the lucky one

i <3 you

Miranda and Mateo head up to the headmaster's tower for their meeting with Snape and Dumbledore. The sun is just beginning to set, washing Hogwarts in a soft, golden light.

Miranda would've quite liked to stop and stare for a moment, taking in the orange and pink wash above the tops of the mountains, the last rays of sun glittering in the Black Lake. Maybe for that moment, she can forget about the war and their lessons and her abilities. Forget that her mother is gone. But she doesn't. And she can't.

"Acid pops," says Mateo to the stone gargoyle, as it slowly turns i's head, revealing a steep, swiveling stone staircase.

This is the third of such meetings they've had with Snape and Dumbledore, none of which have been enjoyable. Miranda feels like it is an endless struggle. Mind reading powers are more complicated than you would think. Not to mention, Snape hates her. The feeling is mutual. There is obviously still some lingering resentment from Occlumency.

"Good evening," Dumbledore greets politely, as they enter. "Please take a seat, Severus will explain our lesson today."

Snape begins to explain, in his normal clipped tone, "In our previous meetings we have been discussing the possibilities your power has to offer, and experimenting with your ability to communicate with each other over farther and farther distances. We have found that your power is strongest when you are close, and even more powerful if you are touching. Today we will be focusing on one of the most important facets of your training, one that will surely help you on your mission—"

Miranda interrupts, eyes narrowing,  "And what exactly is that mission?" One of things she despises more than anything abut these meeting is their cryptic nature. She's been lied to enough in her lifetime.

Snape furrows his brow,  lip curling, "Miss McGonagall it is rude—"

Before he can finish, Dumbledore interjects, "No, no it's alright Severus, they're curious." He turns to Miranda and Mateo, his blue eyes piercing, "Unfortunately I can't reveal any information to you as of the present, and I ask that you not press the matter any further or attempt to read my mind or Severus's, unless it is the right time." He places emphasis on this last phrase, a mysterious sort of smile gracing his wrinkle face. Miranda does not like this answer one bit.

"As I was saying," Snape continues, sneering at Miranda, "today we will be focusing on implantation, probing, and concealing. You will attempt to implant a command or untrue thought into the mind, and we will again practice finding a specific thought in someone's brain without them realizing what you are doing. If we have time, subsequently concealing a specific thought in your brain without them realizing what you are doing."

Professor Dumbledore motions for them to begin, "Miranda you shall start, think very clearly of a command and implant it in your brother's mind."

Do a pirouette.

Do a pirouette.

Do a pirouette.

Nothing happens. Miranda heaves a great sigh. Of course she's rubbish at it. It hurts her head to do it too, requiring great effort. It's like Legilimency without the incantation.

"What are you feeling Mateo?" Dumbledore asks, pensive.

"I feel like I should get up and do a pirouette," Mateo mutters, throwing Miranda a dirty look.

"Very good Miranda," Dumbledore praises.

"Except he didn't actually perform the command. We want him to actually do what you are suggesting in his mind," Snape snaps, unimpressed.

"It is progress Severus," Dumbledore replies, patient and tranquil as ever. "Progress is good," he amends. "It's alright, Miranda. You would have accomplished it if you and Mateo had been working together."