Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters, ideas and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 20:
The Halloween fiasco succeeded in striking terror into not only the denizens of Hogwarts, but Magical Britain as well, particularly the parents. After all, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was reputed to be the safest fortress in Magical Britain with its many protections and wards made by the Founders themselves, especially with the heralded Albus Dumbledore as the Headmaster.
It has been four days since the trolls were let loose and terrorized the students in the Great Hall, and Arianna Potter's condition remained the same since her admittance into Poppy Pomphrey's care. The Group of Misfits were desolate without their leader, too worried over her abysmal state, and when the fourteen first years weren't taking it in turns to visit the unconscious redhead's bedside, they were stalking the castle and hurling vicious hexes and jinxes to those viciously spouting off their ecstasy regarding Arianna's misfortune in boisterous tones, not bothering to spare them any mercy and disregarding humiliating them with pranks.
Draco Malfoy in particular, had been thrilled in regards to Arianna's tribulation, though a bit shaken; the blonde ponce didn't bother to keep his voice down and expressed his elation in a loud and arrogant nuance in the sanctum of the Slytherin Common Room. Naturally, Daphne, Tracey, Blaise, Theo, Hestia and Flora menacingly fingered their wands, itching to hex the arrogant sod into oblivion, but unfortunately, the Slytherins had a centenarian code that all snakes were forced to uphold and obey: what happens in the snake pit, remains unsaid; meaning, Malfoy was free to spout off his hogwash in the snake pit without rebuttal, however, once out, Malfoy was free game, and the six Slytherins from the Group of Misfits ensured the remaining eight were updated on his atrocious comments, planning vengeance behind his back. On the third day however, the six Slytherins curiously noticed that after receiving his habitual care package from his parents during breakfast, his already pale complexion turned even more pallid if it were possible and slightly ashen, his lips were pursed mulishly and his eyes narrowed before his face flushed maroon in anger and he stalked out of the Great Hall with a crumpled letter balled in his hand. Suffice to say, Draco Malfoy peculiarly remained quiet and ceased his obnoxious comments regarding Arianna's ill-fate, much to the Group of Misfits' palpable confusion and Pansy Parkinson's ire.
Hermione Granger was found searching high and low for her treasured books the day after the Halloween Feast since her possessions was suspiciously missing. The Gryffindor bibliophile was given no aid whatsoever, even by the friendly ghost, Nearly Headless Nick, and Peeves gladly obeyed the Group of Misfits when they personally requested for his help in setting up booby-traps for the bushy-haired, know-it-all. Hermione knew, oh she knew the persons responsible for her current torment, and when she went to the Head of Gryffindor to nark, the stern professor turned a blind eye and maintained a deaf ear, explicitly stating that she had absolutely no proof. For a smart scholar, Hermione Granger was utterly daft, for nobody in their right mind would declare in a haughty tone for many eavesdroppers to clearly hear the insult she targeted in regards to Arianna Potter's misfortune. When Hermione Granger, bibliophile extraordinaire arrogantly announced that Arianna's affliction was Karma, she practically begged to be beleaguered and bullied by the Group of Misfits, wholeheartedly joined by the Weasley twins, Lee Jordan and a few others.
Sirius Black persistently remained by Arianna's side, never once wavering in his diligent watch over her stable condition and after the third day, he completely stopped taking care of himself despite the Headmaster's pleas; concern over the despondent Lord Black skyrocketed, prompting Poppy Pomphrey and Minerva McGonagall to make it a habit to constantly check up on the inconsolable father, ensuring that he ate and finished the routinely meals sent to him by the Hogwarts house-elves while casting cleaning and refreshing charms on him around the clock. Despite his dolorous disposition, Sirius' heart filled with joy and he was consumed by warmth the first time a horde of first years shoved their way into the Hospital Wing, adamant in visiting his comatose daughter. Naturally, Sirius recognized the fourteen first years as Arianna's best friends from the countless of letters she sent him, all of whom were dubbed with the title of 'the Group of Misfits' and the subject of Renesmee's disgruntle since she was self-conscious of them stealing her best friend away from her, despite the plethora of reassurances negating her woes.
