madam Maxine seemed a little impressed and sent a look towards the girls, "Of
course, my dear, we can continue in English" She agreed courteously and then
continued, "My girls said that you have been threatening them, is this
correct?" She asked with a shrewd look.
Poppy replied immediately, "I did not. I did, however, give them a warning"
Madam Maxine frowned deeply and the girls sent her a smug look, "You feel there
is a difference?" Her voice was sharp.
Poppy sat quite calmly and nodded, "Yes Madam, I did not give any threats or
say anything untoward. The girls were being rude and disrespectful. I warned
them that if I kept hearing it then I would take action. I didn't specify what
I would do" Poppy furrowed her brows, "I could have meant reporting it to a
Professor" she explained.
Her Head of House cut in, "And did you mean reporting it to a Professor?" She
asked pointedly.
"No of course not" Poppy scoffed, "but that doesn't mean the girls shouldn't
have thought that" She said. McGonagall looked like she was developing a
headache. She rubbed her temples and sighed deeply.
The Blonde one spoke up, "But she is lying Madam, we did not say anything! We
kindly offered her to join us and then she made those threatening comments" She
said desperately.
Madam Maxine turned to her with an expectant face.
Poppy explained, "Perhaps not to my face but I heard them making disparaging
comments about the students of Hogwarts, of Hogwarts castle in general and my
best friend. They did this in French and would openly mock others beliving they
could get away with it as those around them could not understand. I obviously
did. Then when I approached they visibly appraised me and only after they
deemed me attractive enough to join them, offered" She explained rationally,
trying very hard to keep the irritation out of her voice.
The girls immediately began to interject and spoke over one another with both
excuses and accusations against her. Poppy sat back in her seat comfortably and
turned to look at her Professor's. McGonagall was frowning and Dumbledore
turned to look at her. The animagus rolled her eyes at him. His lips twitched.
Madam Maxine then shushed her girls and turned to her again, "Do you have any
proof of your accusations?" She asked with a frown.
Poppy looked amused, "Do you need any proof, Madam? Did you not try to demand a
punishment from your students word alone?" Poppy tilted her head.
Madam Maxine looked shocked and angry, "I have never heard such disrespect" She
gasped and looked towards Dumbledore as if he would berate her.
Minerva McGonagall did speak up, "That was extremely disrespectful Miss Stark"
She agreed disapprovingly.
Poppy shrugged her shoulders, "Respect is earned" She replied simply. The whole
room paused to look at her as if she was an idiot. Poppy had grown bored by
this point and turned back to the French Headmistress,
"I do not have any proof Madam for it was a judgement call. I can tell you the
insults your students made but you would probably not believe me. Maybe we
should get some Veritaserum or I can see a Pensive over there" Poppy peered
around Dumbledore to the ornate bowl. Merlin, those were extremely rare,
"Instead of this childish, 'he said she said situation'" She finished.
The Beauxbaton girls gasped in fright, "You use veritaserum in this school" One
girl gaped in horror. Poppy shook her head, "No but I would be willing to
consent to get this nonsense out the way" Poppy was beyond bored by this point.
The room then grew quiet then and the striped haired girl wondered if they were
contemplating using the truth serum.
"What do you think?" Madam Maxine asked Dumbledore with a frown though her eyes
watched Poppy in curiosity.
The Headmaster popped a lemon drop into his mouth and hummed, "I do not know
for certain Madam, however, I can say that Poppy is one of our most
consistently honest students, perhaps too much so" He explained with twinkling
eyes.
Madam Maxine frowned. The girls began trying to explain themselves again. The
headmistress held up her hand, "Yes, I quite agree with you" She acklowedged.
The half-giant then turned to her girls, "Vos filles ne se sont pas comportées
d'une manière qui convient à un étudiant de Beauxbatons. J'ai honte que vous
agissiez le mieux et que ce ne soient pas les hôtes gracieux que je vous
attends. Votre comportement intolérant et vos façons trompeuses ont été notés.
Si vous continuez de cette façon, vous serez immédiatement renvoyé chez vous.
Suis-je clair?'
'You girls have not behaved in a way that is fitting for a student of
Beauxbatons. I am ashamed that you have been acting superior and not the
gracious guests I expect you to be. Your intolerant behaviour and deceptive
ways have been noted. If you continue this way you will be sent back home
immediately. Am I clear?'
"Oui Madame" They chorused despondently.
The half giant then rose to her remarkable height, "It was lovely meeting you,
my dear. You truly are... unique" She said with a slight smile but puzzled
face. The French ladies then swept out of the room.
McGonagall did not look as angry as she was previously, "You handled that very
maturely Miss Stark" She commented. It was the highest praise Popyy had ever
gotten from her Head of House.
Poppy smiled, "Thanks Professor, I had planned on jinxing their hair to fall
off but this works too" The animagus then rose to leave the room. The last
thing she saw was McGonagall's incredulous and outraged face.
===============================================================================
Poppy was not interested when the Yule ball was announced. The fourth year and
above students were seated in the Great Hall for their very first dance
lessons, taught by Professor McGonagall. She sat at one side of the hall with
all of the other girls and the boys were at the opposite end.
Feelings of glee and enthusiasm were almost suffocating from the girls side.
Poppy made eye contact with Hermione and they seemed to exchange the same
amount of apathy as the other.
Susan Bones leant into her side and giggled, "Do you see that Ernie keeps
looking at you? I bet he's going to ask you to go with him" She winked Poppy
who for the first time realised she would need to get a date. The striped
haired teenager looked hesitantly over at Ernie Macmillan as his gaze quickly
darted away from her.
Hannah Abbott cut in with smile head, "Yeah and I bet Terry Boot too, who do
you want to go with?" She asked with a smile.
Susan sighed heavily and rolled her eyes, "Come on, it's obvious isn't it?
She's going to go with Harry Potter. Your so lucky, he's so handsome" She
sighed. The certainty and casualness of Susans tone made Poppy's heart stop for
a moment and if she'd been if her animagus form, ears perk up and tail drop.
Hannah just nodded and smiled at Poppy, "Yeah, has he asked you yet?" She
inquired casually. Too casually for the madness they were discussing.
Poppy sputtered for a moment and shook her head violently, "N-no-no, Merlin no
and he is not going to ask me. We are just friends" Poppy's voice was resolute
and tone harsh.
The two Hufflepuffs girls eyes widened and shyly turned away from her, looking
nervous. Hermione nudged Poppy on her other side, "Ignore them. I'm sure Harry
will ask you soon" She said in a soothing manner.
The bushy haired teenager attempt at comforting her did not help. In fact it
made Poppy freeze in horror for a few moments. Go with Harry? Like, On a
date? That is insane. Much too insane. It was disgusting! Harry was her best
friend and thinking about him romantically felt so wrong.
Poppy was distracted and worried during the dance lesson and completely avoided
eye contact with Harry the entire time. Did... did Harry fancy her? What if he
did? How would she let him down easily? Poppy thought he liked Cho! This was a
complete disaster. It would ruin their whole friendship. She couldn't loose
Harry. He was her best friend. He was everything to her. He kept her grounded.
Immediately after practice Poppy approached Neville Longbottom with a
determined air. His back was to her and she tapped him on the shoulder.
"Hey Neville?" She asked lightly. Neville turned around looking a little
surprised but smiled when he saw it was her.
"Hey Poppy, what's up?" He said casually, lifting his book bag more securely on
his shoulder. Poppy felt certain with what she was about to ask him. Neville
was a really good person.
"Do you want to go to the Yule ball with me?" Poppy asked calmly. Immediately
Neville looked shocked as lots of students passed them, not paying attention to
their conversation. A small blush appeared on his cheeks and Neville fidgeted
nervously.
"Oh, are you not going with Harry?" He asked hesitantly, shooting her uncertain
looks. Was everyone in on his insanity? More fear shot through her chest and
Poppy knew that she needed to make it clear to Harry that they would never be
together. Discussing it with him would be a disaster and potentially making
their friendship awkward. No by finding someone else to go to the Yule ball
with would make it clear enough.
"No definitely not. We are just friends" Her voice was firm and she made eye
contact the whole time. Neville nodded and his pose had become less confident
and more shy.
Poppy tried to smile at him in a comforting manner, "Just as friends. I don't
want to go with someone to give them the wrong idea" She explained gently.
Neville relaxed a little more and sent her a smile, "As friends, yeah, that
sounds good"
Poppy sighed in relief.
In the weeks leading up to the Yule ball, the two Gyriffindor girls mostly
avoided their two male friends. This was because they were both in foul moods
when they learned the girls already had dates. Poppy didn't fully understand
what both of their problems were and the constant suggestions of Harry liking
her by almost everyone made her think the worst; that he was jealous. Ron was
also noticeably cold towards the girls and that only made Poppy paranoid
that Ron fancied her as well.
Poppy was very fortunate that she had Hermione as they both seemed put off by
the boys behaviour, "Stupid boys, the emotional range of a teaspoon, honestly,
angry that we got dates, it's their own fault" Her brunette friend would mutter
under her breath.
Poppy wasn't exactly sure what she meant by that but was still relieved
Hermione was content to avoid the boys with her.
Poppy didn't enjoy the Yule ball much. No matter how beautiful and stunning
people told her she looked, it didn't really matter to her. She was upset
because of her continued distance from Harry. Ron and she did continue to speak
– though not nearly as much as before – but the rift between her and Harry was
only making her feel awful about herself and ashamed. She missed his comforting
looks and small smiles. The way that he would know something was bothering her
or give her hand a squeeze when she had a nightmare. She missed the silent way
they would look at each other when either was uncertain and worried and ease it
away. Poppy missed her friend.
Neville was a fine partner though he retired quite early. That left Poppy
sitting alone. Hermione and Ron had walked away to speak to each other in
private and her friends didn't return. Poppy sighed and watched everyone dance
happily.
"Can-can I sit here?" A familiar voice interrupted her musings. Harry stood
looking nervous in a lovely set of black robes. Poppy didn't want to have this
discussion but knew it was inevitable.
Poppy nodded silently and her friend sat down. It was very awkward for a few
moments before Harry cleared his throat, "You look beautiful tonight" He said
with a little smile and hesitant expression.
Nausea welled up inside of her as she desperately blurt out, "I don't fancy you
Harry" She breathed.
Harry looked startled and his green eyes widened in repulsion, "What?" He
gasped with his mouth hanging open.
Poppy fidgeted and couldn't make eye contact with him, "I don't like you in
that way. You know I love you but your my best friend and I don't fancy you and
I don't think I ever could-" She rambled nervously.
Harry placed his hands on top of hers and let out a puff of laughter, "Well
good. That's a relief. Neither do I and the thought of it just gives me the
shivers" Indeed Harry looked a little disturbed by the notion.
Poppy stared for a moment before letting out such a bright a smile that would
scare off a dementor, "Really? Thank Merlin that's a relief. I was really
freaked out when everyone started suggesting that we go together. I thought you
were planning on asking me" She confessed, feeling like a weight had been
lifted from her shoulders for the first time in weeks.
Harry shook his head with a confused smile, "Well I was going to ask you but
only as friends" He explained.
Poppy frowned, "Then why did you seem so put out at me for asking Neville! I
thought you were jealous" She scowled now and crossed her arms over her chest,
feeling angry they had been distant over such a silly misunderstanding.
Harry winced and rubbed the back of his head, looking bashful, "I was just
feeling overprotective. I didn't know you liked Neville and the thought of you
dating anyone just distributes me... but now I know I was being stupid. I can't
push you away if I'm not comfortable with it. I just worry about you and don't
want you to get hurt" He explained with a timid smile.
Poppy started laughing, "Oh-my-I-can't" She choked out, feeling so and utterly
foolish. They were both idiots.
"What?" Harry looked amused at her unrestrained laughter.
She barely managed to get out, "I don't like Neville. I only asked him because
I thought you wanted to ask me out on a date" She guffawed.
Harry then laughed with her.
The atmosphere between the two friends had definitely improved and they both
felt like imbeciles. The two friends were very relieved everything was back to
normal. They decided to dance, enjoying themselves much more than they did
before with large grins on their faces.
Whispered followed them as Harry attempted to spin her around the floor – also
standing on her feet. Poppy sighed and sent a few glares. Harry squeezed her
shoulder.
"Just ignore them, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. They're mental if
they think something going on between us. All that matters is that we know the
truth" He said calmly.
Poppy nodded her head firmly and looked him directly in the eye, "Yeah. There
is nothing weirder than the idea of us two together. Promise me we will
never ever talk about us being together, ever again" Poppy shuddered a little.
Harry laughed and agreed wholeheartedly, "We will always be friends Poppy" He
said with a smile.
Poppy smirked at him, "Best friends" She reminded him. Harry grinned back.
The two best friends continued dancing for the rest of the night; even though
Harry kept stomping on her feet and Poppy kept trying to twirl him around like
a princess.
***** Chapter 12 *****
The second task was rather surreal for her. Poppy and Hermione were selected to
be the 'things that were taken' whatever that meant. Apparently, it meant being
unconscious at the bottom of the black lake waiting to be rescued. The animagus
was not very pleased with being selected. Especially since the victims were all
women. Yes, a damsel in distress needing rescuing, how cliche. It was
even worse that two out of four were actually the romantic interest of the
champions; Hermione with Victor and Cho with Cedric. It was not helping the
rumours of her and Harry being together that she was aggressively trying to
stomp out.
It was a week after the second task that Hermione sent Poppy a cryptic note
about meeting her in the library. Poppy found her bushy haired friend in a
partially hidden corner of the library, seated at a large table with four other
available chairs.
The animagus frowned and raised her eyebrows as she cautiously approached.
Every inch of the table's surface was covered in different books and parchment.
Her friend was looking more than a little frazzled. Hermione was hunched over
the table, her face so screwed up in concentration she almost looked to be
scowling and muttering under her breath.
Poppy didn't know if she should be worried or not.
"Hey 'Mione" The teenage girl spoke quietly in the peaceful library as she
approached. Immediately, Hermione's head shot up and whisky eyes zoned in on
her emerald ones. Poppy sat down carefully at the overly cluttered table. Her
studious friend looked excited and focused.
"I've found it" Hermione whisper yelled and promptly began flipping pages
through ancient looking books and trying to haphazardly organise the mass
amount of parchment on the table.
Poppy stared a little in disbelief and began to slowly stand up, "-Maybe I
should come back another time..." She began only for Hermione to thrust a dusty
tome right under her nose, dropping it on the table with a loud thud.
"I've found out what you are" Her fellow Gryffindor whispered and then her eyes
darted about the library as she leant closer so no one could overhear, "Your
animagus form"
It took her one heart beat to respond. The striped haired teenager waved her
wand under the table to wordlessly cast a silencing spell.
Poppy felt a chill of panic and uneasiness run down her spine as she
straightened her back to sit rigidly in her seat. Her face shifted into
something neutral and posture was carefully controlled. Was she ready to
know... what she was? Poppy wasn't certain. She stared hesitantly at her friend
and studiously ignored the book in front of her that may hold the secrets to
what she is.
Hermione's excitement seemed to simmer down. She must have found something in
Poppy's expression. Her face shifted from eager to cautious. She reached up and
took Poppy's hand gently, "I'm right here. It will be fine" Hermione's voice
was firm and no-nonsense. It was not the most comforting of tones but it held a
certainty that Poppy needed at that moment.
The animagus took a deep breath. Peering down, she examined the book that
appeared to be written in Japanese. She didn't know Japanese. The teenager
lifted her wand and tapped the page, "Transferendum" The words glowed bright
gold for a moment before shifting into English.
Hermione muttered in slight irritation at her knowledge of the spell when it
had apparently taken her a while to find a suitable translation spell.
The book was a documentation of ancient mythical creatures. She blinked as she
read the index page and all of the different classifications,
'Aviary' 'Dark creatures' 'Dragons' 'Sea dwellers'
There were hundreds of different categories. She stared blankly, only partially
being able to process the words as her heart roared like a beating drum in her
ears.
Hermione reached over gently, "Here" She said quietly and flicked her wand. The
pages of the book flipped through rapidly and settled on a chapter. The title
read;
'Tamashī no dōbutsu
A race of light creatures that are said to have had the power to heal the soul
and cure the world of evil'
"Soul animals" Hermione said quietly. It felt like ice was being pumped through
her veins. Poppy looked at the bucked tooth girl blankly, waiting for an
explanation and trying to keep her emotions in check. Her face felt numb but
eyes bright. Hermione looked nervous for a second before sighing and sitting
back on her chair with a frown.
"It was very hard to find any information on a type of glowing wolf that can
manifest itself without a physical body" She began, "I must have read hundreds
of books of known, unknown and suspected magical creatures before I found this"
Poppy nodded blandly.
Hermione started to get passionate again as she furrowed her brows in thought,
"It was when I was researching different known animals produced by a Corporal
Patronus that I read about the origin of the Patronus Charm and how it was
inspired by a race of magical creatures" She explained enthusiastically,
leaning forward in her chair.
The orphan teenager frowned but Hermione continued talking, "This race is
sometimes known as the 'Tamashī no dōbutsu'. Their existence has been the
debate of Wizarding World for hundreds of years" She took a quick breath but
continued speaking swiftly, "But it was theorised that they became extinct
because of the rise in dark creatures" She explained and trust a small piece of
parchment under her nose as if Poppy was going to read it and then began
riffling through more books with a frown and continued talking,
"In the Western worlds case that would be Dementors. 'Tamashī no
dōbutsu' Roughly translates to 'Soul Animals' and the rise of dark creatures
that taint the soul is believed to be the reason they became extinct or went
into hiding some claim"
Poppy swallowed nervously as her eyes flickered down to the book in front of
her and the section on Ôkami or 'Wolf';
The Ôkami is the Tamashī no dōbutsu most associated with balance, harmony and
judgement. They are thought to be both benevolent and malevolent, noble and
ruthless.
This creature is sometimes known as the 'sending creature' as it acts as a
trusted guide to aid Witches and Wizards through the most treacherous of
journeys (This is especially true in the American magical community).
In folk tales, the Ôkami is able to determine between good and evil and would
judge the soul of witches and wizards. They would become the most loyal allies
to the true of heart and maul the unworthy and wicked.
Poppy read the page three times over, feeling as if her whole existence was
tipping beneath her feet. She took four calming breathes before looking up at
her friend, "Is this supposed to make me feel better?" She said quietly and
tried to scowl but felt her face twist in pain.
Hermione shook her head forcefully and flipped the page to point at another
entry. This one was entitled 'Kitsune' or fox.
Poppy gave her friend a blank look, "I'm not a fox" She said carefully.
Hermione huffed in exasperation and instead of arguing just pointed to a
specific passage;
'According to Yokai folklore, all foxes have the ability to shape shift into
human form.
There is some written accounts of the Kitsune shape shifting into beautiful
women though some argue this ability may be not limited to the Kitsune and all
Tamashī no dōbutsu share this instinctive talent'
Poppy jerked up to look at her friend with wide, scared eyes. Hermione watched
her closely and warily, "Does... does this mean that I'm not an animagus and
I'm a magical creature instead?" Poppy's voice was small and childlike as if
asking a parent something and knowing it to be true but wishing it wasn't. Her
green eyes watered. Poppy felt lightheaded and her noticed her mental shields
crumble from emotional instability. She was weak. Emotionally dependent. Weak,
pathetic.
Hermione looked pensive and sympathetic as she watched her, "I don't know. You
said that you studied and went through the process to become an animagus. But
on the other hand you don't know who your parents are so it is possible" She
sighed and then reached forward to take Poppy's hands in comfort as she began
to visibly tremble. Hermione's hands were small and very dry with little ink
stains. Poppy watched their entwined hands with a heart that was both
affectionate and aching.
She couldn't comprehend what was happening really. It was one thing being so
different and alienated from the world around her but she might not even be
human? Poppy didn't belong anywhere.
"Poppy" Hermione's voice was soft and brown eyes kind, "I also did a lot of
research into the history of animagi and no one really knows when witches and
wizards started, it dates back thousands of years. Most of this-" She waved a
hand to the book Poppy read before, "-Is actually derived from muggle folktales
so it's possible that before witches and wizards shifted into non-magical
animals, they shifted into 'Soul' ones" She explained as her eyes glazed over
as her thoughts became more academic and theoretical.
"It would have sense, wouldn't it?" The brown haired girl mumbled as she stared
off into the distance, "Magic has said to have become much less powerful over
the years. To become an animagus you must form a close bond to your magical
core and soul. It is also only adult Witches and Wizards that learn now"
Hermione bit her lip as her eyes focused back on her, "In ancient American
cultures it was a rite of passage to shift into an animal and this was learned
before puberty. The muggle community called them 'skinwalkers'. It wasn't
allowed to do so in adulthood. Learning languages is simpler as a child so why
not the animagi process? It could be something to do with that, your
personality is less developed as a child and your soul is more pure" Hermione
bit her lip and looked uncertain but fascinated by the possibilities.
Poppy pulled back, slumped ungainly in her seat and rubbed her hands over her
face, "So we are back to the beginning, still not knowing if I'm even human?"
She let out a bitter, self depreciating laugh. Poppy was an utter disgrace, no
wonder her parents left her.
Hermione smacked Poppy on the arm. She yelped and looked up to see Hermione's
scowling face, "Of course you are human, Poppy, don't be ridiculous. I can keep
researching but I'm afraid everything is hypothetical at this point. All I know
for certain is that you are not on any known animal or creature list"
Poppy nodded her head blankly, barely paying attention any more. She was a
freak of nature. An abomination. She didn't even know what she was. Poppy was
all alone.
"Stop it" Hermione's sharp voice cut into her thoughts. Poppy's eyes drifted
slowly up to her friend and looked at her impassively. Worry flickered through
her friends face. Poppy's own face felt oddly numb, "Don't do that. Poppy this
doesn't matter"
Poppy's lips twisted into something bitter, "Right because it's all well and
good not knowing if your human or not"
Hermione sighed but looked stubborn and determined as she stared directly into
Poppy's green gaze "It doesn't matter Poppy. You have an amazing gift and you
worked hard to get it. It saved your life remember? Who knows where you would
be without it" Hermione spoke passionately but Poppy merely sat staring at her
friend apathetically.
Hermione shook her head and then moved forward quickly to grab her in a
forceful and not all that comfortable hug. Poppy allowed it to happen but felt
a strange disconnection inside of her that stopped for enjoying the human
comfort.
"I don't care what you are Poppy. Neither does Harry. We love you for who you
are" Hermione whispered fiercely.
Tears developed rapidly in her eyes and her breath was stolen from her lungs as
sobs suddenly ripped through her body.
Poppy spent that night sleeping in Harry's bed. She was so distraught that her
friend refused to leave her side and eventually dragged her up to his dorm
under the invisibility cloak. Neither friends got much sleep that night as
Poppy sobbed out what she had found and let him read the various notes Hermione
had made up for her.
Harry hugged her and told her that he didn't care what she was and that she
would always be his friend. The striped haired teenager clung to him the next
day. The student body of Hogwarts were quite used to her random bouts of
neediness when it came to Harry Potter and didn't look at the pair twice.
Except for Ginny Weasley who was in a particularly foul mood for the rest of
that day.
===============================================================================
The night before the final task, the four friends sat quietly in the Gryffindor
common room worrying about what was to come. The common room was dim, empty and
the hour was late. The friends had given the Tri-Wizard champion some time
alone to floo call his godfather. After he spoke with Sirius, Poppy, Hermione
and Ron sat down next to Harry to offer him some meagre comfort. The boy-who-
lived stared despondently into the flames.
Ron sat slouched on the armchair and Hermione sat on her toes, biting her
fingernails, "I just have a bad feeling about it" Hermione sighed again,
shooting an almost tearful look towards Harry.
Poppy agreed with her female friend. So did she. The striped haired teenager
had been a relatively awful friend when it came to protecting those she cared
about. She watched her messy haired best friend from the corner of her eye.
She hated the resigned and determined look on his face. She had left Harry to
fend for himself in the last two tasks and would not be doing it again.
"I think I should be there with you" Poppy spoke up for the first time,
sounding uncharacteristically serious. All her friends turned to look at her in
confusion.
Ron furrowed his brow and looked at her like she was crazy, "I don't think
they'll let you, Poppy. Even under the cloak, it would be obvious" He muttered.
Poppy bit her lip and gave significant looks to both Harry and Hermione then;
she could go in her animagus form... Harry's green eyes widened in
understanding and Hermione's face became awash with excitement.
Her bushy haired friend almost vibrated, "Of course you could, couldn't you? At
the very least if something went wrong you could run back and tell Dumbledore
and the others" Hermione breathed, looking eager.
Poppy smiled dully at the support and enthusiasm of her friend though she
definitely did not agree with telling the Headmaster anything. Albus Dumbledore
could not be trusted. He had already proven himself to be incompetent. Harry
was frowning at Hermione and looked uncertain like he didn't want to put Poppy
in danger.
Ron still looked confused and peered between his friends suspiciously, "What?
How could you manage that? Why don't we all just go along then?" He huffed and
rolled his blue eyes.
Poppy, Harry and Hermione all looked at one another. It was her decision. How
could she not tell Ron? She had told everyone else. Poppy sighed and turned to
him,
"Ron, I have something to show you" She said quietly. It many ways, it was
easier now that two of her friends knew and accepted her. But in others, it
would always be difficult.
Poppy didn't allow herself a moment to panic and over think anything. She took
a deep breath and stood. The striped haired teenager stood directly in front of
Ron. She then shifted into her wolf form and stared up at the youngest Weasley
boy with her canine eyes. He jerked back from her on his chair and his blue
eyes went wide, "Bloody hell" he swore.
Poppy had never felt so uncomfortable in her wolf form. Her pure white fur
stood its end and her green eyes shifted uneasily around the room. She stood on
her paws and watched her friend cautiously. Shame and fear welled up inside of
her rapidly but did not let it deter her. If he didn't accept her after this
then there was nothing she could do. Poppy needed to show him. Harry's soft and
affectionate expression and Hermione's curious and kind expression gave her the
strength she needed.
The wolf changed into the light version of itself and then sped around the
common room in a display she'd down twice before. The dull common room was
instantly illuminated as she glowed and twisted through the air. Three pairs of
eyes tracked her movement and she twirled though the stone walls. By the time
she reached Ron again and was a wolf in the flesh again, the ginger haired boy
was standing up and breathing heavily. He pointed at her,
"Spirit wolf! You're a spirit wolf" Ron almost shouted in awe. Hermione stood
immediately and both shushed and reprimanded him for being so loud. But Ron
didn't seem to notice Hermione as he was still staring at her.
Poppy shifted back into a human and stood in front of him and shuffled her
feet. Ron lifted his hand slowly and touched her hair gently. Poppy allowed him
but sent an uncertain look towards Harry. Her ginger friend then touched her
face with the tips of his fingers.
Hermione stomped over to bat his hands away from Poppy's face with a scowl,
"Honestly Ronald what you do think you are doing?" She huffed angrily and
crossed her arms, glaring at the boy.
Ron blinked then as if coming out of a trance. He paused and looked between
them all with a baffled expression, "You both knew?" He gasped and then looked
back at Poppy.
She dipped her head a little, "Sorry Ron, I didn't plan to but I kind of had to
reveal myself" She sighed still feeling nervous and Ron hadn't explicitly
stated what he thought of it all.
When she peeked up at him again he was smiling at her, "A spirit wolf. That's
amazing Poppy. Really, incredible. Are you Harry's guide then? It would make a
lot of sense really. The boy-who-lived would get one, wouldn't he-" He began to
babble excitedly still peering at her this way and that like she was a strange
exotic animal. She felt uncomfortable but also very relieved.
"What are you on about Ronald. What is a spirit wolf?" Hermione asked, probably
irritated that she didn't understand what he was saying. Her lips were pursed
and brown eyes fixed on Ron.
Ron paused and then frowned, looking around the room at the puzzled faces, "You
know, A spirit wolf?" He then turned expectantly to her, "Tell them Poppy" He
gestured for her to explain.
Poppy just opened and shut her mouth helplessly for a moment. Harry finally
stood up and wrapped an arm around her in a comforting manner, "She doesn't
really know what she is Ron" The bespeckled teenager said quietly. Harry
squeezed her shoulder in support. Poppy felt some tension bleed from her
shoulders.
Ron's eyes widened again, "Blimey"
Hermione sighed, "So tell us, Ron, what's a spirit wolf?" She asked tightly,
forced patience in her voice.
Ron swallowed and then sat back down. The excitable moment seemed to have
passed as her friends settled down for a deep conversation. Hermione followed
Ron and Harry led her to the sofa, arm still around her protectively. She leant
into it.
Her ginger friend didn't look like he knew where to begin, "Well spirit wolves
are just legends really. Something that you tell for bedtime stories. Spirit
animals too really, you can get all kinds of them, like Spirit Stags, Spirit
foxes, Spirit bears, all kinds of them really" He began conversationally, his
eyes looking at Poppy curiously.
Hermione's eyes gleamed as she learned this new knowledge and Harry listened
but his green eyes kept darting to her. Poppy herself felt a little numb with
emptiness clinging to her. She listened to Ron with a carefully controlled
face. She shouldn't let her emotions run rampant.
Ron continued, "There are all kinds of stories about them. Especially the
wolves. Spirit animals are light creatures that have the power to see into your
soul and brighten up the darkest of places. They usually fight against Dark
creatures but that's mostly the bears"
Hermione nodded and Ron continued, "Spirit wolves – in the stories – usually
act as a sort of guide and judge. They determine whether someone is good or
evil and then either punish them or become a guide. Those stories are usually
about a hero that needs to complete a dangerous quest and is aided by a spirit
wolf. Those were the best" He sighed longingly with a face that looked dreamy.
If she wasn't feeling so tense Poppy would have snorted.
Hermione took all of the information in with stride with a face that read she
was thinking deeply. Harry just nodded calmly.
Hermione spoke up, "Why haven't I heard of this? All of the texts I found on
the subject were all in other languages" She said in frustration.
Ron shrugged, "Well it's kids bedtime stories, int it? Probably not something
you were looking through. Some Wizarding cultures swear that spirit animals did
exist and there are all kinds of myths about why they're not around anymore"
Poppy snorted and three heads turned to her, "Like Beedle the Bard?" She asked
dryly. Anxiety bubbled up inside of her. She reigned it in tightly.
Ron nodded his head, "Yeah but for younger kids. I dunno if there are any books
on it or if it's something that people just make up. Everyone just knows 'bout
spirit wolves" He shrugged. It was not the most eloquent explanation but it
still told Poppy a lot.
Poppy wanted to know more, however, "Tell me about Spirit Wolves directly. You
said in the stories they are a...guide?" She frowned at the rather vague
statement. Ron nodded but then looked a little uncertain,
"Well not just a guide. That's only the Wizards whose souls are deemed worthy.
They devour ones with the impure souls" He explained. Poppy just stared
blankly. Like a dementor. The idea of her animagus form being connected to
'souls' was cropping up too much for her to be comfortable with.
Three sets of eyes shot to her. Poppy felt ill. Did this make her a bad person?
She thought she was a light creature but that didn't necessarily make her good,
now did it? Your animagus form said a lot about your personality. Did this mean
she was rotten on the inside, despite her actions? A devourer of souls...
Poppy's throat felt tight and Harry's arm pulled her closer.
The foursome continued talking for a while and explained to Ron that Poppy was
actually an animagus. They believed so anyway. The Weasley hit out with a
'bloody hell, best animagus form ever' to her amusement.
Eventually, the conversation drifted back to the third task and both Ron and
Hermione agreed that Poppy should accompany Harry in her invisible wolf form.
Harry didn't agree.
"But it's dangerous. Something could happen" The messy haired teen objected
with a frown.
Ron rolled his eyes, "Mate, if a spirit wolf can't guide you safely then you've
got no chance"
Hermione smacked Ron on the arm, "Ronald!" She scolded and then turned back to
Harry with a comforting expression. The ginger glared at his brown haired
friend.
"Harry, it will be doubly dangerous for you without Poppy and no one will even
know she's there. If there is any danger then she can run right back and report
it. It will be fine. We are not letting you do this alone" Hermione's voice was
firm.
It took another half hour to convince the boy.
===============================================================================
The day of the final task, Poppy crept by Harry's side in invisible wolf form.
She lurked beside him, touching his legs so he would know where she was as they
warily entered the maze. The wolf was focused. She would keep Harry safe. Poppy
had been in wolf form for most of the day, a constant vigil at Harry's side.
The animagus was a little disappointed that she couldn't meet Sirius Black. The
man had unexpectedly shown up to support her friend. Harry's godfather gave him
a huge hug and wished him luck, grey eyes dancing with slight anger and lots of
concern. Harry was so happy to see him.
A sandy haired man with a tired smile also wished him luck. The mans scent
distracted her for quite a while. It was sharp and powerful. It had an
undercurrent of dark magic though... it wasn't dark magic. It was rich and
strong, though not unpleasant. In fact, Poppy liked the scent quite a bit. It
was similar to a magical creature but so obviously human male. It
was very musky and pleasant.
At the entrance to the maze, Sirius Black had looked around with a frown and
asked where Poppy was and that he wanted to meet her. Ron, Hermione and Harry
all exchanged looks. Ron's gaze even dropped worriedly to Harry's knee's. The
boy seriously lacked subtlety. Harry stuttered out an excuse and eventually the
Black heir was forced away by officials as the task began.
The maze was eerie but Poppy had the advantage of seeing through the tall grass
walls with her vision. She directed Harry with a nudge of the leg every now and
then. She sometimes took the wrong path so it wouldn't seem obvious he had a
guide. Poppy could care less if he won or not. Her main objective was to keep
him safe.
When they discovered Victor Krum was under the Imperius curse Poppy tried to
drag Harry back. He ignored her and continued on. The fact that he was
apparently cursed to help Harry win told the wolf that something awful awaited
her friend at the finishing line.
Harry – being the stupidly noble boy he was – offered the cup to win with
Cedric Diggory. Poppy watched warily from the side lines as they both grabbed
it at the same time. Immediately, they began to move and it was with a start
that she realised it was a port key.
Poppy only barely made it in time and bit the robes at Harry's back to take her
along with them.
They all landed in a graveyard. The two boys and the winners cup tumbled away.
Poppy landed awkwardly on her paws. She whimpered as she tried to stand,
wobbling like a baby deer.
She turned her head to see Harry slowly sit up and look around him. He was
possibly looking for her but it was most likely because he had no idea where
they were. The wolf watched as realisation crept into Harry's green eyes. He
knew they were in danger. Cedric didn't seem to understand this, however, and
thought it was still a game. The poor boy.
When she was finally able to stand she carefully took in her surroundings. A
graveyard at night fall. Harry was standing now and looking around almost
worriedly, he was probably searching for her now as her invisibility was still
on. The boy-who-lived eyes darted around the graveyard worriedly. She was about
to approach when something drew her attention away.
A small breeze tickled her fur. It carried with it the scent of a man and
something... wrong. The wolf stiffened and turned around. At the far side of
the graveyard, a strange hooded figure stood beside a large bubbling cauldron.
A voice hissed out, "Kill the spare"
The figure whipped out its wand and with no hesitation cast the killing curse.
Poppy bolted as fast as she could in the glowing green lights trajectory. She
managed to use her canine head to push Cedric Diggory out of the way quickly.
He tripped on the grass and rolled over. The wolf darted her eyes to Harry who
was standing almost in shock. The relief she felt was almost crushing. The
killing curse wasn't sent at Harry. Thank Merlin.
The unforgivable was apparently not enough as the hooded figure then cast a
quick slicing curse that hit the boy directly in the chest. Poppy was
distracted in checking over Harry and did not protect him. The Hufflepuff fell
on his back, grunting. Poppy dashed over and crouched on his stomach to deeply
sniff the wound to assess the damage. She smelt the pungent aroma of blood
tainted with dark magic. If she didn't do something then he would die. The boy
was wheezing and twitching in pain. The wolf had never attempted magic in her
animagus form. What else could she do? If she transformed back then the figure
would attack her and Cedric would die anyway. She watched as blood poured from
him in a constant stream. She had to try. The wolf stared directly at the wound
and thought with intent, "Proxima tenebris"
The wound closed immediately with a faint blue light.
She huffed in relief and then looked back to the hooded figure with teeth bared
at the ready. The figure wasn't looking at Cedric. It was strange, surely the
boys miraculous healing would cause some sort of curiosity. She wished she
could see the figures face.
"Nooo!" Harry screamed, staring in their direction. He tried to run over but
was quickly bound in ropes and attached to a tombstone. Poppy snarled silently.
She was about to dart over in her friends defence when a voice grumbled beneath
her. She looked down to see Cedric Diggory trying to move and his eyes blinked
open.
"Oh Merlin, a spirit wolf" He breathed, eyes wide. 'Oh shit' Poppy thought. Was
she still not invisible? She thought she was. The hooded figure hadn't noticed
her yet. Neither had Harry... Why could Diggory?
Poppy hesitantly looked back up to see the hooded figure now placing things
within a large cauldron. A dark ritual. Harry was still bound to the tombstone.
His messy head of hair moved slightly, telling her he was discreetly peering
around the graveyard as if looking for something. They were relatively near,
why didn't Harry notice the bleeding boy beneath her? Or the large white wolf
looming over him? The Hufflepuff just proved he could see her. Why couldn't
Harry? Poppy frowned - as much as she could as a wolf - and looked back down to
Diggory. He was still staring at her with wide eyes and an open mouth. Another
quick look up told her Harry was still peering around the graveyard for them
both. What on earth... Did... did she make Cedric invisible too? Is that why he
could see her but no one else could see either of them? She didn't have time to
ponder this! Harry was in danger.
The wolf looked back down to the boy beneath her as Diggory finally drew his
attention away from the wolf. He watched Harry and the hooded figure with wide
eyes also, "Are-are we invisible" He whispered, eye darting back to her. Did he
know she could understand him?
Poppy let out a small grumble and nod her head. Cedric's eyes were still wide
and both alarmed and amazed. When the foolish boy tried to stand to aid Harry
she morphed back into a human quickly, stunned the boy and dragged him off to
the shadows. Poppy heard the cruciatus curse being used on her friend as she
dragged the limp boy. The sound of Harrys screams would forever haunt her. She
felt her blood boil and magic flare. She did not have time to babysit the
Hufflepuff. Poppy swiftly wiped his memory of her. She placed him beside the
cup and disillusioned him so he would not be noticed.
Poppy shifted back into her wolf form and crept towards Harry, mercifully
invisible again. She was very fortunate the figure hadn't noticed. By this
point, the figure's hood had finally dropped... revealing... a short pudgy man.
He had overly long bucked teeth and was hunched over the Potion with an excited
expression. Merlin, it...it...it was the rat. Pettigrew. That filthy murderer.
A small growl built up in her chest. She should have killed him when she had
the chance. She would not be making that mistake twice. Pettigrew was holding a
bloody blade. The scent on it was practically screaming at her. It was Harry's.
The wolf pressed up against her friend. His mouth opening and eyes darting to
the side for a second was the only sign that showed he knew it was her. Poppy
let her instincts rule her and bent her head to lick the slash wound on his
arm. Harry's blood was strong and very flavourful though not too unpleasant. It
tasted like Harry. When she pulled back, the wound was completely closed
without even a scratch.
When the wolf turned its head she saw that Harry's blood was being used for a
dark ritual. Drops slowly fell into the Potion. She eyed the plump rat man
hungrily, wanting to rip his throat out. Poppy was a complete idiot for not
getting her revenge on him when she had the chance.
The disgusting vermin pulled out a small creature from his heavy robes. It was
the size of a small child that looked as if it had been cursed inside out or
was burnt in a fire. It wheezed and was all sharp bones. It was utterly
hideous.
The worst part of the creature was not its appearance, however. It was
its smell. It was dark, so much so it burnt her nose. The dark magic was the
most powerful scent. The wolf tried not to whimper or gag. It was an
abomination; rotten, unworthy, simply wrong. It smelled unnatural like a vile
odour that was synthetic, made specifically for smelling as worse as possible.
Only this was no dungbomb. It was unnatural. Everything about it made Poppy
feel ill inside and everything about it made her want to destroy it. It did not
belong.
The rat dropped it within the cauldron reverently to complete the dark ritual.
It was with a hitched breath she realised she had been simply watching this
happen. No. She would not be sitting back. Poppy bolted forward and rammed her
head into the cauldron forcefully. It tipped over and fell onto the grass,
hissing and bubbling toxically.
A voice hissed, "Wormtail"
Screaming and gurgling came from the spilt over Potion. It all reeked of dark
magic, so much so that she backed off to Harry's side again to escape it. The
wolf then began biting at Harry's bindings while the murderer was preoccupied
with trying to fix the mess. Her friend couldn't see her but was whispering for
her to run. She didn't listen.
The vile rat was stuttering apologies and trying to help the now bigger
creature up. It had grown. It was now roughly the size of a ten year old child.
Its skin was no longer charred and shrivelled. Instead, it was a transparent
grey with visible blue veins though its hands were still claw like. It still
stank like an abomination. It held no nose but its eyes were a striking and
vivid red... Red. Red. Red eyes. This... this was Lord Voldemort. Merlin.
When Harry was finally free, she nudged him with her head as quickly as she
could. Poppy needed to get the boys out of there while the dark wizards were
preoccupied. The Dark Lord was nude and examining his new body, seemingly
outraged. If he had nostrils they would most certainly be flaring. His voice
still cracked though slightly more human sounding. It was not human. Every
instinct from her animagus form screamed at her that he was not human. Or a
being. He was unnatural. The Dark Lord viciously berated the rat for failing in
the ritual. She could hear Peters whimpers and pleas for mercy. Weak rat.
Poppy kept an ear trained to them as she nudged Harry over to the cup. He
looked back occasionally though he followed her obediently. When Harry saw the
cup he breathed a sigh of relief but then whispered. "Cedric, I can't go
without him"
Poppy growled, shifting back into a human. She then waved her wand to make
disillusioned boy visible. Harry immediately ran over to Cedric Diggory and
began inspecting him for injuries. Diggory was quite the sight; lying in a pool
of his own blood. Poppy felt only protectiveness and determination as she
levitated the cup towards the teenage boys. Just before it touched them both
Harry's alarmed eyes met her apologetic ones, "No" He gasped and before the cup
whisked him away.
Poppy shifted into her wolf form again and shielded herself with invisibility.
She couldn't leave yet. She would bide her time and get revenge when she had
the opportunity. She would not make the same mistake twice. The rat needed to
be taken out. He tortured Harry. This vile man was best friends with his
parents. It was not cruel... it was necessary to ensure Harry's safety.
Crouching in the shadows, she watched with a sense of fascinated terror as the
Dark Lord summoned his followers. The Wolf stumbled around a little to keep out
the path of the many different Wizards apparating in. It was rather telling for
her. She watched as men she'd suspected of Death Eaters were confirmed. The
Dark Lord was short and... different but even so, he held a power none of the
other men possessed. He would still beat them in a duel most likely.
The Death Eaters were tortured and punished for their apparent failure of their
master for a while. They then discussed plans. She waited for the opportune
moment to strike. When Poppy heard Harry's name mentioned, her ears perked up.
The Dark Lord scoffed in response to something one of his minions had said,
"Crouch will hand Potter over to me, he is still in that school disguised as
the Auror and will report to me by morning"
Rapid panic and rage rushed through her as she finally realised how Harry was
sent to the graveyard in the first place! It was Moody.
The Wolf did not stick around, all thoughts of killing were gone. She
immediately flew through the air, bolting as fast as she could back to the
Hogwarts castle by letting his instincts guide her. How could she not think of
this? Of course, there was a spy! How else would Harry's name have even gotten
in the cup? She had sent her friend back to a Death Eater. Alone. How awful was
she. He had been under the Cruciatus Curse, she should have at least ensured he
was taken the hospital wing. But she had let her need her revenge cloud her
judgement. Again.
It had taken her around fifteen minutes to return to the castle. She did not
stop as she continued straight to the Defence Professors quarters, he could
have captured Harry by now.
When she ran through the wall, she came to an abrupt halt. Dumbledore was
standing with his wand trained on a young dark haired man. Harry was hiding in
the corner looking surprised. She was too late. Poppy had failed her
friend again.
The Wolf padded slowly over to her friend as the Hogwarts professors opened a
trunk. Their attention was drawn away by whatever was inside the trunk. Poppy
nudged her head softly against Harry's hand. He gasped and looked down, green
eyes darting this way and that no doubt trying to see her though she was
invisible.
The boy-who-lived sighed in relief and buried his hand into the white fur at
the nape of her neck. He whispered, "I was so worried" under his breath.
Poppy licked his hand.
Her friend was ushered to the hospital wing then. Poppy didn't really notice
what was going on around her. She was directed by the scruff of her neck by
Harry and barely registered anything else. Sirius Black stormed into the
hospital wing both equally angry and worried. She had to budge away reluctantly
when the man enveloped his godson into a hug. Lupin hovered worriedly also.
Dumbledore then got Harry to explain it all. Cedrics unconscious form was at
the opposite side of the wing. Amos Diggorys distress was loud and annoying for
everyone. The Hufflepuff would live.
Poppy buried her head in Harry's chest as she recounted her failures that
night.
What good was she if she couldn't even protect her friend?
===============================================================================
Sirius paced the Headmasters office in an irate fashion. His anger and
frustration were building inside of him rapidly and he didn't think he could
contain it any longer. He had to leave his Godsons side because the old man had
something important to discuss with him. Or rather inform it. It was all
complete and utter bullshit.
"Sirius, sit down and we can talk about this" Remus said quietly from his chair
in front of the desk. Sirius turned around to glare at his best mate fiercely.
"Talk about what?" The ex-convict snarled, grey eyes wild as he stalked closer
to his friend, "About the fact that Harry still can't come live with me this
summer? It's a load of shite. I'm his godfather Albus" The Black heir then
turned around to direct his anger at the man deserving of it.
Dumbledore didn't look happy. He looked subdued and his normally bright blue
eyes were dull, "I know Sirius and I am very sorry but Harry must remain at
Privet Drive to be protected by the blood wards" The bearded man reminded him
yet again. Sirius was not listening though.
He threw his hands up in the air and scoffed, "You were fine with it before and
now you've suddenly changed your mind. You can't do that Albus, I won't allow
it. He is my godson and you have no authority over him" He challenged darkly.
Moony then stood up to place a hand on his shoulder. The sympathetic look on
the werewolves face only enraged him more and he shook it off.
"That was before Voldemort returned" Dumbledore's voice was both grave and
powerful.
The last two Marauders turned to their former Headmaster swiftly. It was Remus
that asked, "So it is confirmed then, he really is back?" The werewolf gulped.
Dumbledore rose from his chair and sighed, "I am afraid so. Harry confirmed it,
though it would seem he is not yet at full power. I believe it is only a matter
of time. It is doubtful we will be able to do anything before he reaches full
strength" He sighed, looking his age for once.
Sirius was still fuming and spoke up, "I can protect him just fine" He bit out
and folded his arms in a stubborn manner.
Dumbledore looked at him directly for the first time, blue eyes soft in pity,
"Ultimately, it is your choice Sirius whether or not you take in Harry this
summer. Though you know as well as I that the blood wards and protective magic
from Lily's sacrifice are the boys best chance at remaining safe" His voice was
quiet though certain and unyielding.
Remus placed a comforting hand on his shoulder again. Dumbledore continued even
more gently than before, "I know you have his best interests at heart but you
need to take care of yourself right now-" He began.
Sirius jerked away with a growl and continued pacing, "I am fine. Bloody fine.
So what if I have a few nightmares now and then? That would happen to anyone
who'd spent twelve years in a bloody hell hole. Are you saying I am unfit to
care for my godson?" Sirius accused Dumbledore with a ferocious look.
Dumbledore sighed and shook his head slowly, "No of course not, merely that you
have yourself to concentrate on. It is too much for you to be dealing with your
trauma and protect Harry to the extent he needs it"
Sirius growled at the useless answer and continued pacing the office, "I am
fine" He spoke through clenched teeth.
Remus, once again, tried to calm him, "Sirius, mate, the healer said that you
have permanent damage to your mind and soul. He said that for a while you won't
be thinking clearly and you'll make reckless decisions. I understand that you
want to be there for Harry but you won't be doing either of you any favours
here if you act too impulsively" He said quietly.
Sirius looked at Moony in complete and utter disgust at his logic. He should be
taking care of his godson!
The dog animagus continued to pace, feeling he was being trapped. Remus spoke
up again, "You can visit him this summer Pads and I'm sure he could come stay
with us for a bit"
Dumbledore agreed and they began making plans. Sirius could feel that his
support had fled the room. He refused to admit there was a reasoning behind it
all but knew when he had been outnumbered.
Sirius flopped down onto a chair at last and looked up at Dumbledore again,
"Well what about Poppy, can she come and stay?" He grumbled, expecting the
answer to be quite simple.
The headmaster's sudden cautious look made him furious again. He thumped the
desk in front of him with a loud bang, "Why the hell not!" He roared.
The old man didn't flinch or acknowledge the loud noise in any way but said
simply, "Sirius, she does not know yet about James and Lily" He admitted
quietly.
Sirius leapt from his seat again, toppling it over as his mood finally reaching
its peak, "Why the hell not! She deserves to know! Poppy is old enough now for
fuck's sake. James and Lily would be rolling over in their grave that they're
daughter doesn't even know they're her parents" He bellowed. It was true, the
Potters were more than heartbroken when they had to send their precious
daughter away. It was only for a short while. Less than six months. Their
little angel would never know. James, Lily and Harry had a target on their back
but not sweet little Poppy. No one outside the Order knew she existed. It was
for her protection...And the biggest mistake they ever made. One that should
have been rectified years ago even if James and Lily were no longer here.
Remus' arm was now more restraining than attempting to be comforting though he
did turn to Dumbledore with a disproving frown, "He is right Albus, Poppy
deserves to know and so does Harry. They don't even know that they're twins" He
said quietly.
Dumbledore then seemed to slump in his chair. The unusual sign of weakness from
the usually strong man made both Marauders pause.
Sirius decided to further his point, "I haven't even met her yet Albus. Tell
her the truth and at least give her the option" He said a little quieter though
it was still more threatening than he'd intended.
The headmaster looked up again with a pointed look, "Poppy is not your
goddaughter Sirius" He said in almost a warning manner. Pain shot through
Sirius. Poppy wasn't his godchild like Harry was but she is still James and
Lily's little girl. He needed to protect her. Give her a family.
Remus then sighed heavily, "Albus we agreed last year that it wasn't fair to
just spring this information on her and Harry so suddenly" Remus began, Sirius
felt a little relief knowing that his friend was on his side, "I know you hoped
to tell her when she was older, had met us and gotten used to us but I don't
think that really fits anymore. You-Know-Who is back and both Harry and Poppy
deserve to know they are brother and sister. She is old enough, Albus" He said
quietly.
Dumbledore nodded his head in agreement, "You are right but it is still a
difficult situation. She may not want to know" He admitted.
Sirius and Remus sat back down looking like this was not something they had
anticipated. Sirius frowned, "Of course she'll bloody want to know" He huffed.
Albus shook his head, "I will speak to her and give her the option. I know you
are only wanting the best for her but in the end, she is still a child and this
is difficult information to process. She deserves an unburdened childhood. This
information might only be more painful to her. To learn that she had a loving
family that is now gone" He sighed, "If she does not wish to know by the time
she reaches her majority then I have no say in whether or not you tell her" He
spoke in a reasonable voice. It only grated on his nerves.
Sirius growled, "That's three bloody years away!"
Remus turned to him with an attempted smile, "Let him give her the option,
Pads, we can't force her"
Sirius did not agree. Poppy might be afraid, but in the long run, she is better
knowing the truth. No doubt she's worried her parents didn't love her or were
awful people or a whole other host of worse case scenarios. This was the best
thing they could tell her. She would gain a brother and a family. It would be
the best for her.
"Sirius, do we have an agreement?" Albus asked with a distinct warning in his
voice.
Sirius grumbled and folded his arms across his chest, "Fine" he bit out but
then stood up again, the chair once again tumbling to the floor, "But I am
meeting her and you can't stop me" He warned to the room at large.
Sirius then stormed from the headmaster's office to visit his godson in the
hospital wing and hopefully meet little Poppy.
===============================================================================
Poppy lay on Harry's lap - still in wold form - as he sat on his hospital bed.
Hermione and Ron sat at his bed side silently, all four of them in a dark mood
reflecting on the fact that Lord Voldemort had returned. Poppy burrowed her
wolfish head into Harry's side. It was her fault. She shouldn't have been so
distracted and done something sooner. She was blinded by her need for revenge.
It was weak. The meagre consolation that he wasn't at full power wasn't really
enough. He would be soon. He had his followers back. It won't be long now.
Sirius Black entered the hospital wing again and Harry's face immediately lit
up. Poppy ignored it. She still hadn't met him and didn't feel much up for it
now. Did she even deserve to meet him? He was a bright, bold personality that
interested her but right now she didn't think she'd have the enthusiasm for
anything.
The musky scented man – she know knew to be Remus Lupin – entered behind him
alongside Albus Dumbledore. Harry sat up a little straighter at the Headmasters
entrance and she tried not to grumble. The old fool wasn't worthy of
admiration. He was just as much of a failure as she.
The wolf was obviously invisible though both Hermione and Ron knew she was
there. Sirius Black slumped down on another chair beside the bed with a
strained smile, "Hey there pup, how are you feeling?" His voice was forced
cheerfulness.
Harry must have noticed the strangeness in his mood and frowned, eyeing the two
other men that stood by the hospital bed.
"Whats going on?" He asked suspiciously, "Did something happen with Voldemort?"
He asked warily.
Poppy burrowed her head further. That disgusting Dark Lord would be getting
nowhere near her friend.
Dumbledore shook his head and sighed, "No Harry I am afraid we are here to talk
about your living arrangements this summer" He said sadly.
Harry sat up a little straighter, jostling her. Poppy then drifted out of the
conversation around her though could tell Harry was very upset. Apparently, he
could not live with Sirius this summer because of the Dark Lords return. It
wasn't fair. Sirius and Harry looked equally unhappy and it made her heart
ache. It was Poppy's fault that Harry wasn't able to live with his godfather.
If only she'd stopped him. Killed Wormtail. Done anything.
Poppy only concentrated again when she heard her voice, "Do you know where
young Poppy is, I would like to have a word?" Albus Dumbledore asked.
Immediately, her wolf ears perked up and she became worried. Was the old man
aware of her presence in the graveyard?
Harry too looked anxious and the three friends exchanged looks, "Why Professor,
what's wrong?" Harry's voice was firm.
Albus Dumbledore paused, "I would just like a word with her. She isn't in any
trouble" He tried to sooth but Harry's face did not falter.
"Then I can be there when you speak to her" The boy-who-lived said expectantly.
His voice held no room for argument. Poppy smiled and nuzzled Harry again,
proud of him for standing up to the powerful Wizard and touched he was trying
to protect her.
Dumbledore nodded his head, "Very well, that may be for the best in any case.
Perhaps we can speak in my office?" He suggested though it was more of a
command.
Immediately, Hermione jumped up with a worried frown "I'll go and get Poppy"
The bushy haired girl said with a significant look towards Harry's groin area,
to Poppy's amusement. She got the message loud and clear.
Harry sat up from his hospital bed, pushing the wolf from his lap. Sirius began
to fret over him and apologise and make sure he was alright all at the same
time. Poppy hopped down from the bed and bolted out of the hospital wing. She
flew through the school in her light form and landed directly inside Albus
Dumbledore's office. It was just how she remembered it from her first year.
Cluttered but organised. A chair was laying on the floor as if someone had
knocked it over. The striped haired girl walked over and sat it up upright
before sitting down.
A musical whistle drew her attention. Fawkes appeared in a flurry of flames. He
swooped down to sit on the Headmasters desk, right in front of her. His dark
eyes staring directly into hers.
He cawed softly and dipped his head, a soft and warm wave of concern hit her.
Poppy gasped at the feeling. It was nothing like she'd ever felt before and
just knew he was trying to convey concern. The Phoenix must be trying to speak
with her. This... this was very strange but somehow... right?Poppy sighed and
shook her head. She in return sent back a wave of light magic tinged with guilt
and shame.
The Phoenix hummed a noise that sounding oddly sympathetic and comforting.
Poppy closed her eyes and let herself be soothed by the sound. Fawkes then
began to sing quietly.
That was how Albus Dumbledore and Harry found her. Sitting with a Pheonix as he
gently sang to her.
Harry paused and smiled a little at the scence and Dumbledore looked amused and
very fascinated. Poppy stood when she noticed the pair.
"You wanted to speak to me Headmaster?" Poppy asked, going directly to the
point. The animagus' voice was a little dull and lifeless. She didn't have the
patience to deal with Albus Dumbledore right now. The brief moment of lightness
was gone and they immediately got down to business.
The old man nodded his head gravely and moved to his place behind his desk.
Harry immediately moved to her side and took her hand, sitting on the other
chair. He was sending her a look with his green eyes. It said, 'Don't worry I'm
here'
Poppy attempted a tired smile and leant into his side.
Dumbledore hummed and began, "There is no easy way to say this Miss Stark so I
shall be blunt... I have information about your parents"
Fear and panic shot through her. The first thing that ran through her head
was, 'no. no. no. no. no. no'
Harry's hand tightened in hers and he was now frowning at Dumbledore. This was
too much of a coincidence, wasn't it? The headmasters blue eyes were watching
her in sympathy, her internal distress probably obvious. Something was
prompting the Wizard to bring this up with her. And it was probably the return
of the Dark Lord. He... the Dark Lord couldn't... be her father... could he?
No. That was a ridiculous thought, wasn't it? Though why on earth was the old
man bringing it up now. A Death Eater? That was likely. She had considered that
possibility before. Her Uncle was a Death Eater and had taken her in. Where
would he have found her if not as the child of another dark wizard? what if
they wanted her back? What if they were trying to kill Harry? Poppy couldn't
handle it if her biological parents were trying to kill her best friend.
An internal battle between curiosity and a need to know her origins battled
with her fear and an impending sense of dread. Much like how Poppy knew when a
magical creature was about and could sense both light and dark magic,
she knew her parents were most likely awful people.
Her throat was dry. The silence of the room was reaching oppressive points when
Dumbledore hesitantly spoke up again, "I can see this is difficult for you,
Miss Stark. I will give you the option of knowing who they are but you do not
have to take it" He spoke quietly. The great Wizard looked sad. It looked like
he knew what the best thing to do in this situation was but wouldn't press her.
It irritated her a little.
Poppy swallowed and looked to her best friend. Harry was staring at her with
green eyes filled with nothing but care and support. She swallowed again. Poppy
closed her eyes and tried to calm down rather unsuccessfully.
Dumbledore broke the silence again, "I know this is hard for you Miss Stark but
it is very likely that you will learn the truth one day. I cannot prevent that.
There is no right answer here, my dear. Just do what you feel is best for
yourself" He said quietly.
Poppy nodded her head but kept her eyes closed.
The teenage girl didn't know how long she sat there, utterly silent. Her
chaotic mood that was bombarded with guilt now felt like she was suffocating on
the emotions inside of her. Her heart pumped rapidly through her chest. Her
chest tightened up, restricting her airflow. All in all, she wasn't even
thinking. It was like her brain had shut down.
After a while, a pair of hands moved to touch her on either side of her face.
It was Harry's hands. Poppy opened her eyes. Emerald met emerald. Poppy stared
at her best friend, needing guidance.
"It doesn't matter who your parents are Poppy. You are still you" He murmured.
It was like only the two of them were in the room. Poppy nodded uncertainly and
her disbelief must have been obvious.
Harry dropped his hands from her face but continued to stare at her, "No it
doesn't matter. You are still my friend. My best friend too. Ron and Hermione
don't care either. We love you for who you are. Quirks and all" Harrys voice
was quiet strength and so certain that it made tears fall from her eyes. She
looked down.
Harry moved closer and enveloped her into a hug. He then turned his head
towards the Headmaster, "Sir, she doesn't want to know" He decided quietly.
Poppy tried to hold back her sobs but they got caught in her throat. She wept,
feeling shame and both heavy relief. Poppy didn't want to know how awful her
parents were. She was better wasn't she? She wanted to be better.
The animagus finally lifted her head from her friends now wet t-shirt and
sniffed. Poppy felt drained and wanted nothing more than to collapse and never
wake up. The orphan girl turned back to Albus Dumbledore, feeling embarrassed
at her breakdown in front of the powerful wizard. Albus Dumbledore had an
expression on his face that she would never forget. It was pure heartache and
sorrow. His bright blue eyes had a light sheen to them as he looked at her and
Harry. They were still holding hands. There was a knowing look and something in
his eyes that seemed like he was witnessing something terribly tragic.
Poppy looked away. She didn't want to interpret that look. The animagus felt
years younger and she drew her legs up and hugged them, "Sir... can I please
leave for the term?" She said quietly her voice disturbingly vulnerable and
childlike.
Albus Dumbledore's face was still etched in sorrow though not as
overwhelmingly, "I am sorry my dear, we do not have anyone to drop you off at
the moment" He said gently.
Poppy didn't care that Aberforth probably didn't want his older brother to know
she was living with him. She didn't care about keeping her location a secret.
She just wanted to be alone in a bed.
"I actually don't live in the Orphanage anymore sir. Can I send a letter and
get someone to come pick me up? We can take the floo, if you don't mind opening
it up" She sniffed. Harry began rubbing her back.
Surprise flickered across Dumbledores face. He looked like he perhaps wanted to
question her but refrained. He smiled in acknowledgement and waved his hand.
Parchment and ink appeared before her. She wrote;
I'm in the Headmasters office and I really want to leave. It's been a tough
night. Come and get me please?
Poppy
The teenage girl didn't even know if the surly Hogs Head owner would come. He
agreed to allow her to work and stay for the summer again but she doubted this
is what he had in mind. The headmaster kindly allowed her to use Fawkes.
It was less than ten seconds later that the fireplace roared to life and a
scowling old man stepped out. Dumbledore immediately rose behind his desk. The
Headmaster paused as he recognised the visitor.
Aberforth himself did not even acknowledge his brother and immediately stalked
over to Poppy. The temperamental old man huffed and stood in front of her,
eyeing her up and down with a frown, "Ready to go?" He asked simply. Poppy
loved the old bastard for that. He didn't pry. He didn't try to find out what
was wrong. He didn't try to make it better. He didn't make assumptions. He was
there and gave her space.
Albus then cleared his throat and approached his younger brother with a very
curious face as his blue eyes darted back and forth between the two of them.
Harry stood up then and gave her a big hug squeezing her tightly, "Just relax
and promise to write?" He whispered. Poppy nodded into his shoulder.
Her messy haired friend watched her with worried green eyes and she stepped
away with the Hogs Head owner. Aberforths lips were tight and expression
clearly read for everyone to leave him alone. His brother correctly interpreted
the expression.
"Have a good summer, Miss Stark" Albus Dumbledore said with a soft smile. His
blue eyes were twinkling again in curiosity and a little bemusement as he
stared at his brother. When he looked towards his younger brother, a tiny
little happy smile was on his face.
Aberforth left through the flames first. Poppy followed him after a final
goodbye to Harry.
===============================================================================
The teenage boy watched his friend leave through the floo in a flurry of green
flames. He was frowning as he watched her hunched shoulders and arms curled
around her middle as if wanting to shield herself. It made his chest ache in
sympathy. Harry wished he could do more for Poppy. She had deep scars both on
her body and mind. As much as he wanted to tuck her into his side forever he
knew by now that she needed to be alone. For such a friendly and talkative
person, she needed her isolation every now and then.
"How long has young Poppy been living with Aberforth?" Dumbledore's curious
voice spoke from behind him, watching the floo with him. Harry turned around to
the headmaster with a frown,
"Since third year, sir. He offered her a job and a place to live. You know
him?" Harry asked with furrowed brows, turning fully to the wizard. Dumbledore
had a contemplative expression on his face and was still staring into the floo.
He turned to look at Harry with a small smile on his face, "Yes, he is my
younger brother" He explained quietly. The headmaster then moved back behind
his desk. Harry's eyes widened in shock.
"I-I didn't know you had a brother, sir" He breathed. Admittedly Harry was very
worried when Poppy told him that she would be living in a pub and working
there. It wasn't even a reputable one but the dirty and questionable one on the
outskirts of Hogsmeade. Harry got Ron to ask his parents and brothers about the
owner of Hogs Head and apparently, he was completely trustworthy if a bit
mental. Now he knew why.
Dumbledore's blue eyes drifted back towards his fireplace with a wistful smile,
"Not many do. Aberforth isn't much of a people person, I'm afraid. He is much
more fond of his goats"
Harry nodded his head and looked back at the fireplace as if it would tell him
how his friend was doing. When he looked back, Dumbledore was watching him with
sad eyes.
"Sir, do you think I did the right thing? Not letting Poppy know who her
parents are?" He asked quietly, looking directly into Dumbledore's blue gaze.
Harry didn't care in the slightest but Poppy had serious identity issues. She
thought that because of her past and that she was an orphan it meant that she
was a bad person. He knew that Poppy thought she was somehow bad or broken on
the inside. She didn't realise that it was your choices that determined who you
were. It's why he was put in Gryffindor and probably why she was too. The
problem was that Poppy tried to be perfect.
But Poppy wasn't perfect. She tried too hard to make others like and admire her
with a carefully constructed friendly disposition. She had a temper that she
would keep an extremely tight rein on as if she didn't trust herself. She
worked too hard and pushed herself too much and there were many other little
things like her biting honesty and strange behaviour. For some reason, she
seemed to genuinely hate herself and think herself worthless because of things
out of her control.
But Harry didn't care. Poppy was also genuinely kind, completely loyal, had
sharp humour, was a little mischevious and possessed a bold personality that
was completely unique. He wanted to hide her away and make her forget all of
her pain. Ron and Hermione were his best friends but Poppy was like family.
From the moment they met, Harry immediately connected with the strange and
boisterous little girl. He didn't care she was different. He just wanted for
her to be safe and happy.
Harry blinked his eyes rapidly as he came back to himself. He had been inside
his own head and thinking about how he felt about Poppy. He frowned and rubbed
his head a little as his eyes came back into focus staring at Dumbledore. He
blinked again, watching Dumbledores blue eyes shine a little. He shook his
head.
Dumbledore answered his question though Harry wasn't sure how long ago he'd
asked it, "I cannot say for certain Harry. It is not my place. In many ways, I
believe so but it isn't clear what would be best for Miss Stark. This
information may change her or cause her a great deal of pain. She will find out
eventually, however" He sighed.
Harry felt a flare of anger and protectiveness well up inside of him. Before he
could reply the sound of the stairs moving behind the office door made him turn
around.
Sirius burst through the door with Remus sending him a disapproving frown,
probably for barging in. His godfather paused as he took in the room and
frowned deeply, "Where's Poppy?" He asked gaze drifting between him and
Dumbledore.
