The old man was looking through the papers, without actually paying attention to them. His thoughts where occupied by the girl who lived, as they always where, since the day her parents died, and he had to keep her a secret. When she was brought back into the world, the chaos began. It didn't matter that she was yet too young to face them. But despite her age, she did not disappoint. Now another rather... difficult situation was approaching at an fast pace and he was unsure on how will it play out. The old man sigh taking a piece of paper and started to write an request to release Lucius Malfoy from prison.
An high pitched yelp was heard in the large room and the old man turned to look at his companion, Fawkes.
- I know, my friend but he needs his auctor now more than anytime. And I don't believe he will remain faithful to the dark lord, once his boy will claim as his soulmate the girl who will kill him.
The red bird looked as, if he questioned his master judgement, at the mention of the girl.
- It must be her. It will certainly not be easy for them at the beginning, but they'll grow on each other.
The bird looked away, disappointed, and turned into dust. The old man let another sigh understanding the disappointment from his friend. He wasn't disappointed because the girl has an soulmate. But because that will only bring more trouble for her.
- Katherine! Did you hear? Said Ron - an redhead boy and my best friend- when I've got close enough to hear.
I set beside him at the table, picking my dinner.
- Hear what?
- Malfoy's father was released from Azkaban. Answered Hermione- a girl with blond, curly hair and bright green eyes - my other best friend.
- Why? Who would side with him? I said frowning.
- Words have it that.... Dumbledore helped him.
- Are you sure, Ron?
He nodded twice leaning back in his seat.
- But, why would he help an death eater?
He looked back at his food unable to give an answer. Hermione has an defeated look as well.
- Look at him! Said Ron bitterly. How happy he must be now that, daddy- he said in a high peachy voice, making a small pause to roll his eyes- will return.
His eyes were locked on the tall, blond boy from the Slytherin table. Hermione was looking at him too, but she was cautious and thoughtful, not full of hatred. My attention, however, was on the old man from the teachers table. I couldn't understand his decision. Why would he release him? What for?
The old man's gaze catches mine and he smiles at me, as if to assure me he's not, quite yet, completely mad. I shook my head and turn my attention back to my friends who were in a conversation about how Ron's owl should not carry that much weight. After all, it does barely fly on her own. I let a small smile capture my lips for a short moment before I let it fall and start eating my dinner. I've tuned out most of the noise around me, listening here and there to an conversation that picks my interest, but most of them are simply what they are. Conversations between teenagers. After dinner we went in the gryffindor tower and in our dorms. I set on my bed glaring at the ceiling.
I needed answers. And it's only one way to get them.
I get up from my bed and went over to Hermione and told her to get Ron and tell him to meet us at twelve in the commune room. We went out the door, but went on different paths.
The walk to the headmasters office, if one could call it that, was rather short. I stepped between the golden birds wings, whispered the password and the bird starts moving taking me with it. Once it brought me to my destination I didn't stop until I was right in front of him at his desk and took a seat in front of him.
- Katherine! To what do I own this pleasure?
- Why did you helped him?
- Straight to the point, I see.
- Well, why did you? He's an death eater.
- His an changed man, Katherine. He gave me his word he will be better.
- And you believe him?
- His trying to be an better man for his son. I believe it to be an good enough reason.
- Only now it occurred to him to be an better father? Draco it's not an child anymore.
- But he needs his father now more than ever. He said as he bends over the table.
- What do you mean?
- Tell me Katherine. What do you know about veriaes?
- What are those?
- Distant cousin of veelas. They look just like normal wizards, like you and me. The difference is: they have wings and they do are aggressive in nature. Once it's wings appear it must learn how to control itself. Otherwise the outcome may be... not favourable.
- What does this have to do with Draco's father?
- The veriaes needs an auctor. Someone they can rely on, to teach them control.
- So you are telling that Draco it's an.... variaes?
- Indeed.
- And he needs his father here with him. To help him. Right?
- Yes.
I nodded my head going over the new information. As long he doesn't interfere with my business again, I suppose it doesn't bother me.
- Have an good night, professor. I said taking my leave.
Maybe there's nothing to worry about. Maybe.
Ron was still, not so happy about it, saying that he'll be keeping an eye on them. But Hermione agrees with me. As long that's all he'll be doing then there's no reason to make things worse.
- Hermione will you look into that variae thing? It's better to be prepared, just in case.
- Ofcourse.
- Go get some sleep. We have potions in the morning.
- What about you?
- I'll come. Don't worry.
I get off the couch and get closer to the fire, hugging my knees. Ron didn't want to leave, but Hermione dragged him away. I appreciate his concern, but I need this time for myself. And even though it's almost a year from that night, Hermione it's the only one who understands. Every night I stayed in front of the fire pit. Looking at it. For others makes no sense, but for me it's... calming. A part of me still hopes to see his face appear in the fire, but the other part knows it's pointless. He's not coming back. I sigh and let myself fall on the floor, with my eyes still on the fire. After some time, my eyes refused to remain open.
An arm wrapped around me, brings me back to reality forgetting, for a moment, the comfort of the intoxicating darkness. But when I turn around there's no one. Before it didn't happen so often. But lately it's an routine. I thought it's because my subconscious it's playing tricks with me, making me think I'm not alone which is exactly how I feel. I can't help it, every night I keep thinking that I lost my family. All of it. After Sirius died I felt the world crumbling down and the only thing that keeps me going it's Voldemort. To find him and kill him.
My only escape was my friends and the unknown stranger from my dreams.
