Flames ( HP Fire Series #1)

7. The memory

Autumn's p.o.v.

Lunch was as great as usual with the self-ordering plates. Really, I hoped to have one too! The girls glanced at me cautiously, wondering about their punishments. I merely smirked, having something awesome in mind.

"Come on, guys! What's with the gloomy faces? Occlumency it is!" I skipped to the classroom.

"Odd change of mood." Aurora muttered under her breath. "And what's that?" I mocked a murderous look. 

"Enough bantering over there." The professor opened the door for us. Woah... The classroom was charmed to look like outside, with gentle breeze and breathtaking views. The grass under our feet were so soft that they didn't hurt at all. Looking closer, the class looked a lot like our common room with the crawly plants lining the walls. The only differences is that the emerald green armchairs and the crackling fireplace were missing.

"Occlumency is a branch of magic that is closely related to Divination. We will learn all about the secrets of the brain, and learn to close our minds from outer interruption. I'm Professor Cheryl and will merely instruct you throughout the class. I'm afraid books will not help in this particularly class, Jackson." Professor Cheryl snapped at the Papillonnisse boy who was frantically taking notes and fumbling through his textbook.

"Books will only take you as far as understanding the theory. The mind is particularly complex, this is why we will start with the simplest exercise first. This room is enchanted to look different to everyone according to your favourite scenery. Look around you and focus."

"Ah, that explains the surroundings." I muttered to myself.

"Rivers, would you care to come forward? I'll have a small demonstration. Just focus on the surroundings and try to block me from entering your mind." After a couple of minutes of complete silence, the professor beckoned to me.

"Err..." I paced uncertainly. 

"Come on, I'm not hurting you." Professor Cheryl joked. "Alright." I headed forward, a little worried about what she might find in my mind.

"Legilimens"

I was sort of pulled into a dream world, in fact, into the night when my parents died. 

The night was calm and cool while my mother rocked me to and fro in her arms. 

Just then, a silvery white unicorn galloped into the door and it spoke in an urgent voice. "Mary, they're coming. Prepare to fight."

With a determined look, mom put me into my crib and looked at me lovingly. "In case we don't make it, know that your dad and I love you so much." She whispered.

"John! The Death Eaters are coming." Mom called and my dad hurried into the room. His messy hair and twinkling blue eyes were also laced with grim determination. Just then, a bang erupted and several black hooded wizards appeared in the room.

"Stay safe, darling." My father kissed my forehead and turned around to fight. Jets of light flashed around the room, and I was really afraid. One by one, the Death Eaters fell but the only one left cackled evilly.

"So you thought you could get away scott-free huh? Give me the child, and you will be rewarded. She is too powerful and will be valuable to the Dark Lord."

"No! Never!" Mom shouted defiantly.

"Fiendfyre"

That was it. The one word that made red hot cinders filled my vision. I watched helplessly when my parents fell lifelessly like rag dolls. My heart burned with anger and I emitted a powerful shield around me, not knowing what I'm doing. My parents were gone, and I wanted REVENGE.

Then the scene changed.

James, a black-haired boy and I were running through a maze. It was the dream I had last night. I had too much. "Stop it! Get out of my mind!" I screamed and channeled my maximum power towards the professor. I imagined my power forcing the professor out of my mind. I was fueled with anger and sadness that the power I let out was too much. I was immediately launched into the professor's mind.

"Cheryl, I have a feeling that John and Mary's kid will not be safe at Hogwarts." Professor Cherish told her.

"But sis...Hogwarts is where she should be. She's too powerful in Beauxbatons."

"I will talk to Dumbledore. We musn't risk it. The prophecy..."

Professor Cheryl immediately nodded and said, "I'll owl Dumbledore. Prepare the Floo Network when I schedule a meeting."

"Autumn! Autumn! AUTUMN!" Professor Cheryl shook me out of my trance. "Wh...Where?" I realised that my face was streaked with tears. I've finally known the cause of my parents' death.

"It's alright." She gave me a hug and said. "That was brilliant, how you forced me out of your mind." She smiled at me.

"I'm guessing that you've had enough for the day." She handed me a dreamless sleep potion. "Go to your dorm and drink this."

"But..."

"I'll explain to the other professors. We'll talk another time, okay?" She guided me lightly to the door.

"Sure. We'll talk." I tried to smile but it came out more like a grimace.

"Thanks professor." I murmured, dragging my legs which felt like lead towards my dorm.

I felt clammy and cold. My mind was raw and weak as I collapsed in bed. Blaze nuzzled me and I petted him gently.

"I guess I'll have to sleep, huh?" I took a small gulp of the potion.

Immediately, I fell into a void of darkness . Somewhere inside me, I heard a distinct voice.

"Honey, we're so proud of you." 

"I love you, sleep tight."

Comforted, I snuggled closer into the blankets, a small smile on my face. Then, I passed out.