Harry frowned deeply.
Dumbledore sighed and shook his head. Remus' shoulders dropped despondently and
Sirius growled.
Harry looked at the men, "What is it?" He asked unhappily. Padfoot didn't seem
to notice his mood as he began pacing the office.
"Why didn't you tell Poppy?" He spoke in terse tones. The headmasters gaze shot
straight to Harry. Remus walked up to his friend and said warningly, "Sirius
don't"
Sirius huffed, "Why not? Harry deserves to know" He yelled, his temper rising.
What was this all about? Clearly, Remus and his godfather knew all about
Poppy's parentage. They didn't seem too happy about it either. Was this why
Sirius and Remus wanted to meet his friend so badly? To... To judge her.
Anger swelled up inside of him as quickly as a firebolt, "Why!" He jumped from
his seat to glare at his godfather. The adults in the room looked at him. He
stood firmly and glared at Sirius.
Sirius looked a little surprised and frowned, "Harry-" He began trying to
console him.
He jerked away, "NO" He shouted then, "It doesn't matter who Poppy's parents
are. I don't care. She's my friend"
All of the men turned to look at him with sad expressions. It only irritated
him more. He pointed at Sirius, "I thought you said that blood didn't matter? I
thought you said you weren't like your family? Why is it so important who
Poppy's parents are! It doesn't change who she is"
Sirius opened his mouth and closed it again. He then approached and placed his
hands gently on his shoulders, "Pup, you don't understand" He said quietly, his
grey eyes pleading.
Harry jerked away again with a scowl, "No I understand. I don't think you do.
Poppy is my best friend and she doesn't want to know or be judged on her
background. I thought you of all people would understand that" He said with a
frown and disappointed expression.
Harry then left the room.
He didn't speak to his godfather for a couple days. Sirius came to apologise to
him quietly. Harry noted that he did not say he agreed with him, however, about
Poppy's background not mattering. The two of them didn't want any strain in
their newly developed relationship and dropped the issue. They were at an
ignored stalemate but both of them silently agreed to leave the issue alone for
the moment. Because of their first fight - for the first time since Harry had
known Sirius - his godfather didn't ask to meet Poppy.
***** Chapter 13 *****
Poppy spent that summer in a chaotic whirlwind of focus and anxious exhaustion.
Aberforth never asked why she needed him to collect her from Dumbledores
office. He was quite content with her continuing to work at Hogs Head - though
by now he barely asked for her assistance in the bar. The animagus spent her
entire summer doing one of two things; training or lying in bed and trying to
sleep. The Dark Lord was back and she needed to be ready for him. He was coming
for her best friend.
The hardened girl's motivation only increased when she saw the slander that was
published about Harry. The Daily Prophet's articles bordered on abusive. As a
result of her memory modification charm, Cedric Diggory didn't remember
anything about the last task. Which was fortunate for her but now there was no
one to verify Harry's story. The Prophet called him an attention seeking liar.
It was infuriating. They also dragged Albus Dumbledore through the mud. It was
clear that whoever was bribing the Daily Prophet had a grudge against Albus
Dumbledore for whatever reason. Harry was simply caught in the crossfire and
telling a hard truth when the Wizarding World would rather bury their heads in
the sand.
It did not take a genius to realise Minister Fudge was the person with the
grudge. It was obvious he was intimidated by Dumbledores sheer popularity and
felt threatened. She knew this because the Prophet was peppered with pro-Fudge
propaganda. It was not subtle. Cornelious Fudge was voted best dressed Wizard?
Only an imbecile would believe that. Clearly, the Minister was an incompetent
fool.
The striped haired teenager received many letters that summer from her worried
friends. Her abrupt departure made Ron and Hermione worry worse over her than
Harry who was kidnapped during the final task! Hermione told her directly in
her letters that she didn't care that Poppy was an orphan and who her parents
were. Blood didn't matter. Ron was more subtle about it and clumsily told her
he accepted her but she appreciated the effort all the same. She didn't deserve
her friends.
The boy-who-lived had abruptly stopped asking if she would like to meet Sirius
Black and instead tried to cheer her up. It did not work. He was rather lucky
that year, Harry would see his godfather every couple of days and for his
birthday would be living with him for a whole week. It was not ideal but Poppy
was quite happy for him. Harry seemed very pleased.
One morning mid-July, she slept in till nine am and was woken by ice cold water
being thrown onto in her face. The Witch bolted upright on her bed and gasped.
Poppy grabbed her wand from under her pillow and immediately pointed it at her
attacker.
"Incarcerous" Poppy shouted as her vision came into focus.
The old man deflected her spell with a flick of his wand and a scowl. Poppy
paused as she realised that she was in fact not being attacked and instead had
been rudely awoken by an augmenti from Aberforth.
The animagus scowled at the old man and waved her wand to dry her dripping hair
and soaked pyjamas, "What was that for?" She demanded angrily. Now suitably dry
and her surprise had passed, she felt the weight of her exhaustion hit her. It
was too early. The teenager lay back down with a loud yawn, pulling her duvet
up.
The younger Dumbledore brother waved his wand again. Poppy's warm blanket was
shoved unceremoniously onto the floor.
She sat up again and glared. The old man appeared unfazed.
"Get up. Your going out today" He commanded with a stubborn set to his face.
Poppy narrowed her eyes.
"To do what?" She said warningly, annoyed at his sudden strange behaviour.
Alberforth and Poppy usually kept to themselves and they both liked it that
way.
The Hogs Head owner lifted a small pouch and threw it onto the bed. It jingled
as it landed, "Diagon Alley, London, Cardiff, I don't know and I don't care
neither. You need to get out missy and stop moping around" He declared,
features hard and unyielding.
Poppy scoffed and then stood up from the bed and stretched, "How generous of
you" Poppy drawled sarcastically, "but I don't want to. I've got work to do"
Poppy then tried to leave the room to get to the toilet.
Aberforth moved to stand directly in her way, "I don't think so. You've been
running yerself ragged. If you keep going like this then you'll end up dead.
Now I'm telling you to get out of here, go anywhere, I don't care where but I'm
not letting you lounge around the pub all day" He scowled now looking rather
frustrated.
Poppy ignored the man's ramblings and tried to move past him again. He stood
firm, "Fine, I'll wander about the village, happy?" She huffed out an
exasperated breath. Poppy did not have the patience to deal with him today. She
was too exhausted. Her shoulders felt heavy and face felt puffy.
Aberforth snorted, "Aye so you can run about practising your duelling?" Poppy
paused and looked at him in shock... he knew about her duelling? He scowled at
her again, "Think I don't know what you're up to? If you're not running
yourself ragged with the duelling then you're up all night reading all kinds of
books that I frankly don't wanna know about" He frowned and his eyes drifted
around to the many old tomes littered around her small room. Poppy followed his
gaze and saw that clothes were lying all across the floor. There were a few old
cups that started to let off a slight odour. She frowned. When had her room
gotten so messy?
Poppy opened her mouth to object when all of the anger seemed to deflate from
the old man. He moved to perch on her bed.
"Look kid" He began and then sighed deeply, "I get that your worried about
Voldemort being back and what this means for your little friends. But you can't
be doing this to yourself. If you run yourself too thin then you'll be no use
to anybody" Poppy tried to open her mouth to object again when he cut in,
"-Merlins balls have you seen the state of you, missy?" He suddenly snarled and
bolted upright. Poppy was a little startled and blinked, swaying a little.
The Hogs Head owner conjured a hand mirror and thrust it in front of her face.
The striped haired teenager's eyes drifted to it and gasped.
Her hair was the first thing she noticed. It was as limp and lifeless as her
eyes, hanging carelessly down her face. It was greasy like rats tails and its
usually lovely shine was all gone. Next was her face. Poppy was a naturally
pale person but she was not as pasty and chalky white as her reflection showed
her. The pink tinge to her cheeks was gone and replaced with an unnatural grey
hue. Her lips were faded and cracked. But her green eyes were the worst. They
looked haunted and dead.
The girl continued staring at her reflection when she heard a sigh, "And how
are you expecting to be taking care of your friends when you can't do it for
yourself" He stated.
The old man then left her room.
Poppy felt properly abashed that day. The first thing she did was clean her
little room and shower. It felt so refreshing and freeing. It was like she was
washing away the cloud of despair that had been following her around. She had
been neglecting herself. She had been neglecting her friends.
The teenager then knew what she wanted to do that day.
As Poppy left the Hogs Head pub, she gave a slight thankful and acknowledging
head tilt to Aberforth. He grunted back at her but his blue eyes looked
approving as he wiped down the bar.
Poppy shifted into her wolf form and sped off into the crisp summer air. She
ran for a while, simply enjoying the sensation of the wind passing through her
form and the sense of freedom it brought her.
The wolf slowed down near Surrey and approached the quaint little house on
Privet Drive. It was not her first visit to Harry and she knew exactly where to
find her friend. She materialised in Harry's bedroom.
The teenage boy looked up in shock from a book he'd been reading. Seeing her
standing there in four legs he grinned brightly,
"Poppy" He breathed happily. The wolf yipped happily and bound over to her
friend. Harry pet her enthusiastically, making her tail wag furiously and pant
in excitement. Her friend laughed at her antics as she began licking his face.
"Ugh, get off" He groaned but with a smile. Harry's excited mood seem to simmer
down. His bright green eyes looked more sympathetic, "How've you been?" He
asked quietly.
Poppy let out a doggy whine and dropped her ears. Harry pet her head again,
"Yeah, I thought so"
The animagus stayed in her wolf form for a while, not feeling much like
talking. Harry seemed quite content to sit with her for a while silently, hands
gently cascading through her pure white fur. The wolf began to make a little
rumbling noise in the back of her throat. She lay on his bed with her eyes
closed, enjoying the sensations.
Harry let out a little laugh. Poppy peeked one eye open. He was smiling down at
her, "It's funny how you purr like a cat" He said with an amused smile. Poppy
let out a playful growl and pounced forward. The boy-who-lived landed on his
back with a puff of air. The wolf then proceeded to slobber on every inch of
his face enthusiastically. Harry began giggling much to his horror and tried to
buck her off. The animagus was not particularly large for a wolf but she was
still reasonably sized.
The wolfs ear twitched and head raised itself when it heard someone approach
the door. The bedroom door opened to reveal a very fat man with a hideous
moustache, "What's all this racket" He growled, eyes darting around the humble
bedroom.
Poppy sat up properly from her place on Harry's chest. The messy haired teen
scrambled up, cleared his throat and wiped his face.
The fat man looked disgusted when he peered at her. The wolf hunched down and
tried to give him big puppy eyes so he would be kinder. He still sneered.
"What do you think your doing bringing a mangy stray into this house" He spoke
in low dangerous tones. It was when he approached Harry in an almost a
threatening manner that she walked forward and placed herself between her
friend and the beefy man. The wolf refrained from growling, though only barely.
Her friend placed his hand on her head. Her tail wagged a little in
acknowledgement.
Harry piped up, "She isn't a stray Uncle Vernon, I was watching her for a
friend. Her name is...Ghost?" Harry said almost questioningly. Poppy's tail
dropped. Ghost? What kind of name is that? Was that some kind of a joke?
Harry's uncle looked hesitantly down at her now but still scoffed, "Get it out
of my house or you'll be sorry boy" He warned and then stormed from the room.
Harry immediately guided her from the house and onto the Muggle street. The
wolf could easily be mistaken for a dog as she was only medium sized but as
they walked down the street, the teenage boy still garnered alarmed looks for
the possibly threatening 'dog' not on a leash. Poppy actually wouldn't mind too
much wearing a leash... was that strange of her?
Eventually, Harry sighed, "Shift back, would you? I don't want someone to phone
the police" He muttered to her as they reached a small and deserted park. Poppy
found a secluded bush in the little park in order to shift back into a human.
The two best friends didn't talk much but simply enjoyed each others presence
on the swing set, idly drifting back and forth. Harry would be getting picked
up by Sirius in a couple of days and spending his birthday with his godfather.
Poppy wished him an early happy birthday. He looked sad for a moment but didn't
ask her to join. For whatever reason, it seemed like he wasn't as eager to
introduce the animagus to his godfather. Probably because the awkward stage had
passed and Harry was more comfortable around the man.
It was dusk when the pair began the walk back to Harry's home. They,
unfortunately, encountered Harry's overweight cousin who teased him about
having a girlfriend in front of his friends. Dudley eyed her in a crude manner,
making her want to knee him in the groin. Poppy toyed with the boy and gave
Harry a big kiss on the cheek. Dudley's friends looked impressed while Dudley
himself looked put out.
Harry's Muggle cousins little 'friends' then left while Harry and Dudley walked
awkwardly back to their house. Poppy was certain Dudley only joined them as he
wanted to know more about her. He kept shooting her looks from Harry's other
side.
A street away from the house, Poppy smelled something foul in the air. Rotten.
She paused abruptly and looked to the sky. Harry and Dudley stopped walking and
looked back at her. Poppy closed her eyes and unashamedly began sniffing the
air. Something smelled rotten and foul. It was a mixture between dead flesh and
dark magic. It made her slip out a tiny growl in human form.
Dudley stumbled back and declared her a freak while Harry moved up beside her
and whispered, "What is it?" His green eyes darting back and forth, subtly
taking his wand out.
Poppy gulped and closed her eyes. The scent was getting stronger. The air got
noticeably colder and the atmosphere of the street tense. Darkness. Emptiness.
Wrong. The scent was blowing in the wind towards them. When the smell became
overwhelming she opened her eyes again. She growled properly this time.
A large being approached from the distance. It a floating coat, black as
midnight with frayed edges. It drifted closer to the three teenagers slowly but
menacingly. The sharp sting of dark magic filled the air. Poppy tried not to
gag. Whatever this thing was, it was wrong.
It approached closest to Dudley though the boy himself did not look worried. He
was scowling at the other teenagers. When it was dangerously near, Poppy
instinctively stepped in front of Harry and started growling louder. It was
uncontrollable by this point and she was running on instinct. Keep
this thing away from Harry. Her instincts were at the forefront of her mind.
She had to concentrate to use the rational side of her brain to remain calm and
figure out just what this being was. Clearly a dark creature.
Harry let out a small breath of shocked air from behind her. A small glance in
her peripheral vision told her that her whole hair was glowing white by this
point. She didn't care.
The creature stopped by Dudley and the boy dropped to his knee's gasping. Poppy
snarled. Her vision changed and she saw a cloud of black sucking from a cloud
of white. The black was turning the white grey and enveloping the lightness
inside itself to destroy.
Dementor.
It was with a start that she realised it was eating the boy's soul. How did she
know this? It just... seemed right. The girl knew what to do then although
something inside of her was telling her to leap forward and rip out its neck.
She raised her wand and spoke clearly with a picture of Harry and her dancing
at the Yule Ball together inside her mind, "Expecto Patronum"
Immediately a blue light reminiscent of her animagus form darted from her wand
in the shape of a large animal. The large animal charged forward with its head
ducked and antlers poised for defence. The dementor let out a wail of pain and
flew off, being driven away. Her Patronus glowed brightly in the dull twilight.
The animal turned around slowly to face her head on.
The magnificent Stag regarded the pair for a moment before tipping his head and
fading away.
Harry stood beside her with wide eyes, "It...it looks just like you" He
murmured and then this eyes cut across to hers, "When you are... you know" He
said by way of explanation.
Poppy snorted as they watched the Stag disappear, "Yeah it's my corporeal
Patronus animal. Apparently, the Charm was inspired by my animagus form. It's a
protector... specifically from dementors" She explained as the two friends
approached the chubby teen that was lying on the ground. Harry began worriedly
checking over his cousin while Poppy stood tall and kept an eye out for any
more danger.
A Dementor does not simply wander into a suburban Muggle area. She kept alert,
"Weird it's male, isn't it?" She commented on her Patronus form idly.
Harry huffed out a laugh as he attempted to pick up his cousin up. The fat boy
sort of just flopped there. Poppy frowned at him, was he brain dead? Did the
dementor do permanent damage?
The two teenagers attempted to drag the Muggle boy back to his house. It was
difficult, "What-what was that thing?" Harry asked a bit breathlessly. Dudley's
arms were around both of their shoulders as the two friends tried to carry him
back. Neither of them was particularly strong, however.
"I... I think it was a dementor. They're the dark creatures that 'guard'
Azkaban. It must be if a Patronus scared it off" Poppy sighed. The whole
incident was troubling. Was the dementor attracted to her because of her
animagus form? Hermione had said that Spirit animals were enemies to dark
creatures that feasted on the soul.
Harry gulped and looked a little pale, "Where Sirius was..." He muttered. Poppy
didn't feel she had a right to comment so didn't. Dementors were vile creatures
and Sirius Black must be extremely strong willed to survive their constant
presence.
The rest of the walk was silent though both of the friends were worrying about
what had happened. What if Poppy wasn't there? Would that creature have eaten
Harry's and his cousin's soul? No, perhaps it was attacking her. Though how
could it have tracked her?
For the rest of the short walk, Poppy's wand was out at the ready and eyes
alert.
"As soon as we reach Hogwarts, you need to teach me that" Harry huffed out,
struggling under the weight of his cousin.
Poppy strongly agreed as they helped the boy in the doorway. A sudden shriek
made Poppy point her wand. A long necked woman was making all kinds of
hysterical noises and reaching for the fat boy. This must be Harrys lovely Aunt
Petunia.
Poppy stood in the doorway to the living room with a frown on her face. Dudley
was moved to an armchair and seemingly unresponsive as his Aunt fret over him
frantically. Harry's Uncle glared a and threw wild accusations at his nephew.
"You are your little freaky friend-" Vernon Dursley said and glared at Poppy,
eyeing the wand in her hand.
Poppy paused for a moment and finally turned to look the man in the eye,
"Excuse me, Vernon, is it?" She asked dryly and stepped forward. The man
stepped back in response, looking wary. Coward.
"We did not do anything to your precious son. As a matter of fact, I saved his
life. Dudley was being attacked by an evil creature that was trying to eat his
soul. If it wasn't for us and our... how did you put it?" Poppy paused
dramatically for a moment and tapped her lips. Vernon's face had gone from red
to white and looked about to faint, "Ah yes" She snapped her fingers with a
smirk, "Freaky magic. Then your precious Dudders would be dead. No, actually,
he would be an empty spiritless body" She smiled condescendingly at the
moustached Muggle.
Petunia was hyperventilating by this point, "Eat his soul?" She wailed from
behind her.
Poppy sighed.
Vernon Dursley was eyeing her in a frightened manner. She ignored him and
approached Dudley. Poppy lifted her wand to assess the damage. Petunia gasped.
Poppy glared at her in response. Harry's Aunt visibly startled from her glare.
The teenage orphan softened her gaze but stared directly into the woman's brown
eyes, "I need to check if he will be alright. I won't hurt him" Poppy spoke
calmly, reigning in her irritation.
Mrs Dursley swallowed and looked away. A flash of something on her face made
Poppy frown. Did it look like guilt? Shock?
Poppy lifted her wand and cast silent diagnostic spells. It seemed that aside
from mild shock and emotional trauma Dudley would make a full recovery. The
animagus let her green eyes linger on the chubby boy and his vacant expression.
Why was he in such a state? Was it because he was emotionally weak or were all
people like this when attacked by a dementor? She would need to do more
research. Harry hovered at her side.
Vernon Dursley - coward that he was - wasn't quite cowering in the corner but
was definitely more on the outskirts of the room than before. She held in a
snort.
"You... what is your name?" Petunia Dursley asked her quietly as she finished
her diagnosis.
Poppy looked up at the thin, blonde and severe looking women for a moment. She
really did not look much like Harry at all. Mrs Dursley's eyes flickered back
and forth between Poppy's own eyes. She frowned.
"Poppy" She stated. The woman seemed to startle in her seat and her eyes went
wide again. The woman's eyes drifted all over her face then. She was a strange
one.
"Dudley will be fine. It might take him a while to get over it but there will
be no lasting damage. Chocolate will help" She explained. Harry's Aunt stopped
her obvious parasail of her to sigh in relief and envelop her large son in a
hug. It was actually a little sickening to watch.
The striped haired teenager was about to make a swift exit when the screech of
an owl drew the attention of everyone in the room. A plain barn owl flew in the
open window and dropped a letter at Harry. The boy-who-lived went to catch it
when it opened and a woman's voice began talking,
Dear Mr Potter,
We have received intelligence that you performed the  Patronus Charm at twenty-
three minutes past nine this evening in a Muggle-inhabited area and in the
presence of a  Muggle .
The severity of this breach of the  Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of
Underage Sorcery  has resulted in your immediate expulsion from  Hogwarts
School of Witchcraft and Wizardry . Ministry representatives will be calling at
your place of residence shortly to destroy your  wand .
As you have already received an  official warning  for a previous offence under
Section 13 of the International Confederation of Warlocks'  Statute of Secrecy
, we regret to inform you that your presence is required at a  disciplinary
hearing  at the  Ministry of Magic  at 9 a.m. on the twelfth of  August .
Hoping you are well,
Yours sincerely,
Mafalda Hopkirk
Improper Use of Magic Office Ministry of Magic
When the letter had stopped speaking and had ripped itself up, Poppy turned to
Harry with a tense expression. Harry was staring at her in disbelief. This was
insane. How did the Ministry know about the Patronus Charm being cast? Poppy
certainly didn't have a magical underage trace. Why did they blame Harry? Most
likely because he was the only magical being near this area. But this also
meant that the Ministry knew about the dementor... The Ministry also had
control over dementors.
Poppy suddenly knew why a dementor had appeared suddenly in a muggle populated
area.
The teenage girl decided to take charge of the situation. She turned to her
friend, "Harry, write a letter to Sirius and explain the situation. Tell him to
meet you at the Leaky. I will start packing your trunk. We need to
go now before they come for your wand. Go now" Poppy commanded her friend.
Harry didn't even pause and quickly ran upstairs.
Poppy followed him calmly to his bedroom and began packing his clothes. The
letter was hastily scrawled and sent off with Hedwig when Harry took over his
packing.
The orphaned teenager wandered back down the stairs to keep an eye out for any
impending Ministry workers. She would not be allowing them to snap his wand.
Poppy would go to the hearing and explain how she was the one that cast the
Charm. In the meantime, they needed to get Harry away from here.
The animagus stood in the doorway of the living room, watching Vernon Dursley
hand his son lots of different kinds of muggle chocolates. Poppy's eyebrows
rose in slight surprise at the sheer amount. But, then again, considering the
size of the Dursley's she should have expected as much. She snorted.
Her noise drew the attention of Petunia Dursley.
The woman decided to approach Poppy. The teenager in question raised an
expectant eyebrow at Harry's Aunt. Petunia pursed her lips and eyed her
suspiciously, "Poppy... was it? What's your surname?" She asked.
Poppy looked at the woman blankly. The muggle averted her eyes when Poppy made
eye contact, "Stark. Poppy Stark" She said.
Mrs Dursley nodded sharply and frowned. Poppy stood awkwardly, hearing the
banging of swift packing going up upstairs and wished Harry would hurry up.
"I see. Do you stay nearby or will your parents be coming to pick you up?" She
asked in a tense manner. Poppy stared at her. The question would normally be
one of a concerned aunt wondering how a teenager would get home safely. But
Petunia's dull brown eyes didn't look worried or anything remotely kind. She
looked suspicious and a little shaken.
Poppy decided to answer, "No parents. An orphan like Harry and I will be
leaving with him" She said pointedly.
Petunia Dursley frowned again. Dull brown eyes once again flickering back and
forth between her green ones.
"Ready" Harry interrupted the strangest conversation she'd ever had. Poppy
nodded her head once and left the room immediately without a goodbye. Harry
followed behind her without a word to his relatives. She didn't blame him.
The two teenagers made their way down the street. Poppy planned on using the
Knight bus. She pulled out her wand. Immediately a triple decker bright blue
bus appeared before them. Harry stumbled back a little and stared with bright
eyes.
"That's the knight bus. It'll take us to the Leaky" She explained and tried to
board.
Harry's hand shot out to stop her though, holding her upper arm gently. Poppy
turned back to look at him curiously.
Her messy haired friend shuffled a little and then sighed, "Poppy, I told
Sirius that I cast the Patronus Charm" He admitted quietly.
Poppy frowned, "Why would you do that? We need to tell the truth and get this
ridiculous expulsion fixed. You will be going back to Hogwarts Harry" She said
seriously, staring at her friend in almost a challenging manner.
Harry sighed angrily and ruffled his hair, "No Poppy, let them think it was me.
No one needs to know about your involvement. I'm sure Dumbledore can sort it
out at the trial. They can't just expel students without a hearing" Harry
explained calmly. Poppy already knew this and had been planning on confessing
the truth at the hearing anyway.
Harry looked at her with nothing but worry, "I mean, I'm the boy-who-lived...
They can't just expel me. Maybe this is the one time that it can be used for
something good, right?" Harry's lips twisted into something slightly bitter
then. Poppy felt her heart drop. He didn't know about the slander written about
him in the Prophet, did he?
Poppy opened her mouth to explain this to him gently. Harry stopped her with a
raised hand and frown, "No Poppy. Let me take care of this. You can't get
expelled from Hogwarts. I'll be fine. I promise. You should get going though,
no one should know you were here" He said, completely solemn. Poppy regarded
him for a moment. Harry's face was uncharacteristically serious and stern. His
green eyes were hard and expression read unmoveable. She knew this expression.
Poppy sighed heavily and reached forward to give him a hug, "Fine Harry" She
huffed, silently deciding if things went wrong then she would be telling the
truth no matter what the boy said.
When Harry pulled back he was smiling a little sadly. The boy-who-lived lifted
his trunk and walked onto the bus. Poppy watched him go. Harry turned around
with one last wave.
Needless to say Poppy did attend Harry's trial. Though to her
absolute rage, they had changed the time and by the time she arrived at the
Ministry it was already over. Thank Merlin that it ended in Harry's favour or
she would have gone on a bloody rampage.
Harry stayed with his godfather for the rest of summer. He learned all about
his reputation being dragged through the mud and Poppy did her best to try and
comfort him. When she said she would tell the Prophet of her presence in the
graveyard to verify his claims, Harry was very unhappy. He refused to hear
anything of the sort and it only made Poppy frustrated.
By the time for Hogwarts to begin, Poppy was feeling restless, determined and
prepared for whatever fifth year might throw at her.
***** Chapter 14 *****
Poppy's fifth year started off with a sense of foreboding. Everything seemed to
go wrong on her first day. The striped haired teenager didn't ride the train
again, only to receive stern words from Harry again. She was made to promise to
ride the train next year. This was of course made by Ron and Hermione who were
fed up with their friends behaviour on the journey. Harry was apparently very
pissy when it came to her protection.
Then, their Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor that year was
an awful woman named Dolores Umbridge. The woman was short, pink and toad
faced. In the Great Hall, Poppy listened to the woman's slightly mad
introductory speech. Her keen green gaze took the Ministry woman in. She was
unattractive but her hair was utterly perfect and clothes perfectly pressed.
She was dressed in an orderly manner... too orderly. Something about her
countenance screamed off to the animagus. McGonagall dressed impeccably but
there was a difference in the women that Poppy noticed immediately. Poppy
intended to do some research. Something was definitely wrong with her.
Perhaps it was the condescending and superior expression on her toad-like face.
Perhaps it was the slimly eyes that seemed to creep across the students. Though
it was most likely because Poppy knew her to be a Ministry spy. Most likely a
result of the tensions between Albus Dumbledore and Cornelious Fudge. The
teenager could admit she was likely being overly paranoid. A beurocratic
nightmare but hardly a Dark witch.
The first night of term, the four friends converged in the common room after
curfew. Poppy flopped down onto the armchair while her friends all huddled
together on the sofa, comfortable around the roaring fire that had not yet been
extinguished.
"I don't get it. Why is the woman from your trial our new Defence Professor?"
Ron asked with a frown. Harry opened his mouth to respond when Hermione shushed
him with a frown. Her whiskey eyes looked around the common room for a second
before whipping her wand out. Hermione then wordlessly cast a silencing spell.
Poppy smirked in approval.
Hermione then huffed, "It's bad" She bemoaned, "It means that the Ministry is
interfering in Hogwarts" Her bushy haired friend bit her lip and looked very
worried.
She shot a sympathetic look towards her female friend.
Hermione continued, "I hope it doesn't affect our OWL's" She sighed, looking
more than a little distraught. Poppy snorted. Since becoming prefect this year
the girl had been out to prove herself even more than before, if such a thing
was possible. And it had only been a day.
Ron turned to look at Hermione with wide eyes, "Your OWL's? That's what your
thinking about now? The Ministry of Magic is out to get Harry and that's what
your worrying about?" He asked incredulously with his usual she-is-bloody-
mental tone of voice. Poppy watched with a little curiosity but mostly
indifference.
Poppy and Harry exchanged a look then. It read, 'this could go on forever'.
Yes, Ron and Hermione's little spats seemed to never end.
Hermione scowled at the red head, "Obviously I am worried about Harry too
Ronald but-" The brown haired Gryffindor's shoulders were back, eyes bright and
expression stern. This meant she was gearing in for the long haul. Dear Merlin.
Poppy sighed very loudly to draw attention back to the matter at hand. Her
three friends all looked at her.
She smiled at the attention, "There is nothing we can do about Umbridge at the
moment aside from some preliminary research into her background" Poppy begin
with a calm expression. She leaned forward in her seat, feeling focused, "Fudge
obviously trusts her but it would be useful to know her political stance, blood
status, Hogwarts House, age, family background-" She began only to be cut off
by a baffled Ron Weasley.
"Family background. Why the bloody hell do we need to know that? Paranoid you
are, what else do you want to know? Her favourite biscuit? What's that going to
tell us" He let out a kind of little laugh and shot a strange and almost
worried look towards her. Poppy rolled her eyes at his behaviour. It was just a
small background check. Completely necessary and essential.
Poppy raised her eyebrows and tilted her head, slightly amused and played
along, "Her favourite biscuit would tell me a lot actually" She began idly with
a serious face, "If it was a muggle one it would tell me her blood status as a
half blood or muggle born. Or it would tell me her stance on muggle-wizarding
relations. If it was an expensive biscuit then it would imply she came from
money. If it was a common one then it would tell me she didn't have much of a
sweet tooth or refined taste when it comes to food-" Poppy begin her
explanation but was cut off by Harry.
"-Right well, I don't think that matters much now" He spoke over her with an
exasperated look, his face read 'I don't have time for your paranoia'. Poppy
shrugged her shoulders unapologetically. She was right and Ron could do with a
little extra precaution.
Her ginger haired friend was gaping at her wide eyed. He opened his mouth and
closed it before turning to Hermione and whispering, "That's not normal. That's
not normal, is it?" He said furiously under his breath.
Hermione shot him an annoyed look before Poppy replied to him, "No it's not
normal Ron" She said with amusement. Poppy was well aware she wasn't normal but
as long as Harry accepted her then she could tolerate it. She could be
a lot worse.
Ron jerked his head around, again startled, "How did you..." He trailed off
with a frown, blue eyes lingering on her in confusion.
Poppy rolled her eyes, "Spirit wolf, remember?" She said pointedly and tapped
her ears to indicate her advanced hearing.
Ron scowled and then muttered unintelligibly under his breath. Hermione huffed
at his childish behaviour. Her female friend turned to look at her with worried
eyes, "Poppy you should be more careful in being so flippant about your
abilities. Someone might notice and begin to question it. You really shouldn't
say anything out loud" She told her though the concern in her eyes was
touching.
The animagus nodded seriously. Her friend was absolutely right.
"We should come up with some sort of code then when we're talking about
Poppy's-you-know-what" Ron said earnestly, looking between Harry and Hermione.
The striped haired teenager scrunched her nose up, "Ugh that makes it sound
like I've got some Dark Lord style STD" She muttered sullenly.
Ron let out a quick laugh while Hermione scrunched her nose up in disgust.
Harry sent her a look, "Poppy, you need to stop mentioning sexually transmitted
diseases" He told her a tad desperately. You didn't get such illnesses in the
Wizarding World. Poppy had recently discovered them and
was exceptionally amused. It explained a little why purebloods thought muggles
to be 'dirty'.
She smiled sheepishly at her friends, trying not to laugh.
Harry then took charge, "Ron's right. We need to be able to talk about it
without actually saying anything. It could come in useful this year with
keeping an eye on Umbridge. Poppy you could maybe see what you can overhear or
check in on her from time to time" He asked hopefully.
The animagus frowned at the thought of using her wolf form to spy on someone
but nodded her head in agreement. It would be useful.
The conversation that followed seemed to last forever. They all tried to figure
out the right name for her animagus form. It was mostly Ron and Hermione with
Poppy adamantly refusing all of them. Harry would occasionally laugh and screw
his face up to show his feelings on the manner but did not offer any himself.
Ron suggested, "How about Aleric?" He said, looking between his friends.
Immediately Poppy spoke out, "No"
Hermione just sighed in exasperation, "You can't name her after a known Spirit
wolf in a story Ron" She explained with forced patience.
Ron just sighed then and slouched back on the sofa, "I don't know then" He
muttered.
Hermione then looked like she was deeply concentrating, "Maybe Fenna? In Dutch,
it means the guardian of peace" She said eagerly with a smile. Such a swotty
response.
Ron snorted and Hermione turned to glare at him, "Guardian of peace?" He
repeated in an almost mocking manner.
Hermione did not look amused, "Well I don't see you coming up with any better
ideas" She hissed.
Ron objected, "I've come up with tons of great ones!"
Poppy didn't need to be a seer to know that this argument could go on and on.
The animagus turned to her bespeckled friend.
"Right, you decide Harry because I don't think they will ever stop" Poppy spoke
up, sounding bored. It didn't really matter.
Hermione and Ron looked a little put out but did look at Harry expectantly.
The boy-who-lived obviously didn't like the attention and ruffled his hair a
little anxiously, "I really don't know... how about... Ghost?" He suggested in
almost a questioning manner.
Poppy frowned at the name again. Ghost? What kind of name was that? He used
that name as an excuse to his uncle Vernon during the summer, didn't he?
Hermione and Ron didn't say anything but did look at each other. Poppy wasn't
sure what she thought, "Ghost. Why...?" She asked a little tersely.
Harry looked sheepish as he rubbed the back of his neck and fiddled with his
glasses, "Well I just remember thinking the first time I saw you... that you
looked a bit like a ghost. You know... see through and that? Your fur is also
completely white so..." He trailed off.
The three friends all stared at Harry as they thought it through. No one seemed
particularly enthused about the name. Harry's cheeks tinged pink before Ron
cleared his throat,
"Ghost, eh? Well, no one will ever realize what we're talking about... will
they" Her ginger friend said awkwardly. It was the most tactful the Weasley had
ever been.
Hermione then gave Harry a kind of stilted smile. Poppy rolled her eyes but
smiled at the messy haired teen.
"Yeah, it's not the best name ever but... it will do. The most important thing
is that people don't understand. In the meantime, Hermione would you do some
research on Dolores Umbridge? And I mean everything, from her Hogwarts House to
the furnishings in her office" Poppy asked, the bushy haired girl nodded her
head firmly.
Poppy turned to Ron, "You should ask around, maybe send a letter to your dad
and ask him, he works at the Ministry with her, he might know something. You
could also see what other people are saying about her and her classes"
Ron nodded quite amicably with a thoughtful face. Usually, it was her that gave
directions to everyone though Harry was still the kind of leader of the group.
He mediated between their idea's and if someone didn't agree with what she
suggested. Which happened frequently.
The green eyed teenager turned to Harry seriously, "Tell me everything that
happened in the court room and I mean everything. Did they ask you to
demonstrate the Patronus Charm?" She asked somewhat anxiously. If they
discovered Harry to be dishonest during a Wizarding trial... well, she didn't
want to imagine.
Ron suddenly sat up straighter and scowled at Harry, "Oi mate, I've been
meaning to say, how could you not tell us you know the Patronus Charm?" He
demanded.
Hermione too turned to frown at their friend and crossed her arms over her
chest, "Yes Harry, it's a very advanced spell. I can't believe you didn't tell
us" Her voice was dripping with disapproval.
The bespectacled boy's green eyes darted to hers for a fraction of a second in
worry. Merlin, Harry was so obvious sometimes it was worrying. He opened his
mouth to retort, "Uh-well-" He sputtered.
Poppy sighed heavily. Harry was the worst liar ever, "That's because I cast it"
She said firmly. Immediately Hermione and Ron turned to look at her in
surprise.
"You did" Hermione repeated. The complete and utter disbelief on her face was a
little insulting. She was trying to hide it though, Ron, was not quite as
obvious.
"Like we're going to believe that-" He began with an eye roll.
Harry cut in with a worried look and a frown to Ron, "It's true, she was
visiting me at the Dursleys when the Dementor appeared. If it wasn't for Poppy,
me and Dudley would probably be dead" He explained quietly.
A sudden quietness filled the Common Room as the implications of the attack
finally dawned on her three friends. Poppy envied their innocence.
Ron gulped and looked very worried. Hermoine's brown eyes also looked concerned
though her curiosity got the better of her, "When did you learn the Patronus
Charm Poppy?" She asked with a frown.
Poppy sighed. They really should be making plans and speaking of things more
important right now, "I don't know... second or third year? I can't remember"
She said wearily, rubbing the bridge between her eyebrows.
Hermione was still frowning as she eyed her in disbelief, "Well was it in
second or third year? That's a really advanced spell Poppy. Who helped you with
it? You couldn't have managed it on your own" She was still frowning with brown
eyes moving up and down her in an assessing manner.
Irritation and impatience bubbled up inside of her like fiendfyre. Her heart
raced in her chest and a wave of rage overtook her. How dare Hermione question
Poppy's abilities. How dare she think Poppy to be stupid or average. The
animagus loved Hermione, she truly did, but her superior attitude and sheer
competitiveness irked her like nothing else. Poppy was no idiot.
Poppy pursed her lips and took a steadying breath before speaking in a calm
tone, "No one taught me Hermione. I taught myself, much like you do with
spells" Her voice was almost pleasant.
Harry sat up sharply in his seat, suddenly alert. His green eyes locked onto
her face. She ignored him.
Hermione scoffed and folded her arms, "Taught yourself? How did-" She began.
Poppy patience reached its limit, "Yes" She spoke above her bushy haired
friend. Poppy stared listlessly into Hermione's brown eyes, struggling not to
take a deeper look inside her mind.
"Incase you have forgotten Hermione, that I was raised by a Dark Wizard" A
slight strain entered her calm voice and she struggled to remain impassive, her
eyes continuously locked onto the muggleborns.
Poppy continued, her tone now empty as she spoke her words very carefully, "I
can cast advanced spells very easily as a matter of fact. I have learned and
have experienced unforgiveables before you even knew you were a Witch. I know
more Dark Curses than half of Slytherin House. I could turn your skin inside
out, explode your eyeballs, snap your spine and then carefully oblivate you so
no one would ever know" She explained, a slight haze settled over her vision.
She almost whispered, "You have no idea, Granger, exactly what I am capable of
so I suggest you remove yourself from that high Abraxan your on. I do not
appreciate people thinking I am being dishonest, nor do I enjoy because
belittled and looked down upon by someone I would consider my friend"
A silence settled over them all as she paused. Poppy's vision was still a
little focused as she concentrated on Hermione's eyes but couldn't determine
her emotions.
"Just because I do not flaunt my skills or knowledge does not mean I don't
possess it. Some of us do not feel the need to be constantly validated their
abilities and my sense of achievement does not solely depend on House points
and test results"
Poppy came back to herself a little by the harsh and bitter words she had
spoken to her friend. It was then that the animagus noticed tears swimming in
'Mione's eyes. The muggleborns shoulders were hunched in guilt and her hands
twisted nervously on her lap. Ron had shuffled over and had a protective arm
around her shoulder though he looked worried. Harry, had moved and was standing
silently beside her armchair, watching her and watching patiently. When her
green eyes met his he smiled sadly. No judgment whatsoever. A flash of pain
went through her.
She took a moment to collect herself. Poppy should have been more careful with
her emotions. She turned to Hermione again, "In the future, I can only hope you
will give me the benefit of the doubt. I don't seek praise or care much for my
education, to be truthful but I do enjoy magic and reading. I find it
fascinating and I would have hoped that you of all people would understand
that" Her voice had gone quiet.
As if sensing that her mood had settled, Harry placed a gentle hand on her
shoulder in silent comfort. Her friends were still silent so she rose from her
seat. The three Gryffindor's watched her. She sighed, "I think it time for me
to retire for the night. Harry-" She turned to look at her best friend. He
nodded in acknowledgment though his eyes lingered on her worriedly.
"We can start Patronus lesson's tomorrow night" Poppy said quietly. Harry
nodded in acceptance though looked a little conflicted. The animagus noticed
his hands twitch as his sides. A flash of guilt shot through her. Harry did
that when he wanted to hug her or comfort her but wasn't bold enough. Usually,
she would simply hug him to save him the worry but she didn't much feel like it
now.
Poppy walked silently over to the steps leading up to her dormitory, feeling
three sets of different coloured eyes following her. At the foot of the steps
she paused and turned around to give Hermione a solemn look,
"You know, you shouldn't be so hungry for validation. It's dangerous and it
will make you act out of character. I know that a little competitiveness and
ambition aren't necessarily bad things but... they can be" She finished in
almost a whisper as she walked away.
===============================================================================
Tears fell from her eyes, bringing warmth to her frozen face. Poppy crouched on
her knee's in the dirt, trembling but not from the frigid temperatures but from
fear and shame. Wind bit at her exposed torso. She ignored the feeling. Their
cozy little cabin was just off to her right, promising warmth and comfort.
Though, she continued to kneel, facing out into the forest awaiting her
punishment.
This was her all fault. All for reading that stupid muggle book she found.
Warmth continued to fall from her wide eyes. She panted, staring straight ahead
at the small forest clearing, trying to focus on a point ahead.
"I am so disappointed, Poppy" A voice spoke from behind her. Her papa. She let
him down again. Poppy continued to pant, her nose blocked up. She trembled in
fear though also in acceptance, focusing on a tree. She deserved this.
"There is no shame in being curious" He said almost gently, still behind her.
She knew what was coming, "There is shame, however, in lying to me" Papa's
voice was sharp again, "Dishonesty is utterly unacceptable. I accept you
for exactly who you are, my dear. You are strong and powerful but this weak and
cowardly attitude is beneath you. Do not ever hide who you are and what you
think. You are above those that shun the truth" He explained strongly with
conviction.
Poppy nodded her head and continued to pant. The shame and guilt inside of her
were more powerful than the cold winds or feeling of impending pain. Yes, he
was right, only people afraid of the truth, lied. She didn't want to be a liar.
She didn't want to be bad.
Her papa sighed. Her Papa accepted her for who she was and all she gives him in
return in disobedience and dishonesty. She was weak. Papa was just showing her
how to be strong.
"I do not wish to do this Poppy. It is for your own good"
The little girl's trembling slowed down a little as she knew what was coming.
Her green eyes closed in acceptance.
"Verberum" His powerful and commanding voice spoke from behind her.
A blinding burning pain whipped across her naked back in one perfectly aimed
stroke. One lash. That was all. Just one. Sheathing her teeth behind her lips,
the air was knocked out of her though she did not make a sound. Immediately,
warmth leaked down her spine, bringing a rapid change in temperature to her
cold back and pooling on the ground under her.
Burning, agonizing pain across her back refused her from standing. Her breaths
came easier, however as she knew it was over.
Footsteps approached her from behind. She waited until he gave her one last
speech to teach her the lesson. But her papa didn't immediately speak. Instead,
to her surprise, crouched down beside her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"You didn't make a sound" He mumbled. Poppy turned her head to look directly
into her papas sharp and hard eyes that were almost affectionate at that
moment. She bit her lip uncertainly.
Her papa reached around and waved his wand at her back. Immediately the wounds
closed, though the pain and throbbing sensation remained. Not completely,
healed, no never completely. But enough so that she wouldn't lose too much
blood. Enough so she would feel and remember his lesson. You couldn't heal Dark
wounds that easily.
After a moment her papa reached around to hold her in a loose embrace. She
melted into his arms in relief. He still wanted her. He would still protect
her. She was despicable to ever lie to him. Over what? Some stupid muggle book
she had found. Was it worth it? No.
"Little Poppy, you're growing up so fast. You didn't make a sound. You're
learning. Never show pain or fear" He said almost soothingly.
Tears fell again from her eyes and she clutched her papa. Her only family. He
saved her and this is how she repaid him. She deserved the punishment. He was
only trying to teach her to be the best she could be. She wanted to be the
best. She wanted to reach her potential.
"I-I'm s-sorry papa. I-I-It was just a stupid book" She sobbed.
Her papa hummed and pat her head a little, "Yes dear, don't be ashamed to be
curious about the muggle world. There's nothing wrong with that" He said.
Poppy lifted her head to look him in the face, "R-really?" She asked with
worry, "I thought you hated muggles" She mumbled. Her mind going back to when
he admitted having killed her evil foster parents when he found her.
Her papa then stood, leaving her out of balance for a second. Poppy ignored the
pain and burning in her back and stood with him. He silently handed her a robe
to cover herself up with. She placed it around her shoulders, ignoring the
blood.
Her papa then walked slowly back towards their cabin, indicating with a wave
that she should follow. She did slowly and stiltedly, ignoring the pain even as
it burned and her muscles twitched.
"It is not that I hate muggles" He began. She hung off of every word that he
said, "I would not waste the effort to feel such strong emotions against them.
Muggles are much like animals Poppy" He turned to give her a look to ensure she
was listening. She nodded with bright eyes. He was back to teaching her. He
couldn't be too angry anymore.
They entered the cabin, "They do not know any better than you or I. They need
guidance and a strong hand. In many ways, they aren't responsible for the
atrocities they commit because they are so ignorant. They need us to show them
the right way" He explained, wandering into the kitchen.
Poppy followed obediently, shuffling her legs to not aggravate the wounds on
her back. Her papa perched on a stool at the breakfast bar, smiling at her
indulgently,
"You are bound to be curious about their world, Poppy. You are welcome to learn
as much as you can. You learn the material that I give you but do not be
hesitant to follow your own curiosities. You are a brilliant and talented
Witch. Don't let conventional idea's or rules plague your greatness" He smiled
a tiny, barely there smile at her.
Her heart leaped in joy. Her stomach almost burned in a need for his approval.
Papa gestured for her to approach him. She did and stood directly in front of
him. She was very small, coming only halfway up to his chest so they were
almost eye level with him seated on the stool.
Poppy smiled at her papa, relieved her punishment was over.
"Never lie, Poppy. Never hide. You are greater than that. Do not be ashamed of
your magic or lie to justify your actions. You are only limiting yourself, not
protecting yourself. Never lie again, do you understand?" He asked, his voice
hard and steely again, face impenetrable.
Poppy swallowed as she stared directly into the hard and unyielding blue gaze
of her papa. His eyes almost softened then. He leaned forward and kissed her
forehead.
"You were so strong in overcoming your fear and hiding your pain. Never show
weakness. Only the weak are afraid" He said with a smile as he pulled back.
Poppy smiled back as he said gently, "I am so proud of you"
…so proud... so proud of you... I am so proud of you...
Poppy bolted up from her bed. Panting and eyes swiveling around the ugly
curtain hangings in her dormitory. It was just a dream. Only a dream... only it
wasn't.
A quick tempus charm told her that it was half four in the morning. Considering
how early she retired the other night, awakening at this hour wasn't uncommon.
The animagus silently pulled her curtains back to survey the three other girls
in the room. Lavender Brown lay sprawled on her back, snoring softly while
Parvati was curled in on herself and letting out little puffs of air.
Hermione... her friend lay on her side, facing Poppy and showing her that the
bookworm was well and truly asleep.
The new fifth year student padded silently towards the toilets and showered to
cleanse herself of the wretched dream. She had a lot of dreams like
that. Memories. At first, she hoped they would go away and every night she did
not have one was something like a victory. That was her first and second year.
By third year she had accepted it and become productive as a result and saw
that the less hours she slept meant more hours in the day; a positive sign.
Poppy stepped out from the shower to the empty bathroom stall. Wrapping a towel
around herself, she planted herself in front of the sink and mirror. The
teenager didn't use an air cleansing spell to rid the mirror of steam but
instead used her hand to wipe it away, staring at her reflection.
Lifeless green eyes stared back.
By now, Poppy almost relished the nightmares. The animagus was ignorant and
believed her past would stay behind her. But it didn't. It was a part of her
and always would be. These nightmares were reminders for her. Reminders of who
she didn't want to be. Who she already was.
Poppy spent a while drying her hair with her wand and performing her morning
rituals. Today she braided the sides of her hair while placing it in a high
pony tail, perfectly straight. Two pure white strands of hair hung around her
face as usual.
Small emerald studs in the shape of stars were placed in her ears in an attempt
to bring life to her empty eyes that morning. Perfectly pressed school robes
adorned in the most flattering light possible.
The animagus viewed herself in the mirror. Pretty. It would do.
Leaving the bathroom, she viewed her dormitory again. No one was awake yet. A
tempus charm told her only an hour had passed.
Poppy drew her curtains again and placed a silencing spell, pulling out a
couple of her textbooks to read over.
Most of the core classes would spend the first week going over what they all
learned last year. Such as; Charms, Transfiguration, Ancient Ruins and
Arithmancy. Poppy also noted these subjects would be beginning wordless spell
casting halfway through the year. Poppy hummed and smiled. Wordless spell
casting was relatively simple once you got the hang of it. She never cast a
spell vocally now and tried her best to do so wandlessly also.
Poppy spent around an hour reading her Arithmancy textbook and then moved onto
a book on the practical application of the subject from under her bed.
Eventually, she heard Hermione stir and make her way to the toilet. With her
keen animagus abilities, Poppy heard the bookworm pause as she passed her bed
and then sigh a little before moving away.
She didn't know how she felt about that. She didn't want to fight with her
friend. She shouldn't have overreacted the night before. But she was so sick of
Hermione's competitive behaviour and condescending attitude.
Sighing, she pulled her curtains back and packed her bag for the day before
walking down to the common room.
Four first years sat in the common room, looking terrified and anxious. Two
girls and a boy practically jumped from the sofa and looked at her with wide
eyes as she approached.
Poppy stifled a smile. She was never that nervous, was she?
A blonde haired girl with tight curly hair and big glasses stood up from the
armchair, "Are-are you a prefect?" She asked, chin high as if to show bravery
though her hands fidgeted in front of her.
Poppy had never been approached by a first year before. It was still pretty
early, no doubt Hermione was gearing up to perform her prefect duties. Ron
would be sleeping in late, as per his tradition on the first day of term.
Poppy eyed the other two children. A brown haired boy and a light brown haired
girl with straight hair. They also watched her warily but with a little hope.
"I'm afraid not. A prefect will be down soon but they will probably wait for
the rest of the first years so they can escort you all together" She explained,
making her way to one of the other armchairs and pulling out her book again.
Whispering broke out around her as she tried to ignore the worried voices of
the three first years, "What if no one comes down?" "Do you think they might
have left already?" "What time did they say breakfast was at?"
Poppy felt her eye twitch in annoyance at the constant prattle around her. She
snapped her book up and stood up with a sigh. The three voices immediately
quieted and three pairs of eyes shot to her.
"Do you three want me to show you where the Great Hall is?" She asked kindly.
Good lord, she wasn't even given the position of prefect and here she was doing
all the grunt work.
The brown haired boy smiled widely, "T-thanks that would be great" A cute
little blush spread across his cheeks. The girls nodded enthusiastically.
Poppy lifted her bag onto the back and walked towards the portrait hole, three
small first years trailing behind her.
When they began walking down the moving staircase, Poppy felt the need the need
to introduce herself, "My name is Poppy Stark. I'm in fifth year. I'm not a
prefect but if you have any questions you can come to me or I can point a
prefect out to you" She offered.
The two girls seemed to latch onto either side of her, eyes darting around the
castle as they walked.
The blond girl with the bouncy curls beamed at her, "My name is Julia Grant and
this is Megan Campbell" Poppy nodded her head. They weren't Wizarding names and
they didn't sound familiar. Not purebloods then, half or muggleborn.
The boy that was trailing behind the girls spoke up, "I'm-I'm Peter Jones"
Her green eyes flittered behind her to see the brown haired boy. His features
weren't distinctively pureblood but Jones was a known name in the Wizarding
World. Her mind flashed back to the murder of Hestia Jones last summer.
She hummed, "Are you half-blood Peter?" She asked casually, gently pulling back
Megan before she stepped onto a staircase that was about to move.
The girl stumbled a little before looking up at her gratefully.
"I-I yes. How did you know?" He asked in amazement, gazing at her as if she was
Albus Dumbledore himself. Poppy tried not to smile.
"Jones is known name in the Wizarding World. Not pureblood but known" She
explained.
Eventually, they made it to the Great Hall where only a smattering of students
had arrived and no one yet at the Gryffindor table. Poppy sat nearer the
staff's table and waved for the first years to sit down next to her.
Megan bit her lip and didn't start eating immediately, "Does... does that
matter? Whether you have Wizarding family or not?" She almost whispered and
gazed at the animagus fearfully.
Poppy tried not to sigh at how quickly muggleborns pick up on the prejudice.
She poured herself a cup of tea.
"To a lot of people, it does. Particularly those in Slytherin, less so in
Gryffindor. It can range from hatred, attacks in the corridors, name calling to
other students being surprised how well you can do magic" She explained with a
sip.
Three pairs of eyes stared at her avidly. Julia puffed up and almost glared,
"If no one likes it then they can just shove off"
Peter's eyes darted to her worriedly, "Julia-maybe not-" He hinted, eyes
darting to Poppy as if she would tell on them.
Poppy laughed, "Relax, I would tell on you. If you ever have any problems you
don't want Professors or Prefects knowing about you can come to me" She winked,
"Even if your caught hexing Slytherins. I'm not a prefect so I won't punish
you" She smiled.
Three grins broke out on their faces.
That breakfast was not a peaceful one. The striped haired teenager was
constantly bombarded with questions, some loud and excited, others subdued and
worried. Some were wondering about what kind of hex's and attacked they could
expect from Slytherins. Others were asking about the subjects and Professors.
The Great Hall slowly started to fill up. Poppy didn't much feel like speaking
to her friends after her mood the night before so she simply ignored them.
As usual, McGonagall handed out timetables to the first years first and as she
approached her little grouping her eyebrows rose.
"Good morning, Professor" Poppy smiled brightly.
McGonagall nodded back, "Miss Stark" The Transfiguration Professor handed
parchments to each of the first years. They immediately ripped them open to
read. Julia's eyes scanned the page with Peter's but Megan timidly thanked the
Professor with her eyes down.
Julia gasped, "We have Charms first, is that difficult Poppy? What if I blow
something up with my wand like in the shop?" She gasped in an almost panic.
The animagus tried not to roll her eyes, "You won't be using your wand today so
calm down. You'll be learning the basics of the subject. So it will be mostly
note taking" She explained.
Julia sighed, "Thank god. I don't know what we would have done without you
Poppy" Megan and Peter nodded frantically.
McGonagall cleared her throat. The striped haired teenager looked up to see a
ghost of a smile on the woman's face, "Here is your timetable, Miss Stark" She
said and handed it to her.
Poppy flicked through it curiously. This year she was taking a total of ten
subjects, an extra one more than required; Astronomy, Charms, Defence, History
of Magic, Potions, Divination, Transfiguration, Herbology, Arithmancy and
Ancient Runes. Hermione, she knew, would be taking all eleven, the maximum
amount of subjects available. Poppy didn't hold much interest or talent in Care
of Magical Creatures. Muggle Studies was a complete an utter waste of time.
First thing was double Potions. Wonderful for first thing on a Monday morning.
She sighed heavily.
Poppy arrived a little late to Potions, loosing a total of twenty house points
as she walked her little first years to class. Harry sat alone obediently
waiting for her to arrive. Snape didn't allow much talking in his class so her
friend was only able to give her a concerned look and a hand squeeze to ask if
she was okay.
She smiled back a little. Harry's face sunk in relief.
Next class was Ancient Runes which she had with Hermione. The bushy haired girl
was giving her uncertain looks as they left to Potions classroom and when the
boys finally left did she turn around to practically burst out,
"I-am-so-sorry-about-last-night-I-didn't-mean-to-make-it-sound-like-I-was-
calling-you-stupid" She exhaled.
Poppy turned to smile at her only female friend and shook her head, "It's fine.
I shouldn't have lost my temper like that. I just hate that you get so angry
and competitive when other people try to enjoy study as much as you" She sighed
heavily. Indeed, since first year Poppy has avoided Hermione in the library.
Hermione looked properly abashed, "I'm sorry I just don't like how some people
don't try as hard and still do well. It isn't fair" She sighed as they made
their way through the busy halls.
Poppy arched one eyebrow, Hermione winced, "Yeah I now know you do try or at
least did... I sometimes forget about your past and how it must affect you
every day" She said quietly.
Poppy reached forward to squeeze 'Mione's hand, "I wish I could forget it too"
She muttered back as they entered the room.
Her first day of term was long and tiring. Fortunately, they were not yet
forced to endure Umbridge's Defence class which Poppy was strangely looking
forward to. It would give her insight into the woman's character.
By the end of the day, she was exhausted. Her last lesson was History of Magic
which she spent doing her own leisure reading as a break beside Hermione who
always diligently took notes while Harry and Ron chatted amongst themselves.
During dinnertime that night, Julia waved happily to her from the other side of
the table while Ron rolled his eyes. Poppy had Harry on her left and leaned
towards him to whisper, "Patronus lesson tonight yeah?"
Harry's green eyes met her own and he nodded once.
The two fifth year Gryffindors made their way to the edge of the forbidden
forest that night to practice. Poppy turned to Harry with a sigh.
"The Patronus Charm is very advanced and tricky to manage because it requires a
certain mental discipline. You need to be able to control your emotions, which,
obviously you know, is very difficult in the presence of a dementor" She
explained.
Harry looked focused and nodded seriously. She decided to demonstrate for him
and lifted her wand, watching to make sure he was paying attention, "The
enchantment is fairly simple Expeco Patronum" She said clearly.
Harry nodded, "Expecto Patronum" He repeated back. Poppy smiled and nodded.
"The wand movement is like this" She swished her wand. He nodded and watched
carefully.
"But it isn't enough to say the words and move your wand, you need to think of
a memory. A memory that fills you with so much happiness and love you can taste
it. It's not a pleasant surprise but true happiness in it's purest form... do
you understand?" She explained.
Harry nodded, a little more uncertainly this time.
It was time for her demonstration. She closed her eyes to bring up a memory,
"Expecto Patronum" She said out loud for Harry's benefit.
A magnificent stag bounded from her wand to dance around the small clearing,
lighting up the surrounding area. Harry looked in awe at the figure and smiled
at the animal trot boldly up to him and bowed its large antlers.
Poppy shook her head as her animal pranced happily around Harry for a moment or
two before fading away in a puff of light energy.
Harry was grinning when he turned to look back at her, "He's wonderful. What do
you think mine will be?" He asked. Poppy shrugged her shoulders with a grin to
match his.
"Who knows? Ready to give it a shot?" She smiled. He nodded excitedly in
response.
Harry didn't manage to conjure a fully corporal Patronus that night. On their
way up to Gryffindor tower, Harry seemed a little sulky but she explained how
difficult the spell was and lots of people never managed to produce a fully
corporal Patronus. He did manage a few wisps but nothing concrete.
===============================================================================
The first Defense class of the year, everyone seemed to feel something was off.
Poppy sat protectively beside Harry, sending a warning look to Ron as he
usually sat beside him in Defence lessons.
With a huff, the ginger haired boy sat beside Hermione to their left with the
Patil twins in front of them. The class was full and voices chattered happily.
Harry sat quietly with a closed off expression on his face.
"Are you alright?" She whispered and then squeezed his hand. The boy-who-lived
green eyes flickered to hers for a moment before sighing heavily.
"Yeah" He muttered back shortly, clearly not fine. Poppy didn't make him
elaborate but simply sent him a sad smile in response.
The burning of a paper bird floating carelessly through the air alerted
everyone to the arrival of their Professor. Poppy turned around with the rest
of the class to see Dolores Umbridge smiling condescendingly to the room at
large.
"Ordinary Wizarding Level Examination" She spoke in a high pitched voice,
waving her wand as the words appeared on the chalkboard. Poppy took the woman
in. All pink clothes – yet again – frilly, girlish and attempting to look
elegant but failing. Her hair was perfectly styled though still lacked any
fashion sense. All of these things sent a sort of warning off in Poppy's head
as unusual but the one thing that stood out the most to her was the size of the
woman's wand. It was short. Very short. She was no expert on wandlore but now
really wanted to know more. Why was her wand so small?
"Or more commonly known as OWL's" Umbridge spoke sweetly. The false tone of her
voice was grating on Poppy's nerves. Why did the woman speak like that?
Umbridge had made it to the front of the class and was now smiling, "Study
hard" She began, still smiling and still in that false voice, "And you will be
rewarded...fail to do so and the consequences may be severe" She positively
grinned on the last word. Did that mean she took sick enjoyment from punishing
others? … it was possible.
Textbooks floated towards them and immediately Poppy flickered through it.
Beginners, definitely, perhaps things that a third or second year should really
learn. The one thing that stood out the most was the lack of practical
defensive magic taught.
Of course, she wasn't the only one that picked up on this. Hermione raised her
hand, "There's nothing in here about using Defensive spells?" her friend asked.
Umbridge wandered closer to her friend, "Using spells?" She then let out a
slightly mad giggle, "I can't imagine why you would need to use spells in my
classroom" She spoke very condescendingly. Poppy watched the interaction
closely.
Ron spoke up from beside Hermione with a puzzled face, "We're not going to use
magic?" He asked, almost disbelievingly.
Umbridge turned to the class as a whole, "You'll be learning to use defensive
spells in a secure, risk free way" She smiled.
Dear Merlin, the woman was an imbecile. She clearly had an adenda but why on
earth would the Minsitry not want to teach their children proper defensive
magic. What could they possibly gain?
Harry spoke up, "What use is that going to be? If we're going to be attacked
it's not going to be risk free"
Immediately Umbridge looked furious. Poppy knew she had to run interference
here lest Harry become a target. All the Ministry woman needed was the
slightest provocation and her friend would most definetly give it.
"Students will raise their hands if they wish to speak in my class" She said
almost sharply and then turned around with a smile, "It is the view of the
Minsitry that theoretical knowledge will be succifient enough to get you
through your examinations. Which after all, is what school is all about" She
explained.
Poppy snorted then, loudly. The whole class seemed to turn to her. Umbridge's
eyes almost burned at her. Poppy smiled sweetly back at the woman.
"I disagree, Professor" Poppy's tone of voice was sickly sweet in clear mocking
of the woman, "School is all about preparing you for the world outside it's
gates. It is why Defence exists as a subject at all. And most importantly,
the Ministry" Poppy almost scoffed the word, watching a fire catch light in the
woman's eyes. Yes, obsessive and authoritarian. That could become problematic,
"Does not have any authority over the curriculum, rules and governing of
Hogwarts and it's education. That is determined by the board and Headmaster as
of 1607" She said almost sympathetically, "Yeah..." She nodded.
Umbridge was now right in front of Poppy staring down at her from her short
height. The animagus refused to bow down to such a pathetic woman and continued
smiling at her.
"The Ministry-" She began, in almost a squeeky tone of voice.
"-Has no say here" She smiled back with satisfaction. Poppy saw Harry bristling
beside her and knew she had to up the ante or he would but in and get into
trouble, "Professor I thought that you campaigned against Dark creatures and
the right to attack them on sight" She asked in a confused voice and continued
as the woman opened her mouth,
"-Such as werewolves. How on earth can we protect ourself against these – as
you claim – dangerous creatures if we don't know the spells" Poppy gasped with
wide eyes and then leant forward to say in a hushed voice, "Does this mean that
werewolves aren't actually that dangerous at all?" She asked in a
conspiratorial way, glad she had done some research on the woman and her hatred
for 'dangerous creatures'. Like preventing a werewolf from gaining employment
would actually protect anybody.
The woman almost stumbled back and her face turned a very unattractive shade of
pink. Poppy heard Ron snort.
The animagus then sunk the final nail into her coffin, "Or god forbid, Lord
Voldemort attacks one of us and then the Ministry is charged with neglecting
it's children. They would be the laughing stock of the Wizarding World,
wouldn't they?" She tut.
Umbridge straightened up then, seemingly able to gain composure and looked
around the room with another false smile, "You have been told that a certain
Dark Wizard is at large once again" She began as she walked down the isles,
"This is a lie" she breathed.
Harry, it seemed, had reached boiling point, "It's not a lie, I saw him, I
fought him" Harry pleaded to the class around them. Poppy felt her heart go out
to her friend as several of their classmates looked away in disagreement. Only
a few people believed Harry and not the Daily Prophet.
"Detention" Umbridge yelled and Poppy wanted to bang her head against the table
in annoyance. Harry getting into trouble was exactly what she was tying to
avoid for Merlins sake! She didn't want him alone with the woman until Poppy
knew more about her.
Poppy spoke up, "When it is revealed that Voldemort is back, will you give a
public statement for telling lies, Professor? Can you imagine the public
reaction against Minister Fudge when it's revealed that the Ministry put out a
smear campaign against a fifteen year old boy?" Poppy hummed and shook her head
at the scandal.
"DETENTION" the woman practically roared though it was still more like a
squeak. Poppy smirked at the panting woman. She then turned to wink at Harry.
===============================================================================
Poppy stalked through the halls of Hogwarts castle in a rage. All of her
efforts were for naught. She tried very hard to provoke Umbridge but the vile
woman was holding hers and Harry's detentions on different nights.
Hers after Harry's. Something about allowing her best friend alone with that
woman made something inside of her scream out in protest.
It was after curfew but Poppy didn't care one bit. She walked swiftly through
the corridors towards the Forbidden Forest clearing where she would be giving
Harry another Patronus lesson. He would be meeting her, lucky for him he had
the cloak and would be able to avoid getting caught. Two days since Umbridge's
pathetic excuse for a 'lesson' and she was still wound up.
Just as she saw the exit gate, she heard a strange sound and whipped her wand
out and pointed it towards a section of the castle wall. Her eyes darted this
way and that and she even took a stiff to search for scents. Two scents she
could identify. Two very familiar scents.
She sighed and dropped her wands, "Fred, George, come out, I'm not in the mood"
She huffed. Immediately the wall she had been staring at began the move and two
red headed twins almost tumbled out with identical grins.
Fred stood on the left while George stood on the right. Not many people noticed
but Poppy knew that Fred was the slightly more confident twin, he was the more
daring and reckless than George and more of a dreamer and inspirational type of
guy. He usually spoke first, drank his tea with a little more milk than his
twin brother and was the more into slapstick humour of the two.