It was glaringly obvious to Sirius that the two Ravenclaws, the three Gryffindors, the three Hufflepuffs, and the six Slytherins cared naught for her fame, title and fortune. No, Sirius could see as clear as day, that the fourteen antithetical first years palpably cared for her, looked up to her, were staunchly loyal to her, and considered themselves genuine friends.
Susan Bones personally sent a letter to her aunt, Madam Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law and Enforcement (DMLE), insisting she investigate the traumatic event with the four mountain trolls, wanting justice for one of her closest friends. Amelia took it in stride and the bumbling fool of a Minister immediately gave her leeway; Cornelius Fudge was more concerned over his reputation in ignoring the maiming and the attempted murder of the Girl-Who-Lived, than the actual health and condition of the aforementioned.
The tides in Hogwarts changed drastically on the fifth day; the only warning relayed to the denizens was when the two-way mirror Sirius had to connect and converse with Garrett while he was ensconced in Hogwarts by Arianna's side, vibrated and heated up. Garrett's rushed declaration was barely processed by the woebegone father when the Headmaster's gargoyle sprung open and nine intimidating and imposing figures donned in luxurious cloaked hoods surged their way down the hall, unconsciously given a wide berth by the flabbergasted and cowering students who couldn't help but gape, gazing in awe at their retreating backs regarding their fluent and elegant movement that seemed unnatural and inhumane.
Caius Volturi always had a lethal and explosive temper; a trait Lily Potter inherited not because of the shade of her hair which the population all dubbed 'the fiery redhead temper' – oh no. No, no, no, no; if the Magical Community had an inkling of Lily's true paternity, they would immediately connect the dots and comprehend her notorious temper was an innate trait from her biological father, the ruthless, cunning and unmerciful vampire king. Due to the dire situation of her mistress's ailment, Hedwig didn't pause for even a second of respite and traveled to Tuscany in post-haste, urgently dropping Sirius' missive in front of a bewildered Caius who was in the middle of interrogating a transgressor alongside Aro and Marcus.
Decapitating and setting the vampire aflame, Caius flung the parchment toward a concerned Aro and an alarmed Marcus and ordered Demetri to prepare the private jet to England. The three Kings, Sulpicia, Didyme, Jane, Alec, Demetri and Felix departed immediately and barely acknowledged Garrett with proper decorum; the nine Cold Ones flooed to the Headmaster's Office and upon finding it vacant, they strode down the hallway with a purpose, trying to contain their murderous and apoplectic rage; of course, Caius ignored Didyme and Sulpicia's warnings concerning his violent temper as he flung the ornately golden doors open, disregarding the sea of students and bellowing, "ALBUS!"
It was a comical sight to behold, one for the pensieve, when they all observed all the color drain from the face of the greatest wizard in over a century. Albus inwardly sighed at the rapid turn of events and instantly ambled over to their side; he had been expecting their arrival, Albus merely held hopes that he would be in his office to welcome them and keep their presence inconspicuous from the gossip-mongering students, ghosts, portraits and a fair few professors.
"Ah, Caius, I was expecting you. Aro, Marcus, Ladies Sulpicia and Didyme," Albus smiled benignly at the three kings and two queens before his eyes twinkled at the witch-twins, the tracker and the brute. Despite their ruthlessness and them being dangerous predators, Albus never feared them, especially after their four years of friendship and familiarity with each other. Didyme beamed in return, "Oh, Albus, you charmer, you."
"Didyme!" Caius snarled, a low growl vibrating in his throat; his ruby orbs flashed menacingly and threatened to turn onyx as he glared at the old, intellectual mortal, "Albus, take me to my granddaughter, now!"
The Headmaster swiftly escorted the nine Cold Ones toward the Hospital Wing, but unfortunately, the damage was already done, and as the doors to the Great Hall swung shut with an ominous thud, hisses and whispers suffused the hall like wildfire, theories and hypothesizes spreading around regarding the nine ethereally, inhumane and graceful individuals claiming family relations to the Girl-Who-Lived.
"How is he her grandfather? He looks to be in his early twenties?"
"I knew Potter had creature blood! I told you she seemed too perfect!"
"Did you see the blonde one with an olive complexion and lean stature? He looks positively scrumptious!"
