Arrival

230 8 2
                                    

Vega departed from the estate as soon as Remus came back from dropping Caspian and Nico at the platform. She could've apparated into the castle as she holds the Ladyship to two houses, one by blood the other by marriage, but she didn't want to show off that trump card yet as it was still early into the year. So she apparated to the gates of the castle's front courtyard, facing towards Hogsmeade.

Standing in front of the gates was Minerva and beside her was another woman. This woman was dressed in a traditional nurses uniform, with a smock tied around her waist. A smile breaks onto her face as she notices the women waiting for her, conversing with one another. Getting bits and pieces of the conversation, she lets herself be known.

"If I were any other person, I'd look at you like you were just friends. But I know better."

"And if I had known, I wouldn't have played matchmaker with you and James. You were both trouble."

"Were? I still am trouble, Minnie. We have a plan that cannot be discussed out here. Poppy, were you informed about anything we have planned?"

The healing matron of the school looks at the woman before her. She nods before asking. "Why not go through a resort for Caspian?"

"We thought of that. But it would seem suspicious for Caspian. He was under a glamor to appear more like James, under spells to behave more dangerous than how cautious he was raised, and cursed by the insane man that calls himself 'flight from death' in French. Tom wasn't supposed to be like this. He had a plan. A plan I can help get through as Orion was a knight back then to Tom, he had detailed notes about how he can change the Wizarding World for the good."

Poppy looks shocked at Vega. The man who killed her godson wasn't actually bad? How was she supposed to take this news? How was she able to help?

"Do you know anything about horcruxes?" Vega asks, walking towards the castle. The two women step in pace with the youngest as they trek towards Hogwarts.

"I can't say I have." Minerva remarks. "Poppy?"

"All I know about it is that it's very dark magic."

Vega shakes her head. "It's not dark magic. It's black magic. It's literally tearing your soul into pieces for 'immortality'." 'It's not really immortality to begin with.' she thinks. 'You're killing innocents to split your soul and become insane in the process.'

This shocks them. Why would their classmate do such a thing? Many questions fill their mind, but their main one on their mind would be answered shortly. "How do you know all of this, Vega?"

She pauses in her tracks, head up facing the sky. "I know this because Caspian was one."

.....

Sitting in the carriages on the way to the castle Caspian makes small talk with those sitting with him, namely Susan Bones, whose aunt works in the DMLE offices as the head auror. The two fourth year students chatter about politics and what their parent/guardian had told them this upcoming year.

"From what I know from Aunt Amelia, it's been banned for the climbing death toll. You know about the Triwizard Tournament returning, don't you?"

"That's what this is?!" Caspian's thoughts spiral as both Susan and Nico try to calm him down. The carriage abruptly stops at his turmoil. Thankfully they are at the end of the procession to the castle. Sensing the creatures pulling the carriages, Nico opens the door to turn towards the front of the vehicle.

"Thestrals! Dad's going to be pissed!"

"Nico! Get back in the carriage!"

"Fine!" he huffs before closing the door and the pull of the carriage lets them know they are continuing on. Once Caspian is calm, Susan turns to the two.

"What the heck was that about?"

"We're not allowed to say. But you have to know that Professor Snape isn't going to be here this year, right?"

"Aunt Amelia said something about familial matters and that someone else is taking the potions position this year. She told me in full confidence, Heir Potter-Black. You have nothing to worry about from me." 

"Thank you, Susan. I had hoped no one would find out but the task seems impossible with the year looming closer."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm getting re-sorted tonight. I may be Lord Gryffindor, but that doesn't mean I don't have other house traits."

The girl laughs as the carriages stop. "That makes sense. Well, Hufflepuff welcomes you whether you become a badger or not. See you later!" She walks off to join her fellow Hufflepuffs in line to the Great Hall.

Nico and Caspian make their way to the entrance of the hall and wait for Professor McGonagall to arrive with the first years. While they wait, Caspian explains the Sorting to his cousin, with the hat being the focal point of the conversation. 

As the pair wait for the first years, Vega sits in Severus' position at the Head Table, next to an empty space where this year's Defence Against the Dark Arts professor is supposed to sit. The doors to the Great Hall are swung open with the first years and two taller students.

"This year we have two new students to be sorted for our fourth year classes." Minerva declares, the Sorting Hat in hand. "D'Angelo Nico!"

Walking up to the stool, Nico sits on the seat of wood as the Deputy Headmistress places the sorting hat on his head. 'Hmm. Very difficult.' a voice says.

'You're in my head?!'

'The traits that you show the most, come from your thoughts and memories. You are resourceful, hard-working. You aim to prove yourself to your mentor and cousin. You are loyal to a select few, but loyal nonetheless. That places you in...'

"Hufflepuff!"

A triumphant cheer from the badgers and his robes change into yellow and black trim, Nico sits next to Susan who kept a seat open for either one of the boys.

"Thank you Susan."

"Of course. You seemed kind of uncomfortable with all the attention on you."

"Jackson-Black, Caspian."

Sitting on the stool once more, Caspian sighs. "Since I am Heir Ravenclaw and Lord Gryffindor, can't we choose from those two?"

"I'd apologize, but you're not that lucky! Hogwarts Heir!"

Gasps are heard throughout the hall as whispers start from various tables. Before they get any farther with their theories, thunder claps in the Great Hall's ceiling as the doors bang open. A weathered older man is revealed with a loud thump every other step, indicating a prosthetic.

"It's Mad Eye Moody." whispers are heard from the Gryffindor table. "I heard he's retired. What is he doing here?"

"Just in time, Alastor." He greets the younger man before addressing the students. "May I introduce your new Defense teacher, Professor Moody."

A rumble of thunder is heard outside the castle, before a voice is heard. "This is an imposter, Albus!" Vega exclaims stunning 'Alastor'. "I can smell the brewing of Polyjuice potion a mile away! If that were Alastor Moody, he would've blocked that stunner. Now, I'm going to bind this man until the potion wears off. Until then, Minerva, call on Amelia Bones. Let her know that Hogwarts has been breached."


Thanks for being patient with me with the updates. I'm glad this is getting positive feedback from you all. If you have any questions about the story, let me know! 

You know what you can also do for me? Leave a star! I appreciate you all reading this, have a great time of day!

Book 1 - A Mother's LoveWhere stories live. Discover now