George, on the other hand was a, little more practical than his brother. He was
the people person, he noticed things about other people. Where as Fred was
imaginative, George was intuitive. George preferred an extra sugar in his tea,
he would usually make more steady eye contact and was more perceptive. His
humour was a little more quick witted than Fred.
The Weasley twins were so painfully similar yet completely unique. Fred was the
dreamer, he had big idea's plans and inspirations but George was the man who
brought it to life. They were the perfect team.
"Alright there Poppy-" Fred began with a twinkle in his eye.
George approached also, looking directly into her eyes, "-We heard about your
little confrontation with Umbridge-"
"-Dead proud of you we are, standing up to her like that-" Fred winked.
"-But we know she can be a right bitch and if you ever need a distraction or
someone to help keep the heat off you, we would be graciously willing to offer
our services to you-" George spoke with amusement, though his blue eyes were
serious.
Fred snorted, "-Merlin knows, Ron's useless. If you want us to Transfigure her
broach into a spider, let us know" He grinned. Fred grinned also.
Poppy's lips twitched. Fred and George were actually very protective big
brothers and took their duty seriously – not that anyone would think that. They
would always appear and help Ron and Ginny out of situations even if they
completely ridiculed their siblings for it. That sense of protection extended
to their friends also. The Weasley twins did not like Umbridge it seemed. That
would make sense, order, rules and frigidity was what Umbridge was all about
and the Weasley twins were the complete opposite.
Poppy snorted, "Na she would probably eat it. Though you are more than welcome
to give her a toad's tongue" She commented.
Fred beamed, "Child's play, we were thinking something more... inventive" He
began with a thoughtful expression.
Looking between the Weasley twins then gave Poppy an idea. It was more of
inspiration, really. It was painfully obvious that Umbridge had it out for
Harry. Any distractions would be helpful for her friend and Poppy really wanted
to take the woman down a billion pegs.
Dark Magic, wouldn't do – though she was actually tempted to drug the woman
with Veritiserum – what other alternative could their be, other than complete
and utter humiliation.
"-Uh oh George, I don't know what we said but whatever it is seemed to have
inspired little Poppy here-" George said, playing that game where he pretended
to be his brother.
"Indeed it does, Fred, care to tell us what's got that beautiful and a little
evil spark in your eyes?" Fred asked.
Poppy felt a menacing grin spread across her face, "I have a proposition"
===============================================================================
Two weeks into the school year, Poppy seemed to have settled in. Harry still
hadn't managed to produce a fully Corporal Patronus though he cast a very
powerful Non-Corporal one. He was doing exceptionally well.
The striped haired teenager had endured a detention with the smug toad faced
woman. The Professor smiled condescendingly and spoke down to her. Poppy stared
back with a bemused and slightly curious look back. It was the look of an
indulgent parent against a tantruming toddler. Her lack of explosive response
irritated Umbridge to the point of almost constant goading. This only served to
make Poppy more amused.
Wednesday morning, Poppy sat at the Gryffindor table between Ron and Harry
while Hermione had her nose in a book across from them, completely ignoring the
outside world. The bushy haired teenager had yet to realise that they had
months until exams. Ron was stuffing his face as usual, while Harry was
covertly trying to sneak glances at the Ravenclaw table. Poppy followed his eye
line but couldn't make out who he was looking at. Her messy haired friend
looked away abruptly with a bashful look on his face... what was that all
about? She would need to find out.
"Poppy! Poppy!" A high pitched and panicked voice breathed out to her right,
interupting her internal thoughts. She turned around to see Julia running up
towards her, out of breath with worry and anger clear on her face.
Julia, Megan and Peter occasionally would run up to her with a question or the
other and she would patiently answer them. Julia was a spitfire, Megan was
uncommonly kind and Peter was clumsy.
Sure enough, Megan and Peter trailed along behind Julia with anxious
expressions, "What's up?" She asked idly. Poppy had no idea why these children
seemed to look up to her or ask for her advice. The animagus was the last
person in the world to be advising others on their lives but took it all in
stride.
It seemed Slytherins were harassing the two muggleborns – Julia and Megan.
Poppy gave them some reading material of defensive spells and hex's and a
little, 'fuck them' speech to cheer them up.
The three first years walked away, giggling in embarrassment at her language
and looking more determined than before. Children were strange.
Fred and George sat down on either side of Hermione then. Poppy smirked at
them. They winked back at the same time.
"How's the weather today?" She asked, their code phrase to indicate if their
plans were going off today.
George smiled as he added an extra spoonful of sugar to his tea while Fred
bounced on his seat, "Great day for Quiddich" He answered back.
Poppy held in the smile threatening to split her face in two.
"rrrrreeeeeeeeeebbiittt" A large, almost belching like noise echoed throughout
the Great Hall. Immediately, all eyes flew to the staff's table and zeroed in
on the disgusting and offensive sound.
Dolores Umbridge sat in her ususal spot beside Professor Snape, small and
wrinckled hands frantically touching her face in a panic, "rrrreebitt!
Rrreebitt!" She croaked, voice deep and echoing loudly. The Defense Against the
Dark Arts Professor's entire head had been transfigured into a huge toad.
Immediately, loud applause erupted from the Great Hall, telling Poppy a lot
about the woman's popularity in the school.
Umbridge was panicing now and croaking frantically, while Professor Snape tried
to hold her still and wave his wand to assess the damage in between sending
glares towards the Gryffindor table.
Poppy and the Weasley twins shared a silent victory grin before laughing
themselves. Herding the woman out of the Great Hall was apparently impossible
and other Professors had now stood in an attempt to help their colleague. Albus
Dumbledore was not present, thank Merlin as he probably could have reversed it
no bother. Poppy grinned as she saw Professor McGongall sigh and stand up
relucantly as the other Professor's beconed her over – she was the
transfiguration expert after all.
"Oh dear... it looks like Umbridge won't be able to make your detention
tonight. Right Harry?" Poppy smirked in victory.
===============================================================================
Harry paced back and forth in the small forest clearing in an agitated manner.
Everything was so unfair right now. Voldemort was back and instead of doing
everything to stop him gaining full power, the Ministry was attacking him and
Dumbledore. Where is the Headmaster, anyway? Harry had barely seen him. He had
wanted to talk to him after the trial but Dumbledore hurried off and Harry's
not been able to get him alone since.
Umbridge was a right piece of work. The boy-who-lived grit his teeth thinking
about her. No defensive magic? What were they all doing to do when Voldemort
attacked?
He sighed heavily.
Harry turned and noticed Poppy sitting idly on the forest floor toying with
some grass. Her hair was tired back but a few strands had gotten loose and was
gently blowing in the breeze, including her two white stripes. She was biting
on her lips as she did on occasion.
He sighed again and flopped down in front of her. His friend had been really
helpful in helping him with his Patronus lessons. Poppy says he's really close
but Harry wasn't so sure. It's been almost a month. Poppy could do this years
ago, did that mean he wasn't as powerful? But that wasn't really fair. Poppy
was a really powerful Witch and her animagus form was basically a Patronus in
itself.
Poppy looked up and smiled slightly at seeing him seated, "You ready to head
back to the tower?" She asked patiently, green eyes looking him over curiously.
He felt guilty. She had taken time out to teach him this and he was sulking
about like a child.
He stood up with determination, "No no, I can keep trying" He said with
conviction, holding his wand out in the ready.
Poppy stood up then and smiled at him kindly with a raised eyebrow, "I don't
think your in the right frame of mind for this, Harry. Plus I think Umbridge
might be coming out soon" She sighed.
Harry scowled. Umbridge. She was out to get him. The last three times he and
Poppy had almost been caught in their clearing. Luckily Poppy had her animagus
form and he had his cloak or they would have been done for. It's not a
coincidence that he's almost been caught everytime he's snuck out. Umbridge was
bloody following him.
Harry grumbled, "Just one more try" He agrued, hating that Umbridge was causing
more problems in his life.
Poppy nodded her head and then studied him carefully, "Your not picking a happy
enough memory, Harry" She spoke critically, "It needs to be something full of
love, light and protection. Something that keeps you going when all seems lost.
Something that makes you want to fight. True love is a very powerful thing.
Flights of fancy won't do" She said with a frown.
Harry wanted to rip his hair out. Poppy had already told him all of this. He
rubbed the bridge of his nose, "It's not that easy, is it. I hardly have many
loving memories do I?" He said bitterly.
Immediately, Poppy's face smoothed into something more expressionless and her
green eyes hardened a little. A small bitter smile danced on her lips, "And I
do?" She said softly. Guilt hit him like a hippogriff. He was so insensitive
sometimes.
Poppy shook her head, "It's fine. I had trouble too, you know. Do you want to
know what I thought about the first time that I managed to successfully cast
it?" She asked quietly.
Harry nodded.
She looked down a little shyly and ashamedly. Harry knew it would be personal
and something she would consider to be 'emotionally weak'. Poppy was wrong. She
was the strongest person he knew.
"I was thinking about when you saw my scars... and heard about my uncle and
papa. You... accepted me. Dark Magic and all. You would have been completely
justified to have hated me, you know. Dark Magic is one thing but my Uncle was
a Death Eater... It's not about the memory. It's about the feelings you get
from it. I guess I just thought about how happy and complete I felt to be so
utterly accepted by someone else. There was no need to hide from you" She
confessed.
Harry's left hand twitched, wanting to comfort his friend and not knowing how.
He wasn't any good at this. He dabated giving her a hug and saying something
profound and comforting but settled on trying one last time. He could do it.
Instead of imaging a happy memory like a video, he tried to imagine how loved
and protected he felt from his parents. It wasn't difficult to imagine. His mum
died to safe him... Being an orphan, daydreams about how wonderful everything
would be if his parents were here wasn't uncommon.
His dad teaching him to ride a broom... His mum fussing over him at platform
nine-and-three-quarters...Dad beaming with pride as he caught the snitch... Mum
straightening his robes... Mum and dad waving goodbye to him as he rode away on
the Express, Poppy beside him.
"Expecto Patronum" He said clearly, with his eyes still closed.
Something felt different that time and when he opened his eyes, he quickly
squint them from the bright light in front of him. He had done it!
The blue white light was so bright it took a minute or so to make out the form.
Poppy was beaming and moved to stand beside him, the two friends watching his
form with excitement. Harry couldn't wait to see what it was.
The light dimmed down and showed him it's legs or hooves. It was fairly large.
He watched with fascination. His Patronus turned and he saw the large eyes a
doe. The doe seemed to look right through him. His Patronus was soft and
delicate looking but very pretty.
A deer... a doe... His Patronus.
"She's beautiful" Harry heard Poppy whisper.
The pair of fifth years watched as his Patronus eventually faded away. The
night air surrounding them seemed much darker than before.
"Wow" Harry said to break the silence. He didn't understand why his Corporal
Patronus was a doe. Did that make him delicate? What did it say about him?
Doe's were fast... weren't they? Elusive? Hard to hunt? Maybe that was like
him.
Suddenly, Poppy's head turned sharply and her eyes squinted. He watched her,
this usually meant that she heard something from her advanced senses.
She turned back to look at him, "We had better start walking up. Umbridge is on
her way with Filch" Poppy explained.
Harry nodded, his joy at finally being able to cast the spell taking away any
frustration he would have usually felt. He grinned as he walked up.
Poppy snorted from beside him, "You look pleased with yourself" She rolled her
eyes playfully and nudged him. He couldn't stop smiling.
"Well yeah, I didn't think I'd ever be able to cast it" He said with a smile as
they walked into the castle.
Poppy sighed and spoke a little quieter now they were walking around the empty
corridors, "We have had five lessons, Harry. Five. I'm pretty sure you mastered
it very quickly" She sounded fondly expaserated.
Harry was giddy and felt lighter than ever. It felt great finally being able to
learn some proper defensive magic. He needed all the help he could get with
Voldemort being back. Harry watched Poppy for a moment in thought, her eyes
darted about and head tilted as she used her advanced senses to check if anyone
was close by.
"Hey Poppy?" He asked, a brilliant new idea coming to his head.
The striped haired girl looked back at him for a moment before nodding, "Yeah?"
She mummbled quietly.
They started walking up the long stairs towards Gryffindor tower, "You should
teach me some defensive spells" He requested, growing more excited and
determined with the idea. Harry knew Poppy was brilliant at defense. She was
calm and collected, always altert, had unbelieveable senses and knew about
everything in all of their textbooks and more. Not to mention her past.
Poppy turned around to frown at him, "Your great a defense" She stated, clearly
deflecting his request. Harry tried to be patient but really this idea was so
great. He needed someone to train with. Someone to learn from. Who better than
Poppy?
They reached the fat lady and whispered the password. The friends looked about
to see an empty common room. Poppy immediately moved towards her dormitory. He
darted forward and took her hand gently.
She turned around with a hard expression. He had to tred lightly, Harry stared
into her unreadable green eyes, "I need to learn to better protect myself and I
won't be learning anything from Umbridge. No one else is exactly lining up to
teach me" He admitted and then said gently, "...At least think about it?"
Poppy gave him one sharp nod in return before disapearing up the stairs. He
sighed in relief. She didn't outright hate the idea so he had some hope. Harry
would give her time and space but he wouldn't be giving up until she agreed to
teach him. Voldemort was back, he needed to be ready.
Harry made his way up to his own room and slipped inside to see everyone fast
asleep. Hedwig hooted gently from the window beside his bed. He crept over and
smiled at her, gently taking the letter from her foot.
Harry lay down on his bed and pulled the curtains for privacy as he read the
letter. He smiled when he realised it was from Sirius.
Dear Harry,
How is fifth year going? Getting ready for your OWL's? Your mum would kill me
if I didn't encourage you to study hard and behave. That being said, you should
still have some fun.
I just heard about your Defense Professor this year. I can't believe they
appointed that woman from your trial. She's useless I bet. Let me know if she
starts any problems. The Ministry still owes me for the whole false
imprisonment.
Remus sends his best and wants you to know if your having any trouble with the
harder course material, don't hesitate to send an owl. Honestly, once a
prefect, always a prefect.
How are things going outside of classes? Is Poppy starting to worry about her
upcoming exams? I remember Lily almost camped out in the library for the first
month of the year. Not that I ever went to the library, of course, but I had it
on good authority from your dad.
Hogsmead will be coming up soon, are you thinking of asking anybody or will you
just be doing with your friends? You should consider asking someone to go with
you. It's an experience worth having, trust me.
Wishing you are well,
Sirius Black.
Harry smiled as he read the letter over twice. It was nice having someone who
cared about his wellbeing and someone who asked the trivial things and reminded
him to study.
He decided to write back immediately. Retrieving some parchment form his bag
and ink, he pulled out a textbook to lean on and wrote his godfather back.
Dear Sirius,
Things have been alright. You are right about Umbridge, she is completely
useless. She doesn't let us do any defensive magic and everything is
theoretical and 'Ministry approved'. She has also been telling everyone about
me being a liar. She did give me detention but it was cancelled, thankfully.
Tell Remus thanks but it's a bit early in the year. If I start struggling with
anything I'll let him know. I know it's our OWL year but we are only a month
in. Poppy is fine. Hermione is the one freaking out. That isn't Poppy's style.
She's brilliant like 'Mione and does read but only when it suits her. She isn't
one for stressing over exams.
Speaking of Poppy, she really doesn't like Umbridge either. She really made
Umbridge look like an idiot when she called her out on her hate of 'dangerous
creatures' and something about werewolves. Poppy's teamed up with the Weasley
twins and started pranking her relentlessly. It's brilliant. At first they
managed to transfigure her head into a giant toad – that's why my detention was
cancelled. Next, they turned her hair into worms. Then they charmed silverwear
to follow her around and repeat words back to her like a parrot. I don't know
what they'll come up with next. I don't know why Poppy's taken an interest in
pranking but she's really good at it. I'm not sure her teaming up with the
Weasley's is a good thing yet.
I don't think I'll be asking anyone to Hogsmead. Everyone thinks I'm a liar, so
there isn't much point. I'm not really interested in going out with anybody
right now anyway. There's too much going on. At least I'll be able to go to
Hogsmead with my permission slip signed and everything.
Quiddich season will be starting soon. I think we've got a really good chance
this year of winning the house cup. I'll let you know when the first game is, I
know your wanting to come watch me.
It's pretty late now and I better be getting to bed.
Write you soon,
Harry.
***** Chapter 15 *****
Poppy spent the first half of October avoiding Harry. Her best friend's request
echoed in her head and distracted her constantly. He wanted her to teach him
defensive magic. Her. Surely there were a hundred more suitable people capable
of showing him some duelling techniques? Harry was the bloody boy-who-lived
after all.
The teenage animagus was conflicted. On the one hand, Poppy didn't want to duel
him. She didn't want to analyse her best friend, determine his weaknesses and
then strike at the best opportunity to cause the optimal amount of damage. No
hesitation. No mercy. That's what she was taught. On the other hand... well
Harry needed all the instruction he could get, didn't he? Lord Voldemort was
after him. Every hex, defensive spell and duelling experience was necessary.
She scowled at the thought that someone should be teaching him by now.
The current climate was all very troubling and with the Ministry woman
breathing down Harry's neck wasn't making her decision any easier.
The Friday before the first Hogsmeade weekend Poppy studied in the library in a
small group. Or rather, finished her homework so she has the weekend to relax.
The Professor's had unfortunately piled it on this week but most students in
her year were quite content to leave it all until the Sunday it seemed. Other
than Hermione that is, though she was most definitely a private studier. Thus,
the only people she could find to work with her were the Ravenclaws. They were
always up for a good study session. This way she could complete two menial
tasks at once; her assignments and standard socialising. It made the two
usually dull tasks a little less tedious.
Poppy sat beside Mandy Brockhurst working on their Astronomy homework. Poppy
was excellent at astronomy, arrogance aside. It was most likely her best
subject. She could name all constellations off of the top of her head proudly
and the night sky was as familiar to her as her own face. However, she dwindled
with the report and pretended to look for answers in books when really just
doing some leisure reading on Astronomy. An interesting subject which made her
wistful but had very little practical application in the real world.
"Ugh, how are we supposed to remember all of this? The star's all look the
same" Mandy sighed and closed her book with a loud thump. The Ravenclaw girl
then scowled.
Padma Patil let out a laugh and looked up from her parchment, "You should have
taken Care of Magical Creatures instead. It's a lot simpler and more
interesting" She teased.
Mandy sighed.
Terry Boot and Padma Patil were across from them working on something for Care
of Magical Creatures. Perhaps, given Poppy's own status, she should be more
interested in the subject. In a manner, she was. Certain magical creatures were
interesting but they were also complicated and took a great deal of patience
and understanding to master. That did not interest her in the slightest.
Terry was acting strangely since they had sat down at the table together an
hour before. He had sent her a shaky smile and kept darting glances up at her.
Poppy didn't mind the boy. He was relatively smart. He was not unattractive. He
was even entertaining at times. However, his suspicious and usual behaviour was
making her uneasy. Did the boy notice something off with her? Perhaps he caught
an accidental glimpse down her blouse and peeked at her scars? Did she display
her uncanny abilities? Had she said something about her knowledge of the Dark
Arts? Why was the boy watching her?
The curious and assessing glances up told her he was looking for something. The
animagus intended to find out what.
Poppy stood from her chair and stretched a little, "I'm sick of Astronomy. I'm
going to find a book on Ancient Runes to get started on our assignment. Maybe a
break from the stars will stop my mind from numbing over" She sent a lazy grin
to Mandy. The Ravenclaw girl smiled back in understanding.
Poppy wandered from the desk to stroll idly through the stacks of books, each
title familiar to her after all of these years. Although not especially
studious, the striped haired teenager did enjoy a good book. That and it was a
wonderful distraction from her thoughts at times and nightmares. Yes, the
orphan had spent many sleepless nights at Hogwarts with a good book.
As she wandered through the stacks, trailing her fingers gently along the
spines, she used her keen animagus senses to listen back towards her table and
if Terry Boot had followed her.
"Just go. Do it now, before it's too late" Padma Patil whispered. Poppy paused
in her steps, pretending to browse a book. Were the girls in on this too? What
were they planning? An attack? A prank? Something to get her to reveal her
secrets, perhaps.
Poppy walked more lazily through the stacks but with her senses more alert.
Terry swore under his breath and stood up, "Alright alright. I'll go. Before
Potter gets here and takes a fit" He muttered.
Mandy huffed, "Come on, Potter's been staring at Cho since the start of term.
Your good to go now hurry!"
Poppy pretended to be examining various books when she heard Terry Boot
approach. The animagus slipped her wand into her hand in preparation though
kept her hand out of sight.
The fifth-year Gryffindor smiled at the Ravenclaw boy charmingly, "Hey Terry.
What are you looking for?" She asked innocently, head tilted to the side. Terry
looked anxious and tried to hide it behind a friendly smile. Poppy knew she
should. She really shouldn't. But she did anyway.
Poppy made direct eye contact with the boy and took a peek into his mind.
Poppy saw herself browsing through books in the library with a thoughtful
expression, occasionally scoffing and nodding at others and pulling books
out... She saw herself seated at the Gryffindor table beside Harry and Ron,
saying something and flailing her arms about and the boys on either side
laughing at her... She saw herself seated in Ancient Runes and doodling on a
scrap piece of paper. The Professor calls her out and she glances up before
giving the correct answer and then going back to doodling... She saw herself
walking through the courtyard in the sun and flicking her hair back with a
bright smile towards Hermione...
The teenage girl retreated from his mind with a sense of blank shock. This
didn't... what on earth... Merlin's beard.
In the meantime, Terry Boot looked nervously down to her feet and then peered
back up bashfully with a tiny anxious smile dancing around his lips. No... This
was insane. Surely the boy didn't fancyher? She frowned and it only made Terry
look more worried. Didn't the teenage boy sense something was wrong with her?
Abnormal? Unusual? Mandy and Padma were sitting at the table. Two smart, kind
and well-adjusted girls. Yet here he was... flustering over her. Was her facade
really that good?
"Uh-I-was just wondering if you wanted to go with Hogsmeade tomorrow with me?"
Terry breathed out, looking relieved to have gotten the words out of himself.
Gryffindor, he was not.
A date? The boy wanted a date? Poppy's immediate reaction was thinking that she
did not want to go. But then she weighed the pros and cons. It would make her
seem more normal. Terry was a decent guy. It's an experience worth having...
isn't it? But then a voice in her head that was getting steadily louder told
her that she didn't want to.
Poppy gave the Ravenclaw a small smile, "Sorry Terry, I don't really feel like
going out with anyone at the moment" The animagus watched as his face fell. She
pat him on the shoulder, "If that changes I'll let you know"
Terry nodded despondently and walked away. The striped haired teenager turned
back around to the library shelf with a shake of her head. What a strange
development. Who would have thought Terry Boot was so dense?
===============================================================================
The next day Poppy woke bright and early. She really did look forward to
Hogsmeade visits, it was her opportunity to catch up with Aberforth and let him
know about all the inconsequential things in her life. He would huff at and
claim he didn't care but still listen attentively and offer advice. Crude and
poor advice but still, it was appreciated. The old bugger was rough around the
edges but so was she.
As usual, she wore muggle clothing to Hogsmeade visits. The animagus pondered
her clothing options as she showered before the rest of the girls woke up. To
be completely honest, she felt more comfortable in Wizardling robes. But muggle
clothes were more 'stylish' and helped to cement her status as muggleborn to
the rest of the world.
She was in a fairly good mood that morning. Poppy whistled as she dried her
hair magically and brushed her teeth. The green-eyed fifth year studied her
reflection and decided on leaving her hair loose today in long waves with a
quick spell to keep it from frizzing. Smiling sweetly at her reflection in the
mirror, she padded into her dorm and used her wand to open her trunk and
swiftly flick through her clothes on her bed.
Poppy decided on a pair of high waisted jeans, large boots and a long-sleeved
ripped t-shirt with a muggle band name adorned on the front. Her muggle stylist
for the last few years – Greg – told her that this style was 'in' and popular
with teenage girls her age. She thought it clung to her figure too much and
looked unusual. Greg always complained that she refused to show her back or
upper arms. If only he knew. As long as she could duel in it if she was
suddenly ambushed then it would do. The outfit was also practical as it looked
windy and chilly that morning.
By the time she was ready, Hermione was already dressed and waiting patiently
for her to finish. Poppy envied her friend at times. How nice would it be to be
so secure in yourself and who you were that you didn't need to hide behind
clothes and a presentation to the world. If only she was as confident in
herself. But then, 'Mione didn't have anything to hide. She was fine the way
she was.
Poppy cleared her mind of negative thoughts and masked her face with calm
happiness as she reached the common room. Harry and Ron weren't awake yet so
the two female Gryffindors made their way towards the Great Hall themselves.
During breakfast, Hermione flicked through Daily Prophet with a scowl while
Poppy chewed on some fruit idly. Two Hufflepuffs appeared beside them plopped
down on either side of Poppy.
The animagus heard them approach, of course, but didn't exactly expect this,
"Morning Susan, Hannah" She said casually with a sip of tea. She eyed the two
girls curiously and a little suspiciously.
Susan huffed impatiently for an unknown reason while Hannah smiled at her
shyly. Susan was the one to reveal they're strange behaviour, "Is it true you
rejected Terry Boot because you fancy someone else?" She burst out.
Poppy set her tea down gently to study Susan, "...what?" She asked rather
crudely. What on earth were these strange Hufflepuffs going on about?
Hannah smiled, "There are rumours going around that Terry Boot asked you out
and you declined because you wanted to go to Hogsmeade with something else. Is
it true?" She asked sweetly, eyeing her curiously.
Ah the rumour mill of Hogwarts. If she could Avada it, she would. Poppy shook
her head negatively, "No of course not. If I liked someone I would just ask
them myself" She rolled her eyes. Subtly wasn't her strong suit now was it? If
she really wanted someone she would go for it. Then again, who would be mad
enough to actually like her? Either that or they clearly did not know her.
Susan and Hannah looked disappointed. Hannah looked sadly over to the
Hufflepuff table, "Ernie will be gutted. I think he was hoping you wanted to go
with him" She mused. Susan nodded in agreement.
Merlins beard, Ernie too? She barely knew the boy. The chatted on occasion but
that was it. Poppy groaned, "Ugh teenage boys are idiots" She muttered. They
would chase anything with a skirt and smile.
Susan snorted, "No arguments here"
Harry and Ron then appeared and gave the Hufflepuff girls strange looks. The
two girls then decided to scamper off to their own House table before they got
too many questioning looks. It wasn't forbidden to sit somewhere else but
almost frowned upon. Poppy decided to ignore the conversation with the girls.
They were probably mistaken.
"Where to first then?" Ron asked, in reference to their trip to Hogsmeade.
Harry shrugged his shoulders as he spread some jam on his toast.
Hermione's eyes flickered up from her newspaper, "I need to get some new quills
and a couple of books-" She began only to be cut off by Ron.
"-Right" He rolled his eyes, "You two up for going to Zonko's?" He asked Harry
and Poppy as he stuffed his face with bacon. Hermione wrinkled her nose and
went back to the newspaper.
Harry smiled in agreement but Poppy shook her head, "Maybe later, I should go
visit Aberforth first" Ron groaned a little but really what did he expect?
Years of Hogsmeade trips and she always spent them with the surly old man.
Later, the animagus walked down to the village with her friends, wishing she
had brought her Gryffindor scarf as the winds were biting at her even with her
muggle coat on. Poppy let her friends walk ahead as they entered the village.
Hermione strode immediately in the direction of the bookstore and Harry and Ron
chatted amongst themselves while they wandered towards Zonko's.
Poppy peered up at the sky to assess the weather and frowned. Grey horizon and
darkening clowns blanketed the sky. It had better not rain. She shivered a
little as a large gust of wind blew hair all over her face. The bloody muggle
coat she was wearing was useless against the chill.
"Cold Poppy?" A perky voice spoke up. The animagus' green eyes darted to the
side to see Ernie Macmillan smiling at her. Poppy could scent that the boy was
near her but she didn't expect him to address her.
"Um-" She began only to stop when the Hufflepuff boy boldly approached her and
placed his scarf around her shoulders and wrapped it around her. The scarf
immediately warmed her against the wind.
Poppy didn't know how to take the gesture. On the one part, his move was very
bold and unappreciated. By principle, she should spell it back to him to wrap
around his throat or eyes and give him a little scare for being so
presumptuous. But then... it really did help the cold and she wanted to keep
it.
She smiled falsely at the teenage boy, "Thanks, Ernie"
The Hufflepuff beamed back to her. From that moment on, she deeply regretted
accepting the boys scarf. Ernie Macmillan was all bright grins and sparkling
eyes as he mindlessly chattered to her and followed her around. Poppy nodded
her head and listened, feeling uneasy at the lots of curious looks she was
garnering from students wandering the village. They giggled as they walked by
and whispered. Clearly, there was some meaning or gossip worthy situation going
on that she was unaware of.
Poppy noticed Lavender Brown in the distance as she spotted her two Gyriffindor
roommates wandering together. The animagus tilted her head for a moment and
focused her advanced hearing in on the two. The blond haired girl turned to
Parvati, "Ohhh look. Poppy's finally given Ernie a chance! Look how happy he
is! I wonder if Harry knows. Someone should tell him" She whispered.
Poppy startled for a moment and her green eyes went wide, shifting towards
Ernie with a nervous smile. She stared directly into his eyes and took a peek
into his mind.
An image of Ernie reaching his hand out to take hers only to snatch it back at
the last minute... Ernie wrapping his scarf around her neck... Ernie leaning
forward towards her smiling face and closing his eyes...
Poppy stumbled backwards as she forcefully threw herself from the Hufflepuff's
mind. Was... did... Ernie Macmillan want to kiss her. Poppy's mind froze for a
fraction of a second. It was if she was finally realising that she was a girl
and Ernie was a boy. She wasn't an idiot and knew all about sex... but she had
never really thought about it in reference to herself. There was just so much
going on in her life and too much danger. The concept of boyfriends and
snogging was more for Lavender and Parvati. None of that appealed to Poppy.
Would anyone even want her? She was disfigured, broken and wrong. If Ernie knew
the real her., if any boy knew the real her, they would run screaming.
"Poppy? Poppy! Are you alright?" Ernie's panicked voice reached her ears. Poppy
looked up to see Ernie's worried face hovering in front of her. She felt him
grip her upper arms... directly over her brand.
The animagus stepped back and out of his hold, "I am fine" The teenage girl
cleared her throat. Ernie dropped his hands but then slid his arm around her
shoulder. Her body tensed as if she was hit with a sudden petrificus totalus.
"Come on you need to sit down. I'll get you a drink at the three broomsticks"
the nudged her with his arm as if to steer her.
A cold shiver trickled down her spine. This had gone on long enough. Poppy took
his arm and removed it from her shoulder with an unamused look towards the
Hufflepuff. She looked him directly in the eyes, "Thanks but I think I will
head over to the Hogs Head. I'll see you another time, yeah?" Injecting the
right amount of casualness to her voice though keeping her face expressionless
and gaze expectant to get her point across.
Poppy was under the impression that she had given him a clear dismissal, even
if it was only implied. Evidently not for although a flash of uncertainty went
through his eyes, he smiled again, "We can go to Hogs Head instead. Sure thing"
He then walked off in its direction.
Poppy frowned at his retreating back. Would it be necessary for her to
explicitly state she was not interested? She didn't want to unnecessarily
humiliate him. Or was he being deliberately dense?
Ernie turned around then and sent her a small and happy little smile then. His
eyes were light with contentment. His whole countenance read that he was happy
and smitten. She held in a scowl as she approached. Bloody Hufflepuffs with
their kind nature. It was like kicking a pygmy puff.
Poppy felt uneasy as she walked through the entrance to the Hogs Head. She had
never been in here with someone else before. Harry sometimes poked his head in
to tell her her friends were leaving the village but other than that she had
never introduced someone to Aberforth before. Of course, it would be the little
Hufflepuff.
The bell on the door alerted the pub to their entrance. The dank establishment
had around five people dotted around. No Hogwarts students, though the Three
Broomsticks would probably be bustling. Cobwebs, dust and a general atmosphere
of something unpleasant greeted her like an old friend.
Ernie's nose scrunched up as he looked around uneasily. She ignored him and
stalked towards the bar where she hopped up and looked around, half wishing
Aberforth wouldn't come out. Ernie slid up next to her, not sitting on the
stool beside herself but standing in the small space in between two stools. It
was right beside her and he was almost breathing on her neck.
The old bastard appeared from the back rooms and immediately zoned in on her
and the boy beside her. At first, his eyes narrowed but as he took in her tense
body and the proximity of the boy he simply frowned as she walked over.
"What'ye doing here? I don't serve minors" Aberforth grumbled with a glare to
them both, especially fixating on Ernie. The younger Dumbledore's brother's
eyes dropped to the Hufflepuff scarf tied tightly around her neck. Surprise
flittered across his face.
Ernie took an automatic step back even though there was an entire bar table
between him and the old man. The small display of fear was irritating to her
Gryffindor sensibilities. Aberforth's blue eyes met hers. His face was unamused
and a little scolding, he tilted his eyebrow up as if to say, 'really... him?'
His eyes kept flickering to the Hufflepuff tie around her back unhappily.
A wash of embarrassment went through her. The whole situation was unfortunate
and humiliating. What would be the best thing to do in this situation? She
could not correct him that this was not a date as they hadn't established that
it was one. Should she simply ask Ernie if he was under the impression this a
romantic outing and kindly ask him to leave?
"Oh um, s-sorry sir, we were just leaving" Ernie's timid voice spoke out.
Poppy's green eyes flickered back to him dully.
"Nah, I'll get you both a Pumpkin juice, on the house" Aberforth's voice was
almost pleasant as he spoke out. The fifth-year Gryffindor stared in disbelief.
What in Merlin's name was the crazy old coot doing now? The Hogs Head owner
slid over two glasses of semi-fresh Pumpkin juice.
Ernie had shuffled back over and took his with a shy smile. Aberforth, still
loomed over the two Hogwarts students, eyes flickering back and forth between
them.
"What's your name boy?" He grunts out. The old man pulled a rag out from his
shabby grey robes and started wiping the bar top in front of them despite the
fact that the rag looked filthier than the bar top.
Ernie took small sips of his juice and shuffled a little on the spot, declaring
how nervous he was. Poppy was not impressed. Anyone with eyes could see how
uncomfortable the Hufflepuff was. Weak, passive, nervous, shy. She truly took
the time to analyse the boy and was not pleased with her findings. Though that
was her papa talking, not her.
Ernie cleared his throat, "Ernie Macmillan, sir" He said back, eyes flickering
over to her. Poppy watched the interaction with irritation.
Aberforth grunted in reply and his lips curled up over his teeth, "Mistake this
place for Madam Puddifoots, did you boy?" He growled, blue eyes still fixed on
the boy.
Ernie swallowed again as his eyes widened, "No sir-I just-Poppy wanted to come
along. Right Poppy?" His eyes searched hers for confirmation. Her lips thinned
and it took her a moment to contain her anger at his cowardly and disloyal
behaviour. Trying to throw her under the Hippogriff, was he?
Aberforth slammed a glass down on the table, "Trying to get this little girl
here into trouble?" He snarled out, apparently in agreement with her thoughts.
Ernie stepped back again and the animagus had had just about enough.
She stood from her own stood and turned to Ernie with an apologetic smile, "I'm
going to the toilet" Poppy said and walked straight to the back rooms. She felt
two pairs of eyes follow her.
The fifth-year Gryffindor girl didn't go to the toilet. Instead, she went to
her humble little room, marched straight to her window, opened it and climbed
out. Perhaps she should have just told Ernie to bugger off. Aberforth clearly
wasn't happy with her bringing the boy and she did not want to have the awkward
conversation. He obviously thought it was a date, dear Merlin that's
humiliating! As if she would like Ernie. He was just so... Hufflepuff.
Poppy gave Aberforths goats an idle pet as she passed by and then shifted into
her animagus form and raced towards the castle in an invisible wisp of light.
She spent the rest of the day in her dormitory reading her textbooks and
assignments that weren't due for a while. The whole 'teenage boys with
hormones' situation have only added another headache to her life. Umbridge,
Voldemort, Death Eaters, Harry's request for training and now this. The work
was a blessed relief from the worries swirling around her mind. Poppy was even
weeks ahead of her readings. Hermione would be proud.
The Orphan teenager was seated semi-comfortably on her humble little desk
beside her bed when her advanced senses picked up that pairs of feet walking
towards the room. Poppy blinked and stretched her muscles. How long was she
sitting there? Turning towards the window she saw it was very much still
daytime. A tempus charm told her it was a little early for anyone to be back.
The steps by now were just outside of her door. A curious sniff told her
Hermione was at the other end.
Turning her head as the door opened, Poppy nodded to her friend with a lazy
smile, "Hey 'Mione"
Hermione looked a little frazzled as she entered. A thin furrow between her
eyebrows and cracked lips from curious or nervous biting were her tells.
Something was causing her friend to be stressed. The animagus wasn't too
worried. It was in the bookworms nature to be overly stressed from menial
things.
Hermione walked swiftly over to her with intent and huffed as she stopped in
front of her, "Why didn't you tell me you were on a date with Ernie Macmillan?"
She frowned a little.
Poppy scowled. Damn it. Word travels fast. She hoped the part of her ditching
him also had spread around.
"Because I didn't" Poppy replied simply.
Hermione was still eyeing her, more exasperated than truly annoyed, "Everyone
says they seen you with him in Hogsmeade wearing his scarf and then the two of
you disappeared"
Poppy wondered why anyone even cared in the slightest. 'Mione cared because she
was her closest female friend but really? She didn't give a fuck about who was
dating or snogging. Lord Voldemort was back and this is what everyone was
talking about? No wonder he almost won the last war.
The striped haired teenager let out a heavy sigh, "Yeah. I was cold. He gave me
his scarf and then proceeded to follow me around like a stray puppy. It was
annoying so I ditched him and came back here early" The explanation was simple
but got straight to the point.
Hermione's shoulders slumped a little in relief and then she sat gingerly down
on her bed. 'Mione's hazel eyes studied the Hufflepuff tie carelessly folded on
her bed.
"You shouldn't have ditched him. You could have just told him you weren't
interested" She clicked her tongue superiorly.
Poppy sighed and turned sideways in her chair to face her friend better, "I
didn't want to. You should have seen his little face and sad eyes!" Hermione
gave her an unamused look, "Really! It was like kicking a pygmy puff. I didn't
want to be around when he realised I wasn't interested. He just assumed it was
a date. If it were me, I'd want my humiliation to be private"
Hermione did not look appeased by her explanation, "It was still cruel"
Poppy hummed and stood, "So do you want to start heading down for an early
dinner?" She stood and stretched with a yawn. Hunching over scrolls all day was
not good for her back or her scars. It made them itch at times.
Hermione's eyes darted to the door for a split second and her worried look was
back, "Listen Poppy... you should know that Harry wasn't too happy hearing you
were on a date with Ernie..." She said with a significant look towards her.
Poppy's green eyes widened largely, "Shit really? I should go talk to him,
right? How angry is he?" she stood swiftly and shifted her papers.
Hermione watched her knowingly, "Very. You know he's got a bit of a temper.
Though fortunately, he is much more rational than Ron" She smiled in fond
exasperation, "I talked him down a little and told him to wait until he speaks
to you. I'm sure there was some reasonable explanation and there was. For the
most part"
Poppy nodded seriously and gave her friend a peck on the cheek and one-armed
hug as a thank you, "Thanks 'Mione. What would I do without you?" She said
rhetorically and sent a wink her way.
The animagus left the common room swiftly and took a deep breath to see if she
could scent Harry nearby. Yes, he was. In the common room. Worry, concern and
dread were churning inside of her. She couldn't bear it if Harry was angry with
her.
Poppy didn't quite run down the stairs but hopped down them swiftly,
concentrating on the scent of Harry to guide her.
At the bottom of the stairs leading to the common room, she was distracted for
a moment seeing Harry seated sullenly beside Ron half-heartedly playing a game
of chess. For that reason, she wasn't paying attention and almost ran into
Ginny Weasley as she was walking up the stairs. Poppy stopped in front of her
with a blink and an idle look.
"Sorry" She said distractedly.
Ginny Weasley sent her a smirk as she moved aside, brown eyes glittering in
satisfaction. If it was any other occasion she would have stopped and asked
what the matter was but instead, she stepped aside and made her way towards her
best friends.
Ron noticed her approaching first and sent a worried look towards Harry. Her
bespectacled friend eventually looked up and then scowled when he saw her. She
reached the desk and felt very awkward.
"Hey, can I talk to you, Harry?" She said quietly, feeling the weight of the
common room burning into her back.
Harry's usually soft and welcoming green eyes looked more like her own then.
They were assessing and uncertain. In the end, he nodded his head sharply and
stood. Poppy and Harry walked to the portrait hole in silence. The entire
common room had gone silent. Nosey bastards.
Harry led her through the quiet Hogwarts corridors until they reached the
ground floor and walked towards the gates leading outside. She swallowed, "Are
you angry with me?"
Harry's eyes darted to hers for a moment and he kept walking. They reached
outside and automatically began walking towards their clearing.
"You went on a date with Ernie Macmillan and didn't tell me," He said back
stonily.
Poppy nervously ruffled her hair. A habit that she had picked up from the boy
beside her, "No I didn't. It's a complete misunderstanding, I swear. He gave me
his scarf and then followed me about" She explained rapidly.
They had reached their clearing and Poppy took an automatic sniff around to
look for ease droppers. No one, creature or otherwise were around. She also put
up a silencing spell.
Harry turned to look at her and folded his arms across his chest in a defensive
gesture. His jaw tightened and he did not look amused at all.
"Has he been bothering you" Harry's voice was steady but anger and indignation
clearly bubbled beneath the surface.
Poppy sighed, "No Harry. He's a bit persistent but hardly bothering me. Sorry I
didn't tell you. It didn't seem to matter, to be honest. It was obviously
untrue, I mean do you honestly think anyone would ever be interested in going
out with me?" She animagus scoffed a tad desperately.
Harry's stance softened, "Don't be stupid Poppy. You're great. Trust me, tons
of guys want to go out with you" The boy-who-lived finished with a petulant
scowl.
Poppy's smiled humourlessly, "Harry, teenage boys see a pretty face and think
the girl hangs the moon and the stars. No one would like me if they knew what I
was really like"
Harry rolled his eyes and his arms twitched, an indicator he wanted to comfort
her but didn't feel right in doing so. The orphan girl walked forward and
hugged her friend, he clearly wanted to comfort her.
"I wish you could see how great you were Poppy. Your my best friend" Harry's
voice was sincere.
Poppy pulled back with a smirk, "Literally no one else is as kind and
understanding as you are. Your much too good, boy-who-lived" She laughed.
The tension between the two best friends had melted away and they started
walking back to the castle then. As much as she loved Harry, he was
particularly overprotective of her. It was sweet and made her feel cherished
but in some other aspects, it was exasperating. Silly boy.
The pair entered the castle and walked directly towards the Great Hall for
dinner. Harry took a sidelong glance at Poppy, "Does that mean you don't fancy
anyone?" He clarified carefully.
Poppy snorted, "Yes, Merlin Harry, it does. Don't worry about it, it doesn't
mean anything what other people are saying. If you grew breasts I bet everyone
would fancy you too" She winked.
A blush and scowl settled across Harry's face then making her laugh loudly. The
pair walked into the Great Hall and whispers and mutters broke out. Her friend
hunched his shoulders and Poppy winked at everyone who stared at her. More than
a few people ducked their heads in embarrassment.
"So have you thought about what we talked about?" Harry asked under his breath,
leaning a little closer to her.
Poppy stiffened at the mention of his request for her to teach him to duel. The
fifth-year bit her lip as she sat down, across from Ron and Hermione, "Hm
what?" Harry nudged her arm after she finished piling her plate up. She peered
at him and he gave her an unamused look,
"Poppy" He intoned, clearly implying he knew she was playing dumb. Poppy smiled
back serenely, hoping he wouldn't bring it up in front of their two best
friends which were clearly listening in.
Indeed Hermione and Ron shared a long look before her female friend spoke up,
"Everything alright guys?" She asked with a shaky smile.
Poppy beamed back and Harry nodded his head.
Ron looked the most relieved, to be honest. He sighed heavily then started
eating heartily. Harry, on the other hand, kept steady and expectant eye
contact with her. Poppy tried her best to avoid his direct gaze and stared at
the table.
What would she do? To teach Harry would put her in an uncomfortable situation
where she may have to potentially hurt her best friend. The animagus would need
to be tough and firm with him to teach him adequately. It would put a strain on
their friendship. No, she would not do this. She couldn't.
Having made her mind up, the striped haired girl's green eyes flickered up only
to stop as something caught her eye at the table. Harry was pushing peas'
around his plate with a frown. That is not what caught her attention. His arm
was raised and hand visible as it clutched the fork. Poppy stared almost as if
under the imperious at her friend's hand. For written there, in a messy scrawl
she was familiar with said the words, I must not tell lies.
Umbridge... Dark magic... Blood Quill.
"Yes" She hit out suddenly. Her three friends paused their respective
conversations to look at her curiously. She only had eyes for Harry. Green met
green.
"Yes, I will" Poppy answered calmly.
Harry's face broke out into a huge grin.
===============================================================================
Poppy walked down the corridor with a serene smile on her face. October rolled
into November and the first snow of the winter had appeared last weekend.
Despite the steady decline in temperature, Harry was still eager as ever to
meet in their little clearing to practice duelling. Poppy was extremely proud
of her friend.
Harry Potter was a natural in defence. He had excellent instincts, a good grasp
on basic defensive magic and a certain level of raw power that served him well.
Her friend was coming along very well, in her humble opinion. They had moved
onto duelling purely silently in the month they had been practising and she
couldn't have been more proud.
Poppy hadn't yet confronted her friend about the scars marring his hand, she
was still to enraged. Her craving for vengeance bubbled inside of her and
occasionally boiled over though keeping a strict reign on her rage was
exceptionally difficult. Meditation and occulemcy helped. As well as reading.
Poppy read like a mad woman this term.
Her current tranquil mood was actually a result of one of her rages bubbling
over. The animagus had continued her pranking of the toad-faced woman with the
twins but had also... taken things into her own hands, as it were.
Poppy drifted down the corridor as she heard a high pitched scream echo from
behind her. An involuntary smile spread across her face.
At that moment, the orphan was walking past Professor McGonagall's rooms and
the Transfiguration Professor dashed outside in alarm at the loud scream. The
halls were surprisingly empty at that moment.
"Who did this. You evil little... vile... disgusting... I
will...consequences... the Minister..." Someone wailed from behind them. The
Scottish woman's eyes darted backwards and Poppy couldn't resist a glance back.
Dolores Umbridge flailed around the corridor with some sort of foul smelling
green slime dripping from her head. She fumed and almost dashed away, shouting
threats as she went. Just as she was about the turn the corridor, the woman
slipped and fell spectacularly on her arse and farted as she did so.
Poppy let out a laugh as the woman scurried away.
A throat clearing in front of her made her look up. Professor McGonagall looked
at her sternly and expectantly. The Gryffindor decided not to say anything to
her head of House. Instead, she winked cheekily at the woman and walked away.
Minvera McGonagall's lips twitched as she returned to her classroom.
===============================================================================
'Colloshoo' Poppy thought as she raised her wand at the teenage boy across from
her. The striped haired teenager had moved on from Jynx's to hex's when it came
to training Harry. At the moment she alternated between a Stickfast Hex which
made shoes stick to the ground, stinging Hexes and disorientating ones.
He blocked her spell easily with a wave of his wand. She stifled a smile.
Poppy paused for a moment to smile at the panting boy across from her. He
alternated well between throwing up protective shields and dodging out of the
way.
"Good Harry but try use other shielding spells other than a basic Protego, mix
it up a little," The Orphan instructed.
Harry furrowed his brows, "But I don't know what hexes your sending. What if
you send a too powerful one that a Protego can't shield?" He asked.
Poppy nodded at the question and pondered it for a moment. No, anything more
advanced was out of the question yet. Hm...
She smiled at her best friend, "The spells you use is only half of winning a
battle, as is raw power. It is good to be as unpredictable as possible and
startle your opponent. People expect you to use a Protego because it's a
standard and powerful shield charm. Dodging is all well and good but there are
other ways to protect yourself. I'll show you, try to hit me with a Tickling
hex" She commanded.
Harry nodded, furrowed his brow as if remembering the incantation, nodded and
then lifted his wand.
Poppy lifted her wand – though she could the spell wandlessly – and Accoi'd a
large tree branch resting several feet away. The large piece of wood moved
directly in the trajectory of the spell and exploded it. Splintered and shards
of woods rained down on them.
Harry watched with wide green eyes filled with awe, "That was brilliant" He
breathed.
Poppy shook her head fondly. This wasn't so bad after all...
===============================================================================
It was the beginning of December when Harry and herself were ambushed by their
two other best friends. They had just finished a fun duelling session where
Poppy would levitate conquered balloons and Harry popped them with various
spells as quickly as possible. Eventually, they moved faster and faster and
Harry even got his broom out to case some. Poppy watched her friend whoop and
dip in the air above her in bemusement. They weren't getting much done but as
long as Harry was having a laugh.
So it was well past midnight by the time the pair of Orphans wandered back into
Gryffindor tower. Both were tired but had huge grins on their faces as they
chatted quietly. The friends paused as the entered the portrait hole only to
see their two best friends waiting up for them.
… or rather Hermione was sat with a book and violently shook Ron awake.
Poppy smiled amusedly at her friends and walked over to flop down on the
armchair. She grinned at her friends, "Aw, did you miss us?" She asked sweetly.
Ron snorted loudly and Hermione elbowed him in the ribs. Harry's smile had
dropped though he still looked light and happy. He moved to sit on the arm of
her chair and she leaned away to accommodate him.
"You guys didn't need to wait up" Harry said kindly.
Ron mumbled his agreement under his breath while Hermione turned to glare at
the ginger-haired boy. The bookworm then cleared her throat,
"Sorry, we just thought it best to talk to you both... privately," She said
with a pointed look towards the both of them.
Harry and Poppy exchanged raised eyebrow. Harry shrugged and Poppy smiled
amusedly at her best friends and waved her hand at them, "Well then, by all
means, talk"
Ron – more awake by this point – got straight to the point, "We know you've
been sneaking off" He said bluntly.
Harry blinked and Poppy tilted her head in a questioning manner. Hermione did
not look happy at Ron's inelegant phrasing of the question.
She sighed and turned to them fully, "We just wanted to say that we know...
about you two and that you don't need to hide it anymore" She smiled in a
comforting manner.
Harry's shoulders dropped and he looked relieved. Poppy had asked her friend to
keep their private duelling sessions secretive. Hermione and Ron didn't know
the extent of her background and she was hesitant in telling them. Harry
understood though he disliked keeping anything from his friends.
Poppy knew something wasn't right. They didn't know about their duelling
sessions, they've reached the wrong conclusion somehow but what conclusion
exactly?
"Yeah mate" Ron nodded, "We're fine with it, just wanted you to know you don't
have to sneak off anymore. Dead obvious it was going to happen, really"
Harry still started to look confused and Poppy frowned as she regarded her
friends. Hermione's expression was the most telling. She looked part ways happy
and part ways sappy with whisky coloured eyes flickering between her and Harry.
Oh Merlin no...
"I've been giving Harry private duelling lessons" She bit out harshly, a tad
annoyed at the audacity of her friends. Does everyone think me and Harry fancy
each other? Bloody ridiculous.
Harry looked even more confused and sent her a questioning glance. She shook
her head seriously. He did not want to know.
"What?!" Ron breathed, looking truly shocked. Hermione looked more confused and
a lot disappointed to be truthful.
"Uh-yeah" Harry agreed.
"Oh" Hermione frowned.
"You've been giving Harry duelling lessons. Shouldn't it be the other way
about?" Ron frowned, not grasping the situation. Hermione, silent, though
clearly agreed with Ron's question.
Poppy closed her eyes. It was now or never. She didn't have a choice now, did
she? Harry sought out her hand and gave it a little squeeze.
She opened her green eyes and told her tale. From her uncle to her papa. How
she was trained in the Dark Arts. Given a wand at age five and taught things no
auror should ever learn.
In the end, Ron looked as solemn as she'd ever seen him and Hermione's face was
damp with tears and pretty brown eyes blotchy and swollen.
Poppy even lifted her shirt to show her friends the mutilated mess of her back.
Hermione's sobs echoed throughout the common room and two one tears fell from
Poppy's eyes.
Her friends enveloped her in a hug that made her breathes uneven and swell with
aching tenderness. Her friends...
She gave more details than she'd ever gave to Harry before, including how
wonderful her Uncle was and how he loved her. She'd always known he'd viewed
her uncle and not her papa as the evil of the two and she wasn't sure how he'd
take that she loved a Death Eater.
It was three in the morning by the time they released the broken girl from the
embrace.
"T-thank you" Poppy whispered to her wonderful, loving friends and practically
fled to the safety of her bed where no one would witness or hear her tears of
weakness.
===============================================================================
Christmas holidays came and went uneventfully. Poppy elected to stay at the
castle that year to keep an eye on Umbridge though all of her friends begged
her to spend the holidays with them. Though appreciative, she was not a charity
case. The animagus did receive special permission to visit Aberforth in
Hogsmeade and that was enough for her. Though with McGonagall as an escort, of
course. The man let her have a good six butterbeers and when McGonagall found
out how many she had, was horrified and promptly marched her back up to the
castle. Poppy rolled her eyes. She wasn't even tipsy. Was that a spirit wolf
thing perhaps? She would need to experiment.
The beginning of the new year dawned frustrating for Poppy as Harry's hero
complex had spread to her friends. They wanted to learn how to duel also. The
striped haired teenager was not amused, at all.
They begged and tried to reason with her but she just... couldn't. It was only
when Poppy broke down and her breathing came in desperate pants and she fell to
the ground in panic did her friends stop asking.
Poppy was afraid of teaching her friends. Of hurting them. Of them seeing how
dangerous she was. Poppy didn't like duelling. She didn't. She didn't want to
hurt anyone... Poppy couldn't... it was too hard, no. No.
In the end, it was Harry that taught them with pointers from Poppy. Once a week
Poppy coached Harry privately and Harry taught Ron and Hermione – with Poppy
present – every Sunday. Only, their little clearing was becoming difficult to
come to. The vile woman was pushing back the centaurs territory which messed up
the entire balance of the Forbidden Forest and creatures would sometimes wander
into the clearing. Additionally, the toad woman and other Wizards prowled the
woods to push the 'dangerous creatures' back.
That was how they were discovered. Thankfully, it was only by Neville
Longbottom as he was searching for some plant or another.
Unfortunately, he then wanted duelling lessons. And really... who could turn
Neville down?
Thus began Dumbledore's Army.
===============================================================================
The weeks building up to the OWL's were stressful to everyone. Umbridge had
gotten bolder over the months and was harsher with her students, everyone knew
she would crack eventually. The mad woman was on a mission to discover and
punish their private duelling club which had become surpisingly popular. The
room of requirement. How brilliant a discovery.
Ahh the DA. Ridiculous bloody name. The only reason Poppy agreed to it at
all was because Aberforth was technically a Dumbledore. He teased her for a
very long time at the name.
The toad woman was on the warpath and everyone else was simply stressed about
exams. Poppy was calm, in general. She had spent a ridiculous amount of time
studying her coursework thanks to her swotty best friend and did fairly well,
in her opinion.
The Weasley Twins spectacular firework display at the end of the exam was music
to her ears. The dragon chasing Umbridge was definitely her new memory for
conjuring her Patronus Charm.
Though something odd did happen, Dolores Umbridge, the day after the last exam
abruptly disappeared. As did Albus Dumbledore. The Professors all sent each
other strange looks and Professor McGonagall and Snape was rarely about either.
It was clear something had happened, something extremely big.
That something big came loud and clear the very last day of term with the front
page of the Daily Prophet;
You-know-who has returned.
Poppy's lips had thinned. The Dark Lord has returned to full power. This was
not good. At the same moment, Harry huffed and slammed his cup down on the
table.
She looked up, surprised he was so sullen when he should be happy the Ministry
was finally taking responsibility and admitting the truth.
Harry scowled, "It's Sirius" He explained and waved around a letter she hadn't
noticed Hedwig bring, "he can't pick me up at Kings Cross. He says I'll need to
go to the Dursleys for a bit while he 'sorts things out'. Apparently, he's
really busy because of what's happened but he said he'll explain fully when he
sees me" Harry sighed heavily.
Hermione – seated next to the boy-who-lived – rubbed his arm comfortingly, "I'm
sorry Harry, hopefully it isn't for too long" She said kindly.
Harry attempted a smile but then sighed, "Yeah. He did hint that he had really
good news so... maybe I'll never have to go back?"
Ron agreed with the sentiment and they began talking about their summer.
The train ride back to Kings Cross was fairly uneventful. Strictly speaking, it
wasn't necessary for her to ride the train but she wanted more time with her
friends. Poppy could always run back swiftly in her animagus form, flying
through the air in a reasonable amount of time.
A lull had eventually fallen on the friends when Harry cleared his throat.
Hermione startled all of a sudden and sent Harry a sheepish look. Her bushy-
haired friend then whispered in Ron's ear before the two of them stood up.
"We had better be off to do our rounds" Hermoine smiled with an expectant look
towards Harry. A hopeful one. Wow, the Orphan could see why 'Mione was never
considered for Slytherin.
Ron too eyed the two friends back and forth before slipping out.
Poppy smirked at Harry, "Subtlety is not their strong suit, is it?" Harry
flushed a little and laughed.
"So what is it you wanted to tell me... alone?" She raised her eyebrows and
stretched out on her side of the carriage.
Harry looked out of his window for a moment hesitantly but then looked back at
her with very serious green eyes.
"Poppy... I know we've talked about this before but..." He said and then paused
with a sigh, "I think you should come and stay with me and Sirius this summer"
Poppy felt a wave of ice wash through her and opened her mouth to immediately
reply but Harry cut her off, "-It's alright, okay? I've spoken to Sirius and he
said that he would love to have you. When I hinted at it, he jumped right at
it, okay? Really eager, he seems happier to see you than me, to be honest" He
joked and rubbed a hand through his already messy hair.
Poppy regarded the boy in front of her unhappily, "I promise that it's fine.
Sirius still wants to meet you... and I just don't think you should be at that
pub all summer... maybe just for a week maybe? I promise your not a burden. We
could even see if Ron and 'Mione want to come visit too-" Harry rambled, a tad
desperately.
Poppy looked down and said quietly, "I can't"
Harry sighed in a frustrated manner, "Why not?" He breathed out, looking
vaguely angry, "Poppy, your my best friend and you haven't even met my
godfather yet or Remus. I bet they would love you and you... you're all
alone... like me... like I was and I just... your my best friend... why can't
you just... stop being so..."
Harry's voice rose as his frustration increased. She knew why. He was so
protective of her and caring, he knew how down she got during summer and was
only trying to help. But the hardened girl couldn't infringe on Harry's family
time. She would not. But... to be completely honest she wasn't ready yet. She
wasn't ready to meet Sirius Black. Sirius Black.
"I can't" She whispered in repetition.
"Why not?" Harry asked tersely.
"Because... I'm, I'm not ready to meet Sirius" The animgus said back shakily.
Harry's anger seemed to deflate out of him and he blinked, looking unsure and
worried, "Why?" He asked simply.
Poppy swallowed. She had to. It was now. It was now or never, "My... my uncle,"
She began. Harry's green eyes watching her avidly with concern dripping from
them. He nodded slowly.
"My uncle... was Regulus Black... Sirius Black's younger brother" She confessed
and looked up to the wide surprised eyes of her best friend.
***** Chapter 16 *****
A/N: Hey everyone! So this is where things start to get much, much different.
I've got a gigantic chapter for you all and I hope you don't end up bored.
Hopefully, this chapter will clear up a lot of questions and you'll enjoy it
reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. This only has a little of Poppy's
POV but next chapter she'll definitely be meeting everyone.
Please let me know what you think! Enjoy :)
===============================================================================
The day of the last Hogwarts exam, a small pudgy man cowered behind a crowd of
intimidating figures adorned in all black. He stuck closely by the side of the
shortest of them though by far the one that radiated the most power. The man
did not feel safe there or anywhere around these men but didn't really have an
option.
The hunched man sniffed the air in a worried manner as the assembly of men
stalked through the empty ministry hallways. It was ridiculously easy to enter
the Ministry of Magic alone at night. The group swept through the halls as if
they owned the place, confident in their stride. The man continued to trail
behind the short leader, watery eyes darting all different ways in fear.
They said it wouldn't take long. His master was obsessed with returning to full
power. He needed his body for that but as he technically already had a fully
formed – if smaller and unable to hold as much more power – body, it would be
more difficult. His master was so smart and decided to take a bold move. The
man was just happy he would not be needing to make any sacrifices this time and
were surrounded by other men willing to help.
They entered the bowels of the Ministry at the stroke of midnight. The man
became more fearful and his breaths came in quick succession at the strange
rooms they were passing through. The Department of Mysteries. He didn't want to
know what those mysteries were.
The group reached a large room with an eerie feel to it. The watery man's eyes
continued to shift around the room. It was empty but had an awful sense of
foreboding to it. It gave the impression of being near a dementor. This feeling
only increased as the group approached a strange doorway centred in the middle
of the room. The archway. The archway between worlds. The Veil.
The man had heard his master talking about the veil and his plans. It
frightened him but it terrified him more to object to his master's demands.
Weakened in power he may be, he still cast a horrifyingly painful crucio.
The five men all assembled their places. Rockwood had given the idea and told
them of the plan. His master loved it. His master now stood closest to the veil
with his arms out wide as if to embrace a long lost lover.
"Wormtail" A voice hissed to his left. He jumped and turned around with wide
eyes to Malfoy who's glare seemed to reach him behind his mask. "Get in
position" He commanded.
The man nodded his head jerkily and made his way to the end of the line. He
opened his mouth as the incantation began, "Partim mundi. Condunduntur.
Tenebris. Partim mundi. Confunduntur. Tenevris"
The voices echoed throughout the room strongly and his master lifted his head
with a smile. Noises and screams emerged from behind the veil. The man was
afraid but continued his chanting,
"Partim mundi. Confunduntur. Tenebris" They all continued.
Spirits, ghosts or souls screamed and tried to rip through the veil but none
were successful by being held back by an unseen barrier. They seemed to get
close only to scream in failure. Wind swept around the room, blowing his tufts
of hair around and the sounds of crumbling stone reached his ears. They should
stop. Something bad was happening.
"Partim mundi. Confunduntur. Tenebris" He now whispered. The things behind the
veil were getting aggressive at this point. The entire archway was shaking and
vibrating unstably.
His master walked forward slowly and carefully spoke the incantation, "Partim
mundi. Confunduntur. Tenebris" He bellowed.
Immediately a dark wave of magic swept through the room, continuing outwards.
The pudgy man fell to his feet. It was chaos around him as the ground seemed to
shake and shouts of the men around him reached his ears. He whimpered. His
master was kneeling on the ground and screaming. Something went wrong.
The man quickly shifted into his rat form and scuttled away to safety, the
ground still shaking and pieces of building falling to the floor. He squeaked
as he tried to keep out of the projectile. Men were still shouting. His master
was still screaming.
When he had run away as far as he could, his masters screaming stopped. All of
the falling debris halted mid-air for three seconds before crashing to the
ground again. The rat turned around slowly.
His master stood at the centre of the room, arms outstretched, a grin a mile
wide was adorned across his much more human looking face. His nose was still
gone and his skin was still a little grey but a head of curly brown hair sat
atop his head now and he was now fully sized. His hands were back to looking
human. His master's eyes were still a bright and glaring red.
The veil was still shaking and screaming through the room had stopped moving.
Every man ignored it. The other men kneeled at his master's feet. The rat
shifted back and was about to join them when a bang sounded throughout the
room.
At the entrance, it seemed like a host of men in auror garb appeared. The wide
smile that appeared on his master's face made shivers run down his spine. His
master lifted his wand and sent out a bright blast of green light. He gulped
and began to help his master duel the aurors.
The fight was easy for the masked men. Three of the aurors had fallen and the
man was having quite a lot of fun sending off spells and laughing with the men
beside him. He felt powerful. He laughed and grinned, feeling a wonderful rush.
It was only when people began to actually apparate into the room that he grew
afraid again. Mad-eye-Moody appeared and started duelling with ferocious
accuracy, taking out a man at once. This could only mean one thing; The Order
had arrived. Next to appear was a young woman with bright purple hair. The man
was almost frozen and felt suddenly very exposed for there weren't enough of
the men to hide behind. His master was duelling expertly and taking on the more
and more people who arrived. Albus Dumbledore then appeared in a flurry of
flames.
When Remus arrived he knew that he had to run. The man turned his back about to
shift into a rat when another boom echoed throughout the room. The veil's
screaming had reached unbearable levels and once again the room started to
vibrate.
He stared wide-eyed at the spirits attempting to escape, almost transfixed. A
spell that had been redirected and almost hit him. The man jerked away and
turned back to the fighting. His eyes immediately made contact with two grey
swirling pools of rage. Sirius.
The rat immediately shifted and scurried off, using the mounting commotion from
the veil to hide his tracks.
===============================================================================
Remus swiftly deflected the curse sent to him by the Death Eater before him. He
swore foully. Before Remus could retaliate the ground shifted and he stumbled.
Everyone in the room must have stumbled. He growled under his breath and
panted, sweat forming on his brow. It was too soon after the full moon for
this.
From the corner of his eye, he noticed Diggle being surrounded on all sides by
three Death Eaters. He sent two rapid hex's as he dodged another curse from the
masked man in front of him.
Another series of rapid cracks altered him to more people arriving. Wand
clutched tightly in his hand, he was prepared if more Death Eaters had arrived.
It was not. Four men had apparated into the room. Two of them were aurors
judging by their attire and standing protectively in front of two others. One
of them was a man he did not recognise and the other was... Cornelius Fudge.
The sudden appearance of the Minister of Magic halted everyone's duelling. The
room seemed to take a take an incredulous breath as Cornelius Fudge's wide eyes
stared directly at Lord Voldemort.
The Dark Lord then vanished.
It was pandemonium again as Remus – as well as all other Order members and
Aurors – launched a furious offensive attack on the remaining Death Eaters.
They all began apparating away while everyone frantically tried to prevent that
by trying to set up anti-apparation wards. It was too late.
Remus dodged another bludgeoning hex as his target disappeared. He swore loudly
and then assessed the room at large.
Mad-Eye Moody was standing crossed armed in front of two bound and unmasked
Death Eaters. His normal eye was glaring hatefully whilst the magic one rolled
around the room. Sirius was shouting and running across the room for something,
Remus frowned before dismissing the behaviour. Probably going after a Death
Eater, he assumed. All other Aurors had congregated together in front of the
minister to obviously make arrangements. Fudge looked ill and in shock. The
werewolf had no sympathy for him.