"You think they're dangerous?"
"What sort of magical creature are they?"
Only one individual paled significantly, his olive complexion turning ashen, and his indigo orbs widening in fear, never once detaching from the closed doors of the Great Hall. Concerned over her friend's odd behavior, Tracey softly shook his shoulder, "Blaise? Are you alright? You look a bit peaky…"
Swallowing harshly, Blaise subtly thrust his head toward the closed doors and stood up, making sure to achieve eye-contact with their fellow Lion, Badger, and Eagle friends; five minutes later, the fourteen Misfits were huddled in an empty classroom under a heavy privacy ward, and thirteen pairs of eyes were focused intently on the nervous Slytherin. Blaise was of Italian descent, and his family, the Zabinis were extremely knowledgeable in a variety of Magicks and creatures unknown to the wizarding world due to the annals of their ancestors, therefore, he immediately recognized the ruthless Volturi kings, their wives, and their deadly guards in just a mere glance. His mother, Nadia, warned him of angering the Volturi Coven, despite the fact that their existence was unknown and rumored to be a myth to those that practice the olden ways.
Keeping his voice low, Blaise hesitantly uttered, "I know who those newcomers are," seeing the surprised and astonished glances combined with palpable curiosity, he grimaced, "I won't betray Arianna. If she wants to confide in us, she will in her own time. But I have to warn you… don't mess with them, stay polite and respectful and don't badger Ari about it when she wakes up. Okay?"
Grudgingly, the unaware thirteen nodded in agreement, and although their curiosity was peaked and they wanted nothing more than to coerce the truth out of Blaise; they knew by now that the refined Slytherin wouldn't intentionally keep things from them unless he had a darn good reason.
When the Volturi and Albus entered the Hospital Wing, Severus Snape was handing over the newly concocted potions to Madam Pomphrey. Onyx orbs devoid of any emotions, perceptibly widened in shock at the scene playing out in front of him in large amount of curiosity and confusion.
"Caius! Finally made it, eh, old chap," Sirius croaked out, slipping the two-way mirror into his pocket and standing up to greet them. Loud clucks of disapproval permeated the air as Sulpicia and Didyme rushed over to Arianna's bedside while still scrutinizing his bedraggled and languid state. Sirius couldn't help but recoil at the dual stern glares he was on the receiving end of from the intimidating mother-hen, slash, queens and despite the solemn situation, Aro couldn't help but chuckle lightly at the tangible fear emanating from Sirius.
"Sirius Orion Black! Look at you! You look like a ragamuffin," Sulpicia swooped down on him immediately, fussing over his haggard state and smoothing down his garments with a motherly touch. Didyme immediately joined in, her mellifluous voice softer and more nurturing as she stroked his cheeks and combed his slightly oily raven waves with her fingers, "You are not taking care of your health. Oh, Sirius, mio cara ragazzo. You need to remain healthy, and strong for when Arianna wakes up. She'll want to see her father as his usual mirthful self, not a haggard shell."
"Trolls, Albus? I meticulously read your missive. This was attempted murder. I want the perpetrators head. He shall face Volturi trial and meet a swift death by my hands!" Caius growled predatorily, and although his voice was deadly lethal and ruby eyes held no mercy, his expression was soft and his milky hands were tenderly stroking the redhead's ashen face. Albus sighed, "I figured you would demand as much. Personally, I know not to interfere with Volturi justice; however, you must inform Madam Amelia Bones and Minister Cornelius Fudge. Once they know of your bureaucracy, Magical Britain's rules and regulations will be null and void regarding Arianna."
Jane determinedly approached Aro who stood to Arianna's left and was tucking a loose curl behind her ear, "Master. We are not alone." Aro's head snapped up, and ruby met bewildered onyx, a smooth smile that lacked warmth curling onto his attractive mien, "Albus, I believe introductions must be made."
Much to Albus and Severus' surprise, it was Sirius who came to his defense, "This is Severus Snape, potions master in Hogwarts. He has been the one brewing and providing the healing potions to aid in Ari's recovery." Snape gaped at his most hated nemesis in utter shock, unable to believe Sirius Black was genuinely grateful to him, and the fact disturbed him, especially when he wasn't sensing any insane glee in the situation.
