The Wizard's Guide to Timelords and Other Demons Book 1: The Forgotten War

The Second Battle

Jean Lynch sat at a nearby table, quietly fuming. The stain of the magical powder in her hair still refused to be washed out and the other students were teasing her more than ever now.

The voice in her head had grown much louder to the point that she was no longer sure that it came from her own mind. But she didn't care. The voice had given her clarity. Jean now fully understood why the other students despised her and treated her so poorly; why even her best friend, Kendra, had turned against her and had run off with that horrible Lee Jordan. It was because they saw her as being different from them. They saw her as weak.

They think you are weak, the voice said, echoing her own thoughts.

Although Jean was in her third year at Hogwarts, she still had difficulty mastering even some of the most basic of spells—spells that many first years could use with no difficulty at all. Her parents and teachers tried to provide comfort by telling her that she was a 'late bloomer' and that her magical skills would eventually catch up so she would one day become a powerful witch. But she knew they were lying to her.

They are lying to you, the voice echoed again.

Jean knew that they all hated her, including her parents, who were ashamed of her for being such and embarrassment to them.

They all hate you.

More than anything, Jean wanted to do magic as well as everyone else—no, better than everyone else. She wanted them to respect her, maybe even fear her. For that, she would need to be powerful, really powerful.

I can make you powerful.

The sudden change to the voice's manner caught Jean by surprise. It hadn't just repeated her thoughts this time—it had actually offered her something. But the offer was ridiculous of course, she thought. How could a voice in her head possibly make her a powerful witch?

After that the voice went silent, but the anger inside Jean continued to swell. Her friend Bathilda walked over from across the hall and sat down beside to her.

"Hi Jean," she said, "I just wanted to come over and apologize for earlier."

About half an hour ago the two friends had gotten in an argument over something silly. Jean had said something uncharacteristically rude during the fight, after which Bathilda stormed off in a huff. Later, Bathilda began to worry about her friend because she really hadn't seemed like herself. She had returned to find Jean staring off into space with an unpleasant scowl on her face.

"If there is something I can do to make you feel better, please tell me, Jean," Bathilda said sincerely. But Jean did not say a word, neither did her facial expression change as she continued to stare ahead into nothingness. It was as if Bathilda was not even there.

"Fine then," Bathilda said while forcing a calm voice. "When you're ready to stop being such a git, come and see me." Then she rose from her chair and walked away, but in much less of a huff than before.

Jean seethed at her ex-friend in silence as she watched her stroll across the hall to join another group. I hate you! When I become a powerful witch you will be the first person I curse!

The thought just frustrated her more. How will I ever become powerful if I can barely cast a levitation charm? Jean asked herself, close to panicking in her desperation. Then the voice came back.

Go to the headmaster's office and I will show you!

Jean glanced about and saw several teachers peppered throughout the hall, talking cheerfully to students to help keep them calm. Professor Snape sat alone on the bench by the main entrance glaring into the room as if he expected one of the students to jump up and attack him.