Remus did expect to see Albus approach the minister but he frowned as noticed
the Headmaster walking slowly to the still volatile archway.
At that moment, another boom echoed throughout the room, making the floors
wobble in an unsettling fashion. The werewolf didn't pay attention to the
aurors shielding and ushering the Minister of Magic for the room to protect him
but instead approached Albus Dumbledore as he stood a few feet away from the
veil.
The headmasters pink and yellow robes looked very out of place as they whipped
angrily around in the air created by the archway. A jolt of fear went through
him seeing Albus' vulnerable position.
He jogged up to the Headmaster. Voices and spirits of the dead screamed and
tried to escape. Alarmingly, every spirit that attempted got closer and closer
away from the veil only to be suddenly pushed back.
Sirius ran up to him at his other side and stood speechless along with him.
Remus looked to Sirius to see his own worried and alarmed eyes. They needed to
get out of here.
"Albus, we need to get out of here. It's going to collapse" He had to shout
over the wails of the dead.
The wise Wizard did not even blink as his focused blue gaze was fixated on the
archway that was beginning to vibrate and crumble. Remus didn't want to know
what would happen when it broke. Madness.
Albus mumbled under his breath something that Remus could only make out because
of his Lupine hearing, "...can't be... who else...splinter...merge...rip..."
His head whipped around to Dumbledore as a booming crack echoed throughout the
room. A figure tumbled from the veil. Remus and Sirius whipped their wands out
immediately at the silhouette of the man. He had a messy head of dark hair and
casual robes on.
Sirius was the first to step forward – reckless like always – while Remus' eyes
were back on the veil that didn't seem to calm down yet. How many more were
going to come out?
Another figure flew out, landing near the man and Sirius immediately stunned
it. This time it looked like a woman in muggle attire. A sea of long red hair
that looked vaguely familiar, hung down her back.
Albus Dumbledore sucked in a sharp breath. Remus turned to look at him. The
headmasters usually unflappable expression was pure white. His mouth was opened
a tiny bit but his eyes sparkled with wonder and a slight hint of fear. Remus
had never been Dumbledore afraid before.
"Prongs" Sirius breathed.
Again, the werewolf whipped his head around to see his best mate now crouching
on the floor beside the unconscious man. He was about to shout out a warning
when Sirius gently lay the figure on his back. Messy black hair that stuck up
in all directions. Wirely glasses. Straight jaw. It couldn't be. It wasn't.
Sirius was looking down reverently and teary-eyed at their third best mate. A
boggart. An illusion. A disgusting trick.
Remus kept his wand up and pointed, "Sirius. Stand up" He commanded, his voice
wavering. Padfoot's eyes snapped up and Remus could see the hopeful expression
painted on his face. Remus felt pain ripple through him. This wasn't real.
"Oh Tom... what have you done" Whispered a sad voice. Dumbledore was kneeling
beside the woman. The woman with closed eyes and skin that was peaches and
cream. Full lips and fiery red hair. The woman bore an uncanny resemblance to
Lily Potter.
Remus had had enough of his insanity, "Sir, what-what is this?" He asked
hoarsely, his wand still raised but the arm was now shaking.
"A splinter in the world as we know it" Dumbledore mumbled back.
Remus managed to tear his eyes away from the sight in front of him back towards
his headmaster. His breaths came out shakily and tears fell from his eyes in
joy, though the ominous words of Albus Dumbledore left a chill down his spine.
===============================================================================
Minerva couldn't believe it. She couldn't believe it. It was a miracle. Utterly
unreal yet a blessing in the dark times surely ahead. She stormed through the
empty castle corridors, straight to the Headmasters office as she remembered
how this came to be.
The school year had just finished and usually, the Transfiguration Professor
would be packing to spend a few weeks with her nieces and nephews. But she had
to rudely cancel her summer plans as something unexpected had happened.
When Albus floo'd her in the middle of the night, she was not amused. It had
been a stressful week indeed and finally, she could sleep knowing that the
exams had finally finished and that dragon of a woman would no longer be
breathing down her neck.
The urgent and unusually terse voice of Albus was the only reason she responded
at all. She entered the hospital wing through the floo in Poppy's office,
adorned in only her nightgown and robe. Minerva was fully prepared to remind
the headmaster of the rules of decorum when two faces sitting on hospital beds
made her pause in her steps.
James and Lily Potter. It could not be. Yet it was. Two beds had been pushed
side by side and were closer together than the matron usually allowed. On one
bed, a messy-haired man with spectacles and laugh lines, looking
uncharacteristically sombre as he stared at the occupant of the other bed; A
woman with long flowing crimson hair stared at her lap with an expression of
sheer sadness and confusion. The woman then lifted her head to reveal the
lovely face of Lily Potter.
Minerva was disbelieving at first, of course. Sirius Black and Remus Lupin
hovered by their bedsides, looking too tense to be seated. Minerva kept an eye
on her two former students in the event they collapsed from sheer stress.
Albus Dumbledore stood at the end of the beds and stared intently at the
married pair. It couldn't be them. It couldn't.
Minerva approached with a frown and tried to remain calm, "What is this?" She
whispered as she now stood by Albus' side.
Lily's eyes darted up at the sound of her voice. The green eyes watering
slightly and her face sunk in relief. A pang shot through her. It has been much
too long since she'd seen her former student.
"Professor McGonagall" She sighed in almost a sob. Since Lily had changed from
an Evans to a Potter, she had not called her by her title and familiarly called
her Minerva. Yet the vulnerable and utterly relieved look spoke volumes.
The Transfiguration Professor didn't even hesitate to pull her former student
into a hug.
That night was long and emotional. She tactfully refrained from commenting on
the tear track marks on both Sirius and Remus' face. Evidently, You-know-Who
had returned. He had somehow inadvertently caused this miracle. Emotions ran
high and Poppy Pomfrey was called in to confirm their identity. Albus then
verified it with an intrusive stroll through their minds which Minerva believed
to be completely unnecessary. You do not look a gift unicorn in the mouth.
James and Lily Potter were then put into magically-induced sleep for two days
in order to fully recuperate.
Remus Lupin and Sirius Black did not leave their sides once.
Since that fateful night, The Potters had been kept in the dark mostly since
their awakening two hours previous and an abrupt Order meeting had been called.
To her knowledge, the only questions that had been answered were if Harry and
Poppy were safe. They both seemed to know that time had passed as their faces
reflected the fact. Death had aged them. Were they really dead? No one can ever
come back from the dead so where were the Potters this entire time? Albus would
have some answers.
In the short time they were awake, the Potters sat and listened to their
friends update them on menial things that had occurred in the last sixteen
years – omitting important details. That would be revealed in the Order meeting
that would be happening now.
Minvera gave the password to enter the Headmasters office and swept into the
room. The office seemed rather tense. Albus sat behind his desk, watching
everyone with obvious interest. James and Lily sat beneath his desk, chatting
quietly with Sirius and Remus. The four of them huddled together. She felt
affection rush through her. Four of her most memorable students. Friendship
like that was hard to find. James then laughed at something Sirius had said. It
seemed like Mr Potter and Black was quickly returning to the way they were in
the past. Not a little amount of guilt filled her that she believed Black would
ever willingly or not betray the Potters.
The entire Order was not present. In fact, only a select few that knew about
Poppy's true parentage were present. Auror Moody stood in the corner of the
room scowling and magical eye swivelling everywhere. Aberforth stood in a
similar position hidden off from the room though he was seated and looked
extremely irritated. Dedalus Diggle chatted idly with Elphias Dodge, the latter
appearing disinterested. Emmeline Vance sat by herself though greeted Minvera
kindly as she walked by. Hagrid was seated in a much too small chair, possibly
trying to take up less space in the very busy office grinning and wiping tear
tracks from his cheeks as he looked at the Potters.
Finally, there was Severus, seated beside Dumbledore, dark eyes fixed on Lily
Potter unmovingly. She frowned as she sat down on Albus' other side. Severus
had been informed of the Potter's return as she had. The Potions master had
stormed into the hospital wing, glimpsed at Lily's sleeping face and
immediately swept away before Sirius and Remus kicked him out as they
immediately tried to do. Her colleague hadn't been seen until this meeting.
The headmaster turned to acknowledged her with a smile before turning to the
very crowded office.
"I believe all of us are here and we may begin" He spoke over the noise and yet
every person stopped talking immediately to turn to him.
Albus looked calm and his face betrayed nothing of his emotions.
"Now, I know this is all a shock to you all... many of you are disbelieving and
yet you can see with your own eyes what we all know to be true" He explained
rather vaguely with a look towards the Potters. Minerva wanted to roll her
eyes. Most of the room seemed to share her sentiment.
Hagrid blew his nose into his very large handkerchief, "It's a miracle, is what
it is" He said tearing up.
Moody growled from the back of the room, "Oh aye, miracle, bit convenient int
it? Soon as the Dark Lord's back then these two 'return'" He snorted and then
stomped his large staff on the ground. Minerva frowned at his rudeness.
It seemed like this comment spurred a flurry of arguments and objections from
the room. A select few fully believed in their return whilst others demanded
proof it was indeed the Potters. Irritation swept through her. Did they think
they would not perform the necessary checks? Several in the room looked
uncertain and watched with unsure eyes. Aberforth simply scowled.
"Enough" Albus' calm voice once again broke through the flurry of increasingly
loud voices. The headmaster sat calmly behind his desk and steepled his fingers
together with a curious expression.
"I think for the moment it would be best to give the Potters the benefit of the
doubt. They are not, to their own knowledge, spies or imposters in any way" He
spoke vaguely again. Minerva had been dealing with the man for thirty plus
years and still did not have the patience to deal with this.
Lily Potter's face drained of colour and she looked shaken, "T-to our
knowledge?" She asked quietly, "You-you think that we might be... imposters?"
Lily Potter whispered. James' arm immediately moved around his wife and Remus
Lupin pat her on the arm. Remus looked troubled and Sirius' face was stony and
unreadable.
The whole room looked to Dumbledore for his deliberation. The headmaster
hummed, "I suppose it depends on your definition of an imposter, doesn't it?"
He mused, his head tilted back as his blue eyes studied his ceiling as if it
held the answers they all sought.
The whole room waited for him to continue.
"You both have the physical bodies of James and Lily Potter. From Lily's
childbirth to James' old quidditch injuries. Polyjuice imitates the outward
appearance of an individual. It cannot mimic scar tissue or other such imprints
within someone's body" He explained.
The room all exchanged glances and whispers then.
Albus continued with a thoughtful expression as he popped a lemon drop into his
mouth, "Physically, you are both definitely James and Lily Potter, if not
several years older than when you died"
James was frowning, "So, are we us are aren't we?" He asked irritably. Minerva
shot him a stern look. Had never been patient, James Potter.
Albus hummed, "Physically, yes. Mentally? Most definitely. You have the exact
memories, personalities and experiences of James and Lily Potter. There is
nothing outwardly or inwardly different" He explained with a genteel smile.
James and Lily looked confused. Remus looked worried as his eyes darted back
and forth between his friends. Sirius Black's face was still stony and grey
eyes glittered though he remained faithfully by his friend's side. Hagrid
looked confused but still full of joy. Moody was glaring suspiciously. Emmeline
was frowning. Dedalus looked happy and confused.
Severus was still staring darkly at the Potters. Or, rather, Lily Potter.
"So...does that mean we are... us?" James asked again and ruffled his hair in
an exasperated manner. She tried to stifle a smile. A gesture that was very
much James Potter reminded her now of Poppy.
Dumbledore nodded, "It would appear so... and yet it is not possible to come
back from the dead. This poses quite the conundrum, does it not?" He hummed and
looked up towards the ceiling again.
For the love of-
"Bloody hell" Moody spat at the end of his tether at last, "Spit it out Albus,
not all of us are interested in you walking us through the answer. Just tell us
what you think and if we should start brewing the Veritaserum" The retired
auror growled. Minerva felt her lips thin at the disrespect.
Several people in the room bristled, Hagrid being the most noticeable. Sirius
Black jumped from his seat to glower at the retired auror, while Lily stood to
place a restraining arm on his shoulder.
Emmeline Vance clicked her tongue in annoyance, "Calm yourself, Black, though
unnecessarily rude he is quite right. We need to know Dumbledore's theories and
if we need to resort to extreme measures" She gave a frown in Sirius'
direction.
Sirius Black growled at Emmeline and stepped forward almost threateningly,
"Listen here-" He rumbled in a quite intimidating manner.
That was enough.
Minerva sat up straight in her seat and spoke sharply, "Mr Black control
yourself" She breathed, irritation riding over most of her other emotions.
Sirius Black turned to look at her, grey eyes burning in anger, "She is quite
right so if you could sit down and control yourself in the meantime then
perhaps we could get some answers"
Mr Black looked a little abashed for a second though his jaw tightened in
stubbornness. Regardless he did sit back down slowly. A lull had fallen across
the room.
Minerva turned to Albus and frowned at the amusement on his face. She viewed it
as a good sign that he was not too serious and overly concerned about the
Potters, "Now Albus, would you care to share with us your theories on why the
Potters have returned? No one can return from the dead and surely You-Know-Who
did not intend for this to happen" She lead him a little.
Albus nodded in agreement, "Quite right Minerva, Voldemort did not intend to
bring the Potters back nor did he bring anyone back from the dead, I do not
believe this was his intention..." The headmaster paused here for a moment
before continuing, "In order to restore himself to full power, he completed an
extremely risky and Dark Ritual. He could not simply restore his body as by all
accounts his body was already restored... simply different and unable to hold
much raw power. As he could no longer restore or create a new body, he
merely... merged his body with another version of himself" Dumbledore explained
calmly.
The whole room watched avidly as if they followed the mans train of thought.
Minerva knew that no one did.
"Diff... different version of himself?" Remus Lupin's faint voice called out.
Minvera pitied the man, truly. He was coming to teach as Defence Professor this
year and she was eager for the return of one of her most conscientious – if not
troubled – former students. Yet the implication of the Headmasters words was
not lost on her. Did this mean that James and Lily Potter were
not... their James and Lily Potter?
Minvera sighed, feeling troubled. The entire room was now casting wary glances
towards the married Potters.
Lily Potter's green eyes were wide and her hand delicately covered her mouth in
shock. The Transfiguration Professor wanted to go over and comfort her. James
Potter looked subdued, not a word she would normally associate with the easy
going man.
Albus nodded seriously and popped another lemon drop into his mouth, "The veil
is an archway into the beyond, is it not? What lies beyond it, no one can be
certain aside from those who pass on... it is reasonable to theorise that the
afterlife is not the only world out there, correct?"
The entire room was silent again. Suspicious and pity filled looks were sent to
the married pair, both looking white and ill by this point. James Potter lifted
an arm and gallantly wrapped it around his wife, whom was trying to keep her
composure. Poor Lily.
It was James Potter which answered after a long swallow, "We... we aren't from
this world?" He muttered quietly.
Albus blinked his blue eyes as if in surprise, "Of course you are, dear boy.
Why would you think otherwise?" He questioned calmly. Minvera sent the
headmaster a dull look.
Hagrid shifted in his seat, "Doesn't mat'er does it now? It's a miracle and we
shouldn' go question' things otta this world" He huffed.
The half-giants remarks were ignored for the most part until Albus smiled at
the groundskeeper and nodded, "I quite agree, Hagrid" He said to the surprise
of the room at large, "What Voldemort has done is not simply dark magic but he
has torn the very bindings which keep this world together. We are extremely
fortunate the only noticeable damage was to bring James and Lily back" He
explained.
"So we are us and not a James and Lily from another world or something?" James
Potter frowned, clearly wanting a straight answer.
Albus again tilted his head and nodded slowly, "Of course, we have done the
necessary tests to determine that you both are, in fact, James and Lily Potter.
That is not in doubt"
Sirius Black, just like his best friend, seemed impatient and growled a little
before folding his arms across his chest, "So they're back from the dead,
aren't they?" He huffed.
Albus shook his head slowly, "No. No one can be brought back from the dead, I'm
afraid"
Sirius looked about to explode but the Headmaster simply held up his hand for
him to pause for a moment, "I am afraid I can offer no concrete explanation. It
would seem Voldemort tore a point in time where the worlds naturally separated–
the night his body was destroyed. He merged his current body with his old and
but the repercussions of this were to bring forward the other spirits that had
also perished that night. I believe since the destruction of his body and the
deaths of James and Lily are so closely interlinked, in order for him to bring
forth his body he inadvertently had to bring back the life force of the
Potters. It appeared that this prevented their true deaths and brought their
spirits to here and now. I believe they were merely... waiting for the correct
moment in time to return"
The room was silent and many still appeared confused but accepting. Minvera
knew the feeling. The half-giant was indeed right that this was a miracle but
the fact that it came from such great evil troubled her.
"What happens now?" Elphias Doge asked quietly. The entire room seemed to look
at each other then.
Dumbledore sighed, "It seems the war has begun"
A chill seemed to echo throughout the room then. Many present simply nodded
their heads seriously, Alastor Moody among them.
Diggle looked around the room curiously, "Why isn't the entire Order here then?
Shouldn't they know the Potters are back?" He asked quite innocently.
Minvera frowned and eyed the headmaster. She had her suspicions on why only old
members of the Order are present though she was reluctant to voice them. Many
things had changed in the years gone by and she was positive they wouldn't take
the development of their children very well.
Lily Potter sniffed and wiped her face delicately, "Right. I think it's time
that we go get Harry and Poppy then. I need to know everything that's happened
in the years we've been gone. Fifteen years! Wow, they must be so grown up" The
lovely woman brightened and green eyes so much like her children glowed with
pride even though by all accounts she had no idea what had become of her
children. It was so Lily Potter – loving fiercely and unconditionally.
Sirius grinned gleefully then and slapped James on the back, "You'll be so
proud, Prongs. Harry is the spitting of you at that age. Not nearly as
airheaded as you were though" He smirked.
James Potter shook off his best friends hand and gaped in mock outrage,
clutching his heart, "Oi, I'll have you know I was the most mature out of the
two of us. Isn't that right Lily?" He turned with a smile to his wife.
Lily Potter was smiling indulgently as was Remus Lupin. It warmed her heart to
see such a display, "Of course you were, honey" She agreed and pat his arm.
James Potter puffed up with pride and beamed at his wife, showing off all of
his teeth. Minerva blinked, that smile, it was so very Poppy it startled her.
She had obviously noticed the similarities of the Potter children to their
parents but that big and happy grin she saw often on her students face caught
her by surprise.
Remus Lupin snorted and sent a look towards James, "That's not much of an
achievement. Harry's already matured beyond the likes of you two" He shook his
head with a smile.
James and Lily looked so happy at hearing any snippets of information about
their children, it made her almost ache. Minerva resolved to invite them to tea
in the coming weeks and update them on Harry and Poppy as much as she could. It
was the least she could do.
James appeared delighted and did not quite bounce on his seat but was bustling
with joyful energy, "That's my boy" He beamed arrogantly, "My little quidditch
star" He then paused for a moment and looked towards Sirius, "He is on the
Quidditch team, isn't he?" He asked expectantly as if already knowing the
answer.
Minerva rolled her eyes and was amused to see Lily Potter doing so also. Sirius
Black puffed up with pride now - good lord these men - "Course he is Prongs!"
The man exclaimed with a wide grin that made him appear ten years younger,
"Made the House team in his first year. Youngest player in a century. Old
Minnie here gave him special permission to join the team in his first year he
was that brilliant. Made the team on his first ever flying lesson" Sirius Black
boasted, looking as proud as if those were his own accomplishments.
James Potter leapt from his seat and raised his fist in the air, his delight
palpable in the air. The room was now watching the display and Miverva wondered
why Albus hadn't dismissed the Order yet to catch up the Potters on their
children. It did not bode well.
James Potter was babbling, "I knew it! I knew it! Didn't I tell you, Lily, that
he was a Quidditch prodigy? And you said his toy broom was dangerous. Get's the
skills from his old man" He winked and pat his chest.
Remus Lupin's eyes were on the ceiling as if to say, 'dear lord' though the
gigantic grin on his face somewhat ruined the effect.
Sirius Black was teasing his friend when James Potter gasped, "WAIT, What
position does he play?" He swivelled to Sirius with intense and curious eyes.
Sirius, enjoying the centre of attention – the man always had – smirked, "He's
Seeker"
James sighed happily, "Seeker. I can't wait to watch him crush Slytherin" He
beamed that grin which reminded her of Poppy.
Minerva heard a slight creak and cast her eyes to the side to see Severus
gripping the edge of his wand tightly, looking displeased and darkly furious.
She frowned and eyed the Potions master for another moment before looking away.
Lily sighed, "Well I suppose I can't be too mad. You didn't exactly force
quidditch on him and if he enjoys it himself" Lily did not look too happy about
her son playing such a dangerous sport though her eyes were bright with pride.
"After all, he still has his studies to worry about-Wait" She gasped and looked
startled for a moment, "It was their OWL year, wasn't it? Oh dear, I hope they
done alright. I didn't even get to show them how to schedule their study
sessions" She frets and looked anxious.
James Potter rolled his eyes and elbowed Sirius with a meaningful look.
Although the red-haired woman had her back to her husband by this point, she
spoke up, "Don't you roll your eyes at me, James Potter! Their studies are
important" She turned around and looked pleadingly at Sirius, "You did make
sure they studied, didn't you?"
Sirius' eyes softened and he smiled slightly, "Course. I knew you'd kill me if
I didn't. Wrote Harry every week and reminded him to hit the books"
Lily nodded gratefully. James turned with a smile to his friends, "And Poppy? I
bet you didn't need to remind her to study. How did she do? Ace all of her
exams?" He asked with an easy smile.
When the young girl was mentioned a quiet awkwardness settled into the room.
Minerva tried not to scowl. She had not agreed when Albus elected to keep
Poppy's parentage hidden and did not agree now. She was correct in knowing
keeping this a secret was indeed wrong.
Auror Moody growled very quietly and watched the coming proceedings with what
she assumed to be curiosity. Hagrid shifted his eyes down in shame and shuffled
in his seat. Emmeline Vance looked away a little awkwardly as did Deaguls
Diggle. Aberforth looked bitterly amused with a tang of anger at the mention.
She wondered why.
The biggest change was in Sirius as he visibly deflated at the mention of the
girl and swallowed. Remus Lupin cast his eyes away.
The silence in the room was a little suffocating, "What is it?" Lily Potter
asked, sharp as to the sudden change in the room. The woman stood with a
tenacity that only a mother would show when wanting to protect her children,
"Is Poppy safe?" She demanded to the room at large.
Albus now nodded his head as did several others though no one spoke.
James looked uncertain and hesitant, "Please tell me she's just bombed all her
exams and nothing worse has happened to her?" He asked cautiously.
Lily smacked her husband on the arm and hissed. James jumped, "OUCH! Well, I'm
just saying it's the best scenario here, isn't it?" He chuckled awkwardly. His
wife didn't look amused.
"Sirius Black, Remus Lupin you had better tell me where my daughter is this
instant" Lily Potter demanded, green eyes glowing with determination. Minvera
grew worried. Things will not end well here, will they?
Sirius shuffled his feet, looking like the uncertain teenager he never was and
peered around the room for support, "Uh-I'm actually not very sure..." He
trailed off.
There was silence for a split second. Lily Potter whipped her wand out and
trained it directly at Sirius Black's face with a fierce glare, "So help me god
Sirius, tell me why you don't know where my daughter is" She glowered and then
turned to Remus with an equally fierce look, "Well?" She hissed.
James Potter had lept to his wife's side looking uncertain of whom to support.
Minvera stood in worry and wrung her robes anxiously.
The tension in the room had reached boiling point and it was Diggle that broke
it, "I saw Poppy today" He said loudly as if trying to help. Minerva held her
breath, Merlin this will not end well.
"She-she was down in Hogsmeade and said she would be going for a swim in the
Black Lake later because it's such a nice day! I bet that's where she is" He
breathed out, looking happy to have contributed. The fool.
Lily's eyes were bright and her wand lowered, "She's-she's here?" The red-
haired woman dashed to the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of her daughter.
James Potter followed on her heels, also looking out the window. Minerva knew
they couldn't make anything out too clearly from up here.
"I see someone down there! It's Poppy, it must be!" Lily gasped, the happiness
in her voice clear. Minerva closed her eyes in sorrow. How painful this
revelation will be.
Sirius wandered closer to the married Potters as did Remus. Both looked a
little alarmed.
"Well then?" James Potter asked with a smile, knowing his daughter was so
nearby, "Let's go meet her! You can introduce us Pads, I bet she'll be so
surprised and-" He started to smile, imagining the reunion with his child. It
was painful to watch.
Sirius Black winced, "I-I can't introduce you..." He trailed off.
The room was quiet again. Lily Potter turned from her perusal of the silhouette
of possibly Poppy in the distance to frown at Sirius Black, "Why not?" She
demanded, looking offended.
Remus Lupin held his hands up, "Just wait and we can explain okay? Things have
changed and it's been fifteen years..."
"Padfoot" James Potter sounded firm and stared seriously at the black haired
man.
Sirius Black shuffled his feet and looked ashamed, "Because... I haven't
exactly met her yet" He admitted with a sigh. Minerva watched the tragedy
unfolding, unknowing what to say to make the situation better. There was truly
nothing.
James Potter and Lily stared at Sirius disbelievingly, "What?" James breathed
and jerked back from his friend, "Why... why the hell not?" He bellowed with a
betrayed look.
Minerva frets with her robes anxiously. Lily turned to Black, "How can you not
have met her?! You said Harry and Poppy visited for Christmas..." Her former
student paused for a moment and her eyes glazed for a moment as it seemed she
came to a revelation, "No... you said Harry joined you at Christmas. Why didn't
Poppy?" Lily asked with dread settling in her features.
It seemed like a moment of sudden clarity hit both of the Potters at the same
time. They both gaped with white-faces, "She-she was never picked up again from
that Orphanage was she?" Lily whispered.
Minerva felt guilty even though she had done nothing here. Everyone in the room
looked away. The obvious heartbreak on the mother's face was too much to bear.
A sudden movement had everyone looking up. James Potter had grabbed Sirius
Black by the front of his robes and was shaking him,
"What the actual fuck Padfoot! You said you'd look after them if we were gone!
Your Harry's bloody Godfather-" James Potter spat out. Lily made no move to
subdue her husband, truly showing how upset she was.
Remus Lupin was fast, however, and grabbed James Potter from behind firmly
though the man was still holding onto his friends robes. Sirius Black looked
both alarmed and broken. It appeared no one had mentioned the mans years in
Azkaban yet... Oh dear...
"Wait! That's why isn't it?" James Potter snarled and struggled in Remus
Lupin's arms, "Poppy isn't your godchild so... so you just left her. Oh,
Merlin, what must she think. I can't believe no one took her in" James breath
hitched as if tears were about to fall.
Minerva swallowed back her own. Lily Potters cheeks were already wet when she
shakily asked, "Why Sirius?" She said painfully.
Sirius looked startled and frozen in guilt and pain, Minerva pitied him the
most in that moment. She knew he held a lot of guilt but it was not his fault
at all as he was falsely imprisoned.
"Stop, James, Lily" Remus Lupin sounded firm. Eyes moved to him, "Sirius was in
Azkaban for years. He has only been released two years ago. They blamed him for
your murder" He said strongly.
James dropped his hands from his friend's robes and gaped, "What?"
Minerva watched with a heavy heart as the betrayal of Peter Pettigrew was
explained to the Potters. Heartbreaking could not begin to describe it. They
could not believe their sweet friend had betrayed their family so cruelly
...After they had made him godfather to their daughter.
Remus explained in quiet tones that everyone believed Poppy to be dead. That
they thought Sirius had kidnapped her from the Orphanage and handed her over to
he-who-must-not-be-named before arriving in Godric's Hollow. Then when Sirius
was proven innocent it was revealed that Peter was the one to take the child
away. No one truly knew how Poppy had survived. Albus believed she had been
adopted by a muggle family early so when Pettigrew moved to take her again, he
was unsuccessful. A trick of fate. She was then moved to another Orphanage. It
was only when the girl arrived at Hogwarts that everyone knew her to be alive.
The Potters listened to the story with tears, bewildered faces and anger
shining in their eyes.
"I-I can't believe it" Lily whispered and then stood, wiping her damp face, "I
need to see her. I need to see her right now" She spoke with conviction and
then stormed from the room.
Minerva gasped.
Everyone then jumped into motion. Sirius Black swore foully and she was hard
pressed not to reprimand him. James Potter looked angry, "I'm going to see my
daughter and you can't stop me!" He declared and followed his wife with Sirius
Black and Remus Lupin hovering around him in panic.
One can only imagine how Poppy will react when she sees her best friends dead
parents claiming she is their daughter...
Dear Merlin.
===============================================================================
Poppy gasped for air as she rose to the surface of the Black Lake. She opened
her eyes and smiled up at the sky, enjoying the warm summer air. A rare day,
especially in Scotland, she intended to soak up as many rays as possible.
Summer this year had started off exceptionally well with the weather. Even if
she wasn't a fan of Divination, she could appreciate a good omen. Even though
the Dark Lord had returned.
Poppy sighed as she bobbed in the cool water. Again, the creeping thought of
worry plagued her. The swim certainly calmed her down but it was reaching mid-
day and she should really return to the pub.
Poppy waded to the shallow end of the water while humming, feeling various
little fish make a path for her. She smiled. It seemed that all creatures,
magical and otherwise, instinctively knew that she was a magical creature or
spirit wolf. They were almost... reverent towards her in a way. The animagus
had a great time in swimming with the Gryndilows earlier.
The striped haired teenager began walking as her feet reached the shore and she
smiled up the Hogwarts castle. Abertforth had grunted and groaned about going
there. Some sort of meeting Poppy presumed. Either way, he gave her the day off
and told her to relax. Or rather ordered her to. She didn't object and decided
a day to recuperate was really what she needed.
Poppy exited the water and looked around to see if anyone was about. No one,
thankfully. She was conscious of her exposed flesh as her muggle style swimsuit
– which was actually only a bra and knickers in costume material – did not
cover much of her at all. Greg had insisted on a 'kini or something and Poppy
was hard pressed to object without trying it on for him to check. He would be
horrified.
Poppy looked at her pale hands, glowing in the sunlight and the water droplets
falling from them. She smiled. Her smiled faded when her gaze travelled up her
arms to the shallow cuts of scars on her upper arms. Nothing too terrible,
cuts... grazes... scrapes...
Then her left arm. Her flesh was sunken in there. It was raw and angry looking.
The clear symbol made her swallow with a shiver of fear. Poppy looked up again
towards the castle and felt ill staring at something so wonderful with her
disfigured body. She turned her back to it and stared out at the Black Lake.
The sun shone on the water, making it sparkle and dance in the light. The sun
caressed her cool skin.
The orphan didn't feel the brand much. The dark magic used to create it still
lingered though it held no power over her anymore.
Poppy looked down at her stomach and the marks littering her skin. It was
nothing awful or deliberate there. All the cuts, burns and abrasions were the
result of accidents while duelling. They simply were and told no stories. They
didn't bother her as much as other ones... she earned them.
The lash marks on her back felt like they were tingling as she thought about
them. Poppy closed her eyes and breathed shakily. Those marks were vile and
crude. They made her look like a slave. She was a slave... branded and
lashed. No one wanted her unless they wanted to control her.
Her lashes were her papas legacy. They represented all the cruelness she had
endured and dark magic she had learned. They showed she was both a victim and
perpetrator of evil.
Poppy didn't know how long she stood there with her eyes closed. Her mind
drifted as she attempted occulemcy to control the emotions raging inside of
her.
A small gasp from behind her made her eyes shoot open and her body tense. The
animagus didn't want to alert whoever was behind her she was aware of their
presence so she simply stood still and breathed in deeply. A mixture of scents
were behind her, too far away to identify. But they were people behind her.
They were close enough to see her.
They could see... could see her shame. Her scars.
Poppy swallowed and her heart raced. She summoned all of her Gryffindor bravery
before slowly turning around to reveal the strangers.
The teenage girl blinked. No one was there. That was, except a lone figure
trudging down the hill towards her with a scowl on his face. Aberforth
approached though he was too far away to have made the gasp. She frowned for a
moment before masking her face with a casually relaxed smile. Perhaps no one
would really there? Or they had left...
Poppy took a casual deep breath in and could still smell the scents. They were
people there she couldn't see.
Although alarmed and paranoid she made no indication of his and relaxed her
body as Aberforth approached, "Coming to join me?" She smirked at the elderly
man, trying hard not to seek out with her eyes the group of people that were
invisible.
Aberforth snorted and scowled, eyes drifting around him – as if he also knew
people were about – as he drew nearer her.
Poppy kept a light amusement on her face and did not allow how uncomfortable
she felt to show. Merlins beard she was basically standing in her underwear in
front of invisible strangers!
The teenage girl eyed the old man's robes in an assessing manner, "I hope
you've got swimming trunks because I don't really want to be skinny dipping
with you" She winked.
Aberforth snorted looking both amused and exasperated. He came to stand beside
her, "I think it best you be heading back now, hear?" He said with loading
meaning in his words. His eyes went towards her brand and a cold fury swept
through them. The Hogs Head owners body was stiff. He probably recognised it...
Poppy looked into the old man's blue eyes seriously for a split second.
Something passed between them, something that said 'Something's going on and
you need to leave, trust me'.
The girl nodded to the old man, a tiny movement before smiling lazily, "Of
course, just after one more quick swim" She winked at the man and then ran into
to water, to dive deep down. It was a feeling of great relief as the waves
enveloped her and hide her sight from the invisible eyes she felt watching her.
When Poppy surfaced five minutes later, the scents were gone.
===============================================================================
James paced around Dumbledore's office, something which seemed so big during
his teenage years was suffocating now in its smallness. His mind was racing,
his heart was racing. He didn't know what to think. He felt like he was going
to explode.
James sent a glare to Moony who was the only one seated at the moment. The
werewolf had his hands resting on his knee's in a casual gesture though his
face was white and shaken. James then levelled this glare on Sirius who was
standing by the window and muttering curses and running his hands through his
shaggy hair. Padfoot looked about as ready to explode as him. How dare he! He
didn't have that right! He..he... should have done something...anything! How
could Padfoot! He was supposed to protect them... protect them... but how? From
Azkaban with the dementors?
James shifted his eyes away from his best friend in guilt. Maybe not Sirius
then. Moony!
James glared at Remus again. Just what had the werewolf been up to all these
years? Why hadn't he taken care of Poppy?
"Well then? What's your excuse, Remus? Why didn't you protect Poppy?" He almost
snarled at his friend. James had the urge to shift into Prongs and run his best
friend through, what happened to the Mauraders?
Remus looked up at him with haunted green eyes and James swallowed at his ire.
He folded his arms across his chest angrily, he wasn't going to feel bad. No,
after being best friends for years and dying, no one looked after his little
girl? Madness.
Moony cast his eyes down again and sighed heavily. Lily moved to James' side
and leaned against it, placing a cautioning hand on his arm in warning.
Dumbledore's office had been cleared out of the Order by then. Only Sirius,
Lily, Remus and Dumbledore himself were present.
The group had all been silently ushered up to the office, lost in their own
thoughts a few moments earlier. He heard stilted sobs from Lily then.
James just... couldn't believe it. He couldn't. He remembered that Lily had run
at full speed down the slope towards the Black Lake. Though he saw she had
paused and was simply staring at the silhouette of someone with their back to
them looking out towards the Lake, so they didn't see his wife.
James smiled as he ran up to Lily with Remus and Sirius trailing behind him,
trying to whisper-shout to him to stop. He wouldn't, that was his daughter!
James eyed the figure curiously, in a small swimsuit with long black wet hair
down her back.
Yet when he reached Lily's side, his wife looked pale and stricken. He noted
the sick realisation and agony on her face. That made him pause and properly
regard the figure in front of them... That's when he saw the scars.
Pale skin was marred by painful looking red lines, all across her back. Bile
rose in his throat at the deep lash marks embedded in the soft white skin. It
was... horrifying... That couldn't be Poppy... it wasn't. But deep in his heart
James somehow knew it was. That meant... that meant someone had done this to
her. To his daughter. To Poppy.
He gasped involuntarily but then a tingle of magic washed over him to signal
that someone had cast a disillusionment charm over him. He did not object.
James could feel Remus and Sirius now standing beside him and Lily, equally
frozen and equally invisible.
It was bittersweet when Poppy turned around. Because that face. It was most
definitely Poppy. Beautiful little Poppy. Only she wasn't little anymore. Her
hair – the same colour as his - tumbled down her back and across her face in
loose wet waves, glistening in the sunlight. Lily's beautiful green eyes looked
out from his thick eyebrows with a mischievous twinkle that was purely
marauder. Glowing pale skin with pink-tinged cheeks. She was as beautiful as
she'd always promised to be. Even more so. His little angel.
But then he cast his eyes down to the numerous scars covering her young body
and he felt ill.
James watched with a sense of dull detachment as Aberforth had words with his
daughter and then she disappeared back into the depths of the water. Part of
him wanted to go after her. Part of him wanted to wake up from this nightmare.
James was brought back to himself as Lily's heaving sobs shook his frame. He
wrapped an arm around her shoulder and tucked her into his side protectively.
His own eyes prickled.
"Well, Remus?" He accused quietly, levelling his best friend with a
disappointed stare.
Remus huffed and stood, fidgeting with the front of his shabby robes, "I-
I thought she was dead... and... what could I have done anyway" Remus groaned
and gestured to himself and sent a somewhat bitter, somewhat desperate look to
James, "Werewolf? Do you think anyone would have let me take her?"
James felt sympathy inside of him but the anger on behalf of his daughter
stayed at the forefront of his mind. James snorted, "Like that would have
mattered! No one knew she was a Potter before she came to Hogwarts, you could
have just taken her" He exclaimed, gesturing wildly with the arm that wasn't
around Lily.
The room seemed to drop several degrees once again. James cured, his desire to
smash something growing, "What the bloody hell is it now? What else could
possibly be worse in this fucked up situation?" He snarled, glaring at everyone
in the room.
Lily had pulled herself together then and her lovely greens were glittering
with pain but a steely glint of protectiveness. She watched the room from his
side quietly. Meanwhile, everyone was back to avoiding eye contact with him.
His gaze shot to Sirius, still at the window, "Padfoot?" He demanded angrily.
Sirius turned to face him and chuckled bitterly, "Well Prongs" He drawled then
levelled a nasty smile to Dumbledore, "They didn't think it was best
to tell Poppy about her parents. She doesn't even know she's a Potter" He spoke
with a twisted calm, though his face was anything but calm. It was righteously
indignant and privately ashamed.
Lily was frozen though he heard her swallow loudly. James spun around to face
Albus Dumbledore, perched up at his desk.
"What do you mean Poppy doesn't know she's Potter! Why didn't you bloody well
tell her?" James snarled at his former headmaster. He couldn't believe that no
one had explained it to her in five years at Hogwarts. Lily spoke up from his
side, "What...what happened to her while we were gone? How did she get those
scars?" She whispered.
James' heart clenched. Yes, there were more important things... but Poppy
didn't even know she had a family? That... that was just cruel. How could no
one tell her?
Dumbledore looked sympathetic as he stared down at them, his normally twinkling
blue eyes were dull, "I am so sorry, James, Lily" He said quietly. James waited
expectantly, "I did not think it prudent to reveal such a painful fact to her
at such a tender young age" He admitted.
James scoffed in disbelief, "Well she's bloody almost grown up now, isn't she?
Why haven't you said anything?" He repeated, needing to know.
Albus Dumbledore looked down at his desk before looking up and answering, "I am
afraid that I gave her the option, James, but... she did not want to know who
her parents were" He confessed.
It felt like James was hit by a rogue bludger. Poppy... Poppy didn't want to
know them... him? But, she was always so happy with him. Poppy would giggle and
squeal whenever he picked her up. She would shout for 'dada' all the time. She
was near glued to his side her whole life... not anymore. He abandoned her. Oh
Merlin. He abandoned his daughter. It was only supposed to be for a few months.
It was for her protection. She wasn't supposed to even remember.
Lily marched forward with a glare to Dumbledore, "I want to know what happened
to her! How did she get those scars!" His wife's voice did not raise an inch
but she almost hissed and her green eyes almost glowed menacingly. Her wild red
hair almost cackled with repressed power. Merlin she's beautiful, even after
ageing fifteen years suddenly.
Dumbledore leant back in his seat them. All eyes in the room were on the old
man expectantly. He was only slightly appeased that Padfoot and Moony had no
idea the amount of abuse Poppy had gone through. They were as shocked as him at
the reveal of her scars. He was secretly glad. It was one thing not knowing, it
was an entirely another to know and not do anything. He would never have
forgiven them. Like Wormtail.
He pushed aside his rage-filled thoughts and focused on Dumbledore.
Albus stroked his bread then and looked strangely thoughtful, though not in a
curious and amused way as he usually was but an unpleasantly surprised. James'
patience was wearing thin.
"I am afraid I know as much as you. I have never suspected Poppy to have been-
" Dumbledore paused to pick his words carefully, "-so abused" He finished
slowly. The headmasters eyes had shifted towards Fawkes and stared at the
Phoenix as if trying to solve a riddle. He didn't have time for this.
Fortunately, Lily's patience was less than his at the moment.
"Albus" She snapped him back to attention. He looked back at his wife and
smiled sadly, "No, I had known she suffers from a certain level of displacement
and isolation in her time here but I assumed it was to do with believing
herself to be an orphan"
This time it was Remus that spoke, "And you still thought it was in her best
interests not to tell her about James and Lily?" He questioned strongly, the
werewolf standing tall and face serious. It was the most confrontational he'd
ever been to the Headmaster that allowed him an education. The display lessened
his anger towards his friend.
Remus continued, "You told me she was happy, Albus. Happy and assuredly safe.
If I'd known this I would have insisted! You said you wanted her to have a
happy childhood, well, feeling unwelcome and isolated is hardly a great
childhood is it?" He said quietly.
James fully agreed.
Dumbledore sighed, "Poppy is a happy child, I assure you. She is an unflappably
honest, friendly and loyal individual, she finds joy in the simple things in
life... though I must admit she is an excellent actress. It is my own failing
that I did not think to pry deeper. We all have our own insecurities and I
believed she was entitled to her own. Please believe me, James and Lily" He
looked directly at them and his eyes was shining with sincerity as he spoke,
"If I knew she needed help then I would not hesitate to protect her"
James felt only mildly appeased. It all seemed so ludicrous. Dumbledore
knew everything didn't he? But then James knew he was projecting his own guilt
onto the closest available source and that wasn't fair. Dumbledore is Poppy's
headmaster, he has no responsibility for her. James does. He failed to protect
his precious daughter. He will never forgive himself.
Lily did not appear appeased at all and closed her eyes to take a deep
steadying breath, "You mean to tell me-" She spoke calmly but James knew that
tone of voice. It meant that she was trying her hardest to be reasonable when
she really wanted to explode. He felt the urge to inch away but did not, "-That
my child has been beaten, tortured, maimed under your protection and you have
the audacity to tell me you had no idea?" She repeated, leaning forward, eyes
boring into Dumbledores. James flinched, to his credit, Dumbledore did not.
Lily continued, "I find that extremely hard to believe Albus. It's been five
years. Five years. Not once she's been in the hospital wing for some accident
or silly hex? Not once has madam Pomfrey performed a general diagnostic spell
on her for say, a cold? Never have you noticed her wince in pain or flinch away
from somebody? Or heard any rumours? If the rooms and showers are the same as
they used to be – and I'm very much sure they are – then why
hasn't anyone reported or god-forbid gossiped about her scars? I cannot-" Lily
paused here and pursed her lips before exhaling carefully, "I cannot believe
you have no idea. Those scars..." His wife closed her eyes in pain for a
moment. James tightened his arm around her in a silent show of support. Her
green eyes opened again.
"-Those scars-" She repeated, voice a little hoarse, "-Are not easily healed.
It would take months for something like that to heal to the extent it did and
with extensive potions on hand. They aren't accidents or even abuse" Lily's
voice wavered, his arm tightened, "Those are torture scars" She finished, her
voice sounding strangled.
James was silent, knowing his voice was sound very similar to his wife's. He
didn't want to appear weak now. Not after failing so miserably in protecting
his family.
"Someone must have known" Lily sobbed out. He tucked her into his side again.
She shook softly and James rubbed her back carefully. The room was silent again
for the longest time. No one quite knew what to say. There was nothing to say.
"I agree with Lily" Sirius spoke up, his own voice sounding hoarse. James
peered back and saw Sirius had moved from the window and was standing beside
Remus with his arms crossed unhappily.
"It's a bit unbelievable that no one noticed her pain or healing" He added.
James nodded his head vigorously.
Dumbledore stood then and moved towards his shelves, peering at various
objects. His blue eyes landed on the sorting hat and the old man appeared to
contemplate something for a moment before turning back to the irate group.
"I do not know what to tell you. I am afraid it will only upset you more" He
sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose, "But I am afraid another grain of
sand will make no difference at the beach now, will it?" He paused and looked
at everyone in the room before speaking again, "Poppy's scars... are of a dark
variety. The spell used is ancient and very uncommon. I have not seen it in
some fifty years and even then it was rare. If she had been attacked with the
particular curse during her Hogwarts career then I suspect then the wards would
have picked up on the change in dark magical traces surrounding her body"
James was uncomprehending for a moment. Though it seemed Lily and Remus
understood as they both gasped.
"What does that mean?" He grumbled irritably. Lily's hand on his arm was tight.
Dumbledore stroked his beard and looked directly at him, "I am afraid it means
that Poppy arrived at Hogwarts already injured.."
James body lurched. He did not know what to think. Poppy eleven when she
started... someone... had done that to her when she was so young! Dear Merlin
he was going to be sick.
His nausea passed eventually but his thoughts were conflicted. Was this a good
or bad thing? On the one hand, it meant that no one actively ignored the abuse
of his daughter... but then it meant she had been... tortured at such a young
age. Merlin. Well, being tortured at any age wasn't acceptable! James didn't
know what to think anymore.
James ruffled his hair then and sighed heavily looking to everyone in the room,
"What do we do now?" He murmured and looked down to the tear-soaked and utterly
beautiful face of his wife. He kissed the top of her head.
"We need to tell Poppy as soon as possible" Lily spoke up, her voice quiet but
firm. Everyone nodded.
"What do we... how can..." He began, wondering how to address the issues of her
scars with her. Lily looked achingly sad when she pulled back from him and
replied,
"I don't think there's anything we can do James. Poppy... she doesn't know us
anymore. She'll need to find out about us being her parents and then slowly
come to realise that we will be there for her and only when she's ready to come
to us can we help her" Lily explained. James was not happy about this.
"-But-" He moved to object, furrowing his brows unhappily, his wife turned to
stare at him directly and seriously,
"No buts James! Poppy doesn't know us. She's going to need to trust us and get
used to the idea of us. I know we love her and think of her as her daughter
but-but she doesn't think that way. We need to be careful. I will not lose my
daughter because you are eager for revenge, James Potter"
James felt anger bubble up but knew better than to say anything. It wasn't
about revenge, it was about making sure the bastards that did this to his
daughter were properly punished. How could she not understand that?
He needed to get justice for his little angel. Poppy deserved it. Though he
agreed that building a relationship with her was essential, he could do that
and find the wizard that hurt her. He needed to keep her safe.
James cast his eyes back and met the grey eyes of Sirius. Something passed
between them then, it was saying that they would find out what happened to
Poppy. Good.
Lily composed herself then and straightened the dress she had been provided
with and stood tall. He admired that about her. So strong and so brave in the
face of everything. When he wanted to throw things about and rave, she was
accepting everything and moving on.
"Now what about Harry" She began sounding serious and stared at the rest of the
people in the room almost threateningly, "You said he was at yours at Christmas
Sirius? I trust he knows he's a Potter" She said almost dryly, still looking
mightily displeased.
Sirius nodded his head vigorously with a slight smile, "Oh yeah. Harry
definitely knows. He loves hearing stories about you two. Harry's a great kid,
Lily, honestly, not the arrogant sods we were" Padfoot grinned a little.
James scoffed, "You are" He objected with a smirk, "I grew up and got a wife
and kids. I'm no longer the young lad I used to be" He puffed his chest out and
grinned.
Remus snorted and shook his head, "None of us are young lads anymore"
Sirius and James gasped indignantly at the same time, "-How dare you Moony, I
still have my dashing good looks-" Padfoot began.
"-Just back from the grave and getting abuse already? Merlin Moony, give a guy
a break, I only just aged fifteen years all of a sudden-" James spoke over
Sirius.
Lily whipped her wand out and cast a wordless silencing spell. The office was
abruptly quiet and everyone looked at the unamused redhead staring seriously at
the entire room.
"I don't have time for this nonsense" She spoke tersely, Lily was not in a good
mood and it showed, "I want to know exactly when I will meet my children"
James sobered up and knew that for all happy he was to be alive a reunited with
his friends, there were more important things to be worrying about. He nodded
along with Lily and thought about everything that needed to be done. They
needed a house, the one in Godric's hollow is probably useless now. James
needed to get his Gringotts key before that. Wait, he needed to announce he was
alive again!
His thoughts circled for a moment and groaned, knowing it would probably be a
little while until everything got sorted. James cast his eyes towards Lily who
was in a deep serious conversation with Dumbledore about announcing they're...
'not dead' status to the world. He smiled happily at his productive wife.
He turned around to his two best friends and smiled, "Now, where is Harry right
now anyway?" He asked, wanting to get prepared for the meeting with his son.
Wow, Harry will be all grown up now, won't he? And a Quidditch prodigy. James
was so proud.
The slight falling of Padfoot's face and the solemn and pity filled looks on
Moony's was not helping his mood any. He thought all of the bad news had
passed! What else could there be?
"Seriously? Something else? Don't tell me he's with Snape" He scoffed out the
man's name. James willfully ignored the Death Eater sitting beside Dumbledore
in the earlier meeting. Moony had claimed the git was 'reformed' or whatever
when they first woke up. He was now a spy. A spy for which side, though? James
didn't like the greasy snake, not one bit. But he wasn't a kid anymore, no, he
could be civil. If the Slytherin was genuinely wanting to take down his master
then he was not going to complain. There were more important things at stake.
Like the fate of the Wizarding World. Maybe Snape had changed. James certainly
hoped so. Maybe they could reach a certain level of civility they never had
before. They were grown men and he had two near-grown children for Merlin's
sake, he obviously wouldn't be sending the git farting hex's anymore!
James watched as Sirius snorted and shook his head at the
ridiculousness. Good. Just because he wasn't an impulsive kid anymore and was
willing to give the man a chance, he still wouldn't be happy with the man well-
versed in Dark magic around his son.
Moony rolled his eyes and sighed.
"Circe Prongs, nothing that horrendous. Though it's not much better really"
Pads admitted, looking mightly pissed off, crossing his arms. James felt that
increasingly familiar stirrings of dread in his stomach.
Remus and Sirius exchanged uneasy glances, "Harry's been staying with the
Dursley's" Sirius muttered unhappily, looking deeply worried as he stared at
James. He blanched. Who? He didn't think he'd ever heard that name before. The
expectant and worried faces of his best mates didn't put him at ease though.
It was Remus that stepped forward and muttered to him quietly, casting a wary
eye towards his wife who was still in deep discussion with Dumbledore, "You
know... Lily's muggle sister and her husband?" The Werewolf said under his
breath.
James inhaled sharply and his brown eyes went wide, "What?" He exclaimed and
looked back towards his wife, hoping Lily wouldn't hear. He had no idea how to
feisty redhead would take it. Her sister had caused her a lot of grief over the
years and wasn't the most accepting of magic. Why would they be babysitting his
son? Maybe the death of her sister made the jealous woman protective of her
child? It would be a relief if Harry had some family there for him. If Remus
and Sirius were gone... and he didn't even have Poppy either. Poppy had no one.
James regarded his friends for a moment and shuffled further away from Lily in
the event that she heard, "Seriously?" He intoned, hoping it would be a joke.
Lily always said her sister was a good person... deep down but he vaguely
remembered a whale of a man calling him an 'amateur magician'. His son was with
that oaf, seriously?
Sirius lived up to his namesake for the first time in his life and nodded
seriously while Remus simply looked sad. James took a deep breath to think
about it for a moment, "That's... that's not so bad is it?" He said in almost a
questioning manner, hoping his friends would agree. They did not look to be
agreeing.
He cleared his throat, "If 'Tuney felt guilty about not making up with her
sister while she was still alive and takes a part in Harry's life then that's
surely a good thing... isn't it? Even if her husbands a piece of work, it's
good Harry had some family. Is that where he grew up while you two couldn't
take care of him?" He asked, realising that he probably grew up there. He
didn't know what to think about his son growing up in a muggle household. He
would be at a disadvantage when he began Hogwarts. Though apparently, Harry
didn't need any extra help. That's my boy, he thought proudly.
Remus shuffled his feet a little while Sirius' expression darkened
dangerously. Not good at all. The werewolf looked uneasy as he replied, "We-uh-
we don't think they treated Harry very well" He confessed quietly.
James closed his eyes to take another deep breath. Apparently, some people were
so bloody petty and treated his son badly because of his parents. At least
Harry had a home and somewhat family. Protection. Poppy wasn't even protected.
He nodded his head seriously, "Okay. You need to tell me everything you know
and things you might suspect. We will figure this out. We might need to pay a
visit to these Durley's" He said with meaning. His two best friends nodded
seriously. James was quite pleased and giddily thought of the whale mans face
at seeing a dead person in the flesh. The best prank ever. He will find
out exactly how they treated his son.
He tried not to smile. Padfoot somehow caught on to his expression and smirked
at him. He winked back.
James began, "Ok first things first, write a letter to Harry and ask how he's
doing. Send him a package also, he deserves something nice. I think you guys
said that it's just the beginning of summer?" He asked and received two nods in
return. James smiled,
"Well, hopefully, we can get this all sorted by Harry and Poppy's birthday. It
will be a nice surprise. Wait" James gasped, grinning brightly and looking to
his two best friends, "We should tell them we're back for their birthday, it
will be great! It's their... sixteenth? Merlin. We can throw them a huge party
with all their friends... it will be great" He beamed in excitement, bouncing
on his toes. He was going to spoil his kids rotten. He needed to make up for
fifteen years worth of birthday presents, didn't he? Oh and Christmas' too!
Sirius looked excited as him and Remus looked happy but in a more subdued
manner. Same old Moony.
They then all sat around the small table beside the window and decided to write
out the letter to Harry. James' eyes kept peeking out the window, hoping to
catch a glimpse of Poppy but she wasn't there anymore. He ignored the childish
urge to go and look for her. He needed to do this properly.
Ten minutes and fourteen wadded up pieces of parchment later, James was feeling
frustrated. They couldn't come to an agreement. James wanted to ask Harry a
million questions about how his summer was going. What was he up to, what was
his favourite Hogwarts subject, did he have any girlfriends yet... just
standard stuff. Moony thought this was 'suspicious and out of character' for
Padfoot to write. Ugh. Who cared?! He wanted to know everything.
Eventually, Sirius growled at the bickering of himself and Moony, he stood up
swiftly, staring at them with narrowed eyes, "Alright, I'm the one who's
writing to him so I'll decide what to put. You two gits leave me out of it" He
declared and then moved to the opposite side of the room and plopped down on a
chair to begin writing. James watched his friend write and squirmed in his
seat. What was Sirius writing?
Someone placed a hand on his shoulder and James looked up at the understanding
face of Moony, "You'll get to find out all these things on your own, you know"
He explained gently.
James huffed and ran his hands through his hair in an agitated manner, "I know
but I just feel out of the loop. That's my son. Shouldn't I know him the best?"
He admitted. Remus was understanding as always and nodded slowly,
"I'm sure you will get to know him better than all of us but be patient. He's a
teenage boy now and I doubt he'd like an overbearing father would he?" Remus
said knowingly.
James rolled his eyes. Moony is always bloody right. James was silent then and
listened to the conversation between his wife and Dumbledore for a moment.
Something to do with the Ministry rules and setting up a meeting... He felt
agitated. So many years had past and he knew nothing about what happened. It
was disorientating. James worried that his children were nearly grown and
didn't need him anymore... Harry already knew how to fly a broom, Poppy didn't
need anyone to read her bedtime stories anymore. Merlin Poppy. What was he
going to do about that mess?
Sirius had finished writing his letter and strode over with a determinedly
pleased face that said, 'none of you is touching my letter'. James snatched the
letter and read through it swiftly,
Dear Harry,
How's your summer going so far? Relatives leaving you alone? Let me know if you
want me to stop by and have a word with them. I'm sorry again for not picking
you up at Kings Cross this year, things have been hectic with Voldemort back.
I'll let you know what's happening as soon as I know. If I can't come and get
you soon then I'll stop by and we can spend the day doing something. Maybe we
could invite your friends over for a couple days for your birthday? I know
you'd like that. And I'll finally get to meet Poppy. You didn't mention where
she was staying, let me know so I can go pick her up.
I've sent some things to keep you going and as an apology. I was really looking
forward to this summer, I'm sorry it got so messed up.
Hope your keeping well,
Sirius.
James smiled as he read the letter though was annoyed at its smallness. He
looked up at Padfoot with a grin, "Nice way of sneakily asking where Poppy is,
I like it"
Sirius grinned back with a relieved smile, "Yeah. He's awfully protective of
Poppy. I've tried, Prongs, to meet her but somethings always getting in the way
and Harry started to become suspicious of me always asking. I didn't want to
have to lie to him" He sighed, looking dejected.
James felt guilty then. Sirius was his best mate but he spent most of his life
Azkaban being blamed for their deaths. He and Lily should have told Dumbledore
about their change in Secret Keeper. He had been giving Padfoot a hard time but
it must have been really difficult for him. It's good to know he tried so hard,
even if everything ended so messed up.
James moved forward and placed a hand on Sirius' shoulder with a grin, "Thanks,
mate. I know I've been kind of dumping on you since I've been back but I'm so
glad you've done so much for Harry and have been trying with Poppy. I knew
you'd make a great godfather" He grinned toothily. Sirius' eyes swam for a
moment and he looked so touched. James ignored this and moved forward to give
his friend a tight hug. Padfoot clung to him and James could feel him trying to
hold back his emotions. Circe James has been a right git to his friends, hasn't
he?
"No need to thank me, Prongs" Sirius mumbled hoarsely. James felt guilty again.
He really did. How could he not tell anyone about their Secret Keeper? How
could he trust his family with such a traitorous rat? It was his fault, not
Sirius'.
Just as James and Sirius pulled back, Lily came marching over with a face as
hard as any auror. He tried not to feel nervous. She was frowning as she spoke,
"Unfortunately it will take a few months for the Ministry to officially declare
us as 'not dead'. Voldemort has just been declared back and if we announce
ourselves so soon then people may start speculating about how we returned and
our legitimacy" Lily rolled her eyes in frustration, "We can try speed up the
process but if we try to rush it then they might rule us as temporarily unfit
to care for Harry" She explained. James opened his mouth to roar out his
ridiculous that was when Lily held her hand up for silence.
"-I know" She cut him off unhappily, "But we need to do this right. Harry's
location needs to remain hidden now more than ever and if people start
speculating if he can stay with us then they will want to know where
he is staying. Albus has set up a private meeting with the Minister tomorrow
for us to reveal ourselves. We can try to rush this as much as possible but I'm
afraid it will take a few weeks minimum"
James was not happy at all with this development, "What about Poppy and Harry?"
He asked.
Lily's determination faded for a moment and she slumped her shoulders, looking
deeply sad. He wanted to reach out to her, "Well the good news is that one of
Harry and Poppy's best friends family is in the Order - The Weasleys I think.
If we tell the Weasleys then they might help us reveal that we're back to them.
I don't know when that will be though. Hopefully soon. We need to sort our
vaults out, find a place to stay and-"
James moved forward to give his wife a hug, seeing how worked up she was
getting. He felt the exact same. He wanted everything to be done now so he
could be back with his family the way it should be. Lily sagged in his arms and
sighed.
Eventually, the redhead pulled back with a small loving smile towards him and
steeled herself for more preparing, "Now where is Harry right now? If he's
being hunted then has he been put in a safe house?" She asked anxiously.
James' eyes went wide and he looked with worry towards everyone else in the
room. Sirius and Remus looked apprehensive but Dumbledore looked calm. He would
leave it to the Headmaster.
Albus Dumbledore rose from his desk then and waved his hand. Parchment appeared
and words started writing themselves on it. He swiftly rolled it up and
whistled, Fawkes cawed, picked the letter up with his claws and disappeared in
a burst of flames. James exchanged an uneasy glance with Padfoot.
Dumbledore looked serious, "I am afraid where he is staying is no longer safe
now that you two are back. I have asked the Weasley's to temporarily allow him
to stay with them. I will fortify the wards surrounding their house myself and
I'll see if I can get a guard at the moment. We can re-assess the situation
soon but right now it's crucial to get him out of that house. He will be
removed by tonight"
Everyone in the room must have felt a chill down their spine like he did. Why
would the muggle house be suddenly unsafe for Harry? What difference did it
make if he and Lily were back?
"Wait, where is Harry right now and why would it make a difference if we are
back?" His wife questioned, on the same wavelength with him.
Dumbledore explained, "Harry has been living with his Aunt and Uncle"
Lily frowned and blinked, looking at him with confusion, "Harry doesn't have
any Aunt's or... WAIT. My son has been staying with 'Tuney!" she roared.
===============================================================================
James stretched his arms as he trudged along the empty Hogwarts corridor. It
was strange seeing the usually busy and bustling school halls so empty and
quiet. Mind, he was usually the one causing all of the racket but it was still
unusual. James discretely yawned and lifted his hand up to hide the gesture. Of
course, his wife noticed.
She lightly slapped him on the side of the arm and frowned, "Be on your best
behaviour, James. McGonagall is doing us a favour you know" He looked from the
corner of his eye to see his wife frowning. He sighed and nodded in
agreement. Yes, bloody nice of McGonagall, maybe she should have done it at a
decent hour. He grumbled internally.
Since waking from his magical coma three days ago, James hadn't had a good
nights rest. There was just so much to do. After the disastrous Order meeting
and kind of seeing Poppy for the first time in years, they spent the day
catching up on all of the boring political stuff that's happened. Like he
bloody cared who was the new head of the DMLE or which shops had shut
down. Although learning the year, date and the current minister was useful.
Cornelious Fudge. Ugh, James had met that man on his second day awake. He was
not impressed. Neither was his wife.
They had learned of the Ministers hate campaign against their son and the
Minister was a little nervous meeting them as a result. As he should be. James
wanted to rip the man a new one. Lily, his wonderful and little scary wife, had
spoken in calm tones but essentially emasculated the man and made him look like
a complete idiot. The snake wanted an agreement, James and Lily would not
attempt to sue or bring to court the Ministers actions against their son and in
return, the Minister would make sure no one questioned the legality of their
'return'. They were playing it off as the Potters were in hiding for years. As
if. But apparently, it was necessary. The sweaty and nervously smiling minister
was 'putting people on' their return. That man was the Minister. Voldemort was
going to eat him alive.
James hid another yawn and blinked heavily. The days were a mixture of anxious
worry and stress, busy schedules and his two best friends trailing along behind
him. It was a relief to be reunited with his mates and really their chats were
the best parts of his days and kept him from going mental and doing something
stupid like hunting down his children. Though his nights were spent with his
wife, holding each other and feeling both comforted and empty. It was strange
to him, not being half aware of a crying baby down the hall or swapping stories
with Lily about the shenanigans the twins were up to. Lily had shed more than
one tear.
As the walked down the Transfiguration corridor, James eyed his wife again.
Lily stood tall, long wavy hair falling down her back and expression determined
and strong. He wondered how she did it. At nights she was devastated and sick
with guilt at not protecting their children and missing them growing up. But
during the day she was a fierce lioness taking on the world.
Merlin, he loved her.
Lily marched up to McGonagall's door and rapped on it sharply. He rolled back
on his heels and wished Moony and Padfoot were here to keep him company. Or he
was back in bed.
McGonagall opened her door a moment later and smiled kindly at the both of
them. He winked back while his wife embraced their old Professor familiarly,
"Lily, James, it's wonderful to see you both again" The Scottish woman greeted
them. She then gestured them forward into her office. James followed and looked
around the room, noting the small changes from when he himself was a student.
Their old Head of House had transfigured her desk into a round table which was
adorned with a tablecloth and had a teapot and three cups atop it. He tried not
to sigh.
Lily smiled back as they followed her towards the table, "Thanks for this
Minerva, it's been a hectic few days and it seems people are reluctant to share
details with us about Poppy and Harry" His wife smiled good-naturedly though
also looked a little frustrated. He could relate. Everyone was willing but then
also hesitant as they didn't want to set the Potters off. Well, the majority of
information was all horrible so it wasn't their fault!
McGonagall cleared her throat then as she sat down at the head of the table,
"Yes I can imagine it must be difficult. I believe they are reluctant to tell
details which Poppy and Harry may wish to reveal themselves" She explained in a
placating manner. Lily and James sat dutifully down at the table. As soon as
they sat, the kettle floated in the air and began pouring each of them a cup of
tea.
James stretched in the chair and sighed, "Yeah well it's frustrating" He said a
tad bitterly.
Lily nodded with him and took his hand in support. Minerva looked sympathetic,
"I can imagine it would be" She acknowledged, lifting her teacup then and
taking a small sip. McGonagall then carefully placed the teacup down on the
coaster, "I thought you might like to know how Poppy and Harry have been
performing in class, as well as any other information I can give. I'm afraid I
will not have many personal details" She explained.
Lily smiled brightly then and nodded her head strongly, "That would be
wonderful Minerva, we'd be grateful for anything at all" Minerva smiled tightly
and took another sip of tea, Lily sipping along with her. James skipped his tea
and instead went straight to the small plate of biscuits, enjoying the
chocolaty crunch.
McGonagall leant back in her seat with a thoughtful expression, "I trust you
know they were both sorted into Gryffindor" She began.
James snorted, "Obviously" while his wife looked uncertain, "I assumed as much
but no one's really confirmed it yet" She said hesitantly.
McGonagall nodded with another thoughtful expression, "Harry was sorted first.
The entire hall went silent and eagerly waited for the sorting of 'the-boy-who-
lived'" The Professor rolled her eyes.
James frowned unhappily. He'd heard about this 'boy-who-lived' nonsense and
while he was so proud of his son for surviving the killing curse, he felt that
Lily should be the one honoured. She was the one that protected and saved their
son from the curse. Harry was a baby then, not a bloody hero that destroyed
Voldemort.