"Ah, is that so. You have our many thanks, Potions Master Snape," Sulpicia respectively bobbed her head. During the entire confrontation, Marcus' ruby orbs had been avidly fixated on the inside of his palm; Arianna's name which had been a filmy grey color due to her catatonic state, was now transforming into its previous pure white glow; clearing his throat, Marcus demanded the attention of the others, "Arianna's name is becoming clear again. I believe she shall be awakening soon."
One hour of impatiently waiting passed before long, thick, black lashes fluttered open and mesmerizing emeralds began swiveling in fear and perplexity; all those congregated around her beside waited with abated breath, hoping beyond hope that her brain remained untouched by the brutal impact of the troll's club. Emeralds connected with red-rimmed stormy grays, and petal-shaped rosy lips quivered slightly before they parted and she hoarsely uttered, "Daddy?"
"Oh! My princess," Sirius cried out, his voice identically hoarse due to all the tears and raging shouts, "You're okay. Daddy is here. You're alright, princess. You're safe now." It was a heartwarming scene to behold as the cherubic redhead burst out into a mixture of tears and giggles, embracing Sirius with all the strength her tiny form could muster. Severus fidgeted uncomfortably, wanting nothing more than to depart the torment of watching his Lily's daughter embrace and regard his nemesis, but his accursed curiosity regarding the strange nine newcomers kept him rooted in his spot. Even Poppy seemed close with the nine inhuman individuals and only he seemed to be in the dark regarding the peculiar circumstance; however, a choke built up in his throat when Potter weakly cried out, "Grampa! You're here!" followed by a rattled gasp when he witnessed the – honest to Merlin – terrifying, ruthless but devastating handsome man with snowy blonde hair who looked to be in his early twenties smile fondly at her before engulfing her in an embrace, his musical lilt uttering, "Mia dolce nipotina, where else would I be?"
Suffice to say, the events of that day was the catalyst that changed Arianna's future in the British Community.
***Affari Nascosti***
A lot has changed in the month that followed Arianna's awakening from her comatose state.
The denizens of Hogwarts knew the redhead had a magical creature heritage, but were at a stalemate regarding the actual truth. Such an unearthed fact should have been plastered all over the Daily Prophet; the Girl-Who-Lived having innate creature blood coursing through her veins would be a reporter's wet dream; an orgasmic discovery. Yet, the only information spread around Magical Britain was Arianna's recovery.
What the population didn't know however was that the day following Arianna's awakening, Lord Black, the three Volturi Kings and the witch-twins had a summit with Cornelius Fudge and Amelia Bones at Gringotts for privacy while Sulpicia, Didyme, Demetri and Felix remained a vigilant watch over Arianna's bedside. Sworn to secrecy under the oath of the Unbreakable Vow, Fudge and Bones were given the astonishing insight to Lily and Arianna Potter's heritage and the Volturi. The gluttonous Minister naturally salivated at the shocking discovery and immediately agreed to Caius's demands, not wanting to make an enemy with such powerful royalty, despite them being a different species of vampires – after all, they were more powerful than magical vampires, and Fudge would be an utter fool to double-cross them and in extension, Sirius Black and the Girl-Who-Lived.
Amelia of course, already knew of their existence, recognizing Garrett to be the vampire that saved her niece from Fiendfyre the night she lost her entire family; the domineering yet fair Head of the DMLE shrewdly accepted to make the Unbreakable Vow as she felt the tides were changing in a drastic way. Oh, Amelia knew that Voldemort hadn't perished on Halloween 1981, but was bidding his time and his strength to return; the Girl-Who-Lived inborn of royalty, and not just mere mortals, but Vampire Royalty, that would be the Wizarding World's saving grace; appeasing Arianna, Sirius and the Volturi and having them staunchly on their side, would mean the end of Voldemort's reign, and she couldn't help but return Sirius' cheeky wink, recognizing the whole event to be a political move, especially in regards to Cornelius Fudge who unknowingly, yet greedily advocated the Death Eaters who escaped Azkaban to remain in his comfortable position of power.
