The Gifted Curse

Chapter 24 - Silencio

Geneva sat with her legs crossed on the seat of a carriage on the Hogwarts Express – Sophia Baily of Slytherin was the only other occupant. Feet on the seats certainly wasn't encouraged, but it sure was comfortable. Sophia was asleep on the seat opposite, lying across it with her knees drawn up, her head resting on her bag, which was packed with books. Can't have been very comfortable, Geneva thought, but Sophia's gaping mouth told her otherwise. She'd fallen asleep a good forty-five minutes ago and hadn't so much as stirred since. Moments before, the girls had been testing each other on mock up N.E.W.T questions. It still seemed surreal to think that exams were but a matter of months away.

Geneva's eyes drifted from her book out the carriage window. It felt good to be heading home, even though it would inevitably be filled with revision. Never the less, she would have the opportunity to see her father. Fortunately he had been stable for the past few months, which, considering the circumstances surrounding her at Hogwarts, she was thankful for. If it hadn't of been for Severus, things would have taken a much darker turn. At least now, with him by her side and a self-armed skill set thanks to him and to Professor Dumbledore, she felt more at ease and knowledgeable than she was when her threatening burden came to light. Still, the prospect of what was coming terrified her, and the fact she was now away from the protection of the Hogwarts grounds and Severus put her on edge. He did all he could to ensure she was confident in everything he'd taught her before her departure, and finally, the night before she left, on Dumbledore's request, Severus restored her visions.

"You know what to do," he told her, taking back the small phial of potion she'd swallowed. "Your mind is your greatest weapon. Use it wisely. I will be here if you need me. You may contact me via owl should you experience anything, but if you apply your mind as you have so practised, you will be just fine."

"What are you going to do whilst I'm away?" she asked, jittery from the vision restoration.

"I must speak with the Dark Lord. He will be expecting me."

Geneva swallowed the rising ball of fear in her throat, now shuddering with further anticipation of their departure.

"What will he ask you?"

"Undoubtedly my lack of punctuality in your deliverance, the whereabouts of the horcrux..."

"And what will you tell him?" she asked, lowering her voice. "Will he...will he punish you for betraying him?" She couldn't bare the thought.

"I have spent years concealing and amending information where it is appropriate. Do not worry."

The sun beaming in through the carriage window and the rattling of the approaching sweet trolley disabled Geneva's thoughts temporarily.

"Anything from the trolley dears?" came a friendly voice belonging to an elderly lady now poking her head around the open carriage door.

Geneva got down from the seat pulling some change from her pocket before she had even decided what to buy.

"Two liquorish whips, a packet of Drooble's bubblegum, some fudge flies please and a chocolate frog."

The lady took the money, gave her the items and continued to the next carriage where she heard her repeat the same phrase, "Anything from the trolley dears?" Sophia was still asleep. Geneva reassumed her cross-legged position and bit into a liquorish whip, taking in the scenic view from the window. It really was the most beautiful day. She welcomed the positive thoughts induced by the sunshine and exhaled the negative as best she could.

Sophia woke only when the train had come to a stop and was surprised to see they were already at Hogsmeade station.

"I guess all that revising has taken its toll," Geneva smiled, passing her bag from the luggage rack.