Lily sighed, "That sounds terribly anxious for a first year, poor Harry"
McGonagall continued, "He took a fair while to be sorted. The Great Hall was
all whispering by then though he was placed in Gryffindor. Poppy, took much
longer to be sorted. She was sorted directly after Harry, under the name Poppy
Stark. At first, I thought nothing of it until I saw her face" The woman sighed
and looked troubled, "Even at that age it was clear who she was. That dark
messy hair, that bright smile and of course, her green eyes" McGonagall smiled
at Lily, "It was truly a miracle. Of course, after the sorting, we called her
to Albus' office to confirm her identity. She was very nearly a hat stall, I
suspect she may have been placed in Hufflepuff as she's shown fierce loyalty to
her friends over the years"
James nodded thoughtfully. He wondered which House the hat was considering
putting her in. Lily nodded with a smile, taking a sip of her tea. James lifted
his own cup up then and took a gulp. He tried not to wince at the slight
burning of his tongue.
"They sat together at the sorting feast, Harry and Poppy. From that day on they
were truly inseparable. It was both wonderful and tragic to see how they
instantly connected. I argued with Albus many times on revealing her identity
but he would not hear it. 'Let them be children for a little while longer'"
McGonagall sighed and then shook her head to clear it, "I did give Harry
special permission to join the House team in his first year. I was attending to
Poppy when I saw-"
Lily cut off Minerva, "-What do you mean attending to her?" She asked with a
frown. The Transfiguration Professor lifted her eyebrows but answered anyway,
"She had to be taken out of her flying lesson for an illness. She had come to
me to discuss it privately" She explained cryptically.
James shot his eyes over to Lily. It was clear they were both thinking the same
thing, that perhaps this was to do with her scars. Although he wanted to pry
McGonagall more, she continued her story,
"I saw Harry on his broom, catching a small ball expertly and immediately knew
he would be perfect for the position of Seeker" She explained.
James couldn't help but grin. Made the team on his first ever flying lesson and
from being raised in a muggle household. He was the proudest father ever.
Lily was smiling softly as McGonagall explained their first few weeks at
Hogwarts, detailing their first lesson. It really warmed him that Poppy and
Harry had become best friends and they were so close.
"Harry does well in Transfiguration and Poppy seems to have a natural talent
for it. If she applied herself then she could do exceptionally well" James and
Lily listened with rapt attention as McGonagall told them all about their
beloved twins.
"Harry has been top of his year in Defense for the last few years. I believe he
can produce a Corporal Patronus. While Poppy has made the top ten results in
her year since she's attended. Unfortunately, none of them made Prefect though
I believe Harry was not given it due to a certain Ministry woman who was
teaching here last year" McGonagall seemed to puff up in anger and indignation
at the mention of whoever taught there. James made a note to ask Remus and
Sirius about it later.
James spoke up, "Why didn't Poppy make Prefect?" He asked. From what he could
remember Poppy was such an eager to please baby. She was always smiling and
talking at such a young age. She insisted on being read to constantly. She was
his little genius.
McGonagall sighed and fiddled with her glasses, "Although intelligent she does
not apply herself to reach her full potential. That along with some serious
lack of respect for rules, a certain level of detentions and not taking her
education too seriously have all applied" She said with a pointed look towards
him.
James smiled sheepishly and almost apologetically towards his wife. Lily did
not look amused and was almost accusing him with her green eyes, they were
clearly saying 'she gets that from you'.
Although, in general, Lily looked quite pleased, "That's good. They haven't
gotten into any serious trouble, have they? Or been caught hexing students in
the halls?" She asked.
McGonagall shook her head, "A few minor transgressions here and there. Mostly
for sneaking out at night-" Another unamused glare from his wife - James was
trying not to smile, "And to my knowledge, they have only been involved in
hexing incidents when they have been defending themselves or other students"
Lily looked greatly relieved and mightly proud. James was too. He could admit
he'd taken things too far when he was young and picking on people for the fun
of it was very wrong. He had worried that Harry or Poppy might follow in his
footsteps and was glad that they didn't.
His old Transfiguration Professor and Lily chatted on about menial things such
as Gryffindor winning the House cup. Poppy landing herself in detention by
being cheeky to a Professor - it sounded hilarious. Minerva seemed to have run
out of information when-
"Oh and I suppose you'll want to know who they went to the Yule ball with last
year"
James sat up to attention and blinked. They had a Yule ball? Why didn't they
have one when he was in school? James grinned brightly as he thought of Harry
going on his first date but then it dimed as he realised he wasn't there to see
it. Maybe they had photos.
Lily's green eyes were sparkling with the same amount of happiness and sadness
as him.
"Well, Harry attended with Parvarti Patil, a Gryffindor girl in the same year"
She nodded. James grinned as he knew who to question his mates about now. Did
Harry have a crush? Merlin, he's turning sixteen soon! He'll definitely have
had his first crush. James resolved to talk to Sirius about any potential girls
in Harry's life.
"Oh and Poppy, I believe she attended with Neville Longbottom" Minvera added.
James blanched. Poppy went on a date! "Longbottom?" James frowned as he thought
back, "As in Frank and Alice's boy?" James scowled. He remembered that the
Longbottoms had to go into hiding like his family. He pitied them though he
secretly thought it was their son was the prophecy one as it hadn't spoken of
twins. Though he was glad Alice and Frank hadn't been targetted. They were good
people. But Poppy going on dates? And with this Neville boy?
Lily looked pleasantly surprised and smiled brightly, "Oh that's nice. It would
be great if Poppy and Neville got together, wouldn't it? I bet Alice would be
pleased. How are Frank and Alice these days, I didn't see them at the Order
meeting?" Lily inquired warmly.
James tried hard not to glare at his wife. Poppy was too young to be having
boyfriends! Minerva's face fell and his anger faded a little.
The rest of the lunch was quite solemn as the fate of Alice and Frank
Longbottom were revealed. James swallowed and felt such guilt. Tortured into
madness. His fate was bad but he came back, didn't he? Lily was trying to hold
back tears, he could tell. It seemed the bad news was never-ending.
The Potters left the meeting with their former Head of House in a light but
solemn mood. It was wonderful hearing about their children but also tragic to
hear about Frank and Alice. And the war was just beginning again.
===============================================================================
It wasn't until the start of July that any concrete plans were made.
It was the day after the full moon that James found out what would be
happening. He had just shifted back from Prongs and was about to follow Sirius
to help up Moony - who was lying face down in the dirt when a Patronus
appeared. James blinked up at the bright blinding light that illuminated the
dank and dreary Forbidden Forest.
It was Lily's doe. A brief bout of panic hit him until her voice came out.
'Come straight up to Dumbledore's office after you drop Remus off'
James felt partially relieved yet even more worried. It wasn't an immediate
attack or anything the like but it still didn't seem very good. He sighed out
loud and walked over to his best mates. Remus was draped now in a large
conjured blanked and hanging off of Sirius' arm. Padfoot had Moony held tightly
around his shoulders but it still looked difficult. James felt a large stab of
guilt as he noticed all of the new and old scars across Remus' body. It must
have been extremely difficult for the werewolf to brave the full moons all
alone.
James rounded on Remus' other side and together they walked out of the
Forbidden Forest. It took them a while to hoist Remus up to the hospital wing -
he was not a lanky teenager anymore that's for sure - and Sirius was torn
between waiting at Moony's bedside and following him up to Dumbledore's office.
James pat his friend's shoulder and yawned heavily, eyes burning from
exhaustion. He was definitely not a young man anymore, "Stay with Moony, I'll
let you know what happening" He said carefully. Padfoot looked as tired as him
and nodded wearily. Sirius was slumped in the small chair next to the hospital
bed as they heard Madam Pomfrey fussing behind the curtain and healing Remus as
best she could.
He trudged up towards Dumbledore's office sluggishly, feeling the weight of a
full night running out in the woods. It was just like old times but so
different. Moony was a lot more aggressive which was sad but he did eventually
warm up to the stag and big black dog. It felt strange to him, being without
Wormtail. He tried to hold onto his anger as much as he could but truthfully he
just felt so betrayed and hurt. Peter... betrayed them all. James needed to
find out why. He thought they were all friends. Peter betrayed his family.
He pushed these thoughts from his mind as he spoke the headmaster's password to
the gargoyle and entered the office.
Lily was standing with a smile on her face though wrung her hands anxiously.
James looked around the room and saw Dumbledore seated behind his desk and
smiling. That could mean anything... though hopefully no more bad news...
James immediately moved over to his wife's side and looked her up and down
worriedly, "everything alright?" He asked hesitantly. Lily bit her lip before
nodding uncertainly. The married Potters looked towards their former Headmaster
for an explanation.
Dumbledore lifted a parchment as an explanation, "As you know Harry arrived at
the Weasleys a few weeks ago and has been staying since. He expressed his
worries about Poppy being on her own and the Weasley's have generously offered
to allow her and Miss Granger to stay for the remainder or their holidays. Both
for their protection and to help Harry adjust to his parents being back" He
explained. James blinked then grinned, that's good isn't it? They wanted to
tell Poppy and Harry together, it seemed wrong not to. It was perfect, now they
would know where little Poppy was staying.
Lily smiled hesitantly, "We really need to thank the Weasleys for this. They've
been wonderful with everything" She sighed. James nodded and remembered meeting
Molly and Arthur Weasley a week ago. Molly Weasley took the 'feisty redhead'
image to a whole new level. She gushed about how wonderful Harry was and how he
didn't eat enough. Molly assured Lily she was feeding him 'extra'. Although
grateful, he had a feeling his idea of 'extra' was different than hers. Lily
instantly took to the woman and she asked about how Harry was getting on. Molly
tearfully hugged them both and was one of the few people he'd met since hid
returned that genuinely cared and wanted the best for his son.
Mr Weasley was a good man, it was obvious. He was level-headed, kind and had a
great sense of humour. He was saddened to hear Molly was the sister of Gideon
and Fabian Prewett. They were good men. James was very glad that his son was
living with such a nice family and had made friends with their youngest son.
Truthfully, James was surprised at the sheer amount of children the Weasleys
had but it comforted him that they had the experience to deal with Harry.
Lily fell in love with the Weasleys. The two mothers swapped stories about what
kind of foods Harry should be eating. What he's been up to and if he's been
sleeping well. James rolled her eyes fondly and enjoyed Arthur's stories of his
boys and daughter playing mock games of Quidditch. He good-naturedly challenged
Arthur to a game. James was looking forward to playing his first game of
Quidditch with his son.
The only slight issue that arose was with Poppy. The Weasley's did not know
about their daughter and Harry's twin. They only knew Poppy as Harry and Ron's
friend. James and Lily discussed revealing it to them but it felt wrong somehow
as Poppy did not know herself. Harry and Poppy deserved to know before anyone
else. Unfortunately, this meant any knowledge the Weasley's had on their sweet
little girl was very limited.
As a matter of fact, none of the Weasleys had ever met Poppy.
Lily sighed with relief then and beamed brightly up at him. He smiled softly
back. Lily gushed, "That's wonderful, isn't it James? Molly said we could come
over soon and talk with Harry. We should wait until Poppy arrives and has a
chance to settle in first"
James nodded grinned.
Dumbledore cleared his throat so that their attention went back to him. The old
man smiled at them, "It says Poppy should arrive on Monday the tenth. I am sure
Arthur will write to confirm when she's arrived"
James and Lily looked at each other in barely contained excitement. They would
be with their children soon.
***** Chapter 17 *****
A/N: Hey everyone, so this chapter is even longer than the last! If I'm making
these too long and you're getting bored, then let me know and I'll cut back. I
just feel like it flows better like this? I don't know.
This is what you've all been waiting for. Poppy finally meeting Sirius, Remus
and her parents! It's going to get very different now. Expect me to go into
more detail with her friends and events that happen. I did skim as much as I
could during her Hogwarts years. This part in my story is crucial, bringing
Remus, Sirius, James and Lily into it so it will be long.
I'm always open to suggestions or ideas so please let me know.
I hope you enjoy!
===============================================================================
Poppy bounced her leg as she stared intently at the ticking clock. 36
seconds... 37... 38... Her heart thumped wildly in her chest as she breathed in
and out carefully. Her wand hand twitched irritably, and her bottom had gotten
numb from the forty-eight minutes sitting on the hard bar stool.
The pub was very empty this morning and Poppy was glad. She did not have the
concentration to focus on anything other than her impending trip to the Weasley
household. It was her very first-time meeting Ron's wonderfully crazy family
she had heard so much about. The Orphan teenager swallowed as the clock
continued to move. Her chest continued to rise and fall steadily. It was almost
time.
It was only four minutes to eleven. In her letter to the Weasley's she said she
would arrive in the floo at eleven. It was almost time for her to leave.
Another minute gone. Three minutes now.
In many ways, this was the most terrifying thing Poppy had ever done. She had
battled against a dementor, fought with aracnomantualla, duelled with a very
dangerous dark wizard and stared directly into the haunting red eyes of Lord
Voldemort.
But this...
The Weasley's were normal. They would know she was different. During those
battles, the worst that could happen was pain... torture or death. The animagus
was very familiar with death. She did not fear it, at times welcomed it, even.
But the Weasley's would see she was unusual, dark and broken.
Ron was the most unequivocally ordinary of all her friends. And she loved him
for that. The twins, even uptight Percy were all like a secret glimpse into a
life that was never meant for her. Yet here she was being invited into enemy
territory like it was all perfectly normal. The broken girl did not fit.
The animagus' green eyes flickered up towards the clock only to widen in fear
and panic. One minute past eleven!
"Merlin's beard I'm late!" She gasped in utter horror and promptly hopped from
the dingy bar stool as if it had scolded her.
"Bloody hell, girl, yer no late yet" A derisive snort came from behind her.
Poppy swivelled around to glare at the shabby old man that had wandered in from
the back rooms.
She opened her mouth as if to object or make light of her panic with a slight
joke, but no sound escaped. Poppy breathed from her mouth and licked her lips,
at a loss for words. Her heart continued to race in her chest. She was frozen.
The old man eyed her cautiously with his bright blues and sighed. He walked
forward and purposely ignored the slight tremble surely visible in her frame
and slightly alarmed and lost expression on her face. Her mask was shattered.
Aberforth walked towards her and placed a hand on her shoulder firmly and
looked directly and intensely into her eyes. Clear blue as deep as the ocean
and as wide as the sky stared at her,
"You'll be fine" He grumbled. The younger Dumbledore brothers face was not
caring or empathetic, but rather hard and certain. Her shoulders dropped in
relief.
Poppy straightened her spine and donned her mask. Perhaps she would be, maybe
she wouldn't. Either way she would not allow herself to crumble. She felt her
expression soften and lips curve in a slight semblance of a smile. It was an
expression that read friendly and sweet girl. Poppy would not ruin things with
Ron's family. It was only a few weeks. She could do this, they were kind
people.
Aberforth had shuffled away from her and levitated her heavy trunk onto the bar
top. She watched as he shrunk it down, so it could fit in her pocket and Poppy
moved to retrieve it.
The hardened girl almost felt a little wistful as she readied to leave. Her
Hogwarts career was rapidly coming to an end and her time in the single back
room on the smelly old pub was coming to an end. She would be getting her OWL
results this summer and starting her NEWTS next year. It was incredible. The
war had begun, and she wasn't naive enough to believe being a child would keep
her out of it.
Aberforth looked serious and simply nodded his head in a farewell. Poppy strode
over the floo, conscious of her facial expression and turned it to quite
excited. The animagus lifted the floo powder and stepped into the fireplace.
Before she dropped the powder, she nodded once to the old man watching her with
a scowl.
The flames rushed around her, and she called out clearly and concisely, "The
Burrow"
A million thoughts flew around her mind as thousands of different fireplaces
rushed before her. The one that seemed to stick was, what if my clothes get all
sooty?
It was a fairly ridiculous but honest concern. Poppy had spent a ridiculous
amount of time picking her clothing for her visit. In fact, she'd spent a fair
amount of gold completely reimagining her wardrobe this summer. Although the
animagus was still technically underage she had begun to notice that nobody
treated her as such. Men's eyes would follow her hungrily in Hogshead, adults
would speak without holding their tongues and of course being put into
situations in which an inexperienced child should have no place. Bloody Albus
Dumbledore.
Therefore, her carefully constructed persona of an innocent but sweet young
girl wouldn't work if the majority of people did not see her as such. This
development required a change. Her personal stylists Greg was gleeful when she
claimed she wanted to look more 'mature'. He had snapped his fingers, gave her
a wink and gotten straight to work.
In all honestly, her wardrobe hadn't changed much. Her skirts and dresses had
changed from long and floaty to fitted and tight. Soft pastels shifted to
slightly block colours with more elegant necklines. Poppy had kept most of her
old clothes but was in the process of altering it.
For her first meeting with the Weasley family Poppy wore a cream skater dress
with long sleeves and a high neck line. It clung to her upper half but flowed
out at the bottom without looking too childish. Small white flats, a large
beige knitted cardigan and hair that was tied in a high ponytail completed her
look.
Poppy blinked as the green flames disappeared and she peered around the room
she had landed in. The first thing she noticed was that everything was a little
misplaced. Furniture, to decor to home-made blankets and crudely built walls
screamed at her that the Weasley's were not wealthy.
The second thing she noted was an average height, red headed woman adorned in
hand knitted and brightly colourful clothing barrelling towards her.
Poppy kept her face friendly and slightly nervous as the woman approached but
subtly looked for the woman's wand which was tucked haphazardly into a back
pocket of her dress. Probably not where she would put it if she wanted to
attack.
"Poppy! Ron has told us so much about you" The woman declared and pulled her
into a tight hug. Poppy immediately returned the warm embrace and didn't need
animagus instincts to know this was a fiercely caring and maternal woman. Poppy
relaxed and her smile came more naturally even if the contact was a little
unexpected.
Poppy pulled back from the hug to see the woman smiling at her genuinely with
true warmth in her eyes, "It is wonderful to meet you Mrs Weasley, thank you so
much for inviting me over" Poppy chirped kindly.
The woman shushed off her gratitude and shuffled backwards.
Poppy didn't need to inhale to scent Harry coming forward to wrap her in a hug.
She returned the embrace and clung to her friend for a long moment, enjoying
the contact as she had missed him so much already. When she pulled back she
even kissed him on the cheek for good measure. Green eyes met green as they
pulled apart and Harry looked mightily relieved to see her. They did not speak
but Poppy merely winked at her best friend. It felt wonderful to be reunited.
"Hey Poppy, glad you could make it" Ron's voice spoke up from where he had just
entered the room. Poppy peered over to see her ginger haired best friend idly
chewing on a roll and wearing a maroon coloured handmade sweater in the corner
of the room.
The teenage animagus smirked at her friend, "What, not happy to see me?" She
beamed and held her arms out wide to indicate she wanted a hug. Ron's eyes
flickered over to his mum for a moment, almost in embarrassment. Her smirk
turned into a full blown amused grin.
Poppy strode over and hugged her friend comically tightly and shouted out, "Did
you miss me?" Cheekily. When she pulled back Ron's face was bright red but also
exasperated, his eyes flickering behind him.
"-Yeah Ron, did you not miss her?" Fred Weasley immediately began to tease from
where he had popped into the room, his twin following behind him.
Poppy smiled and followed Ron's eyeline to the only scent in the room she
wasn't already familiar with. An older man stood with an amused face and kind
eyes as he watched her. His hair was red but balding slightly and dressed in
semi-smart attire. Poppy remembered Ron had mentioned his father worked inside
the Ministry. The open and kind face on the man told her that Arthur Weasley
was too nice and honest to be working in such a snake pit. It was probably the
reason he was so low down.
Arthur Weasley stepped forward and extended his hand to her, Poppy moved
forward and shook it firmly with an easy genuine smile on her face, "Arthur
Weasley, pleased to meet you dear"
Poppy's entire body must have sunk in relief at the realisation at Ron's family
were all truly nice people. Too nice to notice she was dark and broken. Mr
Weasley's eyebrows moved up an inch at the firmness of her handshake.
"Lovely to meet you, Mr Weasley. Thanks for having me over" she said easily,
letting go of the man's hand, internally berating herself for being so
forceful. It was probably unusual.
"Not at all, you're the only one of Ron's friends we haven't met yet, so it is
a delight having you over" He replied. Poppy got the distinct impression those
welcoming words were genuine and felt amazingly at ease already.
Poppy turned around and eyed Harry and Ron at the edge of the room talking
amongst themselves. She listened in, "Alright, I'll be keeper, you can be
seeker and Bill's the chaser" Ron rambled. Her eyes took in their loose-fitting
clothes and the broom leaning on a nearby wall.
"So, what you guys up to today?" She asked amusedly. Both teenage boy's
attention shot to her and both looked a little sheepish as if they'd forgotten
about her already, Boys.
Harry cleared his throat and ruffled his hair, "Well we were going to get a
game of quidditch..."
Poppy tilted her head to the side and watched them with amusement. Ron sighed
and looked at her almost pleadingly, "It's just Bill's here and Charlie's back
from Romania this week so we were going to get a family game, you know?" He
almost defended as if she had the authority to cancel their fun.
Arthur Weasley came up to her side and offered, "You are more than welcome to
join us Poppy"
Poppy looked at the man and shook her head, "Thanks but I don't fly" She
explained. The animagus had never even been on a broom and saw no reason to
start.
Harry looked deflated but attempted a small smile when he said, "That's fine, I
mean we could get a match another time..." He led off, Ron looking at his best
mate with a comically horrified face. Poppy laughed.
"No, no. You go ahead, I'm sure I'll find something to do" The teenage girl
offered, truly not minding if her friends left her to go fly outside. At least
she knew where they were and that they were safe. Harry looked relieved but
still looked like he might object when Ron forcefully grabbed his arm and
dragged him from the room while whispering in his ear.
Arthur Weasley spoke up, "Molly's getting lunch ready in the kitchen, I'm sure
she wouldn't mind a hand if you don't have anything better to do. I think
Ginny's joining in on the game" He explained.
Poppy thanked the man and walked towards the sound of clanging of pots and pans
which presumably would lead her to the kitchen.
Mrs Weasley was in her element. Several pots were scrubbing themselves, things
flying across her head and the table was wiping itself down. She quirked a
smile. The atmosphere was a little hectic but all in all, had a welcoming
manner to it Poppy was unfamiliar with. Percy Weasley was sat at the table with
a newspaper and dressed impeccably, most likely not being involved in the game
either.
"Hi Mrs Weasley, do you need any help? I heard there's a quidditch match going
and I'm not really much a player" She said wryly from her place at the edge of
the room. The red-haired woman looked back, and irritation flickered across her
face.
"Of course, dear, of course, I can always use an extra pair of hands. Those
boys" She sighed and shuffled about, "They knew you were coming today, they
could have done something different" She muttered.
Poppy shrugged her shoulders to show how little she cared and walked over to
the counter top, wondering what she could do. She turned around to eye Percy
Weasley,
"Hello Percy, how have you been?" She greeted politely. Poppy had never been
fond of Ron's older brother. He was too obsessed with authority and to someone
like her that screamed he was possibly dangerous. Those who blindly followed
superiors were always a risk.
Percy looked up and carefully folded his paper across the table before nodding
to her, "Quite well, thank you Poppy. And yourself?" He spoke with a slight
arrogance and haughtiness that most people picked up on. Poppy knew it was all
an act. He wasn't truly like that. Percy Weasley lacked the refinement and
natural superiority that came from most wealthy purebloods. It was an act to
hide an insecurity about his family.
"Alright I suppose. Looking forward to this summer but nervous about my OWL
results" She replied. The animagus was not lying. She was actually worried
about her results. It did not bother her not to be recognised by her
Professor's or be praised for her abilities but these results... they were for
herself. But she had genuinely tried her best this year. The orphan had notions
of her own power and magical abilities but was she right? It might just be her
papa's honeyed words whispering in her ear. These results would tell her how
she was truly doing, without all the manipulation. And that was scary.
Mrs Weasley shuffled over and plopped down a full lettuce and some cucumber in
front of her along with a knife and chopping board, "Could you chop that up for
the sandwiches? Thank you dear" She requested. The woman then bustled away and
began emptying loafs of bread onto the counter.
Poppy blinked and looked down, her mind going blank. How do you chop
lettuce? She thought incredulously. The teenage girl hesitantly lifted the
knife and took the giant leafed vegetable in her hand. She then stared. It
can't be that difficult.
Minutes must have passed as she stared quizzically at the task in front of her.
Poppy had never cooked anything before. She had raided bins and hunted animals
in her animagus form but never actually cooked. Aberforth provided her meals or
she ate fruit and already prepared food.
"Uhh… Mrs Weasley, how should I...?" She trailed off sheepishly, peering at the
woman who was now getting glasses out.
Ron's mother paused and looked back at her and blinked looking surprised, "Oh,
do you not know how to chop dear?" Her eyebrow furrowed, and she approached
with her own knife.
Poppy felt extremely foolish and actually flushed, her face feeling hot. She
had never thought she'd need to cook... food was never something on her
priority list like Ron. It was a necessity but if she was truly that dire then
she could always buy something.
Mrs Weasley patiently demonstrated and Poppy was even more ashamed at how easy
the task appeared to be. It was similar to chopping potion ingredients but much
less disgusting.
The older woman then moved away from her side, "I am sorry about that, Poppy. I
didn't realise you wouldn't know how. Did your mother never teach you?" She
inquired idly. The striped haired teenager froze with the realisation Ron had
never told his family about her situation. Thanks for that Ron.
The animagus swallowed and contemplated lying for a split second before
settling on the truth, "Oh no, Mrs Weasley" She said in a light conversational
tone, keeping her eyes firmly on the task, "I'm an orphan, I've never had a
mother" Poppy explained in a friendly tone. She could be honest while leaving
out the bad details, couldn't she?
The sound of a knife hitting the counter was surprisingly loud, but Poppy
ignored it in favour of completing her task, pretending not to notice.
"Oh-I-I'm so sorry dear" She gasped in horror, "I had no idea, Ron never
mentioned" Mrs Weasley's voice had gotten closer and it dripped with compassion
and sympathy. Poppy tried not to smile sadly and looked up to the stricken face
of Molly Weasley.
The orphan teenager smiled in the most comforting manner possible, "Oh no,
please, Mrs Weasley, don't feel bad. It's fine, really. I'm not an orphan like
Harry. There's nothing to feel bad about" She explained, feeling vaguely guilty
for the sadness on this woman's face. A twist of shame pooled in her lower
stomach.
Molly Weasley had stopped cooking by this point and her attention was turned
fully to the young guest in her kitchen, "What do you mean? Are their
different types of Orphans?" She questioned, looking confused and vaguely
incredulous.
Poppy smiled again, deliberately ignoring the tense atmosphere and nodded,
continuing to chop, "Oh yeah, Harry's not an orphan by choice. His parents are
unfortunately gone but I've never had any parents" She explained. No one wanted
her… Harry was wanted.
Mrs Weasley looked staggered and her eyebrows were furrowed, "I don't
understand, how can you never have had any parents?"
Poppy hummed, "Well in the muggle world, if a child is born and it is not
wanted then it gets put into a home called an orphanage where other unwanted
children are raised by people who work there" She explained in a light tone
that was extremely out of place. She would not show how ashamed she felt or
embarrassed at the fact that the two people biologically programmed to love you
in the world, didn't care for her.
Poppy turned her eyes back to the task even though she was almost finished,
just so she didn't need to look at the horror on Mrs Weasley's face.
"There is a place in the muggle world to abandon your children?" Molly Weasley
gasped and she peered up to see Ron's mum looking extremely horrified. Poppy
felt very guilty at the woman's dismay. This was obviously a very loving and
caring individual. The idea of anyone leaving their children... it made Poppy
feel very ashamed. What kind of baby was she that even her parents couldn't
love her?
Poppy laid down her knife carefully and turned to Mrs Weasley, "Yes, I'm afraid
there is. It's not only for abandoned children, it also for children who don't
have any parents or guardians to look after them. Sometimes children get
adopted into families by people who can't have children... or want some more.
I'm just the kind that was voluntarily dropped off" She explained the positives
with a hopeful expression. The tears swimming Ron's mother's eyes and
compassion drowning on her face did not change, however. Of course, it
wouldn't, she was a normal person.
Mrs Weasley swallowed heavily and turned back around, making a fair attempt to
look busy but it was obvious to Poppy's eyes she just wanted to look busy, "I
see, dear... and were you adopted then?" Molly Weasley asked with a forced
light tone.
Poppy stood to face the counter, trying to keep the sadness from her face and
the shame, "Well no... sometimes potential parents were interested but when
they noticed my accidental magic they tended to..." the animagus paused here
and bit her lip to censor herself, "...not understand" beat you or think you
were possessed. Muggles were afraid of things they couldn't understand.
A sharp inhale greeted her and Mrs Weasley continued trying to work but was
obviously flustered by her young guest's revelation, "I-is the name Stark from
your... parents? then, dear?" She inquired, almost biting out the word
'parents'. Poppy quite agreed.
She let out a light laugh, hoping to ease the tense atmosphere, "Oh no, I've
never really had a name, but I needed one to start Hogwarts, so I just made one
up" She grinned sheepishly, hoping Mrs Weasley would find this statement as
amusing as her son.
She did not.
"I-I see. And where is it you live then? Still in this home for abandoned
children?" Mrs Weasley had raised her voice and it was now creeping into
hysterical, practically sneering the word 'home'.
Poppy realised the situation she had gotten herself into and turned to stare
wide eyed at Percy Weasley, hoping for some help. What was she supposed to do
here? However, the Ron's older brother merely gave her a tight-lipped smile and
slunk away from the table. Gryffindor my arse, the sorting hat clearly made a
mistake there.
The striped haired teenager cleared her throat before replying, "Oh no Mrs
Weasley, not anymore. Not since I started Hogwarts, I got a job and-"
"a job-" Mrs Weasley fairly screamed, rounding on Poppy with an expression of
pure horror as if she had said something truly devastating. The teenage girl
stared wide eyed at the woman awkwardly. Should she get her wand and sedate the
woman...?
"You've been working since you were eleven?! Where on earth would hire a child?
How can you even be living by yourself? You can't even chop a lettuce!" Mrs
Weasley screeched. The concern had shifted to panic, and Poppy was truly
flabbergasted. Why was the woman freaking out? She hadn't even mentioned her
years on the streets. Better not, she didn't want to kill her.
Poppy eyed the kitchen door, hearing people approach and feeling so
unbelievably glad. She really needed help here. They were still outside but
they had better hurry up.
"Uh- well I don't live myself... I live where I work... You know- in a pub" She
explained, hoping to calm the woman down, starting to become panicked herself.
What was going on here?!
"A-a pub? a pub" Mrs Weasley screamed with wide eyes and moved her hand to her
forehead as if she was about to faint. It was clearly a mistake coming here.
Dear Merlin, is what she said so unusual? This was her trying to act normal!
She knew she should have bloody lied.
At that moment, lots of people came tumbling into the kitchen with smiles on
their faces and windswept hair. The Weasley twins were in front and laughed as
they shoved another redhead with long hair and an earring. She inhaled his
scent as she'd never seen him before. Behind the boys came Ginny Weasley with
her hair tied back tightly and wearing sensible but pretty quidditch gear. The
girl shoved past her brothers to make her way to the kitchen table. Harry and
Ron appeared next with yet another red head, less tall but more muscular and
tanned chatting happily.
Poppy stared between Harry and Mrs Weasley hoping he would understand and come
and save her! Mrs Weasley was now just breathing deeply and watching as
everyone entered the room with swimming eyes.
Finally, Mr Weasley appeared with a small smile and watching everyone
chattering amongst themselves. He immediately noticed his wife and frowned in
concern, walking over. In the meantime, everyone began to sit down at the
table. Percy wandered in behind his father and sat beside the twins.
Mr Weasley turned to her quizzically for an explanation about the state of his
wife. She merely stared back with wild eyes and a panicked face as if to say,
'help me'. Arthur looked worried as he reached his wife's side and whispered in
her ear. He nodded at Poppy subtly, almost a dismissal and she had never felt
such relief I'm her life, not even when being stopped hit with a cruciatus
curse.
Poppy dashed over to the table and took her place across from Harry and beside
George Weasley. Ron was on Harry's one side and the muscular red head on his
other. Ginny had plopped down beside her youngest brother and then Bill sat
beside his sister.
Ron stopped talking, frowned at the table and then looked up towards his
mother, "Oi mum, food not ready yet?" He asked in dismay, looking forlorn.
The animagus jolted in her seat and stared wide-eyed at her ginger haired best
friend and began waving her hands in a frantic 'stop' motion. Ron looked at her
as if she was mental, so she leaned forward to explain in hushed tones, peering
backwards to see that Mr and Mrs Weasley had edged to the corner of the room
and were talking in quiet tones. Two guesses what they were discussing, "I
think I broke your mum Ron" She whispered in loud tones, confident that the
married pair couldn't hear her.
Ron continued looking at her with a puzzled and slightly bewildered expression,
"What?" Ron grumbled.
Harry sighed heavily as he watched her, "What did you do, Poppy?" He asked, not
in an accusing manner but still an expectant one. His green eyes watched her
patiently.
The striped haired teenager bit her lip and tried not to cringe, "Nothing that
bad, I swear!" She exclaimed to her two male best friends and the tanned red
head also listening in with an amused expression.
Poppy explained, "Well Mrs Weasley was teaching me to chop a lettuce when-"
A derisive snort came from Ron's left as Ginny Weasley smirked at her, "-You
don't know how to chip a lettuce?" She asked in almost a mocking manner.
The striped haired teenager was not a fool. She could see the hostility and
dislike on Ron's younger sisters face. If it was anyone else she would have
engaged but this was little Ginny Weasley.
Poppy ignored the resentment in the other girls tone and simply blinked back
with a blank expression, pretending to not comprehend the dislike, "Yeah, I
just said that" She replied and turned back to the three boys watching her.
"When she asked if my mother had never taught me… I kind of explained the whole
orphan thing and she completely flipped out" Poppy sighed, still feeling
uncomfortable with everything that happened. Another peer backwards told her
Ron's parents were still chatting.
Harry was still staring at her expectantly, "What else did you say?" He
prompted.
The animagus cringed, "Well I also mentioned how I've never had any parents…
how they didn't want me and dropped me off an orphanage… then I explained that
a muggle orphanage was for unwanted children… and how common it was to abandon
your children in the muggle world… I think I also mentioned how I don't really
have a name" She waffled on, feeling a slight migraine coming on. Why did Poppy
say all of these morbid things to Ron's mum! She was insane!
Poppy rubbed her eye with the back of her right hand, groaned and then banged
her head on the table.
Ron had turned to Harry and mentioned how mental she was. Poppy quite agreed
with the sentiment. She couldn't even act normal for two bloody minutes. What
else was she going to reveal? That she was adopted by Regulus Black, Death
Eater? Merlin.
The striped haired teenager peered up when she heard Mrs Weasley move to
continue preparing lunch and Mr Weasley sat down to strike up a conversation
with Percy about something Ministry related.
As she looked up she smiled sheepishly at the tanned and older red head,
already having an idea who it was, "Hey, in case you don't know I'm Poppy. I'm
sorry about the personal babble there. You probably think I'm mental. I would
say I usually have more tact than that but it would be an outrageous lie" She
admitted.
The man laughed easily and held his hand out for her to shake kindly, "No
worries, I'm sure you'll fit right in then" He replied with a smile, "I'm
Charlie"
Poppy shook Charlie's hand, feeling the rough texture that hinted at his
lifestyle working with his hands. She took her time to take Charlie in and
scented the smallest whiff of dragon scent permeating his clothing. He was a
friendly and easy going individual it was obvious though did not seem the
overly sociable type. She did not take offense that he did not strike up a
conversation as he seemed like a man of few words.
Mrs Weasley appeared then with lunch and began floating plates onto the table.
Much like Hogwarts, the set up was something like a buffet and a legion of red
heads all dived forwards to grab their food.
When Ron's mother lifted her wand, Poppy internally panicked and fingered her
own in comfort. In hindsight it was a ridiculous notion that Mrs Weasley would
ever raise a wand against her but at that moment instinct overcame her and she
eyed the woman intently.
The animagus needn't have worried though as the Weasley children all jerked
their hands back from the food with surprised and sullen expressions as their
mother sighed heavily.
"We have guests" She reminded everyone with a stern expression to her children
and then smiled kindly to Harry and Poppy, "Harry, Poppy dear, help yourself"
She motioned to the food.
The two green-eyed best friends looked at each other awkwardly before reaching
out and taking a sandwich each. As soon as the two had taken something the rest
of the family dug back in.
It was a relaxed and easy-going atmosphere at the table, reminding Poppy much
of Hogwarts. There was laughter, fun stories, teasing and lots of eating. The
food was surprisingly delicious but the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere in the
kitchen was much more enjoyable. The striped haired teenager watched the family
interact with a small smile.
At one-point Poppy made eye contact with the long haired Weasley and knew from
the process of deduction that this must be Bill. She smiled at him kindly and
he smiled back charmingly, "I'm Bill by the way" He greeted as they hadn't been
formally introduced yet.
Poppy nodded, "I figured as much. You're the curse breaker I take it? Did you
get time off work to come visit?" She inquired, simply making polite
conversation.
Bill Weasley was smiling and seemed more at ease conversing with her than his
younger brother Charlie. She gathered he was a charismatic man that was fairly
relaxed but took certain things seriously. Seated here, at this table with this
wonderful family Poppy could finally see why Ron had developed such an inferior
complex as did Percy too.
Bill nodded, "Yes, I moved back here recently and got a job in the London
Gringott's bank. It's not as exciting but at least I can see my family much
more" He explained.
Poppy was very interested in this revelation. Ginny turned to her eldest
brother and started up a conversation then and left her to ponder Bill's
statement. Was it coincidental that Bill Weasley – an accomplished curse
breaker and probably reasonable duellist – moved back to the country when
Voldemort has been declared back? Likely not. The fact that Albus Dumbledore
moved Harry to the Weasley's told her the family must have some connection to
the Wizard.
After they all finished lunch, everyone wanted to continue their Quidditch
game. Harry begged off, "Na I'm going to spend some time with Poppy. I'm sure
you'll want to get unpacked, right?" He asked her.
The striped haired girl smiled and nodded, Ron sighing heavily beside his
friend and looking torn whether or not to continue playing.
Mrs Weasley bustled over and looked to her with a smile, "You'll be staying
with Ginny, I hope that's alright. Hermione will be arriving tomorrow, and
she'll be staying there too" She explained. Poppy smiled brighter knowing all
her friends would be here soon.
Ron's mum then looked up, "Ginny dear, would you show Poppy to your room?" She
called out to her daughter, already about to leave the room. Ginny scowled and
paused.
"Mum, I was just about to go back out to play. Can't you show her?" She huffed.
Mrs Weasley frowned at the obvious rudeness but Poppy interjected, "It's fine.
I'm sure Harry knows. Don't you?" She asked her friend and Harry nodded
frantically at her, seeming to notice the potential conflict as well.
Mrs Weasley did not look too appeased but Ginny had already darted out of the
room by this point. Ron eventually decided to play the game again and Mrs
Weasley said she had transfigured a double bed for her and Hermione to share.
She thanked the woman profusely and even gave her a hug in gratitude. Poppy
ignored the way Ron's mum held onto her a bit too tightly.
The striped haired girl grabbed her speckled friend's hand as he began leading
her up the stairs after the Weasley's had disappeared.
Harry led her to a decent sized room with Quidditch posters on the wall of the
Hollyhead Harpies and other mismatched furniture. In the corner of the room
seemingly out of place was a double bed with two empty bedside cabinets on
either side. Poppy wandered over, figuring that this was her bed.
The animagus sighed, plopped down on the springy mattress and looked around the
room with a grin on her face.
"Wow" She intoned to Harry. Her messy haired friend smiled back and wandered
over to sit beside her on her bed.
"I know" He agreed, both orphans at a lost for words at the Weasley home. It
was both achingly wonderful and sadly amazing. Poppy didn't know she could ever
be so welcomed yet feel so out of place.
The animagus reached forward to hold Harry's hand and clutched it a little too
tightly. They both sat in silence for a moment before Poppy sighed and looked
at her friend, "Come sleep with me tonight?" She asked hopefully, staring at
her friend with big green eyes. Usually, Harry was weak for her pleading look
but only looked at her with regret.
"Better not we don't want the Weasley's gossiping or for Mrs Weasley to flip
out" He explained. The striped haired teenager huffed in
exasperation. Honestly, did everyone assume something between them was going
on.
It wasn't anything new, really. Poppy sharing a bed with her friends, that is.
Every now and then she would sneak inside the boy's dormitory and cuddle with
Harry for comfort after a nightmare. He never turned her away, despite how
cramped the bed got as they grew up. Poppy even jumped in with Ron a time or
two and was amused at the mortification and wide eyes of her friend. Ron
sometimes kicked her out, sometimes he grumbled at her, but he always rubbed
her back and held her hand if she was in a right state after a particular bad
nightmare.
She refrained from Ron's bed since fourth year, however, ever since Poppy began
to notice the way Hermione would pat her hair and blush at their ginger haired
friends arrival. Poppy should really do something about that. Were they going
to dance around each other forever?
"And? We can explain we're just friends" Poppy muttered in irritation, not
truly arguing but a little petulant. At least Hermione would be here tomorrow
night to help. Her bushy haired friend got the most emotional and distressed if
Poppy woke up screaming, crying and muttering in foreign languages but always
went above and beyond to settle the animagus down.
Harry smiled sadly at her and she grumbled a little as she stood up. Poppy
fished her shrunken trunk from her pocket and pulled her wand out.
The boy-who-lived hand shot out to stop her before she touched her wand to the
trunk to return it to normal size, looking worried, "You sure you should be
doing underage magic here?" He asked anxiously.
Poppy smirked and shook her head, "I don't have a trace remember? And the
underage magic law applies to the household, so most Wizarding houses get away
with it. And this house definitely has too much magic going on to get noticed"
She explained cockily.
Harry's mouth dropped open in indignation, probably from his own experiences
being reprimanded for underage magic. The striped haired teenager gave him a
sympathetic smile as she tapped her trunk to bring it to normal size.
Poppy unpacked her things and felt warm being at the Weasley family home. It
was just wonderful and everything she'd ever dreamed of. Harry lounged on her
temporary bed and the two best friends laughed, smiled and marvelled at this
strange but wonderful place they'd somehow stumbled into.
Hermione arrived the next day and Poppy was glad. Sleeping in the room with
Ginny Weasley was an awkward affair. The animagus could tell the girl didn't
like her and usually such a trivial thing wouldn't bother her. But this
was Ron's sister. She could probably sense there was something wrong with
Poppy. What if she told her family?
Therefore, Poppy didn't sleep a wink that night, caught somewhere between
happiness, anxious worry, excitement and dread.
Mr Weasley had fetched Hermione from her house and accompanied her through
the floo. Poppy sat with both legs bouncing and an anxious expression on her
face at twelve o'clock.
When Hermione stepped through the fire she jumped up and threw herself forward,
"Mione!" She bellowed and latched herself onto her bushy haired friend.
Hermione sighed good naturedly and let out a little laugh as she hugged back.
Poppy clung to her and refused to let go.
Her female friend ignored Poppy's clinginess and simply gently nudged her to
the side so Hermione could face the room at large with Poppy was hugging her
from the side now.
"Thank you for inviting me over Mrs Weasley" Hermione greeted kindly. Mrs
Weasley smiled back and looked like she wanted to approach and hug the bushy
haired girl but refrained as Poppy was already situated there.
The animagus took in Hermione's appearance for the first time. Her bookworm
friend had definitely developed this summer. Poppy smirked a little as she took
in the still a little frizzy but much more tamed and presentable hair, the
pretty jumper and figure hugging jeans. It was still casual but miles ahead of
the strictly comfortable attire Hermione usually preferred. Someone was trying
to make a good impression.
"Don't you look gorgeous 'Mione" Poppy declared happily, pulling back and
holding Hermione at arm's length to exaggeratedly take her in. Poppy even moved
around the girl in a circle to take everything at all angles, "I'm loving the
new look" The animagus grinned at her friend and smacked her on the bum.
Hermione's face went instantly red through the grin spreading across her face
told her she wasn't too out of line, "Poppy" She reprimanded in a squeal.
Weasley's around them laughed in amusement with Mr Weasley hiding a smile
behind his hands.
Poppy jumped back from the hand that went out to smack her on the arm, Hermione
was trying her best to look unamused. The animagus dipped her head in apology
but looked up cheekily, "Sorry, sweetie, couldn't resist" She winked at
Hermione.
Poppy heard a grumble from the corner of the room and saw Ron huffing and
staring at her unhappily. Someone's jealous.
"Ohh… someone jealous?" She called out in a sing song voice. Bill Weasley let
out a sharp laugh and hit his youngest brother on the back.
Ron's face went as red as his hair, from the tips of his ears to the back of
his neck. She smirked, "It's okay" Poppy sighed heavily and began to creep
forward, "your arse is just as good as 'Mione's" She intoned with a mock
solemn face.
Ron's red face began to turn purple and distressed as she nudged forward, "Stay
away from me" He warned, looking slightly panicked. Her smile turned devious.
"Come on Ron, no need to feel jealous, I'll show you I appreciate you just as
much" She called out and darted forward. Ron yelped and bolted away.
Poppy's green eyes sparkled as she followed after her friend with wagging
fingers and laughter bubbling up her throat.
The next week was a dream come true for the hardened teenage girl. Spending
time with her friends, lounging on the Weasley's well-worn sofa with an old
book, learning the basics of cooking, flirting with the twins, cuddling Mione
late at night and dinners that filled her up as much as Hogwarts ever could.
It only took two days for Harry to corner her with a topic of discussion that
she was dreading. It was very early morning – before sunrise – and Poppy had
woken from another nightmare. Her eyes shot open, her body was covered in sweat
and mind flashed with unwanted memories from her past.
'Mione had managed to sleep through and Poppy didn't want to wake her, she'd
done it enough. Similarly, when she had gotten a book out last night and tried
to read by Lumos Ginny Weasley was furious about being woken so she opted not
to do that either.
Instead, she silently crept out of the bed and padded down the stairs. A quick
wandless tempus told her that Mrs Weasley wouldn't be up for another hour at
least, two at most. A glass of water or a small run outside may help to clear
her mind as it usually did.
But when she reached the bottom of the stairs a very familiar scent assaulted
her and she walked over to see Harry slouched at Mrs Weasley's table nursing a
cup of tea. The boy-who-lived startled when she appeared in the doorway and his
wand shot up in a panic.
The animagus ignored this and approached to sit opposite her messy haired best
friend and smiled at him comfortingly. Harry's wand dropped, and he rubbed his
eyes behind his glasses, "What you doing up Poppy?" He asked tiredly.
"Nightmares, what about you?" She asked, already having an indication. Harry
revealed his nightmares about Lord Voldemort and it seriously worried her. This
connection – it was unnatural. Wrong and most of all dark. Poppy needed to know
what it was to sever it. Albus Dumbledore probably knew and yet he didn't
bloody do anything. Probably wanting to work it to his advantage. old bastard.
Harry looked despondent as he sighed out, "Same". Poppy was extremely worried
for her friend. She would never allow anything to happen to him but despite her
previous learnings she was still too inexperienced and no match for one of the
strongest dark wizards of their time. This connection, Harry's scar, it itched
at her subconscious and made something inside of her dread. She didn't know why
but it did.
Poppy stood up and moved around the table to sit beside Harry, wanting some
answers. He looked at her curiously, "Mind if I check out your scar? I've
done a lot of research into dark scars and yours doesn't make any sense.
Neither does your connection to Lord Voldemort. Can I take a look, maybe
there's something a spirit wolf can see that others can't"
Harry furrowed his brows but nodded his head in agreement. Poppy lifted her
hand, pushed Harry's messy fringe away and traced his lightning bolt scar with
her fingertip. She truly doubted that being a spirit wolf would reveal
anything. Apparently, she was a light creature that judged the souls of others.
Her mind flashed back to the strange array of colours when watching Harry's fat
cousin being attacked by a dementor. It all happened so fast and so much of it
was instinctual but the colours… could she see that without the dementors?
It was an intriguing thought but one she pushed to the back of her mind. Poppy
reached inside herself to her light magic and concentrated it on the tip of her
finger where it was placed on Harry's scar.
A burning, obnoxious smell reached her nose at the same time sharp burning pain
hit her finger and travelled up her arm. Poppy jerked away violently from the
pain and growled under her breath, feeling her eyes tingle.
Wrong, wrong, unnatural, wrong, wrong.
A voice inside of her snarled and whined. Harry was doubled over and panting
while she sneezed continuously, feeling as if that horrible smell had burned
the hairs inside her nose. Merlin, it was vile. And wrong.
Poppy lifted her hand up to examine her finger and saw nothing out of the
ordinary. In her experience, if dark magic had cursed her it would be apparent
but how could a scar do that? Unless it wasn't a scar… but something else
entirely.
Harry groaned painfully and looked up at her, "Let's not do that again,
alright?" He said with a strained voice.
Poppy let out a bitter laugh and agreed. Scars didn't fight back like that.
This was no dark magic she'd ever heard of and she would consider herself
fairly well versed in the subject. Poppy needed to figure this out. Maybe this…
connection was a living entity, what if-
"So, I wrote to Sirius today" Harry interrupted her thought pattern. The
subject immediately put her on edge and she recalled her hasty revelation
during the train ride that year. Her mask crept onto her face and dread started
to coil in her stomach.
"Oh? How is he doing?" She inquired warmly, ignoring the implications of
Harry's statement. They were not discussing this. This was her decision. Not
his.
Harry looked nervous and watched her closely as he ruffled his hair, "He's
alright" Harry began slowly then furrowed his brows a little, "Actually he's
great. As happy as I've ever heard him to be. He must be doing quite well"
Harry noted with a small smile. Poppy was glad at the connection between the
two of them. Who would have thought her best friend would end up the godson of
her Uncle's Reggie's' big brother? It was insanely coincidental. If Sirius
Black was anything like his younger brother then Harry was extremely lucky
indeed.
Harry was still watching her intently, "I asked him about his family…" He began
cautiously and immediately Poppy felt her spine stiffen.
Harry did what.
The animagus loosened her muscles and stared with hard green eyes, resisting
the urge to delve into her best friends mind. That would be a violation. Even
though what he had done would also constitute as one.
Harry looked uncertain as he continued, "-Yeah, I just asked about his
immediate family and what happened to them and if he thought they were all pure
evil" His green eyes darted away from hers.
Poppy inhaled and then exhaled, "I see. I thought I told you not to mention
anything to Sirius Black?" She asked quietly, dangerously. The hardened girl
ignored the rage creeping up inside of her. She didn't want to hurt her friend.
No, she didn't. She wouldn't lose control.
Harry looked back up at her with a frown, "I didn't say anything. I only asked
him about his family Poppy" He looked unhappily at her and then sat up
straighter, "And he has a right to know, you know. It's his younger brother"
Harry objected.
Fire boiled inside of her blood. Poppy glared at the boy-who-lived, "And he
is my uncle Harry" She spoke in a quiet but tone ringing with warning. How
could Harry do this? She fucking trusted him, "And you may have only asked but
he might wonder why. He might pry or do research or be bloody fucking
suspicious, don't you think?" Her voice hissed.
Harry looked angry then too and Poppy felt her magic flare up inside of her.
How dare he be angry at her?
"Not everyone is as paranoid as you are Poppy, calm down" He said loudly. Poppy
waved her hand automatically to cast a silencing charm in case their raised
voices alerted the Weasleys.
"Calm down? Calm down?" Poppy repeated incredulously, "I told you not to say
anything. Why were you even asking if all his family were all pure evil?
Regulus Black was my Uncle, Harry. My family. He loved me and took me in
despite me not being pureblood. Doesn't that tell you enough or don't you trust
me?" She accused, feeling warmth start to pool in her eyes and cursing her own
weakness. Was she wrong? Was she as foolish as her papa always told her she was
in trusting someone?
Never trust anyone, Poppy, including me.
Harry shook his head violently, "I do trust you Poppy, but you were just a
child then and maybe- "
Poppy stood up abruptly from the seat, the wooden chair squealing unpleasantly
against the hard-wooden floor.
Betrayal, pain and indignation swelled up inside of her uncontrollably. How
could Harry be so harsh to the one person that took care of her? If it wasn't
for Uncle Reg she would be as cruel and dark as her papa wanted her to be! Why
couldn't he just accept that. Why couldn't he just leave it alone.
Harry scrambled up from his seat also, making that loud and unpleasant noise
with his own chair. The messy haired teen placed his hands on his shoulders and
green eyes pleaded with hers, "Poppy please, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like
that… it's just I think you should tell Sirius. He will want to know about his
younger brother and I'm sure he'll be glad to hear he took such care of you.
Maybe if he knew his brother adopted you then-"
Poppy cut him off sharply and jerked away from him, "That he might adopt me
then?" She shouted, eyes flashing and chest rising rapidly. Poppy let out a
slight hysterical giggle, "Merlin's beard Harry, this isn't some fairy-tale.
There isn't a happy ending here. Just because you were lucky and ended up with
a godfather doesn't mean that I'm going to come live with you and we can all be
one big happy family!" She fumed. Poppy felt betrayed, embarrassed and ashamed.
Did he really think her so pathetic that he needed to take her in?
Harry's mouth opened and closed. She panted and watched the dumbfounded and
ashamed look cross his face. The striped haired teenager needed to get out of
here.
Poppy transformed into her animagus form, ran towards the wall, went through it
and disappeared into the night sky.
The wolf returned an hour and a half later and was only a little late for
breakfast. She didn't speak with Harry for the rest of the day until he crept
into her bed that night to apologise.
===============================================================================
Harry's birthday was slowly approaching, and it was obvious the Weasley's had
something planned, something huge. The gleeful and warm looks sent her friends
way by the married pair intrigued her.
Everything was wonderful and blissful during her stay aside from that one
argument with Harry. They didn't speak of it and Harry dropped the subject
though she could tell he still wanted her to talk to Sirius Black. They ignored
the issue for now.
Another slight issue was the strangeness that was Molly Weasley. The woman was
on a mission to feed Harry properly it seemed. She was always subtly giving him
extras or placing more vegetables and meat on his plate. Sometimes she would
see Molly getting owls and reading them with a determined face before abruptly
deciding on something else for dinner. Small potion vials were even sent which
Molly forced Harry to drink – nutrient supplements apparently. Harry dipped his
head bashfully but drank down each vial religiously, not wishing to make a
fuss.
This campaign towards Harry also extended towards her, in a manner. Molly
Weasley began to pry into her personal life. A Slytherin, she was not. Poppy
was firm in keeping any more personal details in her life away from the kind
woman. She did not need to know about the horrors of the orphans past. Though
the woman always gave Poppy an extra helping, would sometimes gift her with
jumpers, socks, biscuits, blankets and even a pair of gloves – for when winter
began of course. Poppy knew this was merely a sense of maternal guilt and pity
from Ron's mum but soaked up every small offering of care with bright eyes and
gleeful smile. Perhaps the always surprise and joy on her face was another
reason Molly Weasley kept at it.
But things were about to change, Poppy could feel it. Harry was beginning to
get restless now, weeks into the summer holiday and he was barely allowed out
of the Weasley house. It was apparent to the animagus that Bill Weasley's
presence was something of a guard to Harry or an extra set of eyes and wand for
protection. This became evident to Harry when he accidently flew out of the
wards and Bill shot forward to drag him back under the protection. From that
day on, Harry began to feel suffocated instead of welcomed inside the charming
mismatched home.
"Ugh, it's not fair" Harry grumbled and slouched back on the girl's bed in a
huff. Ron, Hermione and Poppy all eyed each other for a moment standing at the
foot of the bed.
Hermione tentatively spoke up, "We know it's not Harry but it's for your
protect-" She began only to be cut off sharply by Harry.
"-If you say it's for my protection one more time I'm gonna loose it" He shot
up and glared at their bushy haired friend. Hermione looked anxious and upset
about Harry's unhappiness and Poppy felt quite the same way.
Hoping to be helpful she said, "I'll stay here with you, I don't mind" Poppy
offered kindly. Truly, Poppy didn't care much for their trip to Diagon Ally.
For some strange reason when they woke up that morning Mr and Mrs Weasley were
all excited for Bill, Charlie and the Twins to accompany Ginny, Poppy, Hermione
and Ron out for the day. The last two days, a certain excitement and
expectation had settled into the married Weasley's faces and even Bill and
Charlie looked happy too, shooting looks towards Harry all of the time. Perhaps
it was to do with his birthday that was approaching in a week?
Whatever it was, it was clearly a good surprise and Poppy wanted to know what
it was. So, she didn't mind staying in with Harry and finding out what the fuss
is about.
Harry groaned loudly at her suggestion and scowled, "Yeah thanks, that be
great. Your always bloody here anyway" He grumbled.
Panic, pain and shame stabbed through her heart at Harry's comment. Did… did he
not like having her around? Was he sick of her? Was she really just a nuisance
that hung around him like an unwanted stray? It felt like she had been blasted
backwards with a bombarda spell.
Ron edged towards her and wrapped a tentative hand around her shoulders in
comfort though it felt like she was frozen in ice, "That was unnecessary, mate"
He muttered.
Harry looked up and whatever he saw on her face must have been bad for it made
regret sink into his. The boy-who-lived stood up and approached her with sorrow
filled green eyes.
"God Poppy I'm so sorry, I didn't mean it like that" He said quietly and moved
forward to give her a hug. The animagus felt her frame tremble as she clung to
her best friend. Insecurities, panic and shame still washed through her like
acid and she didn't feel much like talking.
Harry tucked her into his chest and lay his head on the top of hers before
sighing, "Really, I'm sorry. I was just excited about this trip to Diagon then
I find out it's too dangerous for me to be going out and it's just not fair.
I'm sorry for taking my anger out on you but I just feel so trapped here like a
prisoner!" He exclaimed.
Horror washed through her and Poppy pulled back from her best friend to stare
at him hardly, "You-you feel like a prisoner here Harry?" She asked
incredulously with hysteria creeping into her voice. Her green eyes stared
wildly into his own greens.
Regret flashed through his as he began to speak but she cut him off sharply and
stood up straight with a determined air, "-No no. I will not have you feeling
this way Harry. Merlin, I didn't know how awful you felt here- I-can't-I'm"
Poppy choked on her words and felt such shame and rage at herself. Harry was
bloody trapped here, and she was just enjoying spending time with him. How
bloody selfish was she?!
Harry looked hesitant and sad as he reached forward to her and said quietly,
"No Poppy-not like-" He began, looking so sympathetic and compassionate towards
her that she felt sick. How could he be thinking of her at a time like this!
Images of that little cottage, or months moving, travelling, learning with her
papa and the clawing feeling of being trapped, isolated, held prisoner came
back to her. No, she would not be letting her best friend feel that way. She'd
rather die.
Poppy ignored the words around her and marched over to her trunk, happy that
she was always so prepared. The striped haired teenager blew her hair out of
her face irritably as she rifled through her trunk. Where was her potions… Aha.
Poppy pulled out a two of the same potion which was kept good by a stasis
charm. Her trunk slammed shut and she handed one over to Harry, tapping the
goblet to remove the charm. Immediately it began smoking.
Hermione gasped, "Is-is that what I think it is?" She asked faintly, looking
surprised and a little impressed.
Poppy felt so proud to be doing something for Harry that she beamed back and
nodded frantically. Harry and Ron looked sceptically at the Potion.
Hermione huffed, "Honestly, it's Polyjuice, I can't believe you two don't
remember that" She reprimanded.
Ron's eyes went wide, and he looked at her in awe, "What you doing
with Polyjuice in your bloody trunk?" He asked with surprise lacking his tone.
Poppy didn't think it was so unusual. They were at war. It was only a potion.
One that might come in handy, "Just in case I needed it" She replied with a
shrug of the shoulders.
Ron had that 'you are mental' look on his face and he turned to Hermione for
agreement. Hermione looked confused and she sniffed at the Potion.
"What are you going to do with it?" She asked curiously, taking in the Potion
and assessing it. Poppy smirked. The animagus reached back, grabbed a single
strand of hair from the back of her head and plucked. She then dropped it
inside Harry's steaming goblet. The Potion swallowed up her hair and bubbled a
little.
Harry watched the Potion with a hopeful expression and looked up with a grin,
"Poppy this is brilliant! I can go to Diagon Ally as you!" He beamed with such
excitement it practically made her glow from the inside. Infact, she let out a
tiny rumbling purr.
Hermione still looked uncertain, "Won't they notice if there is two Poppy's and
it only lasts an hour" She explained.
Poppy smirked at her friends and held out her own and took the stasis charm off
of hers also. It began smoking, "That's why I've got one too and I've got six
more in my trunk. That will last us both for four hours. I think that will be
enough. If not I can fly down to Diagon and we can swap quickly" She explained
with a devious smile.
Harry looked so grateful, incredulous and happy at the same time. He grinned as
he lifted his goblet and began to drink deeply. Harry made several gagging
noises as he finished and wiped his mouth with an expression of pure disgust.
Poppy smiled.
Hermione looked anxious about the whole affair and wrung her hands while Ron
looked excited about the whole thing.
Harry dutifully pulled out one of his own unruly hairs and
the animagus obediently gobbled it up as her friend's face began to bubble and
shift.
By the time she had swallowed the entire Potion and opened her eyes, she was
staring back at an exact replica of herself. Poppy blinked. Well, not exactly
like herself. The teenage girl in front of her had circular glasses on and
clothes that didn't fit her frame properly, going to tightly across her chest
and hips. The Poppy in front of her blushed and shifted uncomfortably in the
clothes, pulling off the glasses and blinking.
Poppy felt her face began to bubble and the pain of shifting bones and muscles.
She grit her teeth to hide her displeasure as she began to shift.
Afterwards she looked up only to see the world had disappeared.
"I'm blind!" she called out, worried something had gone wrong with the Potion.
Someone pressed glasses into her hand and she took them with a sheepish glance.
Poppy put on the glasses, blinked, then stared at herself staring wide eyes at
her. It was all so strange. The Poppy in front of her hair was loose and messy
and green eyes sparkled with more innocence then hers ever did. She smiled
sadly.
Poppy held out her hands to look at the bigger and different shaped hands of
her friend Harry. This was so strange. Her bra dug in uncomfortably into her
back and was empty in the front.
"Children, are you almost ready?" Molly Weasley shouted from downstairs and
everyone in the room gasped at each other.
Hermione and Ron scrambled to leave the room and distract the Weasley
matriarch, "Coming mum!" Ron yelled and stared at both of them in the wrong
clothing before walking out the room, his cheeks a little red. Hermione smiled
at them awkwardly and shut the door behind them.
The Poppy across from her had cheeks that bloomed a lovely pink colour as she
looked down bashfully, appearing shy. Poppy – in Harry's body – smirked and
wiggled her eyebrows as she lifted the hem of her dress and tossed in on the
bed.
Her friend, cleared his throat and began unbuttoning his shirt, face getting
steadily redder and Poppy laughed, "I look adorable when I blush" She
commented, still in her own high pitched female voice.
The striped haired teenage girl in front of her frowned sullenly, full lips
moving out in a pout, "Ha ha. What are we going to do about our voices?"
Harry's voice asked from her mouth.
Poppy was now in only her - too small now - panties and had taken her bra off
by now, feeling… empty in the chest area. She was an average C cup, nothing too
special but definitely felt the different in the flat chest she sported now.
Harry had taken off his shoes, socks, jeans, and unbuttoned his shirt but
didn't open it. Poppy huffed and laughed a little, moving forward. It was
strange, undressing yourself. She got a perspective of herself that one didn't
normally see. She found herself curious and happy at her assessment until her
scars were revealed and she swallowed in shame. Poppy would never be considered
beautiful. Not as mutilated as she was.
Harry, as it turned out, was too embarrassed and they had only a short amount
of time. Poppy put her bra on the version of herself in front of her and
jokingly squeezed her breasts with a giggle. Harry yelped and glared with a
burning pink face. Poppy was amused. She looked cute when indignant.
"Nice and firm" She commented, voice wobbling in amusement.
Harry sighed and green eyes darted to the door, looking anxious as if someone
might walk in and think him a pervert. That would be hilarious.
They both hurried to get dressed, both feeling a little uncomfortable in the
opposite gendered body. Especially as it was their best friend…
Poppy lifted her wand and tapped each of throats with a whispered incantation.
The striped haired replica of herself frowned and opened her mouth, "What was-
" he began in her voice before going wide eyed, "Wow" Harry spoke in her exact
voice.
Poppy smirked and replied, "Yep. I'm awesome" She said smugly now in Harry's
voice.
The animagus hurried over and prepared the Potions, shrinking and slipping it
into her dress pocket for Harry and giving him a few of her hairs. Harry – with
Poppy's face looked confused – so she rolled her eyes, pushed Harry's glasses
up the bridge of her nose and said, "Hermione will know"
"What if you need me back here?" Harry frowned with Poppy's face. Poppy
pondered the conundrum for a moment. She could always pop away and fly to him
but they couldn't do the reverse. It was doubtful that they would need to but
there was always the possibility.
"Hold on" She began and returned to her trunk. They animagus pulled out a
simple rope bracelet that was sweet, simple and charming. It didn't go exactly
with the outfit Poppy had put Harry in but it would do.
She wandered back over and secured it. The hardened teenager then tapped her
wand to it to activate the spell.
Harry was watching her with her bright green curious eyes. She explained, "This
will vibrate and glow if I need you. If it does – which it probably won't –
hurry back. I'll only activate it in an emergency. I'll probably just stay
hidden in your room not to cause suspicion. I doubt I'll need you"
Harry nodded seriously, "How does it work?" He asked as they began to leave the
room.
"I'll say an activation word that will turn it on. I picked Hippogriff" She
smirked as they closed the bedroom door behind her.
The two best friends walked down the stairs then, Poppy noticing how strange it
was to be a little taller but lighter on her feet as Harry.
In the meantime, she walked beside the copy of herself and watched as Harry
reached back and tugged at her bra strap awkwardly. She smirked and leant into
his ear, "You get used to it" She whispered in Harry's voice.
As they walked down the stairs Poppy nudged her wand into Harry's left hand. He
looked up and frowned at her, Poppy watching the small line appear between her
eyebrows at the gesture.
"What?" He asked.
Poppy sighed, "Take my wand and I'll need yours" She whispered in Harry's
voice. Green eyes widened in realisation and he quickly handed over his wand as
they reached the bottom of the stairs. It was a small detail, but she didn't
want anyone noticing that they didn't have the correct wands. It was a dead
giveaway. It was unlikely that they'd need them anyway.
Poppy saw everyone was waiting downstairs for the two of them and Poppy smiled
in amusement at the smirking twins and glaring Ginny. What did they think they
were doing? Hermione and Ron looked a little nervous – not Slytherin's indeed.
Poppy put on a sullen face and slouched as if she was Harry and unhappy to be
not going out that day. As she took in the Weasley house something struck her
as odd. It was tidy, very tidy. Not that the place was every dirty or a
particular mess but there was a certain homely messiness that came from a well
loved and used home. The place was looking particularly spotless that day as if
Mrs Weasley had made an extra effort in cleaning the place up. It was
interesting.