Currently, the Group of Misfits were congregated in a compartment they magically enlarged to comfortably fit them all on the way to Kings Cross Station for the Christmas holidays. Arianna scrutinized Blaise shrewdly – it didn't escape her notice that the confident, charming, laidback and flirtatious Slytherin remained constantly nervous around her and adopted an annoying stammer whenever she instigated conversation with him, and when she inquired the thirteen Misfits, they hesitantly shrugged and faked ignorance, surmounting her suspicion. The only conclusion Arianna reached to, was that his attitude changed completely after the arrival of her Volturi family, and she sighed forlornly, deciding to address the elephant in the compartment.
"Sai Volturi, non è vero?" Arianna's Uncle Marcus and Aunt Didyme had long ago educated her in the art of speaking Italian fluently due to her heritage, and the mischievous redhead couldn't help but smirk in amusement at Blaise's startled expression, engulfing their compartment in total silence. Hesitantly, Blaise nodded and whispered out in a hush, "Sì. Lo voglio."
Her grandfather Caius, and uncles, Aro and Marcus had given her their explicit permission to confide in her friends in the truth of her heritage and of them, but only if they made an oath of secrecy and were to be completely trusted. Arianna held no doubt that the fourteen Misfits were loyal to her and trustworthy and so, after exhaling a loud breath, Arianna squared her shoulders and addressed the confusion Misfits, "I have been keeping something from you all. Not because I don't trust you, but because if word got out, it would end in a colossal bloodbath. Although I trust you all, I need you all to make a vow, an oath of secrecy that you will never utter what I am about to tell you to anyone without my permission."
The compartment was shrouded with an uncomfortable and deadly silence as they all pondered Arianna's serious request. Taking out his wand, Blaise cleared his throat and clearly invoked, "I, Blaise Marcello Zabini, do hereby swear to never purposely betray Arianna Salvatrice Potter, I vow to never utter her secrets and all she confides in me to anyone without her explicit permission, and I vow to only speak of her secrets with those aware, of that I swear, so mote it be."
"So mote it be," Arianna whispered, emeralds watering slightly with happiness before she drew him into a crushing embrace. Inspired by Blaise's unwavering portrayal of loyalty and trust, the remaining Misfits each invoked an oath of their own, their tone resolute and their expressions solemn. After the show of solidarity, Arianna wasted no time in revealing the truth of her roots and she watched as shock, awe, horror and acceptance flashed on their miens. Ron couldn't stop guffawing over the Malfoys being a target of the vampire kings' ire and took great pleasure in the peril befalling them, which was to be expected with the famous Weasley, Malfoy feud.
Padma studied Blaise for a while, "Hey, Blaise, how did you know? I mean, according to Ari, they have strict rules about exposure."
Arianna frowned, ashamed that she hadn't caught on to Padma's suspicion. Blaise had a rueful grin on his visage, "My maternal side of the family originally came from Greek descent before relocating to Italy. My ancestors are really big on genealogy, like most pureblood families," and here, nearly all the purebloods in the compartment nodded in irritated agreement, having had to sit down through many tedious lectures regarding their ancestors, "Back in, around … uh, approximately 1000 A.D. my madre's ancestor, Demetri disappeared off the grid, never to be seen again. That was, until I saw him in the Great Hall."
Gaping in absolute shock, Arianna managed to eloquently form a coherent sentence, "You're a descendant of cousin Demi?! I did not see that one coming, at all."
"Sì," Blaise chuckled, finding the startled expressions amusing, "There weren't recorded pictures at that time, but there were drawings and I easily spotted him. He was courting a woman when he disappeared. Unknown to him, according to the scripted chronicles, Aella was pregnant with his children – twins, and seven months after Demetri was presumed dead, Dareia and Demetri were born, continuing his line until my mother, Nadia and my uncle, Piero."
"Holy Merlin," Arianna gasped, interested and astounded with the history lesson. She knew for a fact that Demetri was unaware of the continued existence of his line; in fact, Arianna recalled her childish curiosity rearing its ugly head two years back, when she randomly asked cousin Demi if he missed being human. Demetri adopted a wistful smile on his gorgeous mien and sadly confessed that his mortal life consisted of many blurs, but he would never forget his amore, Aella. "You know, I think he'll be interested in meeting you and your family. I'll let you know."