Mrs Weasley turned and smiled at Harry – looking like Poppy – and said, "Poppy
dear, are you ready to go?"
Harry turned to her and she resisted the urge to hit him. Had he forgotten that
he was her already!
Harry looked startled, cheeks going a little pink – she did not blush, he was
acting so obvious – and cleared his throat, "Yes Mrs Weasley" He said quietly,
eyes down and appearing nervous.
He was really bad at this.
Poppy stepped forward with a hopeful expression, "Are you sure I can't go Mr
Weasley? I can keep my hood up" She said pretending to look down about being
left behind. Harry then shuffled over to Ron and Hermione, his foot slipping
out of her flat shoes before fixing it with a rosy face. Ron laughed before
Hermione hit him on the arm.
Mr Weasley walked forward with a poor sympathetic face and winked at her,
"Don't worry Harry. You're not missing anything exciting. You'll want to be
here, trust me" He said in almost a conspiring tone. Poppy perked up and
ruffled her hair, it being strange as it stuck up everywhere.
"eh-hem" Mrs Weasley called out and glared fiercely at her husband. They all
then made arrangements and shuffled over to the floo. Poppy dragged behind
everyone with a put on scowl, feeling gleeful on the inside at their deception.
When it was Harry's turn to enter the floo, he – with her face – looked nervous
and kept pulling the hem of her dress down. Honestly, it wasn't that short.
After everyone had left and only Mr and Mrs Weasley remained they both turned
to look at her and grin. It was actually a little creepy. Mr Weasley approached
her and placed a hand on Harry's shoulder,
"Sorry about that. Why don't you go for a fly today? Cheer yourself up a bit"
He suggested with a smile. Poppy felt a brief moment of panic when thinking I
can't bloody fly.
She simply shrugged her shoulders and looked down shyly to act like Harry,
"Actually Mr Weasley, is it alright if I do my summer homework upstairs today?
Better get it done today while no ones here" She said in Harry's lower tone.
Mr and Mrs Weasley looked at each other almost in worry before a large smile
crept across Ron's mums face, "Of course you can dear. Off you go then, I heard
you have quite a bit to get through this year. Starting your NEWTS next year"
She said in a busy tone and moved forward to bustle her out of the room.
Poppy was surprised. They didn't want her downstairs? Why not? This was highly
unusual. She had a feeling something was going on but couldn't quite figure out
what exactly.
Nevertheless, Poppy walked up the stairs dutifully and noticed with her
advanced senses the Weasleys talking quietly amongst themselves,
"What time will they be here again?" Mr Weasley asked his wife. Sounds of
banging pots and a harsh scrubbing reached her ears.
"Just over an hour. I'm so excited Arthur, this will be a wonderful surprise
for Harry" Mrs Weasley began.
Poppy frowned as the voices cut off as they must have moved out of her hearing
range. This was not good. Whatever the surprise is – a gift or so – she could
pretend to be Harry until he arrived. I'm sure he wouldn't mind too much as
long as he gets his gifts.
The animagus settled into Harry and Ron's room, in case the Weasley's came
looking for him. She opened an old textbook which must have belonged to one of
Ron's older brothers and began reading up on NEWT level Arithmancy to kill some
time.
She hadn't noticed time passing until a gentle knock on the door startled her
from her readings and she blinked her eyes and looked up. Oh no! What time is
it? Do I need to take the Potion again?
"Just a minute" She called out in Harry's voice and scrambled into Harry's
shabby jean pocket to pull out and quickly prepare the potion. She had it
downed within five seconds and struggled not to gag as she walked towards the
bedroom door.
She opened the door was a cautious smile, only to blink and stare wide eyed at
the person standing before her.
A tall man in impeccably tailored robes stood before her. They were a mixture
of grey, black, deep purple and maroon. A colour combination which screamed
Wizarding finery without looking pompous but rather suave. His hair was cut
just under his chin and hung in soft waves and some ringlets in a deep midnight
black. The mans face was stubbled with a slight moustache and beard curling
around the mans large and bright smile. His eyes were a molten silver and
framed by dark thick lashes. Every inch of him screamed masculine from his
sharp and thick jawline to the tattoo's visible on his fingertips. Poppy
swallowed.
It was Sirius Black.
"S-Sirius" She stuttered uncharacteristically, still in Harry's voice. And then
a deep moment of dread settled into her. This was the surprise. Harry is going
to be so disappointed he missed his godfather. Maybe she could pop to the loo,
fly out in her animagus form to go and fetch him.
The man standing before her grinned with big white teeth and moved forwards,
"Harry" He said in greeting. Poppy – still a little startled at that moment –
assumed Sirius Black was going for a handshake. After all, she had just met
him. But then she wasn't meeting him. It was Harry he was seeing again but this
didn't register with her as she pulled her hand out as he came forward.
It was only when her hand came into contact with warm cloth covering skin and
saw his arms around her shoulders, she realised he wanted a hug.
Poppy jerked her hand back and looked down. Merlin no, merlin no no no, her
hand… Harry's hand was at his groin.
Poppy looked up in horror to Sirius Black's surprised face which was close. The
man was taller than her, even as Harry – though not by much – and her face felt
like it was burning.
"Oh I'm so sorry Sirius, I-" She stared wide eyed as his shock turned into
amusement and he laughed good naturedly. She was glad he would find something
amusing here. She had just… fondled Harry's godfather. Uncle Reg's brother.
Sirius shook his head and barked out a laugh, "No harm done" He said with
amusement then moved forward to embrace his godson. Poppy smiled into the mans
hug which lingered a little. Her face was still warm – she had just grabbed him
by the groin – but she enjoyed the moment. She was a very physically
affectionate person after all.
Sirius Black pulled back with twinkling grey eyes, "I can see your happy to see
me. Maybe too happy" He barked out another laugh and Poppy dipped her eyes away
bashfully. She was extremely glad that she was Harry at the moment and not
herself in this embarrassing situation. She was not looking forward to
explaining it to her best friend later.
Poppy coughed and ruffled her hair awkwardly, "Uh" She began, not knowing what
to say. What did Harry talk about with his godfather?
Sirius smiled a happy and excited smile at her. He put his arm around Harry's
shoulders and began leading her from the room. Poppy took a large whiff of his
scent. Musky, warm, masculine, safe, comforting and protective. It was a lovely
scent. A small tickle in her nose of something… burnt or stale made her frown.
Was that coming from Sirius Black?
"Now, I've got a surprise for you but I need you to trust me" Sirius began in a
solemn tone of voice as he began leading her down the stairs. The hand dropped
from her shoulder and Poppy took a moment to take in the man beside her.
Her initial assessment of his appearance was spot on. His hair was
characteristically Black, and he had the well sculpted face of an aristocrat
but lacked the refinement of his blood. Sirius' hair was a little more ruffled
and shaggy than most purebloods and his smile was more natural and less
composed. Poppy could identity similarities between him and her Uncle Reg –
they were brothers – such as the black wavy hair, the grey eyes and dark
eyebrows. Sirius face was more classically and masculinity handsome. Her uncle
Reg took after his mother Wulburga in the shape of face with his bone structure
and rounded facial structure. Sirius was all sharp angles and strong jawline.
That accompanied with his stubble and moustache were not very pureblood
etiquette appropriate.
They reached the bottom of the stairs and Poppy saw the man beaming brightly
and face overflowing with anticipation. His grey eyes seemed lighter as they
sparkled with excitement. He turned to her, "I know this is going to be
difficult but I need you to trust me. Can you do that Harry?" He asked, turning
to place his hands on her shoulders.
Poppy regarded the man for a moment and resisted the urge to peek into his
mind. He may know occulemency. She gave him one single nod and he was back to
grinning brightly with unrestrained joy.
A sharp scent hit her nose and she turned around to see someone else had
entered the room then.
The man standing a few feet away looked happy. He was tired looking with sandy
hair peppered with grey. His face was lined with a few silvery scars and his
hair was a little messy though it looked like he made an attempt to fix it. His
clothes were neat, plain, brown and a little shabby though looked comfortable.
The lightness and contentment on his face was the most obvious thing about his
appearance.
The thing that struck her the most was his scent. It was strong. She remembered
this scent. This was Remus Lupin. It was strong, primal, comforting and wild
all at the same time. Poppy really liked it. She didn't know why.
"Hello Harry" The man greeted with a smile and moved forward.
Poppy knew what to do this time. She walked forward and gave the man a quick
hug, taking a deep breath at the same time. Wow, he smells good.
She pulled back to see Remus Lupin blinking at her for a moment before
twitching his nose but then he shook his head as if to clear it and smiled.
"What are you doing here, Remus?" She asked in Harry's voice, truly curious
now. If they were going to spend the day with her then she'd beg off to the
toilet, bolt away to Diagon Ally, find Harry and tell him Sirius and Remus were
here to spend the day with him. She could apparate him back maybe… or get the
cloak. Either way, she'd need to go tell him.
Remus' small content smile turned bigger as he looked back to Sirius. Poppy
peered back to see Sirius Black bouncing on his toes looking just like a first-
year walking into Hogwarts Great Hall for the first time. She was amused.
Remus spoke from beside her, "Lets sit down in the living room for a bit, shall
we?" He suggested.
Poppy felt confused and hoped she could pop away for a moment but Remus' hand
practically led her away and she didn't really have a chance.
Poppy slumped down on the Weasley's well-worn sofa and was surprised Remus and
Sirius sat down on either side of her aside instead of the sofa opposite her.
She looked at both men quizzically, feeling rather on trial. She pushed Harry's
glasses up the bridge of her nose.
"What's going on?" She asked hesitantly.
The two men exchanged a look. It was Remus that spoke, "Nothing bad, Harry, I
promise. It's actually good news though pretty unbelievable. We just need you
to be calm and listen carefully. Can you do that?" Remus asked in a calm voice.
Dread started to coil inside of her. Something wasn't right here….
Sirius placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled at her tightly, looking like he
was trying to contain himself, "Remember how I told you this summer was hectic
what with you-know-who being back and that's why I couldn't pick you up at the
train station?" He began.
Poppy didn't but nodded her head slowly anyway, "Yeah…" She trailed off,
looking hesitantly back at Remus who was smiling at her. They both seemed way
too happy.
"Well" Sirius began with a gleeful smile, "Something else happened. He didn't
just bring himself back but he did something else too – accidentally mind you –
but something that is good for us" He spoke with rising excitement.
Poppy blanched, "I don't understand" She spoke slowly in Harry's voice, feeling
extremely out of place here. She should go to the toilet and say hippogriff
before things get out of hand.
Remus looked serious when he asked, "We need you to trust us. We wouldn't be so
cruel to you, please, trust us". Again with the trust. Were they going to do
something awful. Oh no, they were. Maybe it was good Harry wasn't here? What
was she going to do?
Poppy nodded seriously and held her breath.
Remus smiled then and looked up to the entrance to the room, "You can come in
now" He called out fairly loudly. Panic started to seize up in her chest. Was
this some sort of ambush? Had Harry been betrayed by those who were meant to
protect him? Who was in on it? The Weasleys? Sirius Black? Oh Merlin this would
crush Harry…She watched with intense eyes as she heard two people approach the
room.
Two people appeared in the doorway of the room. A man and a woman that were
instantly recognisable to her. It felt like a dream.
It couldn't be.
The man had a big toothy grin on his face and his brown eyes glowed with pride
and happiness. His back was straight, chest proud and hair a complete riot on
his head. It looked just like James Potter.
Beside him stood a smaller redhead with a slender frame and a sweet, all loving
smile on her face. Green eyes which looked so familiar on herself and Harry's
face shone back at her with tears gathering in the corners. Lily Potter.
James and Lily Potter. Merlin it wasn't. It couldn't be. They were DEAD.
NOTHING CAN BRING BACK THE DEAD.
Poppy watched the situation carefully, feeling like this was a dream. A
strange, cruel and very like life dream. Perhaps she had been drugged. She was
being impero'd. Anything else but this could be reality.
The two individuals wandered over slowly, looking both overjoyed and anxious.
Poppy's face felt like it was stone. This could not be happening.
The pair sat down slowly on the sofa in front of her and stared at her closely.
This was not happening. It was utterly impossible. She had been drugged. They
are an illusion. A hand settled itself on her shoulder and squeezed. For a
moment, she had forgotten she was Harry at the moment she was so surprised.
James and Lily stared at her silently, seemingly waiting for her to break the
silence. Was this a trick? A cruel, cruel trick? This is why Sirius and Remus
asked her to trust them? She shouldn't have. She should have hexed them when
she had the chance.
Minutes must have passed as she stared and took in every tiny detail of their
faces. James Potter had glasses that were more square than his sons. Lily
Potter had delicate red eyebrows and smooth peach coloured skin. James Potters
top lip was bigger than the bottom. Lily Potters lips were smaller but
perfectly shaped - like her they must have been taking her in also as their
eyes roamed her face. She noted that every second that went by more anxiety and
worry crept onto their faces. Her face remained hard.
An inhaled breath from Sirius told her he was about to speak but a sharp
reprimanding look from Remus halted him.
Poppy closed her eyes and then opened them. She took one deep breath before
exhaling sharply and confronting this truly fucked up situation.
"People don't come back from the dead" She said in a deep voice that almost
startled her – Harry's voice. Her tone was very matter of fact. The married
Potters – imposters – looked at each other in worry before James Potter cleared
his throat.
"Uh- no, no they don't. Dumbledore thinks that you-know-who stopped our deaths
and brought us here by accident when he restored his body" James explained,
dark eyebrows drawn.
Poppy nodded her head with a thoughtful expression, "Dark magic can't bring
people back. This is completely unbelievable. He would have needed to find an
event in time where the timelines naturally split apart then find an opening in
this world to mess with the other ones and that's all if he just happened to
pick a time in which you two were directly involved and not completely destroy
the universe as we know it" She scowled.
She knew a little about defying the laws of death. It was her papa's favourite
subject. It used to fascinate her, really. The idea of bringing people back was
like a fairy tale to her. She wished and wished for her uncle to come back and
if she could bring him back? That would be amazing. But what they were talking
about wasn't just unrealistic, it was also an extreme gamble. You don't bet a
knut and win a thousand gallons. Life doesn't work that way.
James and Lily Potter stared at her with amazement shining in their eyes –
pride too – for some curious reason.
James looked dumbfounded and looked at his wife with surprise, "Uh-yeah. That's
pretty much what happened" He said faintly, still looking shocked.
Lily Potter leant forward in her seat then with big green pleading eyes filled
with love. She looked desperate as she spoke, "Please, please believe us. It's
us. We are real. We-we've missed you so much Harry" She choked out, face
lighting up with joy and pain, "You've grown up so much" She hiccupped, looking
so proud it made her heart ache.
Oh no. She was Harry. Poppy was pretending to be Harry. It hit her as suddenly
as a bludger to the chest. Harry's parents were back from the dead. James and
Lily Potter and back from the dead. They technically never died. But… but…
they're here. HERE.
And they think she's Harry! This is a complete and utter nightmare of a
situation. Please take her back to when she accidently fondled Sirius Black.
"Merlin's Beard you two are real" She uttered out faintly, feeling that for the
first time in her life she may actually faint.
James and Lily Potter's face shone with happiness and love and she felt more
panic well up. They think she's Harry! She's stealing Harry's reunion with his
parents! She can't tell them the bloody truth! Harry will kill her – first
impression of their son is that he's a rulebreaker. I'm sure they'll love that.
What has she done!
The married Potters stood up and moved forward and she had had enough of this
today to recognise what was about to happen. Panic and hysteria shot through
her like a snitch. She jumped from her seat.
"NO" She shouted in Harry's voice, startling the Potters and making hurt wash
their faces. She felt guilt. Merlin she was ruining this.
She cleared her throat, "Uh Sorry, just um, not yet" She said awkwardly and
watched as they sat back down sharing uncertain looks between them.
As she sat down again cautiously she felt Remus put a hand on her shoulder. She
eyed him. He looked at her with a comforting smile, "It's alright to be a bit
confused Harry. Ask any questions you want" He spoke in a calm manner that did
actually relax her a little.
Poppy wondered what time it was and when Harry would be back. She eyed the
staircase, "Uh-I think I'll just pop to the loo" She started and tried to make
her way out of the room. Unfortunately, Sirius Black stood up and forced her
back into her seat with a stern look,
"No, you're not running for this. I get your freaked out but ask questions.
This is amazing, aren't you happy?" Sirius asked with almost a quizzical
expression.
Poppy jolted in her seat, "Of course I'm happy!" She breathed, looking at
everyone with wide eyes, "This is amazing, completely mental but amazing. I'm
so happy for-" She began to say for Harry but then caught herself in time, "-
For me" She grinned a little madly, "So happy… for me… because you're
my parents" Poppy said with a faint voice and strange smile at the Potters.
James Potter looked at her oddly, but Lily Potter continued smiling, "Please
ask us anything" She insisted.
Poppy nodded her head in agreement, feeling trapped. The clock ticked again and
she opened her mouth a few times but then closed it. This was so wrong. This
was all so wrong. How was she going to get herself out of this situation?
James Potter shifted uneasily in his seat and Lily Potter kept staring at her
with those big hopeful eyes. It was too much.
"Please just say something!" James Potter burst out, looking nervous and
impatient.
It hit her then, "Hippogriff!" She called out with relief. How did she not
think of this before! She could call Harry, he could come back and have the
proper reunion with his parents. Wow, she needed him. This was more than an
emergency, it was a bloody miracle!
Although relief swam through her at her announcement the entire room was
looking at her strangely and she felt very awkward again. She cleared her
throat and spoke in Harry's voice, "Hippogriff" wondering why Harry hadn't
appeared yet.
James Potter was looking at her strangely as he blinked behind his glasses,
"Hippogriff?" He repeated questioningly, looking between Remus and Sirius on
either side of him.
Poppy nodded her head, casting her eyes about. Why hadn't Harry come back yet!
She said she'd only alert him in an emergency.
Poppy nodded her head again, feeling Harry's glasses bob with her, "Yep, I like
Hippogriff's" She said, still peering about the room, hoping her best friend
would suddenly appear.
"Hippogriff, hippogriff, Hippogriff" She practically hissed out the last one
and glared around the room. Why wasn't Harry coming back yet?!
Sirius Black nudged her elbow and she turned to look at him, "Are you okay
Harry?" He asked in concern and suspicion she noted, "Your acting quite
strangely" He mentioned.
Poppy felt like laughing and crying at the same time. She settled on a joke to
ease the atmosphere a little, "Yeah sorry, just my time of the month and that"
She smiled a little and then it hit her. She's Harry. A boy.
Poppy then let out a strange hysterical little laugh and looked across everyone
in the room in a panic, hoping they hadn't figured it out, "Just-just kidding.
I don't have a time of the month" She said a forced light tone that sounded
extremely strained to her ears, "Because… because…I'm a boy…" She trailed off
feeling the need to continue, "and…I have a penis" She wheezed out painfully.
Everyone in the room stared at her. She felt sweat gathering at the back of her
neck but kept her face clear. Poker face…
The room was deathly silent and Poppy sat there feeling the most uncomfortable
she's ever been.
The sound of the floo in the other room made her feel like she was going to
collapse in relief, "What are you doing back so soon?!" Mrs Weasley screeched.
The attention of everyone turned towards the door.
"-Bill I told you to keep them out until five!" She continued to yell. Poppy
felt her heart rate lower in relief. Thank Merlin this was almost over.
"Oh-Oh-What are you doing here, dear? I thought you stayed behind?" The baffled
voice of Mrs Weasley spoke as footsteps barrelled towards the living room.
Everyone stood up then and Poppy noted the amazingly comforting scent of Harry
approaching.
It took all of three seconds for her best friend to appear in the doorway,
looking like himself again – though still adorned in her nice gold dress – and
without his glasses. Harry eyes blinked as he tried to take in the room.
"Harry" voices gasped out in surprise, Poppy didn't pay attention to who. She
had moved forward and flung herself into his arms in utter relief. Thank every
deity that she knew he was back.
"Thank Merlin your back Harry" She breathed.
Sirius Black's voice bellowed, "What, Harry! Who's that then?" He shouted. The
room was in commotion and Poppy felt the exact moment Harry realised that his
mum and dad were standing in the room.
She had her arms around him when his entire body stiffened. She smiled a little
and took his glasses off to place them around his eyes. Harry blinked and
continued staring with disbelief at his parents. Poppy felt her skin bubble as
the Polyjuice finally started to wear off. It was a relief even if she felt a
little uncomfortable in the clothes that didn't fit quite right.
"Poppy!" Sirius Black, Lily Potter, James Potter and Remus Lupin all called out
at the same time. It was almost comical. She was surprised the recognised it
was her, really.
Poppy nudged away from Harry to grin sheepishly at the four people she had
completely humiliated herself in front of only a few moments before. They were
all staring at her wide-eyed, gaze taking her in.
The Weasley's had also barrelled into the room by this point and everyone was
staring at the strange scene. Mrs Weasley was calling out, 'What is going on'.
Charlie and Bill were explaining what was happening to everyone, including
wide-eyed Ron and Hermione.
Harry stared at his parents who were now staring back at him, "Mum… dad?" He
asked in a questioning manner, voice so full of hope it made her almost want to
cry.
They both grinned at their son with joy. Harry darted forward and flung himself
into their arms all while laughing. Poppy watched the scene with a bright grin
on her face and tears she refused to acknowledge. This was amazing. It was
unreal. It was a miracle. Harry deserved this more than anyone.
Her chest felt warm and tingly as Ron shuffled up to her and whispered in her
ear, "Bloody hell, what's going on?"
Poppy peered at her friend's blue eyes and shrugged her shoulders helplessly
but with an unbelievably bright grin. Hermione had moved to her other side and
was sniffling quietly. Poppy wrapped an arm around her best friends waist and
watched.
Harry was crying now too and asking if it was really them. The Potters were
smiling back and crying, Lily Potter squeezing her son surely tightly and James
Potter encompassing them both in his arms and kissing Harry softly on the head.
It was beautiful.
Mrs Weasley was opening bawling now.
Harry pulled back a little but remained in the circle of his parent's arms and
looked towards her with such a smile of bright and childish delight, "I can't
believe it" He whispered.
Poppy smiled softly back. Harry's parents must have noticed her then and smiled
at her while both lifting their arms up as if they wanted her in the hug also.
She felt wary. The striped haired teenager couldn't intrude on the family's
moment. But then Harry noticed and lifted his arms also.
The animagus didn't hesitate. She moved forward and straight into Harry's arms
feeling him encompass her and then two other sets of arms folds around her.
Everyone in the room was talking over each other and the place was loud with
excitement but Poppy had never felt so at peace. It felt right. And safe. And
she felt completely and utterly loved.
A tender kiss placed to her forehead brought her back to herself. She was
creeping into their family moment. This wasn't her family. She didn't have one.
In order to save herself the moment she looked up and grinned at everyone,
"Group hug!" She shouted out gleefully.
Immediately Sirius Black decent upon them, shoving into her back and making her
grunt. She laughed with everyone else as Harry muttered about being crushed.
She was pressed against Sirius' back and felt even more people join, the twins
voice suddenly louder in her ear. James Potter was laughing loudly and
wiggling. Poppy peered up to see Remus Lupin staring at everyone with amusement
and happiness shining in his light green eyes.
He caught her staring so Poppy grinned at him and jerked her head, moving one
of her arms that was wrapped around Harry to motion him over. He looked amused
and he shook his head no. The striped haired teenager changed her expression to
stern and shouted over the loud voices, "Don't make me come and get you" She
warned threateningly, even shaking her fist in a mock violent manner. Remus
Lupin laughed at her theatrics and moved forward slowly. When he got nearer her
she grabbed him by his shirt and pulled him forward, wrapping her arm around
his middle. Remus sighed but it sounded happier than not as his arm settled
around her shoulder gently.
Poppy smiled softly as she buried herself back into Harry's chest. Home.
The moment was then broken as someone farted, loudly.
"Oi Percy! That's disgusting-" Fred Weasley called out and the hug started to
break apart slowly, several people muttering and groaning.
"-I know, Perce, that's right unfortunate timing for you. Couldn't hold it in-
" George tut and folded his arms across his chest.
Poppy peeled away from Harry's arms to watch Percy's face going bright red and
frowning, "It wasn't me! It was probably the two of you" He scowled and placed
his hands on his hips, no doubt to prepare for a lecture.
Poppy shook her head slowly with a smile and turned back to see Harry beaming
at his parents. Lily Potter was smiling and fussing with her son's hair and
muttering about how skinny he was.
James Potter in the meantime was smiling the big toothy grin of his and smirked
at his son, "Not the usual choice of clothing but I love the dress Harry" He
winked at his son.
Sirius let out a loud laugh and smacked Harry on the back. Harry looked down at
her dress still on him, went bright red and laughed awkwardly.
Poppy moved up to her best friend's side and flung an arm around his shoulder
and grinned at James Potter, "Thank you" She beamed, "It's one of my
favourites" She then turned to Harry, "You can borrow it anytime Harry" She
winked at him, "Looks great on you" She said cheekily.
James Potter and Sirius Black let out loud laughter. James Potter saying in an
arrogant manner, "Course Harry looks great in everything, looks just like his
old man"
Lily Potter giggled sweetly looking amused, staring between them both with an
adoring expression. Remus Lupin chuckled under his breath but took pity on
Harry and transfigured the dress into jeans and a basic t-shirt.
Poppy couldn't stop smiling.
Harry's face was red though he was grinning when he said, "Yeah, sorry about
that. I probably haven't made much a good first impression, have I?" He said
sheepishly, looking a little bashful.
Lily Potter tut and ushered both her and Harry to the sofa she was sitting on
before. The two teen best friends sat down obediently as the married Potters –
and Remus and Sirius – sat down across from them, everyone looking to be in
high spirits.
The striped haired teenager snorted and stretched languidly on the sofa,
shuffling in the clothes that were a bit too tight and giving Harry a pointed
look, "Trust me Harry, you can't have made a worse impression than I did" She
said with a dry tone.
Harry looked curious while Hermione and Ron plopped down on either side of them
then smiling. It was Hermione that turned to her was an expectant expression,
"What did you do Poppy?" She clicked her tongue.
The animagus winced and looked at Harry, "Merlin it was awful, Harry, you
have no idea. First your bloody parents were back from the dead" She waved in
the general direction of the Potters, watching everyone from the other couch
watching her in amusement, "I didn't believe it at first – obviously I didn't –
then it hit me and I thought I am ruining your reunion with your parents" She
began to explain, watching James Potter smiling and Sirius Black chuckling. She
was glad they found it funny.
"Oh and then I mentioned something about my period then I panicked because I
was supposed to be a boy and then mentioned something about my penis to cover
up the mistake" She explained with wide eyes and flailing arms. Several people
laughed at her but she did not think it was funny.
Poppy sighed and then ruffled her hair, "After I stopped mentioning my
fictitious penis, I just started shouting Hippogriff to let you know to come
back. Honestly, I think they thought you had lost it Harry, I'm so glad you
came when you did. I probably would have started crying" She explained with a
large gust of air.
Bill Weasley appeared and sat on the arm of the sofa with a smile, "You really
don't make a good first impression, do you Poppy?" He asked, not in a malicious
but an amused and fond way.
Poppy shook her head and let out a laugh. Harry put his head in his arms and
groaned, looking up with an apologetic face to his parents, appearing beyond
mortified.
"You have no idea" the striped haired girl said seriously with an unamused
face, "I didn't even mention the part where I molested Harry's godfather" She
said solemnly.
She heard a sharp gasp come from Hermione and Harry at the same time and
scowled at the laugh that Bill had.
Harry put his head back in his hands again and groaned louder, "I don't want to
know, I really don't"
Poppy looked up to see Sirius explaining to everyone on the other couch about
the incident, fighting off a smile. Remus Lupin was shaking his head with a
smile. She cleared her throat and looked away.
Poppy was smiling at the complete and utter joy on Harry's face, wondering if
anyone had ever been that happy before when she felt a pair of eyes on her.
The animagus peered up to see Mrs Potter staring at her with sparkling,
affectionate eyes.
Poppy grinned at her and tilted her head to the side, "Are you alright?" She
began only to be startled as Mrs Potter moved off her couch to come forward and
kneel before her. It startled her to see the pure adoration and love shining
from Lily Potter's face though it shouldn't really, she had just been reunited
with her son. Clear green eyes looked deeply into hers and inspected her
closely, even going as far as to tenderly cup Poppy's own face. Poppy felt a
small blush creep up on her face at the close scrutiny.
"Oh you're so beautiful Poppy" Mrs Potter sighed with a slight hiccup and
tearful eyes. The striped haired girl felt warm and cherished inside, finally
knowing why everyone hailed Lily Potter as a saint. She just emanated happiness
and affection, didn't she?
Lily laughed a little and pulled back, wiping her eyes and looking towards her
son. Harry and Poppy were seated beside each other, and Lily Potter moved
forward as if she couldn't help herself and grabbed them both in a warm hug.
Harry gripped his mum in a tight hug while Poppy held her gently and placed her
head on her shoulder. Eventually, the hiccups coming from Mrs Potter grew
steadily and she pulled back to reveal tears streaming down her face. It was
strange to Poppy, she had never seen such contentment and bliss on someone that
was crying before. It was lovely. Even with a puffy pink face and red-rimmed
eyes, Lily Potter was still beautiful.
"Oh, I must look a fright, excuse me" Lily Potter wiped her face with her hands
and stood up from her kneeling position on the floor. She turned around to
smile at her husband who was smiling back softly and then excused herself from
the room to freshen up.
Poppy couldn't contain her happiness and her mask was utterly shattered. It was
the first time that had ever happened when she felt nothing but pure and utter
delight.
The animagus looked up to see James Potter smiling at her tenderly with soft
brown eyes and she beamed back, an answering grin spreading across his face.
Ron grabbed her attention then and looked at her strangely, "That's a bit
strange int' it? Why did Mrs Potter grab you and say you were beautiful?" Ron
asked with a quizzical expression. Yes, it was unusual, but Poppy was too happy
to care then.
"Cos, I look good" She replied by wigging her eyebrows and a cheeky smile. Ron
rolled his eyes, but Poppy heard James Potter and Sirius Black laugh while
Remus Lupin snorted.
Lily Potter returned then with a tissue and sat back down beside her husband
and took his hand, still smiling. Sirius Black was smiling broadly also, a
sense of belonging and contentment settling into his face while Remus Lupin's
delight wasn't as obvious, but he looked strangely at peace as if there was
nowhere he'd rather be.
James Potter turned to her and Harry, "So, tell us everything. I heard you made
the Quidditch team in first year, first year, that's amazing Harry! I'm so
proud of you" He beamed to his son. Harry's green eyes wide and touched as if
his life was complete now that his father has said he was proud.
James continued, "I can't wait to see you play. I'm sure your much better than
I ever was" He bragged, pride shining from every inch of his face.
Lily rolled her eyes with a smile, "Yes, it is amazing, but this was your OWL
year wasn't it? Do you think you did well? I'm so sorry I couldn't be there to
give you study tips" Such regret was on Harry's mum's face it was as if she'd
done something truly horrible and not just missed her son's exam year.
Harry looked sheepish and rubbed that back of his neck bashfully, "I did
alright I think. I wish I'd tried harder now" He laughed a little awkwardly.
Poppy nudged him with her elbow and smiled at him, "You did fine, don't worry.
I doubt your parents will think you're a disappointment if you get a couple of
A's instead of O's" She explained dryly.
Harry's shoulders did relax a tiny bit at her statement as although she said it
in a joking manner, she could see her best friend had some honest concern.
"And you Poppy?" Lily Potter inquired warmly. Poppy tilted her head to the side
and smiled a little,
"I did alright. I tried my best, unlike some people who'd rather sleep in" She
nudged Ron accusingly with an amused smile. Ron's face went red and he glared
at her for putting her on the spot.
"Just people you get up while it's still dark out doesn't mean everybody else
has to" Her ginger-haired friend grumbled irritably.
James Potter was smiling at the exchange, "Lily's an early riser too, I could
never break her of that habit" He winked at his wife and wrapped an arm around
her. Lily smiled indulgently at her husband then. Poppy found it a little odd
that James was finding similarities between her and his wife but dismissed it.
She was looking too much into things.
Sirius Black leant forward then and looked expectantly between her and Harry,
"Alright, now I want to know what was up with the disguises earlier? What
mischief were you two up to" He smirked devilishly with shinning grey eyes.
Poppy tilted her head to the side with the realisation that Sirius Black was
a very attractive man.
Harry flushed and dipped his head then started to fiddle with his glasses.
Poppy gave him an apologetic look and bit her lip. This was all her fault,
wasn't it?
The animagus looked sheepishly at the four adults across from them, "That's
actually my fault" She admitted, four paired of eyes watched her but didn't
look judging or condemning her in any way – they looked curious and expectant.
"Harry was quite upset about not getting out the house and when he was told he
was the only one that had to stay behind he wasn't happy at all" She explained
why a wry smile, "Obviously we know why he was supposed to stay back" She
laughed and shook her head at the entire situation, "I felt bad and we decided
to switch places for the day, so Harry could get out. Merlin, that was a bad
idea, wasn't it?" She bit her lip and looked apologetically at Harry.
Her messy haired best friend was too happy to be truly mad at her but did shake
his head a little at her. It was a nice gesture just the utterly wrong time to
do it.
It was Remus Lupin that spoke up, "How did you manage to switch then? Using
underage magic?" He asked with amusement.
Poppy shook her head and snorted, "Polyjuice obviously" She explained.
Lily Potter looked both delighted and like she wanted to reprimand them. Poppy
gave her sad pleading eyes and her face immediately softened. She sighed, "That
was a really dangerous thing to do, especially with you-know-who back. But
brewing Polyjuice! That's a really advanced Potion, who brewed it?" She asked
with a prideful smile.
They didn't say exactly who brewed it but Ron's, Hermione's and Harry's eyes
all shot to her. She sighed and looked at them all with mock annoyance.
Lily's eyes shined as she grinned at her in pride, "Wow, you must be really
good at potions then" She said as a matter of fact.
Poppy felt abashed for the first time in her life and was desperately trying to
hide her pleasure at the compliment. The striped haired teenager shrugged her
shoulders and said, "I'm alright. 'Mione brewed Polyjuice in second year" Poppy
smiled at her female friend, hoping to get a little of the attention off of her
and then nudged Harry, "Tell them about the time we brewed Polyjuice to sneak
into the Slytherin common room" She smirked.
Harry's eyes went wide and his he looked uneasily at his parents but James and
Sirius looked delighted with this bit of information.
"Do tell" Sirius Black grinned shark like while James Potter grinned toothily.
Lily shook her head and sighed, "I don't want to know. Tell us more, are you
involved in any extracurricular activities Harry? Oh, I heard there was a yule
ball, do you have any pictures?" She asked excitedly.
Poppy saw the lingering look shared between James and Sirius then, it told her
they would hear the Polyjuice story later on and were excited for it. The
orphaned teenager tried not to smile, it seemed James Potter wasn't the strict
parent here.
Harry was eating up the attention of his parents and rubbed the back of his
neck, "No just quidditch really, I think there are some pictures. I think Colin
took a bunch, I could owl him and see if he'd send me any"
Lily smiled excitedly but a tiny piece of lingering regret shined in her eyes.
They were so expressive - much like Harry's were - and she was curious as to
why Mrs Potter would seem a little sad.
"I can't wait to watch you play, even if I'll be worried about you the whole
time" Lily laughed and sniffed. James wrapped his arm back around his wife in a
show of support.
The atmosphere in the overcrowded living room only seemed to grow more excited
as time passed as did the noise level until Molly Weasleys loud voice cut
through the chatter, "Alright alright, leave the Potters alone now, I'm sure
they've got lots of catching up to do and don't need you lot talking nonsense"
She tut with a pointed look towards the twins who had just finishing explaining
the tale of the great fireworks incident after their OWLS.
Everyone stood up slowly and soon everyone started talking excitedly about a
Quidditch match while Molly was off to make dinner.
Poppy watched as the Potters looked relieved to finally be getting some alone
time with their son and felt so happy for Harry in that moment. She leant
forward and gave him a kiss on the cheek and then stood up and stretched. Her
muscles ached a little from the potion.
Lily Potter looked up at her worriedly while James Potter blinked in surprise,
"Where you going Poppy, stay! I want to hear about your years at Hogwarts" He
grinned at her.
The Orphaned teenager wanted to sit back down. She wanted to continue soaking
up the joy and love around her and laugh with the Potters. She wanted to share
their stories and tell her own. But it wasn't her place. She was exactly that:
an orphan. And now the only one of her friends. She couldn't even find it in
her to feel jealous about it.
Poppy smiled sadly at the hopeful look on Harry's face, "Na, you've got some
catching up to do and I don't want to intrude" She said politely.
Shock, pain and a fierce objection flickered across both married Potter's faces
but Poppy had already begun making her way to the door. They were too kind to
be so blunt but she knew it would be better if she wasn't present. She heard
Remus and Sirius whispering to the Potters as she walked out the room.
By now everyone had made their way outside for the Quidditch match as the
shouts and beating of bludgers hit her sensitive ears. Hermione and Mrs Weasley
were in the kitchen and she didn't really want to be a nuisance.
The hardened teenage girl wandered up the stairs to Ginny's room and started
taking off Harry's clothes. Her heart felt heavy even though she berated
herself for feeling this way. This was a good thing. Not a bad one. Why did she
feel cheated then? Harry was so lucky. He deserved it. More than her.
Poppy put on a lovely peach jumper with a white shirt underneath. She paired
this with tight black skinny jeans and a pair of brown knee-high boots. The
jumper clung to her figure in a flattering manner while still looking tasteful
and was the slightly more mature of her outfits. It was one of her favourites,
she wanted to feel good right now.
The animagus wanted to get lost in a book but wasn't really in the right
mindset to concentrate on anything academic. She hopped off of her bed and bent
over to rummage through her trunk for some mindless reading.
The orphaned teenager paused when she came across one of her oldest books. She
pulled it out and smiled sadly, remembering the first time she read this book
anxiously and excitedly so many years ago. Poppy closed her trunk and jumped on
her bed and opened the book: The Wizard of Oz.
She hadn't finished the first page when a gentle knock sounded from her door.
The animagus peered up and took a deep breath to determine who was on the other
side, Wild, comforting, warm, musky. It was Remus and Sirius.
"Come in" She called out politely and sat up crossed legged on her bed to watch
them come in, gently folding the book in her lap.
Sirius Black poked his shaggy head in first and smiled at her, walking into the
room when he spotted her. Remus Lupin appeared behind his friend and made his
way forward. Sirius plopped down on the end of her bed while Remus hovered an
appropriate distance, obviously waiting for permission.
The striped haired animagus rolled her eyes with a smile, "Come in Remus. Make
yourself at home. Sirius has" She smirked at the dark wavy-haired man. In
response to her comment, the Black heir stretched languidly on the bed, putting
his feet up.
Remus approached and sat on the edge of her bed to her right and pulled one of
his legs up to get comfortable. Poppy took another deep breath. Such a strong
scent. It was different. Something unusual or not quite right made his scent
stand out to her. It was stronger than most people's and a little more... musky
and wild. If she didn't know better she would say it was the scent of a magical
creature.
This thought made her pause and she took in the mild-mannered man beside her
most closely. No...
"We hope we're not disrupting you Poppy" Remus said in greeting. Poppy took
another long moment where her eyes took in the mans silvery scars across his
face, tired appearance and lean frame. What was she missing here...
The striped haired teenager waved her hand in dismissal, "Not at all, I was
just doing some light reading. Were you two looking to give the Potters some
family alone time?" She asked with a smile wondering if they were simply bored
or had nothing better to do.
Her comment was met with the men giving two long looks at each other and Poppy
was immediately suspicious. They knew something she didn't.
Sirius sat up from his slouched position a little and looked almost hesitant.
She watched him closely. He did not look like the type of man that picked his
words carefully.
The wavy-haired man cleared his throat, "Yeah about that. James and Lily have
got something to tell you and Harry" He began, watching her face closely. She
was not sure what for.
Poppy nodded her head slowly, "Right. Well, I'll leave them to their reunion
for now. Harry's probably wanting to spend as much time with his parents as
possible" She smiled softly. Remus and Sirius exchanged looks then, almost
worried ones. She was not a fool and had a vague idea whatever the Potters
needed to say wasn't good and she didn't want to ruin the atmosphere. Not yet.
The striped haired teenager ruffled her hair and sighed, "I assume your all
staying for dinner? We can chat after that" She smiled, hoping for an
agreement. Remus Lupin nodded though Sirius Black frowned.
Poppy looked back and forth between the two older men and realised why Harry
liked them so much. They were very welcoming and she could tell they were very
genuine people, "We haven't been properly introduced," Poppy said with a bright
grin, sitting up straight and holding her hand out to Remus Lupin, "As you
know, I'm Poppy. Your Remus Lupin, right?" She grinned.
Remus took her hand indulgently and the spirit wolf inside of her immediately
recognised something... different in him. There was something creature like
about Remus Lupin. His hand was slightly warmer. His scent was a little canine.
It fascinated her. She would find out what. Her magical instincts never steered
her wrong before.
Meanwhile, the man in front of her shook her hand firmly and then let go with a
nod.
Sirius Black cleared his throat behind her. She turned around and watched as he
held his hand out. She placed hers in his warm hands, expecting a
shake. Instead he bent down and gave her a small kiss and winked. Cheeky.
"I'm Sirius but you knew that already, didn't you?" He asked, arching a dark
brow at her, grey gaze travelling up and down in form, "I'm curious. When I
came up to fetch Harry and you were there disguised as him, how did you know it
was me? We've never met before" he queried with a curious but not suspicious
expression.
Poppy wasn't surprised the Black had picked up on this small detail. Sirius
wasn't a Slytherin, but he was raised to be and lived with snakes his entire
childhood, his observation didn't surprise her.
She explained with a bemused expression, "I've seen photos of you, obviously.
From your yearbook and ones Harry's showed me"
Sirius Black practically preened at her statement and smirked towards his best
friend, "See Moony, hardly aged a day since my Hogwarts years. Just as
dashing at ever" He spoke pompously, though put on more than actually thinking
that highly of himself. Moony, that is an unusual nickname. Moony.
She wanted to break his bubble. The animagus snorted and shook her head, "That
and the black wavy hair and grey eyes? Dead give way that you're a Black I'm
afraid" She tested. Poppy watched Sirius very closely for his reaction to her
referencing his blood status and family. From what she'd learned from Harry and
knew from her Uncle Reggie, Sirius had been disowned and blasted from the tree.
He didn't much like his family and although she couldn't blame him for
disliking their blood supremacy ways, she still wanted to see if that hatred
extended to his brother. She wasn't sure if she should tell him about who
adopted her.
Sirius Black's easy smile fell from his face and he cleared his throat looking
away almost in shame. His curiosity seemed to get the better of him and he
looked back at her,
"Know much about the Blacks?" He rumbled with a deep displeased voice. Poppy
didn't know what to make of it. Was he that unhappy with her or his family? It
was impossible to tell.
She decided on being truthful but vague, "Yeah, I suppose a bit" She admitted.
Alarm and anger flashed through his grey eyes, making him appear more like a
Black than ever.
Poppy remained calm and stared steadily at Harry's godfather almost in a
challenging manner.
A gentle throat clearing made Poppy look back to see Remus smiling at her
hesitantly, "What book were you reading? Getting prepared for next years
NEWT's?" He asked, his mixture of green and blue eyes looking down to the book
still on her lap. A gentle but effective subject changer. At least someone in
the room had a little tact.
Poppy shook her head, "Not yet, I've still not got my OWL's back yet. I'm still
not sure about what classes I want to take anyway. Or what I want to do after
Hogwarts" She explained and then rolled her eyes, "And that's even if I survive
this war anyway" She said dryly.
The striped haired teenager looked back up and saw the worry, concern and
contemplating expression on Remus' face before holding her book out to read the
title.
He smiled a tiny bit, "Ah, The Wizard of Oz" He read aloud, "Wonderful book"
Sirius moved on her bed, making a slight creaking noise on the springs and
leant forward with a frown, "Never heard of that one before" He admitted with
curious eyes.
Poppy smirked, "I doubt you would. It's a muggle book" She explained.
Sirius frowned at her and looked like he thought she might be lying. She
laughed at his expression that read 'a muggle book? But you just said it's
called the Wizard of Oz'.
"It's a muggle book about magic. It's a muggle interpretation of a magical
world named Oz. There isn't actually a Wizard, just a muggle pretending to be
but there are a few Witches. A couple dark and one good. It's a children's
book" The animagus tried her best to explain to the increasingly perplexed
looking wizard before her. Sirius reached forward, took it in his hands and
began flicking through it.
The Black heir scoffed and shook his head, "It's all wrong. Why would you want
to read this?"
Remus to her side sighed at his friend's assessment, "It's a classic Padfoot"
He spoke in almost a reprimanding tone of voice. Poppy noted the strange
nickname. Padfoot. Odd name. What meaning did it have?
The animagus snatched the book away from Sirius as he began muttering and
scowling at it, "I know it's all wrong, but I find it interesting. It's kind of
a guilty pleasure of mine to read muggle literature about magic. There are so
many different stories and they all see magic in completely different ways"
Poppy looked down at the book in her hand and smiled. It was interesting how
muggles viewed their world.
Remus looked interested at her piece of information while Sirius tilted his
head to the side to regard her, "Wait, I thought you grew up in the muggle
world. Didn't you only find out about magic with your Hogwarts letter?
Shouldn't you already know what the muggle world thinks about magic?" He asked
immediately. Poppy eyed Sirius for a moment and saw that he wasn't deliberately
trying to pry but it was as if he wanted to know lots about her and wasn't shy
about asking. He was looking too much into what she said. He was very sharp.
Poppy took a split second to decide what she was going to say. Harry was right
in a manner, Sirius deserved to know about his brother. It would be
on her terms and not Harry's however and she really didn't want to lie to
Harry's godfather, so she opted for some truth, "Not exactly. I've been in and
out of muggle orphanages I suppose but I've been adopted by Wizards. So I grew
up in the Wizarding World mostly. I do know a bit but not as much as
a muggleborn"
It was Remus that asked her this time, "I thought Harry said you
were muggleborn Poppy?" The sandy-haired man said hesitantly, looking back to
share an uncertain look with Sirius Black.
Poppy was very curious about that look but replied, "Nope, half-blood probably"
She admitted, staring at the two men sitting on her bed closely for their
reaction. Neither looked surprised to her immediate suspicion. They did,
however, share a look, one that was uneasy and not certain how to proceed.
Sirius cleared his throat and looked at her strangely, "What do you mean
probably?" He asked slowly, keen grey eyes taking her in.
Poppy hummed and decided to stretch back on the bed, making herself look
relaxed and at ease as if this conversation wasn't making her anxious, "Well
it's highly unlikely I'm pureblood and I'm definitely not muggleborn so I'm
probably half" She smiled lazily, wanting to make a quip that she already
knew his blood status. Torjus pur and all that. But that was perhaps too much
information to reveal just yet.
"How do you know you're not muggleborn Poppy?" Remus asked, looking a little
flabbergasted and wiped his hands on his trousers as if he was sweating.
Poppy remained outwardly calm even if she was uncertain and wary about their
interest in her blood status, "Well I got a letter from Durmstrang. They don't
offer places to muggleborns" She explained, still recalling the different
letters she'd received. It came as quite a surprise but then it shouldn't have.
All children in continental Germany received letters to that institution. She
was living there while on the run so she should have expected it.
Remus and Sirius were both gaping at her with startled expressions at her
revelation. She watched them intently for any hints about their strange
behaviour.
"D-Drumstrang? Why in Merlin's saggy balls would you get a letter
to there" Sirius Black cursed, looking oddly furious and indignant. Poppy
stored this bit of information away for later. Why would the disowned Black
care so much about what institution she attended?
Remus Lupin inhaled sharply and sat up straighter, "Padfoot" His voice crapped
in a reprimanding tone, presumably for the swear word he uttered.
Poppy tried not to giggle. As if she'd never heard a swear before. She felt
herself relax a little though still felt a bit jittery and anxious as she
wasn't exactly comfortable revealing personal information, "I don't think
Merlin's saggy balls had anything to do with it Sirius" The animagus replied
with twitching lips.
Sirius barked out a laugh while Remus sent Sirius a glare and then a
reprimanding look to her.
The orphan continued, "I was passing through Germany at the time and that's
usually where magical children get letters from. I got one from Beuxbatons
also, actually. But I decided to move back home to Britain"
Sirius and Remus looked fascinated with her revealing bits of information and
she didn't need to be a legilimens to see the hundreds of questions swimming
behind their eyes.
The striped haired teenager decided to turn it around, "Enough about me, tell
me about you two. What's up with the silly nicknames? Padfoot and Moony? Bit
strange, aren't they?"
Immediately Remus to her side seized up in a panicked fashion. Sirius
meanwhile, grey eyes shuttered off and became guarded though his face slipped
into something falsely casual. His mouth was twisted in a lopsided charming
grin but it was his grey eyes that held caution that told her everything she
needed to know.
She had stumbled onto something here.
Remus shifted in his seat a little but didn't reply. It was Sirius that spoke
with an over amount of casualness, "Just silly nicknames we came up with during
our Hogwarts years. We call James Prongs too" He explained with a long look
towards his friend before continuing, "Maybe one day we'll tell you why" He
spoke strangely, as if not speaking to her but to Remus.
Poppy kept her mouth shut and eyed Remus. The sandy-haired man's face had gone
chalky and his throat bobbed as if it had gone dry. Although she really wanted
to know why, Remus' eyes were filled with shame, self-disgust and fear along
with his suddenly slouched position.
Whatever the secret was, Remus was ashamed of it and Sirius was almost looking
for permission to tell her. It was interesting. But the animagus wasn't cruel
enough to continue the line of questioning.
"What not old enough am I?" She huffed and then smirked, "I would say I'm
mature for my age but that would be an outright lie" She snorted and shook her
head.
Sirius smirked and shoulders dropped at the change of topic, "I think you're
definitely mature for you age Poppy, I just don't think you could handle it
yet" He drawled in a lower register, almost in a challenging manner.
The competitive and overly curious part of her leapt up inside of her and she
stared directly into Sirius' glittering grey eyes that were boring into
hers. I'll take that as a challenge.
The striped haired teenager licked her teeth, watching Sirius eyeing her just
as intently and leant back on the bed to a more casual pose, "We'll see about
that then, won't we?" She replied in a dangerous tone.
A wicked grin slowly spread across Sirius' face when-
"Everyone, dinner's ready" Molly Weasley's voice broke them out of the moment.
Remus was quick to stand up and Poppy hopped off of the bed soon after.
Excitement, anticipation and curiosity were bubbling inside of her. It would
surely be an interesting meal.
===============================================================================
A/N: There you have it, the longest chapter ever, longer than some stories on
this site. I've added so much in this and wanted some humour mixed in with the
reunion. So much I've hinted on in this chapter and I wonder who's picked it
up. I do that alot, little hints like with Regulus Black being her Uncle and
her animagus form.
I have a question for you all. Should I reveal Poppy is James and Lily's
daughter now or drag it out for a bit? What do you think?
***** Chapter 18 *****
Sirius smirked as he watched Poppy dance on her toes as she skipped out of the
bedroom, a black waterfall of hair bouncing softly behind her. She
was certainly a surprise. The marauder had expected a younger version of Lily
with Prongs' dark hair. But she wasn't.
Poppy was something else. He imaged a female version of Harry but more feminine
and put together, like Lily always was, instead she was just as scatter-brained
but genius as her father. He expected to see Harry's unease and slightly shy
attitude as well as the usual uncertain behaviour of a teenager. At that age
everyone was gawky and slight uncoordinated, but Poppy was lithe and graceful.
She moved as if she'd just left that awkward stage and bloomed into something
delicate even though he knew she hadn't.
The first thing that struck him about her - when the Polyjuice finally wore off
- was that she didn't look exactly like her parents. On closer inspection, her
dark arched eyebrows were similar to James' and her large doe-shaped eyes were
Lily's, he could even see some of Mrs Potter in her classically sculpted pouty
lips. But it was not glaringly obvious she was James and Lily's child like
Harry was. Poppy was a perfect blend of her parents, so much so she was most
definitely her own person.
Sirius was embarrassed to admit he confused Harry with James quite a bit and
was constantly seeing reminders of his friends in his godson's behaviour,
actions laughs and smiles.
He didn't get that with Poppy.
Perhaps it was because she was so much of a unique individual. Sirius found his
eyes steering in her direction more than once today and it was because he just
kept noticing things about her - Like the way she lit up a room with her smile
and jokes. Or how she would stop any awkwardness in its tracks and do her best
to make everyone feel welcome, especially her friends in everything. It was
clear she adored her friends. She was fiercely loyal and protective of them
even if she joked and laughed at their expense. That much was extremely
obvious. He doubted Poppy even noticed the way she'd make her friends more at
ease with a joke or silly wink. Harry, in particular, shifted closer to her
whenever he looked overwhelmed or uncertain today and she always calmed him or
made him smile.
Sirius ignored his musings for the moment as he stepped forward to follow the
striped haired girl out the room. A hand reached out and halted him by the
upper arm and he looked back to see Moony giving him a stern look,
"Padfoot, don't flirt with Poppy" Remus warned in a voice dripping with a
reprimand. It was also sighed in an exasperated manner which made Sirius laugh.
The wavy-haired marauder shook off his friends hand and started walking from
the room before turning around to his best mate in the doorway, "Calm down
Remus, I was just teasing" He said with amusement.
Poor old Remus, always worrying about everything and looking too much into
things. He was only having a joke with Poppy, it didn't mean anything. It was
Prongs' little angel for Circe sake, not some witch down the leaky. It was his
default setting with beautiful woman and he was actually a little offended that
his best friend would think him lecherous enough to hit on James' daughter.
Remus rounded up to his side quickly and sighed heavily, "I know that, but she
might not. She's only fifteen, you know" He muttered as they started walking.
Sirius scowled at his friend as they reached the stairs, "I know that Remus,
you think I don't know that? It's just teasing, and she battered back, I know
she's young but she's much more mature than her friends. Surely you see that
too?" Sirius grumbled irritably. As much as he appreciated Moony, sometimes the
morality lectures got a little too much.
Remus walked beside him down the stairs and didn't look too happy as he rubbed
his face "Yes I'm aware. She has a certain hardness of someone that's had to
grow up too fast, doesn't she?" He said quietly with regret, looking older than
his years.
Sirius' mind went to the time by the lake he'd seen her scars. Yes, grew up too
fast was the extremely kind way of putting it. Abuse doesn't necessarily make
someone mature but understanding and experience do. He may not have had much
life experience thanks to a certain rat, but Sirius could see the shrewd and
assessing gaze from Poppy a mile off. It wasn't malicious at all but
very... aware. she wasn't just smart, she was sharp.
The two marauders reached the bottom of the stairs in silence, the air heavy
with the scent of a home-cooked meal. They both knew the other was thinking on
Poppy's scars and neither knew how to address it yet. The information she'd
only just given them was already confusing enough as it is,
Sirius noticed James and Lily chatting with Molly and Arthur in the hallway.
Sirius and Remus approached the foursome and he peered forward to see a couple
of people dotted about the living room while others sat at the kitchen table
waiting for dinner. Harry, Poppy, Ron and Hermione were among those at the
table.
"Thanks for having us over Molly, it's very generous of you" Sirius greeted
graciously to the red-haired woman. Molly brushed off his gratuities and
smiled,
"Oh anything for Harry, he really deserves this doesn't he? You're all welcome
back anytime you want to come see him. I know Albus has limited where he can go
but please consider our home your home during the holidays. I know you'll want
to catch up with Harry as much as you can before he goes back to school" She
offered very kindly. Sirius smirked, yes for Harry. the woman doted on his
godson but wasn't overly fond of him.
Lily clearly adored the woman and moved forward to hug her in gratitude. The
two mothers held each other and Sirius rolled his eyes to James. Prongs grinned
at him with excitement and placed his hand on Arthurs shoulder, "Excuse me for
a minute" and then nudged his head to the side to indicate they should talk in
private.
Sirius nodded subtly and then followed James out the back door of the house. It
was late afternoon and although it was summer the day was chilly with a cold
wind hitting him. He cast a quick warming charm, knowing they might be out here
for a while. Sirius had a lot to say and was desperate to reveal what he found
out about Poppy.
Remus slipped out the back door also and came up to his side with furrowed
brows, eyeing James warily "Well we found out a few things about Poppy but it
isn't good, I don't think" the werewolf began slowly.
James frowned and looked down. Sirius and Remus watched their friend silently,
"I've got to know" He muttered and looked up, brown eyes calm and firm. James
was always one to face things head on; a true Gryffindor.
The noise of the backdoor opening yet again made the three marauders turn
around to see Lily sneaking out the back and darting over with a scowl, "Don't
start without me" She frowned at the three men and then crossed her arms over
her chest, "Now tell me everything, what did you end up talking to Poppy about?
I thought we told you to tell her to come down and chat with us privately?" She
asked unhappily, green eyes almost accusing. Ah yes, they had tried. But
neither marauder wanted to push, it would have been suspicious.
Sirius looked away while Remus looked apologetic, "I'm sorry Lily we tried but
she didn't want to intrude on the family moment" the werewolf explained
quietly, sadness ringing clearly in his tone.
Both Potters looks solemn. It was James that spoke sadly, "We need to let her
know, it will be tough but they both deserve to know the truth. I don't-
I can't believe she'd think she was intruding on a family moment" It was quite
tragic actually and the four of them had felt the strain of not openly
accepting Poppy as a Potter all day.
Sirius felt guilty for not insisting she come downstairs and cleared his
throat, hoping to cheer his best mates up, "She said she'd be willing to talk
to you both after dinner. And she told us a little about her past" He admitted,
knowing everyone was very curious about her mysterious past.
The married pair exchanged a glance. James looked wary but determined, brown
eyes bracing themselves while Lily looked fierce and took a deep breath. Sirius
looked towards Moony before beginning,
"Well she admitted to being mostly raised in the Wizarding World and adopted by
Wizards" The dog animagus began, feeling this was the most surprising
information.
James' mouth dropped open in astonishment while his wife nibbled on her lips,
"Right, did she give any indication of who?" Lily asked hesitantly, with
intense green eyes.
Sirius shook his head and ran a hand through his hair in agitation. Remus
picked up where he left off, "Poppy also said she got letters from Durmstrang
and Beauxbatons as well as Hogwarts"
Lily sucked in a sharp breath while James groaned and ruffled his hair,
"Really? Why? Potters have been going to Hogwarts for hundreds of years and you
don't just get acceptance letters there" Prongs huffed.
Sirius was about the burst with all the strange information he'd found out,
"I know, but Poppy mentioned something about travelling around Germany? Who'd
take her travelling across bloody Europe?" He fumed and then kicked his foot on
the dust in an annoyed manner, "Wizards don't go looking for children in muggle
Orphanages, it must have been someone that knew who she was. There's no way
it's a coincidence" He explained, feeling dread well up inside him. No one
outside of the Order knew about Poppy but if it was somebody from the Order
then they'd clearly never told anyone she was alive. This was a nightmare.
It was Lily that questioned what he refused to even think about, "Y-you don't
think it was... Peter?" She whispered his name like it was a curse word. Sirius
saw James stiffen and felt a growl leave his own lips. Bloody Wormtail. It
better not had been. That rat doesn't deserve to touch a hair on Poppy's lovely
head, never mind look at her.
They all stood in silence for a moment, contemplating the absolute worst.
Lily's red hair blew in the breeze, dancing wilding around while Sirius felt a
shiver go through him despite the warming charm.
Remus spoke up tentatively, "I don't think so..." He began, and everyone looked
at him with hopeful expressions, "Poppy said Wizards, plural, so that means
more than one. We know that Peter never left Britain and was hiding for years
as the Weasley's pet rat" Lily gasped in surprise at this piece of information
while James cursed foully. It was certainly a horrible shock that the traitor
had been in such close proximity to Harry for so long. Sirius had a right fit
when Remus told him Albus saw this in the rats mind. It was Remus' task for the
Order to find out just who'd discovered and handed Peter over, hoping for a
powerful ally. So far, the werewolf had found nothing.
Sirius' lips were thin and face stony while Remus continued, "It's unlikely but
not impossible it was him. However, I imagine Poppy would have told somebody if
the person who raised her was suddenly sent to Azkaban for being a Death Eater,
it was all over the Daily Prophet"
Sirius felt relief sink his chest. No, it wasn't that bloody traitorous
bastard. It wouldn't be enough to kill your best friend and betray his family
but if Wormtail had raised Poppy... That would be just sick. Beyond despicable.
"Dinners served!" a voice called from inside the house and four heads all
turned to the noise. Lily looked a little disappointed they couldn't keep
talking.
They all trudged forwards dutifully and James struck up a conversation with
Remus about the upcoming full moon and the arrangements they had made.
The wavy-haired man trailed behind with Lily and turned to see an anxious and
worried expression on her face. No doubt about her daughter. A small piece of
information hit him then that he hadn't mentioned about Poppy and he smiled to
himself. Everyone was already seated when they reached the kitchen with the
youngest at the furthest end of the table and Molly, Arthur at the other end
next to four empty seats. The table had of course been magically extended.
As Lily took her seat beside Prongs, Sirius leant down and whispered in Lily's
ear, "I also found out Poppy likes muggle books about magic" He spoke quietly.
It was a small trivial thing but the first glimpse into her personality he knew
Lily would be eager to know.
Sirius then moved to the other side of the table and plopped down beside Moony.
Lily was staring back at him with big grateful eyes and mouthed, 'thank you'.
He simply winked back.
The meal was delicious and the table was alive with laughter, happy faces and
funny stories. The room was warm, smelled delicious and everyone looked at
ease. The former convict had a moment of quiet contemplation as he watched
everyone at the table. It was a bit like a dream, wasn't it? Here he was,
having dinner with James, Lily, Remus, Harry and Poppy. He thought he'd never
see any of them again and that except Harry and Remus they were all were gone
forever. He'd never forget the dead eyes and cold bodies of James and Lily.
This was too good to be a dream. Maybe he had died in that bleak, empty cell.
Maybe he had gone completely mental like the rest of his family and was still
locked up. He didn't care. As long as he never woke up.
A hand gripping his elbow brought him back to himself and Sirius turned to see
Moony looking at him with concern. His friend leant forward and asked in quiet
tones, "You alright?"
Sirius blinked, shook his head, feeling his hair ruffle and smiled widely at
his friend, "Course mate, pass the potatoes, would you?" He asked with a
lopsided grin. Remus complied though he didn't look like he believed him though
didn't press the matter. Sirius was grateful.
Sirius finished plopping some mashed potatoes on his plate when he looked up,
feeling eyes on him and looked across the opposite side of the table to see a
pair of green eyes looking back.
Poppy was looking at him with her head tilted to the side, just a little. It
was almost curious, almost absent-mindedly. Her nose crinkled and twitched and
her chest rose sharply as if she was inhaling. A tiny furrow appeared in her
arched brows and he couldn't help the answering soft smile on his face. Poppy
positively beamed back and the dog animagus felt strangely warm inside at the
look. She was just so full of light and happiness, wasn't she?
Poppy's attention was pulled away by Harry who nudged her and started speaking
with her and he felt strangely disappointed. Poppy wasn't anything he'd been
expecting but despite that, he couldn't help but feel very intrigued and a bit
drawn into the mystery of Poppy.
Sirius was unusually quiet that meal. He ate his food, laughed when appropriate
but his eyes kept drifting to the end of the table. Towards where Poppy
giggled, or told a funny story or teased someone. The dog animagus could admit
he was startled by her appearance. The two pure white stripes that framed her
face, somehow drawing attention to the big eyes and sweet lips. He wasn't sure
if it was a new muggle fashion statement much like students in his year
followed. Punk rock was popular then, he wasn't sure what trend Poppy was
following. Though Poppy didn't seem like the type to follow other people's
fashions, not judging by the lovely yet almost conservative jumper she had on
with those figure-hugging jeans. It was hardly giving a statement.
Sirius watched how the conversations around Poppy all seemed to gravitate
towards her some way or another. Bill Weasley leant over to discuss his
travels, Charlie spoke in quiet tones about his job, hell even Percy was
inclined to chat with her even if it something tedious and ministry related.
Everyone was drawn to her, almost like a sun, greedily soaking up as many warm
rays as they could. He didn't blame them.
Sirius turned back to his plate and continued wolfing down his food. Say what
you want about Molly Weasley, but the woman was a bloody good cook. The sound
of raucous laughter drifting up from the other side of the table made him turn
around, noting everyone on this side of the table do the same.
Poppy was cuddling Ron from her position beside him and giggling. The youngest
Weasley boy's face was red but tears streamed down his face as he laughed along
with everyone besides them. Harry and Hermione were staring fondly at their two
other friends and chuckling uncontrollably.
Huh.
Maybe there was something there...
The former convict turned to his messy haired best mate and jerked his head to
indicate he was talking about Poppy, "Think there's something going on with
Poppy and Ron?" He asked, pointing out the unusually close behaviour of the two
teens. The wavy-haired man tried not to frown, teenage boys were bloody
hormonal bastards.
James Potters easy grin faded, and his face transformed into a frown as his
head snapped around to take the position of his daughter. Sirius let out a tiny
smirk. Prongs' eyes narrowed as he watched the overly affectionate display.
Lily, the level-headed woman she was, smacked her husband on the arm lightly
and sighed at him, fighting off a smile, "Honestly James, they're just friends.
It seems to me Ron and Hermione might fancy each other" She spoke in quiet and
amused tones, giggling a little then taking a sip of her wine.
Molly Weasley turned to the other red-haired mother and nodded her head
frantically, "Yes I thought so too. At first, I thought Poppy was taken with
Ron but it's obvious she's like that with everyone. Poor dear, always looking
for a hug. It's no wonder" Mrs Weasley sniffed and continued slicing her
chicken but a little more forcefully than usual. The statement made Sirius play
closer attention.
He looked up and shared uncertain looks with James and Lily. What did Molly
mean by that?
Arthur smiled sadly at his wife, reaching over to take one of her hands gently,
"Molly we've talked about this. I know you want to help but you can't interfere
in Poppy's life. I know she's still young but she isn't a child anymore, she'll
be sixteen this year" He reminded gently. It was clear to everyone that this
was a common topic for Molly and Arthur.
Molly removed her hand from under her husbands, looked absently to the other
side of the table only to shout a warning to the twins to stop some nonsense or
the other but he was too focused on the current conversation to care.
"What is wrong with Poppy?" Lily asked with hearts in her eyes and compassion
ringing from every inch of her voice. The wavy-haired man tried not to shake
his head, Lily was not subtle at all and he wondered how everyone didn't
realise Poppy was obviously her daughter.
Molly turned to his best mate's wife - obviously looking for an ally and sighed
- "Poor child, I had no idea she was an orphan. It must be so difficult for
her. I cannot believe Ronald never told me. I can't imagine how awful it must
have been for her, no family at all and spending Christmas holidays all alone
in that castle. And working every summer at such a young age, how can that be
legal?" She fumed. Sirius could tell by the way she ranted that this was a
speech Molly had given more than once. Poppy was working? Where? Why?
Lily was staring with her mouth open, food forgotten, clearly trying to compose
herself. Moony leant forward and started talking to her in quiet tones, knowing
she was about to lose it.
"What?" James yelped, the horror on his face showing, "she's working, where?
Since when? She should be enjoying her holidays for Merlin's sake" He fumed
voice raised a little in anger. Sirius completely agreed, those years are the
most carefree and fun of everyone's life. Poppy should be enjoying it, as
should Harry.
Molly Weasley gave her husband an 'I told you so look'. Arthur smiled ruefully,
"I agree but it isn't our place to whisk her away, we can offer but she's not
far off her majority and we don't have any authority over her" the balding man
reminded and then took a long sip of his pumpkin juice.
Sirius looked down to see his plate more than half finished. He didn't feel
like finishing it. The dog animagus didn't have the same appetite since his
release from Azkaban. It took a full month for his body to stop rejecting any
decent foot put into it.
Lily attempted to keep eating but Sirius could see the strain on her shoulders
and stiffness in her hands.
"I know that Arthur but she's still a child. A child, working and living in
some magic-forsaken pub" Molly almost spat out though her eyes looked to be
overwhelmed with pity.
Sirius blinked. Poppy was living and working in a pub? Merlin, that was awful.
Fury and crippling guilt flashed across Lily's face while shame and the colour
drained from Prongs'. The waved haired man elbowed Remus and the two shared a
look as if to say they needed to do something. The married Potters were about
to lose it.
Remus cleared his throat and attempted a smile towards Arthur, "So you think
Ron and Hermione will get together? Poppy seems awfully close to Ron, I hope it
doesn't cause any drama" He said loudly and cleared his throat, obviously
trying to change the subject the best he could and bring it back to something
more innocent.
Arthur looked grateful for the change and nodded, "I don't think so. Poppy may
be close to Ron but she's practically glued to Harry's side" the balding red-
headed man chuckled fondly.
Molly turned in her seat and her eyes lit up, "Oh yes, they are so adorable,
always dancing around each other. Ron says they've been like that since they
first met" the Weasley matriarch sighed with a smile, "It's so sweet, isn't it?
young love"
Prongs' choked on his butterbeer, spewed the liquid all over the table and
coughed violently, several people jerked away. Sirius was too startled and
horrified to care about the sticky mess that was spattered all over his face
and hair. What in Merlin's name did Molly Weasley just say?!
===============================================================================
James Potter, by nature, wasn't an overly anxious man. Nor was he the worrying
sort. Yet since dinner feelings of dread, worry and a sense of foreboding
threatened to overwhelm him to the point of outright panic.
it couldn't be true.
The father hadn't thought of the implications, the true implications, of his
children not knowing they were related. On the one hand, it was tragic and
unfortunate for them not to know. But the other... Well, Harry was a teenage
boy and Poppy was - in his humble opinion - the most beautiful girl to grace
Hogwarts since her mother. The issue that could arise was worse than if they
knew each other and didn't speak but what if... What if they fancied each
other?
Merlin, please no. This is what he gets for failing his family, isn't it?
After the meal, everyone had gathered in the living room again with chairs
being conjured and couches magically extended to fit everyone in this rather
large party. The celebratory air continued, and everyone seemed to be in high
spirits, even that one uptight Weasley. Firewhisky was cracked open, the
children were sneaked a sip of butterbeer by the Weasley twins and Harry was so
happy one might think he'd been drugged with a euphoria Potion.
James sat beside his wife Lily, eyeing his children intently - looking for
any... signs. Poppy was once again seated beside Harry and they occasionally
turned to each other with an amused glance, secret smile or raised eyebrow as
if they were speaking silently. That maybe wasn't too surprising - they were
twins after all, they shared a unique and close bond. Unless... Unless it was a
boyfriend-girlfriend thing!
Merlin, he couldn't do this.
James stood up swiftly, eyes in the room turning to him curiously. He gave
everyone a strained smile, "Be right back" He choked out and then swiftly left
the room, feeling overwhelming panic start to overcome him. The tight feeling
in his chest was a bit like he'd flew too high up on his broom; his heart was
racing, his head was a little dizzy and not enough air was going through his
mouth.
James fairly bolted to the back door and burst out into the Weasley's garden,
taking huge gulps of air. It had gotten dark by now; the night air was crisp
and ached in his chest a little, yet it did help. The messy haired man sighed,
the rapid drop in temperature actually helping, a small cloud of air forming in
front of him.
His glasses had started to steam so James took them off and wiped them on the
hem of his shirt, not even thinking of the spell. He had too much to think
about.
What was he going to do? This was all too much. He didn't understand how Lily
could dive headfirst into this mess of a situation. Fifteen years had
passed, fifteen. The world had changed, and his kids were almost grown. Where
did that leave him? Fighting a war that never seems to end, desperately trying
to protect his family? When his children didn't need him anymore.
What a joke. Protect his family. He, who had already failed so miserably. Lily
had been murdered, Harry hit by a killing curse and in his foolish attempt to
protect Poppy he'd somehow sentenced her to an abused and awful childhood. He
didn't know how he could do this.
The feeling of a warming charm coming over him had him unconsciously relaxing.
He hadn't realised that the cold had made his muscles seize up. James turned
around curiously to see who'd cast the spell and to his surprise, the person
walking towards him was one of the people he was most concerned about; Poppy.
His daughter smiled at him, that tiny comforting one Lily got sometimes that
always put him at ease. It made his heart ache to see her so grown up. His
little princess.
"Not feeling up for celebrating?" Poppy asked sweetly, in a matter-of-fact but
not accusing tone. His daughter stopped beside him and eyed him curiously for a
moment before looking out onto the wide landscape surrounding the Weasley
house.
James shuffled his feet a little though the presence of Poppy did calm him,
"I'm just getting some fresh air" He answered faintly, trying to sound
nonchalant while continuously shooting looks towards his little girl.
Perhaps it was best for him to just burst out the truth. You're my daughter.
You're my daughter. The longer they waited the more problems that grew. The
truth would come out soon and the sooner the better, in his opinion. Then he
could start getting to the bottom of Poppy's past and find out who he needed to
deal with.
He still had to pay a visit to the Dursleys.
Poppy hummed in a non-committal manner, "I see" She replied and then looked
towards him with a faintly amused smile, "I just wanted to know why you ran out
the room looking like a bludger was chasing you" She said quite bluntly.
James sighed, he'd noticed her lack of beating around the bush and while it
amused him, and she clearly got it from him, he didn't like it rounded back. He
turned to fully face Poppy, "Things are just so different. It's difficult
seeing Harry so grown up. I hate that I've missed his childhood" James admitted
and looked to see the quietly contemplating and endlessly understanding
expression Lily always wore on her face.
Poppy nodded her head slowly and took a moment to speak as if she was picking
her words carefully, "It is going to be difficult. Being a parent to a teenage
boy is quite different than a baby, I'd imagine" Poppy paused then and nibbled
on her lip before sighing and smiling up at him sadly. He wanted to give her a
hug, "I think you should stop thinking about what you should be doing and look
closely to see what Harry needs of you. I don't know what a perfect family is
like and neither does Harry. He doesn't want any of that… just his parents to
love him. As long as you give him that, everything will be fine" Poppy spoke
with a maturity that was well beyond her years. He always knew she was a little
genius. Everything she said was just so Lily that it made him smile. He
secretly always wanted his children to take after his wife more than him.
James took his daughters words to heart and turned to face her fully.
He should be the one giving advice here, he should be the strong paternal
figure that was all-knowing. But instead, he took Poppy in carefully, her
expression was she was somewhat down and bittersweet though her green eyes were
achingly sad as she stared back at him. What does she need?
James moved forward to take Poppy into a hug.
You're my daughter.
It took two heartbeats for her to return the embrace. James felt her frame
begin to tremble, although it had nothing to do with the cold, he cast another
warming charm on her anyway. His arms were tight around her while little puffs
of air hit his neck where she was snuggled. He smiled.
After a while, the shaking subsided and he felt her lips curl into a smile. He
tucked her in further.
Eventually, she pulled back and peered up at him sheepishly. He grinned, making
her grin back. Poppy looked bashful as she said quietly, "Thanks" with her eyes
planted firmly on the ground.
James' grin softened when she looked up, "Anytime," He said honestly.
Poppy looked a little abashed. It was the first time tonight he'd seen her
anything but utterly confident and in her element. While it warmed him that she
was already so comfortable with him that she let down her defences it made him
sad that she would be so insecure with him. She never needed to be.
You're my daughter.
Poppy cleared her throat, "We should go back in" She said a tad awkwardly.
James nodded, wanting to get back to Harry but still a bit disappointed to be
leaving. Now was the perfect time to tell her. But it didn't feel quite right.
Not without his whole family. He couldn't do this without Lily.
They walked the short distance back slowly, James wanting to make the most of
his time but not knowing how to prolong it.
They reached the doorway back to the house and James felt a bubble of panic as
Poppy turned her back to him and placed her hand on the doorknob.
"You-don't-fancy-Harry-do-you?" He exhaled in one large breath. The reason for
his panic hitting him once again. He needed to know. He had to know if his
children had inadvertently developed feelings for the other. It wouldn't be
their fault, Merlin it wouldn't, and he would never blame them. But he had to
know.
James felt his heart begin to race as he stared at the back of his daughter's
head. Please say no. Please say no.
Poppy paused, peered back at him with her bright green eyes before sighing
heavily and then turning back around. His little girl slumped back on the door
and rubbed the bridge of her nose. Hey he did that! …Oh! He did that when
someone just said something really stupid.
James felt his entire body sag in relief and a grin tug on the corners of his
mouth. Poppy seemed to sense the change in him and looked at him quizzically
before she answered his hasty question,
"I'm sure by now Mrs Weasley has told you my 'tragic backstory'" She began with
a sarcastic eye roll and a little smile. His mind flashed back to his scars and
his mood plummeted again. She shouldn't be making light of her horrors. Poppy
continued, "You know I've never had any family… and as much as I love Harry
he's really the closest thing I've ever had to one and my feelings are never
going to change" Poppy looked him dead in the eye as she spoke and the
seriousness and solemn tone to her voice startled him. She was as serious as if
she'd sworn a Wizarding oath right then with a stiff spine and direct manner.
It surprised him to see her so grave. She didn't seem like the type. It was
authoritarian and strong. Yet another aspect of her personality, a conflicting
one.
His daughter then turned around, opened the back door and joined the party.
James followed behind and watched closely as Poppy melted effortlessly back
into the crowd, a grin stretching at her lips and all signs of seriousness
disappear as quick as a snitch. If he didn't know better, he would never
believe that she had been solemn and firm just a moment before.
It made him wonder.
===============================================================================
Poppy's eyes shot open as she woke up. The striped haired teenager sighed
before inhaling and exhaling carefully. Her heart raced in her chest and a
certain uncomfortable jitteriness had settled into her bones. She hadn't
remembered her dream and was quite glad about that fact.
She sighed and turned on the bed to look at Hermione's gently rising and
falling back. Poppy didn't really want to wake her. They all had a late night
last night and 'Mione was snuck her first butterbeer. The bookworm hadn't
gotten drunk but was a little tipsy and would probably appreciate the rest.
Poppy rolled onto her back again and sighed quietly. It was pitch black in the
room. She waved her hand to cast a tempus charm. 6:12. Not too early.
The animagus decided to get up then and go for a run. She was feeling
particularly uneasy this morning with a strange bubbling inside of her skin and
a certain tenseness to her muscles that wouldn't go away. A long run to exhaust
herself and quieten her mind always helped this feeling.
The striped haired teenager was silent as she collected some muggle running
gear and her 'trainers'. Within fifteen minutes, she'd snuck to the toilet,
changed, brushed her teeth, peed and was out the door.
Poppy did not run far. Only a wide berth of the land. Although she relished the
feeling of four legs and the wind through her fur as she dashed at impossible
speeds, Poppy needed to feel some strain in her human muscles today. She was
feeling out of sorts… misplaced. She wanted to run back to Hogshead and take a
few days to recuperate. But she really couldn't.
Poppy decided to return to the house just before it hit seven, knowing Mrs
Weasley might get up soon. The sun had risen during her impromptu run and she
smiled at the thought of a quick shower before anyone woke up. Ginny wouldn't
be happy. Oh well.
A mixture of scents drifted towards her as she jogged up to the back door. It
smelled delicious and made her stomach grumble. Her advanced ears alerted her
to sizzling in a frying pan, the boiling of hot water and the shuffling of
someone's feet. Someone was cooking in the kitchen.
As she entered the back door her eyebrows rose at the sight which greeted her.
Lily Potter was frying something in the pan and humming in an almost tense
manner, deeply focusing on her task. She was wearing a long and floaty brown
dress, which strangely complimented her fiery red hair.
Seated at the kitchen table was James Potter, dressed in casual Wizarding robes
and grinning as he held a mug of tea between his hands. Sirius Black sat across
from his best friend and swung casually on his chair and barked out laughter.
Remus Lupin was also seated at the table, looking tired but amused.
Poppy tilted her head to the side and smiled a little, "Bit early to be up,
isn't it?" She remarked casually to the room, thereby announcing her presence.
Everyone's gaze immediately shot to her and she tried to fight a smile. This
was a nice gesture, for them – or rather Lily – to cook breakfast for everyone.
Mrs Weasley had made it unbelievably clear the night before that the Weasley's
home was their home also. Is smothering affectionate a thing? Mrs Weasley
certainly made it so.
"Poppy" Lily Potter gasped in delight, eyeing her as if she was a wonderful
surprise, her face practically sparkled. Poppy tried to ignore how wanted and
cherished this made her feel. She had discovered that Lily Potter was kindness,
goodness and warmth personified.
James Potter grinned towards her and pulled out a chair beside him and motioned
her over with a large hand flourish. Sirius Black bounced back on his seat with
a loud thud and blinked at her in surprise. Remus Lupin smiled tiredly at her
with heavy green eyes.
As Poppy approached the table Remus' scent hit her yet again, strongly filling
her with a wild, woodsy, strong and masculine scent. It was so natural and
lovely. Was it stronger than yesterday? No, that's silly, it couldn't be.
The striped haired teenager plopped down beside Harry's dad, feeling strangely
nervous. She needed to make a good impression on everyone at this table.
"What were you doing out at this hour, Poppy?" James Potter questioned, eyeing
her attire with a slightly quizzical look. It was obvious he hadn't seen muggle
running gear before. It was rather unusual, why did muggles enjoy running for
recreation? The clothes were skin tight in a strange material with large almost
bouncy shoes. It felt like they had a cushioning charm inside of them.
Poppy shrugged casually with a little smile, "I'm a very early riser and went
for a run around the property" She explained calmly.
Remus' expression looked contemplative and a little worried. Sirius raised his
brows at her and Lily paused from her cooking for a moment to dart her eyes
back to her, just for a moment.
Harry's dad blinked for a moment, "Oh" he breathed and then cleared his throat,
"Should you be going out all by yourself when it's still dark out? Isn't that a
little dangerous?" He questioned, looking uncertain.
Poppy felt a little abashed but amused. She was only running around the wooded
area. It wasn't as if anything would ever hurt her. But she didn't want to
completely dismiss his gentle concern. It was uncomfortably touching.
"Not really" She replied, "I stay within the wards" She told him seriously.
James looked a little more relaxed at this though still not entirely appeased.
"What can I make you for breakfast Poppy?" Lily Potter's bright voice drifted
towards her. Poppy peered over at Harry's mum to see her staring back with
bright hopeful eyes, as if there was nothing in this world she'd love more than
to be cooking her some breakfast.
Poppy bit her lip and smiled a little, "Pancakes with bacon?" She asked
curiously. Lily Potter beamed back and turned back around immediately.
"Of course, sweetie" Lily's voice said back warmly, "Do you want some pumpkin
juice with that?" She asked, pulling out some flour and eggs.
Poppy felt strangely domestic here and more comfortable than with the
Weasley's. She didn't know why but she felt like she belonged here more.
Perhaps it was because of the strange band of people, such as Sirius Black and
Remus Lupin belonging without being blood. It was intoxicating, the acceptance.
The amimagus stood up and stretched a little, "No I'm fine, I'll get myself a
cuppa" She replied kindly, not wanting to seem lazy and ungrateful.
Strangely, James Potter leapt up from his seat then and placed his hand on her
shoulder with a smile, "I'll get it for you" He offered and then moved towards
the kettle. She sat back down slowly.
It was rather strange, how accommodating Harry's parents were behaving towards
her but then she understood that maybe Molly had filled in – and exaggerated –
her past and they were feeling pity. Strangely, in this case, that didn't make
her feel ashamed or weak.
James fiddled with the pot and shouted back to her, "How do you take it?" He
asked and then muttered under his breath sadly, "Don't even know how she likes
her bloody tea, how useless am I?" He then sighed very quietly.
Although confused by the statement she clearly wasn't supposed to hear and
wouldn't if it wasn't for her animagus senses, she ignored this and replied,
"Oh I like it black, thanks" She responded absently.
Poppy's keen eyes noticed Sirius Black shift slightly in his seat a little and
her eyes moved towards him naturally. Harry's godfather had a smirk pulling at
the corner of his lips and amusement dancing in his grey eyes, clearly, he was
trying to fight off a mischievous comment or two.
He thinks it's amusing I like it Black? Oh he has no idea.
When Sirius' eyes met hers, she stared directly back with wickedness and
challenge in her gaze, openly smirking at him. Sirius was a very funny and
quick-witted man. She quickly adored that about him.
Poppy had been expecting someone like her Uncle Reggie. A true Black heir with
the air of sophistication and guarded countenance that came from someone from
the most Ancient and Noble House of Black. Sirius Orion Black III. Heir to
House Black. Someone older, wiser than her uncle had been. To be honest, she'd
been intimidated and unbelievably worried about his reaction to her.
Sirius Black wasn't anything like her Uncle Reg. In fact, although logically
she noticed the resemblance, she just didn't see it. They there night and day,
complete opposites. Uncle Reg was quiet, contemplative and meticulous. He
worried, fret, rarely smiled but was always watching carefully. Sirius was
possibly the complete opposite. In many ways, he was similar to her and she
often heard him make jokes or a comment or another and desperately wished to
banter back and had to bite her lip harshly to refrain from doing so.
Poppy watched the sheer surprise wash across Sirius' face and her she smiled a
little at his surprise. Yes, I know what you were thinking. She adored how
unreserved Harry's godfather was. He treated everyone as equals, not children
or too immature.
Sirius blinked and looked almost alarmed, but his lips were twitching in
amusement as if he couldn't help himself. It looked like he didn't know how to
react.
James Potter gently placed the mug of black tea in front of her and Poppy
smiled up at him thankfully, "Thank you Mr Potter" She said kindly. Dismay
flickered across Harry's dad's expression and he sat down, almost in a defeated
manner. Had she offended him?
Since there were other people present, she ignored the strange moment and took
a sip of tea. As she did so, she noted Sirius Black watching her closely. She
smirked into her cup, took a long gulp while closing her eyes and then made a
decidedly loud, 'ahhhh' noise to indicate her enjoyment while smacking her lips
together.
Sirius' eyes widened, and he choked out a laugh but looked away from her, as if
trying to control himself. Come on, say something, she challenged silently.
"Nothing better than a cup of tea in the morning" She remarked with an innocent
smile.
Remus Lupin cleared his throat and her attention shifted towards the sandy-
haired man.
He nodded towards her kindly and agreed, "No there isn't. Do you have any plans
for today Poppy?" He inquired, watching her closely.
Poppy regarded the man for a moment before humming in a non-committal manner.
Remus Lupin looked weighted down, his face looked tired and drawn, his eyes
heavy and his shoulders slightly slumped. Perhaps he was hungover, "No I'm free
for the day. I assume you all have plans with Harry?" She inquired, wondering
why all eyes in the room were suddenly drawn to her.
The animagus noted from the corner of her eye that Mr and Mrs Potter shared a
look then and it made her a little anxious.
Mrs Potter turned back around and began piling a plate with pancakes and bacon.
Lily Potter approached the table with a happy but slightly nervous smile and
placed the food she had prepared in front of her. Poppy noted that the pans and
pots had been placed on a stasis charm.
The striped haired animagus smiled up at the red-haired mother. Lily Potter
smiled back lovingly yet her expressive green eyes shown with edgy
anticipation. What was about to happen?
The striped haired teenager wasn't sure if it was the spirit wolf inside of her
or the hardened soldier, but she could sense something was about to happen.
James Potter shifted at her side and edged his body to face her. He took a long
inhale. What was about to happen?
Poppy calmly picked up her cutlery and ignored the atmosphere, hoping it would
go away even though everyone's eyes were on her.
James Potter began speaking in a calm but strong manner, choosing his words
carefully, "We are glad we caught you alone. We were hoping to talk to you last
night, but it was a little hectic" the messy haired man began, ruffling his
hair. Poppy felt comforted at the gesture which reminded her of Harry.
Lily Potter shifted in her seat and rung her hands nervously on the table.
Sirius Black shifted over and placed a comforting hand on Harry's mums
shoulder.
Lily Potter spoke quietly with heartfelt emotion, green eyes wide, "I know what
we have to say might sound crazy but please listen and… and try to understand.
Please just… keep an open mind" Harry's mum pleaded with her in an apologetic
manner. It made the striped haired teenager uneasy. What in Merlin's name would
the Potter's need to apologise to her about? Did… did they not want her around
Harry? What else could it be?
Bile, shame and uneasiness were churning inside of her and made the food
uncomfortably heavily in her mouth as she swallowed. She didn't think she could
brave another bite yet continued to chew and cut her food carefully, in want of
something to keep her busy.
Her sensitive ears picked up on movement from upstairs and relief flooded
through her as she heard Mrs Weasley bang on her children's doors and tell them
to wake up. She tried not to sag in relief.
Lily Potter exhaled heavily, "Poppy, you should know that we are-" She began,
big green eyes boring into her own green gaze. Something big was about to
happen. It made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.
Remus Lupin noisily moved his chair and stood up, "-We should finish breakfast,
everyone will be getting up soon" He spoke hastily, shooting strange warning
and apologetic looks towards Mrs Potter.
James Potter cursed very quietly and looked angry while Mrs Potter deflated but
determined, "Okay, maybe we should pop into the living room to chat before-
" Lily Potter stood up, back straight and posture firm.
Poppy swallowed and almost closed her eyes in joy as she heard thundering on
the stairs as Mrs Weasley bustled down the stair case.
The animagus stood up and beamed towards the entrance of the doorway as Ron's
mum entered. Molly Weasley looked startled and then surprisingly happy, "Good
morning dears, oh you didn't have to do any of this. You know we don't expect
anything, thank you so much" She gushed and then moved forward to help in the
cooking all while grabbing Harry's mum's attention and directing questions her
way.
Lily Potter smiled though her eyes were drowning in disappointment as she stood
up and drifted reluctantly back towards the cooker.
James Potter was scowling angrily at his tea cup and Poppy ignored the strange
behaviour. All in all, the striped haired teenager adored Harry's parents but
when they were talking directly to her or just now… they behaved strangely. It
made her nervous.
A door slamming upstairs alert her to the fact that the twins had awoken and
were making their way downstairs. After a while, the patter of footsteps became
familiar to her and the twins definitely had a distinctive rhythm to their
walking.
Two heads of bright red hair bobbed into the kitchen, matching grins adorning
the faces of her favourite twins. Poppy had really bonded this last year with
the Weasley twins and appreciated them in their own unique way. She noted that
they sometimes shared looks with each other and had become mildly protective of
her. It was sweet although extremely unnecessary.
The twins turned to her direction and the grins shifted into something more
anticipatory and mischievous as they spotted her, they hopped over to her and
leant down on either side of her chair – very closely – and placed a large
sloppy kiss on each side of her cheeks. Poppy smiled in amusement and peered to
note it was George on her left and Fred on her right.
"Hello boys, can I help you?" The striped haired animagus asked with an amused
smile and raised eyebrows. Fred beamed at her while George's eyes twinkled in
glee.
"As a matter of fact-" Fred began as he straightened from crouching at her side
and was now looking down at her,
"-You can, if you will please follow us for a moment-" George continued and
moved towards his twin's side.
They both spoke at the same time then, "-We'd like to speak to you in private"
They finished with a flourish.
Poppy knew the twins well enough by this point to notice that it was mischief
planning they were up to. Ron's older brothers had really relished in teaching
her all about pranks the year before and while fun it was also really
fascinating. The twins weren't idiots despite being jokesters. Serious thought,
planning and magical ability was necessary to pull off the types of pranks they
had in mind. The animagus wondered if that's why Albus Dumbledore allowed it.
Poppy stood up in a silent agreement to their request, they were her mentors in
mischief in a way and she did love learning.
"Lead the way" She winked at them and smirked. Identical grins stretched across
their freckled faces as they turned around simultaneously and walked out the
room, expecting her to follow.
Poppy – following the rules of basic etiquette – turned to everyone in the room
and smiled, "Please excuse me for a moment" She begged off kindly.
Lily Potter was now seated at the table and her face fell further. James Potter
smiled at her tightly but looked up with hopeful brown eyes, "Can we have a
chat after breakfast, Poppy?" He requested.
Poppy agreed absently, mind more preoccupied with wondering what the twins were
wanting than anyone in the kitchen. The striped haired teenager noticed Sirius
Black watching her intently with an unreadable facial expression, something
she'd expected more out of the Black heir – quiet and contemplative – than his
usual warm self. Remus Lupin was smiling at her tiredly and the sheer kindness
of his countenance made him so likeable. As she left the room the orphaned
teenager took a deep inhale of Remus' wonderful scent.
She needed to figure out what that was.
Poppy found the twins in the living room where they had proceeded to ward the
room with fairly powerful silencing charms and stood with mock solemn faces as
she approached, spines stiff and behind their backs.
The animagus entered the room slowly and tried to look serious when all she
felt was amused. The light and joy in the twin's blue eyes gave away their
feelings.
"Poppy Stark" Fred began, looking at her directly, as serious and dignified as
she'd even seen the twins try to be.
"You have been chosen to be the recipient of the secret to our success" George
continued, not trailing after or interrupting his brother mid-sentence and
speaking carefully in an almost ceremonial manner.
Poppy raised her eyebrows and stepped further into the room, feeling deeply
intrigued.
Fred nodded at her, "We have picked you as our successor of serious shenanigans
and hope that you will continue our legacy"
George turned to his brother and the twins shared a look and the nodded to each
other. Fred reached into the back pocket of his robes and pulled out a worn
piece of parchment, looking like it had been refolded time and time again.
"Poppy Stark" They spoke at the same time, unfolding the piece of parchment to
reveal that it was, indeed, empty. She frowned.
"We present to you-" They continued speaking in tandem but George pulled out
his wand and held it up to the parchment as if about to speak a spell. They
finished talking together,
"The marauders map"
===============================================================================
Poppy lounged on her bed and stretched, looking around Ginny's room. The book
on healing creature wounds was fascinating and although she could continue
reading it all day, she promised Harry she'd be down after dinner.
It had been a long week since Harry's parents miraculously came back to life.
As happy and strangely at peace, as she's felt since that fateful day, she had
progressively felt more and more out of place in the Weasley household. Before
Harry's parents returned, she was one of three guests in a large family
household but now she started to feel lonely. Hermione had struck up an instant
friendship with Ginny Weasley and although Poppy was so happy that her best
friend had another female friend, she felt a little left out as Ginny clearly
didn't like her.
Harry's been so preoccupied with his parents – and the constant visits from
Remus and Sirius – that he's been utterly euphoric and in his own little world.
She didn't blame him. Not at all.
Another development which left her feeling odd was the behaviour of Harry's
parents. They seemed to always try to catch her alone but when they did their
behaviour would change! Harry's dad would shuffle nervously and ruffle his hair
while smiling uncertainly and Harry's mum would look guilty and determined like
she wanted to shout something out. It was intimidating, and she did not want to
know the reason for the behaviour. She refused to think about it and since the
second day they came back, avoided them like a Gryffindor would Snape.
However, the more she disappeared, the more they seemed to look for her. They
always wanted to 'talk' to her and it only alarmed her more. The animagus had
discovered the best idea was the remain in large crowds or hide away completely
in her room – borrowing Harry's cloak for close calls.
But then she had a lot on her mind and wanted to remain alone anyway. This was
all because of the gift from the Weasley twins. It was the most amazing thing
she'd ever seen.
A map of Hogwarts… a live map! The sheer power of the artefact amazed her. The
animagus looked around the room and took a few deep breathes to ensure no one
was near. She then cast a wandless silencing charm to be certain and then
pulled out the magical map from under her pillow.
The striped haired teenager then grabbed her wand and placed it on the map, "I
solemnly swear I'm up to no good" She spoke clearly and consciously.
Ink faded into the parchment and names as well as footsteps appeared. Amazing,
utterly amazing. Would she ever stop being astounded from magic? She certainly
hoped not.
The hardened teenager's eyes drifted towards Dumbledore's office to see the man
himself pacing the room steadily. He did that a lot, it appeared.
The first thing she noticed about the map was the names – Moony, Wormtail,
Padfoot and Prongs proudly present the Mauraders Map.
Those bloody fucking nicknames. Merlin's saggy balls.
Sirius, Remus and James bloody Potter! It was their map. Their strange
nicknames suddenly made more and less sense. Her knowledge of the rats past
gave her an indication of just who Wormtail would be – Peter Pettigrew it must
be for the four of them were friends. Poppy wishes she had delved further into
Pettigrew's Hogwarts years when she had him and then she would know the secrets
of the names. It was her own fault, really, being uncomfortable with the idea
of the murderer being friends with Harry's parents and a Gryffindor on top of
that! She shouldn't have allowed emotions to cloud her judgement.
This strange map and the riddle behind the names had become something of an
obsession for the striped haired teenager and not even the excitement of
Harry's parents coming back from the dead could deter her. She felt so close
and yet so far from the answer.
Poppy was almost desperate to question them on how they made such an amazing
artefact. But then, the hardened teenager inside of her knew that while
amazing, this map was powerful. So bloody powerful and potentially dangerous.
If she knew someone had such a map she'd be alarmed and concerned for her own
as well as everyone else's safety. What if the map fell into the wrong hands?
This relic was potentially a guide directing any number of Death Eaters to her
best friends. No, she would not be letting anyone know about it. She could
figure out its secrets on her own.
"Dinners ready" A shrill voice echoed throughout the house. The animagus tried
not to scowl. She'd bloody promised Harry she'd be down to spend time with
everyone this evening. As much as she adored everyone in the house, being
around everyone constantly was tiresome. Not even a Hogwarts was it necessary
to… be around everyone as much.
The striped haired teenager sighed and tapped the amazing map with her wand,
"Mischief managed" She murmured. Poppy then hid the map in her trunk and spent
a few minutes placing some alarms and cautions on her trunk to be careful.
The teenage girl straightened her spine and stretched as she made her way out
of Ginny's bedroom. She walked at a leisurely pace down the stairs and braced
herself for the evening ahead.
Her dress stretched as it moved as it clung to her figure. This was one of her
more mature outfits, a deep red, almost brown dress which hugged her hips but
still conservatively reached past her knee's. It was long sleeved and elegant.
She particularly liked this one. Her hair was braided and draped along her
right shoulder, reaching past her breasts. Perhaps she should get cut.
When Poppy entered the kitchen, everyone was already seated and eating. It took
a quick scan to notice that Harry was beside his parents today, Ron beside his
best friend and the only empty seat directly in-between her two best friends.
The striped haired animagus calmly approached and readied herself for the
evening, plastering on a sweet smile.
"Hey guys, did you enjoy your Quidditch match today?" She grinned towards her
two male best friends as she plopped down in between them.
Ron nodded his head frantically and spoke through food in his mouth, "Oh yeah-
Mr Potter gave me some great tips for playing keeper, I think I might try out
this year now that Wood is gone" Ron's voice was muffled by the food in his
mouth and he swallowed after he finished speaking.
By reflex, she looked around for Hermione, whom why now would usually be
scolding her friend on his table manners and then go back to shyly glancing at
him.
Only Hermione was several seats down beside Ginny Weasley, giggling and
muttering to themselves. Poppy ignored the pang in her gut.
Mr and Mrs Potter were directly across from them, with Harry's dad whispering
something in his mum's ear, all while grinning brightly. Lily Potter giggled
and shook her head. Sirius Black was seated on James Potters other side and
Remus Lupin was curiously absent that evening. It made her frown. He had been
looking progressively worse and worse every day and his scent grew more… wild
and potent each passing day. What the fuck did that mean?
Poppy turned to Ron as she began piling her plate up with the food situated all
around her. Steak pie tonight.
The striped haired teenager smiled at her ginger friend, "That's wonderful, I'm
sure you'll make the team. I don't think anyone else is going for the position…
Maybe Cormac McLagan" She noted, keeping the distaste off her face. Cormac
McLagan was a self-proclaimed womanizer who tried to boast of his Quidditch
skills to her numerous times. It got to the point where she threatened him with
a kick to the balls. He laughed it off, so she'd been forced to follow through
with her threats. Poppy smiled at the memory as she took a bite of potatoes.
Ron choked on his pumpkin juice and swivelled around to her in a surprised
manner, "McLagan? That tosser" Ron scowled and then sighed, looking a little
glum at the idea of competition. She reached forward and rubbed his back
gently,
"Don't worry about him, he's all mouth. You'll do great" the animagus said
warmly and a little softly to Ron. Her ginger-haired friend peeked up at her
and let out a tiny smile before sighing heavily and continuing eating his
dinner.
When she turned back to her food, digging into her meat, she noted Harry eyeing
her with a frown so she looked at him expectantly.
"Who pissed in your potatoes?" She asked with a slight smirk, getting straight
to the point and hoping to erase some of the near-anger on Harry's face.
Sirius Black snorted in the back of his throat automatically while Lily Potter
sent him a glare. James Potter gave her a slight warning look though his brown
eyes were warm with amusement.
The striped haired girl grinned and held her hands up in an apologetic manner.
Harry, meanwhile, still didn't look happy.
He was frowning and still watching her with assessing green eyes, "When did you
find out McLagan was going to try out for the Quidditch team? Have you been
talking to him?" Harry asked with a protective note to his voice. She shook her
head fondly. Perhaps one day if she ever returned the interest of any boy then
his protective manner would annoy her. But until that day, she adored that
Harry tried to keep boys away from her.
Poppy let out a light laugh, "I haven't been talking to him. He, on the other
hand, has a tendency to wax poetic about his Quidditch skills to anything with
a skirt" She explained dryly.
Harry's frown turned into a scowl, "Do you need me to do something about him?"
He asked with a tinge of a threat to his tone.
Poppy gave him a 'don't be stupid look', "Come on Harry, I handled it myself
thank you very much" She sniffed in a mock delicate fashion before lifting her
glass to take a sip of cool pumpkin juice.
Sniggers turned her attention to the twins who were leaning forward in their
seats slightly from Mrs Potters other side and grinning at her wickedly, "Oi,
is that why you knee's McLagan in the groin?-" Fred began eagerly,
"-Couldn't sit down properly for a week, poor bloke" George finished, looking
anything but sympathetic for McLagan's misfortune.
Poppy lifted the glass to her lips, opened her green eyes wide and smiled
innocently at the twins.
Everyone around her laughed. Except for Ron who shot her a mildly alarmed look
and discretely moved his left hand down to cup his crotch.
Poppy laughed fully then.
When Poppy looked back up she saw Ginny Weasley staring directly at her. The
lovely red-haired girl's face was stony, and she turned around to whisper
something in Hermione's ear. Her bushy-haired best friend's eyebrow furrowed,
her brown gaze darting worriedly between her and Ron for a moment. What had
Ginny Weasley said to her friend?
"So do you like Quidditch Poppy? I've never seen you play" Mr Potter asked her
warmly, both Harry's parents watching her now.
Her attention drifted back, and she blinked in surprise at the question, "Hm?
Oh no, not at all. Never been on a broom" She said idly only to watch the sheer
horror wash across James Potters features.
"N-Never, never" He gasped and then looked sternly towards Harry.
"You've never offered to teach Poppy to fly or taken her out on your broom?"
James Potter questioned, sounding displeased. Poppy was taken aback by the
man's tone of voice. He was usually so easy going. Why would he expect Harry to
take her flying? What in Merlin's name?
Harry, too, appeared bewildered as he gaped at his father for a moment before
swallowing, green eyes looking worried, "I-uh, I don't know. She never seemed
interested in flying-and it's dangerous so…" He trailed off, squirming in his
seat and looking extremely uncomfortable. This was possibly the harshest any of
his parents had even been to Harry and it clearly startled the boy-who-lived.
Lily Potter was gazing furiously at her husband and hissed under her breath,
"James" She snapped, fury burning in her eyes.
Poppy reached down and took Harry's hand, feeling the clamminess of it and
rubbing her thumb across his knuckles.
Sirius Black was watching the whole scene anxiously and torn, as if unsure
whether or not to cut in.
James Potter sighed heavily and the ruffled his hair, "Sorry son, I was just
startled because I mean, Quidditch" He smiled ruefully at his boy and Poppy
felt Harry's entire posture relax, "it's a travesty that someone's never been
on a broom! I pestered Moony for two years to get on one" He admitted with a
snigger.
Sirius Black barked out a laugh and nodded, "Right you did, annoyed the hell
out of Remus. Poor Moony, didn't expect you to pretend to fall off of yours.
Scared the life out of him" Sirius recalled while chuckling in glee.
James grinned at the memory while Lily looked disapproving at her husband.
Harry was smiling and relishing in the story.
Poppy decided to start questioning then, "Where is Remus tonight then?" She
asked kindly, trying to portray idle curiosity.
James and Sirius immediately shared a look. It was Lily that answered her
though, "Oh, he's feeling a bit under the weather tonight. I'm sure he'll be
back to normal next week" She reassured her with a gentle smile but without
really answering the question.
Poppy hummed non-committedly and placed a look of concern on her face, "Oh,
well give him my best and tell him I hope he feels better soon" She
remarked. What is going on with Remus? His scent is growing, that isn't bloody
normal.
Lily Potter smiled warmly and agreed, striking up a conversation about her
OWLS.
Throughout the entire dinner, Poppy noticed something.
Something interesting. At first, she thought Harry was giving looks in her
direction but upon closer inspection, she noted that it was Ginny, his discrete
and admiring looks were towards.
Ron's little sister was wearing a very lovely top which showed off her newly
mature figure. Her hair was long, straight and red and she was a beautiful
girl. Poppy noted those same looks being shot directly back at Harry and then a
whisper in Hermione's ear with a giggle. Poppy smirked to herself at the
thought. Interesting.
Ginny Weasley was a strong, proud, brave and bold young girl. Harry's
insecurity and quiet behaviour suited the feisty girl perfectly and Poppy was
trying to tamper down her excitement.
After dinner, everyone once again retired to the living room, however, Sirius
Black begged off once more to go and check up on Remus. Percy Weasley also
retired early because he was working the next day and Charlie had an early
portkey.
As everyone went into the Livingroom and Mrs Weasley and Potter began cleaning
up, the animagus took hold of Harry's arm discretely. The boy-who-lived looked
at her quizzically for a moment and she jerked her head in the direction of the
backdoor.
Harry frowned but nodded and then turned to Ron to give an excuse. Poppy
shuffled out into the back and was smirking and bouncing on her toes. She
was so going to get Harry his first girlfriend. He deserved it, it would
certainly help with his self-confidence. The Weasley girl would do wonders for
his self-esteem. And maybe then people would stop bloody gossiping
about them getting together.
Harry wandered outside and walked over to her hesitantly, "Everything alright
Poppy?" He asked cautiously, green eyes roaming her body as if for some hint.
The striped haired teenager smirked and started excitedly slapping him on the
arm, "Someone-fancies-Ginny" She squealed in a sing song voice.
Surprise, embarrassment and then mortification washed over Harry's face. He
blushed a deep red and she giggled. This was adorable!
Harry crossed his arms over his chest and looked at her angrily, "I thought you
said you'd never read my mind" He hissed, green eyes flashing defensively
Poppy calmed down a little and shook her head seriously, "Oh no, I didn't but
the way you keep sneaking looks at her is so obvious"
Harry flushed again and shuffled his feet looking worried, "you-you don't think
Ron noticed, did you?" He whispered, eyes looking back towards the house in
concern.
Poppy laughed, "During dinner? You joking? No, I only knew because I know you
so well" She winked cheekily.
Harry relaxed a little but still looked nervous and shy, "Please don't tell
anyone" He murmured, looking ashamed as if he'd done something horrible.
Poppy waited until he made eye contact with her and stared at him directly, "I
swear" she promised seriously.
"Now" She brightened and began bouncing on her toes again, "What are you going
to do about it?"
Harry looked back at her in confusion, "Do? About what?" He asked, slightly
bewildered.
Poppy rolled her eyes, "Honestly Harry, About Ginny, we need to make a plan of
action" the animagus spoke determinedly.
Harry stared back at her with wide green eyes.
It was twenty minutes later that the two best friends returned to the house.
Poppy was smirking deviously while Harry was smiling a little shyly. She would
get Harry a girlfriend, it would definitely work. Ginny already fancied him,
anyway.
Everyone in the living room looked up when they walked in, Ginny looking put
out and Poppy's glee only grew. Yes, be jealous… She thought with glee.
"Everything alright?" Lily Potter asked worriedly, eyeing them both.
Harry smiled at his mother and sat down on the empty sofa across from his
parents. Poppy slunk down beside him.
"Fine mum, just chatting" Harry replied calmly.
James Potter lifted his eyebrows and watched them both curiously, eyes darting
back and forth between them with a slight smile. It was as if he knew they were
up to something. When Harry's dad brown eyes made eye contact with him, she
sent him a discrete wink. A large grin spread across his face.
"You know Dad" Harry began in a conversational manner, but his tone of voice
was a little too loud to sound entirely casual. He's such a beginner.
James Potter sat back and watched his son with a smile.
Harry continued, "You were right when you said we should start practising soon
for the Quidditch cup this year. If I do end up winning captain, I want to be
prepared, right?" The messy haired boy said to his father.
James Potter looked intrigued and nodded his head, "Of course, I don't mind
showing you some drills I did and the best way to train different players. I'm
sure you'll be fine though Harry" James Potter grinned at his son, "Your
absolutely brilliant, it's the rest of the team you should worry about" He
winked proudly at his son.
Her speckled best friend nodded his head a little frantically, "Yeah, your
right. I could keep practising with Ron and hopefully he'll get Keeper" Harry
said happily.
Ron, currently in a chess match with Bill then, turned around to smile at Harry
and give his full support for the idea.
Poppy was utterly teeming with anticipation.
Harry paused for a moment, green eyes casting warily along to her. The striped
haired teenager made slight eye contact and a discrete but firm and confident
nod towards him.
Harry sat up straighter, "Ginny?" He called out. Excitement and glee bubbled
inside her gut.
Ginny, from the place on the floor where she'd been looking over magazines with
Hermione, looked up directly towards Harry.
"Are you going to try out for the Quidditch team next year? Because me and Ron
are going to practice for tryouts next year" Harry explained, growing more
nervous towards the end. Poppy kept the smirk off of her face.
Ginny Weasley's eyes darted towards the doorway, presumably to where Molly was
still bustling about the kitchen and bit her lip to hide her wide smile. Ginny
leant forward, "You think I should try out?" She asked surprise and pride in
her voice.
Harry nodded with a shy smile, "Sure, your great"
Ginny Weasley positively beamed back, looking stunning in her happiness. She
truly was lovely. Poppy was very satisfied by this point. Everything was going
well. Now all she had to do was deal with Ron.
Ginny struck up a conversation with Harry then about practice and what his
plans were. Ron finished his game with Bill and Poppy quite innocently
suggested he play Hermione then.
Fifteen minutes later, Poppy was seated with her legs stretched across the
couch, smirking at the group of four students. Harry and Ginny were seated
cross-legged on the floor going over Quidditch strategies and possible picks
for the Gryffindor team.
Hermione and Ron were immersed in a game of chess, Ron giving pointers and
Hermione soaking them in with an impressed and admiring gaze.
She was good.
Poppy turned to the married Potters and beamed at them. Lily Potter giggled and
smiled warmly, "Trying to play matchmaker, are you?" She asked with amusement.
Potter laughed back, "Not trying, succeeding," She said cockily. James Potter
smirked at her and then leant forward in his seat to speak quietly so no one
overheard.
"Harry and Ginny then, eh? How long have they fancied each other?" He spoke in
hushed tones but grinned wickedly. In response, Poppy sat up and leant closer
to the Potters.
"Well Ginny has fancied Harry since she met him back before she even started
Hogwarts. Love at first sight and all that" The animagus rolled her eyes
playfully noticing Lily Potter nudging closer to her husband to listen in
curiously.
Poppy continued, "At first I think she just fancied him because of the whole
boy-who-lived thing and then a bit of hero worship from Quidditch. But it's
been years now and she knows him pretty well enough not to idealise him
anymore" She explained with a grin.
Lily and James Potter looked happy for their son and were smiling happily, Lily
looking a little choked up, "His first crush, wow" she laughed a little,
looking equally happy and sad.
Poppy ignored the sadness and instead tried to cheer Harry's mum up instead of
pitying her. She shook her head and snorted, "First crush? He's almost sixteen,
not twelve" The animagus scoffed.
James Potters smiled turned wicked, "Oh? Who was his first crush then? How many
girls has he fancied?" He chuckled and then nudged his wife, "not much like me
in that respect, is he?" He smirked, "I only ever had eyes for one girl" James
said lovingly.
Lily turned to her husband with a smile and mock exasperation, "Oh? I seem to
remember you going on a few dates with Mindy Robertson in fourth year" the red-
haired mother challenged.
James Potter shook his head, "Mindy? I only went out with her to make you
jealous, everyone knew that" He snorted.
Lily tried to look disapproving but there was too much affection on her face
for it to stick, she made an admiral job of shaking her head, however.
Poppy piped in, "Teenage boys, tossers, aren't they?" She said to Mrs Potter
pointedly.
Lily Potter laughed in a musical fashion and Poppy enjoyed the sweet sound.
James Potter pouted and looked a little put out though his eyes were dancing,
"Yeah yeah, girls are a mystery at that age. How does Harry do? He seems to be
getting on quite well with Ginny" He spoke and then wiggled his eyebrows.
Poppy puffed up proudly, "Thanks to yours truly. Harry fancied a girl last year
– Cho Chang, she's seeker for Ravenclaw"
James smirked, "Likes the sporty girls, does he?"
Poppy rolled her eyes, "Yeah I suppose, he's only liked two, which considering
how little I know about teenage boys – is very little"
Lily nodded her head while James smiled, "It's the Potter way, we don't fall
very often but when we do we fall hard" He spoke with an adoring look towards
his wife.
Poppy thought that was really sweet. It was clear to anyone with eyes that
James and Lily were very much in love. It was a beautiful thing.
Lily turned sparkling green eyes towards Poppy, staring at her kindly, "What
about you Poppy? Who have you got your eye on?" She asked with a bright smile.
James Potter's spine went rigid and his face settled into a scowl. Poppy did a
double take at the near-replica expression she'd seen on Harry's face when a
boy tried to flirt with her. It was uncanny, really.
Poppy stared wide-eyed at Mr Potter, "Wow, Harry gets that exact same face
whenever any boy speaks to me. It's eerie" She blinked.
Lily Potter laughed and rubbed her husband's arm in comfort, still looking
towards her with an expectant smile.
Poppy sighed. She did not really want to explain that she wasn't normal and
that any boy who thought they fancied her were really just infatuated with the
persona she had to present. Romance and love were for good people, undamaged
people. Not for someone as twisted and broken as she.
Instead she shook her head, "Nah, no fancying or crushes. I'm firmly in that
'boys are idiots' stage" She explained, omitting the truth.
"Good" James Potter said gruffly, looking pleased with himself and slouching
back on the sofa. Was it a Potter thing? The idea of her in a relationship so
bloody wrong? At least she knew where Harry got it from… even if she didn't
really understand why.
By now, Hermione and Ron had finished their game and were seated on the floor
beside Ginny and Harry, all four of them laughing and smiling together. Poppy
watched them for a moment, both happy and sad. This was her future…wasn't it?
The four of them would couple off and leave her…on the sideline and alone. As
pleased as she was, she wasn't selfless enough to be completely happy. Even if
the Harry didn't end up with Ginny and Ron didn't end up with Hermione, her
best friends would still move on with their lives. Harry, Ron and Hermione
would have families, have children, careers… Where does that leave her?
The fireplace roared as the floo went off and everyone turned expectantly to
the slowly dying green flames, as an elegantly dressed Sirius Black stepped out
gracefully with a smile.
James and Lily hopped off from the sofa and immediately moved towards their
friend.
Poppy used to the commotion of Sirius' return to quietly creep out of the room.
Heart heavy and a curious feeling of detachment settling inside of her.
===============================================================================
The next few days were difficult for her. The feeling of not belonging and
emptiness inside of her only continued to grow. James, Lily and Sirius weren't
around as much as they were 'attending' to Remus, whatever that entailed.
Poppy's subtle request to visit the man was met with firm denials.
She knew that his 'illness' was related to the secrets the four of them were
holding. The mystery of the nicknames and Remus' absence was the only thing
keeping her going, really.
The animagus had taken to hanging around in the twin's room, Fred and George
were always good for cheering someone up. She listened to their plans for the
grand opening of their shop and continued to take lessons in mischief-making.
The rest of her time was spent doing was she loved; reading. It kept her mind
occupied when her body didn't feel much like moving. Light magic was the focus
of her studies and she started a diary to keep track of her the strange powers
that came with her animagus form. She performed little tests to see how more
advanced her hearing, sight and smell were from an average witch.
All of this tedium and loneliness was mostly because her three friends had
found another fourth and didn't really need her anymore. The hardened teenager
supposed she could join them but they were couples or at least were about to
be. She didn't want to impose.
A knock on Ginny's bedroom door had her peering up, "Yes?" She called out. The
door swung open and Ron peeked his head into the room,
"Mum's made biscuits if you want any" He told her, lifting his hand up to take
a bite of his own piece shortbread.
Poppy grasped the opportunity with both hands swiftly. She sat up and smiled at
Ron,
"No I'm alright, could you come in for a moment though? I need to talk to you"
She said seriously.
Ron, noticing the tone of her voice, furrowed his brows, looked back before
hesitantly walking into the room.
"Sure Poppy, but be quick, yeah? We're about to go back out to practice" The
freckled boy explained as he approached the bed.
Poppy nodded and moved to a cross-legged position while Ron perched beside her,
taking another bite of his biscuit and staring at her expectantly, "Harry
fancies Ginny, you know" the striped haired teenager hit out with.
Her friend looked at her like she was mental for a moment and then let out a
little laugh, "No he doesn't" He replied, sounding as if she was daft for
thinking so, shaking his head then finishing off his biscuit.
Poppy didn't know why he sounded so adamant in his conviction. She kept her
face stony to convey her sincerity.
"He admitted it to me Ron" The orphaned teenager explained seriously in low
tones, starting directly into his blue eyes.
Ron blinked and she watched carefully as realisation and then frustration
bordering on anger appeared on his face, turning it a blotchy pink.
Poppy leant forward slightly and placed her hand on top of his, staring deeply
into his eyes, "The reason I'm telling you this is because he won't do anything
because she's your little sister" She lied. Well, it wasn't strictly a lie. She
had told Harry to 'leave Ron to her' and that she would deal with getting his
approval.
Ron frowned a little and then huffed, "Too right he won't do anything! It's…
It's Ginny" Her friend sounded absolutely disgusted as if it never occurred to
him that other people might view Ginny as more than a little sister. Poor Ron.
Poppy watched her friend closely before speaking slowly, "Yes, but you know
that she's beautiful, don't you?" She began.
Ron, scowling and shifting uncomfortably on the bed, peered back at her with a
quizzical expression, "Course she's pretty. What's that got to do with
anything?" He grumbled, clearly unhappy with the subject matter.
Poppy wished she'd made more Ravenclaw friends, "Because Ginny is going to get
a boyfriend, sooner or later, you know. I would say probably this year. She's
definitely old enough"
Ron looked increasingly uncomfortable and irritated but then merely sighed,
looking at her unhappily, "What's the point your trying to make?" He groaned.
Poppy smiled, "Well wouldn't you rather her boyfriend be Harry and not some boy
you know would take advantage of her? You know Harrys a good guy and at the
very least would treat her better than anyone else. Would you really trust your
little sister with anyone you didn't know as well as Harry?" She explained as
simply as she could.
Ron was staring at her with his mouth open, seemingly frozen. He closed his
mouth but then opened it a few times before attempting to speak, "Ummm" He
garbled, still looking unbelievably startled.
Her ginger-haired friend eventually found his words though they were a little
stilted, "You… want… him to go out with Ginny?" He asked, gaping and still
looking completely and utterly baffled. Why was this such a shock to him?
Poppy nodded her head with a sad smile, "Of course I do. He's my best friend
Ron. I want him to be happy" She explained quietly, sadness filling her. Yes,
she did want him to be happy and he would move on eventually… they wouldn't
always be as close as much as it ate her up inside, it was true.
Ron was watching her with a worried expression, blue eyes… pitying and face a
little guilty. He sighed again and rubbed his face, "Right. I'll speak to Harry
and tell him it's alright if he asks her out or whatever" He mumbled
reluctantly.
Poppy wasn't certain where his change of heart had come from but was pleased
none-the-less. The curious look on her face must have been apparent because Ron
smiled at her sadly,
"I mean I don't like it but… it's my little sister and best friend. I want them
to be happy too, you know?" Ron explained somewhat awkwardly.
Poppy nodded her head.
Her ginger friend continued, "And if you of all people will put up with it to
make them happy then I can get over it"
Poppy blinked and Ron looked at her closely with a comforting expression,
"You're a good friend" He said seriously.
The animagus moved forward to take him into a hug.
Ron left shortly after while Poppy pondered his strange and sudden change of
heart. This was a good thing, she was absolutely certain she could get Harry
and Ginny together by the end of summer. Ron and Hermione would be a little bit
more difficult but she could manage it if she really tried.
The animagus didn't feel much like going downstairs so she simply pulled back
out her book and continued reading it, feeling both elated and achingly lonely.
Eventually, she drifted off to sleep.
The feeling of someone touching her foot had her jerking awake and bolting
upright. The room had darkened considerably, and her mind was in that hazy
stage between slumber and consciousness. Poppy swiftly pulled her wand out from
under her bed and directed it at the figure in front of her with wide hard
eyes.
A pair of big browns blinked at her and then slowly stepped backwards while
holding their hands up. Hermione smiled at her nervously, trying to look
comforting. She spoke in soft tones,
"Sorry I startled you" Her bushy-haired friend said carefully and gently.
Poppy's heart continued to race in her chest as she started to take the
situation in carefully. Hermione was standing before her in her pyjamas and
freshly brushed hair.
Hermione continued speaking, "I was just taking your shoes off… you must have
fell asleep" The confidence wavered, and she sounded more and more nervous.
The striped haired teenager finally dropped her wand arm and then rubbed her
eyes, "Sorry 'Mione" She apologised sincerely and then looked back up at her
friend, "What time is it?" Poppy asked and then let out a yawn.
Hermione's posture relaxed, "Just after ten, everyone's going to bed soon"
The Orphaned teenager nodded and stood up, "I'll just get ready for bed then"
She explained, and Hermione nodded, walking over to her own side of the bed.
Feeling a little abashed by her earlier behaviour Poppy avoided eye contact
with Hermione as she gathered her belongings and made her way from the room. As
she stepped towards the doorway, Ginny Weasley walked in adorned in a pretty
cream nightdress. Poppy gave her a tight smile which was not returned.
After Poppy had changed and brushed her teeth, she returned to the bedroom only
to see Hermione seated on Ginny's bed and them whispering among themselves and
giggling. Her bushy-haired friend sat up straighter and smiled at her, "We're
doing the Witch Weekly quiz on your perfect soulmate, want to join us?"
The animagus was almost startled by how… feminine Hermione had grown in the
past year. Even though she thought such tests and magazines were nonsense, she
had grown an appreciation for flicking through them and wondering. One Poppy
did not share.
Ginny Weasley kept her eyes down the entire time. The orphan swallowed.
"No thanks, I'm absolutely shattered. I'm off to get a glass of water then back
to bed" She spoke apologetically and watched as Hermione's smile dropped.
Poppy made her way back out of the room swiftly, feeling uncomfortable and
unwanted. She made her way quietly towards the kitchen, only to be bombarded
with a powerful and completely overpowering scent halfway down the stairs.
Remus.
Only… it wasn't. That scent… it wasn't him but was. It was a million times
stronger and more magical. It was laced with darkness and raw power. It
was canine. It warned her of danger. Of raw power. Of raw dark magical power.
It was tantalising and fascinating. She actually felt the spirit wolf inside of
her perk up in interest.
Instinctively she let out a little growl, narrowing her eyes at the darkened
house. What was this thing in her home? Was it friend or foe?
As her eyes adjusted to the dark house and she tried to make out some threat,
two small lumo's appeared at the bottom of the stairs, one reaching out to
illuminate her face.
James and Sirius stood with their wands up, ready to strike, she blinked at the
bright light.
Almost immediately she snapped back to herself and smiled sheepishly at the two
men, "Just getting a glass of water" She said quietly with her hands up but an
innocent confusion in her voice questioning why they had their wands out in the
first place.
The scent of wolf continued to grow stronger by the second and her gaze kept
darting in the direction of the kitchen.
The wands dropped a little but kept their shine, dulling down to something more
ambient. Both looked a little nervous to see her, Sirius shifting uneasily and
looking back towards the kitchen.
"I'll go get you it" Sirius announced and then strode swiftly from the room,
his cloak billowing behind him. Poppy started down the stairs again slowly only
to be casually halted at the bottom by James Potter blocking her way.
Interesting.
The animagus reached out her unique abilities to hear what was going on in the
kitchen,
"No bloody wolf, Moony, just Poppy wanting a glass of water" Sirius spoke up
and she heard his loud footsteps walk across the floor.
"I definitely heard a wolf growl, maybe we shouldn't be here" A quiet and
weakened voice she identified to be Remus' startled her. She hadn't seen or
heard from him in a while. He sounded… unwell. What happened to him? To
his scent?
Water started running.
"Molly and Arthur said you could use their woods, Remus. Really, it's a lot
safer than around Hogwarts. Everything will be fine" Lily's voice sounded
soothing and comforting.
Use their woods? For what exactly?
"Going to bed soon?" James Potter, right in front of her asked with a nervous
smile.
Poppy's attention was drawn back and she looked at the nervous man, dressed
fully with his boots on, appearing as if he was not going to bed for a while.
Poppy smiled, "Yeah I'm knackered" She lied and then let out a fake yawn. James
Potter looked relieved.
She was so bloody close.
Footsteps approaching made the both of them turn around to see Sirius Black
striding forward with a glass of water. The wavy-haired man, also fully dressed
quickly handed her the glass.
Poppy was not so subtly ushered back to bed by the two men. She smirked to
herself as she walked dutifully back up the stairs, pausing at the top to take
a sip of water.
The woods around the Weasley's house? Maybe she should go on a run tonight.
The animagus entered Ginny's bedroom, ignored the two girls who didn't so much
as look up at her entrance and made her way towards her bed and under the
covers.
Now she would wait.
The two teenage girls didn't go to bed for another hour and a half. Poppy lay
awake, excitement, anticipation and satisfaction keeping her wide awake despite
laying with her eyes closed. This secret that they had only seemed to grow more
confusing, but she was certain if she explored the woods tonight she would find
it.
It was over two hours – by her estimation – when she decided to get going.
Ginny and Hermione's breathing had been steady for quite a while and she could
not possibly wait another minute.
The striped haired teenager slowly slipped out of bed and transformed silently
into her animagus form. With her canine eyesight, she was able to see around
the darkened bedroom much more clearly and the overwhelming scent of raw power
invaded her nostrils. She didn't understand it. Darkness but not the disgusting
and vileness that accompanied dementors. This was different. It was aromatic in
its own way really. Her canine side identified another of its kind and much
like it had when the dementors were near, her instincts screamed at her to
follow it.
Poppy darted towards the wall of the house, at the last minute shifting herself
again into the light-wispy version of herself. In this form, her smelling
wasn't as acute but she travelled much quicker around the forest. She blurred
past tree's and dived between branches and she hunted for that scent.
The spirit wolf must have doubled the forest several times and still not find
anything. She floated to the ground, keeping her invisibility intact though
making herself solid again, paws sinking into the soft cool soil.
The wolf took several deep sniffs, bending her head down to the ground and
sniffing deeply. Yes, she could smell a trail. The wolf padded along carefully,
feeling strangely alert and cautious even though she was still invisible. How
strange.
Paws banging furiously on the ground had her head jerking up and darting to the
east side of the forest. The scent was charging towards her, small growls
echoing throughout the woods.
Something was coming straight towards her.
The wolf left into the air, turning into it's light version of itself – still
invisible – and darted up high into the sky.
Less than a second later, a large hulking figure crashed into the spot where
she had been moments before. The wolf floated up and watched, fear and
captivation tingling in her breast.
What is that thing?
The creature was sniffing at the ground furiously and whining piteously. It
sounded… almost disappointed. As moments passed and her fear drifted away,
Poppy observed the creature looked almost run down… weakened. As if it was
supposed to be stronger but wasn't.
So intent upon the creature that she didn't notice the two other animals
approaching which then burst into the clearing. It was with shock and
fascinating she watched a stag and a large black dog run towards the creature,
looking this way and that as if they were checking to see what it had chased.
The creature moved from it's hunched down position, head looking up, almost
right in her direction, opened its large jaws and…
"Owwwwww" It howled mournfully, almost lyrically.
The spirit wolf screamed, werewolf, werewolf, werewolf, werewolf.
Poppy floated further down, almost entranced, staring at its features. Large
expressive eyes, sharp dangerous claws, thin yet muscly frame… it was strangely
beautiful.
The wolf paused it's howling, looked towards the sky again, gaze darting around
and then let out another sad whine before-
"Owwwwwwwwwwwww" It continued to howl, the sound hitting in her chest. It
sounded… yearning and seeking. Her heart constricted.
The wolf inside of her was aching to reveal itself but the human was firm and
stood shock still, the two sides of her at a conflict. It was after a while
that she finally came to her senses.
The werewolf was now laying on the ground and whining, only occasionally
looking up and howling but more gently now.
The stag and dog were surrounding the werewolf, nudging it and trying to get it
to move to no avail. It was highly unusual. A pack? A werewolf, Stag and dog
pack?
The sheer shock of her discovery made her forget the reason she had been
wandering the woods in the first place. The scent… well, it found her, didn't
it? But what does Remus have to do with this Werewolf, stag and dog?
She must have hovered there for hours, her mind racing, senses on high alert
and mind as confused as she'd ever felt in her life.
Her papa would have punished her for being so stupid. Her Uncle would have been
disappointed.
Yet when the sun arose, the wolf's attention was drawn back beneath her as
painful yelps turned into human screams and she watched in a daze as the
werewolf slowly transformed back into Remus Lupin.
***** Chapter 19 *****
Remus slumped on the Weasley's sofa, clutching the warm cup of tea between his
cold fingers. It was too soon after the full moon for him to be up and about.
But it was Poppy and Harry's birthday. He couldn't exactly miss this.
The werewolf smiled lightly at the excitement of James and Sirius across from
him, talking over each other and making wild hand gestures. They were probably
more excited than the twins themselves.
Remus took a long sip of his tea and then sighed. To be fair, the full moon
this month was much easier than they'd been previously. Having both James and
Sirius back to help was amazing. He felt ten years younger.
Lily bustled into the living room then, apron on, red hair a little frazzled
but glowing from the inside. Remus smiled tiredly at her. Lily placed her hands
on her hips and looked towards James sternly,
"You have got the presents all wrapped, haven't you? Molly said she'd be
getting everyone up in half an hour. So help me, James, if you aren't ready-
" Lily began, her green eyes starting to ignite with fire.
Remus ducked his head and took a sip of tea, trying to stay out of the fiery
redhead's warpath.
"Calm down Lily, we've got everything sorted here, I promise" James placated
his wife with a dazzling smile.
The Potters truly went all out for their children's birthday. Sixteen was an
important age and the werewolf knew they secretly felt guilty for missing every
other birthday. Aside from the guilt, they were very wealthy and didn't know
many ways to show their affection at this point. That and Sirius' usual
overspending, coming from a lifetime of not knowing the value of a galleon
clearly rubbed off on the pair.
Remus shook his head but with a grin as he surveyed the Weasleys living room.
On the right side were hundreds of gold, crimson and grey wrapped boxes, each
larger than the last. Every single thing, from a chocolate frog box to a brand
new and perfectly tailored set of school robes were wrapped up expertly and
efficiently. Almost every inch of the living room was packed but with a clear
divide from the left to the right.
The left side was presents wrapped up in pink, crimson, purple and of course,
gold. These presents, of course, being for Poppy. Remus didn't know much about
what the Potters had bought Poppy aside from bemusedly watching Lily give
Sirius a very long list of items to buy from Diagon Ally and her disguised
trips to muggle London.
Harry, on the other hand, he's spent hours listening to James prattle on about
this and that, what kind of sweets, pranks and various expensive nonsense to
buy his son. Remus always piped in with suggested books which would usually
receive an eye roll and a, 'they've got that in Hogwarts library Moony' or an
'Oh, I'll stick that on Poppy's list, he could just borrow it from her'.
Honestly, a third of Poppy's gifts appeared to be books, some he was itching to
borrow. But from what he had observed from the girl, she definitely followed
after her mother's love of the written word.
"No no, hide the broom at that back! I want him to find that last Padfoot,
that's his best present" James practically shouted, darting over to where
Sirius was arranging the gifts yet again.
Sirius huffed, "No he wants to open the big present first Prongs, it's better
that way" The dog animagus argued back. Remus felt a little underdressed, James
and Sirius had on their finest robes, both looking debonair and sophisticated
while he huddled under the blanket. Sirius was adorned in a perfectly tailed
deep burgundy and black, artfully showing off his newly filled in physique.
James had on deep grey and royal blue robes, looking every inch the head of
Potter household, despite the messy mop atop his head.
Lily let out a loud sigh, "Let Harry decide what he wants to open first, they
are his presents. Now, what is his favourite breakfast? I know Poppy loves her
bacon and pancakes but I'm not too sure about Harry. He usually just has a bite
of everything" Lily Potter fret, looking anxious as if not making her son his
favourite breakfast on his birthday was a travesty.