Blaise simply beamed in return.
"Promise we'll see each other during the holidays?" Flora beseeched them with sad eyes. Neville placed a camaraderie arm around the soft-spoken Carrow twin and grinned, "Of course. Besides, I'm really curious to meet this Renesmee Ari wouldn't shut up about," he teased, and the rest of the journey was filled with boisterous laughter and jibing remarks.
When the train finally halted in its tracks, the Group of Misfits immediately scoped the premises for their respective family; a childish squeal escaped Arianna as she ran over to Sirius and jumped into his open arms, where he continued to spin her around. "Uncle Gary! I missed you!" she squealed, accepting Garrett to twirl her in his arms before he playfully ruffled her hair, his American accent eliciting many blatant curious stares, "Missed you more, munchkin."
"We have a surprise for you," Sirius cheekily grinned, mirth dancing in his expressive eyes. Arianna cocked her head in confusion until a familiar figure started running towards her and her emeralds widened in unadulterated delight.
"NESSIE?!"
"ARI!"
The two girls who happened to be each other's first genuine friends, closed the gap between them and held onto each other tightly in a suffocating embrace, none of the ethereal beauties willing to let go of each other after being apart for months. A honeyed chuckle reverberated from above them, breaking their embrace and Arianna squealed once again, "Jazzy! I missed you!" Many mothers were actually fanning themselves and had the audacity to glare enviously at Arianna as she was deftly picked up from the ground and crushed in the honey-blonde Texan's strong embrace. Grabbing both, Jasper and Renesmee's hands each in one of hers, the exuberant redhead dragged them over to her friends who stood by with their parents and immediately introduced them.
"You're the famous Nessie we've all heard about," Daphne grinned, sapphire eyes sparkling with amusement, her icy façade dissipating from her mien. Lisa smirked at Arianna's pout and elbowed her softly, "Ari here wouldn't shut up about you. I swear. We all feel like we already know you."
All Renesmee's doubts and all her self-conscious fears of Arianna leaving her and forgetting about her immediately vanished; warmth consumed her, and a breathtaking smile took over her beautiful features. After all the thorough introductions between the Misfits and each of their parents, they made promises to visit during the holidays before parting ways.
Arianna had a feeling that this Christmas would be one of the best ones ever, and she couldn't wait to introduce most of the misfits to the many wonders of the Muggle World with Renesmee by her side.
A/N: How did you like this chapter?! XD
TRANSLATION: (Italian – English):
(1.)Mio cara ragazzo – My dear boy. (2.) Mia dolce nipotina – My sweet granddaughter.
(3.) Sai Volturi, non è vero? – You know about the Volturi, don't you? (4.) Sì. Lo voglio – Yes. I do.
Okay; first, I want to sincerely apologize for taking so long to update this chapter, and second, I also apologize for the short chapter (I mean, I think it was short, I don't know about you guys, LOL). This chapter is like, the foundation for the future chapters and plots to come; with the Volturi making a stand in the Ministry of Magic, and the confessions of Arianna's ancestry to her friends.
I hope you enjoyed the Caius scene! Did you like the twist I made regarding Blaise? The idea just popped into my head, and I decided… eh, why not? I haven't seen that done before. I hope you liked the twist. Do you want Blaise/Demetri moments? Let me know… but, one thing for sure, the future chapters are going to be MUCH, MUCH, MUCH longer!
I'm blathering here, I know, LOL. BUT, I just wanted to say that there will be many Caius scenes and Jasper scenes in future chapters, along with many, many others. It's just, the first year of Hogwarts will be short and in a rush, but starting from the second year, we will be seeing a variety of characters and they'll mesh up as well. So don't worry and be a teeny bit more patient with me and I promise that your favorite characters will start showing up more! XD
Next chapter; it's Christmas time, and witches and wizards in the Muggle World! ;) We will see the Cullens, the Volturis, and the Group of Misfits blend together. The Christmas chapter will be long with many exciting, domestic events. (And if I can fit it in, the return to Hogwarts for second term as well.) Be patient my dear Readers, and please don't hate me for cutting this chapter short.
R&R.