Remus piped up, "Just make a bit of everything then, Harry isn't a big eater
and I'm sure he'll love whatever you make" He spoke calmly.
Lily's shoulders sagged, and she smiled at him gratefully, "Your right, I'm
being silly, aren't I? I just want today to go well. It's going to be a
stressful day… you know finally telling Poppy" She confessed.
Remus nodded his head seriously. The Potters had reached the end of their
tether and decided that they would speak privately to Harry and Poppy today,
the rest of the Weasleys needing to give them some alone time as it was their
birthday. It wasn't the Weasleys fault exactly but they always seemed to
be around and then when they weren't Poppy was suspiciously absent.
James marched over and gave his wife a big hug which she returned with a sigh.
Pulling back the married pair made eye contact in an intimate moment that had
him looking back down at his cup.
It was a little frustrating for the Potters still not being revealed to being
back, he knew, but James took delight in charming himself to looking different
and Albus had even graciously provided them with Polyjuice potions at times.
"Right, I'll get back to the kitchen, hurry up in here" Lily commanded,
standing tall and radiating authority. James smiled lovingly at his wife and
gave her a tender kiss on the lips. The red-haired woman then marched out the
room as if preparing for battle.
It had been a busy week, preparing Harry's birthday party and for the full
moon. Remus himself had bought Harry a complete set of Defence books needed for
the beginning of his NEWT year and a little more advanced because he knew Harry
excelled. For Poppy, he bought a large tome on the healing of various dark
wounds and basic emergency healing.
Remus let out a large yawn as his heavy eyes watched Sirius and James yet
again arrange the many presents.
"Maybe Poppy's should be colour coordinated or spread the books out a bit. We
don't want her to think she only got books" James fret anxiously, riffling
through the presents and looking vaguely confused as to what is inside of them.
Remus chuckled, Prongs had absolutely no idea what to buy a teenage girl. He
suggested a doll and Lily burst into a fit of hysterics.
Sirius was standing in front of James looking serious and nodding his head,
"Too right, here let me" He said and then pulled out his wand to begin
levitating presents around. Remus rolled his eyes and felt wonderful, even
though his body was physically exhausted. He wouldn't miss this for the world.
Bang bang bang. He heard the loud knocking on doors from upstairs, his lupine
hearing still quite sensitive from the recent full moon.
"Happy Birthday Harry dear!" He heard Mrs Weasley's shrill voice scream, he
winced at the sound.
"That's everyone getting up, I'd hurry" Remus spoke aloud to warn his friends.
Two heads jerked around to stare at him in horror and he snorted.
"I'll go get Lily" James declared and then darted from the room with nervous
energy radiating from every pore of his body.
The loud exclamations and well wishing's of Happy Birthday echoed in his ears
from up the stairs.
Sirius approached him looking nervous, "Think today will go alright?" Sirius
mumbled a little, peering back at Poppy's pile of presents meaningfully. Ah
yes, the reveal.
Remus didn't know how it would turn out, to be honest. It was an emotionally
volatile situation, but he believed it would be fine in the end. James and Lily
wanted to love and cherish their daughter, it would be emotional, but he was
certain everything would turn out alright. Poppy was a loving and boisterous
young girl, with her heart open wide, much like both of her parents. Everything
would be fine.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY SON" A loud bellowing voice came from the hallway. Remus smiled
slightly at the embarrassed, 'daadddd' coming from Harry and the laughs from
Lily.
Sirius too heard the noise and was looking towards the doorway and grinning,
"Shall we?" He grinned wickedly. Remus nodded his head, his spirits lifting. He
ambled up from the sofa a little awkwardly and tried his best to ignore the
strain in his muscles.
The two marauders exit the living room only to see every member of the house
huddled in the hallway, all clustered around the short messy hair of Harry. The
boy himself was smiling sheepishly, looking bashful but extremely happy. Remus
stood back to watch the scene with a smile.
Sirius, on the other hand, pushed through the crowd and directly towards Harry,
"Oi, where's my favourite godson!" He bellowed loudly as he made his way
through.
Harry looked up with a delighted smile as Sirius enveloped him into a large and
tight but brief hug, "Happy birthday Harry" Padfoot said in a much quieter
voice, filled with pride.
Harry hugged him back awkwardly.
Remus watched the crowd, noting the absence of a striped head of black hair and
frowned. Where was Poppy?
Lily was standing beside her son smiling down at him and then bit her lip a
little anxiously, "Where's Poppy this morning?" She asked hesitantly, eyes
darting back up the staircase.
Harry blinked as if he'd forgotten about her, which he probably had given all
of the excitement.
Hermione, standing off to the side clad in her pyjamas spoke up, "Oh she was in
the shower when Mrs Weasley woke us all up. I told her to hurry up" She
explained dutifully.
Lily nodded her head and then turned to her son, "Now, what does the birthday
boy want for breakfast?" She beamed, placing an arm around her son and steering
him in the direction of the kitchen.
This was the cue it seemed for everyone to make their way into the kitchen and
they all headed off towards the deliciously smelling room. Remus heard a door
opening from upstairs and assumed it must be Poppy. He decided to go up and use
the toilet before everyone else barrelled into it.
Remus walked up the staircase slowly, feeling every single one of his muscles
strain and groan. As he walked up the stairs Poppy's feminine and warm scent
hit him, amplified from the warm shower she must have just had. Poppy had a
naturally strong scent anyway, some people did. Hers just happened to be the
most potent he'd scent, it was very pleasant with an undertone of brightness
and warmth he particularly enjoyed. It was not unlike Lily's – comforting and
safe. You could tell much about a person from their scent. Poppy's scent
enveloped the area around her much like her personality overpowered others as
well.
The werewolf did his business in the toilet, enjoying Poppy's scent surround
him completely, almost puzzling in it. It was almost free and innocent in a
way.
As Remus was washing his hands, a gentle knock sounded at the door. He turned
the tap off and picked up the hand towel, hobbling over to the door. Opening
it, he blinked at the smiling face of Poppy.
"Remus" She breathed with a bright smile, green eyes sparkling. Her hair was
freshly brushed but still wet, hanging down her face. Remus smiled down at the
now sixteen-year-old girl and was about to wish her a happy birthday when she
moved forward and looked at him with big concerned eyes,
"Feeling better?" She asked in a soft and gently concerned voice, her face
pinched with concern, eyes roaming over his own in an inspecting manner.
Remus smiled tiredly, "Yes I'm fine, just a bad bout of the flu I'm afraid.
Don't worry I'm not contagious anymore" He assured her, and her face grew
contemplative, still roaming over his to the point where he felt a little
uncomfortable at the close scrutiny.
The werewolf cleared this throat and asked, "heading downstairs?"
Poppy grinned a big toothy smile up at him and moved forward to grab his hand.
Remus tried to feel comfortable at the physical contact even though it felt
strange to him. He'd noticed Poppy was a very physically affectionate person,
even though he certainly wasn't.
"Yeah of course, but I really need your help. I need help deciding on something
to wear" The striped haired teenager said with an easy smile, green eyes still
staring very intently at him. Was she always so intense?
Remus blinked and tilted his head to the side, "Oh I don't know how useful my
advice will be but you are welcome to it" He replied wryly and her smile turned
into something sparkling.
"Wonderful" She breathed, still holding his hand and gently pulling him across
the Weasley house. He followed after her.
Remus wondered if this behaviour was typical of her. Perhaps around other
people but he'd never had her full attention on him before. But then again,
he'd never spent any significant time with her alone or had a proper
conversation with her, even.
Remus was pulled into a room he assumed was Ginny's and directed onto a bed,
being carefully pushed down to sit. He complied obediently and watched as
James' daughter bent over to rifle through her trunk.
Poppy pulled out three dresses, each in different styles. The first was yellow
and grey and was long and clingy, the second was black and neat looking much
like a cocktail dress. The third was a white summer dress with delicate lace
and looked to reach the knees. It was pretty.
Poppy was smiling at him anxiously and looking uncertainly towards the dresses.
Remus nodded at the white one,
"If you want my opinion I think that one is the nicest" He offered, truly
knowing nothing but giving his opinion anyway.
The striped haired teenager peered back and gave the dress a dazzling smile and
then picked it up, "Your right, it's perfect!" She sighed and then gave him a
stern look,
"I'll be right back, don't move" She commanded playfully and then stepped out
the room to put the dress on he assumed.
Remus' eyes wandered the bedroom, noticing on the right side of the bed a few
muggle pictures were placed and a large tome of what looked like Hogwarts, a
history.
Yet when he looked at the other side, he saw an empty yet efficient dresser, a
hairbrush with suspiciously no loose strands in it. A wand holster and a lamp.
It was neat but very impersonal. He continued to look for any personal items of
Poppy's but found nothing.
Poppy came bounding into the room a moment later, hair dried and tied up at the
back with a braid, the rest of it hanging down in loose waves. The dress fit
her perfectly and was elegant yet casual. She was a slim girl though mature for
her age with full hips and toned legs. The dress framed her figure but did not
cling to it. He couldn't help but notice that she had paired the dress with a
brown cardigan, hiding her arms and tried not to feel pity when he realised
why.
She looked lovely. Truly all grown up. That reminded him he should wish her a
happy birthday. When he opened her mouth, she did a little spin with a giggle
and his heart warmed at the sound.
"How do I look?" She asked with a shy smile.
Remus smiled back, "Beautiful" He replied, honestly.
Poppy beamed at him and then moved towards the bed to sit down next to him, her
big green eyes roaming his face again. She was a little closer than a polite
company would dictate. Poppy probably didn't notice.
"You know, I'm afraid we haven't spoken much. I feel like I know you so well
but not at all" She grinned, large eyes fixed firmly on his.
Remus nodded politely, "Yes I'm afraid we haven't had much opportunity to get
to know each other personally, perhaps later, now we should really be getting
to breakfast," He said in a kind but dismissive tone. James and Lily would kill
him for keeping Poppy away from them on her birthday. He should really wish her
a happy birthday.
Poppy was staring at him seriously but nodded her head with a smile which
didn't reach her eyes, "Of course, Harry's birthday and all that. I'm looking
forward to that 'get to know you chat'" She winked cheekily, though her words
sounded strangely sounding firm and ominous. Yet when he looked back towards
her, her face was calm and relaxed.
They began walking out the room. Poppy humming idly and bouncing on her toes,
"So do you get ill often?" She asked as they reached the staircase.
Remus froze and eyes darted to the side warily, eyeing her up and down. She had
a faint smile on her lips and was looking anywhere but him. Thank Merlin.
The werewolf cleared his throat before answering, "Oh um, yes, actually. It's a
bit of a problem. I get sick… quite a lot" He mumbled, feeling nerves and sweat
tingle throughout him.
They walked down the stairs and Poppy hummed, turning to give him a sympathetic
look, "Weak immune system? I knew a boy with an awful one. Always getting
terrible colds. Pretty unfortunate. His happened after he got a bad bout of
dragon pox. Were you born with it?" She asked casually.
Remus again looked towards her suspiciously but she turned to look at him with
another smile and he relaxed. He'd noticed she was a very curious person, she
was just politely inquiring.
Remus sighed as they reached the bottom of the stairs, hoping to change the
subject, "Yes me too actually, I had a bad bout of it when it was around four.
Since then I seem to get sick all of the time" He said quietly, disliking
lying.
Poppy had paused at the bottom of the steps and was staring at him intensely
with burning green eyes. He didn't see her as James and Lily's little girl then
but a hardened young woman looking deep into him. It made the hairs on the back
of his neck stand up.
But quick as that look came it disappeared and she approached him, only to stop
in front of him and look him in the eye.
Remus swallowed.
"I'm sorry" Poppy murmured, green eyes solemn and understanding.
The strange intensity he'd glimpsed at today was gone again just as quickly as
it appeared and she turned towards the kitchen. He felt a little dazed at the
rapid change in her character. How had he never noticed this before? Was he
always like this or was it merely with him?
The two of them entered the kitchen together with Poppy darting swiftly over to
Harry and giving him a large hug from his seat at the table. Harry chuckled and
pat her arm comfortingly.
"Happy Birthday Harry" Poppy beamed and then gave her brother a large kiss on
the cheek.
Remus smiled at the display and moved towards the birthday boy as Poppy
released him and slid into the seat beside him.
Remus placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, "Happy Birthday Harry" He said kindly.
Harry smiled up at him, cheeks straining with his smile, "Thanks, Remus"
Remus nodded back and noticed Lily, James and Sirius seated beside Harry and
practically bustling in their seats, trying to make eye contact with Poppy to
wish her a happy birthday.
He chuckled under his breath and decided he would be the first to wish her a
happy birthday,
As he passed Poppy's chair he placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled,
"And a happy birthday to you too Poppy" He smiled and then moved to the only
available seat left. The one across from Poppy. Yet when he said down, he
noticed the noise in the room die and two glaring green eyes burning into his
face.
Poppy's face was hard. It looked chiselled from ice and everything about her
screamed confident, in control and raw power. Her jaw was tight and although
there was nothing overly threatening about her he got the inclination of…
danger.
"What" She breathed under her breath, green eyes still drilling into his, eyes
wide.
Remus was frozen in his seat, wondering what on earth he could have possibly
done to cause such a reaction.
Harry interrupted the now silent room, he turned to Poppy and placed a hand on
her arm nervously,
"It's-it's your birthday too?" He breathed, utter astonishment clouding his
tone and Remus peeked to see the sheer surprise clouding every inch of Harry's
face.
Voices around them muttered and asked questions, all confused but Remus
couldn't tare his gaze away from the two burning orbs of green staring him
down.
"How did you know?" She spoke deathly quietly, Remus barely heard above the
noise.
He swallowed.
"How did you know" Poppy hissed, bolting upright from her chair and hand
jerking out as swiftly as a snake and he found himself at the other end of her
wand, watching as she stood tall and poised at the other end of the table…
ready to strike.
===============================================================================
Poppy stood tall, wand pointed directly at the werewolf, mind alert and blaring
warnings at hers. How did he know? How did he know? How did he fucking know?
Hands clutching either side of her upper arms, alerted her to the fact Harry
was beside her, not restraining but almost warning in a way. He should move
off, this was nothing to do with him.
James, Lily and Sirius had all gathered around a wide-eyed and still seated
Remus all speaking over the other. She listened to none of them. It was none of
them she wanted to hear.
Harry's voice brought her back to herself, "Poppy" He began slowly, hands
tightening on her arms for a moment, "Poppy… why does it matter if Remus knows
your birthday?" He mumbled, sounding confused though not trying to order her in
any way. It comforted her a little.
Ron had moved up to her other side with Hermione hovering behind her. She felt
a little better with her friends surrounding her.
Poppy answered Harry without breaking eye contact with Remus and struggling to
keep the growl threatening to erupt at bay. The werewolf looked vaguely
confused and extremely startled. Was he a spy for her papa? No, her papa
wouldn't send in someone that would slip-up so easily. Was Remus a spy for a
werewolf pack which was looking for information on her? Who knew. It was such a
little insignificant detail which told her so much about the man at the end of
her wand. He had information on her past. On her. How did he know?
Poppy continued staring and spoke in a calm but low voice, "Harry, Hermione,
Ron. In all the years I've known you, have you ever known when my birthday is?"
Harry was nervous at her side, she could feel it without needing to look while
Ron shuffled uncertainty. It was Harry that answered for her friends, "Um,
no... You've never mentioned it" the boy who lived murmured somewhat
sheepishly.
The hardened teenager nodded slowly, "Yes I haven't" She paused, finally
drifting her gaze away from the werewolf towards the three people hovered
around him. Sirius was behind Remus' chair, standing tall and looking alert,
wary and alarmed. His grey eyes were pleading with her. James and Lily Potter
were on either side of him, Lily looking abashed with green eyes desperate.
James Potters face was white, mouth open a little and appearing to grasp for
words. His brown eyes were heavy with sadness.
The animagus looked back towards Remus and tilted her head to the side just a
little, continuing to speak in the calm but carefully controlled voice, "I've
never mentioned it to anyone, in fact. Which begs the question..." Poppy
paused, "How does Remus know?" her voice trailed off and got a little darker.
Poppy felt the eyes of every Weasley on her but ignored the stares, too intent
on the werewolf. A loud huff from the other end of the room had her patience
wearing thin,
"Poppy, enough of this. Put your wand away this instant" Mrs Weasley scolded
with another exasperated huff.
Ron shifted behind her, "Yeah I'm sure there's a reason, calm down" the
youngest Weasley boy tried to placate her nervously.
Poppy felt Hermione shift behind her, edging further away but heard as the
witch pulled her wand out in a silent show of support. Oh Hermione, Poppy
thought, wanting to kiss the girl.
Harry turned his head swiftly around to the bushy haired girl, Poppy couldn't
see his expression but assumed it was scolding as Hermione said defensively,
"Harry she's right. I don't know what it means exactly but it is suspicious.
Poppy's a very private person, we didn't even know it was her birthday! I'm
just saying that not everything is as it seems" She hastened to explain.
Turning back towards Remus she said nervously, "No offence, Mr Lupin"
Harry sighed through his nose and then said quietly, "Fine. If you put your
wand down I'm sure Remus will explain, right?" He grumbled through grit teeth.
The sandy-haired werewolf nodded his head and gulped, looking hesitantly
towards James and then Lily Potter as if for permission. What was this? Did
they also know? What the fuck is going on.
The striped haired animagus slowly lowered her wand, keeping it in hand as she
slunk gracefully down onto the chair opposite. She relaxed back, placing her
wand on the kitchen table, remaining ready to strike at a moment's notice.
Poppy stared expectantly at Remus, arching her eyebrow.
The werewolf looked nervously around him, "uh-I-uh" He stuttered, looking for
approval as to what to say.
Lily Potter stepped forward a little, looking directly at her as she began
wringing her hands, "I'm so sorry sweetie, I didn't want you to find out this
way" She whispered, aching regret filling the room around her. So they were in
on this.
Poppy felt betrayed and pathetically naive. She had trusted these people. What
had they done?
Harry sucked in a sharp breath beside her and choked out, "Mum? What's this all
about?" He asked, sounding lost and confused.
Lily Potter bit her lip and took a shaky breath. James Potter moved to his wife
side and wrapped an arm around her. He answered, looking regretfully towards
the both of them.
"I am so sorry Harry. I'm sorry to you both, we should have told you sooner but
we couldn't find the right time" Mr Potter said quietly. His brown eyes were
nervous but full of conviction.
The spirit wolf inside of her felt the kind of nerves she hadn't experienced in
a long time. It was the feeling of impending doom. Of knowing something painful
was about to happen but merely standing there and awaiting your fate.
Poppy watched Mr and Mrs Potter impassively.
Lily Potter closed her eyes for three long seconds and when she opened them,
she looked directly into her eyes, green met green, serious yet full of tender
affection.
"Poppy… you're our daughter" Lily whispered.
The striped haired teenager stared back at Lily Potter, to frozen to
truly feel anything at this revelation. It was ludicrous, it was insane, it was
too ridiculous to even imagine. A cruel lie.
Harry gasped beside her and she tore her eyes away to peer hesitantly at him.
She saw his green eyes looking back at her, full of shock and disbelief. Green
eyes… exactly like hers… exactly like Lily Potters.
No. It wasn't true.
Poppy looked back towards Mr and Mrs Potter who were gazing at her worriedly.
Mr Weasley stood up swiftly, the chair creaking on the wooden floor and
breaking the thick tension in the room, "Alright everyone, time to give the
Potters some privacy, yes? Into the living-room-" He began, sounding nervous
but with an undertone of absolute authority which prevented any objections.
Sirius Black walked towards Mr Weasley muttering to him, everyone able to hear
as the room was still silent, "Uh actually Arthur, is it alright if we go in
there? We've got the presents set up so…" Sirius Black said in an awkward
fashion.
Arthur Weasley paused for a beat before hastily agreeing, "Of course, of
course… I'm sure you've all got much to discuss. I think we'll be heading out
anyway" he trailed off in an awkward fashion.
Poppy, still frozen, stared at two faces she'd seen frequently over this summer
as if really seeing them for the first time. Parents… she didn't have any
parents. But her eyes were eerily similar to Lily Potters in colour and shape.
And her eyebrows matched James Potters. Her hair was the same colour of sleek
black as James'. She did feel a strange instant connection to the boy beside
her. They didhave the same birthday. It was as if everything she had ever known
about herself had shifted.
The teenage girl could feel the eyes in the room watching her, waiting for her
deliberation or reaction. She rose from her chair gracefully and leisurely made
her way out the room, hearing the kitchen erupt in a roar of whispers and
scraping chairs behind her.
The animagus walked carefully up the stairs, heart pounding in her head and
knee's trembling. This was ridiculous, wasn't it? Utter madness. James and Lily
Potter couldn't be… her parents. Her biological donors. Which abandoned her.
Yes, she knew that even if this turned out to be correct, that they had still
willingly dropped her off. They had kept Harry, not her. She knew this.
She approached her trunk and with a feeling of detachment and disconnection
with reality, slowly pulled out various potion ingredients and a size one
cauldron. Part of her felt like laughing and another like crying. Emotions and
hysteria churned inside her like a raging inferno. She had to keep it locked
tight. One tiny slip and every part of her would be devoured by the dangerous
flames.
The striped haired teenager walked back down the stairs, face hard and spine
stiff. Her papa's voice in her ear, watching her carefully and nodding with
approval. Keep your guard up. This is suspicious.
Poppy walked calmly to the living room, feeling the eyes of the house on her as
they had all congregated in the hall. The absolute silence as she walked by
spoke volumes to her.
She entered the room to a sea of presents and brightly coloured decorations.
Presents seemed to be split one side of the room from another. Absently, she
wondered why Harry's presents were arranged in such a manner. Perhaps one pile
was from his father and another from his mother. She felt a stab of lingering
guilt for ruining Harry's first birthday with his parents. Their parents. No,
she was being ridiculous. She sat down carefully on the sofa, leaving the
remaining one free and waited patiently. In the meantime, she placed her
ingredients and small cauldron on the coffee table.
A moment later, she saw Harry barge into the room with a scowl. The boy-who-
lived plopped down beside her with a face like thunder and tried to catch her
eye. She ignored him for the moment, she had no idea how to be dealing with her
best friend. Her brother. Madness.
Poppy watched as an uncertain James and Lily Potter entered the room holding
hands, moving towards the sofa opposite and staring between them uncertainly,
eyes flicking to the items on the table.
Sirius was the next to stride into the room, his body language screaming
confident, but Poppy noticed the underlying alertness and tension. His
confidence was the type that seemed to be overcompensating. The Black heir
perched himself on the armrest beside James Potter and immediately turned to
stare at her sympathetically. His grey eyes held a quiet compassion. She looked
away.
It was like her life was flashing before her eyes then and the conclusion she
drew wasn't good… Why her uncle Reggie had taken her in the first place… Sirius
was best friends with James, Sirius was Harry's godfather, it was some
misplaced loyalty that had him saving her.
The realisation of how Peter Pettigrew knew her by name. She'd never even
noticed before but the murderous rat recognised her.
Her instinctual connection to the boy beside her. Siblings. It all made sense…
and yet felt so utterly wrong. She should be leaping for joy but instead felt
more isolated and alone than ever. Why?
Remus Lupin was the last to shuffle in, still looking rather tired from the
recent full moon, guilt dripping from every inch of his expression.
The four adults across from her were all trying to catch her eye and Harry was
bouncing his leg violently, impending confrontation coming off him in waves.
The striped haired teenager turned her head and made deliberate eye contact
with Harry. She stared at him closely and tilted her head to the side a little
to say 'May I go first?'
Harry's leg stopped bouncing, he regarded her seriously and then nodded with a
sigh.
Poppy directed her attention to the other people in the room, "May I?" She
inquired in a cool and icy polite tone of voice, waving towards her Potion
ingredients. She looked James Potter in the eye steadily before doing the same
with Lily Potter.
The married Potters paused to give each other uncertain looks but eventually,
James nodded his head and Lily attempted an awkward smile.
"Of… of course" Mrs Potter replied quietly, sounding very confused.
Poppy nodded her head firmly and began preparing her potion. It was an
extremely easy but equally uncommon potion. Seventy years ago it was part of
the first year curriculum for Potions but had been taken out due to how
unnecessary it became. A simple spell during childbirth could now determine if
someone was a child by blood. Standard practice for purebloods.
The room was silent aside from her chopping and the steady boiling of the
cauldron. Everyone watched her in silence but she ignored the stares. She had
nothing to say.
After five minutes Harry shifted in his seat and placed a hand on her shoulder,
"… Poppy, what-what are you doing?" He asked, sounding both concerned and
extremely impatient.
The animagus did not remove her eyes from her task but answered in a blank and
mechanical voice, "A test" She replied simply.
"A test" Harry repeated immediately, sounding none too pleased with her.
Lily Potter peered forward and frowned, "What test? What is the Potion?" She
asked hesitantly and softly.
Poppy finished putting in the final ingredient and started stirring the mixture
twenty times clockwise as she answered mechanically, "Reprehendo Sanguine"
The sharp inhale from Sirius Black did not surprise her. A feeling of dark
satisfaction crept up inside of her as the Potion turned a dusty purple. It was
almost finished.
"What's that Padfoot?" James Potter asked sounding wary and a little nervous.
Sirius Black did not sound pleased when he answered, "It's a… a test for blood
relation" He replied through grit teeth, appearing as if the very idea
offended him. He was not Slytherin even a tiny bit, was he?
A scandalised gasp from Lily Potter made both shame and dark anger burn inside
of her. Did they expect her to simply believe them like that? Everything she
thought she knew about them was now uncertain. They didn't seem like the type
of people to abandon their child. But they were.
Harry took in a deep breath and then exhaled slowly, "Poppy" He spoke with very
little patience, trying his best to control himself, "Do you really think
everyone would lie about something like this?" He said with his breath heavy.
Anger swelled in her chest as she placed her wand carefully on the table.
There, the Potion was finished. It was dark yellow and thick.
Poppy turned to look Harry in the eye carefully, mouth set into a firm, hard
line and eyes stony, "Did you really think everyone would have hidden a sister
from you, Harry?" She asked under her breath, a silent challenge in her voice.
It asked him whether or not he would accuse her in this situation and really
place blame on her for wanting to be certain.
Harry met her gaze and then dropped it with a sad expression. It was an apology
for her past and reason why she was so distrustful.
Poppy turned back towards the adults. Lily Potter was staring at her with
wide, heartbroken and devastated eyes. James Potter looked ashamed, his eyes
swimming as they stared down at his lap. Remus Lupin was looking as if he may
cry, continuously swallowing.
Sirius Black was staring at her with an expression she couldn't read. It was
almost distant, it was as if all emotion had left him and all that was left was
an echo of timeless regret. She felt exactly how he looked: lost and broken.
"We-we will do any test you want. I-I don't blame you for not believing us"
Lily Potter whispered, sitting up straight though tears raced down her cheeks.
"It is nothing personal" She replied, trying to sound as detached as possible.
Lily Potter sniffed.
"The potion requires a drop of blood" She explained, hyper-aware of every
twitch on their face, searching for reluctance. Perhaps they were lying. Maybe
they weren't really Lily and James Potter. Maybe they mistook her for another
girl.
Lily and James Potter each lifted their finger and used their wands to create a
small cut. James went first and then Lily. When the final drop plopped into the
potion, it transformed into a deep red.
Poppy nodded silently and turned to Remus Lupin, "May I have one of your
hairs?" She requested cooly, ignoring the hysteria in her veins and pounding of
her heart.
The werewolf paused to look uncertainly to his friends, receiving encouraging
looks in return. Remus reached up to pluck one of his grey hairs and hovered it
over the Potion, looking towards her questioning - silently asking if he should
drop it.
The striped haired girl nodded.
The hair was engulfed by the Potion, transforming it into a sickly tar-like
moss colour with thick black bubbles. She watched the Potion absently.
Harry leant forward and covered his nose with his hand to shield it from the
rotten stench emanating from the brew, "What's the mean?" He inquired.
Poppy, turned fully to Harry and said in a serious voice, "That Remus, is, in
fact, not your brother" Poppy actually felt a little amused. She wondered if
this was all some sort of drug-induced hallucination. Sirius Black snorted in
amusement.
Harry patience was at an end and he scowled at her. The animagus swallowed and
motioned to Harry's head, "Would you mind?" She muttered.
The boy-who-lived blinked and then pulled one of his unruly black hairs from
his head and plopped it in the cauldron. Immediately, the mixture turned a
royal blue, a family crest appearing in brilliant gold.
It then faded away. Harry looked awestruck.
Poppy didn't want to go next. She could run. Transform and disappear forever,
go and live in the wilds of Canada. Never have to think about this ever again.
But she was a Gryffindor. And she had to know.
Poppy plucked one of her black hairs and held her hand above the pot, staring
at the once again red mixture. It took her twelve seconds to drop the hair.
The hair floated on the surface before it devolved into gold dust, pure and
glowing white spreading through the Potion.
Her heart tripped in its speed. Her breath froze. Her eyes clouded over and her
body felt like someone else had taken it over.
It was positive.
Poppy is the daughter of James and Lily Potter.
The room was silent again, presumably to give her time to take in this
information. The Potion glowed white and sparkled with flecks of gold. It emits
a soft and sweet fragrance.
Harry was practically leaning over the brew by now, jaw slack with wonder,
"does-does that mean..." He murmured and trailed off.
"That I'm your sister?" She finished, voice sounding empty, "Yes. It does" her
voice rang with finality. Why did it feel like she'd sentenced herself?
Everyone was back to staring at her, waiting for her reaction. She remained
silent, staring at the Potion.
Poppy looked up towards Harry, she caught his eye and then nodded as if to say
'you can ask your questions now'
Harry sighed and then flopped back on the sofa, "I don't understand. Does that
make us twins? Why was I raised by Aunt Petunia and Poppy wasn't?" Harry
practically burst out, shouting his question and sounding utterly desperate for
answers. That was fine with her, Harry could ask the questions. She wasn't
certain she could speak.
Poppy sat back with an impassive face, feeling her muscles tremble slightly.
She watched everyone on the sofa opposite her carefully. Remus had his head
ducked down, looking shameful and uncomfortable. James was looking regretfully
towards his son and Lily looking pleadingly towards Harry. When she eyed Sirius
Black, he was staring directly back at her. She looked away.
James sighed, "It's a really long story, but yes you are twins. No one really
knew about Poppy's birth though. We were expecting a boy and Poppy… was a
surprise" He explained.
Poppy was listening stone-faced.
James Potter's brown eyes darted nervously to her, "A wonderful surprise" He
quickly assured a little awkwardly.
She stared back at him, giving nothing away.
It was Lily that began, "Oh Harry, Poppy, we are so sorry. We had absolutely no
idea when we came back that no one knew about Poppy. We wanted to tell you
right away but didn't know how" She confessed, her tears spilling over and
staring pleadingly at her.
Poppy continued to watch.
Harry was frowning and crossed his arms over his chest, "Then tell us now, we
deserve the truth. I can't believe nobody's told us… twins! Why wasn't Poppy
brought to Privet Drive?" He demanded.
James had his arm wrapped around his weeping wife, looking ten years older as
he started to explain, "No one knew about Poppy and we knew he-who-must-not-be-
named was after us. We went into hiding and we thought the only way to… to
protect Poppy was to send her away for a while" He admitted, guilt heavy in his
voice.
"Why didn't you send us both away if there was a danger?" Harry interrogated
harshly, and James' eyes sank with sympathy.
"Because he was after you Harry" James Potter admitted quietly, "He was
after you and we were there to protect you, to give our lives up to protect
you"
A pause filled the room then and Poppy continued watching with lips set into a
firm line and disliking everything she was hearing. Yes, she was 'sent away'.
To an orphanage. If she hadn't noticed Remus' little slip, would she ever know?
Of course not, they had to practically drag the words from the Potters mouth.
Pain and resentment festered inside of her.
Lily Potter continuing talking, red-rimmed eyes staring imploring at Poppy, "We
thought that it was safer to send Poppy away. We would have done anything to
protect you both but we didn't know if we could manage it. We felt like it was
our only choice to send you away, Poppy, that if we didn't we were be-being
selfish and we-we had to make sure you were safe" Lily choked out.
"But... Why wasn't Poppy brought to Privet drive? And why are we just finding
out now?" Harry continued her interrogation despite his mother's mounting
hysteria. Though his voice was more lost and confused now than accusatory.
James was holding his wife as Lily struggled to keep it together. Remus rubbed
her arm comfortingly, looking downtrodden and despondent. Sirius was still
watching her closely. She ignored the piercing grey eyes of the Black heir.
James sighed, "Apparently everyone thought she'd died. It was only until she
started Hogwarts that everyone knew she was still alive"
"Dead?" Harry exclaimed, eyes darting over to her in question. Poppy looked
back at him meaningfully, 'Yes, remember she was saved by Sirius' death eater
brother'
Harry's eyes widened in realisation and then he blinked rapidly, head darting
towards his parents and then towards her in an uncertain manner, "Oh" He
breathed, "Oh" He repeated, eyes looking towards Sirius and then looking down
at his lap.
"Yeah" Poppy intoned dryly, noticing Harry connecting the dots. Yes, that is
why Regulus Black saved and raised her, because of Sirius, specifically because
of Sirius' connection to James Potter.
"Jesus" Harry murmured, still looking down at his lap. A part of her wanted to
take his hand in comfort. This would be the moment that she would make a light
joke or draw attention away from the tension and say something silly… but she
couldn't. Not now.
It was silent as Harry composed himself, every eye in the room watching him.
Poppy noticed the burning curiosity of the adults. They knew Harry knew
something they didn't. Yet they didn't ask.
Harry lifted his head and then ruffled his hair in agitation, "Okay" He
breathed and then looked up hesitantly at his parents again, "Why weren't we
told when we started Hogwarts and you found out Poppy was alive?" He continued.
Poppy wanted to smile sadly at Harry's naivety. James and Lily Potter had given
her away, nobody wanted to confess the truth to them when clearly they were
never supposed to find out.
The adults didn't have an answer for that.
Sirius eventually swore and then crossed his arms over his chest and growled,
"Bloody Albus. I had no idea Poppy didn't know but then they wanted to give you
both a choice. Remember after the Tournament Harry? Dumbledore was adamant to
give you a choice and Poppy didn't want to know so…" the wavy-haired man
trailed off, darting wary looks towards James and Lily.
They both looked startled and kicked like a puppy, "You didn't want to know who
your parents were?" James Potter asked, sounding devastated.
She did not reply.
"Oh my god" Harry bemoaned, placing his head in his hands. Poppy closed her
eyes and counted back from ten. Control yourself. Control yourself. Control
yourself. She chanted, feeling the anxiety and emotions churn inside of her but
knew she couldn't let them out. This was insane. She did not know how to react.
Do not let them see your weakness. Do not let them see how much this hurts.
The striped haired teenager shuffled over to Harry's side and placed a hand on
his shoulder, rubbing it gently, "Are you alright?" She inquired softly.
Harry exhaled loudly and then tilted his head up, green eyes – the same as hers
in actuality - looking lost and confused as if he didn't know how to act.
"I can't believe it. It feels like I've been misled my entire life" He
admitted. Poppy wanted to laugh sarcastically and scream, 'imagine how I must
feel', but remained silent.
"You're…you're my sister" He spoke, still sounding as if the idea was insane
but the happiness in his tone was also evident. At least one of them could feel
something other than complete and utter devastation. She wasn't who she thought
she was. Who was she?
"Yep" She replied matter-of-fact, giving him a comforting look. Harry looked at
her, that expression on his face that told her he wanted a hug and his fingers
twitched. The gesture made her smile faintly at how much it was like Harry. She
moved forward to give him a hug.
Harry returned it, a little differently than he had before. It was a tad more
desperate and much more… open. It was as if the realisation that she was
family… blood family made her mean much more to him. The thought was an
unwelcome one.
As she pulled back, Harry was not smiling but looked much lighter and accepting
of everything. The admission was now a positive thing to him and he even
laughed and little and shook his head,
"I can't believe it… I feel like I should have known" He exclaimed with a smile
towards his parents and then back towards her to take her in carefully, "I
think-I think I did. Kind of" He admitted sheepishly.
Poppy smiled at him, feeling empty inside.
"Are you alright Poppy?" Lily Potter asked her directly and the animagus turned
to the woman who had given birth to her. Were they stupid? She considered lying
but chose not to, knowing it would be obvious.
Poppy sighed and looked around the room again for a moment before replying,
"No. I'm not" She said calmly before looking at the anxious faces
of Harry's parents.
"But I will be" She lied with a small false smile. The Potters looked both
immensely relieved and yet strangely disappointed.
The animagus turned to see Sirius Black watching her with a small contemplative
frown, grey eyes seeking – for what, she was not certain. She peered to the
other end of the couch to see Remus still sitting looking utterly shamefaced
and uncomfortable.
Poppy kept a tight rein on herself and huffed playfully at the werewolf, "Calm
down Remus, you look like you're about to keel over from sheer guilt" Poppy
teased, effectively drawing attention away from herself.
The sandy-haired man peered down bashfully, Lily Potter reached an arm around
to comfort him with a kind smile.
"Seriously, it's probably better it's out in the open. The longer it took to
come out, the worse it would have been" Poppy drawled with a lazy smile,
feeling more comfortable as she donned her mask.
The lingering tension in the room started to sizzle away with her comment and
James Potter threw himself back on the couch with a scowl and elbow nudge to
his wife, "See? I told you we should have just blurted it out! Done away with
all this bloody drama" He breathed, relief evident in his tone and body
language.
Harry was smiling by her side, "Does this mean you're going to go by Potter
from now on?... Poppy Potter. Huh" Her best friend - biological twin -
marvelled. She ignored the piercing panic inside of her.
The striped haired teenager smiled faintly, "Alright, settle down. There's
still a war going on and no one knows your parents are back from the dead yet"
She tried to calm him down.
Harry blinked, "Our parents you mean" He corrected her immediately.
Poppy wanted to hit herself for her faux pas, hit Harry for thinking she would
accept this revelation so readily and hit the married pair looking disappointed
at her comment.
She looked apologetically towards Mr and Mrs Potter and said, "Sorry, it's
going to take some time to get used to this. It's nothing personal I just have
never thought of myself as part of a ...family before" She explained, feeling
anger that she had to even apologise to them! They gave her up.
They looked understanding and Harry doubly so. It seemed as if the pace of the
room was being determined by her when all she wanted to do was disappear
through the wall and never stop running.
"I think you should open your presents now Harry" Poppy prompted, nodding
towards the piles and piles of neatly wrapped packages.
The boy-who-lived blinked in surprise while James Potter leapt from his chair
to presumably fetch a present for his son, Sirius Black trailing behind him.
Harry was watching her in concern, trying to read her expression,
"You sure you don't want to... Ask any questions or anything?" He inquired.
Poppy shook her head, "Maybe later, right now I want to get used to the idea.
We have plenty time for questions later"
Lily leant forward in her seat and assured, "Of course sweetie, take all the
time you need. Just know you can come to us whenever or ask us whatever you
want. We are so sorry it had to be like this but just remember that we love you
and will always be here" She said in a loving voice full of conviction. Lily
then stood up, leant over her and squeezed tightly in a hug. Her voice rang
with honesty and affection, a voice she'd heard from her often towards her son.
Not like this. Why did this statement make her feel physically ill? Why did she
feel suspicious and angry? Why did she want to cry? That would be weak.
James Potter returned with a large crimson box with a smaller gold present atop
it. He was beaming brightly and looked jittery almost. He plucked the smaller
package from the top and handed it out to her with a bright smile.
Poppy stared.
Four seconds James Potter stood with his hand outstretched before her brain
caught up. "Oh for me?" She gasped, truly surprised. What on earth?
Everyone was staring at her and she bit her lip, "Sorry, not exactly used to
getting presents" She explained honestly and awkwardly. Guilt and pain flashed
across the adult's faces. It made her feel like a broken toy.
James Potter looked heartbroken while Lily's eyes swam with tears again. Remus
Lupin looked down sadly while Sirius Black's face sunk with sympathy. She hated
it.
The tearing of paper directed everyone's attention to Harry as he opened his
first present. Poppy watched silently as Harry opened the box to reveal a brand
new set of Quidditch robes, emblazoned with gold and red, the name POTTER
scrawled proudly across the back.
Harry was grinning from ear to ear as he touched the fabric. The striped haired
teenager smiled a little at his clear joy.
"Wow, thanks, mum, thanks dad" He breathed.
James Potter was beaming proudly while Lily was smiling brightly. Sirius looked
proud and even Remus' spirits looked brighter.
As if synchronised, everyone in the room turned to look at her expectantly. She
knew this meant it was her turn to open her gift. Her reaction would be very
important, she knew. The package was soft and about the size of two fists. It
was awkwardly shaped and when she prods it curiously, it seemed almost firm.
A small spark of excitement ignited inside of her.
The striped haired teenager ripped open the package carefully, her curiosity
only growing at the peek of brown fuzz. An eyeball and a hoof made her blink
and throw the ruined paper away. A miniature teddy of a Stag looked back at
her.
Poppy stared at the small stuffed animal and wanted to cry.
Prongs… James Potters animagus form was a Stag… just like her patronus. Her
protector. it all made sense now, why her patrons took that particular shape.
He was always there, always a part of her. Her heart felt like it was singing
in her chest. She had never felt so cherished before.
The animagus looked up at her father and beamed brightly, completely and
utterly touched by this amazing gesture, "He's perfect" She grinned, gratitude
ringing from her voice.
James Potter looked so utterly relieved and perhaps even happier than her. She
wanted to jump up and give him a hug but refrained.
Harry, besides her, exclaimed, "Wow! That is perfect" He said with a smile.
Poppy turned around to beam at her brother smugly.
"It's just like-" her twin began only to be cut off by her,
"-I know, it's the reason why-" She prattled on only to be interrupted by
Harry,
"-Really? Do you think that why mine?" Harry asked excitement in his tone and
turning to look at his parents questioningly.
Poppy nodded her head frantically with a smile, "Yeah obviously"
A loud and annoyed groan cut into the Potter twins moment and they both looked
to see James Potter donning an annoyed face though his eyes were twinkling in
merriment.
"You're both going to need us to tell us what you're talking about when you do
that" He explained with a mock stern look.
Suspicion, alarm and her guard immediately went up. They couldn't know about
her patronus, that was too personal. No one knew except her friends, no. They
would tell Albus Dumbledore, wouldn't they? What would they do with her private
information? Be sickened? Horrified. No.
Poppy turned towards Harry with a smile, "Another present?" She questioned,
ignoring James' comment.
From there on the two sixteen-year-olds were given a present each to open for
the next two hours. Poppy grew more and more alarmed with each gift. What was
all of this?
They had received a ridiculous amount of gifts. Harry had gotten; new Quidditch
robes, new school robes, new dress robes, new casual robes, muggle jeans,
muggle trainers, muggle t-shirts, a leather jacket – courtesy of Sirius who
winked at his godson, a new trunk, boxes and boxes of pranking items and other
nonsense bought off of stalls in Diagon Ally, hundreds of sweet and chocolates,
dragon hide boots, dragon hide gloves, an invisible wand holster and much more
she couldn't recall.
For herself most of her gifts were books. The majority of them she had already
read, and she smiled and commented here or there but noting the look of
disappointment on Lily Potter's face when she said this, she stopped saying
she'd read them. A select few looked truly fascinating, especially the one
Remus had gotten her. An equal amount of chocolates was given to her, a self-
brushing comb, a wide variety of muggle clothing, pyjamas, shoes, a new set of
school robes, a stunning ruby necklace fashioned into the shape of a Lily and
of course, her favourite gift of all – her little Prongs.
Her emotions felt torn. On the one hand, all of these gifts meant something to
her. Every one was a gesture of affection, in the importance she held to her
parents. It was an apology, a celebration and a tiny part of her felt at peace.
Yet the more these feeling grew, the more alarmed and cautious she grew.
Warning bells echoed in her ears and spat questions at her - why did they
abandon her? Were they ever going to tell her the truth? Why couldn't they love
her as a child? Perhaps over the last few weeks, they came to love her facade?
They mistakenly saw her as someone she wasn't. If they couldn't love her as a
baby, What hope did she have now? Would they reject her again?
Harry was gushing over his broom - a firebolt - apparently and was itching to
test it outside. Remus stood up from the sofa slowly and with a heavy yawn,
"Well I'm off for a lie down before dinner. I think the Weasleys mentioned
they'd be back around eight tonight. Just come to wake me when it's ready" the
werewolf mumbled tiredly, voice hoarse.
Lily Potter smiled at him kindly, "Of course Remus"
The sandy-haired man then shuffled out the living room, while the rest of the
males continued gushing over the broom.
Her mother looked towards her and rolled her eyes playfully. Poppy grinned,
"Can I help you with dinner?" The striped haired teenager asked hopefully, a
churning inside of her wanting to make her family proud of her. Merlin bless
Molly Weasley for teaching her the basics of cooking.
"Of course sweetie, I would love that, I'm not sure what to make-" She began
with questioning looks towards her and Harry. Poppy had to interject.
"-Steak!" she exclaimed swiftly with a smug smile towards Harry. The boy-who-
lived looked towards her in amusement and laughed a little,
"Steak sounds fine mum" Harry assured with a smile and then bit her lip
uncertainly, "Can I go out to try my broom before dinner?" He asked hopefully.
Lily Potter looked a little exasperated though in a fond way, "If you must. Be
careful though, its quite windy out today"
Sirius Black whooped and then stomped out the room to retrieve his own broom
while her father ruffled Harry's hair with a grin, "Don't worry Lily, I'll make
sure he's alright" He reassured his wife.
James then bent down and hoisted his son up from the back of his knees and
Harry yelped, "To the pitch!" he proclaimed with a dangling sixteen-year-old on
his shoulder.
Poppy couldn't help but laugh.
It had taken an hour and a half for dinner to be prepared. Poppy both relished
the time with her biological mother and increasingly felt inadequate. Lily
Potter was everything she secretly wanted in a mother. How could she even live
up to her expectation of a daughter? Lily would want someone like smart and
level-headed like Mione or sporty and headstrong like Ginny.
"Okay" Lily announced, bending over to take the various pieces of cake out the
oven, the delicious smell permeating the Weasleys kitchen, "That's everything
ready to go, except for the steaks, I'll need to find out how everybody wants
them. Would you mind waking Remus up? I'll go shout to the boys outside" She
requested.
Poppy nodded her head and then skipped up the stairs. After she'd knocked the
door to wake the werewolf up, she recalled that she still hadn't given Harry
his birthday present. The animagus made a quick stop to Ginny's room to the
collect the parcel she had taken quite some time trying to piece together.
Poppy also fixed her hair and applied several beauty charms to tidy up her
appearance before making her way back down the stairs.
The animagus paused at the entrance to the kitchen doorway and watched as Remus
laughed at something Sirius had said. Harry gushed to his father about his new
broom while James Potter tried to sneak a lick of chocolate frosting only for
his hand to be bat away by his wife.
...Did she really belong here?
Lily looked up with a smile and motioned to the seat beside Harry. Regardless
if she belonged, they expected her to. Was this a good or bad thing?
The striped haired teenager sat down quietly beside her brother, for once not
jumping into the middle of the conversation. She looked down at her lap and
swallowed.
"Alright, I know how these boys are wanting their steaks, how about you Poppy?"
Lily Potter asked from behind her. The animagus looked up and smiled falsely,
"As rare as physically possible. Ever heard of a blue steak? its rarer than a
rare steak" She explained. She felt eyes on her and shrugged her shoulders with
an amused smile, "What? I like it bloody" she smirked.
Poppy noticed Sirius and her father glancing towards Remus and couldn't resist
the opportunity to tease him, "How do you like your steak?" She inquired quite
innocently.
Remus looked towards her a little awkwardly, shifted in his seat and then
replied, "Oh, um, medium rare" He answered unconvincingly. The animagus wanted
to snort but refrained. She had long ago discovered her penchant for bloody
steaks was the result of her animagus form and there was no way in Morgana's
name that the werewolf preferred it medium rare.
Poppy felt a strange kinship towards Remus also, being a fellow part canine and
decided to help him out. She scoffed loudly and gave the sandy-haired man a
dubious look, "Right, that's because you've never had a proper rare steak
before. Cook! Make Remus' steak nice and bloody" She grinned with a playful
look towards Lily Potter.
The red-headed woman was stood over the frying pan and raised an eyebrow at
her, "Cook?" She questioned, lips twitching as if she didn't know if she should
be offended or not.
Poppy smiled innocently, "Because your food is so tasty, surely you must be a
professional" She gushed loudly.
Lily Potter laughed and then took two steaks off of the pan, "Sure. But since
you were so kind I will give Remus his steak rare" She said happily, looking
pleased with herself at the coincidence. Poppy held with a smirk.
When she looked across the table she noted two grey contemplative eyes watching
her, not quite suspiciously but closely as if looking for something. Poppy
smirked at Sirius Black and raised a challenging eyebrow. The man smirked back,
leant on his elbows with a devious twinkle in his eye when Lily placed her
dinner down before her.
Sirius blinked, moved backwards and then directed his full attention to the
plate before him appearing startled and a little abashed. She wondered why.
Harry chatted about his new broom the entire meal and told Quidditch stories
his father had never heard before, James Potter practically glowing with pride.
Poppy wanted to bang her head off of the table at all the sports talk.
Apparently, her exasperation was obvious as Lily Potter asked her, "Not a fan
of Quidditch?"
The striped haired teenager snorted, "Am I a fan of watching Harry nearly fall
to his death while a crowd cheers on? Only a little" She smirked towards Harry.
The boy-who-lived rolled his eyes while James Potter shook his head sadly, "How
can you say that? You've never even been on a broom. I bet you'd be brilliant.
It's the Potter way" he boasted while Sirius teased him for his comment.
The striped haired teenager was not convinced and stared dubiously at him.
James leant forward in his seat, "Come on, I know you'll love it. How about I
teach you myself tomorrow? I promise there's no fear of falling to your death
while I'm there" He grinned.
Remus sighed, "That's very comforting James"
It was as Lily Potter began clearing plates from the table that Poppy placed
her gift upon the table and smiled towards Harry, uncertain about the
appropriateness of her present now that it was revealed she was his bloody twin
sister.
Harry looked towards her in sheepish surprise, "You didn't need to get me
anything" He mumbled and rubbed the back of his neck, "I didn't get you
anything"
Poppy waved off his concerns with an awkward smile, "It's fine, my gift is
actually more for..." She trailed off, your parents, my parents, James and
Lily. How the fuck was she supposed to address them?
The messy haired sixteen year old looked surprised but dutifully opened the
present, expression curious and intrigued. Harry pulled out a photo album and
started flicking through the pages. Poppy knew her friend's favourite gift had
been the photo album of his parents from Hagrid. The idea was essentially the
same except this album was all of Harry, for his parents to see him growing up
at varying stages of his childhood. She had Colin to thank for more than half
of them.
Harry blinked, looked up at her, smiled a welcoming and small loving smile at
her in silent heartfelt gratitude before looking back down at the album. James
Potter stood from his seat to peer over his son's shoulder at the album and
grinned as Harry flicked through the pages.
"This is absolutely brilliant. Is that you at your first Quidditch match? Wow,
you were so small" James laughed proudly, pointing to varying photos. Everyone
it seemed was interested in her pictures and all hovered over the teenage boy's
chair to study the moving photos. Harry placed the large book on the table so
everyone could see it.
"Oh is this you at your Yule ball?" Lily Potter gushed, pointing towards Harry
in his dress robes standing beside Parvati Patil, his hair a particular riot
that year. She was glad he chopped it short again. She smirked at his small
frame in the too large robes, he should have had them tailored. Harry nodded
sheepishly.
"I absolutely love this picture of the two of you dancing" Lily commented,
smiling brightly at the picture of when she and Harry had made up and danced
the night away. Poppy had her head thrown back in laughter and Harry was
sniggering until she grabbed him by the waist, hoisted him up and twirled him
around. He was frowning and was trying to look displeased when she put him back
down. The photo then repeated.
"Is that Neville Longbottom then?" Sirius Black frowned, James' attention
snapped to the one of her dancing under the lights again. Realisation washed
over Poppy for why Harry and now James Potter were so disgusted by the idea of
her with a boyfriend. Bloody fucking hell. Overprotective prats. She should get
a boyfriend just to piss them off.
Poppy looked at the picture and frowned, she hadn't realised there were so many
of her.
Harry scowled also and took a closer look at the picture, "No, that's Michael
Corner. I didn't see you dancing with him, I thought you went with Neville?"
Harry looked up at her with an almost accusatory face.
Everyone looked towards her expectantly. She scowled back, "I did go with
Neville but I also danced with Michael. I danced with a lot of people that
night, Ron included, I think I also danced with the Weasley twins, settle down"
The animagus rolled her eyes in exasperation. Harry knowing they were related
surely wasn't good for her. He would now be even more protective of
her. Arsehole.
James, Harry and Sirius Black were all looking at her with frowns. Remus was
still peering through the photos and Lily was smiling slightly to herself,
looking amused.
"Merlin, you lot need to calm down. I danced with them, I didn't drop my
knickers for them" She bit back, feeling satisfaction as red rushed towards
Harry's face while the blood drained from James', he gaped at her. Sirius Black
looked amused but as if he was trying to hide it and ducked his head to hide
his smile.
Lily Potter snorted and all attention turned to her, "Well she isn't wrong, but
I maybe wouldn't put it that way Poppy if you don't want to give your dad a
heart attack" She fully laughed now and rubbed James Potters arm. Her father
looked horrified and as if something very unpleasant had happened. He pointed
his finger at her,
"No, no, just no" He managed to get out, trying to look stern but looking too
alarmed to be taken seriously.
Poppy blinked at him innocently, "No?" She tilts her head to the side and the
smiled sweetly, "Don't wear underwear? Well I mean it will be a bit breezy with
my school uniform but if you insist" She beamed cheekily towards James Potter.
Sirius Black barked out a laugh and then covered his mouth when James Potter
turned to glare at him. Remus Lupin was watching James in amusement, Lily
giggled at her antics and Harry sniggered.
James Potter's eyes went as large as snitches, "Uh-bu-no-no, no" He managed to
sputter out. Poppy leant back and smirked at his expression.
Harry nudged his dad's elbow, "She's just kidding. She had a tendency to wind
people up" He explained in a fond but exasperated manner.
James Potter blinked, looked back towards her as if for confirmation and
feeling pity she nodded her head with a smirk. James Potter practically sagged
in relief. Remus, Sirius and Lily then started laughing loudly.
Poppy, Harry and James looked towards then in curiosity, James questioning,
"What's so funny?" He asked with a smile.
Lily Potter continued laughing, moved forward to kiss her husbands temple,
still laughing quietly as she explained, "It's just- she gets that from you"
James Potter blanched and then joined in on the laughter, Harry laughing now
too. Poppy shrugged her shoulders helplessly with a sly grin towards Harry,
"See? It isn't my fault I'm like this. I can't control it, it's all
from him" She pointed a finger towards Mr Potter.
Harry rolled his eyes, "Yeah right, you're a million times worse with Snape you
know"
Poppy raised a brow towards Harry, "Are you complaining?" She challenged.
Harry laughed, "Not a chance. It's hilarious"
The moment between the two twins was interrupted by Sirius Black cutting in
with a question, "What's this about Snivellus? Has someone been giving her
professor a hard time?" He asked, eyes sparkling with merriment, a smirk
playing on the corners of his mouth and leaning towards her.
Lily Potter returned to cleaning the dishes and preparing the cakes and sighed,
"You really shouldn't Poppy, he is your Professor and you should be more
respectful" She chided gently.
The striped haired birthday girl rolled her eyes and spoke in a mock-solemn
tone, "You don't get how unbelievably fun it is to annoy Snape. Seeing his
pasty face turn red or sputter in indignation, it is literally one of the best
things in the world" She explained.
James Potter and Sirius Black shared devious grins while trying to contain
their laughter but it seemed to overflow and the two were rolling around the
kitchen laughing. Remus Lupin was trying to not laugh and covering his mouth
while also sending James Potter knowing looks. Lily Potter sighed in an
unbelievably heavy and long-suffering sigh, turning around to glare at her
husband for some curious reason.
Soon after, the two cakes - a chocolate for Harry and a Victoria sponge for
herself - were brought out as everyone sang happy birthday and clapped. Poppy
blew out the candles, feeling her fake smile strain and emotions start to
bubble over. She pushed them firmly back down.
They had retreated back to the living room soon after, knowing the Weasleys
would be back soon and everyone was polishing off their second piece of cake.
Harry was smiling at her when the adults got caught up discussing something
about plans for the summer and she looked back at him expectantly, "It's all so
strange but right isn't it?" He began. Poppy did not agree and simply smiled
back and took another bite of cake.
"What was that potion anyway? I've never heard of it" Her messy haired twin
began, "Why did mine turn blue with a gold crest?" He inquired.
"Royal blue means that you are an heir and the crest showed heir to what house
- The Potter one" She explained to him, noticing the adults start to listen to
their conversation.
Harry nodded thoughtfully, looked towards his parents for a moment before
looking back, "Why did yours go white then with glittering gold, aren't we both
heirs if we are twins?" He asked innocently with a furrowed brow.
A choking sound drew everyone's attention towards Sirius Black as he sputtered
on his butterbeer. She narrowed her eyes at him. He likely knew why hers had
turned that colour. She hadn't even been thinking about those revelations it
would show about her, just if she was the blood daughter of James and Lily
Potter. Sirius started sniggering.
Poppy ignored the Black heir and smiled towards Harry falsely, "Well the heir
is always male I'm afraid, it doesn't matter if we are twins" She said
carefully.
Harry had one eye on her and then one eye on Sirius, curiosity showing on his
face. He had better not, "What else does it say?" He asked.
Bugger.
Sirius barked a laugh again and grinned towards her, ignoring the elbow nudges
from James and curious looks from Remus and Lily.
The striped haired teenager sighed and rubbed her face, sending Sirius Black a
displeased look. She then turned to Harry, knowing there was really no other
way to get say this,
"It means I'm female- and specifically - a virgin" She muttered under her
breath. When she managed to peek a glance at Harry she noticed
the pleased expression on his face. She picked up a couch cushion from the sofa
and whacked him over the head with it.
"Stop looking so bloody pleased with yourself" The animagus hissed, this whole
situation was so awkward for her and he was happy? That was so unfair.
Harry started laughing, only making her more irate. She turned towards the
other sofa only to see James Potter seated back with the same satisfied
expression on his face as his sons. Remus looked vaguely sympathetic but mostly
amused, while Sirius was smirking at her and Lily was the only one to look
truly sympathetic to her situation.
"Stop embarrassing her Harry" Lily scolded her son gently. Harry stopped
laughing but the stupid pleased grin would not leave his face.
Bastard.
It was then the one subject she was trying to actively avoid came up. Her blood
mother placed a gentle hand on her arm and turned to look at her with
understanding eyes, "How are you doing sweetie? I know this isn't easy but you
haven't really said much" She began softly and then bit her lip in worry, "I
was expecting a bit more of an explosive argument, to be honest" She laughed
faintly, "I've never been able to hold onto my temper and your dad wears his
heart on his sleeve. You've been very mature about this but I'm worried. isn't
there anything you'd like to say?"
Poppy regarded the woman in front of her critically, locking tight her emotions
and trying her best to view the situation objectively. What did she want?
Lily's expression was tender, sweet and filled with so much longing... She
wanted her daughter.
It was a pity that Poppy was not the daughter she wanted. Would this kind,
self-sacrificing and loving woman want a dark, broken and empty shell for a
daughter? No, she wouldn't. Perhaps they recognised something in her so long
ago, when they gave her up. Maybe they knew she was different, even then and
acted accordingly. It was clear Lily wanted a nice, loving and normal
daughter... She would give them that.
The animagus looked down sadly and then said quietly, "It's just so much to
take in, I mean it's unbelievable. I've always wanted a family and now I have
one. It's going to take some time but... thank you" She looked up, tears
swimming in her eyes for a different reason than what she was implying. Her
heart ached. She felt like she had been born a squib in a pureblood household.
Lily Potter engulfed her in a tight hug, kissing the top of her head, "Don't
thank me. I love you Poppy and we will always be here for you. I promise" She
swore so fiercely that Poppy almost believed her. James Potter was smiling in
satisfaction at the display when they pulled back. At that moment, the floo
activating hold them the Weasleys arrived home and she breathed a large sigh of
relief.
Everyone was in the mood for celebration that night and it seemed that she was
the centre of attention. She didn't mind. In large crowds, you could laugh,
make jokes to ease tension, slip away and draw attention to others around you.
She was quite good at it. It was hours later that everyone seemed to get their
fill of 'Wow your a Potter' conversation with her, giving her hearty
congratulations and telling her how they suspected all along or weren't at all
surprised. Her mind ran through various dark curses all night.
Poppy casually slipped out the living room, making her way upstairs towards the
toilet with a pounding head and steadily increasing anxiety. How can everyone
be ok with this? How had she been inserted into this family without a single
thought?
The striped haired teenager walked into the toilet, shut the door, locked it
manually and then let out a heavy shaky breath. She closed her eyes and counted
back from ten. The hardened teenager opened her eyes only to stumble towards
the sink and stare harshly at herself in the mirror mounted on the wall.
Her breaths came heavy through her mouth and the green eyes looking back at her
were wild and a little crazed. Poppy gazed, studied and marvelled in her
reflection like she had never seen it before.
James and Lily Potter. She was the twin sister of the boy-who-lived. Her
parents were downstairs and she opened presents and blew out candles with them
earlier. She laughed desperately and ducked her head as her laughs turned to
gasps. Madness.
The animagus sunk to the floor and wrapped her arms around her knees. She felt
lost. What could she do? She wasn't the person they thought she was. She didn't
have a family, they abandoned her! Has everyone just forgotten that?
She did not know how long she sat there with her eyes screwed up tight and
curled up in a little ball, only to be startled by a heavy knocking on the
bathroom door.
The striped haired teenager peeked her head up slowly staring wearily at the
door. She felt a million years old. Could she really go back down the stairs?
Could she face everyone's delight? A part of her wanted to scream, break things
and never come back. But that would be weak, they would know how affected she
was.
Another harsh round of bangs slammed against the door, starling her. Poppy
sighed, stood and opened the bathroom door with a bright smile painted on her
face. Sirius Black stood on the other end, his face was very displeased, grey
eyes serious and staring at her with raised eyebrows,
"Hiding away?" He inquired dryly, looking at her almost in parental
disappointment, it did not suit him. The tiny spark of anger in his gaze told
her a lot. Poppy felt a fission of annoyance go through her.
She tilts her head to the side and shook her head with a sad smile, "Maybe a
little. This is all so wonderfully insane. I'm still wrapping my head around it
all. I am just so happy" Poppy gushed the usual nonsense that she had been
spewing all night. This was the point where she would get a hug and
congratulations.
Instead, Sirius shifted his stance to something more aggressive and snapped,
"Bullshit" he barked at her, fiery indignation dancing across his face. His
body was poised for attack, stance tall and face determined. Poppy was
intrigued.
But just as quick as the flood of emotion hit him, Sirius seemed to deflate and
gain control of his emotions as he inhaled slowly and his face grew more
neutral. Disappointment washed over her.
Sirius looked at her in sympathy "Sorry, I just think you should be honest with
your parents, tell them how you feel. It isn't fair to any of you. You don't
need to hide, Poppy. Trust me when I say they will understand" He spoke with
calm authority, igniting a fire of defiance inside of her. Who was this man who
thought he could tell her how to act?
Poppy leant against the doorway, stance relaxed and posture softening into
something more deceptively casual but alert. Sirius' eyes flickered down and
grey gaze became cautious. She was pleased he was not fooled by her.
The animagus blinked innocently at him "I'm terribly sorry, Mr Black, I'm
afraid I don't know what you mean. I may be in the toilet but I'm not hiding"
She spoke in an overly sweet voice, batting her eyes at the dark-haired man.
Instant anger washed across his face. Glee ran through her, anticipating his
reaction. To her disappointment, he breathed in deeply again, jaw clenching and
face rigid. After visibly calming himself he spoke,
"Poppy we both know that isn't true," Sirius said through clenched teeth and a
hard face. His body language screamed he was at the end of his tether as he
crossed his arms over his chest.
Poppy smirked, "Oops. You caught me" She grinned wickedly towards the man.
Sirius widened his stance again, "For fuck sake Poppy, take this seriously! It
might be one big joke to you but my best friends down there just want their
daughter back! Your being a bloody fool, you've got the best parents down there
and you're a too bloody coward to-" The dark haired man barked at her, emotions
glittering his grey eyes to look swirling and molten silver. At his
uncontrollable burst of emotion and accusation, she felt her own temper slip.
"How dare you!" She hissed, marching forwards to stand directly before Sirius
Black, he was a head taller than her and he had to crane her neck upwards to
look him in the eye, "You know absolutely nothing. Nothing. You think you
understand? Why? Because you grew up with the shittest parents on the planet?
poor Sirius was trapped in a dark family where no one understood him? Big
fucking shame. Do you think that gives you the authority to tell me how I
should be feeling because you had an awful childhood?"
Poppy continued in a lower voice, "Well in case you haven't realised, I am not
a child. Maybe I just turned sixteen but believe me when I say you've had more
life experience than some sixty-year-olds. How dare you try to 'parent' me, you
are neither my father or godfather"
Sirius looked at her with a deflated expression, swallowing heavily, "I know
you're not a child, Poppy" He murmured sadly, looking down and then sighing, "I
am just trying to help. I can see you're suffering-" He began, looking
imploringly at her and reaching out to place his hands gently on her elbows.
Poppy jerked away and moved into the hall, glaring at Sirius Black, "I do not
want, nor need your help, Sirius Black. You can see me suffering, can you? And
what, you want to help? Make everything alright? You want me to skip happily
through the flowers, sing songs and enjoy life?" Poppy exclaimed incredulously
letting out a mocking and bitter laugh,
"I'm afraid that will never happen. I will never be happy, I will never be
normal or what the world wants me to be. You want me to be honest with James
and Lily? You want me to tell them I'm broken, empty inside? That I did die all
those years ago and I'm just a fragment of their blood and an echo of the
daughter they so desperately want? All of this, this bloody situation has just
shackled me down, given me expectations and a role to play. You want me to love
them as my parents, well I'm not bloody capable of love, alright?" She
breathed, heavily, a volcanic eruption of emotions spewing out of her.
Sirius was watching her wide-eyed and lips parted ever so slightly, his eyes
were shining as he was leaning forward as if he wanted to move but didn't.
The animagus looked back and after her panting breathes died down, looked away.
After another long moment, she turned back towards Sirius, looked him dead in
the eye and muttered darkly,
"You know what? I wish I had died"
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